For Denver, the pitch is simple: "Go West."

Why it matters: The only Western city named a finalist for 2028's Democratic National Convention wants to write itself into the party's future by winning the highly coveted bid, pumping millions into the local economy.

Driving the news: Mayor Mike Johnston and Gov. Jared Polis greeted Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin yesterday at Ball Arena for party officials' three-day city tour.

• They examined Denver's transit, hospitality, venue and amenity options.

By the numbers: If selected, the city could draw $500 million in economic activity from the four-day convention, Johnston said, likening the event to "four Super Bowls in a row."

• The 2008 convention generated $266 million in spending across the area and $24 million in global publicity, Visit Denver spokesperson Taylor Shields said in an email.

What we're watching: Whether Denver's business community rallies behind the bid amid an uneasy economic climate.

• A handful of major companies have recently departed Colorado, and scores of leaders say innovation has stalled, while officials in the capital city are still working to bring both businesses and people back downtown.

Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce board chair Mowa Haile, who joined Johnston yesterday, struck an optimistic tone even as he acknowledged the country's "inflection point." But, he added, the city is building economic opportunities.

Between the lines: Democrats would need to raise between $75 million and $90 million to host the convention in Denver, a Democratic analyst recently told CBS Colorado.

• Visit Denver declined to say how much it's already spent on its campaign to land the DNC, citing the active and competitive nature of the bid.

The bottom line: Local businesses will likely be more interested in an economically prosperous event rather than a culturally significant one.

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One week remains in the 2026 legislative session, and hundreds of bills — including key Democratic priorities — hang in the balance.

Why it matters: With time running out, not all these bills will make it to the finish line.

State of play: State lawmakers are working late hours and scrambling to advance bills by the May 13 adjournment.

• The unfinished legislation includes measures to:

🤖 Put guardrails on the use of AI in making consequential decisions that could lead to discrimination.

⚖️ Allow individuals to sue immigration enforcement authorities for violating their civil rights.

👋 Make it easier for inmates to be released or avoid incarceration when state prisons face overcrowding.

💰 Raise taxes by $550 million on certain businesses and create a new tax credit for families earning less than $100,000 a year.

⛑️ Impose a one-time fee on insurers to lower exchange plan premiums and fund coverage for undocumented immigrants.

💳 Ban the use of credit cards for sports betting and cap deposits to six per day.

🕵️‍♂️ Bar businesses from using surveillance AI to set prices or wages based on personal data, such as browsing history, financial status or habits.

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Colorado's craft brewers posted production and economic gains last year, outperforming a broader industry slump, as revealed by new data from the Brewers Association shared early with Axios.

Why it matters: Colorado's craft beer industry may be finding firmer footing after years of nationwide decline.

Driving the news: The Boulder-based Brewers Association's 2025 Colorado report is out later this week.

By the numbers: Colorado craft brewers produced 75,469 more barrels than in 2024 — nearly a 10% increase.

• Breweries' estimated $2.8 billion statewide economic impact in 2024 grew by $28 million in 2025.

Reality check: Colorado still lost a net 33 breweries last year, underscoring continued pressure.

What they're saying: Matt Gacioch, staff economist at the assocation, tells Axios that in a business "built by dreamers," many of the closures nationwide reflect a maturing industry, redefining what "success" looks like.

• "Success now could be a sustainable business, good margins and steady employment," Gacioch said.

Fun fact: The good news isn't isolated. Colorado brewers won 27 medals in the World Beer Cup last month.

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🏠 In Denver, 11,539 homes were for sale at the end of April. That's 65% more than at the same time two years ago. (CPR)

🚧 City officials say construction on Colfax Avenue between Broadway and Colorado Boulevard will finish by the end of the year. (Denverite)

❄️ The Denver airport reported 4.7 inches of snow yesterday, making it the biggest May storm since 2003. (9News)

🐲 The Dragon Boat Festival will return to Sloan's Lake Aug. 29-30 despite concerns about water quality that nearly prompted the event to relocate. (Denver Post 🔑)

Draw your wand and solemnly swear you're up to no good.

Dig in: The U.S. tour of "Harry Potter: The Exhibition" is stopping in Denver next month, bringing to life the settings and artifacts from the beloved fantasy series.

Driving the news: Tickets go on sale May 14, but the waitlist opened this week, which can help you score tickets earlier.

The vibe: The immersive experience features sets from the film series and the Broadway production, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."

• The exhibition includes authentic props and original costumes. Visitors enter through a Gringotts-inspired vault.
• Visitors can explore galleries for each of the four Hogwarts houses, while digital touchscreens bring to life classes like Defense Against the Dark Arts.

If you go: The exhibition opens June 26 at 417 S. Broadway.

• Prices start at $28 for adults and $20 for children ages 3 to 12.

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