⛽️ Will gas stations be banned in your neighborhood?

⛽ Council Targets Gas Station Oversaturation

A few more details have emerged on a proposal to limit the construction of new gas stations in Denver — restrictions would almost completely bar adding any more stations to Colfax, Federal, and Broadway. [BusinessDen 🔒]

💰 Voters to Weigh In On Downtown Revitalization Funding

Denver voters will get to decide this fall if an obscure Denver taxing authority should be allowed to take on $570 million in debt to invest into revitalizing downtown. The money would come from the “sales and property taxes from participating property owners within [the authority’s] boundaries.” [Denver Post 🔒]

📚 A Literary Guide to Denver

Colorado’s history is steeped in fascinating facts, myths, and fictions — and best-selling author Peter Heller’s work is an integral part of that canon. As for other quintessential literature that captures the color and complexity of Colorado, Heller shares his own list of must-reads about the Mile High. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

⚕️ New Grant Will Fuel Overdose Death Research

A $9 million grant from the CDC to be distributed annually over the next five years will help city leaders collect more data on overdose deaths and help fund local intervention programs. [Denver Gazette 🔒]

• Need free naloxone? Denver residents can request free naloxone and fentanyl testing strips from the city.

Hey loyal readers and listeners. We love to hear from you! Got a question about something going on in the city? A spicy take on a trending topic? Commentary on a recent podcast episode or newsletter? We want to hear it 💌 Here’s the latest from the inbox:

🌆 Denver Classics

We recently shared what we believe to be the most Denver-y spots in Denver. Then you shared yours:

• “Watercourse is a Denver CLASSIC! It paved the way for plant-based eateries in this city and still has the best seitan wings in the city.” — Sarah, Cap Hill
• “Another local fave on East Colfax across from the Bluebird is Mezcal. A Mexican cantina with a comfortable vibe and good drinks with, of course, an excellent variety of mezcals and tequilas, foods for reasonable prices, vegetarian dishes for those so inclined, and just a great local hang.” — Alice and Vickie, Lowry

🥵 No A/C in Schools

Last week we had education reporter Melanie Asmar on the podcast to talk about why so many Denver schools are still without air conditioning. Then, an informed listener messaged with some helpful additional context:

• “I was on the DPS committee for the upcoming bond. A question that came up in Friday's episode was why DPS didn't put A/C in all the schools with the 2020 bond. One of the big reasons is capacity to do the construction and the supply chain. The construction can pretty much only be done over summer while kids aren't in the buildings, and the city and the school district don't have enough construction capacity to get more than 8 or so schools done per summer.” — Becca

🍔 The Best Burgers in Denver

In our recent roundup of Denver’s best cheeseburgers, we found our vegetarian category rather ~lacking~ … But y’all came to the rescue with some great alternative recs!

• “Smashburger makes a fantastic turkey cheeseburger. They also have a Veggie Smash that hits the spot for those who don’t eat meat at all. Sam’s No. 3 has a black bean burger that is huge and … better than any other black bean patty I’ve ever tried. Perfect with a side of fries.” — Sharon M.
• “Love to see Snarfburger on the list and also wanted to call out that they have a GREAT veggie burger. With so many burger places changing their vegetarian option to Impossible or Beyond Meat, I'm so grateful that they keep a black bean burger on the menu, and a delicious one at that.” — Nicole H.

Also, a question:

• “I am wondering if [the slug burger at Split Lip] truly is a slugburger. I am wildly curious if Denverites would really eat one and enjoy it past having one as a novelty. The only true slugburger I know of on a restaurant menu is Hugh Baby's in Nashville.” — Noelle P.