🏜️ Is Denver *really* running out of water?
BY PEYTON GARCIA | @CITYCASTDENVER
Denver’s Running Out Of Water! … Or Is It?
Judging by local headlines, it seems like Metro Denver could be facing a very scary, very parched future…
- Just last week, Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill to incentivize Coloradans to replace their traditional grass lawns with landscaping that requires less water. [CO Politics]
- Aurora City Council is considering an ordinance to ban decorative grass and new golf courses and place caps on the amount of turf you can have in your yard. [Colorado Sun]
- For one hot minute, Douglas County was trying to sketch up plans to siphon water away from San Luis Valley. [Denver Post]
- Not to mention this doom-inducing headline — “Colorado’s water future could look more like Arizona’s” — that circulated the internet this week. [CPR]
So, should we be worried about our water? Today on the podcast, we called up Greg Fisher, manager of Demand Planning and Efficiency for Denver Water to find out. Honestly, his answer surprised us …
“You shouldn’t be worried. I think the West is well conditioned to having dry periods … [Denver water users] historically have done an excellent job responding to that.” — Greg Fisher
P.S. Are you interested in swapping your Kentucky bluegrass lawn for something a little more sustainable? I shared some tips in a recent newsletter to help you get started with the switch!
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More News You Should Know
🍎 Local school leaders think Adams 14 deserves another shot: Last month, the State Board of Education voted to reorganize the Adams 14 school district, stripping it of its autonomy and accreditation. But now, a dozen superintendents from neighboring metro Denver districts are asking the board to rescind that decision. [CPR]
✈️ White House poised to poach DIA CEO: Late last week, the Seattle Times shared an unconfirmed report that the White House is poised to nominate DIA CEO Phil Washington as head of the Federal Aviation Administration. Mayor Hancock fought hard to get Washington to DIA last year. Now, if rumors prove true, he could be out after just barely a year on the job. [Denver Post]
🐉 Green Dragon employees successfully unionize: Last Thursday, employees at Green Dragon grow house elected to unionize in a 14-11 vote. Back in April, some employees took to local media to expose poor working conditions and union-busting tactics from their employer. [Denverite]
🚧 Six months of construction coming to Federal Blvd: CDOT has announced a $5 million project to build new ADA-compliant curb ramps and lay new asphalt on a stretch of Federal Boulevard from Colfax Avenue to I-70. Construction will likely begin next week and last through November. [CDOT]
Sponsored by Denver Film
Film on the Rocks is Back!
The summer series featuring live performances and beloved films under the stars returns to Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. The season begins Monday, June 13, with “Thor: Ragnarok” and continues through Monday, August 15, with Academy Award-winner “Dune.” Other titles include “The Sandlot”; “The Greatest Showman”; and 2022 Academy Award-winner “Summer of Soul (… Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised).” Tickets are on sale at denverfilm.org.
Be A Better Denverite
🇺🇦 Continue to support Ukraine aid efforts: As the Russia-Ukraine conflict wages on, Ukrainians still need support. You can stay involved through events and initiatives from the local nonprofit, Ukraine Aid Fund.
🫂 Become a mentor: Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Colorado is looking for more people to sign up to be mentors for local youth. Learn more in this recent profile on the program from Denverite.
👩🍳 Support Denver’s women in recovery: Women’s Bean Project, a nonprofit that offers employment opportunities for women struggling to find work, is doubling its space and its impact with a new location in Athmar Park. Find out how to get involved with the WBP here.