Denver City Council Regular Session – September 21, 2026

The Denver City Council held its regular session on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 3:30 PM. Eleven members were present, one absent. The meeting included two proclamations, several resolutions and bills passed en bloc, and individual votes on contested items. Key topics included the Civic Center Next 100 design contract, the Department of Housing Stability's continuation plan, employee classification changes, and an update to the Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) ordinance.

Council Announcements

• Councilmember Hinds announced a proclamation event for Dolly Parton on September 25 at Governor's Park.
• Councilmember Sawyer reminded District 5 residents of the community cleanup day and annual survey.
• Councilmember Alvidrez announced a panel for at-large B candidates and thanked the Athmar Park Neighborhood Association.
• Councilmember Watson wished observers of Yom Kippur a meaningful holiday and advertised a Hoop for Safety event.
• Councilmember Sandoval promoted a free yoga session and the Far Northwest Neighborhood Plan kickoff.
• Councilmember Lewis announced the Budget Book Club, a domestic violence awareness conversation, a community safety meeting, and a screening by the Denver Basic Income Project.
• Council President Romero Campbell announced the rescheduling of a canceled concert to a fall fest on October 24.

Proclamations

• 26-1389: Honoring retired Denver Police Detectives Abe and Amy Alonzo for Hispanic Heritage Month. Councilmember Alvidrez expressed gratitude for their service, highlighting the resolution of a missing and murdered indigenous women case. Chief Thomas and the Alonzos spoke. Adopted unanimously (11-0).
• 26-1388: Recognizing September 2026 as Right to Food Action Month. Councilmember Torres noted the need for a coordinated food system. Several councilmembers spoke in support; Emily Sadolkowski of Metro Caring and Sydney Skilkin of the Southwest Food Coalition accepted, calling for sustained investment. Adopted unanimously (11-0).

Consent Calendar (En Bloc Approvals)

All items listed below were approved en bloc by an 11-0 vote, with no separate discussion except where noted.

• Proclamation 26-1387: Celebrating the life and legacy of Dolly Parton.
• Resolution 26-1283 (St. Francis Center, +$40,000 for rapid resolution services)
• Resolution 26-1284 (Senior Support Services, +$40,000)
• Resolution 26-1285 (Colorado Legal Services, +$100,000 for eviction legal services)
• Resolution 26-1286 (Denver Rescue Mission, +$45,000)
• Resolution 26-1287 (Brothers Redevelopment, +$400,000 for TRUA program)
• Resolution 26-1288 (Housing Connector, +$1,773,600)
• Resolution 26-1290 (5280 Waste Solutions, contract assignment) – Councilmember Sawyer provided comments noting the company was acquired by a venture capital firm, but did not call for a separate vote.
• Resolution 26-1292 (Savio House, +$814 for Collaborative Management Program)
• Resolution 26-1293 (Caring for Denver, $2,463,443 for Co-Responder Program)
• Resolution 26-1294 (Bear Communications, +$923,000 for vehicle upfitting)
• Resolution 26-1295 (Stride Sober Living, +$280,000)
• Resolution 26-1274 (Dedicating public alley in District 9)
• Resolution 26-1281 (HCL Engineering, $700,000 for DIA services)
• Resolution 26-1282 (Staffbase Inc., $1,350,000 for employee communication app)
• Bill 26-1253 (Allowing HOST one-year continuation plan)
• Bill 26-1259 (Amending DMV lease at 4685 Peoria St., +$167,634)
• Bill 26-1245 (UASI FY25 grant, $4,946,929)
• Bill 26-1251 (Classification notice #1906)
• Bill 26-1127 (Revising Mayor’s Youth Commission) – Councilmember Torres noted future name change to come in 2027.
• Bill 26-1206 (Denver Health contract, $686,352)
• Bill 26-1261 (Naming park at 47th & Telluride as Fox Run Park)
• Bill 26-1210 (Globeville Levee Project, +$12,750,000)
• Bill 26-1236 (Relinquishing access easement at 4991 N. Telluride)

Discussion Items

• Resolution 26-1280 (Studio Gang Architects, +$1,633,824 for Civic Center Next 100 design): Councilmember Flynn voted no, stating the project is an “abomination” and ruining Civic Center Park. Adopted 10-1 (Flynn nay).
• Resolution 26-1254 (HOST one-year continuation of strategic plan): Councilmembers Alvidrez and Lewis voted no. Alvidrez argued the city is “failing” and should recommit to better goals; Lewis stated the strategy does not help people. Adopted 9-2.
• Bill 26-1190 (Classification and pay plan change #1897): Councilmember Gonzales-Gutierrez expressed concerns about education requirements and urged agencies to support impacted workers. Alvidrez said the change makes city jobs harder for working-class people to obtain. Passed 9-2 (Alvidrez, Gonzales-Gutierrez nay).
• Bill 26-1216 (MWBE contracting ordinance repeal/re-enactment): Councilmember Alvidrez voted no, citing declining goals and outstanding concerns. City staff (Aaron Croak) responded to questions. Passed 10-1 (Alvidrez nay).

Key Outcomes

• All proclamations, resolutions, and bills were adopted or passed.
• The zoning change for 2246 North Federal Boulevard (Bill 26-1302) was ordered published; a required public hearing is set for October 19, 2026. Protests must be filed by noon on October 13, 2026.
• The next regular meeting will occur on Monday, October 5, 2026.

The meeting adjourned at 4:34 PM.