Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s favorite Thanksgiving dish is sweet potato casserole.

With “extra marshmallow,” of course. 

It’s one of the things Johnston, who is celebrating his first holiday season as mayor of Colorado’s most populous city, is thankful for. 

Most of all, he said, he is “deeply thankful for the deep spirit of generosity that we’ve seen across Denver.”

“Whether it’s spending their time supporting migrant families, working to help folks find housing, or ensuring everyone has a hot meal for thanksgiving, people’s spirit of giving seems to be bottomless this holiday season,” Johnston said. 

It is the food, indeed, that the mayor and councilmembers are grateful for – or, more precisely, the availability of food.

Food for their families.

And food for others.  

“I am thankful for Denver’s nonprofit community,” District 7 Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez said.

“As a new councilmember, I have learned about so many organizations that help distribute food and resources to those in need every day throughout Denver,” she said, adding she is also thankful for her district’s “resilient small businesses.”

“It’s a tough time to run a small business in Denver but our entrepreneurial spirit lives on through our commercial corridors,” said Alvidrez, who shares Johnston’s passion for mashed potatoes. 

“I am thankful for community members who have stepped up to support our newcomers and the migrant crisis we are experiencing in Denver,” said District 1 Councilmember and President Pro-Tem Amanda Sandoval, who is a fan of the classic mashed potatoes, topped with red chili. “I am also thankful for the beautiful parks and great amenities we have in Northwest Denver.”

A fan of canned cranberry sauce, District 2 Councilmember Kevin Flynn is thankful for “the dedicated people who work for the City and County of Denver to provide the support and services needed by the people who live in this great city.”

“In Council District 2, I’m grateful for the neighborhood leaders and the people who participate in their neighborhood organizations to make southwest Denver an engaged part of the city,” Flynn said.

“I’m thankful for the amazing openness and partnership that I see from Denverites and especially residents in my council district,” District 11 Councilmember Stacie Gilmore said. “They want to work together on behalf of the community to get great things accomplished.”

The councilwoman sparked some creativity in her Thanksgiving dish – homemade cranberry and jalapeno salsa.

“Great with tamales, turkey or chips,” she added.

“This year, I’m particularly thankful for the active participation in the governing process from District 8 residents,” District 8 Councilmember Shontel Lewis said.

“As a lifelong resident of North and East Denver, I know through my own experiences what issues I feel need to be prioritized and I made those clear on the campaign trail,” she added.

Shontel Lewis also favored adding homemade dressing during Thanksgiving.

“I’m thankful for so many Denverites who put community above personal gain. In my District, the LOVVE Project does amazing work to help families in need,” District 6 Councilmember Paul Kashmann said.

Kashmann’s choice of Thanksgiving food?

“Stuffing, of course.”

District 3 Councilmember and Council President Jamie Torres rounded out Thanksgiving favorites with “Grandma Jessie’s red chili.”

“I’m thankful for my community’s generosity especially in difficult times and in my district,” she said.

With the holidays in full swing and winter setting in, Johnston said he is especially thankful of city residents who have have offered their “time, support, and money to help people they don’t know.”

“And I’m excited to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our community to continue this work,” he said.