(The Center Square) — Denver finalized a $1.66 billion budget on Monday despite a lack of support from its city council.
The budget, a 6% decrease from last year’s spending plan, was applauded as the most conservative budget Denver has had in 15 years, aside from COVID-19 budgets. Mayor Mike Johnston pushed for its passage despite failing to receive a majority of the council’s support.
“Our city employees have been working diligently for months to build a budget that protects core services and advances citywide priorities in tough economic times,” Johnston said.
Denver’s “strong-mayor” system gives the mayor authority to propose and adopt the annual budget without city council approval. While the city charter allows the council to hold hearings and suggest changes, the mayor can finalize the budget even without their sign-off.
So, when the council split 6-6 on a Monday night vote, Johnston was still able to push the budget through.
The vote allowed council members to voice their disapproval with the budget process, which some said lacked transparency and collaboration between Johnston’s staff and the council.
Not everyone on the council felt that way, though.
“Navigating this challenge has tested us all,” said Council President Amanda P. Sandoval. “Yet City Council has risen to the occasion, delivering a stronger budget that reflects the community’s priorities. I am eager to continue working alongside my colleagues and the administration to serve Denver’s residents.”
The approved budget was an amended version from one Johnston previously sent to the council. He accepted all of the 10 amendments the council made to it last week.
As part of the budget cuts, the city reduced its workforce by 1%. This comes as concerns grow over the city’s future fiscal security, as previously reported on by The Center Square.
Johnston said he hopes to further address these concerns in the coming budgetary cycle, which will begin in a few months.
“Although I am proud of the work that went into this budget, I am concerned that some of the passed amendments dip further into the city’s reserve and contingency funds before we even start 2026,” he said. “I am committed to working with council to address these shortfalls in the coming budget year and to rebuild our reserves to our 15% goal over the next few budget cycles.”
