🏠 How will the mayor house 1,000 more?

📉 Airport Car Thefts Way Down

The $5 million state lawmakers put toward combating auto thefts last year appears to be paying off. Recent data shows the number of cars stolen at Denver International Airport have dropped significantly since last summer’s peaks. DIA officials credit the dozen new surveillance cameras, more security officers, and improved technology. [Axios Denver]

• In fact: Denver is no longer the car theft capital of the country — here’s why. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🏠 How the Mayor Plans to House 1,000 More

More micro-communities, more hotels-turned-shelters, and more encampment closures are all part of Mayor Mike Johnston’s plan to shelter another 1,000 Denverites experiencing homelessness in 2024. While last year’s priority was to get people off the streets, this year’s strategy will focus on creating a better pathway to permanent housing. [Denverite]

• More from the Mayor: We recently sat down with Mike Johnston to talk to him about everything from the migrant crisis and transit priorities to his iconic corduroy jacket. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

📍 Where Are the Wolves?

Anyone curious about the 10 wolves released into Colorado wilderness last month can now get some insight to their general whereabouts thanks to a new watershed map unveiled by Colorado Parks and Wildlife this week. The map will be updated monthly. [Denver Post]

• Worth noting: The map came out as state lawmakers blasted CPW officials for a lack of transparency in the release process, with some going so far as to call it a “dismal failure.” [CO Sun]

Last week’s answer: Glo Noodle House

• Located on the plot of greenspace that once hosted the original Elitch Gardens, this charming little noodle house debuted in the West Highland neighborhood back in March 2022 and is operated by husband-and-wife duo Ariana and Chris Teigland. Most notably, the restaurant received Bib Gourmand recognition from the Michelin Guide last fall. Here’s my take:
  
  “The menu’s point of pride is its selection of ramen bowls. The Teiglands recommend the Deathwish if you think you can handle heat (chili-pork broth and confit bacon topped with extra chili flakes). I can’t, so I went with their second recommendation on the opposite side of the spectrum, the Lemon Chicken Shio (chicken broth with crispy lemon-glazed chicken and a chili jam) — a gentle and delicious option, perfect for less adventurous eaters. When you visit, I’d recommend nabbing a seat at the chef’s counter.”
  

👏 Big claps for our correct guessers:

• Megan K. was the first to write in with the correct answer!
• But Mary-Allison P., Lauren S., Hannah S., AJ G., Mackenzie B., Tiney R., and Brooke R. weren’t far behind!

This Week’s Photo:

🕵️ Do YOU know what this building is? Be among the first to respond with the right answer and you’ll get a special shoutout in next Friday’s newsletter!

📸 Want to submit a photo? Send me a snapshot of somewhere in Denver, and I’ll consider it for an upcoming photo trivia segment!

City Council Ethics Probe, GOP Turmoil, and a Pastor’s Crypto Scam

City council member Flor Alvidrez is in hot water as an unfolding ethics investigation reveals she may have been misusing city funds. Meanwhile in the Colorado House, republican Mike Lynch is stepping down as minority leader after a 2022 DUI arrest was discovered. We dig into these political scandals, plus more news of the week.