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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>.

Why Denver wants to buy a state-owned building

The $4.5 million deal could add future affordable homes near transit.

Mayor Mike Johnston&#x27;s administration moved forward Tuesday with a plan to spend $4.5 million on a vacant Capitol Hill office building that could become a future site for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="much-needed affordable" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/05/15/our-housing-gap" data-vars-content-id="74ab5991-2421-4f7f-901e-d60c389f9fac" data-vars-headline="Why Denver wants to buy a state-owned building" 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">much-needed affordable</a> housing.Why it matters: Purchasing the state-owned building in Denver&#x27;s Capitol Hill neighborhood is a small but notable step toward addressing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the city&#x27;s housing crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/19/polis-housing-shortage-colorado-cities" data-vars-content-id="74ab5991-2421-4f7f-901e-d60c389f9fac" data-vars-headline="Why Denver wants to buy a state-owned building" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/09/19/polis-housing-shortage-colorado-cities" target="_self">the city&#x27;s housing crisis</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.

Former Denver Mayor Hancock is now a real estate investor

After serving in public office and then as a political consultant, Hancock appears to be shifting toward a more lucrative second act.

Former Denver Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michael Hancock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/07/17/denver-mayor-michael-hancock-exit-farewell-legacy" data-vars-content-id="fc60a7e1-c815-46f6-aaed-4cd923ef1663" data-vars-headline="Former Denver Mayor Hancock is now a real estate investor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/07/17/denver-mayor-michael-hancock-exit-farewell-legacy" target="_self">Michael Hancock</a> is making a post-City Hall pivot into real estate investing.Why it matters: After serving in public office and then as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a political consultant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/12/07/former-mayor-michael-hancock-consulting-business" data-vars-content-id="fc60a7e1-c815-46f6-aaed-4cd923ef1663" data-vars-headline="Former Denver Mayor Hancock is now a real estate investor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/12/07/former-mayor-michael-hancock-consulting-business" target="_self">a political consultant</a>, Hancock appears to be shifting toward a more lucrative second act.

Denver's rent dip among nation's highest

The median rent fell by nearly 5% year over year.

New data shows the Denver metro area recorded one of the steepest rent declines in the country over the past year.State of play: The median rent in metro Denver was down nearly 5% this February from a year earlier, to $1,600 a month, according to data from Apartment List, a rental site.

Metro Denver homeowners are staying put

The trend is keeping the housing market on ice for now.

Denver metro homeowners are staying in their houses for the longest time in at least 25 years, new data shows.Why it matters: The trend is keeping the housing market on ice for now.

How long it takes to save for a home down payment in Denver

The average time it takes to save for a home down payment in Denver is more than double the national average.

Real Estate

The average time it takes to save for a home down payment in Denver is nearly 15 years, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Realtor.com analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/downpayment-savings-december-2025/" data-vars-content-id="753685c3-d272-47f4-aa50-ee5add3d20dc" data-vars-headline="How long it takes to save for a home down payment in Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/downpayment-savings-december-2025/" target="_blank">Realtor.com analysis</a>.Why it matters: A down payment is one of the biggest barriers to homeownership, and Denver&#x27;s timeline is more than double the national average.

What 2026 holds in store for Denver real estate

This year's housing market won't be flashy — and industry experts say that's a good thing.

Denver&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/02/more-denver-homeowners-are-staying-put" data-vars-content-id="f5df3321-e2b7-4725-8f74-96ce1a732369" data-vars-headline="What 2026 holds in store for Denver real estate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/02/more-denver-homeowners-are-staying-put" target="_self">housing market</a> in 2026 won&#x27;t be flashy — and industry experts say that&#x27;s a good thing.The big picture: After years of frenzied, unpredictable conditions, the market is expected to move toward something resembling normalcy. No boom, no bust — just balance.

PHOTOS: Palantir's Alex Karp buys Colorado monastery for $120M

St. Benedict's Monastery, a quiet refuge tucked into Old Snowmass, has long had an air of mystery — but its new owner adds a twist.

An Aspen-area ranch that for decades was home to a community of Trappist monks sold this week, becoming the largest residential sale in Pitkin County history, per listing firm Mirr Ranch Group.The intrigue: St. Benedict&#x27;s Monastery, a quiet refuge tucked into Old Snowmass, has long had an air of mystery — but its new owner adds a twist. The Wall Street Journal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/luxury-homes/palantir-ceo-alex-karp-pays-record-120-million-for-colorado-monastery-33834f34" data-vars-content-id="7e88e72a-8bc9-4b8a-bf84-f5743f74ad34" data-vars-headline="PHOTOS: Palantir&#x27;s Alex Karp buys Colorado monastery for $120M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/luxury-homes/palantir-ceo-alex-karp-pays-record-120-million-for-colorado-monastery-33834f34" target="_blank">reported</a> this week that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alex Karp" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/07/palantir-ceo-alex-karp-interview-axios" data-vars-content-id="7e88e72a-8bc9-4b8a-bf84-f5743f74ad34" data-vars-headline="PHOTOS: Palantir&#x27;s Alex Karp buys Colorado monastery for $120M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/07/palantir-ceo-alex-karp-interview-axios" target="_self">Alex Karp</a>, CEO of Denver-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Palantir" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/05/01/palantir-deportations-ice-immigration-trump" data-vars-content-id="7e88e72a-8bc9-4b8a-bf84-f5743f74ad34" data-vars-headline="PHOTOS: Palantir&#x27;s Alex Karp buys Colorado monastery for $120M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/05/01/palantir-deportations-ice-immigration-trump" target="_self">Palantir</a>, bought the property for $120 million.

Zillow's most-clicked Colorado home in 2025

Colorado&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most popular Zillow listing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/learn/most-popular-homes/" data-vars-content-id="67528b35-7fac-4b41-a6b0-3cb1e5f2bece" data-vars-headline="Zillow&#x27;s most-clicked Colorado home in 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/learn/most-popular-homes/" target="_blank">most popular Zillow listing</a> this year was also the priciest among the platform&#x27;s fan favorites in every state.<ul><li>And yes — of course it&#x27;s in Aspen.</li></ul>

Black bear crashes Chip and Joanna Gaines' new Colorado show

HGTV's power duo is launching a limited series in Colorado that packs plenty of surprises — and a bear sighting is just the beginning.

&quot;Oh my gosh. It&#x27;s a bear. It&#x27;s a bear.&quot;HGTV power duo <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chip and Joanna Gaines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2024/11/01/mcmurtry-bookstore-chip-joanna-gaines-archer-city" data-vars-content-id="f1f44425-591b-41b3-80b5-6e90d722ff48" data-vars-headline="Black bear crashes Chip and Joanna Gaines&#x27; new Colorado show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2024/11/01/mcmurtry-bookstore-chip-joanna-gaines-archer-city" target="_self">Chip and Joanna Gaines</a> debut a three-part limited series set in Colorado on Tuesday that packs plenty of surprises for the Waco, Texas-based couple — and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="black bear sighting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/12/04/boulder-colorado-bear-activity-increases-2025" data-vars-content-id="f1f44425-591b-41b3-80b5-6e90d722ff48" data-vars-headline="Black bear crashes Chip and Joanna Gaines&#x27; new Colorado show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boulder/2025/12/04/boulder-colorado-bear-activity-increases-2025" target="_self">black bear sighting</a> is just the beginning.

A symbol map of 54 U.S. metro areas showing estimated change in median rent from February 2025 to February 2026. Rents decreased in 34 metros, mostly in the South, and increased in 20 metros, mostly in the Northeast and Midwest. Virginia Beach increased the most, by 5.3%, and Austin decreased the most, by 5.9%.

Change in median rent from February 2025 to February 2026

🏠 Mapped: HOA fees

HOA's are popular in Colorado

A map shows the share of homes listed for sale in 2025 that included HOA fees, by state. On average, 43.6% of listings included HOA fees. The states where HOA fees were most often included were Nevada (68%), Arizona (65%) and Florida (65%).

Real Estate 🏠

Why Denver wants to buy a state-owned building

Reimagined Denver Pavilions envisions site as new public square

Former Denver Mayor Hancock is now a real estate investor

Denver's rent dip among nation's highest

HOA's are popular in Colorado