📊 What has CO voters worried

📊 Colorado Voters’ Top Concerns

The “migrant crisis,” homelessness, and housing affordability are the top concerns (in that order) for Colorado voters, according to a recent survey from the Colorado Polling Institute. Respondents also shared their feelings on the “direction the state is heading” and changes in the political landscape. [Axios Denver]

⛽ RIP Kum & Go

All of metro Denver’s Kum & Go gas stations have officially been rebranded to Maverik since being acquired by the massive convenience store chain. Maverik, which got its start in Wyoming in 1928, is known for its adventure-themed branding. Opening celebrations are planned at multiple new Maverik locations this week. [9News]

• Convenience stores are having a moment. We’re still reeling from the arrival of Buc-ee’s. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

👻 The Stanley Hotel Sale

The owners of Colorado’s famous Stanley Hotel in Estes Park have bailed on negotiations to sell the iconic landmark to an Arizona nonprofit that was going to help fund upgrades and renovations to the property. Instead, the state's cultural facilities office is offering a complicated new plan to take ownership and carry out hopes of turning the hotel into a must-visit destination for movie-buffs and filmmakers from around the country. [CO Sun]

⛪ The Future of Auraria

Over 50 years ago, the city of Denver demolished the mostly Latino Auraria neighborhood and built a college campus in its place. Today, those displaced community members and their families are still fighting for a piece of their old neighborhood, even as plans for new development loom. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Farmers markets have officially returned for the season! Stalls of plump produce, fresh-baked breads, and homemade jams will line streets, parks, and plazas across the state as local purveyors haul the season’s harvest into the city. There are literally dozens of markets taking place every single week beginning now through October, so here are a few places to start 👇

🗓️ Markets That Are Open Now!

Most Colorado farmers markets don’t open until May, but a few have already kicked off the season.

• Boulder Farmers Market
  Saturdays 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Bonus: Check out the mini-market on Wednesdays!
• Longmont Farmers Market
  Saturdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Highlands Ranch Farmers Market
  Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

🐶 Markets That Allow Dogs

Don’t make the assumption that Fluffy can tag along — not all markets are pet-friendly! But you can rest assured that these picks will welcome your well-behaved pup.

• Cherry Creek Fresh Market
  Saturdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (Opens May 4)
  FYI: Open rain or shine, and on all holidays!
• Erie Farmers Market
  Thursdays 5-8 p.m. (Opens May 9)
• Louisville Farmers Market
  Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Opens May 11)
• Highlands Square Farmers Market
  Sundays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Opens May 19)
  Don’t miss: The market bar whipping up refreshing beverages

🎶 Markets Offering a Little Something Extra

It doesn’t get better than fresh, locally sourced food and handcrafted wares, right? Oh, but it does! These markets go above and beyond in their offerings and entertainment.

• Arvada Farmers Market
  Sundays 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Opens June 2)
  Bonus: Olde Town’s common consumption rules mean you can sip while you shop!
• Rebel Marketplace
  Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Opens May 11)
  FYI: It doesn’t get more local than this neighborhood-operated market. 
• Central Park Farmers Market
  Sundays 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Opens June 25)
  Bonus: Enjoy a different live DJ every week! 
• City Park Farmers Market
  Saturdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. (Opens May 4)
  Don’t miss: Exclusive chef demos!
• Huerta Urbana Farmers Market
  Fridays 2-5 p.m.(Opens June 7)
  FYI: This is a pay-what-you-can market.

The Contested Future of a Demolished Neighborhood

Decades ago, the city of Denver demolished the Auraria neighborhood and replaced it with a college campus. Though a few remnants of Denver’s oldest community remain, displaced Aurarians say a new plan that could bring even more development has yet again left their voices out of the process.