Mayor Mike Johnston's Vibrant Denver Bond blitz begins
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Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Photo: Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Mayor Mike Johnston is gearing up to sell voters on his record-breaking $950 million Vibrant Denver Bond package, one of his biggest political tests yet.
Why it matters: With just a month until the Nov. 4 election, the clock is ticking to garner public support for the largest bond package in city history, even as Denver faces a $200 million budget deficit.
State of play: Polling last month showed most Denver voters knew nothing about Johnston's spending package. But once they did, 65% said they'd support it.
- Johnston faces added pressure after voters rejected his affordable housing tax measure last year.
Driving the news: Johnston's campaign is preparing to launch a $750,000 blitz of TV spots and mailers in addition to the digital and streaming ads already running, campaign spokesperson Mike Strott tells Axios Denver.
- This week, Johnston's campaign team will also release its endorsement list of nearly 100 supporters, Strott says.
- Over the weekend, the campaign kickstarted its field effort with a volunteer canvass at Sloan's Lake, along with phone and text banking.
- In the past month, campaign staff presented at dozens of community meetings, handing out flyers and talking directly with voters. Johnston will also pitch his plan Tuesday at an Axios Denver event, where the bond will take center stage.
Follow the money: Finance records as of August showed the campaign has raised about $246,000 and spent less than $2,500 so far — leaving plenty of firepower for the final push.
- Campaign finance reports for September will be filed Monday.
Behind the scenes: Johnston has leaned on former Mayor Federico Peña for guidance to push the package across the finish line. Peña, who as mayor championed big projects during tough economic times, told Axios Denver his top advice for Johnston is simple:
- "He needs to be everywhere. Seriously. Talking to every neighborhood group, every business group, every civic group, even churches … and educating people about why this bond issue is so important."
What we're watching: Whether Johnston's late-game strategy lands with voters in time or leaves him playing catch-up in the campaign's final weeks.