Denver police’s budget could grow slightly next year as it implements Mayor Mike Johnston’s new strategy targeting so-called quality of life crimes.
Why it matters: DPD is the rare city department that’s getting slightly meatier in Johnston’s bare-bones 2026 budget proposal, reflecting how essential the agency is to the mayor’s agenda.
By the numbers: The department’s budget would grow 2% to $281 million under the mayor’s proposal presented Tuesday in the second day of budget hearings hosted by Denver City Council.
- Pay raises stipulated in the recently approved police department collective bargaining agreement prompted the uptick, city finance department spokesperson Laura Swartz tells us.
State of play: Police Chief Ron Thomas told policymakers on Tuesday he’s “comfortable” that the amount proposed for his department would allow his roughly 1,500 uniformed officers to deliver core services.
- The mayor wants to reduce crimes like shoplifting and open air drug use while connecting people arrested for these crimes with treatment programs.
Context: Despite an overall drop in more serious criminal activity, a recent poll of local voters shows public safety is a top issue they want addressed…