🏡 Why Denver home prices are dropping

🌸 How to Thrive in Denver in May

It’s May in Denver, which means some of the city’s best festivals and events are right around the corner. Colorado’s largest Cinco de Mayo festival returns to Civic Center Park this weekend, and later, thousands of Denverites will dust off their shoes to run the Colfax Marathon. Here’s a look at some fun things to do this month, curated by the City Cast Denver team. [Visit Denver]

• Try these viral margs: If you’ve been seeing soft serve margaritas all over TikTok, you can taste this boozy treat for yourself at Moose Hill Cantina in Lakewood — and we definitely think they’re worth the hype.
• Hike to castle ruins: Hike Mount Falcon to see the foundation of the “Summer White House,” an unrealized vision by the Colorado millionaire and entrepreneur John Brisben Walker. [Historical marker database]
• Make your own hat: Giddy up for the cowboy core trend at Gem Hats in LoHi, where you can customize a western-style hat, add your personal touches, and wear it right out into the spring day.
• Like our recommendations? Check out today’s podcast for more of our May picks. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🗳️ CO GOP’s Attempt to Block Unaffiliated Primary Voters Blocked

A federal judge denied a request by the Colorado Republican Party to stop unaffiliated voters from voting in next month’s primaries, citing the potential for confusion so close to ballot certification and mailing deadlines. Per a 2016 state law, unaffiliated voters — who make up the majority of Colorado’s registered electorate — receive both Democratic and Republican primary ballots by mail, and can choose which one to vote in. [Colorado Sun]

🪧 Sheridan Teachers Strike Officially Over

The Sheridan Educators Association, the union representing the teachers, struck a deal with the school district and ratified a new contract, ending the longest teachers’ strike in Colorado history. Tuesday night, the school board voted unanimously to support the agreement, which includes reinstating the teachers’ contract through December and recognizing teachers’ aides, cafeteria staff, and bus drivers as union members. [FOX31]

🏚️ Denver Has the Weakest Home Values in the US

A recent report shows that home values have fallen faster here this year than in any other major metro area. Denver’s housing slowdown isn’t a surprise to experts, but factors like rising insurance premiums, fewer people moving to Colorado, and a slowing interest in townhomes and condos have put Denver’s market behind other large cities. [Realtor.com]

• Another concerning note for Denver’s economy: As the city begins planning its 2027 budget, officials say revenue will stay flat. This follows a concerning trend seen in recent years, where revenue has kept pace with expenses, and calls for even stricter budgeting amid rising costs. [Denver Gazette 🔒]

👮 Denver Police Mask Law Stirs Confusion

Denver Police are facing backlash after two officers wore masks during an undercover drug operation, which caused community members to confuse them with ICE agents. City officials recently passed a law prohibiting Denver Police from wearing face coverings, but since the ordinance doesn’t apply to undercover investigations, the officers were exempt. Council members say such exemptions create confusion and further erode public trust in the police. [Denverite]