Denver City Council Summary – April 6, 2026

The Denver City Council held its regular session on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 3:30 PM (local time). The meeting included pledges, land acknowledgement, roll call (11 members present, 2 absent), adoption of minutes, council announcements, proclamations, a block vote on multiple resolutions and bills, and a required public hearing that was postponed. Key actions included adoption of three proclamations, approval of numerous contracts and agreements, and postponement of a major rezoning proposal for further community input.

Consent Calendar

All items below were approved en bloc by an 11–0 vote:

• Resolutions: 26-0338 (asphalt paver purchase, $730,205), 26-0339 (AWS software, $1,821,500), 26-0369 (firefighters’ museum lease), 26-0329 (amending Council Rules of Procedure), 26-0362 (records storage contract amendment, +$800,000), 26-0363 (CatDV software contract amendment, +$299,490), 26-0370 (reappointment of Keith Hayes to Caring for Denver Board), 26-0371 (reappointment of Jesse Ogas to Caring for Denver Board), 26-0340 (forensic pathology services contract amendment, +$1,000,000), 26-0341 (WeeCycle infant formula grant reallocation, $30,500), 26-0365 (Fraternal Order of Police collective bargaining agreement for 2026), 26-0355 (Xcel Energy sponsorship agreement amendment, +$386,363), 26-0235 (Merrick & Company design contract extension), 26-0337 (revocable permit for pedestrian bridges at 3988 N Galapago St), 26-0368 (Medical Examiner’s Office lease amendment, +$6,087,673.51), 26-0358 (revocable permit for garage encroachment at 2535 W 35th Ave), 26-0364 (East Colfax BRT owner’s representative contract amendment, +$6,900,000).
• Bills for Final Consideration: 26-0327 (amending DRMC on contract filing), 26-0300 (utility easement relinquishment at 805 W 38th Ave), 26-0316 (South Platte River flood control contract amendment, +$200,000).

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment Session (pre-recess): The council held a half-hour open comment session; no specific comments were recorded in the minutes or transcript.
• Required Public Hearing on Bill 26-0176 (Zone Change, Gateway–Green Valley Ranch): Three speakers addressed the council:
  • Jesse Parris spoke in favor of the rezoning.
  • Scott Gilmore spoke neither for nor against, but raised concerns about parkland maintenance and funding.
  • Peter Wall (applicant) was available for questions.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations:
  • 26-0481: Recognized April as Financial Literacy Month. Councilmember Watson and others highlighted the work of the Global Children Financial Literacy Foundation. Adopted 11–0.
  • 26-0482: Celebrated the 100th anniversary of Wellshire Golf Course. Former Councilwoman Kendra Black and golf pro Susie Helmrick spoke. Adopted 11–0.
  • 26-0483: Honored the George Washington High School Speech and Debate Team for winning the 2026 5A state title. Coach Mary Rose Cohen and students accepted. Adopted 11–0.
• Committee Reports and Resolutions:
  • 26-0340 (Forensic Pathology Contract): Councilmember Lewis called this item out, expressing disappointment about the contract going to a non-Denver provider and stressing the need to fill city staffing gaps.
  • 26-0339 (AWS Software): Councilmember Parady called it out, raising ethical concerns regarding large tech contractors with ties to immigration enforcement and the military, and suggested Denver needs an ethical contracting policy.
  • 26-0329 (Rules of Procedure Amendment): Councilmember Flynn explained the amendment requires draft contracts to be provided to council at the time of committee filing, restoring review time. Councilmember Parady and Council President Sandoval supported the change.
• Bills for Introduction: Several zoning changes and expenditure authorizations were ordered published, including ordinances for rezoning at 992 N Knox Ct, 1453 N Wabash St, vacating South Delaware St, and relinquishing easements.
• Required Public Hearing – Bill 26-0176 (Gateway–Green Valley Ranch Rezoning): This item would rezone 74 acres from former Chapter 59 zoning to S-MX-5 and S-MX-8 to allow a mixed-use development with a school, park, and affordable housing. Staff from Community Planning and Development presented. Councilmember Gilmore raised detailed questions about parkland dedication, fee-in-lieu spending in District 11, drive-through uses, and infrastructure commitments. She moved to postpone to allow further meetings with Parks and Recreation. The motion to postpone to June 8, 2026, was seconded and passed unanimously (11–0).

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items (16 resolutions and 3 bills) were adopted/passed unanimously (11–0).
• Three proclamations were adopted unanimously.
• Six bills for introduction were ordered published, with required public hearings set for future dates.
• The required public hearing for Council Bill 26-0176 (Gateway–Green Valley Ranch rezoning) was postponed to Monday, June 8, 2026, by a unanimous vote.
• Council announcements included recognition of recent shootings and upcoming community events (Front Range Passenger Rail, Unlocking Housing Choices community meeting).