austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Denver

The Denver Broncos officially announced this week that they have chosen the vacant 

 as their preferred location for a new stadium, a massive project that reportedly will be privately funded. So, what does the move mean for the city and its beloved football team? Here’s everything you need to know.

There’s been a national trend of sports teams looking to expand their prospects with entertainment districts surrounding state-of-the-art stadiums, and it sounds like Broncos ownership is no different. Plus, the average lifespan of a sports stadium is only a few decades – Empower Field at Mile High opened in 2001 and while it is less than 30 years old, newer arenas of this size offer retractable roofs, better seating, and other amenities Denver doesn’t currently have.

The West side was once the epicenter of Denver's Chicano Movement and is already in a fight to preserve that history, so a development of this magnitude would have some serious implications. Broncos ownership currently owns around 100 acres in Burnham Yard — considered part of the historic West side as well as being a place of significance in 

 — and is looking to acquire more land for what it hopes to develop into an entertainment district with retail and housing around the new stadium.

As with any growing community, some neighbors are excited at the prospect of new amenities and better walkability, but others say they feel somber and fear 

 to live in the neighborhood. For their part, the Walton-Penner ownership group see themselves as a community partner looking to build their vision with input from folks who already live there. Much like the community-involved negotiations happening at Kroenke Sports & Entertainment’s neighboring redevelopment around Ball Arena, Broncos ownership says it is “fully committed to a strong and inclusive 

There’s a collective sigh of relief that the team plans to stay in Denver. 

 had been rumored as potential relocation options, but the most excited Denverite was perhaps Mayor Mike Johnston, who touted his administration’s efforts to keep the team within Denver proper during his latest State of the City Address.

Mayor Johnston told Denverite that the city would get possession of the 80 acres around Mile High when the team moves, and that 

 to make way for future development like parks and housing.

The short answer: it’s projected for 2031. The team is obviously keen on making it happen, but there are a lot of things that must be done before the new stadium becomes a reality — more on that below.

CU Denver professor of public affairs Dr. Geoff Propheter told us “everyone is just speculating up the wazoo,” adding that the team’s announcement is all about political momentum.

Councilwoman Jamie Torres — whose district includes the proposed stadium site — 

 that City Council would have four key decisions to make in the coming years: an approval of the small area plan for Burnham Yard, rezoning of the land, possible tax incentives for the urban renewal plan, and a development agreement. The team will also have to hash out a community benefits agreement with the current residents of the La Alma Lincoln Park neighborhood.

In the short term, expect a lot of town hall meetings and community engagement. The project has a lot of energy, but it’s nowhere near the goal line.

RE: New Broncos Stadium

What Do You Think About the Broncos Moving? 💬

What You Need to Know About The Broncos Move to Burnham Yard

What Denverites have been wondering. We break down why things in Denver are the way they are and how they work.

Denver, Explained

 to fund sidewalk improvements and property owners will be seeing that fee appear for the first time on this year’s stormwater bills. Curious about the details? We’ve got you covered!

A majority of property owners will pay a flat fee of $150 per year, which is split over biannual stormwater bills. Property owners with more than 230 feet of sidewalk are charged an additional $3.50 for every foot over 230 feet. Every property owner will be charged a fee, regardless of the condition of current sidewalk infrastructure — even if a property currently doesn’t have an existing sidewalk — because the fee covers both repairs and future construction.

You can apply for assistance with covering these fees though 

, which is assessed based on income and household size. If your household is already receiving a rebate for trash fees, you’ll automatically receive the rebate for the sidewalk fee as well.

Curious what your sidewalk fee might be? Use the 

The city is expecting to collect around $40 million per year to go to sidewalk construction and improvements. Earlier this month, City Council 

 for the master plan that will guide the build out of the sidewalk network across the city. The project outlines 300 miles of new sidewalks and improvements to more than 1,200 miles of existing sidewalks, which could take around nine years to complete.

While the master plan is being put together, city officials have said they will begin working on some of the more damaged sidewalk spots, but haven't yet provided more specifics. To 

, like gaps and elevation differences of an inch or more, check out the city’s online portal.

Check here for updates! 

We break down what the fee is and where it's going.

What's The Deal With Denver's New Sidewalk Fee?

 to bring you the 2024 Denver Bike Scavenger Hunt, an eight-week challenge to get to know the Mile High from two wheels!

 newsletter for a new clue to a different Denver destination.

Solve the puzzle, bike to the place, send in a selfie proving you did it to 

, and you’ll be entered into a raffle for a 

🎁 Then, keep playing for your chance to win 

 group tour to your favorites spots in Denver

Sign up to play right now

 You know what to do! Snap a photo of you (and your bike) at the secret location, then email it to 

 from our pool of correct guessers to award the grand prizes!

An eight-week challenge to know the Mile High from two wheels.

The City Cast Denver 2024 Bike Scavenger Hunt

Presenting the 2024 Denver Bike Scavenger Hunt

News and updates about the City Cast Denver podcast and Hey Denver newsletter.

City Cast Denver Announcements

Announcements

 that would facilitate denser construction of apartments and condos near rail lines and high-frequency bus routes in Front Range cities — a top priority for Governor Jared Polis. While the bill offers financial incentives for municipalities that choose to embrace higher density neighborhoods, controversially, it could also 

 highway funding from cities that don’t participate.

 strongly encourage local governments to rezone for more transit-oriented development, also known as TOD, or risk losing funding for other, more car-centric developments. TOD is a hot topic in the legislature — so to better understand the implications of this bill, you first need to understand TOD.

To put it simply, transit-oriented development is when dense housing options (think apartment buildings and condos) are built around public transit in a way that makes using it easy and safe. It’s kind of the opposite of suburban neighborhood building and planning, which focuses on prioritizing cars as the main form of transit.

Just some of the benefits to TOD include easing traffic congestion, reducing carbon output, creating housing options that don’t require residents to own a car, and creating neighborhoods that are more easily accessible to people of all abilities. Basically, TOD centers a pedestrian’s experience in a community, instead of prioritizing cars.

TOD requires cities, public transit agencies, and both public and private developers to work together to create communities that prioritize buses and trains, biking, and walking or rolling as forms of transit. While Denver still has quite a ways to go when it comes to growing as a less car-centric city, there are quite a few TOD projects you can see across the city right now — think the 

 in La Alma Lincoln Park or most of what we know today as the 

🔎 Learn More About HB24-1313

Hear from transit experts on what Denver could do differently when it comes to embracing multiple modes of getting around. 👇

TOD — everyone's talking about it — but what exactly is it? And why do Colorado lawmakers think we need more of it?

What is Transit-Oriented Development?

 tonight through tomorrow morning. Whether you’re new to winter in the Mile High, or you’ve been putting snow chains on your tires all your life, everyone could benefit from a reminder on how to safely navigate Colorado’s icy November roads.

Before bad weather really sets in, give your car a preventative once-over — check your battery health, lights, brakes, wipers, windshield fluid, and tire pressure.

Invest in the right tires — either snow / all-season wheels, or get some 

Check the tread on your tires. AAA spokesperson 

 the quarter test: Put a quarter into the tread of your tire and look for George Washington’s head. If you can see any part of the top of his head, you don’t have enough tread, and you should replace those tires.

Keep your gas tank at least half full to decrease the risk of getting stranded in bad weather.

 in your car in the event you are stranded.

Know your route — look at a map before you start driving to avoid having the extra distraction of your GPS or getting lost.

Maintain steady speeds and keep extra space between yourself and other cars — no matter what type of vehicle you have.

Be extra careful on bridges and underpasses, which tend to be the slickest.

Remove all snow and ice from your windows, hood, and roof before you drive.

If you begin to skid, let off the accelerator and brake, then turn your steering wheel in the direction you want to go.

 sums it up nicely: Drive like you have your grandma in the front seat with a hot pot of chili on her lap.

 Whether you’re new to winter in the Mile High, or you’ve been putting snow chains on your tires all your life, everyone could benefit from a reminder on how to safely navigate Colorado’s icy November roads. 

Tips for Winter Driving in Denver

Life Hacks

Tips and tricks for living your best Denver life, by locals, for locals.

Denver Life Hacks

Forget your four-wheel gas guzzler — electric bicycles are the way of the future! Thanks to the city and the state’s e-bike rebate programs, now is the time to make the switch. Here’s what you need to know.

 to tremendous success last spring. Residents hoping to nab a voucher should set their alarms on application day — slots fill up in mere minutes!

Any Denver resident can qualify for $300-$500 off an e-bike. Low-income residents can qualify for $1,200-$1,400.

Proof of residency, proof of income eligibility (for low-income rebates), and an account at 

The voucher can only be redeemed at select local bike shops (don’t worry, there are plenty of options!). Here is a 

State officials followed Denver’s lead and launched a 

 (the largest in the country!) in August.

Unlike Denver’s program, only low- or moderate-income residents qualify for the state rebate. (

) Qualifying applicants can get $500-$1,100 off their purchase.

At the time of application, all you need is an email address. If you’re selected, you’ll need to provide proof of residency and proof of income eligibility.

 of bike shops where you can redeem your voucher.

You have your voucher — yay! — so now what? Turns out, there are a lot of e-bike options out there: Pedal-assist or full throttle? Hub motor or mid-drive motor? Hydraulic brakes? Removable batteries? Where to start?? Don’t worry, Axios Denver has this 

Judging by Denver’s program, yes. According to 

 earlier this summer, Denver’s program had put nearly 6,000 e-bikes on city streets. Denver’s department of Climate Action, Sustainability, & Resiliency estimated the average e-bike voucher redeemer replaced 3.4 car trips weekly and that e-bikes from Denver’s program “displace 4.1 million vehicle miles, eliminate 1,447 tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year and save Denver residents $1 million in fuel and maintenance costs."

Everything You Need to Know About Colorado's E-Bike Rebates

Does the license plate above look familiar? If so, that’s because it’s the most popular specialty license plate in the state. It honors the victims and survivors of the shooting at Columbine High School in 1999. This type of plate is called a “group special” and according to May Ortega at CPR, 

. I’ve only had the default green Colorado license plate on my cars and motorcycles, so I was curious about how to get one of these specialty editions. If you’re also looking to spice up your vehicle, here is a quick guide to group special license plates.


These plates highlight a particular organization or cause – like the Columbine plate above. It’s important to note that these are different from vanity plates. (If you want a custom message on your license plate, that’s an 

 that includes a rigorous vetting of your word choices.)


Is there a list of Colorado specialty plates?

Yes! There are dozens of options and the DMV’s website has a list that includes information on each specialty plate and sample photos, so you know 

It’s not as simple as checking a box when you order new plates. The DMV page linked above outlines requirements — some require a small donation to a selected organization (like plates for the Colorado Rockies and Denver Nuggets), and some are given only to those who are part of an entity (like the CU Boulder plate or all armed services). If you buy an electric vehicle you can get an EV specialty plate at no extra cost.


What if I want to submit my own specialty plate?

Great news! Certain organizations can submit a request for a group special plate, but you must 

Collect 3,000 signatures from vehicle owners

transportation

What You Need to Know About The Broncos Move to Burnham Yard

What's The Deal With Denver's New Sidewalk Fee?

Presenting the 2024 Denver Bike Scavenger Hunt

Latest articles

What You Need to Know About The Broncos Move to Burnham Yard

What's The Deal With Denver's New Sidewalk Fee?

Presenting the 2024 Denver Bike Scavenger Hunt

What is Transit-Oriented Development?

Tips for Winter Driving in Denver

Everything You Need to Know About Colorado's E-Bike Rebates

A Guide to Specialty License Plates

Latest articles

What is Transit-Oriented Development?

Tips for Winter Driving in Denver

Everything You Need to Know About Colorado's E-Bike Rebates

A Guide to Specialty License Plates