Mayor defends layoffs after council member calls him "trash"
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Mayor Mike Johnston on Wednesday rejected claims that city layoffs were retaliatory in nature as criticism against him turned personal.
Why it matters: The mayor must now work with a city council that includes a member who publicly called him "trash," raising tensions ahead of next month's budget process.
- The dismissals are worsening already-low morale among city staff and prompting threats of political backlash.
State of play: Layoffs are finished for now as the mayor shifts focus to the city's 2026 spending plan.
- Next year's budget is projected to see zero growth, though Johnston claims it won't impact key city services, like recreation centers, police patrols and trash pickup.
What he's saying: The mayor called allegations that some dismissals were targeted "irresponsible and factually false," adding decisions weren't made based "on who you know or who you're married to," during a Wednesday roundtable with reporters.
- "I never wanted this part of this job," Johnston said, calling his decision to cut staff "fiscally responsible."
Friction point: Councilmember Stacie Gilmore, a frequent challenger of the mayor and whose husband was laid off, in a Facebook post on Tuesday escalated her criticism of Johnston, writing the mayor "is trash."
- While not directly responding to Gilmore's comments, the mayor said the city's charter requires him, not council, to draft the budget. Council is responsible for approving it.
Between the lines: Johnston refuted claims that his office's spending, including millions on his signature homeless program and aid for migrants, led to the city's budget crisis.
- He said the city's only spending $3 million more this year than in 2023 to provide services for those vulnerable populations. "That is not a $200 million deficit," he added, noting migrant spending is expected to be zero next year.
How it works: The city used performance, history, skills, abilities and length of service to determine cuts, Kathy Nesbitt, the city's human resources department head, said Wednesday.
By the numbers: Denver's human rights and children's affairs offices were hit the hardest, with more than one-third of their budgeted positions slashed.
- Of the 169 employees laid off by the Johnston administration, Denver's transportation department took the brunt, with 33 workers let go.
- Community Planning and Development (19), Human Resources (18), Public Health and Environment (16) and the City Attorney's Office (11) followed, rounding out the top five.
What's next: Johnston will deliver his proposed 2026 spending plan to the Denver City Council on Sept. 15.