Why the Mayor Is Closing Shelters, a Felon for Governor, and Rats at Larimer Square?
In the context of his proposed budget for 2026, Mayor Mike Johnston has announced plans to shut down two shelters, saving the city $11 million. But that’s still far from enough to cover the $250 million shortfall between 2025 and 2026. The mayor critics are growing in number and intensity, blaming him for mismanagement, so Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins producer Paul Karolyi to talk about who’s to blame for the budget woes and what they have to do with his new policy strategy on homelessness. Plus, a longshot candidate for governor enters the race, and a listener has questions about rats at Larimer Square.
Patty talked about the mayor’s plans for Central Park. Paul mentioned Denverite’s reporting on the city’s budget woes.
Get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor! You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm
What do you think about the mayor’s new direction on homelessness? 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
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 September 30th episode:
- Wise
- Window Nation
- Multipass
- Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more
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
Is Childcare About to Get Cheaper? Plus, Local Venue Workers Unionize and What If Nightclubs Were Open Until 4 A.M.?
Parents and daycare providers have been sounding the alarm that childcare in Denver is expensive, hard to find, or hard to provide. This...
Would You Take the Bus to DIA? Plus, Long Lines at Water World and Colorado’s Road Rage Problem
Widening Peña Boulevard is still very much on the table, but DIA officials have recently agreed to explore options beyond just making mor...
Did the Media Give Sen. Hickenlooper a Pass? Plus, Turnover at Denver Central Market and GOP Voters Choose Victor Marx
Victor Marx is officially the Colorado Republican nominee for governor. The former marine who claims he’s performed exorcisms is now task...
Denver’s Best Burgers, a Jazzy New Wine Bar, and MAKFam’s Anticipated Expansion
Is a burger really a burger without cheese? Can a traditional patty compare to a smash patty? Does a burger taste better when it comes ou...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Does Denver Have a ‘Perfect’ Airport? — Presented By City Cast Denver
There’s lots to love about Denver, but being able to get in and out of it easily and cheaply can be an underrated metric of its livabilit...
RIP FirstBank, DPS’s Superintendent Wants Out, and What’s Up With the DMV?
Goodbye, FirstBank! While PNC promised a smooth transition after it acquired the legacy “Colorado bank for you” for $4.1 billion, many cu...
Can Mayor Mike Claim a Win on Homelessness? Plus, Same-y Farmers Markets and McDonald's Fried Apple Pie
Did Denver really figure out how to solve homelessness? British news magazine The Economist recently touted Mayor Mike Johnston’s long-te...
City-Backed Theater Evicted, Casa Bonita Performers Allege Sexual Harassment, and LeBron to the Nuggets?
Since voting to unionize back in November of 2024, Casa Bonita performers have gone to the table 14 times to negotiate wages, security is...
What Cheap Parking Downtown Really Costs. Plus, Can BRT Be ‘Better’ on Colorado Boulevard?
Is the city’s new $5 downtown parking program worth it to Denverites? After Mayor Mike Johnston came on the show last week to talk up his...
A Phone Call With Former Sen. Gary Hart on How Politics Changed Forever
Two years ago, City Cast Denver producer Paul Karolyi interviewed a bona fide Colorado legend – two-term former Senator Gary Hart. He was...