💸 Is Denver officially too expensive?

💵 Coloradans Feel the Squeeze

Two-in-five Coloradans are concerned about being able to afford living in the state, according to a new poll by The Colorado Health Foundation.

• Residents struggle: The rising cost of living is a “serious” issue for 85% of respondents, and more than one-third are experiencing greater financial difficulty than one year ago, the poll found. Rising costs and slow job growth are affecting Colorado’s business climate, too. [The Colorado Health Foundation; CPR]
• A sub-par market: Colorado’s housing market is relatively stable, but fewer houses are being sold. Home relisting rates are up, in part because buyers face high cost of living challenges. The poll found 32% of Coloradans worry about losing their home due to high housing costs. [Colorado Sun]
• Delaying healthcare: Another top concern among Coloradans is the cost of healthcare, and nearly half of people in the poll said they delayed health or medical care in the past year due to affordability concerns. [Denver Gazette 🔐]
• How have high costs affected you? Are you making different choices to account for the affordability crisis in Denver? Let us know — we want to hear from you!

💸 Inside Hickenlooper’s Last-Minute Dark Money Donors

New findings show that two super PACs poured nearly half a million dollars into the reelection campaign of Sen. John Hickenlooper right before election day. The first, Common Sense Action Fund, received $250,000 from millionaire centrist backer Ken Thiry. The second, Our Future Colorado, was entirely funded by dark money and existed for just 36 days before the PAC was terminated on July 6. [Colorado Newsline]

📻 CPR Recieves Tax Credit to Build New HQ

Colorado Public Radio is getting new headquarters, thanks to $1.5 million from the state government’s Community Revitalization Tax Credit. CPR will use the funds to renovate its Grant Street building to accommodate community spaces, a café, and new studios that will unite Indie 102.3, Colorado Classical and CPR News in the same place. [CPR]

🎤 High Plains Comedy Fest Closes the Curtain

A 13-year-old Denver comedy festival is ending, according to a post by the group’s leadership. The High Plains Comedy Festival has hosted top-tier acts like Maria Bamford, Nikki Glaser, and Kumail Nanjiani. High Plains will host a farewell event at the Skylark Lounge on Nov. 21, but tickets are not yet on sale. [Denver Post 🔐]