Hey there. We've got some bonus items in the roundup today that don't appear in the newsletter. Highly recommend you check out the piece on the rental market.
Weekend:
It's a high of 60 today. Another cold front rolls in tomorrow, possibly bringing some very light precipitation on Saturday night.
Let's get to planning. Ashley recommends a tipsy production of "A Christmas Carol," the Colorado Symphony's Christmas program, Potluck of the Americas and more. (Denverite)
Housing & development:
Denver officials have already made commitments or plans to spend $16 million on affordable housing from the city’s new fund, but the Denver City Council hasn't yet signed off on the comprehensive plan that's supposed to guide the sizable new investment. Some local leaders are getting frustrated with a perceived lack of oversight. (Denverite)
National growth in the construction of rental housing is slowing down for the first time since 2004. Wealthy people now make up much more of the renter base. (CityLab)
After 23 years of waiting, a new ramp under construction will allow westbound access to Peña Boulevard from Tower Road. Some anticipate new development along Tower will result. John Aguilar reports. (DP)
Joe Rubino has a feature on gentrification in Five Points. (DP)
Weed:
A police investigation into 26 marijuana dispensaries and facilities, all of which were operating under the name Sweet Leaf, is expected to lead to criminal charges related to illegal distribution. (AP)
The founder of MassRoots is back in control of the company. Alicia Wallace reports. (Cannabist)
Education:
More than 140 Colorado public schools have been identified for low performance in 2017. The annual ratings are largely based on state English and math exams. (Chalkbeat)
Politicians:
Boulder District Attorney Stanley Garnett's office says it won't file gun charges against state Rep. Lori Saine, who was arrested at DIA when a security screening found a gun in her purse on Dec. 5. (AP)
Rep. Steve Lebsock claims a $350 polygraph proves he didn't sexually harass anyone, but one psychology expert says the "lie detector" tests are not supported by scientific evidence. Bente Birkland reports. (KUNC)
Corey Hutchins has a thorough explainer of the legislature's system for handling harassment complaints, and how it might change. (Independent)
