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April 22, 2025

Will $800M in Debt Make Denver More 'Vibrant'? Plus, RTD Scofflaws and Divided Liberals

City Cast Denver

Will $800M in Debt Make Denver More 'Vibrant'? Plus, RTD Scofflaws and Divided Liberals

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Mayor Mike Johnston just finished touring Denver’s neighborhoods pitching his next big proposal to voters: An $800 million bond. Nearly 6,000 people have responded to the city’s survey asking for specific ideas and priorities, but not everyone is excited about the city taking on all that new debt. So will voters go for a third huge bond in 8 years? Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are digging into the Vibrant Denver bond roadshow — plus, listener questions and comments on what’s dividing local liberals and RTD scofflaws. 

It’s time for our spring membership campaign! Get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm 

Paul quoted Nate Minor’s 2020 article about RTD fare-evaders, shared from this Denver Post article about the Vibrant Denver bond, discussed the results of the survey the mayor’s office did on how Denverites would want to see that $800 million spent, and mentioned Greeley’s new arena-centric entertainment district project. There’s also a breakdown of the 2017 bond that voters passed and where that money has been spent so far. 

What do you think about how RTD charges for fares? 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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Learn more about the sponsors of this April 22nd episode:

  • PineMelon - Use code CITYCAST for 75% off!
  • Denver Art Museum
  • Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST
  • Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
  • Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more.


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