Protesters Rally at Denver Mayor Michael Hancock’s Inauguration

“All of our issues intersect. We urge the Mayor Hancock and the new City Council to think holistically when considering policies and make decisions that result in a more just and sustainable Denver for generations to come.”

A crowd of about 200 people from a coalition of more than 15 groups representing social, racial, environmental, healthcare and economic justice issues, gathered outside the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in downtown Denver on Monday July 20th while Mayor Michael Hancock’s 2nd term inauguration ceremony was happening.

“We Are Denver emphasizes that nothing happens in a bubble,” said Jordan Garcia, Organizing Director, American Friends Service Committee. “All of our issues intersect. We urge the Mayor Hancock and the new City Council to think holistically when considering policies and make decisions that result in a more just and sustainable Denver for generations to come.”

On Monday night 7 newly elected members of Denver’s City Council met for their first council meeting. KGNU’s Irene Rodriguez asked newly elected Rafael Espinosa of Denver’s District 1 what he sees as the main priorities for the city council. “The obvious thing is to move forward on modifications to the zoning that are more conducive to supporting the quality of life and character that we’re accustomed to in Northwest Denver and sort of preserve affordable housing in that area.”

Paul Lopez who was reelected in Denver’s District 3 also said affordable housing is a crucial issue for the city. “We have to make sure that Denver is affordable, that folks aren’t having to make a decision whether to pay rent or pay a medical bill or no longer afford to pay their mortgage. I think Denver needs to be kept affordable in a way that folks who grew up here, folks who have always called Denver home, should not have to leave Denver in order to make ends meet.”