Council Passes $1.68 Billion Denver Budget
Denver City Council approved Mayor Mike Johnston's amended general fund budget in an 8-3 vote on Monday night.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in City Hall
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Denver City Council passed Mayor Mike Johnston's amended $1.68 billion general fund budget in an 8-3 vote Monday night. The plan increases general fund spending by 1% after two years of cuts.
Why it matters
The general fund pays for policing, housing, parks, and city roads, so the budget shapes core city services for residents. The council's changes added money for rental assistance, small businesses, and Denver Health.
The budget passed 8-3, with Councilmember Stacie Gilmore absent and one council seat vacant. It includes a 2% merit raise for eligible employees costing $10.4 million and repairs to seven road bridges, while the expanded STAR program funding was not approved.
The players
Mike Johnston
Mike Johnston is the Mayor of Denver who submitted the initial budget proposal and whose plan the council amended and approved.
The details
The mayor submits an initial budget, the council recommends changes, and the mayor can accept or reject them, though the council can override with a supermajority. The amended plan avoids furloughs and layoffs and includes improved 311 and 911 services, while the city hopes growing economic activity will boost sales tax collections.
Timeline
Monday night (November 9, 2026): City Council passed the amended budget 8-3.
Political Context
The budget follows more than 2.5% in general fund spending reductions over the past two budget years, driven by federal funding cuts and weak economic activity. The 1% increase represents the first step back up, with the city betting that rising sales tax collections will sustain the recovery.
Eligible city employees will receive a 2% merit raise, and residents will see the budget's funding flow into policing, housing, parks, and road repairs. Improved 311 and 911 services are also included in the spending plan.
The takeaway
Budget cuts followed by modest increases show how cities balance fiscal pressure against service needs. Watch whether the projected sales tax growth arrives as the city expects.
Further reading
For more on how local decisions like this one are made, explore City Hall coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Denverite.
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Do you think Denver's city budget does enough for housing and mental health?
