🚍 Is RTD neglecting downtown commuters?

🚍 Is RTD Neglecting Downtown Commuters?

Leaders of the Downtown Denver Partnership penned a letter to the RTD Accountability Commission expressing “deep concern” over recent comments that the agency is shifting service priorities toward large events and away from daily commuters. In the letter, the DDP says RTD’s current ridership problems are a “service quality issue” and called the lack of focus on commuters “one of the single largest barriers to downtown revitalization.” [DDP]

• Why RTD is making the change: RTD CEO Debra Johnson explained the shift on an episode of the City Cast Denver podcast last week: “When I speak to making decisions about what might be paramount relative to how we're delivering transit services, it's not being done in a vacuum. It's using data.”

👀 The Latest Lauren Boebert Drama

A complaint recently filed with the FEC accuses Congresswoman Lauren Boerbert of illegally spending nearly $3,500 in campaign funds for a personal trip to attend a Kid Rock concert in Texas earlier this year. (The lawmaker and musician are reportedly an item.) The allegations come from American Muckrakers, a political operative group with a documented grudge against Boebert. In a statement to 9News, Boebert says the spending — which she says was for a fundraiser — “isn’t a story.” [Tag24; 9News]

🤔 Why Denver’s New Shelter Operator is Under Scrutiny

After the City of Denver chose not to renew the Salvation Army’s contract to run three area shelters, a search for different service providers apparently yielded very few options. In fact, there were only three applicants in total — including Urban Alchemy, an out-of-state company with a questionable past. Should the city have done more research into the organization? Or, was the lack of good options to blame? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🍺 RiNo One Step Closer to Opening Outdoor Drinking Area

A City Council committee advanced plans to establish a 13-acre entertainment district along Wynkoop Street near Mission Ballroom. The new distinction would come with a common consumption license allowing patrons to stroll the area with alcoholic beverages in hand. The full City Council is scheduled to vote on Dec. 22 and Jan. 5. [Denver Business Journal 🔒]

Last week’s answer: You can find this dazzling light display over the bar at Que Bueno Suerte! A solid option for Mexican food on South Pearl Street 👌 Want an excuse to stop by? Check out the restaurant’s seasonal series of tamale-making classes running on multiple dates now through Dec. 27.

📣 A super special shoutout for this week’s correct guessers:

• Charles K. was the first to write in with the correct answer! 👏
• But Michelle L., Lia C., Kathy B., Hayley S., Leah J., Holly H., Lucy F., John S., Kimberly, Keith A., Caitlin M., Joe C., Tim R., Rena R., and Brandy M. weren’t far behind!

This Week’s Photo:

🕵️ Do YOU recognize the neon pink aesthetic of this fan-favorite local ice cream shop? Be among the first to respond with the right answer and you’ll get a special shoutout in next Friday’s newsletter!

📸 Want to submit a photo? Send me a snapshot of somewhere in Denver, and I’ll consider it for an upcoming photo trivia segment!