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City Cast Denver
Mayor Johnston on Raising Your Taxes, Crime at Natural Grocers, and Struggling Restaurants
Oct 23, 2024
Mayor Mike Johnston, a dedicated advocate for affordable housing and homelessness solutions in Denver, discusses his success in getting 2,000 people off the streets but acknowledges ongoing challenges. He dives into the controversial proposed sales tax hike to fund housing, urging listeners to weigh its impact on struggling residents. Additionally, Johnston tackles crime concerns, highlighting incidents like the closure of a Natural Grocers due to theft and the struggles faced by local restaurants over wages. The mayor also addresses traffic safety measures and community policing strategies.
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Quick takeaways
- Mayor Johnston advocates for a sales tax increase to fund affordable housing, targeting relief for families struggling with rent in Denver.
- The Mayor addresses rising crime concerns by proposing increased police presence and proactive measures to enhance community safety and equity.
Deep dives
Mayor's Proposal for Affordable Housing Funding
The Mayor proposed a sales tax increase to fund affordable housing, emphasizing the urgency of the housing crisis in Denver. He argued that a significant portion of renters cannot afford to live in the city, with his estimate indicating that 50% of renters face financial strain. The proposed tax, averaging about $2 per week for families, aims to relieve housing costs by funding deed-restricted units, ensuring that residents pay no more than 30% of their income on rent. For instance, a teacher earning $60,000 would see potential rent cut drastically from $2,500 to just $1,500 if this initiative passes.
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