Denverite

The Denver Downtown Development Authority will loan up to $7 million to Alterra Mountain Company to move its headquarters from Denver's River North district to downtown, creating 400 jobs. The $20 million project requires Alterra to relocate its offices to the Central Business District, where it currently leases space in the Zeppelin Station.

Denver suspended the liquor and entertainment licenses of Ultra Lounge East after a deadly shooting that injured eight people. The club's operators, Dionte Wilkins and Dol Bhattarai, face allegations of obstructing investigations, operating without food and tobacco licenses, and circumventing liquor licensing laws. Past violent incidents, including a fatal fight in March 2024, and unlicensed security actions in April 2024, are also detailed.

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.

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.

Residents near CoreSite’s Denver data center in Elyria-Swansea report noise complaints from diesel generators, prompting health concerns and a city-imposed data center moratorium. The facility’s backup generators, which produce loud and low-frequency sounds, are tested during daylight hours, affecting nearby neighborhoods, a health clinic, and a senior living facility under construction.

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.

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.

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.

A shooting outside Denver’s Ultra Lounge on East Hampden Avenue resulted in one death and eight injuries. Denver police are investigating the incident, which may be linked to an earlier confrontation in Aurora, and reported evidence suggesting at least two weapons were used. The injured victims are in serious but stable condition at nearby hospitals.

Denver and Aurora are not meeting their 20% water reduction goals amid drought conditions, with Denver Water reporting 1,300 acre-feet of savings instead of the target 10,300. Both cities have implemented Stage I water restrictions but are not yet planning stricter Stage II measures, though Aurora’s mayor warned of potential imminent changes. Reservoir levels are significantly lower than usual, with Denver at 78% capacity and Aurora at 52%.

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.

RTD committees recommended $31M in service cuts through a 10% reduction in operations, including potential eliminations of popular routes like the 16th Street FreeRide and several rail lines. The proposal faces opposition from riders and advocates, with one committee urging no cuts and another advocating fiscal adjustments. RTD leaders emphasized exploring alternative funding solutions to avoid service disruptions.

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.

The Denver Immersive Repertory Theater (DIRT) faces eviction before opening due to unpaid rent and a construction-related lawsuit. The project, which received a $400,000 city loan, owes over $51,000 in rent and has construction at 65% completion. Owners Steve Wargo and Blair Russell had planned to open a 10,000-square-foot immersive theater in March 2026.

Denver Police arrested a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old for allegedly fatally shooting a man who tried to stop them from stealing his car on June 30. The suspects are also linked to a separate shooting earlier that night and are under investigation for a June 24 homicide. They were arrested after evading police in a stolen vehicle.

A fire at Sherpa Base Camp, a restaurant on East 17th Avenue in Denver, caused a large smoke plume around 3:30 p.m. Firefighters extinguished the blaze on the roof, and no injuries were reported. The restaurant was preparing for a grand reopening under its new name.

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 Police stated an officer shot Wilson Guerra Bravo, 26, after he ignored warnings and returned to a residence with a 12-inch knife. Police Chief Ron Thomas said the officer responded appropriately to an imminent threat. Guerra Bravo was charged with attempted murder of a peace officer, and the incident remains under investigation.

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.