Mike Johnston

The town of Bow Mar is moving forward with its controversial plan to gate public roads by retaining Sweetbaum Miller PC for legal counsel and Greenlight Strategy for public relations efforts. This plan, which involves automated gates operated by RFID tags, has drawn strong opposition from leaders in Denver and Littleton who argue it would block local residents from using public roads.

Mayor Mike Johnston launched the Haynes-Gary Childcare Task Force to expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare in Denver. The initiative includes community listening sessions and collaboration with families, providers, educators, and employers to develop solutions. The task force is named after Anna Jo Haynes and Nancy Gary, recognized youth advocates.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced a plan to create affordable, high-quality childcare through a task force gathering input via citywide listening sessions starting in August. The task force, named after Anna Jo Haynes and Nancy Gary, aims to develop recommendations for accessible childcare but has not yet defined if the program will be free or fully universal. Sessions are scheduled at various recreation centers and early learning facilities through September.

Denver residents are divided on Mayor Mike Johnston's 'Mile High Line' plan to build 20,000 housing units on 150 acres of city-owned land. High home prices, averaging $635,000, have left many residents unable to afford housing. The plan aims to address the crisis through strategic development, but some question its scale, while advocates remain cautiously optimistic.

Denver parents face challenges accessing affordable childcare, with high costs and limited availability. Mayor Mike Johnston announced a task force to address universal childcare access, but providers highlight economic barriers like high operational costs and staff shortages. A new infant classroom at Warren Village is expected to fill quickly despite capacity limits to maintain quality.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced two initiatives during his State of the City address: the 'Mile High Line' development plan for seven major city sites and a universal childcare task force. The childcare task force, named after Anna Jo Haynes and Nancy Gary, aims to reduce red tape and expand affordable childcare within five years. The Mile High Line targets 20,000 new housing units across seven transit-connected sites, including Park Hill and downtown Denver, but lacks specific funding details.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston outlined plans for a universal childcare program and sustainable growth in his State of the City address. He announced a task force, the Haynes-Gary Taskforce, to reduce red tape, train caregivers, and make childcare affordable, while also addressing housing and gentrification challenges.

The state will fund five affordable housing projects in Denver totaling over 400 units, supported by Proposition 123. Projects include supportive housing for low-income families and communities in neighborhoods like Golden Triangle and Montbello, with funding allocations ranging from $1.45 million to $6 million.

Councilmember Shontel Lewis will run for Denver mayor in 2027 and has withdrawn her campaign for reelection in District 8. She is known for advocating against police excessive force, affordable housing, and youth violence prevention. The mayoral field includes returning candidates like Lisa Calderón and new contenders such as Graylon Millen Cole.

Denver is launching a taxpayer-funded social media campaign called 'The One Effect' to counter climate hopelessness by encouraging residents to share their climate actions. The initiative, part of the $3 million Denver Climate Project, includes video testimonials and stickers with 'I did something,' aiming to inspire individual action through social norming. Previous efforts featured ads with the tagline 'Do more. Do less. Do something.' and over 70 climate action ideas.

Aer Lingus will end direct flights from Denver, Minneapolis, and Las Vegas to Dublin, with the Denver route ceasing on September 28. The airline will also limit its Seattle-Dublin flight to summer-only operations. Airport officials expressed disappointment but acknowledged the route's past value in connecting Denver to Ireland and Europe.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced a $100 million four-part job creation plan to support 10,000 jobs over three years, focusing on sectors like aerospace, cybersecurity, and green construction. The initiative, funded by the Denver Downtown Development Authority and the Office of Economic Development and Opportunity, aims to boost local businesses and attract new companies to the area.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced the 'Denver Jobs Agenda,' a $100 million initiative with four programs to create 10,000 jobs over three years. The plan includes funding for business loans, workforce training, innovation hubs, and downtown business incentives, addressing a stagnant job market.

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.