👀 Will Johnston fulfill his housing promises?

🔎 City Watchdogs Demand 'Real Change'

Denver’s Citizen Oversight Advisory Board sent an open letter to the mayor and other city officials last week calling for stronger oversight of city settlements in lawsuits involving the Denver police and sheriff’s departments. The board alleges that the city often fails to comply with non-monetary terms and agreements — such as systemic changes or new training protocols — resulting in “missed opportunities for a real change.” [Denver Post 🔒]

🚲 Last Chance for E-Bike Rebates (This Year)

Denver’s final first-come-first-served e-bike rebate release for the year happens today at 11 a.m. On previous release days, vouchers have been snatched up in mere moments. Planning to shoot your shot? Here’s everything you need to know. [Hey Denver]

⚖️ Third Trial Begins in Elijah McClain Case

Jury selection began yesterday for the criminal trial of two Aurora paramedics who were on the scene when 23-year-old Elijah McClain had a fatal interaction with local law enforcement in 2019. This trial comes after the recent trials of the three Aurora police officers who were also involved (which resulted in lesser charges for one officer and the acquittals of the other two). Both paramedics have pleaded not guilty. [CPR]

👀 Head of Homelessness Committee Steps Down

Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore has resigned from her position heading council’s Safety, Housing, Education, & Homelessness Committee citing concerns over Mayor Johnston’s approach to addressing homelessness, something she’s gone so far as to call a “dog and pony show.” [Denverite]

• Dive deeper: We dig into this story and councilwoman Gilmore’s concerns today on the podcast. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

It’s Giving Tuesday — the unofficial start to the season of sharing. Here are just a few of the local orgs and nonprofits that WE love to give back to.

Sun Valley Kitchen & Community Center

This hyperlocal community organization focuses on supporting and uplifting the children and families of Denver’s Sun Valley neighborhood by providing a safe space to explore, grow, and improve personally and professionally. The center’s programming includes community dinners, a no-cost grocery program, youth art and cooking classes, tutoring, and more.

St. Francis Center

Denver’s St. Francis Center provides shelter and services to Denverites experiencing homelessness with a special focus on transitional resources including employment preparation, permanent housing, street outreach, and health and wellness. This time of year the center is always in need of men’s jeans and winter coats.

African Community Center

ACC’s mission is to help Denver’s refugee and immigrant communities rebuild safe, sustainable lives in Colorado through sponsorship opportunities, integration programs, employment services, case management, cultural orientation, and so much more to make the resettlement process easier. Volunteers can help with housing, transportation, childcare, English lessons, and other community navigation services.

👉 Psst! Click here for more of our favorite ways to give back to the Denver community 💖

🎁 Cherry Creek Holiday Market | Daily | Times Vary

Holiday shop your heart out at this local holiday market featuring makers and artists from around Denver. [Cherry Creek North; Free]

💃 Lindy Hop Lessons | Tuesday | 6 p.m.-Close

Stop by the Mercury Cafe for one of its locally famous Swing Nights, when dancers of all levels come together for a night of groovin’ with live DJs and world-class instructors. [Five Points; $10+]

📺 Music Video Bingo | Wednesday | 7-9 p.m.

Test your music knowledge and get your game night fix with Brewability’s fun take on bingo. [Englewood; Free]

‘Political Theater’ in the Mayor’s Office? Plus, Biden’s Visit and Chile Rellenos

With more than 700 people still needing to be housed, many are wondering if Mayor Mike Johnston’s promise to get 1,000 Denverites off the streets before the end of the year is unrealistic. Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore sees deep problems with the goal and recently stepped down from chairing the city council committee overseeing homelessness issues. Today on the City Cast Denver podcast, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into this and more.