Mayor Mike Johnston is gearing up to sell voters on his record-breaking $950 million Vibrant Denver Bond package, one of his biggest political tests yet.

Why it matters: With just a month until the Nov. 4 election, the clock is ticking to garner public support for the largest bond package in city history, even as Denver faces a $200 million budget deficit.

State of play: Polling last month showed most Denver voters knew nothing about Johnston's spending package. But once they did, 65% said they'd support it.

• Johnston faces added pressure after voters rejected his affordable housing tax measure last year.

Driving the news: Johnston's campaign is preparing to launch a $750,000 blitz of TV spots and mailers in addition to the digital and streaming ads already running, campaign spokesperson Mike Strott tells Axios Denver.

• This week, Johnston's campaign team will also release its endorsement list of nearly 100 supporters, Strott says.
• Over the weekend, the campaign kickstarted its field effort with a volunteer canvass at Sloan's Lake, along with phone and text banking.

Follow the money: Finance records as of August showed the campaign has raised about $246,000 and spent less than $2,500 so far — leaving plenty of firepower for the final push.

• Campaign finance reports for September will be filed today.

Behind the scenes: Johnston has leaned on former Mayor Federico Peña for guidance to push the package across the finish line. Peña, who as mayor championed big projects during tough economic times, recently told Axios Denver his top advice for Johnston is simple:

• "He needs to be everywhere … and educating people about why this bond issue is so important."

What we're watching: Whether Johnston's late-game strategy lands with voters in time or leaves him playing catch-up in the campaign's final weeks.

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The 48th Denver Film Festival next month will host the world premiere of a documentary on legendary Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway.

The big picture: The Netflix and Omaha Productions documentary "Elway" chronicles the quarterback's time in college and his entire 16-season NFL career with Denver.

• Elway will join co-directors Ken Rodgers and Chris Weaver in presenting the film at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on Nov. 8, per a statement from festival organizers Denver Film.

Between the lines: Omaha Productions is helmed by another Broncos great, hall of fame quarterback Peyton Manning, who like Elway brought Super Bowl glory to the Mile High City during his time in the orange and navy.

Context: The 10-day Denver Film Festvial will screen dozens of movies starting Oct. 31, with Netflix's "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery" at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

If you go: Tickets for the general public go live today.

Tell a film fan

Colorado couples are tying the knot later in life.

By the numbers: The median age for getting married in Colorado is 29.7 — right on par with the national average of 29.8, according to 2024 census data.

The big picture: In 2010, the average age was two years younger, census figures show.

• That number has climbed as young adults delay traditional milestones.

Flashback: In 1950, the median age for first marriage was roughly 22.

🍎 Stephen Paulson, an 11-year teaching veteran from the Greeley-Evans school district, was named Colorado's 2026 teacher of the year. He teaches social studies at Greeley Central High School. (Chalkbeat)

🚩 The Denver District Attorney's Office is blaming a technical glitch for its failure to share police records with defense attorneys in more than 750 criminal cases since 2022. (Denver Post 🔑)

💊 Colorado became the first state to cap the price of a prescription drug, setting a $600 weekly ceiling on Enbrel, an arthritis medication. The move is expected to draw lawsuits. (Denver Post 🔑)

⛰️ Federal and state investigations are underway after the death of Olivia Copeland, a 26-year-old climbing guide, who fell while rappelling with her group on the Blue Sky Via Ferrata in Idaho Springs. (Colorado Sun)

🚌 RTD resumed its free shuttle service yesterday on 16th Street between Union Station and Civic Center after a three-year disruption. The move follows the full reopening of downtown Denver's 16th Street over the weekend, Alayna reports.

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The Denver Broncos conjured Mile High Magic in Philadelphia yesterday, beating the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles 21-17.

Why it matters: It's a signature win for head coach Sean Payton — and a shocking victory Broncos Country will be bragging about for years.

• The win hands Philadelphia its first loss of the season.

State of play: Payton's bold call to go for a two-point conversion following quarterback Bo Nix's touchdown pass to tight end Evan Engram gave the Broncos an 18-17 lead.

• Denver would never trail again. A 36-yard Wil Lutz field goal cemented the Broncos' triumph.

The big picture: The team improves to 3-2 on the season.

What's next: The Broncos travel overseas to play the New York Jets on Sunday as part of the NFL's 2025 London Games series.