DENVER Since 1926
TIME TRAVEL: Denver area pioneer woman’s journal shares common hopes, struggles and dreams P8
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September 21, 2017
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DENVER, COLORADO
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What you need to know about Denver’s proposed 2018 budget Transportation emphasized in mayor’s wish list for next year’s spending BY ERICA MELTZER EMELTZER@DENVERITE.COM
BY TOM MUNDS TMUNDS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock recently announced his proposed $2.01 billion budget for 2018 that would include new investments in transportation and affordability, that would grow the size of city government as Denver grows and that would start to dedicate marijuana money to concrete projects you might see in your neighborhood. As proposed, the general fund budget, the one that pays for most basic city services, is $1.39 billion. That’s a 5.4 percent increase over this year. Revenue is projected to go up 3.7 percent. That discrepancy isn’t a problem because Denver expects to end the year with additional money above and beyond its reserves, according to Denver’s Chief Financial Officer Brendan Hanlon. The proposed 2018 budget calls for budget reserves of 15.2 percent, along with a legally required 2 percent contingency for emergencies. Here’s what you need to know:
Englewood resident Jessica Luem said while she has always done what she could to help those in need, she never dreamed it would become a full-time job. But it has, as she is now director of CitySquare Denver, an organization seeking to provide services to those who need assistance. “I have always had a desire to help those who needed help by volunteering or helping
Much attention on transportation Hancock has made transportation a major focus of his administration, dedicating half of the 2017 general obligation bond program to roads, sidewalks, bike and transit infrastructure and using his State of the City address to announce ambitious goals. The city usually spends between $70 million and $75 million on transportation needs. The
SEE CITYSQUARE, P5
SEE BUDGET, P2
Jessica Luem, director of CitySquare Denver, tells homeless neighbor Ed Shute how the organization will try to help him. Luem, an Englewood resident, said CitySquare Denver provides a variety of services to Denver and Englewood residents including help obtaining identification documents, use of laundry facilities and a weekly food bank. PHOTOS BY TOM MUNDS
Helping others a full-time job Area woman heads group aiding people in need
Connor Mace moves a cart of donations into the storage area at CitySquare Denver. Mace, a Littleton resident, said he looked up the organization on the internet, liked their values and volunteers his time to help CitySquare Denver provide a variety of services to Denver and Englewood residents.
THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL
‘Most of us know what the mirror is saying, we just don’t want to listen or we make excuses to justify why we can’t or won’t do something or stand up for someone or something.’ Michael Norton, columnist | Page 6 INSIDE
CALENDAR: PAGE 4 | VOICES: PAGE 6 | LIFE: PAGE 8 | VOLUME 90 | ISSUE 47