Denver’s $50M Budget Shortfall Fuels Public Outrage Amid Controversial Spending

On May 23, 2025, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced a $50 million budget shortfall for 2025, with a projected $200 million deficit in 2026, driven by stagnant revenue and rising costs, according to CBS Colorado.

The city will place some staff on temporary unpaid leave, enforce a hiring freeze, and may implement layoffs to address the crisis.

Despite the financial strain, Johnston plans to continue investments in downtown revitalization and homelessness initiatives.

Public frustration is mounting, with X user @castlerockjock sarcastically criticizing the city’s $100,000 rebranding of the 16th Street Mall to “16th Street,” announced on May 20, 2025, by Denver7, dubbing it the “16 Murder Mall™.”

Further discontent arises from $250,000 in legal fees incurred between February 1 and May 2025, as reported by Denverite on May 21, 2025.

These fees stem from hiring Covington & Burling, a Washington law firm, to assist Johnston in preparing for a Congressional hearing before the U.S. House Oversight Committee, addressing federal scrutiny over Denver’s “sanctuary city” policies and limited cooperation with federal immigration agents.

Critics argue such spending is misplaced during a fiscal crisis, intensifying debates over the city’s priorities.

Good thing we paid $100k to rebrand the 16 Murder Mall™

— The Castle Rock Jock (@castlerockjock) May 22, 2025