Denver’s councilmembers on Monday unanimously approved Mayor Mike Johnston’s $1.74 billion spending plan for next year, which included hundreds of millions for homelessness. 

Johnston welcomed the decision and cited collaboration with councilmembers in crafting the budget.

“I’m proud that this budget passed with unanimous support thanks to the continuous collaboration and dedication from City Council, showing what is possible when we work shoulder-to-shoulder to make Denver a safe, affordable, and vibrant city for all,” Johnston said in a statement.

Councilmembers cited funding for the city’s emergency rental assistance program as the most notable change from the mayor’s original budget proposal.

Denver mayor, council compromise on $29.1M in rental assistance funding

Johnston initially proposed $12.6 million to fund the program that seeks to help residents in danger of missing rent payments. The council asked for more, and the two sides settled at $29.1 million.

Other budget highlights included:

• $80 million for affordable home rental and homeownership programs

• $8.2 million to recruit 167 new Denver police officers to reach the department’s “full authorized strength”

• $17 million to expand bike lane infrastructure, and fund transit improvements for West Colfax, the Safe Routes to School program, pedestrian crossings and other multi-model projects

• $6.2 million for Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) program, which the city would “(empower) behavioral and mental health clinicians, paramedics, and EMTs to respond compassionately and skillfully to people in mental health or substance misuse crises” 

• $7 million to fund additional electric transportation options and $2 million for electric vehicle replacements for city vehicles.

“Every budget is a moral document, and our 2024 budget reflects Denverites’ values and priorities – from affordable housing and homelessness to downtown revitalization and public safety,” Johnston said.