Weekly Joint Meeting of Mayor and Denver City Council: Place Network Investigations Update - March 24, 2026

This weekly joint meeting of Mayor Mike Johnston and the Denver City Council focused primarily on an update on the Place Network Investigations (PNI) strategy, a collaborative public safety approach that addresses violent crime through community partnerships and whole-of-government interventions. The presentation, led by Chief of Police Ron Thomas and Commander Jake Herrera, highlighted significant crime reductions at PNI sites, lessons learned, and plans for expansion. The meeting also included several community announcements.

Announcements

• Councilmember (District 7) announced the home opener of Denver Summer FC on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium, with nearly 55,000 tickets sold—expected to be the largest women's soccer sporting event in American history.
• Councilmember Cashman promoted the University of Denver Pioneers hockey team playing Cornell in the NCAA regionals and reminded residents of the "Meet the City Academy" on April 1, 2026, from 6–8 p.m. at Cook Park Recreation Center.
• A representative announced the 100th anniversary celebration of Wellshire Golf Course on June 5, 2026, including a community celebration and golf tournament; registration opens April 1.

Discussion Items

• Place Network Investigations (PNI) Overview: Mayor Johnston introduced the strategy, emphasizing it as an evidence-based, problem-oriented policing approach focused on addressing violent crime by partnering with residents, community organizations, and multiple city agencies. PNI sites are selected based on persistently high levels of violent gun crime.
• Data and Outcomes: Commander Herrera presented slides showing crime statistics across six PNI sites. Key numbers:
  • From 2024 to 2025, non-fatal shootings across all sites dropped from 22 to 2, a decline of approximately 90%.
  • Aggravated assaults decreased by 30–40%, and overall violent crime fell by about 40% year-over-year.
  • Specific site highlights: Paco Sanchez Park had 763 days without a shooting; East Colfax and Verbena: 650 days; Leedsdale and Oneida: 480 days; North Peoria: 440 days. The original site at Alameda Federal reached 958 days without a shooting as of the meeting.
  • Five of six sites experienced a 100% reduction in shootings year-over-year; the only shootings occurred at one site.
• Implementation and Lessons Learned: Chief Thomas described the phased rollout starting in 2021. PNI sites now include Lincoln La Alma Park, Paco Sanchez, Colfax and Verbena, Leedsdale and Oneida, Morrison and Perry, and North Peoria. A new site at Colfax and Pearl will launch in late April 2026. The Lodo site was transitioned to a problem-oriented policing (POP) strategy due to different crime dynamics. A key lesson: sustaining long-term investment requires non-police agency collaboration. Challenges include rebuilding trust after ICE raids, addressing vacant properties after shutting down corrupt businesses, and funding for ongoing activation.
• Funding and Legislative Support: Councilmembers Watson and Alvidrez raised questions about ARPA funding ending and the need for budget support. Councilmember Sawyer highlighted legislative efforts such as the vacant and derelict properties ordinance and a forthcoming meet-and-confer bill to address persistent quality-of-life issues at rental properties. Chief Thomas responded that PNI helps prioritize existing resources rather than requiring new funding.
• ALPR Cameras and Other Strategies: In response to a question from Councilmember Alvidrez about cameras, Commander Herrera explained that ALPR (automated license plate reader) cameras are deployed at PNI sites still experiencing gun violence (e.g., East Colfax, Colfax and Pearl) and also serve to solve serious traffic incidents and auto theft. The camera locations are not limited to PNI sites.
• Downtown Development Authority (DDA): Council President (District 1) shared that the DDA provided $4 million for extra patrols downtown, with positive results reported. She noted that Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessments, such as those at Union Station and the skate park, have been effective and encouraged councilmembers to connect constituents with community resource officers for similar evaluations.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken, but key next steps were identified:
  • A new PNI site at Colfax and Pearl will begin in late April 2026.
  • The Lodo area will continue under a problem-oriented policing (POP) strategy.
  • Continued collaboration across 11 city agencies (Parks and Rec, DOTI, DDPHE, Excise and Licenses, etc.) and community boards.
  • Councilmembers committed to pursuing legislative solutions to address vacant properties and landlord accountability, supporting PNI goals.
  • The Mayor and Chief Thomas expressed gratitude for council leadership and noted that budget decisions will help sustain and expand these efforts.