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City Cast Denver

Peyton Garcia

Following years of declining ridership and a looming budget deficit, the state’s governing transit agency is on the 

. Members of an accountability committee convened by lawmakers last year have suggested reducing the number of RTD’s board members from 15 to nine, and allowing the governor to appoint four of those positions.

The move would have significant impacts on 

who makes RTD’s biggest decisions and how

. It’s a debate that is dividing much of the transit community. So what exactly does RTD’s board of directors do? And how do the board’s decisions impact everyday commuters?

RTD (the Regional Transportation District) provides and 

 across eight Colorado counties — Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Jefferson, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, and Weld. Services include bus, rail, shuttle, ADA paratransit, and more. The agency was 

 and originally governed by an appointed board of directors. In 1980, 

Currently, RTD’s board of directors consists of 

 — though the proposal being considered by local lawmakers right now 

. Each member represents a district (A through O), serves a four-year term, and receives a 

. They can be reelected once. The board meets 10 times a year, usually on the last Tuesday of the month, with the exception of August and December.

➡️ Find out your district and representative with 

 from the public — all of which is done through a 

Anyone interested can attend RTD board meetings, which are 

, as well as the board’s YouTube channel where meetings are streamed. A 

 is usually held at full board meetings. Attendees are invited to 

. You can also submit written comments directly to the board members at 

 is scheduled for next Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Manos Sagrados (9975 E. Colfax Ave.) in Aurora.

This week on the City Cast Denver podcast, we’re following the 

 closely. Yesterday, we spoke with the chair of the RTD accountability committee, Marie Garcia Berry, and co-chair Jamie Lewis (

). Tomorrow, we’ll speak with RTD board member Chris Nicholson. 

Who makes RTD's biggest decisions, and how?

What Does Colorado's RTD Board Actually Do?

What Does the RTD Board Actually Do?

What Denverites have been wondering. We break down why things in Denver are the way they are and how they work.

Denver, Explained

State legislators are currently locked in a heated discussion about how — or even 

they should encourage the growth of data centers in Colorado. The crux of the debate comes down to an 

economic impact versus an environmental impact.

Data centers are facilities that house centralized computing infrastructure that help store, process, and distribute… well, 

They’re “server farms” that power things like video streaming, cloud services, artificial intelligence, and everything that enables online activity. As you can imagine, that requires an 

). Plus now, the current AI boom is creating an 

, with over 40 of those located in Denver alone — and more likely on the horizon.

 being considered by state lawmakers right now during the 2026 state legislative session. Here’s how they differ:

The sponsors of House Bill 26-1030 want to lure data centers to the state by offering tax breaks (something lawmakers have repeatedly shut down in recent years). Otherwise, supporters argue, data center companies will instead go to the many other states that 

offer incentives, leaving Colorado to potentially miss out on 

massive opportunities for economic growth

Opponents worry this bill doesn’t focus enough on curbing data centers’ environmental impact or how data centers could affect utility rates for residential consumers.

 last fall with CPR climate reporter Sam Brasch about the data centers that already exist in Denver.

While an opposing bill hasn’t been formally filed yet, several lawmakers are working on an alternative or companion proposal that would 

put more environmental guardrails in place

, requiring data centers to offset their energy use by using renewable sources and covering their own costs for infrastructure. New data centers could strain the power grid (potentially leading to higher utility rates for residents), pull from Colorado’s dwindling water supply, and slow the state’s progress on its already ambitious climate goals.

Opponents worry such heavy-handed guardrails will deter data centers from coming to Colorado altogether.

We will have to wait and see what lawmakers decide at the end of the session. If one or both proposals move forward, there will need to be committee hearings, amendments, votes, debates, and of course approval from the governor. (If you need a refresher, here’s 

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission is also working on 

 for utility companies in talks with data centers. (Psst, here’s 

Data Centers

Where do you stand on the data center debate? 📧

The Data Center Debate Facing Colorado Lawmakers

The Colorado Data Center Debate, Explained (And Why You Should Care)

From preemptive power shutoffs and electrification incentives to the ups and downs of your monthly utility bills, Colorado’s energy system is increasingly being put to the test. But who is in charge of making the energy-use decisions that impact us daily? A little-known state agency with big power: The 

 within the state’s Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), the PUC is made up of 

 appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. 

 (pictured above) are Eric Blank (chairman), Tom Plant, and Megan Gilman. The commissioners are expected to be 

. They act more like judges than politicians, conducting hearings and handing out rulings on regulatory issues. In fact, no more than two members of the commission can be affiliated with the same political party.

In addition to those three positions, the agency is authorized to have 

) with specialized knowledge in areas like economics, energy, transportation, and more.

safe, reliable, affordable access to public utility services

 such as electricity, natural gas, transportation, and some telecommunications services. These utilities are considered “natural monopolies,” meaning they don’t have a lot of competition. So the commissioners are intended to balance the interest of the public with the needs of the service providers.

Set utility rates and prices (and approve changes)

Establish standards and regulations that utility providers must follow

Conduct hearings on regulatory issues — it can enforce sanctions and fines and recommend criminal prosecutions

, the Colorado PUC goes back more than a century to the earliest days of public transportation, electric, water, and gas systems.

You’ve most likely seen the PUC in the news recently considering Xcel Energy’s 

, setting benchmarks for the state’s push toward 

, and gathering feedback on last month’s sweeping 

The PUC allows the public to submit comments on 

 as it develops permanent Public Safety Power Shutoff rules.

From planned power outages and electrification incentives to your monthly utility bill, the PUC is a little-known state agency with big power. 

What Is The Colorado Public Utilities Commission? And What Does It Do?

Here in the Mile High, the holidays don’t officially end until the Stock Show does. Whether it’s your first visit or your 80th, Denver’s annual 

 is “the best 16 days in January.” For the 120th anniversary of this beloved local tradition, the event runs 

 Here’s everything you need to know before you go:

The iconic march of more than 100 Texas longhorns along 17th Street in downtown Denver is not to be missed. It’s the official start of the festivities. This year, 

, (tomorrow!) outside Union Station and end at Glenarm Place. 

 is the 2026 Grand Marshal. After the parade, swing by McGregor Square for the 

). Available on a first-come, first-served basis, you’ll want to arrive early to nab it.

, which is also free. A shuttle will run to the expo grounds every 20 minutes, and the lot is open from 8 a.m. until an hour after the last rodeo ends each day.

Planning to rideshare? There will be designated drop-off areas in front of the Coliseum and the National Western Complex. Going the public transit route? You’ll want to take RTD’s 

, which has a stop at the National Western Center (48th and Brighton Boulevard).

Grounds admission varies by day of the week, but ranges from $5-37 for adults (12+) and $2-9 for kids 3-11. A guest badge gets you admission for all 16 days and costs $88.

 you have access to peruse vendors, food stalls, and the Western Art Gallery, plus catch 

. Ticketed specialty events, which include things like rodeos, horse shows, and bull riding, typically range in price from $30-$120.

Outside food and beverages are expressly not allowed. (But trust us, there’s 

 there!) Bags and backpacks get the greenlight, but are subject to search. No animals except service animals are permitted. The space is accessible for strollers and wagons, but keep in mind that the place gets crowded.

Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are a must, since much of the grounds are cold, drafty, and dirt- or straw-covered. 

 — cowboys boots, hats, ponchos, and fringe — is definitely encouraged.

, which will feature the Coors Western Art Exhibit and The Legacy Saloon, designed to resemble a turn-of-the-century watering hole, and the 

, which houses expanded barns, new arenas, and the Coors Banquet Hall with indoor and outdoor seating.

 at The Legacy, which will include a time capsule burial. The first 120 guests will receive a limited edition commemorative belt buckle.

Learn more: Stock Show FAQs

A Guide to the 2026 National Western Stock Show

Know Before You Go: The 2026 National Western Stock Show

 officially went into effect. Here are just a few worth having on your radar.

Abortion services are now covered by state-run insurance programs. Language in the state constitution protecting abortion access has also been codified.

Local food trucks can now operate across city and county lines with a new reciprocal licensing system.

Renters and consumers are now better protected against hidden fees from landlords and sellers thanks to new transparency requirements.

Gun show operators are required to submit a security plan to local law enforcement, hold liability insurance, and enforce an age limit for attendees.

Car insurance companies must cover the cost to replace car seats or other child restraint systems following a crash.

Childcare centers must refund application fees, wait list fees, and deposits to families whose children are not enrolled.

Landlords cannot require a credit score or history from prospective tenants using housing subsidies.

Read on: 12 more new state laws

On Jan. 1, 2026, 19 new state laws officially went into effect. Here are just a few worth having on your radar. 

7 New Colorado State Laws Now In Effect

7 New State Laws You Should Know About

Xcel Energy customers in the Denver Metro could lose power for an extended period of time today. The state’s largest utility company is warning tens of thousands of Front Range users about potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs that could leave many without electricity for hours or even days. Here’s what you need to know.

 today. Combined with near-record warm temperatures, the risk of fires ignited by downed power lines is heightened. As a preventative measure, the company will “likely” shut off power in at-risk areas until conditions die down. If you’re wondering what criteria warrants a preemptive power shutoff — and why and when — 9News 

Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties

 depending on the weather. The company also warns that outages could last 

to improve by this evening, but power will remain off until the wind event ceases and an Xcel crew member can visually inspect the impacted line, which “may take several hours to several days,” Xcel says.

Here are some tips and reminders to prepare you for an extended period of time without power:

Have portable chargers fully charged and easy to access

Keep important electronics, like medical devices, fully charged

Round up extra candles, flashlights, and batteries

Set your fridge and freezer to their coldest settings in advance to help keep contents cold if they lose power

Familiarize yourself with how to open your garage manually

additional tips for safety and preparedness here

Xcel plans to provide updates about the power shutoffs 

 for updates on outages in your area. Report outages to Xcel 

 or by calling 800-895-1999. The company says it will attempt to contact potentially affected customers via phone, email, and text message before, throughout, and after the forecasted weather event.

Tens of thousands of Front Range customers could be without electricity for hours or even days. 

Why Xcel is Shutting Off Power Across Metro Denver

What You Need to Know About Today’s Potential Xcel Power Outages

On Tuesday, voters in the Baker and Speer neighborhoods narrowly approved the formation of a 

, essentially authorizing a tax on themselves — both residents and businesses. The GID will generate funds for neighborhood improvements and shared projects, including graffiti removal and the Broadway Halloween Parade.

“This is about investing in our own future,” said council member Flor Alvidrez, who represents the neighborhood. “Broadway has always had community pride, creativity, and strong cultural character. Now we have a structure that allows those qualities to flourish for years to come.”

 at its disposal in 2026, according to the Denver Business Journal.

In a surprisingly close vote, 51.5% of voters were in favor of the property tax increase, according to Luke Johnson, president of the 

. His organization both supported the change and, in an unusual move, paid for the election.

Wait, what’s a GID?

Why weren’t these results reported like the rest of the local election results?

The City of Denver does not run these types of special elections, according to Johnson, who also owns Luke & Company Fine Pet Supply on Broadway. “I wish they did, as it would save the taxpayers a lot of money and hassle.”

Denver election judges oversaw the election, but Johnson says the Broadway Merchants Association had to 

. They contracted a separate firm to send out 1,200 ballots. Johnson says that the 261 returned — in other words, a 

 — is normal for this kind of election.

Obviously, voters made their own decision. But Johnson theorizes that TABOR is to blame.

He says that one of the Taxpayers Bill of Rights’ provisions required the BMA to break the GID approval vote into 

, which voters decided on very differently. “If we could have said what we wanted to say (without the TABOR requirements) I have no doubt that we would have seen 70%+ approval across all questions.”

Here’s how the full results break down:

 Whether to assess an 8.96 mill property tax to fund the proposed GID — 

 Whether or not to authorize debt (this likely means an operating capital line of credit) — 

 Whether to authorize the GID and simultaneously dissolve the Local Maintenance Districts that it will replace — 

“I think we could have done a better job explaining to voters that

 the entire proposal only works if they vote yes on all three

,” Johnson says. “Question 3 is reflective of people actually wanting change, which is important. Question 2 on the ballot only proposes a large dollar figure of debt and doesn’t allow us to explain that it's just for operating capital to keep the GID going in the event that the city funds are delayed (which has been known to happen).”

We’ll be updating this story and talking more about what happened on the 

Did you vote in this election? Why did you vote the way you did?

Broadway GID thoughts

Tell us what’s up! 📧

Broadway Businesses, Neighbors Vote to Increase Taxes On Themselves

 (a sponsor of City Cast Denver, by the way) is currently underway and runs through Sunday, Nov. 9. In honor of the occasion we are celebrating some of Hollywood’s most iconic movies touting Colorado ties — how many can you name? Take our quiz to test your local movie knowledge!

We are celebrating some of Hollywood’s most iconic movies touting Colorado ties — how many can you name?

A Colorado Film Quiz

Name That Colorado Film! 

Denver’s use of Flock surveillance equipment has generated pushback and privacy concerns from residents. Law enforcement agencies tout it as a game-changer for criminal investigations, but critics call it a breach of civil liberties. Last week, when Mayor Mike Johnston unilaterally decided to extend Flock’s contract with the city, 

hundreds of residents packed a town hall meeting

 in protest. So, we sat down with the mayor and asked him to address residents’ concerns directly.

Federal Interference and Immigration Enforcement Concerns

Mayor Johnston tells us that the city has shut down access to Denver’s Flock database to any entity outside the city of Denver, including at the state and federal level. More than that, Johnston says the city has limited the database’s search capacity so even Denver police officers can only make searches related to specific crimes — none of which can be related to immigration.

“Now the only people that can access it are Denver police officers. Those Denver police officers are sworn not to ask someone’s status,” the mayor says. “And if Trump or anyone else comes to [Flock] to subpoena data … they can’t ever give up our data without us,” he adds. If Flock were to violate those terms of the contract? “They’ll pay $100,000 if there’s ever an infraction of any sort.”

Defending an Executive, Unilateral Decision

Despite the fact that City Council previously voted against a Flock contract extension, the mayor went forward with a contract at an amount just under the threshold that would require council approval — a move that looked a lot like an attempt to circumvent City Council.

The mayor rejects that allegation. “If you remember, I was the one that asked the city council to vote down the measure,” he says. After that, he says he asked for time to come up with an alternative. “We've come up with a better system, and now we have a chance to pilot this at no cost, which is entirely what the law allows and requires in Denver. And if there is gonna be a new cost, we will bring it back to council, and they'll have to vote to pass it.”

Reader Ben P. puts it bluntly: “In a city that just had a massive protest around executive power, how are you comfortable with your decision?”

Johnston defended himself against the comparison to President Trump. “I think when you're talking about a president who's weaponizing the Department of Justice, or who's letting Bitcoin CEOs buy their way into pardons, or taking people off the street without due process and disappearing them to El Salvador, those two conversations should never happen in the same sentence.”

We heard lots of questions and comments from listeners who are opposed to the creeping presence of surveillance in Denver in general. We know the mayor has already signed another contract with Flock to provide first-responder drones, so what’s the end game? Will Robocop be patrolling the streets someday soon? What about residents’ privacy?

“We want to be able to use technology to keep the city safe in a way that still protects everyone’s civil liberties,” the mayor explains, with the caveat that there is no expectation of privacy in public spaces. “I think there is a way to do both.”

“Let me give you an example,” he adds, bringing up the fact that many bars and restaurants downtown have installed metal detectors to stop people from bringing in guns. Those precautionary measures still don’t stop someone from leaving a gun in their car and retrieving it when an alcohol-fueled situation escalates. “That does happen, and we can show you the data,” the mayor says. “There are a number of blocks downtown where we have cameras that oversee those lots. And right now, the places that do not have cameras have much higher rates of shootings than those that do.”

“So, I think that's not an indirect relationship,” he says. “We think that makes Denver more safe, not less.”

 on the Vibrant Denver bond, the future of the Denver Pavilions, and more…

Law enforcement agencies tout it as a game-changer for criminal investigations, but critics call it a breach of civil liberties. 

Denver, Explained

What Does the RTD Board Actually Do?

The Colorado Data Center Debate, Explained (And Why You Should Care)

What Is The Colorado Public Utilities Commission? And What Does It Do?

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Mayor Johnston Defends Flock: '[It] Makes Denver More Safe, Not Less'

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