Xcel Takes on Data Centers, RTD's Big Shakeup, and Former Mayor Hancock: Real Estate Mogul?
There was a huge shakeup at Denver’s transit provider RTD yesterday as CEO and GM Debra Johnson declined to renew her contract, effectively ending her leadership of the agency after leading it through the pandemic, some costly light rail maintenance projects, and a recent decline in ridership. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi discuss the breaking news before Chandra Thomas Whitfield, a host of Colorado Matters on CPR, joins to talk about Xcel’s latest proposal for data centers and what former mayor Michael Hancock has been up to since he left office in 2023.
Today is Local News Day! That means it’s a perfect time to sign up for membership to support City Cast Denver. Help make sure we can keep covering the local stories that matter to you – and get great perks! Sign up now at membership.citycast.fm.
Bree also discussed our recent coverage of the turmoil at RTD:
- Paul’s interview with Debra Johnson
- Paul’s conversation about the RTD board reform proposal
- Our Friday show with RTD director Chris Nicholson
Paul mentioned a statement RTD shared in response to an interview request for Debra Johnston from RTD Board Chair Patrick O’Keefe:
"On behalf of RTD’s Board of Directors, I want to express our appreciation to Debra for her continued dedication and service to the agency, its employees, and our customers. For more than five years, she has diligently led RTD, and the Board looks forward to her continued leadership in the coming year. Debra has agreed to work closely with the Board to ensure there’s a smooth transition after the conclusion of her contract in May 2027.
Under her leadership as the General Manager and CEO, RTD has significantly improved personal safety and security, addressed a backlog of maintenance, mitigated workforce vacancy concerns, and implemented several across-the-board customer experience initiatives. The agency is in a much better place because of her dedication, and RTD’s solid foundation she created, including a strong and capable Leadership Team, will support the agency’s ongoing successes."
For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter 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
What do you think about Debra Johnson leaving RTD? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Your Guide to All 8 Colorado Congressional Races (Part 2)
We’re back with part two of our conversation covering all the congressional races happening across Colorado — Republican strategist Kelly...
Your Guide to All 8 Colorado Congressional Races (Part 1)
What role will Colorado play if the anticipated “blue wave” overtakes this election? It depends on which congressional district you’re lo...
BRT Coming Soon to Federal Boulevard, Small Businesses and Amendment 87, and Tina Peters Free and on TV
After years of construction, the new bus rapid transit lane is finally open on one stretch of East Colfax, creating dedicated space for t...
Is Amendment 82 Coming for Your Gas Stove? Plus, the Biggest Halloween Fan We Know
Should your right to use natural gas — and for Xcel Energy to sell it — be put into the state’s constitution? Amendment 82 is asking vote...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Is Chicago More Prepared for Climate Change Than Every Other City? — Presented By City Cast Denver
How prepared is Denver to deal with the effects of climate change? In a recent report, Chicago was ranked as the most climate resilient c...
Your Guide to Denver Ballot Measures! Plus, Rats at the Movies and Blucifer's Second Rodeo
Is your ballot still sitting on the kitchen table, staring at you? Fear not! We’re here to help. Today, Denver Post city government repor...
Your Guide to Colorado’s 2026 Statewide Ballot Issues
This year the state printed its largest ballot information guide ever! That means voters are weighing in on a lot of issues – everything...
Republicans for Weiser, Colorado and the Blue Wave, and the Evans-Rutinel Showdown
President Donald Trump’s approval rating is at record low, and there are close elections happening across the country this November – cou...
Is Colorado About to Hike Taxes on the Rich? Your Guide to 87, 136 and Prop. NN
Colorado’s midterm election ballots are packed with big decisions for voters, including two competing taxation measures. Dr. Paul Teske,...
How the Broncos Are Buying Up Land for a New Stadium
Ever since Mayor Mike Johnston was inaugurated in 2023, he’s made a priority of both keeping the Broncos in Denver, but also working with...