City Cast Denver logo
August 20, 2025

Why 171 Layoffs Are Hitting The City So Hard. Plus, AI Data Centers, Salvation Army and More of Denver's Biggest Issues

City Cast Denver

Why 171 Layoffs Are Hitting The City So Hard. Plus, AI Data Centers, Salvation Army and More of Denver's Biggest Issues

00:00:00
View all City Cast Denver episodes

Ever since Mayor Mike Johnston announced a $250 million budget shortfall and the possibility of layoffs, city workers have been nervously preparing for “The Purge” or “The Hunger Games.” We now know that 171 workers are losing their jobs this week and 800 more positions will be eliminated, but we don’t know how that’s going to affect city services. City Council member at-large Sarah Parady joins producer Paul Karolyi to discuss the biggest city layoffs in 15 years. Plus, a bunch of other hot-button issues facing council, from Salvation Army’s cancelled contracts for homeless services to the mayor’s big push for more AI.  

Paul mentioned the New York Times reporting on Uber’s sexual assault data. Sarah talked about the Colorado Drivers Coop and the comic Questionable Content.

What do you think about the way the mayor is handling these layoffs?? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, 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 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

Learn more about the sponsors of this August 20th 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

Hey Denver

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
July 31

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 30

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 29

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 28

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 Denver podcast episode art
July 27

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 26

‘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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 24

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 23

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 22

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%,...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 21

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art