Mayor Mike Johnston of Denver had intended to celebrate some significant victories achieved by his city in 2024. His intent was overshadowed, however, by the persistent allegations from Mike Coffman, the Mayor of Aurora. More troubling were the allegations made on January 5, painting Johnston as the central figure in a scandal involving a Venezuelan gang, which caused national uproar in the same year.
In speaking to the press, Johnston attempted to spotlight the achievements of his administration. ‘The milestones of 2024 were marked by some of our most remarkable achievements,’ he said, pointing out the substantial decline in homelessness, the drastic reduction in the city’s homicide rate, and a resurge in downtown development.
Johnston had previously outlined a comprehensive undertaking, titled ‘Citywide Goals 2024’. Targets set in this ambitious initiative included moving 2,000 homeless people into permanent living situations, cutting down the development permitting time by 30%, and decreasing city-wide violent gun crime by 20%.
In addition, Johnston committed to facilitate public meetings across Denver, aiming to maintain an open dialogue with the city’s residents about their concerns and aspirations. According to Johnston, by analyzing data from various city offices, including the mayor’s office, Community Planning & Development, and the Denver Police Department, he confirmed the city had accomplished these important milestones.
Despite the achievements, Coffman’s allegation cast a dark shadow over the city’s victories. Reports from the Mayor’s office in Denver estimated that approximately 43,000 immigrants, predominantly from Venezuela, had landed in Denver since December 2022. A significant portion of these immigrants still resides in the metropolitan region.
Increased scrutiny has surrounded the issue due to the alleged involvement of some immigrants in Tren de Aragua, a notorious gang rooted in Venezuelan prisons. Despite the media sensation and subsequent turmoil, Johnston remains firm that Denver remains a secure haven for its residents and pledges his continued commitment to maintaining this security.
Johnston further clarified, the city doesn’t directly oversee the placement of immigrants; it is usually managed by non-profit organizations utilizing state-funded contracts. The mayor underscores the importance of leaving the decision of where to place immigrants to these organizations, based on their assessments.
Johnston explained, ‘When it comes to allocation of the city’s funding, we distribute it among them, and they take responsibility for deciding on housing.’ The approach aim to ensure flexibility and efficiency, as the availability of units for housing migrants can vary across different areas in and around the city.
Johnston dismisses any blame for Aurora’s migrant-related issues. Preferring to maintain clear lines of responsibility, he said, ‘Our role is to govern Denver, Coffman governs Aurora. Each of our cities operates autonomously. We answer to our voters, just as he answers to his. We implement strategies that benefit our services and support structures – a model that has proven successful for us.’
Despite the contentious situation, Johnston remains unwavering in his acknowledgment of the city’s 2024 accomplishments. From more than 2,200 homeless citizens provided housing since his tenure began in July 2023, approximately 82% have managed to stay indoors.
He also took pride in pointing out a reduction in firearm homicides by roughly 30%, while the rate of ‘persons shot’ was decreased by 23%. Adding to the reasons of his excitement, the mayor alluded to ongoing plans since November to input $570 million through Downtown Development Authority and the anticipated finish of the 16th Street Mall renovations within this year.
Nevertheless, Johnston confesses falling behind on one key sector: trash and recycling pick-up. The shortcoming in accomplishing trash cycle routes more frequently and distributing compost carts was mainly attributed to a shortage of workforce. This was the one area where the ambitious mayor found his goals unmet.
Despite the setbacks, and the unexpected accusations from his neighboring counterpart, Mayor Johnston remains enthusiastic about the future. In a tone seeped with optimism and steadfastness, he has revealed an impending announcement of his new set of goals for 2025, expected to be made public on January 29.