Why the Mayor Is Closing Shelters, a Felon for Governor, and Rats at Larimer Square?
In the context of his proposed budget for 2026, Mayor Mike Johnston has announced plans to shut down two shelters, saving the city $11 million. But that’s still far from enough to cover the $250 million shortfall between 2025 and 2026. The mayor critics are growing in number and intensity, blaming him for mismanagement, so Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins producer Paul Karolyi to talk about who’s to blame for the budget woes and what they have to do with his new policy strategy on homelessness. Plus, a longshot candidate for governor enters the race, and a listener has questions about rats at Larimer Square.
Patty talked about the mayor’s plans for Central Park. Paul mentioned Denverite’s reporting on the city’s budget woes.
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