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Denver is tightening its gun laws amid surging crime and ahead of what some local leaders predict will be a violent summer. 

Driving the news: Denver leaders on Monday passed Mayor Michael Hancock's plan to ban concealed-carry weapons in any building or portion of a building that is owned, leased by or to the city — in the name of public safety.

The ordinance, which goes into effect upon Hancock's expected signature, also prohibits permit holders from carrying guns in Denver's urban and mountain parks. 

Enforcement of the ordinance will begin after signage is posted at public entrances of buildings and parks.

A first offense would result in up to a $50 penalty. Subsequent offenders face fines as high as $999. 

The big picture: Despite a lack of local data linking violence to concealed-carry permit holders, Denver and other cities nationwide have been pressured to respond to crime, which is crippling many metropolitans' urban cores. 

What they're saying: Whether Denver's latest crackdown will curb violent crime remains to be seen — but it's likely better than sticking to the status quo, gun policy experts tell Axios Denver.

"There isn't great scientific evidence available yet on what the effects of such laws might be," says Andrew Morral, a gun violence researcher at the RAND Corporation.

However, "we have seen so many people in the U.S. settle common disagreements with firearms … so keeping guns out of places where they are particularly dangerous is common sense and sensible policy," says Allison Anderman, director of local policy at Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. 

The other side: Opponents, including right-to-carry advocates, call Denver's new measure an unsubstantiated overreach that will be ineffective at best. 

"It is performative rather than practical," council member Kevin Flynn tells Axios Denver. 

Restricting the rights of concealed-carry gun owners means "you inhibit a person's ability to defend themselves against anyone that would do them harm," critic Tanya Nicholas told council members during public comment earlier this month. 

Context: The new gun restrictions are possible after Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill in 2021 following the Boulder King Soopers shooting, granting cities across Colorado jurisdiction to set stricter gun regulations than the state. 

The move — which made Colorado the first state in the U.S. to overturn its preemption law — allowed Denver to reinstate its concealed-carry ban in city facilities and broaden it by repealing the requirement of metal detectors to enforce prohibition.

What's next: On Denver's heels, Boulder is weighing a handful of new laws to tamp down gun violence and prevent another mass shooting in city limits. 

The proposals include: banning the sale and possession of assault weapons; outlawing the sale of ghost guns; raising the firearm purchase age to 21; prohibiting "deadly weapons" in city buildings; and restricting the open carry of firearms in public places. 

A final vote is scheduled for June 7, and three hours have been allocated for a public hearing. 

Denver cracks down on concealed-carry rights

The move comes amid surging crime and ahead of what some predict will be a violent summer.

Illustration of shattered glass in the shape of a gun.

Denver is tightening its gun laws amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surging crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/02/04/denver-public-safety-resources-combat-crime" data-vars-content-id="2cb6e64b-25c5-4538-8129-70973ba3f676" data-vars-headline="Denver cracks down on concealed-carry rights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/02/04/denver-public-safety-resources-combat-crime" target="_self">surging crime</a> and ahead of what some local leaders predict will be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violent summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/bracing-for-a-violent-summer-northeast-denver-leaders-to-provide-resources-to-teen-summer-programs" data-vars-content-id="2cb6e64b-25c5-4538-8129-70973ba3f676" data-vars-headline="Denver cracks down on concealed-carry rights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/bracing-for-a-violent-summer-northeast-denver-leaders-to-provide-resources-to-teen-summer-programs" target="_blank">violent summer</a>. Driving the news: Denver leaders on Monday passed Mayor Michael Hancock&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/04/12/denver-concealed-carry-ban-parks-public-spaces" data-vars-content-id="2cb6e64b-25c5-4538-8129-70973ba3f676" data-vars-headline="Denver cracks down on concealed-carry rights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/04/12/denver-concealed-carry-ban-parks-public-spaces" target="_self">plan</a> to ban concealed-carry weapons in any building or portion of a building that is owned, leased by or to the city — in the name of public safety.

News

Politics

Axios Denver, anchored by John Frank and Alayna Alvarez, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.

A decade since Denver banned homeless encampments, little data illustrates the policy's success — or its cost. 

The big picture: Colorado's chronically sheltered homeless population grew by 266% between 2007 and 2021 — more than any other state — and the number of people experiencing homelessness for the first time in metro Denver doubled between 2020 and 2021. 

At the same time, the Mile High City ranks among the nation's top 10 most expensive metros, with an average home sales price hitting a record $705,812. 

Driving the news: Tuesday marks 10 years since the city's urban camping ban was signed into law by Mayor Michael Hancock. 

The milestone prompted opponents of the policy to don shirts that read "Denver's decade of doom" in a City Council protest last week, causing an hour delay. 

What they're saying: "[A]ll the promises that were made have not come true," Terese Howard, an advocate for the homeless, told Denver VOICE. 

"People are still not connected to services, and people are being criminalized and put in jail more so than housing," she added. "It's time to take a new approach." 

State of play: Denver leaders still have no idea how much the policy costs taxpayers to clear homeless encampments off public and private property. 

"Regardless of cost, they're necessary to protect public health and safety," Hancock spokesman Mike Strott tells Axios Denver.  

Meanwhile, the city's sweeps have pushed people to other places, like Denver International Airport.

And Aurora recently passed a camping ban of its own. 

The other side: To help address the crisis, Denver this year quadrupled its contract to $4 million with the Colorado Village Collaborative to continue and expand city-sanctioned campsites for unhoused people.

Hancock also launched the city's second "housing surge" campaign to get at least 400 more people "stably housed" by mid-May.

And the city is advancing a plan that would require real estate developers to build affordable housing units in new residential projects.

Of note: Denver's housing department received $10.8 million in federal American Rescue Plan aid and is exploring how to spend the funds, including on affordable housing, homeless prevention and the purchase and development of a non-congregate shelter.

What's next: The city's auditor is conducting the first-ever evaluation to determine the impact of the city's management of homeless encampments, including cleanup costs and repercussions for the community.

Denver's urban camping ban brings 10 years of turmoil

Tuesday marks a decade since the city's urban camping ban was signed by Mayor Michael Hancock.

People are asked to leave a homeless campsite by Civic Center Park in Denver last September. Photo: Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via Getty Images

A decade since Denver <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="banned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverpost.com/2012/05/14/denver-city-council-votes-9-4-to-ban-homeless-camping/" data-vars-content-id="638972a5-2f15-41d9-a2cd-bd165a412ed2" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s urban camping ban brings 10 years of turmoil" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverpost.com/2012/05/14/denver-city-council-votes-9-4-to-ban-homeless-camping/" target="_blank">banned</a> homeless encampments, little data illustrates the policy&#x27;s success — or its cost. The big picture: Colorado&#x27;s chronically sheltered homeless population grew by 266% between 2007 and 2021 — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more than any other state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/02/08/colorado-homeless-problem-biggest-jump" data-vars-content-id="638972a5-2f15-41d9-a2cd-bd165a412ed2" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s urban camping ban brings 10 years of turmoil" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/02/08/colorado-homeless-problem-biggest-jump" target="_self">more than any other state</a> — and the number of people experiencing homelessness for the first time in metro Denver <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="doubled" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/01/24/first-time-homelessness-doubles-metro-denver-pandemic" data-vars-content-id="638972a5-2f15-41d9-a2cd-bd165a412ed2" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s urban camping ban brings 10 years of turmoil" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/01/24/first-time-homelessness-doubles-metro-denver-pandemic" target="_self">doubled</a> between 2020 and 2021.

🛼 Lace up your skates this Friday at ReelWorks Denver, where the venue will be playing hits by royalty, Prince and Queen, all night. 

🎥 The Denver Silent Film Festival at the Denver Botanic Gardens returns this weekend for its 9th year, featuring 11 short and feature-length comedy films from the silent era and live scoring for each show. 

🛍️ Check out the Spring Bazaar popping up a block from Sloan's Lake this Saturday and Sunday, which includes more than 80 vendors, live DJs, craft cocktails and street food. 

🪙 The 10th annual Park Hill Yard Sale will be this Saturday, when neighbors come together to sell their goods at Park Hill Treasures' parking lot. Anyone looking to sell their goods can apply.  

What to do this weekend in Denver | May 20-22

Lace up your skates or catch a classic silent film.

Illustration of a latte with "weekend" written in the foam.

🛼 Lace up your skates this Friday at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ReelWorks Denver" data-vars-click-url="https://tracksdenver.com/event/royalty-roll-prince-vs-queen/" data-vars-content-id="933ed53d-7d57-4b07-bb77-0ddd7b00ce8b" data-vars-headline="What to do this weekend in Denver | May 20-22" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tracksdenver.com/event/royalty-roll-prince-vs-queen/" target="_blank">ReelWorks Denver</a>, where the venue will be playing hits by royalty, Prince and Queen, all night. 🎥 The<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Denver Silent Film Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denver.org/event/silent-film-festival/89226/" data-vars-content-id="933ed53d-7d57-4b07-bb77-0ddd7b00ce8b" data-vars-headline="What to do this weekend in Denver | May 20-22" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denver.org/event/silent-film-festival/89226/" target="_blank"> Denver Silent Film Festival</a> at the Denver Botanic Gardens returns this weekend for its 9th year, featuring 11 short and feature-length comedy films from the silent era and live scoring for each show. 🛍️ Check out the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spring Bazaar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sloans-lake-spring-bazaar-tickets-292807183167?fbclid=IwAR1DsfOEsPEi1UZmQax5JOVyjAvu2wRoeAddlVI0NHW6wPVa25R21lgkDkA" data-vars-content-id="933ed53d-7d57-4b07-bb77-0ddd7b00ce8b" data-vars-headline="What to do this weekend in Denver | May 20-22" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sloans-lake-spring-bazaar-tickets-292807183167?fbclid=IwAR1DsfOEsPEi1UZmQax5JOVyjAvu2wRoeAddlVI0NHW6wPVa25R21lgkDkA" target="_blank">Spring Bazaar</a> popping up a block from Sloan&#x27;s Lake this Saturday and Sunday, which includes more than 80 vendors, live DJs, craft cocktails and street food. 🪙 The 10th annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Park Hill Yard Sale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/10th-annual-park-hill-yard-sale-park-hill-treasures-registration-323351090817?fbclid=IwAR1K80oMW-pfcYiySEP0nYs9AdYdrVEFq-gw56qv9DbRDfwfindGL2FDk44" data-vars-content-id="933ed53d-7d57-4b07-bb77-0ddd7b00ce8b" data-vars-headline="What to do this weekend in Denver | May 20-22" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/10th-annual-park-hill-yard-sale-park-hill-treasures-registration-323351090817?fbclid=IwAR1K80oMW-pfcYiySEP0nYs9AdYdrVEFq-gw56qv9DbRDfwfindGL2FDk44" target="_blank">Park Hill Yard Sale</a> will be this Saturday, when neighbors come together to sell their goods at Park Hill Treasures&#x27; parking lot. Anyone looking to sell their goods <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="can apply" data-vars-click-url="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK9qDPTuhfEWdmKCUSDx8plxFHTjJs2cmY9fkRx7nonzp9hA/viewform" data-vars-content-id="933ed53d-7d57-4b07-bb77-0ddd7b00ce8b" data-vars-headline="What to do this weekend in Denver | May 20-22" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK9qDPTuhfEWdmKCUSDx8plxFHTjJs2cmY9fkRx7nonzp9hA/viewform" target="_blank">can apply</a>.

Things to Do

Local chef Jose Avila of Machete Tequila & Tacos is making history with his restaurant, La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal, at 2233 Larimer St.

Why it matters: The restaurant is the only spot in the state focusing on pozole, Avila says. Pozole is a traditional hominy and meat soup of Mexico, where he grew up.

The restaurant's mission is to "celebrate caldos and culture by sharing historic dishes and drinks with the people of Denver," the website reads.

When to visit: Friday–Saturday 10am–12am; Sunday 10am–9pm; Monday 3–9pm; Tuesday–Wednesday 11am–10pm; Thursday 10am–11pm.

Go inside Denver's traditional pozoleria

Local chef Jose Avila of Machete Tequila & Tacos is making history with his restaurant, La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal.

Inside La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal, located between RiNo and LoDo. Photo: Alayna Alvarez/Axios

Local chef Jose Avila of Machete Tequila &amp; Tacos is making history with his restaurant, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/24120062.12624/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGFkaWFibGFkZW52ZXIuY29tLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX2RlbnZlciZzdHJlYW09dG9w/600734ba6dc3cf199c507115B4a9892d4" data-vars-content-id="a1d351ad-3f1b-4004-8822-d64f8b21cf6c" data-vars-headline="Go inside Denver&#x27;s traditional pozoleria" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/24120062.12624/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGFkaWFibGFkZW52ZXIuY29tLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX2RlbnZlciZzdHJlYW09dG9w/600734ba6dc3cf199c507115B4a9892d4" target="_blank">La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal</a>, at 2233 Larimer St.Why it matters: The restaurant is the only spot in the state focusing on pozole, Avila says. Pozole is a traditional hominy and meat soup of Mexico, where he grew up.

Food and Drink

Business

Data: Brown School of Public Health; Map: Thomas Oide/Axios

About 62% of the nearly 7,400 COVID deaths in Colorado between January 2021 and April 2022 were preventable, according to an analysis of public health data by the Brown School of Public Health.

Driving the news: Researchers crafted a model illustrating what could have happened if 100% of American adults were fully vaccinated and boosted once the shots became available.

The study used real-world data from the CDC and the New York Times while considering variables such as supply and vaccine effectiveness over time.

The big picture: Nationwide, COVID vaccines could have prevented roughly 319,000 deaths, nearly half of which occurred during the study's time frame, Axios' Tina Reed reports.

The news comes as the country's recorded death toll hit 1 million people on Tuesday, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University.

Zoom in: Colorado, with its 4,575 preventable deaths, ranks No. 35 overall per 1 million people when compared to other states. 

An estimated 80% of adults are fully vaccinated against the virus, and 56% of that group has received a booster. Both figures are higher than the national average. 

What they're saying: "The vaccine rollout has been both a remarkable success and a remarkable failure," analysis co-author Brown's Stefanie Friedhoff told NPR.

While the U.S. was able to get a large vaccine supply rolled out quickly, the shots are useless if they're not going into arms.

The bottom line: As COVID immunity wanes over time and the virus continues to mutate, vaccines and boosters remain our best tools for fighting off new waves of infections.

Officials must remain committed to increasing vaccine demand, the study's authors say.

Roughly 60% of Colorado's COVID deaths were preventable, per analysis

Colorado, with its 4,575 preventable deaths, ranks No. 35 per 1 million people when compared to other states.

About 62% of the nearly 7,400 COVID deaths in Colorado between January 2021 and April 2022 were preventable, according to an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis of public health data" data-vars-click-url="https://globalepidemics.org/vaccinations/" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://globalepidemics.org/vaccinations/" target="_blank">analysis of public health data</a> by the Brown School of Public Health.Driving the news: Researchers crafted a model illustrating what could have happened if 100% of American adults were fully vaccinated and boosted once the shots became available.

Alayna Alvarez

Featured stories

Go inside Denver's traditional pozoleria

What to do this weekend in Denver | May 20-22

Roughly 60% of Colorado's COVID deaths were preventable, per analysis

Denver cracks down on concealed-carry rights

Denver's urban camping ban brings 10 years of turmoil