Denver City Council Meeting - July 20, 2026

The Denver City Council held its regular session on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:10 p.m. The meeting included the election of a new Council President and President Pro-Tem, consideration of a proposed franchise agreement with Xcel Energy, a charter amendment to adjust the budget process, and several resolutions and ordinances. Notable discussions centered on the Xcel Energy franchise agreement and the biennial budget proposal.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of July 13, 2026.
• Adopted a proclamation honoring HBCU alumni in Denver (26-1050).
• Adopted multiple resolutions en bloc, including:
  • 26-0991: License agreement for EV charging stations at 7301 E. Jewell Ave.
  • 26-0911: Reappointment of Jose Aguilar to Denver Latino Commission.
  • 26-0989: Amendatory agreement with Submittable Holdings Inc. for grants management software ($845,557.62 increase).
  • 26-0975, 26-0976: Amendatory agreements with Waste Management for recycling facility and water usage.
  • 26-0982 through 26-0987: Contracts for asbestos, lead, and indoor air quality services (various vendors, total up to $12.5 million).
  • 26-0942: Concession agreement for Broncos Mile High Grill at DIA (12-year, $2.39M minimum annual guarantee).
  • 26-0977: Construction contract for Loretto Heights Theater renovation ($45.48 million).
  • 26-0979, 26-0980: Wayfinding design services at DIA ($1.025M each).
• Approved bills on final consideration en bloc:
  • 26-0925: Land acquisition for Smith and Sandown over Quebec Street Bridges Project.
  • 26-0926: ARPA fund transfer for HOST Micro Communities and administrative expenses.
  • 26-0867: Ordinance amending budget procedures and community engagement.
  • 26-0923: IGA with Kroenke Sports for Wynkoop Crossing bridge.
  • 26-0956: Agreement for Delgany Bridge restoration.
  • 26-0990: First amendment to license agreement with Denver Health for parking ($41,550).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were recorded during the session. The council recessed for a general public comment period from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., but no testimony is included in the transcript or minutes.

Discussion Items

Election of Council President and Pro-Tem

• Councilmember Romero Campbell was elected Council President (12-0, with Parady absent). Councilmember Gonzales-Gutierrez was elected Council President Pro-Tem (12-0). Both gave remarks emphasizing collaboration, equity, and leadership.

Franchise Agreement with Xcel Energy (Bills 26-0970, 26-0973, 26-0974)

• These bills were introduced and ordered published with a future courtesy public hearing on July 27, 2026.
• Councilmembers Lewis, Hinds, Watson, Gilmore, and others expressed concerns: $125,000 annual low-income assistance deemed insufficient; lack of committed pilot project funding; low substation beautification allocation (1% vs requested 3%); insufficient community engagement; and Xcel's property maintenance. Councilmember Watson noted improvements over the prior agreement and supported sending to voters. Councilmember Gilmore highlighted the contrast between $2.5M one-time shareholder contribution and Xcel's $60B capital plan.
• No vote on these bills at this meeting; they were published for future hearing.

Budget Charter Amendment (Bill 26-0864)

• Final consideration vote: Passed 10-2 (Alvidrez and Flynn voting no). The amendment will go to voters on November 3, 2026. It proposes an optional two-year budget cycle, community engagement requirements, adjusted budget timeline, and procedures for budget shortfalls.
• Councilmember Flynn argued it surrenders council's power of the purse and is unnecessary. Councilmembers Gilmore, Sawyer, and Lewis supported it as a transparency and accountability measure.

Entertainment License Modernization (Bill 26-0921)

• Motion to postpone to August 3, 2026, passed 12-0. The postponement was requested by Council President Romero Campbell to allow community engagement following a shooting incident in Southeast Denver. Councilmembers Alvidrez and Hinds expressed broader concerns about the bill's implications for small businesses, safety, and state law alignment. Councilmember Hinds proposed a sunset amendment not yet socialized.

Loretto Heights Theater Renovation (Resolution 26-0977)

• Councilmember Flynn highlighted the $45.48 million contract with Fransen-Pittman Construction Co. for renovation of the historic theater, the largest city investment in Southwest Denver. Groundbreaking set for July 24, 2026.

JAX Seafood House Concession at DIA (Resolution 26-0949)

• Originally called out for postponement, but after hearing from DIA and receiving support from Unite Here Local 23, the postponement was withdrawn. Resolution adopted 12-0.

Key Outcomes

• Elections: Diana Romero Campbell elected Council President; Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez elected Council President Pro-Tem (both unanimous).
• Franchise Agreement: Bills ordered published; courtesy public hearing scheduled for July 27, 2026.
• Budget Charter Amendment: Referred to voters for November 2026 election (passed 10-2).
• Entertainment License Bill: Postponed to August 3, 2026 for further community input and amendment consideration.
• Consent Agenda: All resolutions and bills on final consideration passed en bloc (12-0).
• Announcements: Councilmember Torres announced Blucifer's First Rodeo; Councilmember Watson announced Underground Music Showcase; Councilmember Lewis announced HBCU weekend events; Councilmember Sandoval announced yoga and movie in the park.
• Adjournment: 6:10 p.m.