👀 Is Denver fueling a 'civil war of neighborhoods'?

🗳️ What The City Council Special Election Could Mean for the DSA

At-Large Denver City Council member Sarah Parady, who was endorsed by the Denver Democratic Socialists of America, is stepping down for health reasons on Aug. 5, triggering a special election in November to finish out her term. Bolstered by Melat Kiros’ victory over longtime U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette in the June primary, the DSA is hoping to replace Parady — also a member — with someone ideologically similar.

• The race is (almost) on! Prospective candidates need to gather 300 signatures to appear on the ballot. Among those who have announced their intentions to run in November are Sicangu Lakota and Cherokee artist Kristina Maldonado Bad Hand; infrastructure and housing advocate Jeff Walker; and Monica Martinez, executive director of The Fax Partnership nonprofit.
• Who will the DSA endorse? The Denver DSA will ask interested candidates to fill out a questionnaire, followed by participation in a forum and an eventual member vote. If there is enough support for one candidate, the organization will formally endorse them.

• Listen to our conversation on the podcast about this unusual special election. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

🏢 Denver Pulls Out All the Stops To Lure RiNo-Based Company Downtown

Ski resort company Alterra is looking into moving its headquarters — and 400 jobs — from RiNo to Upper Downtown, after the Downtown Denver Development Authority offered the company a low-interest $7 million loan to relocate there. The company had reportedly been considering a move to Utah. The Colorado Economic Development Commission also approved a $1 million loan and a $1 million grant to help keep Alterra in Colorado, plus tax credits for more than 100 additional jobs. Kyle Zeppelin, who owns the building currently housing Alterra, argued that the city’s “favoring one submarket over another … seems inappropriate at best.” [Denver Post 🔒; BusinessDen; City Cast Denver 🎧]

💰 Victor Marx Accused of Accepting Donations Beyond the Legal Limit

Republican gubernatorial nominee Victor Marx’s campaign allegedly violated state campaign finance laws when he accepted $78,000 in excess contributions during the primary. Former GOP state party officer Darcy Schoening filed 109 campaign finance complaints about Marx in May, launching a state investigation. Marx said that his campaign is aware of the complaint and is working to address the matter. [Colorado Sun]

🎓 Colorado High Schoolers Face 'Enrollment Cliff'

Colorado is on track to see its number of high school graduates drop 14% over the next 15 years — and thus, possibly fewer students seeking higher education. Caused by lower birth rates nationwide that began during the Great Recession, this trend could result in tensions between colleges and universities vying for fewer students. [Colorado Sun]

🏫 Alex Marrero Staying at DPS

After weeks of tension and a lengthy meeting yesterday, the Denver Public Schools’ Board of Education decided to retain Alex Marrero as superintendent. The crux of the conflict centers around the district’s governance model, and who is responsible for the actual running of the district, as well as Marrero’s public pursuit of superintendent positions in Chicago and Miami. [Denver Post 🔒]