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6d ago

Denver Mayor Sends Final Proposed 2026 Budget to Council, Uses One-Time ARPA Interest as Election Funding Rift Persists

The plan accepts 11 council recommendations using one-time ARPA interest to navigate a projected $200 million shortfall.

Mayor Mike Johnston released the proposed 2026 budget for the City and County of Denver at a press conference in the Parr Widener Community Room at City and County Building in Denver on Sept. 15, 2025. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
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Overview

  • Mayor Mike Johnston added $800,000 for the Clerk and Recorder’s expected postage, paper and printing costs, while Clerk Paul López says his office remains $2.7 million short for two elections and warns of possible closures of vote centers and drop boxes.
  • The revised proposal draws nearly $4 million from interest on federal ARPA dollars to fund targeted restorations and additions that the administration says cannot support recurring costs.
  • Funding increases include $2.9 million for the Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance program in 2026, an extra $2 million for TRUA in 2025, and $125,000 for the Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund.
  • An administrative parking ticket appeal program will be created in the transportation department with $575,000 so residents can contest citations without going to court.
  • The mayor declined council requests to restore funding for STAR, Denver Day Works, WorkReady Denver, right‑of‑way enforcement and certain crisis response positions, and the council’s next steps include a public hearing on Oct. 27, an amendment deadline on Nov. 3 and a final vote by Nov. 10.