Denver City Council Meeting – August 24, 2026

The Denver City Council convened on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 3:30 PM in the Cathy Reynolds City Council Chamber. With 12 members present, the council approved minutes, heard council announcements, adopted two proclamations, debated several resolutions and bills, and passed a block of items on final consideration. Key actions included honoring community organizations and a former corrections director, approving a $1.5 million towing contract extension (with one dissenting vote), and advancing affordable housing and transit-oriented infrastructure projects.

Council Announcements

• Councilmember Alvidrez thanked partners for a benefit concert for the historic Baker Garden and promoted a movie night at Houston Lake Park on August 29.
• Councilmember Hinds announced a town hall for District 10 on August 27 at Sakura Square.
• Councilmember Sandoval highlighted a bilingual yoga series and a resource fair/movie night at Zuni Park.
• Councilmember Torres promoted the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (August 29–30) and a Melodies of Gratitude concert for Denver Animal Shelter.
• Councilmember Watson recapped the Flock and Zoo event, the Denver Stars dance ensemble, and the Underground Music Showcase (6,500 tickets sold, 50 businesses, 700 artists).
• Councilmember Sawyer reminded residents of the biannual community cleanup (September 27) and an annual mailer survey.
• Councilmember Gonzales-Gutierrez announced her participation in the Dragon Boat Festival and the opening of applications for the Data Center Working Group.
• Councilmember Watson also urged drivers to slow down for back-to-school zones and celebrated Manual High School’s welcome.
• Council President Romero Campbell announced the grand opening of pickleball courts at Rosamond Park on August 26.

Proclamations

• 26-1230 – Honoring Vibes in the Park (Sponsors: Lewis and Torres): Recognized the grassroots event founded in 2020 that has grown into a cultural movement in Denver’s Black and Brown communities. Councilmembers Lewis and Torres praised the founders’ perseverance and community impact. The proclamation was adopted unanimously (12-0).
• 26-1231 – Honoring John Simonet’s Principled and Moral Leadership (Sponsor: Flynn): Honored the former corrections director for his lifelong service, including leading Denver’s jails to become the first in the nation accredited by the American Correctional Association. Councilmember Flynn, Sheriff Diggins, and former Mayor Federico Peña spoke of Simonet’s compassion and integrity. The proclamation was adopted unanimously (12-0). Proclamation 26-1229 (National Historic Preservation Act) was pulled from the agenda.

Discussion Items

• Towing Contract Extension (Res. 26-1169): A $1.5 million increase and one-year extension (to 8-31-2027) for citywide towing services with Ferkam Inc. Councilmember Sawyer expressed personal opposition due to a traumatic accident experience and lack of customer service metrics, but noted the city must have a towing contract. Other councilmembers questioned the single-bid nature and cleanup metrics. General Services representatives committed to improving the next RFP. The resolution passed 11-1, with Sawyer voting no.
• Broadway Station Pedestrian Bridge Grant (Res. 26-1166): Approved a $5,333,333 grant from DOLA for a pedestrian bridge connecting the Broadway RTD station to the NWSL stadium and Santa Fe Yards. Councilmember Alvidrez supported the bridge but raised concerns about the planned widening of Santa Fe Drive, which she argued would create more division and risk for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Zion Senior & Community Resource Center Renovation (Res. 26-1158): Approved a $695,000 HUD CDBG loan for facility improvements including fire alarms, plumbing, electrical, and ADA upgrades. Councilmember Lewis congratulated the center for the much-needed funding.
• Project Voyce Lease Amendment (Res. 26-1159): Approved a $3,600 increase and six-month extension (to 12-31-2026) for community services and office space. Councilmember Lewis praised the organization for empowering youth.
• Theatre at Loretto Heights IGA (Bill 26-1123): Approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with Community College of Denver for $2.5 million in the first year to operate the theatre as a teaching facility. Councilmember Flynn noted the full-circle nature of the agreement.
• RTD LiVE Program Amendment (Bill 26-1125): Approved an amendment to expand eligibility determination services for the income-based fare discount program (50% off regular fares). Councilmember Lewis highlighted the program’s benefits for low-income riders.

Key Outcomes

• All resolutions and bills on final consideration (including 26-1188, 1155-1160, 1164-1165, 1167, 1150, 1166, 1148-1149, 1151-1154, 1125, 1123, and 1124) were passed in a block vote of 12-0.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:41 PM (per transcript). The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2026.