Denver, CO – In a significant move to address youth violence and support the city center, the Denver City Council has unanimously approved a $4 million investment aimed at keeping the city’s youth engaged and safe. The initiative, which includes doubling a contract with Denver Public Schools and hiring a planning firm for downtown redevelopment, reflects the city’s commitment to its future generations and urban core.
The council has allocated nearly $5 million this year to keep Denver’s youth occupied during the summer months, mitigating the risk of crime. This new funding includes a $3 million boost to the Denver Youth Employment Program, originally introduced by former Mayor Michael Hancock. This program focuses on teaching young people the realities of working life while providing economic support to working families.
Former Mayor Hancock emphasized the dual benefits of the program in a 2020 interview with Denver Public Schools, highlighting its role in helping kids from working families acquire school supplies and support their households. The initiative also stems from a $100,000 investment by the city, matched by Denver Public Schools, aimed specifically at crime prevention through microgrants.
Mayor Mike Johnston’s YouthWorks program, running concurrently, aims to connect 1,000 students with jobs this summer. Participants can earn a $1,000 stipend upon completing 100 work hours during their school break. This initiative aligns with Johnston’s broader goal of reducing gun violence by 20% by the year’s end. Despite a general decline in youth violence, it often spikes during summer, making these programs crucial.
Councilmember Shontel Lewis expressed her enthusiasm for the increased funding, stating, “I’m really excited to see us doubling these dollars for the summer youth employment program. It’s so desperately needed in our city and I really appreciate us investing our dollars this way and investing in our youth.”
Although applications for the 2024 Denver Youth Employment Program have closed, opportunities for 2025 will open next spring. Participants are expected to undergo job readiness and financial literacy training before starting work, gaining approximately 120 hours of experience each summer.
In addition to youth employment, the City Council approved a new contract with the planning firm Sasaki to update Denver’s downtown area plan, which has remained unchanged since 2007. Councilmember Chris Hinds underscored the need for this update, citing the significant changes downtown has undergone since then.
Mayor Johnston has prioritized downtown revitalization, unveiling a $500 million plan in May to rejuvenate the area, particularly focusing on the Downtown Development Authority’s role in funding these efforts. Johnston described downtown as being in an “existential fight” for its identity, emphasizing the next year-and-a-half as critical for renewing its vibrancy.
However, not all councilmembers agreed with the downtown investment approach. Councilmember Lewis voiced concerns about the immediate needs of businesses along the 16th Street Mall, which are struggling amid ongoing construction. “What we’re hearing from those along the 16th Street Mall in particular is that they’re losing their businesses while we are planning on how we are going to envision the city,” she said. Despite her reservations, the measure passed with her being the sole dissenting vote.
Denver’s substantial investment in its youth and downtown area reflects a strategic effort to foster community safety and economic vitality. By keeping young people engaged and updating the city’s core, Denver is taking proactive steps to secure a brighter, safer future for all its residents.