Denver faces a critical turning point as Mayor Mike Johnston’s proposed 20% police budget cut collides with rising fears of violent unrest, sparked by recent riots in Los Angeles over federal immigration enforcement. With Denver’s sanctuary city policies under legal fire, police understaffed, and city finances stretched thin by escalating migrant costs, residents are left questioning the city’s ability to maintain safety and order in the face of mounting challenges.

The Colorado District 1 GOP calls on Mayor Johnston to provide full transparency on the city’s financial state ahead of the April 24 announcement and to outline a comprehensive plan to avert a downgrade while protecting critical services. Rather than slashing budgets indiscriminately, the administration should prioritize spending reductions in non-essential areas, renegotiate debt terms, and implement efficiencies to safeguard Denver’s fiscal future. The time for accountability and proactive solutions is now—before the city faces irreversible consequences.