Mayor and City Council Meeting on Office of Neighborhood Safety - May 14, 2024

On May 14, 2024, the Denver Mayor and City Council met in a weekly session chaired by Acting Mayor Armando Saldate (Executive Director of Safety) in the absence of Mayor Johnston, who was in Dublin. The primary agenda item was a briefing by Dr. Ben Sanders, Executive Director of the Office of Social Equity and Innovation (OSEI), on the formation of the Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS). The proposal involves moving approximately $11 million in funding and 65 full-time equivalent positions from the Department of Safety to OSEI, consolidating programs such as the Office of Community Violence Solutions, the Aid Center, Safety Youth Programs, and a STAR program 911 operations manager position. The presentation included an organizational chart, budget breakdown, and a 12-week implementation plan that will include stakeholder engagement, strategic planning with the city’s Peak office, and the creation of a community advisory board. Council members asked questions about the scope, youth engagement, funding sustainability, and the role of the advisory board. No votes were taken; the item is scheduled for further discussion at the Safety Committee meeting on May 15, 2024.

Discussion Items

• Presentation of the Office of Neighborhood Safety: Dr. Sanders outlined the rationale for moving ONS into OSEI, emphasizing community trust and alignment with racial equity. He noted that the programs are well-researched, drawing from the 2023 CU Denver feasibility study and the Reimagining Police Task Force recommendations. The budget slide detailed $11M in general fund and grant funding across the four program areas. The 12-week implementation plan includes staff integration, data collection, and community advisory board formation.
• Council members' questions and comments:
  • Councilman Cashman expressed support but cautioned against merely shifting existing programs; he urged the development of new initiatives, especially for kids and families.
  • Councilman Watson praised Dr. Sanders and emphasized the need for proactive summer engagement with community groups, as well as long-term sustainability and improved communication, citing the need to avoid duplication.
  • Councilwoman Alvidas inquired about future aid centers and the role of harm reduction; Dr. Sanders noted no immediate plans for new centers but said the ONS could elevate the Aid Center’s profile.
  • Councilwoman Romero Campbell asked about youth engagement and office space; Dr. Sanders confirmed ongoing youth connections and a planned physical consolidation (likely in Webb Building or Republic Plaza).
  • Councilwoman Gonzalez-Gutierrez asked about stakeholder list and funding sustainability; Dr. Sanders listed groups (NAACP, Servicios de la Raza, etc.) and acknowledged the need for dedicated contract and grant support.
  • Councilwoman Sawyer requested a follow-up in six months and invited Dr. Sanders to present to her RNO cabinet.
  • Councilwoman Parady advocated for preserving the existing STAR Community Advisory Council, at least initially, rather than merging it into the new board.
  • Council President Torres raised the Place Network Investigations (PNI) program at Paco Sanchez Park and requested clarity on ONS’s role there; Dr. Sanders said the Safe City Tiger Team would remain the lead but ONS would add non-police touch points.

Key Outcomes

• No formal vote was taken; the discussion served as a briefing before the item proceeds to the Safety Committee on May 15, 2024.
• The administration committed to a 12-week implementation period and to returning to council in 3–6 months to report on progress and new programming.
• The community advisory board will be established with input from council and community; the structure of the board is still being refined.
• Several council members stressed the need for adequate funding in out-years and for the new office to avoid overburdening existing programs with additional duties.