Was Mayor Mike ‘Factually Incorrect’? Plus, Michael Bennet vs. Dark Money
There’s only a week left until Election Day! So we’re digging into all the latest election news and gossip as millions and millions of dollars are flooding the local airwaves with campaign ads. First, political insiders are saying that that the polls on Proposition 131 (aka, open primaries and ranked choice voting) are tightening, despite all the backers’ endorsements and fundraising. Then, was Mayor Mike Johnston “factually incorrect” when we asked him about the sales tax hike he put in front of Denver voters to fund affordable housing? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking politics, checking some facts, and fielding some listener questions and hot takes on the local races.
Sen. Michael Bennet laid out his case against open primaries and ranked choice voting. For more, Paul interviewed Kent Thiry and Amber McReynolds to better understand their case for the proposed reforms, as well as State Rep. Emily Sirota about why she’s so firmly against them.
How are you planning to vote on Prop 131? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418
Don’t miss our interview with Mayor Mike Johnston from last week! In addition to discussing his sales tax hike proposal in detail, he also talked to us about restaurants and the tipped minimum wage conundrum, cracking down on traffic violations, and his excitement for KroenkeTown. Bree also mentioned her conversation with former city councilwoman Robin Kniech about how Johnston’s proposal fits into the city’s recent history on affordable housing.
If you enjoyed the interview with Matthew Campbell, Artistic Director of the Denver Film Festival, learn more here.
For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.
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 October 29th episode:
- Denver Heath
- Denver Public Library - RSVP to the grand reopening here
- Denver Film - Get your tickets to Denver Film Fest here!
- BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST
- New Era Colorado
- PineMelon - Use promo code CITYCASTDENVER for $35 off your first delivery
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
What’s Tipping the Scale on Colorado’s Population?
After decades of super-charged economic and population growth, Colorado is at a turning point. So, is this state growing or shrinking? An...

Is Mayor Mike Coming for Mutual Aid Mondays? Plus, the Unhoused Woman Dividing Wash Park
Mayor Johnston promised to solve unsheltered homelessness in his first term – nearly three years into it, there are still questions about...

'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Denver
Would Denver be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more tha...

Was DIA Negligent in Plane Collision? Plus, the Oatmeal Creme Pie Bandit and Are You a Real Denverite?
It’s been exactly one week since a man named Michael Mott jumped over the 8-foot security fence around Denver International Airport and d...

Is Good Food Enough for a Denver Restaurant to Thrive?
Between Michelin stars and James Beard Awards, it’s safe to say that Denver has secured its place in the food world. But, a lot more goes...

Is Denver Constantly Watching You? Plus, Unvaxxed Singles and Bike Riders: Make Your Voices Heard!
Flock cameras have been dominating Denver’s recent conversations about surveillance technology, but since 2008 the city has been watching...

AI Talks End in ‘Near-Total Rewrite,’ Trump vs. Denver’s Assault Weapons Ban, and New Scooter Problems
The 2026 Colorado legislative session is in its final week, so we’re looking into the hot-button issue of AI, which continues to divide D...

After the Bandstand Fire, the Key to City Park’s Future Lies in the Past
After City Park’s iconic bandstand was damaged beyond repair in an overnight fire in late March, the park’s neighbors and city leaders ha...

'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Denver
Denverites, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number o...

Big Money in the Governor's Race, Sexual Assault Bill Breaks Through, and Gym Sued for Grunting Noises
New fundraising totals for the governor’s race show Attorney General Phil Weiser’s campaign in the lead over Senator Michael Bennet’s, bu...

