The Denver City Council reconvened for an evening session on June 3, 2024, to consider proclamations, conduct public hearings on zoning changes, and address a postponement due to a citywide internet outage. Two proclamations were adopted unanimously, one zoning bill was postponed, and two others were passed after public hearings and staff presentations.
No other business was discussed, and the meeting adjourned.
Council will now reconvene from our earlier session. There is no unfinished business. We do have two proclamations being read this evening. Councilwoman Lewis, will you please read proclamation 24-0750? Thank you, Council President. Um it's not titled, so I'm assuming it's the youth one. Yes, got it. Okay. My apologies. Um thank you so much. Whereas the city and county officially created an opportunity to prioritize youth voices in city council chambers by hearing first from those under 18 during public comment times, and whereas nationwide estimates shows that 8 million youth are aging into the electric in 2024, meaning 41 million members of Gen Z will be eligible to vote in 2024, representing a generational shift. And whereas many young people are preparing to vote in some of their first elections, and they should voice their need for someone who will prioritize their prioritize their clearly communicated needs. And whereas young voters are the most diverse generation in American history, whose identities and experiences shape their political attitudes and engagement. And whereas young voters' diversity across race, gender, class, sexuality, and other identities allows them to speak for their individual experiences to a wide-ranging representative set of issues. And whereas the newest eligible voters, those aged 18 and 19, currently vote at lower rates than those in older age groups. And whereas the city council of Denver firmly believes that the voices of our youth speak to and highlight concerns which may not have been previously considered for their impact. And whereas encouraging leadership and supporting initiative driven by young voters allows them to take ownership of their civic responsibilities. Now, therefore, be it proclaimed by the Council of the City and County of Denver, Section 1, the City Council of Denver will continue to hold a safe and accessible space in this chamber to hear from young residents of Denver about those mat about what matters. Section two, the City Council of Denver will continue to empower youth voters to feel agency and responsibility in the democratic process. Section three, the City Council of Denver will be an environment where youth voices can self-actualize lead and lead and collaborate with previous generations to build a world they are enthusiastic to inherit. Section four, the City Council of Denver pledges its continued support to the importance of youth voice and participation in our legislative process. Thank you very much. Councilwoman Lewis, your motion to adopt. Thank you, kindly. I move that proclamation 240750 be adopted. Thank you. That's been moved. Can I get a second? Uh Councilwoman Sandoval is seconded. Comments by council. We will start with Councilwoman Lewis. Um I don't have any comments right now. Okay. Anyone else in? Okay. I would just like to thank you, Councilwoman Lewis, for putting this together. I know it was uh one of the things that I'll always remember being most shocked by was that incident. And also being most proud of was your and this call, this council body's response uh to the young women and to Monarch Montessori, and really want to thank you uh for giving us an opportunity to um meet the young ladies um again and hopefully give them um a better memory of us and their time coming before this chamber. So thank you. Thank you very much for that. Madam Secretary, roll call, please. Aye, Flynn. Aye, aye. Hi. Cashman. Aye, Lewis. Aye. Romero Campbell. Aye. Sawyer.