🏛️ Which city workers will Denver layoff first?

🏛️ City Layoffs Hurting Morale

A city budget shortfall is forcing layoffs, but the criteria for whose jobs will be cut is still being decided. Some staffers are concerned with proposed guidelines that would focus more on merit than seniority and remove the right to be reinstated to their job if it reopens. Layoffs are expected to start next month. [Denverite]

🏈 Broncos Required To Build Affordable Housing

Part of the team’s purchases of land in the Burnham Yards area included a $7 million deal with the Denver Housing Authority for property at the corner of 10th and Osage. The deal requires the Broncos to find new land within one mile to build 150 housing units, with half being income-restricted. If a new location isn’t found by October 2027, the housing authority can buy the land back for $6 million. [Business Den 🔒]

🚓 ICE Restricting Detainees’ Appearances In Denver Courts

ICE informed the Denver and Adams County sheriffs that they would only allow detainees to appear at their criminal court hearings virtually from the detention center because they are concerned the agencies would obstruct deportation proceedings. The sheriffs say they are caught between state and federal laws, and they worry the change will impact justice for victims of crime. [CPR]

Summer in the Mile High is officially in full swing, and we’ve got the temperature gauges to prove it 🌡️ 🥵 Looking for ways to keep cool and have fun? Here’s our list of all the best things to eat, see, and do around Denver this month.

🌊 Cool Off In Clear Creek

Beat the heat in quintessential Colorado fashion by tossing a tube into Golden’s ice cold Clear Creek. Then, after you’ve worked up an appetite, hit downtown Golden for a slice at Woody’s Wood-Fired Pizza and a pint at The Golden Mill self-serve taproom.

• 🚩 Tuber beware: This isn’t your rec center’s lazy river. Tube responsibly by checking the flow level and safety announcements before jumping in.

🎨 Sip, Shop, and Stroll at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival

Looking for an excuse to spend the day outside soaking up the sunshine? Don’t miss this year’s award-winning Cherry Creek Arts Festival July 4-6 showcasing dozens of local artists, entertainers, and culinary vendors for a weekend full of free family-friendly fun.

🐠 Find Underwater Adventure at the Denver Aquarium

Explore life under the sea at Denver’s Downtown Aquarium where you can meet mermaids, pet stingrays, and get up-close and personal with five different species of shark.

🦐 Savor the South at Rougarou in Five Points

The masterminds behind local cocktail fave Yacht Club are slated to bring Creole cooking to the Five Points neighborhood this month with the planned debut of Rougarou, a new Southern restaurant at 2844 Welton Street inspired by recipes from the team’s roots in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

☕ Take a Mountain Detour for Coffee Bean N Bakery

On your way to or from your next mountain adventure be sure to make time for a pitstop in Pine, Colorado, for fresh, daily made baked goods, hot breakfast classics, and signature iced brews at Coffee Bean N Bakery. (We recommend the cinnamon rolls!)

Psst! There’s even more where these came from — tune into the City Cast Denver podcast for more recommendations!