All 12 Denver Ballot Measures, Explained
There’s less than two weeks until Election Day, and Denverites have been tasked with deciding a dozen measures and amendments. So if you’re dragging your feet to fill out your ballot, don’t worry — we’re here to help! Last week in front of a sold-out crowd at Town Hall Collaborative, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi were joined by Westword editor-in-chief Patty Calhoun and political consultant Deep Singh Badhesha to discuss the biggest issues facing Mile High voters. From collective bargaining for city employees to the proposed fur ban, we dug into the ballot, made some predictions, and talked about what the outcomes could say about Denver’s future and our priorities.
Paul mentioned our episode with Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne in which she made the case for a “yes” on Ballot Question 2Q, as well as this article from the New York Times by Ted Genoways about undocumented workers in the meat industry. Mayor Mike Johnston was on the show yesterday advocating for Ballot Question 2R, his sales tax hike to fund affordable housing.
For even more election coverage, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter Hey Denver, where editor Peyton Garcia breaks down everything you need to know about how, when, and where to vote!
What do you think about all these ballot questions? We want to hear your hot takes, questions, or last-minute arguments for or against! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418
Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver
Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver
Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/denver
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
- Denver Public Library - RSVP to the grand reopening here
- Denver Art Museum
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
The Unwritten Rules of Surviving and Thriving in Denver
What are the things you need to know to thrive in Denver? You know, like remembering to bring a jacket regardless of the weather – which...

It's Film Fest Season! Plus, Red Rocks Ticket Troubles and Our Concert Recs
Sundance Film Festival’s Colorado debut is just months away, but there are plenty of homegrown film fests happening this fall and winter....

A Local Landmark Melts Away, Ball Arena’s New $135M Lobby, and Vegetarian Hot Dogs
Ball Arena is set to get a $135 million makeover, complete with more escalators and a giant LED screen outside for fans to watch the acti...

A New Owner Bought Park Hill's Most Notorious Strip Mall. Is Gentrification Coming Next?
A grocery store or a bar? This is the question at the center of the future of The Holly, a shopping center in Northeast Park Hill. The ge...

The Spicy Story Behind One of Denver's Most Famous Green Chiles
Green chile is a staple of Colorado cuisine – both the pepper itself and the spicy, soupy stew used to smother everything from burritos a...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks — Presented By City Cast Denver
Would Denver be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in crime and...

Could City Workers Get A Raise? Plus, New Buyers for The Mercury Cafe, and Another Bear Attack
The Mercury Cafe is back! Again! This time around, the buyers are asking the community what they want from this legendary space before mo...

Denver’s Shining Star Chefs, Burrito Haters, and Is Downtown a Convention Destination?
Denver chefs and restaurateurs celebrated this week when both the Michelin Guide announced its 2026 winners and the New York Times droppe...

Young Coloradans Really Dislike AI and More Takeaways From a New Poll
A new poll out this week says Coloradans have strong feelings about AI and data centers, offering an interesting look at how age, politic...

Downtown's Ups and Downs, Liquor License Losers, and Mesa Verde's Massive Repatriation
Thirty-six years after the passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, Mesa Verde National Park is returning m...

