Mayor Johnston vetoes bill expanding needle exchange programs
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Mayor Mike Johnston in Denver on Dec. 19, 2024. Photo: Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston on Tuesday vetoed a bill passed by the Denver City Council one day prior to expand the city's needle exchange programs, per a statement from his office.
The big picture: The measure would have eliminated a cap on the number of syringe access programs in the city and removed a 1,000-foot restriction from schools and daycares.
Why it matters: It's the second time Johnston has issued a veto, one of the most powerful tools available to him as the city's chief executive, since taking office in July 2023.
State of play: Council passed the bill 8-5 on Monday — a margin that would not be enough to override the mayor's decision if council considered reversing his veto.
Context: In his veto letter to city council, Johnston called the bill, "the wrong solution at the wrong time." He said he wants to connect people using needle exchange programs to more substance use services.
- His two main concerns were that the measure would allow for "an unlimited number" of needle exchanges in the city and there was "no reason" to eliminate the setback from schools and daycares. He noted in his veto letter there is "no shortage" of sites available to these programs.
Between the lines: The move is a major blow to the council's progressive bloc, backed by local harm reduction advocates.
- Supporters of the bill framed it as a way to help expand programs that can help reduce fatal drug overdoses and connect more people to addiction treatment.
- Opponents raised concerns about safety and the sites' proximity to children.
What they're saying: "I'm disappointed by the Mayor's choice to keep this antiquated ordinance on the books," Councilmember Sarah Parady said in a statement to Axios on Tuesday.
- The decision will leave the city without the ability to add more sites to dispose of dirty needles and "chokes off" an opportunity to build on programs that can lead to addiction treatment, she said.
Zoom out: The mayor cited his Road to Recovery program, which helps divert people away from the criminal justice system and into addiction and mental health treatment, as proof he's prioritizing helping those seeking recovery.
Go deeper: New Denver DA signals skepticism over needle exchange expansion
Editor's note: This story has been update with additional comments from Councilmember Sarah Parady