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Gov. Jared Polis faces political pile-on after freeing Tina Peters

To hear his critics tell it, Gov. Jared Polis is an "accomplice" to President Trump.

Politics

To hear his critics tell it, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Jared Polis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/21/polis-pressure-tina-peters-transfer" data-vars-content-id="1b3c7479-0a88-44e6-98a3-43a41c737806" data-vars-headline="Gov. Jared Polis faces political pile-on after freeing Tina Peters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/11/21/polis-pressure-tina-peters-transfer" target="_self">Gov. Jared Polis</a> is an &quot;accomplice&quot; to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s attacks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/21/trump-threat-colorado-tina-peters" data-vars-content-id="1b3c7479-0a88-44e6-98a3-43a41c737806" data-vars-headline="Gov. Jared Polis faces political pile-on after freeing Tina Peters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/21/trump-threat-colorado-tina-peters" target="_self">President Trump&#x27;s attacks</a> on democracy who gave Colorado &quot;a black eye&quot; and undermined the rule of law by granting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="clemency to Tina Peters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/15/polis-tina-peters-sentence-clemency" data-vars-content-id="1b3c7479-0a88-44e6-98a3-43a41c737806" data-vars-headline="Gov. Jared Polis faces political pile-on after freeing Tina Peters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/05/15/polis-tina-peters-sentence-clemency" target="_self">clemency to Tina Peters</a>.Why it matters: The harsh words — all from leaders of his own party — show how a single once-unthinkable act could tarnish Polis&#x27; eight-year legacy and his political future.

REI union asks for boycott of Denver flagship store

The boycott comes after the co-op and its union failed to reach a contract agreement last month.

Business

A union representing REI employees is urging customers to boycott the outdoor retailer&#x27;s anniversary sale this week, including at its Denver flagship store.Why it matters: The sale — running now through May 25 — is one of REI&#x27;s biggest of the year and draws large crowds.State of play: The boycott comes after the co-op and its union failed to reach a contract agreement last month, with the union calling management&#x27;s latest offer &quot;unacceptable.&quot;<ul><li>The union is imploring shoppers to skip the sale in solidarity after &quot;four years of bad faith contract negotiations and REI&#x27;s scorched-earth union-busting campaign.&quot;</li></ul>Eleven REI stores nationwide have unionized since 2022.<ul><li>Those stores are located in Chicago; Boston; New York; Berkeley and Santa Cruz, California; Cleveland, Ohio; Durham and Greensboro, North Carolina; Maple Grove, Minnesota; Castleton, Indiana; and Bellingham, Washington.</li><li>A 12th store recently filed to unionize in San Diego.</li></ul>Yes, but: Demonstrations backing the boycott are happening at non-union stores, such as those in Colorado, UFCW 3000 spokesperson Rich Smith tells Axios.<ul><li>A lone organizer stood outside the flagship store on Platte Street on Tuesday handing out leaflets to customers, most of whom hadn&#x27;t known about the boycott and ignored it.</li></ul>Between the lines: The union says REI&#x27;s latest proposal would restrict organizing activity at other stores and limit workers&#x27; public criticism of the company.<ul><li>The outdoor co-op, founded in Seattle and with more than 190 U.S. stores, is losing its soul, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="union workers say" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ufcw.org/press-releases/today-landmark-boycott-of-rei-begins-in-stores-and-online/" data-vars-content-id="e8322c90-1356-484f-9b01-f0f7c87f08da" data-vars-headline="REI union asks for boycott of Denver flagship store" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ufcw.org/press-releases/today-landmark-boycott-of-rei-begins-in-stores-and-online/" target="_blank">union workers say</a>.</li><li>The unionized stores want better pay, scheduling and working conditions.</li></ul>The other side: REI <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rei.com/newsroom/document/some-straightforward-facts-about-rei-co-op-s-union-negotiations" data-vars-content-id="e8322c90-1356-484f-9b01-f0f7c87f08da" data-vars-headline="REI union asks for boycott of Denver flagship store" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rei.com/newsroom/document/some-straightforward-facts-about-rei-co-op-s-union-negotiations" target="_blank">says</a> the union has taken bargaining discussions out of context.<ul><li>In a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="written statement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rei.com/newsroom/article/rei-co-op-statement-on-bargaining-status-and-union-s-planned-boycott" data-vars-content-id="e8322c90-1356-484f-9b01-f0f7c87f08da" data-vars-headline="REI union asks for boycott of Denver flagship store" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rei.com/newsroom/article/rei-co-op-statement-on-bargaining-status-and-union-s-planned-boycott" target="_blank">written statement</a> this month, the company called the boycott push &quot;a disappointing move&quot; that hurts the co-op &quot;instead of advancing negotiations.&quot;</li><li>REI also said it is &quot;ready to continue bargaining.&quot;</li></ul>

Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low

Street homelessness in Denver fell 64% since 2023, city leaders say.

News

Denver&#x27;s homelessness fell to its lowest level in nine years, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="latest point-in-time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/09/homelessness-denver-point-in-time-count" data-vars-content-id="a7314d4e-720a-4129-9f83-1c9cb37c85f8" data-vars-headline="Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/06/09/homelessness-denver-point-in-time-count" target="_self">latest point-in-time</a> (PIT) count, which found street homelessness has dropped 64% since Mayor Mike Johnston took office in 2023. Why it matters: The sharp decline marks a major milestone for Johnston&#x27;s signature homelessness initiative, All In Mile High (AIMH), which has garnered both <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national acclaim" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/29/denvers-homelessness-strategy-earns-national-recognition" data-vars-content-id="a7314d4e-720a-4129-9f83-1c9cb37c85f8" data-vars-headline="Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/29/denvers-homelessness-strategy-earns-national-recognition" target="_self">national acclaim</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/07/mayor-johnston-clash-denver-auditor" data-vars-content-id="a7314d4e-720a-4129-9f83-1c9cb37c85f8" data-vars-headline="Denver street homelessness hits 9-year low" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/07/mayor-johnston-clash-denver-auditor" target="_self">local scrutiny</a> since launching three years ago.

House GOP seeks Denver immigration records

The House Judiciary Committee sent letters to three city agencies Wednesday.

Denver is in the crosshairs of congressional Republicans targeting &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sanctuary cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/democrats-trump-sanctuary-cities-ice-funding" data-vars-content-id="fa98b64d-875c-4558-8187-b17edb9a0ede" data-vars-headline="House GOP seeks Denver immigration records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/democrats-trump-sanctuary-cities-ice-funding" target="_self">sanctuary cities</a>&quot; that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.Why it matters: A U.S. House committee is demanding immigration policy records from Denver law enforcement, thrusting the city deeper into another national fight over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="policies dividing residents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/21/denver-capitol-rally-ice-enforcement" data-vars-content-id="fa98b64d-875c-4558-8187-b17edb9a0ede" data-vars-headline="House GOP seeks Denver immigration records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/21/denver-capitol-rally-ice-enforcement" target="_self">policies dividing residents</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drawing federal scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/trump-sanctuary-cities-mayors-ice-immigration" data-vars-content-id="fa98b64d-875c-4558-8187-b17edb9a0ede" data-vars-headline="House GOP seeks Denver immigration records" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/06/trump-sanctuary-cities-mayors-ice-immigration" target="_self">drawing federal scrutiny</a>.

Reimagined Denver Pavilions envisions site as new public square

The nearly 30-year-old site would see most of its buildings demolished under a new vision.

For the Denver Pavilions to be saved, it must come crumbling down.Why it matters: A sweeping blueprint calls for demolishing and reimagining the Denver Pavilions to make way for housing, retail and a public square — a dramatic reset for a fading 2000s-era downtown anchor.

Colorado is aging too fast for its systems

Affordability pressures are building as Colorado grows older.

Partners

Colorado is one of the fastest-aging states in the country, while ranking in the bottom quarter nationally for affordability.<ul><li>The state now has more residents over the age of 60 than under 18, and that gap is projected to widen for decades.</li></ul>Here&#x27;s the deal: Demography underpins economics and politics. States that adapt to longer lives and longer careers will retain talent, sustain growth and manage costs. Those who don&#x27;t will fall behind.

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.

Development 🏗️

Reimagined Denver Pavilions envisions site as new public square

Colorado is aging too fast for its systems

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