🚨 STAR program gets another boost

✅ Get to Know the Denver Ballot

Along with the presidential election and a laundry list of statewide measures, Denverites have been tasked with making decisions on 12 other issues that directly impact the city. So, we hosted a live election conversation with Westword’s Patty Calhoun and political consultant Deep Singh Badhesha to dig into the Mile High side of the ballot and talk through what the possible outcomes say about Denver and its future. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

👏 2 Popular Denver Programs Expanded

First, Denver’s Support Team Assisted Response program (or STAR) is getting a $2 million funding bump through the City and the local nonprofit that makes annual contributions to the program. The cash influx will allow for “improved efficiency” and significant expansion next year.

Then, the Denver Connector microtransit service that launched in Montbello three years ago will expand its reach to more neighborhoods next year — potentially Villa Park, Barnum, Westwood, and Ruby Hill — thanks to a new $6 million contract agreement with the City. [Denverite]

📈 DPS Budget Soars Amid Declining Enrollment

Despite looming school closures and a $2.6 million deficit forecast, Denver Public Schools has more than doubled its budget for board member compensation and travel expenses over the last three years. [Denver Post 🔒]