Mayor and Denver City Council Meeting - December 5, 2023

This weekly meeting of Mayor Mike Johnston and the Denver City Council included introductory remarks, member announcements, a detailed presentation on the transition of the Radisson Hotel from a migrant shelter to a non-congregate shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness, and a motion to enter executive session for litigation discussion. The meeting opened with introductions and announcements covering community events, health initiatives, and a significant update on the migrant response and shelter system.

Announcements

• Councilwoman Amanda González-Cuchillas announced the passing of community pillar Lucille Ribal Rivetta and provided details on her services and celebration of life.
• Council President Jamie Torres acknowledged the consent agenda’s continued funding for the Immigrant Legal Services Fund, noting its creation in 2017.
• Councilwoman Laura Alvidrez highlighted Colorado Gives Day and reported that food insecurity in Denver has risen from 1 in 10 families last year to 1 in 3 families this year, urging donations to Community Ministries Denver.
• Councilwoman Shontel Lewis invited colleagues to the 40th annual Hiawatha Davis Senior Luncheon on December 8 at the DoubleTree Hotel, free for seniors 65+ (or 55+ with exceptions).
• Councilwoman Diana Sandoval announced that council members and central staff donated a total of $390,000 from their budgets to support migrant families, funds now moving through city council process.
• Councilwoman Diana Romero Campbell promoted a community information meeting on the family shelter on December 16 at 10 a.m. at Hamilton Middle School, as well as a ‘Donuts with the Grinch’ event on December 16 at Eisenhower Rec Center.
• Councilman Paul Cashman reminded colleagues of the 34th annual ‘We Will Remember’ Homeless Persons Memorial Vigil on December 21 on the steps of the City and County Building, honoring those who died while experiencing homelessness in 2023.
• Councilman Chris Heinz encouraged support for the Clifford Still Museum (a city asset) and the Dumb Friends League on Colorado Gives Day.

Discussion Items

• Radisson Hotel Transition and Contracts: Senior Advisor for Homelessness Resolution Cole Chandler presented the plan to convert the Radisson Hotel (4849 Bannock Street, Council District 9) from a migrant shelter to a non-congregate shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness. Key points:
  • The site offers 220 total units; 51 migrant families remain as of the meeting date.
  • Final transition date for migrant families is December 16, with children enrolled in Denver Public Schools allowed to stay through the semester end (December 15). No displacement of families; children will not be moved before the academic term ends.
  • Migrant families will be prioritized for relocation to other shelter sites on the west side to maintain geographic proximity.
  • A community information meeting was noticed on November 30 (21-day notice); the contracts will go to Safety Committee on December 13, with final council consideration on December 18 (target). Move-in for homeless individuals is scheduled for December 20-21 (110 rooms each day).
  • Two contracts were detailed: a master lease with the hotel owner (Quebec Hospitality, local ownership) for 12 months at just over $10.3 million, covering all rooms, ballrooms, and parking; and a 6-month service agreement with Bayod Enterprises for wraparound services, including 24/7 staffing, case management, and health services. Bayod is tasked with serving 250 individuals, with a target of 40% exiting to permanent or stable housing (an annual benchmark).
• Discussion on Metrics and Accountability: Midori Higa (Homelessness Resolution Programs Director) clarified that the 40% exit rate is an annual benchmark; for the six-month contract, expectations may be adjusted. Councilman Hines questioned the math of 40% of 220 rooms exceeding 250 served, but was informed that rooms turn over (roughly 2.5 uses per room per year) and the 40% is annual. Councilman Watson requested monthly performance reviews; Lisa Lumley (Director of Real Estate) confirmed that quarterly site visits and data reviews are standard, with bi-weekly meetings for new micro-communities.
• Concerns on Purchase Orders and Displacement: Councilwoman Sawyer raised concerns about a recent incident at an Aurora hotel where residents were displaced when the city used a purchase order to rent rooms for migrants. Mayor Johnston explained that during emergencies, purchase orders allow rapid room acquisition (e.g., 400 arrivals on Thanksgiving night). He acknowledged the Aurora issue and committed to ensuring all hotel operators include clear displacement mitigation strategies in future agreements, with documentation for council verification.
• Census Data and Parks Amenities: Councilman Lewis inquired about the demographic data for sites; Chandler explained the red dotted lines represent census tracts, showing that five of seven sites are in tracts with higher average income ($94,700 vs. city median $78,000) and less Hispanic population. She also requested attention to parks and amenities for new shelter residents.

Key Outcomes

• The motion to enter executive session (pursuant to DRMC 2-34(a)(3) and (6) for litigation settlement discussion) was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously by voice vote.
• No final votes were taken on the Radisson contracts; they are scheduled for Safety Committee on December 13 and full council on December 18.
• The administration committed to incorporating displacement prevention clauses in future emergency purchase orders and to providing documentation of compliance.
• The migrant fund donation of $390,000 from council and central staff budgets will proceed through the council process.
• Councilmembers will receive updated waitlist numbers for homeless families (approximately 120 families) from the administration later that day.