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Colorado governor candidates Marx, Weiser clash over domestic violence

More than the issues, the candidates' approach to answering questions drew the most attention.

Election

In their first — and likely only — campaign forum, Colorado&#x27;s top gubernatorial candidates mostly played nice, until the final minutes.Why it matters: Democratic candidate Phil Weiser and Republican candidate Victor Marx used the Thursday event, hosted by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce in Denver, to outline their agendas for addressing affordability and boosting business growth.

Evans, Rutinel clash in high-stakes congressional debate

Both parties are keen on capturing the 8th Congressional District seat.

News

Republican Gabe Evans and Democrat Manny Rutinel traded sharp attacks Wednesday in a heated debate in Colorado&#x27;s closely <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="watched 8th Congressional District seat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/01/trump-latino-voters-competitive-district" data-vars-content-id="60f86175-388e-480f-87f1-1c4a79947781" data-vars-headline="Evans, Rutinel clash in high-stakes congressional debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/01/trump-latino-voters-competitive-district" target="_self">watched 8th Congressional District seat</a>. Why it matters: In their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="only scheduled debate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/29/colorado-candidates-refuse-debate-2026-election" data-vars-content-id="60f86175-388e-480f-87f1-1c4a79947781" data-vars-headline="Evans, Rutinel clash in high-stakes congressional debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/29/colorado-candidates-refuse-debate-2026-election" target="_self">only scheduled debate</a>, the candidates spent more time sparring than spelling out how they&#x27;d address voters&#x27; concerns — even as the race could determine the balance of power in Congress.

Walmart drones are coming to Denver

The retailer is preparing to drop groceries and other goods at customers' homes in as little as 30 minutes.

Business

Walmart is deploying drone delivery to Denver, promising to drop groceries and other goods at customers&#x27; homes in as little as 30 minutes. Why it matters: The robot ramp-up is in full force. Driverless cars are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="roaming Denver&#x27;s streets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/01/waymo-launches-denver" data-vars-content-id="8c165c1a-5bcf-4231-9391-680eebe8d200" data-vars-headline="Walmart drones are coming to Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/09/01/waymo-launches-denver" target="_self">roaming Denver&#x27;s streets</a>. Now drones are taking to the skies.

Arc opens its first thrift bins

Arc's first-ever outlet sells massively discounted clothing and goods,

Arc Thrift Stores opened its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first-ever outlet" data-vars-click-url="https://arcthrift.com/outlet" data-vars-content-id="6f9e1cb3-e2aa-4daa-900c-4ca55ec5ff29" data-vars-headline="Arc opens its first thrift bins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arcthrift.com/outlet" target="_blank">first-ever outlet</a> yesterday.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a big deal if you&#x27;re in the thrifting game.

Ball Arena plans $135M makeover

The renovation would give the 27-year-old venue a glassier, more modern look.

Development

A $135 million renovation is expected to transform <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ball Arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/10/21/ball-arena-redevelopment-plan-passes" data-vars-content-id="16753994-2f52-49b5-a020-5be5fdf754b3" data-vars-headline="Ball Arena plans $135M makeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/10/21/ball-arena-redevelopment-plan-passes" target="_self">Ball Arena</a>, giving the 27-year-old venue a glassier, more modern look.Why it matters: The investment offers one of the first tangible signs of Kroenke Sports &amp; Entertainment&#x27;s sweeping <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redevelopment vision" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/11/ball-arena-development-rezoning" data-vars-content-id="16753994-2f52-49b5-a020-5be5fdf754b3" data-vars-headline="Ball Arena plans $135M makeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/09/11/ball-arena-development-rezoning" target="_self">redevelopment vision</a> for the area coming to life.

The demographic shift Colorado needs to plan for now

Colorado's aging population is reshaping the economy, and long-term planning needs to catch up.

Partners

Colorado&#x27;s next governor and legislature will take office as the state&#x27;s population continues to age rapidly, reshaping the debates over housing, jobs, health care and the state budget.The background: Colorado already has more residents over 60 than under 18, and nearly 1 million Coloradans are 65 or older.<ul><li>The state&#x27;s over-80 population is expected to more than triple over the next two decades.</li></ul>

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.

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.

Development 🏗️

Ball Arena plans $135M makeover

The demographic shift Colorado needs to plan for now

Aurora neighborhood awaits Stanley's future

SCOOP: Stanley's next act could reshape Aurora

Reimagined Denver Pavilions envisions site as new public square