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Colorado paid $767M in Trump tariffs before SCOTUS ruling

The question now is whether businesses — or everyday Americans — will get refunds.

News

Now that the U.S. Supreme Court declared a large swath of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s tariffs illegal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" data-vars-content-id="cf8904ab-5df9-477a-a8b6-4b0686605804" data-vars-headline="Colorado paid $767M in Trump tariffs before SCOTUS ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" target="_self">President Trump&#x27;s tariffs illegal</a>, the question is whether businesses — or everyday Americans — will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="get refunds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-states-refunds" data-vars-content-id="cf8904ab-5df9-477a-a8b6-4b0686605804" data-vars-headline="Colorado paid $767M in Trump tariffs before SCOTUS ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-states-refunds" target="_self">get refunds</a>.

Community leaders rally, demand unity amid increased ICE activity

Immigrant advocates, community leaders, artists and a state lawmaker urged unity against what they characterize as aggressive immigration enforcement.

Parents are afraid to take their children to school. People are skipping important cultural celebrations. Others are hesitant to go to work.State of play: Those are some of the ripple effects described Friday by community leaders, who say <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Immigration and Customs Enforcement&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/27/colorado-immigration-ice-state-lawmakers" data-vars-content-id="f559426e-8e44-47e6-8327-9fe1dce57448" data-vars-headline="Community leaders rally, demand unity amid increased ICE activity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/27/colorado-immigration-ice-state-lawmakers" target="_self">Immigration and Customs Enforcement&#x27;s</a> increased activity is affecting daily routines in parts of Denver&#x27;s Indigenous, Asian American, Black and Latino communities.

Environmental concerns among Westerners mount, new poll shows

From President Trump's first term to his second, Westerners have become more intensely concerned about the rollback of environmental protections.

From President Trump&#x27;s first term to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his second" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/02/19/colorado-voters-oppose-trump-cuts-federal-public-lands-poll" data-vars-content-id="5468e355-c646-47d0-8cd9-1e88f8232d86" data-vars-headline="Environmental concerns among Westerners mount, new poll shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/02/19/colorado-voters-oppose-trump-cuts-federal-public-lands-poll" target="_self">his second</a>, Westerners have become more intensely concerned about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the rollback" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/18/epa-endangerment-finding-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="5468e355-c646-47d0-8cd9-1e88f8232d86" data-vars-headline="Environmental concerns among Westerners mount, new poll shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/18/epa-endangerment-finding-lawsuit" target="_self">the rollback</a> of environmental protections, a new poll shows.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="numbers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/stateoftherockies/conservationinthewest/2026-poll-data/cc-national-press-release.pdf" data-vars-content-id="5468e355-c646-47d0-8cd9-1e88f8232d86" data-vars-headline="Environmental concerns among Westerners mount, new poll shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/stateoftherockies/conservationinthewest/2026-poll-data/cc-national-press-release.pdf" target="_blank">numbers</a> from the annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Conservation in the West poll" data-vars-click-url="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/stateoftherockies/conservationinthewest/2026.html" data-vars-content-id="5468e355-c646-47d0-8cd9-1e88f8232d86" data-vars-headline="Environmental concerns among Westerners mount, new poll shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/stateoftherockies/conservationinthewest/2026.html" target="_blank">Conservation in the West poll</a> released Wednesday suggest conservation isn&#x27;t a niche issue — it&#x27;s political bedrock in eight Southwest and Rocky Mountain states.

Colorado group seeks new congressional maps to counter Trump-backed redistricting push

Coloradans for a Level Playing Field filed four potential ballot initiatives.

Election

A new Colorado ballot initiative set for introduction Wednesday would ask voters to temporarily suspend the state&#x27;s independent congressional redistricting system and approve new maps for the 2028 and 2030 elections, arguing the move is necessary to counter a GOP-led <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mid-decade redistricting drive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/redistricting-illinois-indiana-trump-jeffries" data-vars-content-id="7ba3aa77-f2dc-444a-bdc0-63fe74eb7ba5" data-vars-headline="Colorado group seeks new congressional maps to counter Trump-backed redistricting push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/redistricting-illinois-indiana-trump-jeffries" target="_self">mid-decade redistricting drive</a>.Why it matters: Colorado voters created an independent commission in 2018 as part of an effort to curb partisan gerrymandering. Now, Democratic-aligned organizers want to manipulate the drawing of congressional districts.

Broncos unveil preliminary framework for new stadium site

The team says its committed to getting public feedback on the new site.

The Denver Broncos on Thursday unveiled a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="preliminary concept for its new stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/29/how-taxpayers-could-pay-new-broncos-stadium" data-vars-content-id="c495fcd3-c98b-4a70-a3b0-81ebeb64b492" data-vars-headline="Broncos unveil preliminary framework for new stadium site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/29/how-taxpayers-could-pay-new-broncos-stadium" target="_self">preliminary concept for its new stadium</a> site during a community meeting in the city&#x27;s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Why it matters: The new Broncos stadium will be the most transformational project in a generation for the predominantly Latino neighborhood, ushering <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new era not just for the franchise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/11/community-and-city-leaders-cheer-broncos-stadium-news" data-vars-content-id="c495fcd3-c98b-4a70-a3b0-81ebeb64b492" data-vars-headline="Broncos unveil preliminary framework for new stadium site" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/11/community-and-city-leaders-cheer-broncos-stadium-news" target="_self">a new era not just for the franchise</a>, but a city filled with its adoring fans.

What's in store for Denver in 2026

The city's barreling into a year of visible change that includes building boldly, spending cautiously and arguing loudly about what comes next.

The Mile High City is barreling into a year of visible change that includes building boldly, spending cautiously and potentially arguing loudly about what comes next.Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s set to shape the city in 2026, local leaders tell us.

Denver clears the field for women's soccer stadium construction

After a shaky kickoff, the field is now cleared for construction on the women's soccer stadium to begin.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver Summit FC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/10/council-approves-public-money-new-soccer-stadium" data-vars-content-id="86520eaa-b05d-4110-ad86-297766039a2b" data-vars-headline="Denver clears the field for women&#x27;s soccer stadium construction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/10/council-approves-public-money-new-soccer-stadium" target="_self">Denver Summit FC</a> just scored a major goal.The big picture: The Denver City Council on Monday gave final approval for a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women&#x27;s soccer stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/03/18/denver-womens-soccer-team-stadium-santa-fe-yards" data-vars-content-id="86520eaa-b05d-4110-ad86-297766039a2b" data-vars-headline="Denver clears the field for women&#x27;s soccer stadium construction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/03/18/denver-womens-soccer-team-stadium-santa-fe-yards" target="_self">women&#x27;s soccer stadium</a> that will become Denver Summit FC&#x27;s home. The move ends a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weeks-long pause" data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/local-politics/denver-city-council-committee-delays-vote-womens-soccer-stadium-financing-mayor/73-c40fe3fc-b343-4b45-be1c-600349e17b8c" data-vars-content-id="86520eaa-b05d-4110-ad86-297766039a2b" data-vars-headline="Denver clears the field for women&#x27;s soccer stadium construction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/local-politics/denver-city-council-committee-delays-vote-womens-soccer-stadium-financing-mayor/73-c40fe3fc-b343-4b45-be1c-600349e17b8c" target="_blank">weeks-long pause</a> tied to concerns over thin financial details and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lingering distrust" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/14/denver-mayor-johnston-city-council-divide-power-struggle" data-vars-content-id="86520eaa-b05d-4110-ad86-297766039a2b" data-vars-headline="Denver clears the field for women&#x27;s soccer stadium construction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/14/denver-mayor-johnston-city-council-divide-power-struggle" target="_self">lingering distrust</a> of Mayor Mike Johnston&#x27;s administration, which helped broker the deal.

Civic Center Park's transformation begins

A plan to transform the park into a downtown destination breaks ground this week.

A plan to transform Denver&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Civic Center Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/10/07/whats-next-denver-civic-center-park" data-vars-content-id="7f233d73-5e2e-4654-93c9-533fac370a8b" data-vars-headline="Civic Center Park&#x27;s transformation begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/10/07/whats-next-denver-civic-center-park" target="_self">Civic Center Park</a> into a downtown destination breaks ground this week.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s central park has long been a place where people pass through, but don&#x27;t linger. City boosters say a major redesign could change that and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reenergize downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/01/16th-street-reopens-downtown-denver" data-vars-content-id="7f233d73-5e2e-4654-93c9-533fac370a8b" data-vars-headline="Civic Center Park&#x27;s transformation begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/01/16th-street-reopens-downtown-denver" target="_self">reenergize downtown</a> as a whole.

Denver pilots pedestrian-only block in front of Union Station

The city has launched a pilot program as part of a broader push to reclaim downtown streets from cars and turn them into vibrant public spaces.

Denver is exploring whether to make the stretch of Wynkoop Street in front of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Union Station" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/07/12/union-station-11-million-revamp-great-hall" data-vars-content-id="b8a0ce5e-24aa-460d-8a26-3867f2c7fad6" data-vars-headline="Denver pilots pedestrian-only block in front of Union Station" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/07/12/union-station-11-million-revamp-great-hall" target="_self">Union Station</a> permanently car-free in a new pilot that runs through Nov. 1.Why it matters: The experiment is part of the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="broader push" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/09/07/denver-streets-permanently-carless-larimer-street-rino" data-vars-content-id="b8a0ce5e-24aa-460d-8a26-3867f2c7fad6" data-vars-headline="Denver pilots pedestrian-only block in front of Union Station" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/09/07/denver-streets-permanently-carless-larimer-street-rino" target="_self">broader push</a> to reclaim downtown streets and turn them into vibrant public spaces.

Denver's rental assistance faces massive cut — but there's a catch

The mayor's proposed spending plan cuts the Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance Program budget by $10.8 million.

Fewer people may access vital emergency housing assistance in Denver next year.The big picture: Mayor Mike Johnston&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed 2026 spending plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/15/denver-budget-2026-mayor-johnston" data-vars-content-id="3ce3fee5-775c-47ee-a1b9-0e73cec83c9c" data-vars-headline="Denver&#x27;s rental assistance faces massive cut — but there&#x27;s a catch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/15/denver-budget-2026-mayor-johnston" target="_self">proposed 2026 spending plan</a> cuts the Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance Program (TRUA) budget by $10.8 million from its $23 million allocation this year.

Denver could have fewer shelter beds in 2026

Denver's Department of Housing Stability proposed a $206 million spending plan for 2026 — a $24 million year-over-year cut.

Like most Denver agencies, the Department of Housing Stability (HOST) will need to find a way to continue offering critical services <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with less money" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/15/denver-budget-2026-mayor-johnston" data-vars-content-id="a1a0fd91-027a-4646-b398-ae16aeb860ef" data-vars-headline="Denver could have fewer shelter beds in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/15/denver-budget-2026-mayor-johnston" target="_self">with less money</a> next year.Yes, but: HOST has the added pressure of overseeing Mayor Mike Johnston&#x27;s<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" signature policy initiative" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/26/denver-homeless-permanent-housing-woes" data-vars-content-id="a1a0fd91-027a-4646-b398-ae16aeb860ef" data-vars-headline="Denver could have fewer shelter beds in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/26/denver-homeless-permanent-housing-woes" target="_self"> signature policy initiative</a>, All In Mile High (AIMH), which moves people living on the streets indoors.

Polis urges cities to act on 106,000-home gap

Colorado faces a 106,000-unit housing shortage as Polis presses cities to change zoning rules.

Gov. Jared Polis says getting government &quot;out of the way&quot; will help manage Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="106,000-unit housing shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/05/15/our-housing-gap" data-vars-content-id="2db0202b-a5ee-4928-85d5-7c9ee827c99d" data-vars-headline="Polis urges cities to act on 106,000-home gap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/05/15/our-housing-gap" target="_self">106,000-unit housing shortage</a>.The big picture: That&#x27;s the estimate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="from a report released" data-vars-click-url="https://demography.dola.colorado.gov/assets/html/researchbriefs.html" data-vars-content-id="2db0202b-a5ee-4928-85d5-7c9ee827c99d" data-vars-headline="Polis urges cities to act on 106,000-home gap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://demography.dola.colorado.gov/assets/html/researchbriefs.html" target="_blank">from a report released</a> this week by Polis and the State Demography Office, which suggests that while the housing gap recently narrowed, thousands of homes are still needed.

Community and city leaders cheer Broncos stadium news

The ownership group says the development will be privately funded.

Local officials wasted no time praising the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Broncos&#x27; Denver stadium deal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/09/denver-broncos-new-stadium-burnham-yard" data-vars-content-id="a431fca0-2098-427c-8e03-029235aacc73" data-vars-headline="Community and city leaders cheer Broncos stadium news" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/09/denver-broncos-new-stadium-burnham-yard" target="_self">Broncos&#x27; Denver stadium deal</a>, saying it sets the stage for the city to see &quot;unprecedented&quot; development.Why it matters: Keeping the Broncos in Denver isn&#x27;t just a win for diehard fans — it&#x27;s an economic lighting strike for a city in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="middle of a financial crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/18/denver-layoffs-severance-legal-waiver" data-vars-content-id="a431fca0-2098-427c-8e03-029235aacc73" data-vars-headline="Community and city leaders cheer Broncos stadium news" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/18/denver-layoffs-severance-legal-waiver" target="_self">middle of a financial crisis</a>.

Downtown Denver is getting a $100M glow-up

The Downtown Development Authority, in partnership with Mayor Mike Johnston, is pouring $100 million into 10 projects designed to revive Denver's struggling core.

A new patio restaurant in Civic Center Park is just a taste of what&#x27;s in store for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downtown Denver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/01/16th-street-reopens-downtown-denver" data-vars-content-id="4fb06407-748f-467d-b23d-0e350821f957" data-vars-headline="Downtown Denver is getting a $100M glow-up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/01/16th-street-reopens-downtown-denver" target="_self">downtown Denver</a>, city leaders announced Wednesday.The big picture: The Downtown Development Authority, in partnership with Mayor Mike Johnston, is pouring $100 million into 10 projects designed to revive Denver&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struggling core" data-vars-click-url="https://coloradobiz.com/downtown-denver-revival-2025-urban-perspective/" data-vars-content-id="4fb06407-748f-467d-b23d-0e350821f957" data-vars-headline="Downtown Denver is getting a $100M glow-up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://coloradobiz.com/downtown-denver-revival-2025-urban-perspective/" target="_blank">struggling core</a>.

Development 🏗️

Broncos unveil preliminary framework for new stadium site

What's in store for Denver in 2026

Denver clears the field for women's soccer stadium construction

Civic Center Park's transformation begins

Denver pilots pedestrian-only block in front of Union Station