Denver Mayor Mike Johnston Vetoes Council Ordinance 24-1791

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston Vetoes Council Ordinance 24-1791

Published on January 14, 2025

Today, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston vetoed City Council Ordinance 24-1791, citing the need place more emphasis on connecting individuals from needle exchange programs to substance misuse services to help them break the cycle of addiction. ­­

Mayor Johnston has prioritized providing treatment resources at all stages of an individual's journey to recovery. One of the administration's first initiatives was the creation the Roads to Recovery program, which offers support to lift people out of the criminal justice cycle and on to a guided and supported path to treatment and stability. The Mayor also remains committed to continue to offer assistance to current syringe access facilities with locating available real estate that is consistent with current ordinance requirements.

Read Mayor Johnston's full letter to Denver City Council to learn more about his decision to veto the ordinance.

• Mayor
• News
• Press release