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Axios Denver
Denver homicides fall, but still exceed pre-pandemic times
Denver's homicide rate dipped in the first half of 2024 versus the same period last year, but still stands well above pre-pandemic levels, per a new report from the Council on Criminal Justice.Why it matters: The city is still experiencing disturbingly high levels of deadly violence, despite multiple mayors deploying numerous efforts to crack down on crime.The big picture: The study, released Thursday, analyzed 39 U.S. cities using crime data obtained from online portals of city police departments that provided monthly incident-level figures between January 2018 and June 2024.For 29 cities in which homicide data was available, rates were down...
Mayor Mike Johnston's tax plan suffers major blow from City Council
The Denver City Council dealt Mayor Mike Johnston's proposal to hike taxes to fund affordable housing a significant blow on Wednesday.The big picture: A council committee postponed moving the measure forward in order to obtain more details about how Johnston's plan to generate $100 million annually by raising the sales tax will actually work.The plan, introduced earlier this month, would provide money to finance, build and maintain rental and for-sale homes, as well as fund services to help people keep their housing.Why it matters: The decision to wait is a swift and public rebuke of Johnston's latest attempt to rush...
City officials are exploring whether Wynkoop should ditch cars
The future of a historic corridor in downtown Denver may feature fewer cars.The big picture: The city's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure wants to determine whether there are different ways to use a strip of Wynkoop Street roughly between 14th Avenue and 19th Street in LoDo.That area typically draws high foot traffic. Dotted with restaurants, bars and storefronts, the corridor includes landmarks like Denver Union Station, McGregor Square and Wynkoop Brewing Company.Why it matters: The shift could discourage vehicular use and reimagine a city built for cars as a more walkable urban environment.State of play: The study, first reported by...
Olympic spotlight: Highland's Ranch rower Jessica Thoennes seeks first medal
Two seconds is all that separated Jessica Thoennes from Olympic glory three years ago.Zoom in: Thoennes, a rower from Highlands Ranch, took fourth place in the U.S. women's eight-person rowing team in the pandemic-delayed 2020 Tokyo Games, missing out on a bronze by a pair of seconds.Now, Thoennes joins Azja Czajkowski, who's making her Olympic debut in Paris, for another shot at a podium finish — this time for the U.S. women's pair team.The intrigue: Thoennes, who attended Mountain Vista High School, hadn't rowed before walking on to the team at the University of Washington.What they're saying: "I've always been scrappy. I've never been the No. 1 … I'm a bit of a stubborn creature and I just keep working at things," Thoennes told the Highlands Ranch Herald about her work ethic, which she credits with getting her to the Olympics.What's next: Women's pair rowing begins Sunday.Sign up for Axios newsletters for free.
Reviewing Mayor Johnston's most ambitious campaign promises after his first year
Mayor Mike Johnston's goals for the city run the gamut from ending homelessness to reviving a struggling downtown.What he's saying: Johnston graded himself a B+ (89%) in his first year in office, he told us during an interview last week."I think we've made some really dramatic impacts on the most important issues, like homelessness and public safety ... but there's a lot left to do," he said.The big picture: As Johnston completes year one, we wanted to see how he's progressing on his grand vision for Denver.⚠️ Solving homelessnessThe mayor made good on his plan to bring 1,000 people indoors...
A peek at Denver Mayor Mike Johnston's signature style
Cowboy couture. Western chic. Working-man inspired.State of fashion: Whatever you call it, there's no denying Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has quickly coined a trademark style.It comes in the form of cowboy boots, Denver-themed belt buckles and a wool-lined corduroy Wrangler jacket, which he even wore when meeting the president.Why it matters: From Taylor Swift's red lipstick to Gov. Jared Polis' blue sneakers, sticking to a signature look is key to building a brand and making a lasting impression. And for Johnston, it's also a way to reflect regional pride.Zoom in: Here's a peek at Johnston's go-to fashion statements. Johnston greets President Biden at Denver International Airport last November in his signature Wrangler jacket. Photo: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images One of Johnston's most flashy fashion accessories is this belt buckle featuring the City of Denver logo. Screenshot via Johnston's X account Johnston's cowboy boots, which he paired with American flag socks this year on July Fourth. Photo: Courtesy of Johnston's Instagram account😅 My thought bubble: My personal favorite was when he dressed up last Halloween as his dad in the '70s. That red suit is something.Sign up for Axios Denver for free.
Mayors of Denve and Boulder officially endorse Harris' presidential bid
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston joined almost 300 Democratic mayors on Monday in endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential bid.The big picture: The city leaders from across the country shared their support in a statement issued by the Democratic Mayors Association, a group comprised of mayors from cities with 30,000 or more residents. Why it matters: The statement represents a unified coalition on the local level as more and more Democrats rally behind Harris after President Biden dropped his 2024 bid on Sunday. Zoom in: Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett also signed onto the statement, along with former Denver mayors Michael Hancock and Wellington Webb. What they're saying: "As Mayors, we are the closest to the people and understand better than most that too much is at stake for our communities to endure another Donald Trump presidency," the statement reads. The mayors said they're "confident" progress made under Biden will continue with Harris.Go deeper: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis says he's open to being Harris' running mateSign up for Axios Denver for free.
Mayor Johnston: Denver's housed more people faster per capita than any U.S. city
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston delivered his inaugural State of the City address on Monday at the Paramount Theatre, highlighting his first-year accomplishments and what's to come.Why it matters: The speech presented the first-time mayor a chance to tout his progress, solidify his agenda and set the tone for the remainder of his four-year term.The big picture: In his nearly 30-minute speech, Johnston focused on efforts to curb homelessness, combat crime, revive downtown and address the migrant crisis.He also doubled down on his pitch to raise sales taxes for affordable housing.Between the lines: It was a platitude-heavy speech, even as far...
How to protect your data privacy online
Colorado law requires websites to inform visitors if they collect personal data and let visitors see what's collected.The big picture: Now, it also mandates that companies allow customers to opt out of their data being sold or used for targeted advertising.Why it matters: The latest provision, which took effect July 1, is part of the Colorado Privacy Act approved in 2021 with the goal of making online data collection more transparent for users. And it applies to all websites that attract Colorado visitors.What they're saying: "It's like wearing a T-shirt that says, 'Don't hug me,' and walking around the public...
Two Denver brothers looking to find their sibling love go viral
Two Denver brothers recently went viral for launching a "Find Chris Love" campaign behind their brother's back, including renting billboards and starting a website and social media accounts.The big picture: The brothers, Henry and Jamie Cooke, were featured on "Good Morning America" and ABC News for their matchmaking moves.What he's saying: "I'm in, like, a state of disbelief," Chris Cooke said in an Instagram video after he learned of his brothers' efforts. "I have gotten a few really solid matches … I couldn't be happier with everything that my brothers have done."How it worked: The Cooke brothers gave themselves 30...
Olympic spotlight: Colorado trio leads the USWNT
A cohort of Colorado women will lead the U.S. women's soccer team in Paris with a unified goal: Returning the gold medal to American soil.The big picture: The team begins its 2024 Olympic campaign on Thursday against Zambia, which is making its second overall appearance in the games.Meanwhile, the USWNT is one of two teams that have appeared in all eight editions of the tournament (the other is Brazil) since the sport debuted at the Olympics in 1996.State of play: Lindsey Horan (Golden) is captain, while Mallory Swanson (Highlands Ranch) and Sophia Smith (Windsor) will serve as the primary attacking...
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, other local Dems, line up behind Kamala Harris
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis quashed rumors of his own presidential bid Sunday evening by endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris hours after President Biden's decision to drop out. Why it matters: The popular two-term governor had been one of a handful of Democrats whose name has been floated in the media to replace Biden at the top of the ticket.Yes, but: In the hours since Biden's bombshell announcement, Democratic leaders nationwide have begun closing ranks around Harris' candidacy. State of play: Polis said Sunday evening he's "thrilled" to support Harris, who has been viewed as the obvious successor and secured Biden's...
Meet the Colorado athletes at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris
Colorado is sending more than two dozen athletes to the Summer Olympic Games in Paris that start this week.By the numbers: The roughly 28 athletes who call the Centennial State home will compete in 12 sports and 28 disciplines, according to the official roster of 592 athletes from the Colorado Springs-based U.S. Olympic Committee.The sports range from women's 100m breaststroke and pairs rowing to equestrian dressage and golf.What we're watching: Colorado athletes are poised to win big as they defend titles from the Tokyo Games three years ago.The women's soccer team features three Colorado players — Lindsey Horan, Mallory Swanson...
Denverites can cool off like cowboys this summer
A galvanized steel trough could be the coolest way to beat the summer heat.Why it matters: Typically meant to store water for horses and cattle, stock tanks are making a splash across the U.S. as backyard pools.This comes at a time when demand for in-ground pools — which cost between $28,000 and $66,500 on average — takes a dive.The big picture: Cowboy Pools, which ships stock tank pools starting at $3,450 nationwide, reports pool sales are up roughly 30% year-over-year.Amanda Shaftel, co-founder of Cowboy Pools, says some Denverites have already jumped on the trend, and the stock tank pool company...
Denverites can cool off like cowboys this summer
A galvanized steel trough could be the coolest way to beat the summer heat.Why it matters: Typically meant to store water for horses and cattle, stock tanks are making a splash across the U.S. as backyard pools.This comes at a time when demand for in-ground pools — which cost between $28,000 and $66,500 on average — takes a dive.The big picture: Cowboy Pools, which ships stock tank pools starting at $3,450 nationwide, reports pool sales are up roughly 30% year-over-year.Amanda Shaftel, co-founder of Cowboy Pools, says some Denverites have already jumped on the trend, and the stock tank pool company...
Home insurance costs higher in Colorado. Climate change is a factor.
Colorado is the fourth most expensive state for home insurance — a metric that reflects the risk for extreme weather propelled by climate change, a new analysis shows,Why it matters: The cost is just one more barrier to homeownership in Colorado, where property taxes, a hot real estate market and lack of inventory are driving housing prices through the roof.State of play: Homeowners' insurance premiums have spiked 30% to 130% in recent years, the Denver Post reports, while others are finding their existing policies are being canceled because of elevated risks.The increases rank among the nation's highest in part from...
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