Mike Johnston

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston launched a $5 parking program at 3,000 private downtown lots to attract visitors and support restaurants. The initiative, available on weekends and non-core workdays, aims to counter post-pandemic downtown struggles by reducing parking costs and encouraging car traffic.

Denver offers a $2,500 rebate to residents, workers, or students to cover training programs in climate-friendly careers like urban forestry and EV maintenance. The initiative addresses workforce shortages in critical climate-related jobs identified by the Colorado Energy Office, funded by the Climate Protection Fund from a 2020 sales tax.

Elderly and disabled residents in Denver struggle to cross Federal Boulevard due to short walk signals and unsafe conditions. Mayor Mike Johnston and city officials observed the challenges during a tour with pedestrian safety advocates, who demand urgent improvements to prevent injuries and deaths.

Denver cycling advocates rode with Mayor Mike Johnston to discuss safety concerns and progress toward Vision Zero goals. The event, organized by the Mayors Bicycle Advisory Committee, highlighted 93 traffic deaths in Denver in 2025 as the city aims to eliminate fatalities by 2030.

Bow Mar's Board of Trustees approved plans to install gates at community entrances to reduce traffic, prompting opposition from Denver and Littleton, which argue the project should pause until neighboring municipalities reach an agreement. Community reactions are split, with some residents supporting safety measures and others questioning the legality of restricting public roads.

Denver Auditor Tim O’Brien is seeking public input on potential audit topics to scrutinize city agencies, efficiency, and public resource use. Recent audits have covered areas like residential permitting, affordable housing, and homeless programs. Residents can submit suggestions via email, social media, or community events.

Bow Mar officials approved installing gates on public roads like South Sheridan Boulevard to restrict non-resident traffic, prompting Denver and Littleton mayors to threaten retaliatory road closures. The mayors argue the gates disrupt shared road access and create safety concerns, while Bow Mar claims over 50% of traffic through the town is 'cut-through' traffic.

The Montbello Recreation Center in Denver will reopen on June 8 after being closed for over two weeks following the May 21 shooting death of a 14-year-old. Denver Parks and Recreation emphasized commitments to safety, healing, and community support through programming, while discussing potential security measures like metal detectors and increased staffing.

Denver International Airport will open sections of its underground baggage tunnels as pedestrian walkways connecting concourses A, B, and C. The project, part of the airport’s 'Vision 100' expansion plan, aims to improve passenger movement and is set to begin construction in 2027 with a cost range of $300 million to $700 million. The tunnels have long been associated with conspiracy theories involving secret bunkers and 'lizard people.'

The US Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the city of Denver, Colorado, alleging that the city's ban on certain semi-automatic rifles is unconstitutional. The ban violates the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens, according to the Justice Department. The city's ordinance has been in place for 37 years and is intended to keep Denverites safe.

The US Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the city of Denver, Colorado, alleging that the city's ban on certain semi-automatic rifles is unconstitutional. The ban violates the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens, according to the Justice Department. The city's ordinance has been in place for 37 years and is supported by Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.