Denver Department of Public Health and Environment

Denver City Council is considering transferring $18.8 million from the general fund to the City Attorney's Liability Claims Fund to cover legal settlements, including those related to police misconduct during the George Floyd protests in 2020. Councilwoman Shontel Lewis and civil rights attorney David Lane criticize the system for shifting costs to taxpayers and failing to hold agencies accountable, with Lewis noting $34 million has been moved to the fund since 2023.

The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment is launching new dashboards that allow residents to easily access housing complaints and violations at properties across the city. This initiative aims to help renters identify properties with health and safety issues.

Denver opened nearly 50 cooling centers at libraries and recreation centers to combat extreme heat, marking the first time this many have been activated. The National Weather Service reported an increasing trend in high-heat days, with Denver experiencing significantly more 90-degree days in the past decade compared to historical averages. Officials emphasized the centers are available to all residents, not just those experiencing homelessness.

Colorado's drought is causing higher water temperatures and reduced water levels in Denver, leading to elevated E. coli and blue-green algae levels. The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) warns of public health risks, including harmful algae blooms and contaminated water activities, and is implementing increased testing and real-time monitoring systems.