Two Mayor Mikes. Two Wildly Different Approaches to Homelessness.
The Denver metro area has two mayors named Mike who have made homelessness a top priority. Johnston, the Denver liberal, has pursued a “housing first” strategy as he attempts to end unsheltered homelessness in our city, but recently he’s been branching out, including a proposal for $11 million to fund a new street ambassador program. Coffman, the Aurora conservative, just opened a new shelter with a support model that features a twist on his “work first” approach. Denverite’s Kyle Harris has reported on both, and he’s on today with host Bree Davies to compare and contrast.
Be sure to grab a ticket to our first-ever The Denver-est Denver Awards, presented by our friends at Denver Health! You’re cordially invited to attend a fancy holiday party slash formal awards show celebrating the very best of Denver on Dec. 18 at The Oriental Theater. City Cast Denver Neighbors will have received a discount code in the inbox, but everyone can buy tickets now! And we need your help picking the winners, too! Nominate your faves in our six big categories!
What do you think about the two Mayor Mikes and their divergent strategies? 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 November 24th episode:
- Blue Sky CBD - Use promo code CITY CAST DENVER to receive 30% off.
- AEG presents upcoming concerts at Red Rocks
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
Cool Down With Denver’s Best Ice Cold Treats
‘Tis the season for sweet and icy treats! From a classic mangonada to innovative ice cream nachos, we’ve rounded up a list of great local...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Denver
Do you know how zoning laws affect Denver’s housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

‘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...

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...

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...

