Big Ideas for How Mike Johnston Can Bring Denver's Mojo Back
Mike Johnston will be sworn in as Denver’s 46th mayor on Monday, and he’s already making moves. He hired a transition team and packed his calendar with community listening sessions. But will he roll out his “micro-communities” plan for homelessness that he campaigned so hard on? What about handling the perceptions and realities of public safety that Denver has been struggling with? And our most pressing issue: Can Mike make downtown cool again? Host Bree Davies is joined by producer Paul Karolyi and returning fave, Westword editor Patty Calhoun, to talk through this week’s cover story on how Denver’s new belt buckle-wearing mayor could really help Denver get its mojo back.
Patty mentioned Kyle Harris’s reporting for Denverite on the status of the permit for the Park Hill Golf Course, the Museum of Illusions coming to 16th St. Mall, and 9News’ recent reporting on 911 wait times.
Patty also talked about Stephen Brackett’s idea to start a city office of a “night mayor.” He was on our show sharing more of his ideas to turn around Denver’s nightlife back in April.
Where do you think Taylor Swift will be spotted around town this weekend? She’s playing two sold out shows at Empower Field, but she’ll probably see some sights, right? Call in to the Denver Era Hotline, text or leave us a voicemail with your name, neighborhood and best guess for where to spot T Swift, and you might hear it on the show: (720) 500-5418
For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866
Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver
Or instagram: @citycastdenver
Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Your Guide to August 2026 in Denver
We’re in the thick of the summer season! There’s no end to the high temps in sight, so how do you stay cool and keep your sanity? Green c...

Are Denver’s Neglected Buildings Being Exploited for Profit?
You know that busted old, abandoned home down the block? City officials revamped the regulations around these neglected properties last y...

The Data Center Being Built in Elyria-Swansea is Getting Loud
The CoreSite data center in Elyria-Swansea is nearly complete, and some skeptical neighbors are already starting to see their concerns ma...

Is Utah Luring One of Denver's Biggest Companies? Plus, a Huge City Council Shake-Up and the Science of 4AM Bars
Denverites will vote in both a special election in November and municipal election in April as at-large councilmember Sarah Parady steps...

City Cast vs. Denverite: Who Knows Colfax Best?
Colfax Avenue is undoubtedly one of Denver’s most infamous and storied streets. It’s got so much gritty charm that it’s practically a rit...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: The Trick to Getting People To Volunteer — Presented By City Cast Denver
It’s not a given that every Denverite will chip in to help their community. In this episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with writer...

How Denver Chefs Are Changing Our Mexican Food Scene
For a long time, Mexican food in Denver was seen as an unchangeable, untouchable cuisine. While Den-Mex is still king, local chefs are br...

Are Mayor Mike’s Big New Promises Enough to Win Him Reelection? Plus, Coloradans Think This Place is Pretty OK!
On Tuesday night, Mayor Mike Johnston delivered his annual State of the City address, which included a pilot program for universal childc...

Is the Front Range Train Actually Happening? Plus, Denver's Water Fails and Our Water World Speedo Mystery
Denverites can’t seem to stop watering their lawns. Amid a drought, Denver Water says they’ve asked customers to cut water usage by 20%,...

Inside the Shooting at Aurora's Immigration Detention Facility. Plus, Gov. Polis vs. Socialism
Gov. Jared Polis popped up on both CNN and Fox News this weekend to talk about his unfavorable view of socialism. In the wake of democrat...

