City Cast Denver

Denverites can’t seem to stop watering their lawns. Amid a drought, Denver Water says they’ve asked customers to cut water usage by 20%, yet the city is “far behind” on that goal so far. Could government intervention, better incentives, or higher fees be the answer to shutting off the taps? Editor and founder of The Lever David Sirota joins host Bree Davies to talk through our 99 water problems, plus they look at the new draft plans for the Colorado Connector aka CoCo aka Front Range Passenger Rail – what it could cost, where it would go, and when it could be in operation. They also hear from a listener who answers David’s burning question: Why are there so many Speedo-wearers at Water World?

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What is your approach to dealing with the drought? 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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Gov. Jared Polis popped up on both CNN and Fox News this weekend to talk about his unfavorable view of socialism. In the wake of democratic socialist Melat Kiros winning the Democratic primary in Congressional District 1, is Colorado’s outgoing governor out of step with Denverites? Green Chile correspondent Justine Sandoval chats with host Bree Davies about Polis’s comments, plus the tuberculosis cases, mail issues, and recent shooting at the Geo Group’s immigration detention facility in Aurora. 

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What do you think about Polis’ comments on socialism? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

If you enjoyed this interview with Tom Seaver, the director of Colorado Lottery, learn more here.

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Sure, the new BRT line gets all the headlines these days as transit construction dominates Colfax, but this corridor is always changing. From new businesses opening (and some beloved spots closing) to the hundreds of apartment units coming to the lots that dot the strip, there’s so much to talk about. Frank Locantore, executive director of the Colfax Avenue Business Improvement District (a sponsor of this show), takes host Bree Davies on a walking tour of the famous street during a sweltering summer day to show and tell it all – including his desire to see affordable housing be incorporated in the construction of a new police station.

Join us for Colfax Indie Bash! It’s this Wednesday July 22, from 6-9 p.m. in the parking lot behind Pete’s Satire Lounge, where we will be recording a live podcast! The City Cast Denver crew will go head-to-head with the reporting team at Denverite as Westword’s Patty Calhoun tests our Colfax knowledge with a live quiz show. This celebration is free, but you must RSVP. See you there! 

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

We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Denver swag.

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Would you live on Colfax? 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 July 20th episode:

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Sometimes it can feel like the Denver government is two (or more) steps behind the needs of its neighborhoods. Enter the residents of Chattanooga, Tennessee. What Chattanoogans don’t have, they make up for in advocacy, whether by showing up to city council and organizing for change or just doing things themselves. City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with creator and city lover Hope Henchey about how she and her neighbors are sneakily and secretly fixing up their city. You’ve heard of the Nashville bench builders — now get ready for the Chattanooga pothole fillers, sidewalk layers, and (literal) trail blazers.

Mentioned on the show:

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

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Could the 16th Street shuttle disappear for good? As RTD grapples with a quarter-billion dollar budget shortfall, dozens of light rail lines, bus routes, and shuttle services could be on the chopping block. Public transit fan and City Cast Denver regular Michelle Jackson joins host Bree Davies to talk about RTD’s uncertain future. They also open the mailbag to hear from listeners about everything from farmers markets to apple pie, and, of course, share their wins and fails of the week. Plus, a bonus segment only for City Cast Denver Neighbors about an Instagram influencer from Australia who really did Denver dirty! 

Join the Neighborhood to get all the goss and support this show by signing up to become a member today!

See all of RTD’s service change proposals in advance of the agency’s finance committee meeting next week. Bree talked about the new ICE facility planned for Hudson, the immigrant support organization Casa de Paz, and the Colorado Trans Immigrant Fund’s fundraiser tonight at Fort Greene. Michelle discussed Colorado’s road rage problem and local artists Mac D and DNA Picasso’s double album collaboration and the listening party at UMS next weekend.

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

We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Denver swag.

Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member!

What do you think? 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 July 17th episode:

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Parents and daycare providers have been sounding the alarm that childcare in Denver is expensive, hard to find, or hard to provide. This week, City Council took a small step to hopefully alleviate some of the struggle. Denver Post city government reporter Elliott Wenzler joins host Bree Davies to discuss this regulatory shift in childcare, plus City Council’s other recent debate that could overhaul Denver’s nightlife scene. They also dig into the recent unionization efforts by local sound engineers at a string of independently owned venues and what it all means for concert-goers. 

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

We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Denver swag.

Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member!

What do you think about the proposed 4 a.m. closing time for nightclubs? 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 July 16th episode:

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Widening Peña Boulevard is still very much on the table, but DIA officials have recently agreed to explore options beyond just making more room for cars. Could a dedicated bus lane be in the highway’s future? Editor-in-chief of The Lever David Sirota joins host Bree Davies to talk about all the ways to get to DIA. Also, they dig into the latest numbers on aggressive driving and Colorado’s very bad road rage problem. Then, Water World’s brand new Summit Canyon opens this week and David has thoughts about it!

Bree mentioned the Peña Boulevard expansion project’s open house happening July 23 at the Green Valley Ranch Rec Center and Greater Denver Transit’s analysis of the project. 

We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast Denver swag.

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

Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member!

How do you get to DIA? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

If you enjoyed this interview with Kelsey Simpkins, the Communications and Programs Manager at the Regional Air Quality Council, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 15th episode:

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Victor Marx is officially the Colorado Republican nominee for governor. The former marine who claims he’s performed exorcisms is now tasked with picking a running mate, and Westword editor emeritus Patty Calhoun has some ideas. She joins host Bree Davies to talk about the GOP’s future in Colorado and the pitfalls of covering incumbent races as a reporter. Then, the fate of the food hall concept looms large in RiNo as the Zeppelins return to Zeppelin Station and Denver Central Market boots longtime vendors. 

Bree brought up reporter Chase Woodruff’s thread about local media’s political coverage, which later appeared in Corey Hutchins’ newsletter. She also talked about documenting Brighton Boulevard’s DIY music backstory for Westword.

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

Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member!

What are your thoughts on Zeppelin Station’s next steps? 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 July 14th episode:

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Is a burger really a burger without cheese? Can a traditional patty compare to a smash patty? Does a burger taste better when it comes out of a dive bar’s cramped kitchen? These are all factors Antony Bruno considered when he set out to compile the ultimate Denver burger guide. Westword’s new food and drink editor sits down with host Bree Davies to breakdown this big juicy list. Plus, Antony shares insight into MAKFam’s hungrily awaited second location coming soon and more of the most-anticipated restaurants and bars opening in the Mile High City. 

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

Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver

Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver

Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member!

What burger do you think Antony’s list is missing? What burger pick did he get right? 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 July 14th episode:

Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

There’s lots to love about Denver, but being able to get in and out of it easily and cheaply can be an underrated metric of its livability. Accommodating, accessible, and affordable local airports are a specific resource that many cities need. To find out which cities are leading the charge and the kinds of amenities that elevate an airport to gold status, City Cast CEO David Plotz chats with Scott Keyes, founder and Chief Flight Expert of Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) about everything he’s seen in his work and travels. How does your airport stack up?

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

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