Why the Mayor Is Closing Shelters, a Felon for Governor, and Rats at Larimer Square?

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September 30, 2025 • 37 mins

In the context of his proposed budget for 2026, Mayor Mike Johnston has announced plans to shut down two shelters, saving the city $11 million. But that’s still far from enough to cover the $250 million shortfall between 2025 and 2026. The mayor critics are growing in number and intensity, blaming him for mismanagement, so Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins producer Paul Karolyi to talk about who’s to blame for the budget woes and what they have to do with his new policy strategy on homelessness. Plus, a ⁠longshot candidate for governor⁠ enters the race, and a listener has questions about rats at Larimer Square. Patty talked about ⁠the mayor’s plans⁠ for Central Park. Paul mentioned ⁠Denverite’s reporting⁠ on the city’s budget woes. Get more from City Cast Denver when you become a City Cast Denver Neighbor! You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at ⁠https://membership.citycast.fm⁠ What do you think about the mayor’s new direction on homelessness? We want to hear from you! 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. Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@citycastdenver⁠ Chat with other listeners on reddit: ⁠r/CityCastDenver⁠ Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: ⁠membership.citycast.fm⁠ Learn more about the sponsors of this September 30th episode: ⁠Wise⁠ ⁠Window Nation⁠ ⁠Multipass⁠ ⁠Cozy Earth⁠ - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at⁠ citycast.fm/advertise⁠

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.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}Why the Mayor Is Closing Shelters, a Felon for Governor, and Rats at Larimer Square?