WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: 2026 City Goals

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING: 2026 City Goals

Published on January 27, 2026

Mayor Mike Johnston this week announced ambitious new citywide goals to address Denverites' top priorities, including public safety, homelessness, and affordability.

Leaders and advocates from across Denver praised the city's commitment to taking on tough challenges. Read their thoughts below.

"The tragedy of youth gun violence is not just the life taken, but the future stolen. Every empty seat in a classroom represents a cure undiscovered, a song unsung, and a story unfinished. With firearm related deaths being the leading cause of youth mortality in Denver and the disproportionate impact on communities it is more important than ever that we commit to a future where every young person is safe and supported. By prioritizing justice, safety, and expanded career and education pathways, we can deliver city-backed, community-driven programs designed alongside the youth we serve."

Pastor B, Denver Dream Center

"You told us you would make the neighborhood better and you kept your promise."

Dean S., Paco Sanchez Park neighbor

"Expanding access to affordable childcare and connecting thousands of young people to quality out-of-school programs is essential for building a stronger, more equitable Denver. The Child Friendly goal reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that all Denver children have access to programs that keep them safe, inspire them to learn, and prepare them for the future."

Kayla Garcia, President and CEO, Girls Inc

"Tourism is an important economic driver for Denver generating $10.3 billion in tourism spending, supporting 73,500 jobs across the metro area, and delivering significant state and local tax revenue. The Citywide Goals closely align with Visit Denver's mission, which emphasizes building a world-class visitor destination through public realm improvements, accessibility, public safety, neighborhood vitality, and destination stewardship. Building on last year's goals, the delivery of on-time catalytic developments into our city will provide long-term economic, social, and environmental returns to both residents and visitors."

Richard W. Scharf, President and CEO, Visit Denver

"2026 will be a defining year for our city, and Mayor Johnston's Vibrant Denver vision meets this moment with ambition and purpose. By advancing bold, collaborative efforts to expand opportunity, address affordability and homelessness, strengthen public safety, and unlock entrepreneurship and job growth, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, child-friendly, and resilient Denver. Downtown's revitalization is central to that vision, and the Downtown Denver Partnership is proud to partner with Mayor Johnston and the City and County of Denver to bring it to life and make downtown the best place to live, explore, and do business."

Kourtny Garrett, President and CEO, Downtown Denver Partnership

"I am looking forward to working hand-in-hand with the mayors office and the city's street engagement teams to reduce disruptive behavior, continue working on reducing chronic homelessness and increasing response time to business and resident initiated homelessness reports in 2026."

Luke Johnson, President of the Board, Broadway General Improvement District

"The structural deficit of housing is driving the crisis of affordability and homelessness in Denver and nationwide. Over the last generation, Urban Land Conservancy has partnered on the development and preservation of over 2,000 affordable homes, with hundreds more in the pipeline. And yet, we know this is not nearly enough. We applaud Mayor Johnston's commitment to policies and funding supports that will increase affordable-housing production and result in more homes, more jobs, and better quality of life for all Denverites."

Aaron Miripol, President and CEO, Urban Land Conservancy

"Denver is building a powerful model for driving sustainability that can scale across the region and state. As Colorado grapples with the harmful impacts of a changing climate, Denver is helping its residents save money on energy bills, cut pollution, live healthier lives, and advance a more resilient future for the whole community."

Elise Jones, Executive Director, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP)

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