City Cast Denver

Are DIY urban projects the key to improving the infrastructure in cities like Denver? The grassroots group To Nashville, With Love has built and installed 60 benches at bus stops around Nashville, all without government approval. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Nashville podcast host Marie Cecile Anderson about what this guerrilla campaign is doing, why it’s gotten pushback from the city, and where Nashville’s Tactical Urbanism program fits into all this. Plus, the unique challenges of Nashville tourism. 

Mentioned on the show:

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News broke this week that the owner of the Asia Center on Federal Boulevard is ⁠planning to demolish⁠ the strip mall and build in its place three floors of residences on top of ground-floor retail. That story sparked an outpouring of love for the small businesses in the Asia Center and ⁠a petition⁠ now with more than 4,000 signatures demanding “a more thoughtful and inclusive approach.” Politics contributor Adrian Felix joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the future of Federal. Plus, a Satanist student in Elizabeth challenges school surveillance and a members-only bonus segment where we answer ⁠a redditor’s question⁠: If you were moving away, what three restaurants would you need to visit one last time?

Help us hit our goal in our spring membership drive! Today is the last day to help us hit our goal and get yourself one of those sweet green “I live here on purpose” Oxford Pennants. Help local journalism thrive, and sign up now at ⁠membership.citycast.fm⁠ 

Bree mentioned Aurora venue ⁠Manos Sagrados closing⁠ in May and the ⁠Denver Voice profile⁠ of Ruth Kanatser from Harm Reduction Action Center. Adrian mentioned ⁠the sculpture stolen⁠ from a family’s yard in Congress Park and Alamo Drafthouse ⁠renaming their Littleton location⁠. Paul talked about the Rapids 30th anniversary match and ⁠the photos he shared⁠ on Instagram.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at⁠ denver.citycast.fm⁠.

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What do you think about the housing redevelopment proposed on Federal? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

Learn more about the sponsors of this April 24th episode:

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Is it time to say goodbye to Lime and Bird? Denver City Council is set to vote Monday evening on a new contract with Veo Micromobility to be Denver’s exclusive scooters and e-bike provider, but the lobbying has been intense and the votes could still fall either way. Denver Post city government reported Elliott Wenzler joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the vote and what would change with Veo. Plus, Elliott recently sat down with Melat Kiros, one of two challengers hoping to unseat Denver’s longtime congresswoman, Diana DeGette, so we’re digging into an unexpectedly interesting race.

Paul discussed the Kalshi market for the CD1 Democratic nominee and the uncertainty around how many of the 30,000 Denverites enrolled in Lime’s equity access program will experience a gap in service with a changeover to Veo. Lime is partnering with Servicios de la Raza on two mobile food pantry events to say thank you and help people transition:

Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Athmar Recreation Center

2680 W. Mexico Ave, Denver, CO 80219

Friday, May 8, 2026, 3 - 4 p.m.

Servicios de La Raza

3131 W. 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80204

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What do you think about Denver’s congressional race? Do you know who you’re voting for yet? We’d love to hear who and why! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

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A banner appeared outside REI’s flagship store at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River a few days ago, calling on REI corporate to offer the workers’ union a better contract or risk a boycott. So, what does REI’s inner turmoil mean for Denverites just looking to buy some snowboard wax? Contributor and stand-up comedian Josh Emerson joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to dig into the REI labor struggle. Plus, between reports of a “milk off” in Observatory Park and a buzzy ice cream company’s expansion, it’s dairy week in Denver.

Want a sweet, green pennant with Denver written all over it? We’re giving away custom-made Oxford Pennants to everyone who becomes a City Cast Denver Neighbor during our spring membership drive this week. Sign up now for that, more great perks, and the pride of knowing you helped support local journalist – membership.citycast.fm

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm.

Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver

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Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm

What do you think about the union fight at REI? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬

Learn more about the sponsors of this April 22nd episode:

Denver Art Museum

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A delegation of hotshot urban planning consultants was downtown last week to examine the newly city-owned Denver Pavilions mall on 16th Street and propose a new vision for the site – turns out, their vision includes demolishing a lot of it. So, what’s the plan? Chief economist for the Colorado Legislative Council Greg Sobetski joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to swap stories of the Pavilions and dissect a recent open letter from 230 Colorado CEOs calling on our elected officials to fix our “deteriorating” economy. 

Help us hit our goal in our spring membership drive! Join today and help local journalism thrive. Sign up now at membership.citycast.fm 

Paul referenced the economic forecast Sobetski and the Colorado Legislative Council prepared for lawmakers and published in March 2026. 

What do you think about the new plan for the Pavilions? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

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What’s really going on with the water source that is supposed to fill Huston Lake? Is it legal to ⁠hunt beavers in Colorado⁠? Will Peyton Manning’s new restaurant serve chicken parm that ⁠tastes so good⁠? Host Bree Davies and producers Olivia Jewell Love and Paul Karolyi open up the City Cast Denver mailbag to hear listeners’ thoughts, expertise, and hot takes on some of our recent show topics. Plus, we shout out some of our favorite restaurants, shops, and non-profit organizations that have caught our eye recently.  

Help us hit our goal in our spring membership drive! Join today and help local journalism thrive. Sign up now at ⁠membership.citycast.fm⁠ 

Paul mentioned ⁠the first trailer⁠ for Ridley Scott’s adaptation of “The Dog Stars,” starring Jacob Elordi. 

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at⁠ denver.citycast.fm⁠.

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Have a past episode you’re still dying to weigh in about? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

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Could public financing get more Denverites involved in local elections? For the last decade, the City of Seattle has issued $100 in vouchers to every voter to donate to the candidate of their choice in municipal elections. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Seattle podcast host Jane C. Hu about how these Democracy Vouchers work, how many people are participating, and what the impact on local elections has been. Plus, is the “Seattle Freeze” a real thing?

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! 

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One week ago, Denverites crowdfunded $83,000 to save our city’s last lesbian bar. Today, there’s a lock on the door, The Pearl’s instagram has been deleted, and the co-owners are fighting over who’s responsible. So, what happened? Green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval and politics contributor Adrian Felix join host Bree Davies to talk through all the turmoil inside the former home of the legendary Mercury Cafe. Plus, Jefferson County is offering male contraception and our wins and fails of the week.

Help us hit our goal in our spring membership drive! We really need your support, and if you join now you get the Oxford Pennant with a Generic Horse. Show your Denver pride in style! Sign up now at membership.citycast.fm 

Adrian talked about an affordable housing project in Cap Hill and a new beer garden opening soon. Bree talked about Blucifer’s First Rodeo’s second lineup drop.  Justine discussed 420 and weed sales and the Live Nation antitrust lawsuit.

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm.

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What do you think about The Pearl? What is your dream for that building? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

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After being in business since the 1980s, Moda Man is closing the doors of its downtown menswear shop. Was the pandemic to blame? Or a loss of parking to bike lanes, the lack of Denverites going back to the office, or something more? Freelance journalist Daliah Singer joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to look at how retail trends are reshaping downtown. Plus, they dig into the wild backstory of Idaho Springs’ new gondola, discuss the drought’s impact on fishing, tubing, and other beloved Colorado summer activities up in the mountains, and share their tips on how to dress for Denver’s confusing spring weather. 

Olivia talked about the Colorado Sun’s reporting on some of the recent lore behind the Mighty Argo gondola project in Idaho Springs, which is set to open with a VIP ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 24. 

P.S. Have you ever thought about becoming a City Cast Denver Neighbor? Now is the time. For just $10 a month or $100 a year, you can support local journalism and get great perks and help us keep this show and our newsletter going!

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm.

Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver

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Do you go downtown to shop? Are you excited about Idaho Springs’ latest tourist draw? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

Learn more about the sponsors of this April 16th episode:

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Denver’s local TV news scene is on the precipice of a big shake-up, with Fox31’s parent company Nexstar poised to acquire 9News’ parent company TEGNA. But the $6.2 billion deal isn’t done yet, as multiple federal and state antitrust lawsuits against the merger wind their way through the courts. So, do Denverites still rely on the nightly news for the latest information? Comedian and Casa Bonita actor Joshua Emerson joins host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love to dig into the Denver Post’s recent story on local media and the attention economy. Plus, they discuss the best talking points for non-sports people to use during the Avalanche and Nuggets’ upcoming playoffs. Oh, and if you’re a City Cast Denver Neighbor, you’ll get a BONUS segment today on beavers – should we hunt them? And who would eat one? 

P.S. Our spring membership drive starts today! Become a City Cast Denver Neighbor for just $10 a month or $100 a year to get great perks and help us keep this local journalism operation going!

For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm.

Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver

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Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm

Do you get your news from traditional media or social media? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

Learn more about the sponsors of this April 15 episode:

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