DENVER (KDVR) — About $200 million: That is how much money the city of Denver needed to make up for in the 2026 budget before widespread layoffs last month.
“It already feels like the stuff that’s important isn’t getting funded. So, that makes me wonder, yeah, what stuff is getting shafted,” Denver resident Christian Greene said.
An announcement last month came down from the mayor’s office that 928 would be eliminated. Of those, 171 came from layoffs, and the others were vacant positions. The city made about $100 million in cuts to its budget for next year.
But at a city council meeting, an agreement was reached between the Denver Police Protective Association and the city that increases police pay for the next three years. The mayor’s office issued a statement:
“The Denver police department continues to develop and deliver on proven strategies that reduce crime, build community, and make our city a more vibrant place to live. Public safety is Mayor Johnston’s top priority, and he is proud to provide fair and negotiated salaries to our city’s police force as part of the department’s overall strategy to attract and retain great officers.”
The mayor’s office says these changes to officers’ pay are key to the future of the city. Those around Denver would like to see the money go elsewhere.
“More infrastructure for the city, you know, mental health services, more opportunities for, you know, low-income housing, helping the homeless, stuff like that,” Greene said.
Others say they want the money to go to those impacted by the city’s layoffs.
“They should give it back to the city cuz the city just put everybody on furlough and that will help everybody that was displaced on their jobs to keep continuing their lifestyle,” said another Denver resident.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
