🌊 Can the South Platte River be saved?

🌊 Project Reboot the South Platte Begins

The South Platte River Committee — a brand new council committee tasked with overseeing future planning and development related to the river — held its first meeting this week. The goal, according to committee co-chair, councilwoman Jamie Torres, is to help Denver “love that river again.” [Denverite]

• Dive deeper: Here’s why some experts believe the South Platte is a less-than-ideal place to recreate. [Hey Denver]

🍟 The Growth Debate Grows in Denver Suburbs

Castle Pines is fighting against a new McDonald’s coming to town, and the Mayor of Cherry Hills is openly rejecting an affordable housing project. What do these Denver suburbs have against growth? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🐘 CO Dems Turn to Deep Canvassing This Election

The Colorado Democratic Party is trying out a new campaign tactic ahead of the November election — deep canvassing. Instead of targeting as many voters as possible with door-to-door canvassing, the idea is to hit a smaller, more specific group of people with meaningful conversation. The party hopes it will be the key to securing Colorado’s 8th Congressional District. [Axios Denver]

💰 Staffing Companies Sue City Over Wage Theft Accusation

In January, the Denver Auditor’s Office instructed two staffing agencies to pay more than $1 million in restitution to their workers for overtime and sick leave violations. Now, the staffing companies are taking the City to court over the matter, claiming it’s not in Denver’s jurisdiction to make that kind of order. [Denverite]

This summer, Hey Denver is partnering with Bike Streets to bring you the 2024 Denver Bike Scavenger Hunt, an eight-week challenge to get to know the Mile High from two wheels!

How to play:

• First, sign up at bikestreets.com/scavenger
• Then, every Friday check back here in the Hey Denver newsletter for a new clue to a different Denver destination.
• Solve the riddle, bike to the place, send in a selfie proving you did it to [email protected], and you’ll be entered into that week’s raffle for a chance to be featured right here in Hey Denver! 👇
• 🎁 Then, keep playing for your chance to win one of our four grand prizes at the end of the series:
  • A free customized Bike Streets group tour to your favorites spots in Denver
  • A prize package from Evo
  • A jersey and free entry into the Denver Century Ride
  • A spot in one of Bikes Together’s bike mechanic classes.

Last Week’s Winner

The answer to Week 1’s clue could have been either El Taco de Mexico or El Noa Noa!

🏅 Congrats to David S., who solved the riddle and was the winner of last week’s raffle! We asked David to share some of the things he loves most about biking in Denver.

What did you enjoy about the secret destination and/or the ride over?

“I liked learning about how Denver has made Santa Fe Drive more pedestrian-friendly. It's super cool! I am looking forward to trying El Noa Noa and El Taco de Mexico!”

What’s your favorite thing (or trail!) about biking in Denver?

“I love how functional the Cherry Creek and Platte trails are for getting around. I hope Denver adds more north-south bike lanes!”

Craving a taco? Take the official Bike Streets cyclist-friendly route to El Taco de Mexico / El Noa Noa 👇 The Bike Streets mobile app offers quiet, scenic, routes on residential streets to get you around Denver. Join the Bike Streets Club now 📲

Week 2 Clue

🔎 Know where to go? You know what to do! Snap a photo of you (and your bike) at the secret location, then email it to [email protected] no later than midnight on Monday, 7/22. We’ll randomly select a winner from our pool of correct guessers to be spotlighted in next Friday’s newsletter.

Aurora’s New Nicotine Factory, Rich Suburbs Problems, and DCPA’s Big Flop

Two ritzy suburbs south of Denver are pushing back against growth plans that include a McDonald’s and affordable housing. Meanwhile in Aurora, Governor Polis is championing the future arrival of a new nicotine pouch factory. The City Cast Denver podcast crew digs into these stories and more news of the week.