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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

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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.

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