Decoding the Mayor’s Budget, the Zoo’s Angry Neighbors, and an Exclusive Campaign Announcement

Mayor Mike Johnston revealed his proposed budget for 2026 this week — the vibes are off and the numbers are down. But what can we read between the lines of his proposals to see where the city is going next? Our politics and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the mayor’s new priorities on homelessness and other secrets hidden in the budget. Plus, some City Park neighbors are big mad about the Denver Zoo’s proposal to reopen a long-shuttered West Gate , so we’re talking about one of our favorite topics — parking — and all our other wins and fails of the week. Plus, Justine has a big announcement. Paul talked about a landmark preservation debate in Wash Park, rising homelessness in Houston , exceptions to Waste No More , and Denver’s gun violence dashboard . Bree talked about the Federal Theater reopening . Justine discussed the recent debates over the Mestizo-Curtis Park Pool and Park Hill Park . We also discussed the La Loma green chile situation . What do you think about the Zoo reopening the old West Gate? We want to hear from you! Especially if you live in City Park West. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm . Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or Instagram @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this September 19th episode: Arvada Center Denver Botanic Garden Denver Health Window Nation Florence Crittenton Services Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE , and she might answer in next week’s segment. Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise