City Cast Denver logo
August 12, 2025

Minimum Wage Hike Incoming, City Layoff Rumors, and Will the New Restaurant Help Be Enough?

City Cast Denver

Minimum Wage Hike Incoming, City Layoff Rumors, and Will the New Restaurant Help Be Enough?

00:00:00
View all City Cast Denver episodes

Mayor Mike Johnston is set to announce which and how many city employees will be laid off in less than a week, and rumors are swirling! Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins producer Paul Karolyi to speculate about the impacts. Plus, the city’s economic development office just revealed how much the minimum wage will be going up in January, and the city is rolling out a new plan to “support and advance” local restaurants. Will it be enough? Or will we see another push to lower the tipped minimum wage? Plus, Patty responds to listener comments about parking downtown. 

We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/surveyit’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag.

Paul discussed Benzina’s instagram account, CBS Colorado’s coverage of Denver’s new city attorney, the Denver Post’s reporting on Jevon Taylor’s big plan for a new Green Spaces on 16th St., this CPR interview with Mayor Johnston and this Denver Gazette report on the bill for the lawyer he hired to help out with the “sanctuary cities” congressional hearing. 

What do you think about the minimum wage going up? 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

If you enjoyed this interview with Kelsey Simpkins from Regional Air Quality Council, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this August 12th 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
May 15

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 14

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 13

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 12

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 11

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 10

'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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 8

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 7

What Does Denver Taste Like? Debating Our Claims to Food Fame

Little Man Ice Cream just announced plans to start shipping its beloved sweet treats nationwide, inviting the country to get in on Denver...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 6

How to Lure the DNC to Denver. Plus, Why Workers Were Furloughed from a City-Backed Downtown Project

A delegation of higher-ups from the Democratic Party is in town this week evaluating Denver’s bid to host the DNC in 2028, and Mayor Mike...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 5

BRT Construction vs. Small Businesses, Asia Center Redevelopment Updates, and Little Man Goes National

Construction on the Bus Rapid Transit project on Colfax has officially moved into Aurora, and the end is in sight! So, we are looking ahe...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art