City Cast Denver logo
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

00:00:00
View all City Cast Denver episodes

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.

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 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.


Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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
April 24

Uproar Over Strip Mall Redevelopment, Bucket-List Restaurants, and Surveillance Tech in Schools

News broke this week that the owner of the Asia Center on Federal Boulevard is ⁠planning to demolish⁠ the strip mall and build in its pla...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 23

Who is Really Winning the Scooter Wars? Plus, a 30-Year Incumbent is On the Hot Seat

Is it time to say goodbye to Lime and Bird? Denver City Council is set to vote Monday evening on a new contract with Veo Micromobility to...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 22

REI Union Threatens Boycott, Buzzy Ice Cream Blows Up, and Who Won the Milk-Chugging Contest?

A banner appeared outside REI’s flagship store at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River a few days ago, calling on RE...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 21

Should Coloradans Be Concerned About Our Economy? Plus, a New Vision for the Pavilions

A delegation of hotshot urban planning consultants was downtown last week to examine the newly city-owned Denver Pavilions mall on 16th S...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 20

When Water Will Return to Huston Lake, Downtown's Literal New Fabric, and a 'Peyton Manning-Inspired' Restaurant

What’s really going on with the water source that is supposed to fill Huston Lake? Is it legal to ⁠hunt beavers in Colorado⁠? Will Peyton...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 19

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Denver

Could public financing get more Denverites involved in local elections? For the last decade, the City of Seattle has issued $100 in vouch...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 17

How the Pearl Fell Apart, An Affordable Housing Beef, and Live Nation Ruling Local Reax

One week ago, Denverites crowdfunded $83,000 to save our city’s last lesbian bar. Today, there’s a lock on the door, The Pearl’s instagra...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 16

Deep Lore Behind Idaho Springs’ New Gondola, Another Downtown Closure, and Wacky Weather Wardrobe Essentials

After being in business since the 1980s, Moda Man is closing the doors of its downtown menswear shop. Was the pandemic to blame? Or a los...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 15

Local TV News vs. Instagram Influencers, Avs/Nuggs Playoff Stories to Watch, and Would You Eat a Beaver?

Denver’s local TV news scene is on the precipice of a big shake-up, with Fox31’s parent company Nexstar poised to acquire 9News’ parent c...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
April 14

Can 80k Save Denver's Last Lesbian Bar? Plus, Denver's Big Pitch for the DNC and 'Third Space' Overload

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston was in New Orleans last week along with someone dressed up like the Big Blue Bear to help make the case that t...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art