City Cast Denver logo
August 20, 2025

Why 171 Layoffs Are Hitting The City So Hard. Plus, AI Data Centers, Salvation Army and More of Denver's Biggest Issues

City Cast Denver

Why 171 Layoffs Are Hitting The City So Hard. Plus, AI Data Centers, Salvation Army and More of Denver's Biggest Issues

00:00:00
View all City Cast Denver episodes

Ever since Mayor Mike Johnston announced a $250 million budget shortfall and the possibility of layoffs, city workers have been nervously preparing for “The Purge” or “The Hunger Games.” We now know that 171 workers are losing their jobs this week and 800 more positions will be eliminated, but we don’t know how that’s going to affect city services. City Council member at-large Sarah Parady joins producer Paul Karolyi to discuss the biggest city layoffs in 15 years. Plus, a bunch of other hot-button issues facing council, from Salvation Army’s cancelled contracts for homeless services to the mayor’s big push for more AI.  

Paul mentioned the New York Times reporting on Uber’s sexual assault data. Sarah talked about the Colorado Drivers Coop and the comic Questionable Content.

What do you think about the way the mayor is handling these layoffs?? 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 August 20th 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
July 22

Is the Front Range Train Actually Happening? Plus, Denver's Water Fails and Our Water World Speedo Mystery

Denverites can’t seem to stop watering their lawns. Amid a drought, Denver Water says they’ve asked customers to cut water usage by 20%,...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 21

Inside the Shooting at Aurora's Immigration Detention Facility. Plus, Gov. Polis vs. Socialism

Gov. Jared Polis popped up on both CNN and Fox News this weekend to talk about his unfavorable view of socialism. In the wake of democrat...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 20

Could Your Next Apartment Be on Colfax Avenue?

Sure, the new BRT line gets all the headlines these days as transit construction dominates Colfax, but this corridor is always changing....

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 19

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Are Chattanoogans ‘Doing It Their Damn Selves’? — Presented By City Cast Denver

Sometimes it can feel like the Denver government is two (or more) steps behind the needs of its neighborhoods. Enter the residents of Cha...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 17

Is This the End of the 16th Street FreeRide? Plus, Another ICE Detention Center and an Influencer Disses Denver

Could the 16th Street shuttle disappear for good? As RTD grapples with a quarter-billion dollar budget shortfall, dozens of light rail li...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 16

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 15

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 14

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 13

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
July 12

‘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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art