Layoff rules in limbo as Denver faces $200M budget shortfall
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The Career Service Board meeting on Wednesday in Denver. Photo: Esteban L. Hernandez/Axios
A city panel on Wednesday postponed a decision to change how Denver considers cutting government jobs as the city prepares for layoffs prompted by a budget crisis.
The big picture: The Career Service Board's decision to delay for possible revisions followed a lengthy public hearing on proposed changes to employee performance evaluations.
Why it matters: The rules will play a key role in determining how Denver cuts jobs across the city to cover a $200 million deficit next year.
State of play: Among the most pivotal proposed changes would be the removal of a process allowing more senior employees to "bump" less veteran workers to avoid being laid off, per city documents.
- It would add layoff protections for employees nearing retirement and would call for consideration of performance history, skills, ability and service length to determine cuts.
By the numbers: The rules affect the city's 10,000-plus workforce. More than 800 people attended Wednesday's public hearing, including dozens in person and hundreds online.
Context: Opponents say the move to ditch "bumping" would make it easier to lay off experienced staff.
- Mayor Mike Johnston's administration contends it would add flexibility to determine cuts as the city races to deliver a balanced 2026 budget by Sept. 15.
Threat level: It's unclear how many city employees will be laid off, but the numbers will be "substantial," Karla Pierce, employment attorney for the city, said Wednesday.
- Departments are being asked to make 15% to 20% cost cuts, Pierce added.
Layoff notices could be issued as soon as Aug. 1, though that's unlikely because rules determining them are still being worked out, human resources office spokesperson Theresa Marchetta tells us.
- City employees are entitled to a 30-day notice before their last day.
Between the lines: The hearing marked the first time the public heard directly from city staff, who shared worries about job security.
- Most city workers and members of the public who spoke called the proposed rule changes unfair and hasty.
What's next: The board reconvenes July 1.