Denver City Council Meeting - November 10, 2025: 2026 Budget Vote, Proclamations, and Rezoning

The Denver City Council met on Monday, November 10, 2025, for a general session that included a vote on the mayor's proposed 2026 budget, adoption of multiple resolutions and bills, public hearings, and proclamations honoring veterans, community leaders, and cultural events. The meeting featured extensive debate over budget transparency and collaboration, with a 6-6 tie vote on the budget.

Consent Calendar

• Approved a consent block of over 20 resolutions and bills, including settlement approvals (e.g., $40,000 payment to Judith Myers), contract extensions (e.g., Energy Outreach Colorado for home electrification), and various business improvement district (BID) budgets. Individual items were called out separately (see Discussion Items).

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment (5:00 PM session): No detailed content was provided in the transcript; the session was briefly acknowledged.
• Public Hearing on Rezoning (CB 1445): One speaker, Jesse Paris (representing community organizations), opposed the rezoning of 890 N Grove Street from ESU-D to ERX-3. They argued the project would accelerate gentrification, increase property taxes, and displace long-term residents, and stated that the affordable housing agreement (one unit at 110% AMI) was insufficient. No other public comments were recorded.

Discussion Items

• 2026 Mayor's Proposed Budget Vote: Council members delivered extensive floor statements before the vote. Key positions:
  • No votes (6): Councilmembers Sawyer, Gilmore, Lewis, Cashman, Gonzalez Gutierrez, and Alvidrez cited lack of transparency, disrespect for independent agencies, insufficient collaboration, and the need for stronger investment in children's programs, mental health, and public health. Several noted that the budget would be enacted regardless of the council vote per charter.
  • Yes votes (6): Councilmembers Torres, Watson, Campbell, Flynn, Hines, and President Sandoval emphasized the importance of the $9.8 million in council-approved amendments (including funding for immigrant services, food summit, out-of-school time, auditor's office, community-led safety grants, and elections), accepted by the mayor. They stressed the need for continued collaboration and noted the challenging revenue environment.
  • Outcome: The vote tied 6-6, meaning the mayor's proposed 2026 budget was not adopted by council. However, per charter, the budget will still become law unless amended by the upcoming long bill (scheduled for final consideration on November 17, 2025).
• Crossroads Shelter Agreement (CR 1372): Councilmember Watson questioned the Salvation Army about internal and external security plans for the 24/7 low-barrier emergency shelter. Councilmember Lewis voted no due to lack of confidence in the Salvation Army. Passed 9-2 (nays: Lewis, Gonzalez Gutierrez).
• Business Improvement District Budgets:
  • Rhino BID (CB 1590): Councilmember Lewis asked about private security plans; staff noted no current plans but possibility of future pilot with ballpark ambassadors. Passed 9-0 (Lewis nay).
  • Downtown Denver BID (CB 1594): Lewis voted no due to concerns over private security oversight. Passed 9-0.
  • Colfax BID (CB 1596): Staff confirmed no armed security; outreach provided by Denver Dream Center. Passed 9-0 (Lewis aye).
• Downtown Denver Area Plan (CB 1578): Councilmember Hines moved an amendment to strike “fourth” and replace with “seventh” and update the plan version, clarifying how overlapping area plans would be addressed. Amendment passed 10-0; bill published as amended.
• Rezoning at 890 N Grove Street (CB 1445): City staff presented the proposal for a five-unit townhome project with a voluntary affordable housing plan (one unit at 110% AMI, three-bedroom). Councilmember Torres expressed support for leveraging affordability in West Denver. Passed 10-0.
• Proclamations:
  • 25-1853: Veterans Day honoring Mile High Veterans and Leadership Veteran – adopted unanimously.
  • 25-1855: Dia de los Muertos Parade and Festival – adopted unanimously; emotional acceptance by founder Norberto Mohardin.
  • 25-1851: Greg Fiesel Day honoring retiring Colorado Rockies President – adopted unanimously; acceptance by Fiesel.

Key Outcomes

• Budget: The mayor's proposed 2026 budget failed on a 6-6 tie vote (not adopted by council). The long bill (final appropriation) will be considered on November 17, 2025. All 10 council amendments were accepted by the mayor.
• Crossroads Shelter: Contract approved 9-2.
• BID Budgets: Rhino, Downtown Denver, and Colfax BIDs published on 9-0 votes (Lewis voted nay on Rhino and Downtown Denver).
• Downtown Area Plan: Amended and published for final consideration.
• Rezoning: Approved 10-0 with affordable housing conditions.
• Proclamations: All three adopted unanimously.
• Next Meeting: November 17, 2025, at 10:30 AM for courtesy public hearing on downtown area plan and long bill vote.