Denver City Council
Coverage of Denver City Council in the Nexus archive.
- Who’s ready for a biennial budget?!
Denver voters will decide in November whether to adopt a biennial budget process, which would shift from annual budgets to two-year cycles to allow more public input and long-term planning. Supporters argue the current one-year cycle is too rushed, while opponents question the city's ability to manage even annual budgets effectively.
- Kroenkes set for ‘Wynkoop Crossing’ pedestrian bridge connecting downtown Denver to Ball Arena
Kroenke Sports and Entertainment plans to build the Wynkoop Crossing pedestrian bridge over Speer Boulevard to connect Ball Arena to downtown Denver, approved by the Denver City Council. The project is part of a larger redevelopment plan for Ball Arena’s parking lots, including housing, hotels, and a performance venue, with construction potentially starting later this year.
- Denver delays vote on 4 a.m. closing times after nightclub shooting
Denver City Council postponed a vote on a proposal to extend bar closing times to 4 a.m. following a shooting at Ultra Lounge that left one dead and eight injured. The measure, which would end alcohol sales at 2 a.m., will now be voted on August 3. The council debated the delay, with some members questioning its necessity, while others emphasized the need for additional community engagement and investigation.
- Denver City Council plans to vote on postponing ordinance extending bar, club hours until 4 a.m.
Denver City Council plans to vote on postponing an ordinance that would allow bars and clubs to stay open until 4 a.m. The measure aims to improve safety for nightclub patrons and streamline business licensing by reducing license types from 14 to 3. The decision comes after community concerns following a deadly shooting at a southeast Denver nightclub.
- Here’s what’s next for United’s big airport campus
United Airlines is developing a new flight training center near Denver International Airport on 114 acres of rezoned land, aiming to accommodate 700 new planes by 2033 and potentially employ 6,000 people. The facility will include up to 60 full-flight simulators, offices, and public open space, with construction expected to start in 2027 and completion by 2030. United already operates a training center in Denver and is the city’s largest private employer.
- Denver will no longer require childcare facilities to be licensed by the city
Denver City Council eliminated its childcare licensing process to align with state requirements and remove redundancies. The change aims to reduce barriers for providers but is not expected to immediately address childcare cost and availability issues.
- An old bank in the Civic Center neighborhood could turn into a new park
Denver is purchasing a vacant former bank building in the Civic Center neighborhood to create a 0.4-acre public park. The city aims to improve access to green space for residents within a five-minute walk, as the neighborhood's existing Civic Center Park undergoes renovation. The $3 million purchase price exceeds the appraised value by $500,000, and the deal awaits a full City Council vote.
- Denver reduces some criminal punishments after Colorado Supreme Court ruling
Denver City Council passed a bill reducing maximum penalties for certain crimes to align with state laws following a Colorado Supreme Court ruling. The bill lowers sentences for low-level offenses like off-leash dogs and curfew violations, creating a five-tiered sentencing structure and establishing a commission for future reforms.
- City of Denver considers removing duplicate childcare licensing requirement
The City of Denver is considering removing its local childcare business license requirement, which currently exists alongside a state license. The proposal aims to eliminate redundant regulations, reduce licensing fees for providers, and align city rules with state law while maintaining health and safety oversight by Denver Public Health.
- Denver police move from ‘discipline’ to ‘development’ for many officer infractions
Denver Police Department has introduced an 'Education-Based Development' policy to replace formal discipline with training for low-level officer misconduct, covering 60-65% of cases. Police Chief Ron Thomas supports the program for faster accountability, while Independent Monitor Liz Pérez Castle criticizes it as undermining city law and community expectations.
- Jane Fonda visits Denver to highlight a battle against a local data center
Jane Fonda visited Denver to support community opposition against CoreSite's data center project near Tepeyac Community Health Center. The project, involving 14 backup diesel generators, faces resistance from residents and activists in Elyria-Swansea over environmental concerns. Denver City Council imposed a one-year moratorium on new data center development, but organizers remain cautious about future negotiations.
- Judge tosses out challenge to Denver’s ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products
Denver’s ban on flavored tobacco products remains in effect after a court dismissed a lawsuit challenging it. The city council passed the ban in 2024 to address underage vaping and health risks, and a judge ruled the plaintiffs failed to prove constitutional violations. Vape shop owners argued the law harms small businesses, while public health advocates praised it for reducing youth tobacco use.
- Denver's Independent Monitor says she's being 'bypassed' by law enforcement in oversight process
Denver's Independent Monitor Lisabeth Prez Castle accuses law enforcement agencies of excluding her office from key policy decisions, citing changes to discipline and Taser policies without consultation. Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas denies the claims, stating his department values accountability and collaboration with the monitor, while some city council members support the monitor's concerns.
- Aurora residents to weigh in on future data center development at upcoming town hall
Aurora residents will discuss future data center development at a town hall organized by Councilmember Amy Wiles. The event follows public concerns about new data centers, with five existing facilities in Aurora and open land in Ward II attracting developers. The town hall is scheduled for June 29, and Denver recently approved a one-year moratorium on new data center construction.
- Aurora residents to weigh in on future data center development at upcoming town hall
Aurora residents will attend a town hall to discuss future data center development after Councilmember Amy Wiles received calls for a moratorium. The event aims to gather feedback before potential restrictions, with five data centers already present in Aurora. Denver recently approved a one-year moratorium on new data centers, and nearby neighborhoods have opposed a Coresite data center near their homes.
- Denver taps emergency funds to pay growing settlements in police excessive force cases
Denver is using $3 million from its contingency fund to cover unexpected legal settlements related to police excessive force and civil rights cases, particularly those from the 2020 protests. The city's emergency savings account has dropped to $30.5 million after the transfer, and the mayor's 2027 budget faces financial challenges with flat revenue and rising costs.
- Broadway dog park loses bark as taxes take a bite
The Broadway Bark dog park in Denver, a publicly accessible space operated by D4 Urban, faces potential closure due to a 2025 state law (House Bill 25-1289) that restricts property tax exemptions for land leased to governmental entities. The park, which provides tax benefits to its developer, may lose its tax-exempt status unless the Denver City Council intervenes.
- What’s the early verdict on Veo?
Veo Micromobility is the new and only scooter operator in Denver after the city ended contracts with Lime and Bird. Veo offers varied scooter and e-bike models with tiered pricing, including discounted rates for residents and free rides for low-income users. User feedback is mixed, with some praising affordability and ride quality while others criticize higher costs compared to previous services.
- Denver will fund 20 more units of family shelter through Denver Rescue Mission
Denver City Council approved over $2 million to expand family shelter units at The Crossing via the Denver Rescue Mission, adding 20 new units and replacing some at the Salvation Army’s Lambuth Family Shelter during renovations. The shelter provides housing, case management, and support services for families.
- Denver could pay another $2.9m in settlements for George Floyd protesters
Denver City Council is set to approve $2.9 million in settlements with 13 individuals over police misconduct during the 2020 George Floyd protests. The city admitted liability in court documents after losing an appeal on a $14 million jury award, acknowledging police used excessive force and violated First Amendment rights.
- More cities are pressing pause on data centers as local backlash grows in Pennsylvania and other states
Cities across the U.S., including Denver, Oklahoma City, and several in Michigan and North Carolina, have imposed moratoriums on new data center construction due to concerns over rising electricity costs and environmental impacts. Industry supporters argue these facilities provide jobs and tax revenue, while opponents push for regulatory frameworks to address community concerns.
- More cities are pressing pause on data centers as local backlash grows
Cities across the U.S. are imposing moratoriums on data center construction due to resident concerns over electricity costs and environmental impacts. While supporters highlight job creation and tax revenue benefits, opponents argue for stricter regulations before projects proceed. Examples include Denver, Oklahoma City, and multiple counties in Michigan and North Carolina.
- More cities are pressing pause on data centers as local backlash grows
Cities across the U.S. are implementing moratoriums on data center construction due to resident concerns over electricity costs, environmental impacts, and nuisance issues. While industry supporters highlight job creation and tax revenue benefits, local officials argue for regulatory frameworks before approving projects. Denver, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and several other communities have paused new developments, though some areas like Cheyenne, Wyoming, have chosen not to impose restrictions.
- More cities are pressing pause on data centers as local backlash grows
Cities across the U.S. are imposing moratoriums on data center construction due to resident concerns over electricity costs, environmental impacts, and nuisance issues. While industry supporters highlight job and tax benefits, local officials argue rules are needed to address community impacts before projects proceed.
- More cities are pressing pause on data centers as local backlash grows
Cities and counties across the U.S. are implementing moratoriums on new data center construction due to resident concerns over rising electricity costs and environmental impacts. Supporters argue data centers provide jobs and tax revenue, while opponents push for regulatory frameworks before projects proceed.
- More cities press pause on data centers as local backlash grows
Cities across the U.S. are imposing moratoriums on data center construction due to concerns over electricity costs, environmental impacts, and residential disruptions. Examples include Denver, Oklahoma City, and several Michigan and North Carolina counties, while industry supporters argue these facilities provide economic and digital infrastructure benefits.