🏘️ The uncertain future of housing in Littleton

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 💕

📣 Patrick C. recommends the performances at Vintage Theater, which “inspire community connection and celebrate the human experience.”

📣 Matt G. highlights the great work being done by Cap for Kids, a nonprofit supporting families and children with cancer. The org even arranges for visits from comic characters and pop culture figures, like Colorado Captain 🦸

📣 Mark D. shouts out the Denver Basic Income Project for investing in people when they need it.

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

⚖️ Judge Hears Arguments in ICE Subpoena Lawsuit

Gov. Polis’ attorneys argued that Polis ordered state officials to comply with a subpoena from ICE seeking information on the sponsors of unaccompanied minors because the information is being sought as part of a criminal investigation. However, the judge pushed back against that, comparing the ICE investigation to a welfare check instead. State officials also acknowledged that they have already complied with an ICE subpoena earlier this year. [9News]

• More context: The Colorado Sun found that 407 unaccompanied minors live in Colorado, along with 75 unaccompanied refugee children who are in foster care. [Colorado Sun]

🎒 DPS Tentatively Agrees To Teacher Raises in Union Deal

The school district will offer teachers a $1,000 per year cost of living adjustment for the next three years under the tentative deal reached between the district and the union. The union and the district had been negotiating for the past four months, with the district arguing that budget constraints restricted what it could offer teachers. The current contract expires August 31 and the union still needs to vote on the new deal. [Denver Post 🔒]

🏘️ Littleton’s Housing Density Fight

A recent survey of Littleton voters found that while housing affordability is a priority, there’s also a large opposition to increasing housing density. The group behind the poll, Rooted in Littleton, is hoping to get a measure on the ballot this fall that could drastically impact the ability to build more housing. Kyle Schlachter, mayor of Littleton, explains what kind of a future he sees for housing options in the city if Rooted in Littleton’s quest to "protect single family residential zoning" is successful. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🏢 City Approves Salvation Army Shelter Contract

In a split vote, City Council approved a $4.5 million contract for the Salvation Army to operate a 24/7 emergency shelter called Crossroads in RiNo through the end of the year. Some council members opposed the contract because of safety concerns, but others were hesitant to close down the shelter out of concern it would leave people with nowhere to go. [Denverite]

We love when we spot something cool/weird/wacky around Denver. Like this car sporting a Chris Haven original paint job 🏙️🚗

And our fave thing to spot in the wild — a quirky sign! This existential furby was spotted outside Clayoss in City Park West.

Have you seen something fun or curious around town recently? We’d love to see it, too.