City Cast Denver Taxpayers Spent $170M On What?! Plus, Civic Center’s Controversial New Look and Drones for Xmas
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Dec 6, 2024 Justine Sandoval, a politics and green chile correspondent, and Catie Cheshire, a Westword staff writer, dive into the scrutiny surrounding the Caring for Denver Foundation's $170 million in taxpayer spending on mental health initiatives. They discuss concerns over transparency and effectiveness in funding. The duo also explores the controversial redesign of Civic Center Park, balancing historic preservation with modern use. Other local highlights include the closure of Biker Jim’s and a nostalgic look at the upcoming Parade of Lights.
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Caring for Denver Funding
- Denver voters approved a 25-cent tax increase in 2018 to fund mental health and drug treatment programs.
- This initiative, known as Caring for Denver, aimed to generate $45 million annually.
Unclear Impact and Varied Expectations
- Despite raising $170 million, Caring for Denver's impact on the mental health crisis is unclear.
- Public perception of the initiative varied, with some expecting immediate solutions like a 911-style service.
Lack of Transparency
- Caring for Denver's lack of transparency raises concerns.
- The foundation refused to provide detailed data on spending, citing legal advice.
