On November 6, 2026, Mayor Mike Johnston announced he has reviewed and accepted all amendments to the 2027 budget proposed by the Denver City Council. The Council approved five amendments and voted down or withdrew eleven others, with the amended budget now set to become the official 2027 Budget for the city.

Mayor Johnston stated that the budget reflects a collaborative effort among city employees, agency leaders, and Councilmembers, emphasizing its role as a mission statement on the city's priorities and values.

Press Release: City and County of Denver

Published November 6, 2026. Reproduced in full from the City and County of Denver.

Mayor Mike Johnston Accepts City Council’s 2027 Budget Amendments

Mayor Mike Johnston today announced he has reviewed and accepted all of Denver City Council’s amendments to the 2027 budget.

In all, City Council proposed sixteen amendments Monday night, approving five and voting down or withdrawing eleven others. Mayor Johnston accepts all amendments approved by City Council. In accordance with City Charter, the budget as amended will now become the city’s official 2027 Budget.

“This budget is the product of collaboration between countless city employees, agency leaders, and Councilmembers who came to the table and came away with solutions to serve our city better,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “A budget is more than dollars and cents. It’s a mission statement on our priorities, values and beliefs - reflected here in our commitment to delivering great services, strengthening our reserves, and spending responsibly.”

“This budget represents months of thoughtful conversation, hard work and collaboration between Denver City Council and the Mayor’s administration,” said City Council President Diana Romero Campbell. “Throughout this process, we focused on making sure our budget reflects the needs and priorities of people throughout Denver. I appreciate Mayor Johnston’s partnership and acceptance of the Council’s amendments as we continue to work together for our communities.”

Read Mayor Johnston’s letter to City Council below.

As we bring the 2027 budget planning process to a close, I want to thank you for the partnership and collaboration over the past several months.

Through your advocacy, the 2027 budget now contains increased funding for the Denver Health and Hospital Authority, increased support for Denver businesses impacted by construction, support for local community arts and music events, and increased staffing for the 911 Emergency Communications center, the 311 call

center, park rangers, inspections, and legal support for City Council. We’ve also collectively increased the funding for the city’s temporary rent and utility assistance (TRUA) program to a total of $8.5 million for 2027.

These refinements were identified and made possible through the work on the budget led by Denver City Councilmembers, the Department of Finance, and the many city agencies who came to the table ready to listen and to work.

The final amendments made Monday night continue City Council’s work to strengthen the budget and ensure we are collectively focusing our resources toward the residents and services that need it most.

I am pleased to accept all five amendments.

I truly believe our 2027 budget positions the city for success. Despite a state and federal environment that remains challenging, Denver is on track for modest economic growth locally and we are capitalizing on that revenue to enhance core services, bolster reserves, and provide employees with a much-deserved merit increase.

This 2027 budget is a great example of how government is supposed to work. In a time when Americans are frustrated that the federal government cannot work together to deliver the services and supports people need most, this process showed real collaboration with diverse stakeholders to deliver the results our residents deserve.

Thank you for being thoughtful partners in making democracy work for Denver.

Sincerely,

Mayor Mike Johnston

Learn more: denvergov.org/budget