It has taken months to get Denver's general fund budget for 2026, and a lot of collaboration with the Mayor's Office and City Council.

These decisions were being made on the heels of city-wide layoffs and department cuts to help plug a $200 million shortfall .

"We go into this with a very serious intent to make sure we do no harm," said Councilman Darrell Watson, who represents District 9. "And so, coming from a budget where there is 0% growth projected for the city, there are already layoffs of city employees, we took this seriously."

In a letter to City Council , Mayor Mike Johnston said the budget process has been "one of the most challenging" the city has faced.

After speaking with constituents, city council provided 10 amendments to the mayor's proposed budget, all

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