Good morning. There's a lot to know about this giant collision of people and capital that we call a city, but fear not: I've put some relevant information on this website. Here's your news roundup, from Denver's huge spending plans to the culture of Westwood, the suburbanity of Greenwood Village and more. Read, read!
Big money:
Denver voters will decide whether to approve some $749 million (or more) of city spending this November. You'll want to read Erica's summary of what's expected to be funded, from bus-rapid transit on Colfax to an upgrade for the library -- and what's on the chopping block. (Denverite)
Westwood:
Denver is in the process of creating a Mexican Cultural District in Westwood. It could provide support for businesses and encourage the creation and preservation of distinctive architecture. There has been a bit of Trump-themed backlash, as our intern Joseph Rios reports. (Denverite)
The real estate market:
African-American and Hispanic people with median income could afford fewer than 2 percent of homes for sale in 2016 in Denver, compared to about 8 percent for white people, according to an analysis from Redfin. Megan has three other stats from the market here. (Denverite)
Meanwhile, an artist is creating memorials for demolished Denver homes. (Denverite)
Speaking of life and death for real estate: Check out the summer series that finally brings the Elitch Theatre back to life in West Highland. They've still got a ways to go, but it's a start, as Kevin reports. (Denverite)
Also, Greenwood Village will vote this weekend on whether to allow dense redevelopment of office buildings near the Orchard Station light-rail stop, as John Aguilar reports. People are worried it won't be suburban enough and that the infrastructure can't support hundreds of new apartments. (DP)
Easier flying?
Denver International Airport published a wild-and-crazy rendering of what the Great Hall might look like one day. Just kidding, it's very sedate.
The airport will ask the city to approve the $1 billion project this summer, as Jon Murray reports. DIA and the developer Ferrovial would split the construction costs, and the private company would get a stake of revenues for decades to come. Main changes include moving security to the upstairs level, tripling space for retailers and food/drink and potentially adding a climbing wall or some-such Colorado thing. (DP)
Easier parking?
Denver is now working with an app called Parkmobile. When you park at an off-street public lot, you can use the app to pay for your space, receive expiration alerts and put more money on the spot, as Ana Campbell explains. (Westword)
What can police take?
A Colorado bill would essentially make it harder for police to seize money and goods from suspects. Law enforcement wants the governor to kill the bill, saying it would hurt funding for cops, as Jesse Paul reports. (DP)
Art:
The Santa Fe arts collective Meow Wolf has identified "a couple of really strong possibilities," for a Denver location and hopes to announce plans this summer, its founder said in an interview with John Wenzel. (The Know)
Do you like Westerns? Our photographer loved the Denver Art Museum's new exhibit about them. (Denverite)
