🚨 Is ICE coming for local restaurants?

We’re back with more recommendations from City Cast Denver Neighbors about their fave local people, spots, and organizations in the Mile High, so they can become your favorites too 💕

📣 Leah R. shouts out Girls on the Run, a local nonprofit that supports girls sports and physical activities. Support the organization’s 20th anniversary at the June 22 Rockies game at Coors Field!

📣 Ron N. shines the spotlight on West Side Books for the “best selection in the city” and being a welcoming social hub.

📣 Jason G. encourages musicians to check out Flipside Music for the “finest selection of guitar pedals in the West as well as guitars, basses, amps, accessories and a guitar tech on site.”

Become a City Cast Denver Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter and on the podcast 🎤

💰 220 Ideas Proposed for $800M Bond Question

After Denverites submitted thousands of ideas earlier this year, city leaders have narrowed the list down to 220 possible projects — totaling $6 billion — to be included in Mayor Mike Johnston’s Vibrant Denver bond proposal. A committee will now pare down that shortlist to $800 million worth of projects for City Council to review and approve before the bond goes before voters in November. [Denverite]

🚗 Polis Vetoes Rideshare Safety Bill

The bill would have added background check requirements and encouraged rides to be recorded, but Uber threatened to leave the state, saying the changes were too onerous. State Rep. Jenny Willford introduced the bill after she was assaulted by a Lyft driver in 2024. Polis said he appreciated the intent, but didn’t agree with the specific requirements. [Colorado Sun]

📉 The Details on Denver’s Budget Hole

Denver is facing a $250 million budget shortfall over the next two years, leading to layoffs, furloughs and service cuts. While no decisions have been finalized, city spending will definitely look different next year. Producer Paul Karolyi sat down with Westword’s Patty Calhoun to talk about what the budget impacts might be and how they will affect all Denverites. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🚨 Restaurants Prepare for ICE Inspections

With reports of immigration officials showing up at D.C. restaurants to check on work authorizations, Denver restaurants are sharing resources for how to navigate potential sweeps, including webinars, guides, and a hotline. A representative of the Colorado Coalition for Immigrant Rights said it’s “just a matter of time” before ICE hits local businesses. [Denver Post 🔒]

Yesterday’s newsletter sparked a lot of conversation about Gov. Polis’ proposed bridge at Civic Center Park. We also got plenty more great recommendations from Denver’s oenophiles:

Some hot takes from the inbox 💌 ⬇️

🏛️ Nobody wants a bridge at Civic Center Park

The nonprofit Historic Denver is not a fan of the idea. CEO John Deffenbaugh said it “serves no functional purpose and is a response to a problem that does not exist."

Lots of Denverites, including Emily N., think the bridge is a waste of money:

“My lukewarm take echoes a lot of what was said regarding the rumored gondola for 16th street: Spend the money making the Civic Center area safer, better, and cleaner first. I don't know why Denver is trying to get all fancy with their infrastructure when we're not doing the basics well right now.”

Delette L. questions the accessibility of the proposed bridge:

“It was mentioned it would make it easier for handicapped people to get into the Capitol. So you make handicapped people walk 3 times as far to gain access?”

Even the proposed design is drawing scorn, which Nancy B. put like this:

“It is so unnecessarily long that very few people will use it. Why would anyone walk over this serpentine path instead of just crossing at the intersections? The design does not complement the existing structures — it clashes with them.”

🍷 Even more wine bar recommendations

According to Mary Kate K., we were remiss to not include Room For Friends in Lincoln Park:

“That is THE best wine bar in Denver and I will die on that hill. They have Oreo and [Cheez-It] flights and the best ranch in Denver!!”

Another Park Hill option, recommended by Lyndsey H., is Trellis Wine Bar:

“The wine list is constantly rotating and the owner is talented at suggesting interesting new wines (at a decent price point). It’s also woman-owned.”

And Connie S. suggests Wolf + Wildflower in Wheat Ridge:

“Great atmosphere inside. Nice outside seating. Staff are always friendly. Wine selection is awesome.”