🏙️ Is Denver losing its luster?

🪶 Officials Begin Planning American Indian Cultural Embassy

When Denver voters approved the Vibrant Denver bond, the package included $20 million for construction of an American Indian Cultural Embassy on 10 acres of open space near DIA. With seed money secured, officials are exploring what the embassy might look like. Early concept designs model a cross between a museum, convention center, and marketplace, where powwows and other Native American cultural ceremonies could take place. [Westword]

🏙️ Is Denver Losing Its Luster?

Recent data shows that fewer people are interested in moving to the Mile High City. Authors of the studies say the reasoning is likely because housing costs and inflation in Denver are outpacing the rest of the nation. [Denver7]

✏️ The Top Issues Dividing Coloradans

According to a new poll, Colorado voters are concerned with issues like the cost of health care and the economy. The data indicates that we have more in common than what divides us, yet 54% of respondents say they avoid talking to friends and family about politics. Will Denverites be discussing big issues over holiday meals this season, or leaving politics off the table? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🧑‍⚖️ Disgraced Former Nugget Chauncey Billups Headed for Trial

Basketball legend and current Portland Trail Blazers coach pleaded not guilty to money laundering and wire fraud charges in a federal investigation of a Mafia-backed scheme involving rigged poker games and illegal sports betting. A judge hopes to bring the case to trial by September of next year. A lawyer for Billups said he denies the charges. [AP via CPR]

It’s Thanksgiving week, and we are celebrating all the things that make us grateful to live in the Mile High City, so we asked Hey Denver readers why they love living here.

☀️ The Weather

“Low humidity and high UV means winter tans and skiing in shorts!” — Leslie A.

“I’m thankful for the altitude that keeps my snacks fresher, my hikes humbling, and my lungs constantly questioning my life choices.” — Valentina L.

🎨 Arts and Culture

“The arts and culture demonstrated by our museums, theatres, and plein aire venues are mid-continent gems rivaled by few anywhere. We have all the big sports and more arenas than ancient Rome, plus the Stock Show for all your cowboy jonesin’ needs.” — Leslie A.

“I moved to Denver for grad school. I quickly found joy in community, the mountains, the arts, and the beautiful parks. There are always shows, exhibits, festivals, parades, new restaurants, and hidden gems to check out.” — Bri

“First Friday Art Walk on Santa Fe is a must-see for anyone that lives here. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an eighth wonder of the world on its own. Then there is Comedy Works and Denver Center for the Performing Arts and all that they attract.” — Idy E.

🫂 Sense of Community

“I love that Denver is a city full of people who ‘do’ things. I've found that there's something about the culture in Denver that is more activity-focused in a way that I really love.” — Nicole H.

“[Denver is] a place that cares about people. People who are homeless, poor, immigrants, disabled, are of different genders, or older. I am most thankful for the people who live in Denver because it's them, their attitudes, their values that make this a kind place to live.” — Michael F.

“I just moved to Denver 2 weeks ago with my wife. My neighbors hugged me when I introduced myself as their neighbor. Above all I'm grateful for the people that live in Denver and will be part of my new life.” — David V.

“I’m thankful that when I first visited Denver, an older gentleman held the door open for me and my friend to a restaurant he was coming out of and started a full on conversation with us while he waited for his wife to come to the door. Experiencing how friendly people are is one of the main reasons I decided to move here.” — Stacey B.

🫶 Change for Good

“I’m thankful to have watched the city evolve over many decades and still keep such beauty. I’m a Denver native and with every new building that changes the skyline or every new person that moves here and falls in love with my home, it is the best place to live in the country.” — Paula R.

“Even though I was born and raised here, there’s always something new to discover. It’s such a gift to keep uncovering new experiences which light up my sense and state of wonder in my forever home.” — Kirsten E.

“As a proud Denver native, I’ve seen so many changes over the last 59 years, but Denver has always kept its unique spirit and sense of community. I feel truly grateful to be part of a city that balances progress, diversity, and so much natural beauty so well!” — Stacey S.