Mayor & Denver City Council Meeting - November 7, 2023: Migrant Support Update

This weekly meeting of the mayor and Denver City Council opened with announcements and then focused on an update from Mayor Johnston regarding the city's migrant support services and his recent trip to Washington, D.C. to advocate for federal assistance. Council members shared observations from the field, asked clarifying questions, and discussed policy challenges. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to enter executive session to discuss pending litigation.

Announcements

• Mayor Johnston praised the council for their collaborative work on the city budget, calling it "the best of what government does."
• Councilman Watson announced a veterans' honor event on November 13 at City Council with the municipal band, and a barbershop talk series in District 9 starting November 15 at House of Hair.
• Councilwoman Lewis announced a community redevelopment meeting for the DoubleTree at 4040 Quebec that evening, and a senior luncheon on December 8 at the DoubleTree on MLK and Quebec.
• Councilwoman Alvidrez promoted the Turkey Trot race on Thanksgiving morning at Wash Park benefiting United Way.
• Councilwoman Campbell reminded everyone that November 7 is Election Day, urging voters to drop off ballots by 7 p.m.

Discussion Items

Migrant Support Services Update (Mayor Johnston) Mayor Johnston reported on a trip to Washington, D.C. with mayors from Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Houston, and El Paso. The coalition advocated for four key federal actions:

1. Speed up asylum adjudication – Currently there is a backlog of 1 million cases, with an average resolution time of 2–4 years. The mayor noted that 45% of asylum claims at the border appear viable, but only about 25% of those pursued (11% of total) are ultimately granted. He emphasized that expanding work visas could reduce the strain on the asylum system.
2. Increased federal resources – The initial supplemental proposal of $1.4 billion covers only 15–20% of city needs; the coalition is pushing for $5 billion, which would cover about 75% of needs. Mayor Johnston noted that the six cities alone face a combined $6–7 billion in costs for the next year.
3. Expand work authorization – The mayor advocated for granting work authorization immediately upon entry (parole or A-number). Currently, only Venezuelans who arrived before July 31, 2023, are eligible for work permits, and the share of ineligible arrivals grows daily. He stressed that 40–60% of those in Denver's shelter system could be eligible, but many are not being screened.
4. Coordinated entry system – The mayor contrasted the successful federal coordination for Ukrainian and Afghan refugees with the chaotic busing from Texas, calling for a national plan to place arrivals with work authorization in willing cities.

Council members responded with questions and concerns:

• Councilman Cashman asked about weekly spending; the mayor clarified it fluctuates between $1–2 million per week, averaging about $4,000 per person per month.
• Councilwoman Gonzalez-Gutierrez raised the issue of sheltering days and family definitions, asking for data on how long families need shelter and whether policies can be more flexible.
• Councilman Hines noted the disparity between border cities (which receive funding) and interior cities bearing the brunt of busing, and asked if the mayor had raised this in D.C. The mayor confirmed he had, and that he had reached out to Governor Abbott without response.
• Councilwoman Parady commented that asylum courts were intentionally broken under the Trump administration, leading to low grant rates and long delays. She asked about support from Colorado's federal delegation and urged the city not to give in to pressure to close borders. The mayor confirmed the delegation is supportive but acknowledged the partisan nature of the debate.
• Councilman Watson asked about "heat mapping" of migrant families and whether the city can differentiate between newcomers and the long-term unhoused population. The mayor said the city tracks unsheltered populations but does not currently distinguish by migrant status, though family-focused sites are being developed.
• Councilwoman Sandoval shared a detailed account from an encampment visit, highlighting language barriers, inconsistent shelter policies (e.g., formula confiscation, narrow family definitions), and the emotional toll on park rangers who had to serve as interpreters. She urged better coordination, dual-language notices, and recognition of non-blood relatives. The mayor agreed to review policies with the new Department of Human Services head, Ann Ruby Baraga, and noted that the city is improving intake screening to identify those eligible for work authorization.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken on migrant policy, but the council and mayor committed to continued collaboration and a deeper briefing at noon.
• The mayor affirmed the city's humanitarian approach despite budget pressures, and promised to streamline shelter operations and expand screening for work authorization.
• The meeting moved into executive session by unanimous vote (all ayes) to discuss a pending litigation settlement agreement, per DRMC 234A3N6.