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Lauren Boebert's fundraising is dismal

U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert raised $90,000 in the first three months of the year.

Election

U.S. Rep <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lauren Boebert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/06/24/lauren-boebert-controversy-congress" data-vars-content-id="bf8191fc-f184-488a-b8da-cbc1b004dd1c" data-vars-headline="Lauren Boebert&#x27;s fundraising is dismal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/06/24/lauren-boebert-controversy-congress" target="_self">Lauren Boebert</a> raised a paltry $90,000 in the first three months of the year and reported just $219,000 in the bank ahead of the November election.Why it matters: The Windsor Republican&#x27;s fundraising is by far the weakest of any Colorado congressional incumbent, according to an Axios Denver analysis of new campaign filings.

How a large load tariff could work for Xcel

The utility company's proposal would set separate rates for large electricity users.

News

To handle surging <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center power use" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/02/denvers-considers-data-center-moratorium" data-vars-content-id="eaa6827e-fdf7-4385-b6c2-956044372971" data-vars-headline="How a large load tariff could work for Xcel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/02/denvers-considers-data-center-moratorium" target="_self">data center power use</a>, Xcel Energy is turning to a tool that&#x27;s gaining traction nationwide: a large load tariff.Why it matters: The tariff could help alleviate costs for households and prepare utility companies for a spike in energy demand from power-hungry data centers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="driven largely by AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/data-centers-dominate-rising-us-demand" data-vars-content-id="eaa6827e-fdf7-4385-b6c2-956044372971" data-vars-headline="How a large load tariff could work for Xcel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/data-centers-dominate-rising-us-demand" target="_self">driven largely by AI</a>.

Colorado's electricity bills are lower than the national average

Americans are projected to spend an average of $158 a month on household electricity.

Denver residents are spending an estimated $95 a month on their home electric bills, per a new Axios analysis of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://electricity.heatmap.news/" data-vars-content-id="425342a1-f75a-45b2-8b41-9744d020dc51" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s electricity bills are lower than the national average" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://electricity.heatmap.news/" target="_blank">data</a> collected and shared by climate newsroom Heatmap News.The big picture: Americans are projected to spend an average of $158 a month on household electricity.

Colorado leaders warn of a "deteriorating" business climate

The ad-hoc organization, Ensuring Colorado's Innovation Future, cites Palantir's relocation as a major concern.

Business

Days after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a damning report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/10/colorado-economic-development-company-headquarters" data-vars-content-id="e0f77376-ee7c-490a-bc28-d1d7f8f51bc4" data-vars-headline="Colorado leaders warn of a &quot;deteriorating&quot; business climate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/10/colorado-economic-development-company-headquarters" target="_self">a damning report</a> about the state&#x27;s economic climate, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a bipartisan coalition" data-vars-click-url="https://ensuringcolorado.com/#home" data-vars-content-id="e0f77376-ee7c-490a-bc28-d1d7f8f51bc4" data-vars-headline="Colorado leaders warn of a &quot;deteriorating&quot; business climate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ensuringcolorado.com/#home" target="_blank">a bipartisan coalition</a> of local tech and business leaders issued <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an open letter" data-vars-click-url="https://ensuringcolorado.com/#letter" data-vars-content-id="e0f77376-ee7c-490a-bc28-d1d7f8f51bc4" data-vars-headline="Colorado leaders warn of a &quot;deteriorating&quot; business climate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ensuringcolorado.com/#letter" target="_blank">an open letter</a> to state officials warning that &quot;the foundation of Colorado&#x27;s technology and business leadership is deteriorating.&quot;Why it matters: The unprecedented letter, signed by more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="230 business and community leaders" data-vars-click-url="https://ensuringcolorado.com/#signatories" data-vars-content-id="e0f77376-ee7c-490a-bc28-d1d7f8f51bc4" data-vars-headline="Colorado leaders warn of a &quot;deteriorating&quot; business climate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ensuringcolorado.com/#signatories" target="_blank">230 business and community leaders</a>, reflects growing alarm about Colorado&#x27;s eroding reputation as an innovation hub.

Denver advances proposed e-scooter contract

The contract with Veo starts May 1, replacing Bird and Lime.

After multiple delays, Denver inched closer to rolling out its new shared scooter and e-bike program with Veo, which wants to deploy its sizable fleet onto city streets.Why it matters: The Denver City Council delayed the deal over concerns, including that the switch could disrupt <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="service for low-income riders" data-vars-click-url="https://denverite.com/2026/04/01/denver-veo-scooter-contract-delayed-again/" data-vars-content-id="4805b833-2e4f-4c56-97c2-9c4c5cee5903" data-vars-headline="Denver advances proposed e-scooter contract" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://denverite.com/2026/04/01/denver-veo-scooter-contract-delayed-again/" target="_blank">service for low-income riders</a>.

Colorado puts tentative price tag on proposed passenger train

The project has been in development for decades.

The state on Thursday said a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="passenger train running" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/06/colorado-connector-front-range-rail-name" data-vars-content-id="2e88fc3a-146a-4d02-ad8f-cb8081a3b5cb" data-vars-headline="Colorado puts tentative price tag on proposed passenger train" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/04/06/colorado-connector-front-range-rail-name" target="_self">passenger train running</a> from Denver to Fort Collins will cost $333 million to build and roughly $30 million annually to maintain.Why it matters: After decades in the making, the public is finally getting a glimpse of the project&#x27;s real price tag — and residents could be on the hook.

RTD CEO Debra Johnson to step down

Debra Johnson plans to leave RTD, just as the agency navigates safety and ridership issues.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Regional Transportation District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/30/rtd-board-colorado-shrink-proposal-accountability" data-vars-content-id="ab1950d4-fd60-4da7-b2da-3f68025b31a6" data-vars-headline="RTD CEO Debra Johnson to step down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/03/30/rtd-board-colorado-shrink-proposal-accountability" target="_self">Regional Transportation District</a> (RTD) chief executive and general manager Debra Johnson plans to leave her role next year.Why it matters: Losing its top brass adds instability at a critical moment, as the agency grapples with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="service, safety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/03/rtd-study-reducing-drug-use-transit-stations" data-vars-content-id="ab1950d4-fd60-4da7-b2da-3f68025b31a6" data-vars-headline="RTD CEO Debra Johnson to step down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/03/rtd-study-reducing-drug-use-transit-stations" target="_self">service, safety</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and low ridership." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/13/rtd-ridership-decline" data-vars-content-id="ab1950d4-fd60-4da7-b2da-3f68025b31a6" data-vars-headline="RTD CEO Debra Johnson to step down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/13/rtd-ridership-decline" target="_self">and low ridership.</a>

"CoCo" wins naming contest for new Front Range train service

The much-anticipated passenger rail train is now known as the Colorado Connector, or CoCo for short.

The much-anticipated Front Range <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="passenger train" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ridethefrontrange.com/about-the-district" data-vars-content-id="d634badd-0dc8-40c6-81c2-5b11b793ccc5" data-vars-headline="&quot;CoCo&quot; wins naming contest for new Front Range train service" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ridethefrontrange.com/about-the-district" target="_blank">passenger train</a> is now known as the Colorado Connector, or &quot;CoCo&quot; for short.Why it matters: The quirky moniker, unveiled Monday, could help win over Front Range voters ahead of a possible November ballot measure to fund a Trinidad to Fort Collins rail line.

Colorado lawmakers propose shrinking RTD's board

The bill sponsors' goal is to improve accountability and accelerate decision-making.

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) board of directors could shrink by nearly half under a new proposal from state lawmakers aiming to overhaul the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="troubled agency." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/08/05/colorado-state-audit-rtd-financial-problems" data-vars-content-id="941fc7eb-7758-4a0f-afba-9837e5810998" data-vars-headline="Colorado lawmakers propose shrinking RTD&#x27;s board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2024/08/05/colorado-state-audit-rtd-financial-problems" target="_self">troubled agency.</a>Why it matters: RTD has struggled for years with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="safety concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/03/rtd-study-reducing-drug-use-transit-stations" data-vars-content-id="941fc7eb-7758-4a0f-afba-9837e5810998" data-vars-headline="Colorado lawmakers propose shrinking RTD&#x27;s board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/12/03/rtd-study-reducing-drug-use-transit-stations" target="_self">safety concerns</a>,<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" slumping ridership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/13/rtd-ridership-decline" data-vars-content-id="941fc7eb-7758-4a0f-afba-9837e5810998" data-vars-headline="Colorado lawmakers propose shrinking RTD&#x27;s board" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/08/13/rtd-ridership-decline" target="_self"> slumping ridership</a> and unreliable service across the eight Front Range counties it serves — and lawmakers argue its 15-member board is too large to fix those problems efficiently or effectively.

Denver outlines plan for first automated speed cameras

The cameras would be along Alameda and Federal boulevards.

Denver&#x27;s transportation and infrastructure department (DOTI) says it&#x27;s nearing a final draft for a bill to install the city&#x27;s first automated speed programs targeting two of the city&#x27;s most dangerous corridors.Why it matters: Speed is a major factor in serious auto accidents, and officials believe these cameras can help reduce the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="alarming rise in traffic deaths" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/12/traffic-deaths-denver-2025-increase" data-vars-content-id="b26b3006-63cd-46f3-a86c-66c1a13d2e7c" data-vars-headline="Denver outlines plan for first automated speed cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/12/traffic-deaths-denver-2025-increase" target="_self">alarming rise in traffic deaths</a>.

Metro Denver ranks poorly for safe streets

Denver ranked 41st in a new report report that scored metros on five metrics.

Denver metro areas roadways are a far cry from the country&#x27;s safest, according to a recent report looking at the nation&#x27;s biggest cities.The big picture: The New York, Boston and Portland, Oregon, metros have the country&#x27;s safest roadways, while Denver ranked 41st, per StreetLight Data&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;U.S. Safe Streets Index.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/us-safe-streets-index-ebook" data-vars-content-id="18d64eeb-fc0a-4697-97f1-b0cebaf7f4d3" data-vars-headline="Metro Denver ranks poorly for safe streets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://learn.streetlightdata.com/us-safe-streets-index-ebook" target="_blank">&quot;U.S. Safe Streets Index.&quot;</a>

Exclusive: See the new shared scooters coming to Denver

The company expects to deploy some 6,000 scooters and e-bikes.

Denver&#x27;s new shared <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="scooter and bike program vendor Veo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/denver-selects-veo-next-shared-scooter-bike-operator/" data-vars-content-id="bc82e597-720f-4827-9b5c-3a2e1a8dbc63" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: See the new shared scooters coming to Denver" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/denver-selects-veo-next-shared-scooter-bike-operator/" target="_blank">scooter and bike program vendor Veo</a> will deploy five models for its expected spring launch, including a vehicle the company says isn&#x27;t widely available anywhere else.Why it matters: Locals will get access to one of the most diverse micromobility fleets in the country as Veo tries to meet the city&#x27;s mission to move more people out of cars and into bike lanes.

Colorado's retro black license plate is the favorite

Colorado's most popular specialty license plate is retro cool.

Colorado&#x27;s most popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="specialty license plate" data-vars-click-url="https://dmv.colorado.gov/license-plates" data-vars-content-id="df582325-c0a2-4f7f-8509-b595a8303851" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s retro black license plate is the favorite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dmv.colorado.gov/license-plates" target="_blank">specialty license plate</a> is retro cool.By the numbers: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="retired black license plate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/08/15/colorado-black-license-plate-historical-blue-red" data-vars-content-id="df582325-c0a2-4f7f-8509-b595a8303851" data-vars-headline="Colorado&#x27;s retro black license plate is the favorite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/08/15/colorado-black-license-plate-historical-blue-red" target="_self">retired black license plate</a> is the favorite by far, with 486,075 on the road through Dec. 31, according to state Department of Motor Vehicles data.

Council chides controversial Alameda redesign

A change to the city's plan late in 2025 sparked immediate public backlash.

Alameda Avenue is stuck in a logjam.The big picture: Denver&#x27;s decision to change an initial plan for the roadway last fall, after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a wealthy resident" data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/local-politics/anschutz-alameda-not-safe-denver/73-fc5a1e63-a9db-427e-a3d2-89b56ea440e8" data-vars-content-id="687d0c24-bcb6-4306-a512-18cc232982c0" data-vars-headline="Council chides controversial Alameda redesign" 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/anschutz-alameda-not-safe-denver/73-fc5a1e63-a9db-427e-a3d2-89b56ea440e8" target="_blank">a wealthy resident</a> launched an opposition campaign, angered some community members and advocates who preferred the original design.<ul><li>The controversial move prompted Denver City Council on Wednesday to question and criticize the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) over its revised plans.</li></ul>Why it matters: Council&#x27;s pushback signals many members are siding with Denverites fed up with a road system whose <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traffic deaths last year skyrocketed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/12/traffic-deaths-denver-2025-increase" data-vars-content-id="687d0c24-bcb6-4306-a512-18cc232982c0" data-vars-headline="Council chides controversial Alameda redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/01/12/traffic-deaths-denver-2025-increase" target="_self">traffic deaths last year skyrocketed</a> to its highest total in at least 12 years.<ul><li>It reignited a conversation over how the city may move forward with the redesign.</li></ul>State of play: For years, the public has called on the city to improve Alameda to make it safer, with an initial plan developed over the last five years resulting in shrinking the corridor from four travel lanes to two.<ul><li>The plan focuses on a stretch between Pearl and Franklin streets. The revised plan keeps four lanes, with one westbound lane working as a dedicated turn pocket at intersections.</li></ul>Driving the news: Councilmembers criticized DOTI for taking too long to develop and implement projects, not adequately considering public feedback and lacking transparency.<ul><li>&quot;It doesn&#x27;t seem like there&#x27;s a focus on pedestrian safety — there&#x27;s a focus on the car-centric aspect of this,&quot; Councilmember Shontel Lewis said about DOTI&#x27;s latest plan, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="introduced last November." data-vars-click-url="https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Department-of-Transportation-and-Infrastructure/News-Outreach/2025-DOTI-News/DOTI-Listens-Responds-to-Community-Input-on-Alameda-Lane-Repurposing-Project" data-vars-content-id="687d0c24-bcb6-4306-a512-18cc232982c0" data-vars-headline="Council chides controversial Alameda redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Department-of-Transportation-and-Infrastructure/News-Outreach/2025-DOTI-News/DOTI-Listens-Responds-to-Community-Input-on-Alameda-Lane-Repurposing-Project" target="_blank">introduced last November.</a></li></ul>Friction point: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Critics and community" data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/local-politics/anschutz-alameda-not-safe-denver/73-fc5a1e63-a9db-427e-a3d2-89b56ea440e8" data-vars-content-id="687d0c24-bcb6-4306-a512-18cc232982c0" data-vars-headline="Council chides controversial Alameda redesign" 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/anschutz-alameda-not-safe-denver/73-fc5a1e63-a9db-427e-a3d2-89b56ea440e8" target="_blank">Critics and community</a> members say the new proposal won&#x27;t <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="improve safety for pedestrians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/02/pedestrian-deaths-spike" data-vars-content-id="687d0c24-bcb6-4306-a512-18cc232982c0" data-vars-headline="Council chides controversial Alameda redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/10/02/pedestrian-deaths-spike" target="_self">improve safety for pedestrians</a>, the primary reason the city sought to redesign the corridor.<ul><li>Alameda Avenue is part of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city&#x27;s high-injury network" data-vars-click-url="https://opendata-geospatialdenver.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/high-injury-network-1/explore" data-vars-content-id="687d0c24-bcb6-4306-a512-18cc232982c0" data-vars-headline="Council chides controversial Alameda redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://opendata-geospatialdenver.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/high-injury-network-1/explore" target="_blank">city&#x27;s high-injury network</a> — busy thoroughfares where most serious and fatal traffic crashes occur. The project area had 255 crashes over the past five years, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="9News reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.9news.com/article/traffic/alameda-avenue-safety-project-concerns/73-04755388-e332-45a0-aa4f-d0996a3b6cb0" data-vars-content-id="687d0c24-bcb6-4306-a512-18cc232982c0" data-vars-headline="Council chides controversial Alameda redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.9news.com/article/traffic/alameda-avenue-safety-project-concerns/73-04755388-e332-45a0-aa4f-d0996a3b6cb0" target="_blank">9News reports</a>.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;We absolutely have a shared vision about safety,&quot; Amy Ford, DOTI executive director, told councilmembers about its commitment to Vision Zero, the overarching strategy to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eliminate traffic deaths" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/01/10/denver-traffic-fatalities-streets" data-vars-content-id="687d0c24-bcb6-4306-a512-18cc232982c0" data-vars-headline="Council chides controversial Alameda redesign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2023/01/10/denver-traffic-fatalities-streets" target="_self">eliminate traffic deaths</a>.<ul><li>&quot;This project falls very much in line with that,&quot; Ford added.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Ford says DOTI plans to host a temporary demonstration of some of the proposed traffic realignments to measure their effectiveness at reducing crashes, though a timeline wasn&#x27;t provided Wednesday.<ul><li>The demonstration will help the city make a decision on a final design, Ford said.</li></ul>

Transit 🚗

Denver advances proposed e-scooter contract

Colorado puts tentative price tag on proposed passenger train

RTD CEO Debra Johnson to step down

"CoCo" wins naming contest for new Front Range train service

Colorado lawmakers propose shrinking RTD's board