DENVER — When Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced plans for layoffs and furloughs amid a projected $250 million budget shortfall over the next two years, the decision may have seemed like a sudden blow during a chaotic period in the global economy.
In reality, the city’s trouble has been bubbling for years. Johnston, who took office in mid-2023, has been bracing for big budget changes since at least 2024.
As early as last September, he was advising a conservative approach for the 2025 budget in remarks to the City Council — and warning that “we have to look at more significantly slowing or stopping the growth of government.”…