💡 Johnston has a new big idea

💡 Johnston’s Next Big Idea

Following the success of his House1000 initiative last year, Mayor Mike Johnston is rolling out another ambitious endeavor, dubbed “Roads to Recovery.” The goal: Divert 200 people struggling with mental health or substance use out of the criminal justice system and into treatment and rehabilitation programs by the end of the year. [Denver Post]

🚏 City Officials Warn Away New Arrivals

As the city closes shelter space, Denver officials are telling new arrivals from South and Central America that there isn’t any room or resources left here for them. The city’s coordinators are pleading with the newcomers to accept their offer of free bus tickets elsewhere. Per the city’s current shelter policies, new families are limited to six weeks in local shelters; individuals have 14 days. [9News]

💰 A Big Year for Rental Assistance

Denver’s housing department is getting ready for what it anticipates will be a record year for its rental and utility assistance program. Officials have set aside $29.1 million — $5 million of which has already been doled out since January — as Denver’s ongoing housing crisis shows no signs of slowing. [Axios Denver]

• Need help with rent? If you’re trying to hang tough in Denver’s market, here are some local renter resources that can help. [Hey Denver]

🇺🇸 A Boost for Lauren Boebert

Last week, Rep. Lauren Boebert got a hefty leg up when GOP leaders opted not to pick one of her primary opponents to run for Rep. Ken Buck’s temporarily vacant seat in the June special election. So where does that put her in the bid to win Buck’s former district in November? We’re surveying the state of the Congressional races from the Eastern Plains to Denver to the Western Slope. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Boebert Gets a Boost, Tattered Cover For Sale, and Your Big Dog Poop Ideas

After Republican Party leaders announced their pick for the upcoming special election to replace former U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, we’re checking in on the status of races across the state ahead of the congressional primaries in June. Plus, Tattered Cover’s potential sale, hot goss on the Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave, and more news we’re watching this week.