💼 Will 2024 bring more jobs?

🏠 Overland Micro-Community Moves Forward

After concerns from the community postponed development of the micro-community planned for 2301 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Overland last month, the mayor’s office returned with a modified proposal that would reduce the number of housing units on the site. City Council unanimously passed the contract Monday. [Denverite]

🚌 Did ‘Free Fare Summer’ Work?

RTD’s second “free fare summer” was, anecdotally, a success. What’s the data say? The agency estimates the program this year resulted in a reduction of roughly 9 million miles traveled by car and a decrease of 6.1 million pounds of greenhouse gasses. [CPR]

• Take a closer look: Those numbers sound great, considering the goal of the program is to reduce vehicle-related emissions — but is it enough? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

📉 Colorado’s Job Forecast for 2024

Colorado’s economy will see new jobs next year — just not as many as it’s seen in the past. The projected 1.4% increase in employment opportunities would be the slowest growth pace since 2011. Experts blame inflation, high interest rates, and worker shortages. [Axios Denver]

🍎 Denver School Board Gets New (Former) President

Former Denver teacher Carrie Olson was elected president of the Denver School Board in a secret ballot last week. Olson previously served as board president from 2019 to 2021, and is taking over now for Xóchitl “Sochi” Gaytán who did not seek reelection. [Chalkbeat]

• Why it matters: With Olson’s election and the three new members who joined the board in November, can the DPS board finally put an end to two years of drama and infighting? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Hey loyal reader, what’s on your mind? 🤔

🥩 A few weeks ago on the podcast, we talked about veganism, vegetarianism, and the benefits and challenges of living a more meat-free lifestyle. After listening, Sam called in with this recommendation:

• “For fellow meat-lovers out there, check out Locavore Delivery. A great, Colorado-owned company [offering] Colorado-based poultry, beef, and pork delivered to your door. Much more sustainable than the grocery store. I found it about a year ago and have been super happy, and I feel better about my impact.”

🧐 Just for fun, listener Erin sent us this prompt to ponder:

• “Denver has two large blue animal statues Blucifer [DIA’s “Blue Mustang”] and the Convention Center Bear [“I See What You Mean”]. What do you think is the relationship between the two? Are they friends, enemies, family, something else?? I personally lean towards star crossed lovers cursed to never meet.”

🌶️ We recently shared our picks for best green chile in Denver and also talked about other delicious soupy delights. Ali M. just wrote in to say:

• “I’m originally from the Arkansas Valley and have been on a quest to find vermicelli up here since I moved here several years ago. I feel seen.”

🖥️ As we ask the question: Can “Instagrammable offices” lure Denver employees back downtown? Cass S. shares an idea:

• “I want to shout from the rooftops that while a hip cool office might help attract new blood; retaining people and getting them to come in is a different animal and the answer is FOOD! Companies should not spend money on instagramable work spaces and rec rooms, they need to remodel their break rooms into kitchens and keep them stocked.”

🕶️ Coach Prime Celebration | Wednesday | 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate Deion Sanders for being named Sports Illustrated “Sportsperson of the Year.” Also witness the world premiere of season two of the “Coach Prime” docuseries. [Boulder; Free]

🕎 Chanukah at the State Capitol | Thursday | 5 p.m.

Witness the Grand Menorah lighting on the West Steps of the Capitol building. There will be food, treats, a dreidel drop, and more. [Civic Center; Free ($5 reserved parking)]

😻 Cat Video Fest 2023 | Thursday | 7:30-9 p.m.

Calling all feline film fans — enjoy the best moments of cats doing crazy things on the big screen with this compilation of the best kitty vids from across the internet. [Berkeley; $15]

🎤 Trap Karaoke | Thursday | 8 p.m.-Midnight

Sing along to your fave trap anthems along with old school hits, R&B classics, and more at this 21+ karaoke night and dance contest. [Ballpark; $48]

Your Guide to December in Denver

The holiday season is here and there’s tons to do in and around Denver. So, how do you choose? Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love have done the research and come up with a list of great events to celebrate the season and ring in the New Year.