Denver Mayor Mike Johnston's cabinet could get big pay bumps under a proposal introduced yesterday at a City Council committee.

Why it matters: The proposed raises aim to keep the city competitive, but the timing is politically dicey. Denver finance officials are already bracing for possible spending cuts in 2026 due to shaky revenues, higher costs and economic uncertainty.

Driving the news: The Johnston administration is pushing salary increases for 12 department heads after three years with no merit or market-based raises.

• The goal is to bring salaries in line with market medians to "attract and retain top talent," Carla Anthony, the city's deputy HR director, told the council committee.

By the numbers: Altogether, the raises total about $493,000, mostly covered by the mayor's office budget.

• The Denver International Airport CEO's hike would come from the airport's enterprise fund.
• Officials say the city can afford the increases by leaving vacant roles in the mayor's office unfilled.

Zoom in: Finance director Nicole Doheny would get the biggest bump — a 44% raise, to just over $266,000. That's above market rate, city officials say, due to the job's unique legal responsibilities.

• DIA chief Phil Washington would remain the city's highest-paid mayoral appointee, at $407,000, after receiving a 17% raise.
• That's well above the market median of $260,000, Denver HR officials acknowledge, but they say the role is benchmarked against major U.S. airports due to DIA's size and complexity.

Friction point: Some council members questioned both the equity and optics of the plan.

What they're saying

A high-stakes political showdown is pitting the Democratic governor against his party and its top ally, labor unions, at the end of the legislative session for the second straight year.

Why it matters: The measure makes it easier to form labor unions and now heads to Gov. Jared Polis — even though he's vowed to veto it.

Driving the news: The Legislature sent Polis the bill yesterday after a party-line, 43-22 vote in the state House.

• The bill would repeal a unique requirement in Colorado law that forces a union to win a second vote with supermajority support before it can extract dues and collectively bargain with employers.

Democratic lawmakers touted the benefits of unions to uplift working people, while Republicans countered by focusing on how the measure would hurt businesses.

• It pitted Democratic lawmakers and labor unions against the state's powerful business lobby, which argued the bill would hurt Colorado's competitiveness.
• The two sides spent months negotiating behind the scenes, but talks ended last weekend without a deal.

Between the lines: From the start, the governor put himself in the middle of the debate, urging both sides to compromise, or else.

• Polis even tried to trade his support for passage of other hot-button bills, such as restaurant wages and expanding charter schools, the Denver Post reported.
• With no agreement, he's expected to reject the bill.

Keep reading

Today is the deadline for a Real ID-compliant license — or another acceptable document — to board a commercial flight in the U.S.

Yes, but: Even though an estimated 2.1 million Coloradans lack a passport (a valid Real ID alternative), you can breathe easy for a couple reasons:

• Thanks to a 2012 state requirement, most Colorado-issued licenses — 5 million and counting — already meet Real ID standards, per the state DMV.
• And for those that don't, you can still fly, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said yesterday.

Reality check: Travelers without a Real ID should expect "an extra step" — and possibly a detour to a "different line," Noem said.

The bottom line: Real ID or not, brace for long lines, mild panic and the slow unraveling of your will to travel. (Just kidding.) But pack snacks accordingly.

🏨 The Crawford Hotel at Denver Union Station was named among the best U.S. hotels in Tripadvisor's 2025 Travelers' Choice Awards' luxury category. It was credited for its "cool mix of old-school charm and modern" amenities after recent renovations. (Tripadvisor)

🏠 Denver's housing department is accepting applications for partial property tax relief for residents, including older adults, people with disabilities and families meeting specific criteria. (Denverite)

🏒 David Carle, head coach of the University of Denver men's hockey team, signed a multi-year contract extension, keeping the two-time national championship-winning coach at DU for the foreseeable future, Esteban reports.

❌ State lawmakers yesterday rejected a plan to add a 1% fee to every homeowners insurance policy, dealing a political blow to the governor and other top Democrats seeking to lower insurance costs. (Colorado Sun)

👀 The Aurora City Council this week imposed tighter restrictions on public comments during its meetings following demonstrations from advocates over the fatal police shooting of Kilyn Lewis in 2024. (9News)

🗓️ Mark your calendar with our Event Board.

Sensual Bachata Fest at Hyatt Regency Aurora May 16-18: Our festival promises to elevate your Bachata experience with the ultimate summer vibes, offering incredible workshops with professional and international artists. $39.19.

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Decorated U.S. alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin is the latest celebrity to join a Denver professional sports ownership group.

Driving the news: Denver's National Women's Soccer League team announced yesterday that Shiffrin, a Colorado native, has joined an ownership team led by IMA Financial Group CEO Rob Cohen.

Between the lines: The NWSL's newest expansion team is trying to drum up support for its stadium site plan in southwest Denver.

The big picture: Superstar British Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who are co-owners of the Denver Broncos, are among the other famous faces with a business stake in local teams.

What's next: The yet-to-be-named Denver NWSL is scheduled to start play next year at a temporary stadium.

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