Denver reports large drop in street homelessness and shootings; voters back $570 million downtown plan

Mayor Johnson briefed the mayor and Denver City Council on the city's 2024 goals, saying the administration recorded a large one-year drop in street homelessness and declines in gun violence while launching new service models and permitting changes.

"We delivered, the largest 1 year reduction in street homelessness in recorded history," Mayor Johnson said, and he reported that the city had moved 2,233 people from streets into transitional or permanent housing in 2024.

The mayor said the city also met its housing goal to "permit, secure, finance, or support 3,000 affordable units," and that a ballot measure for the downtown Denver development authority passed with about 77% support, unlocking what the administration described as roughly $570,000,000 for downtown investment.

Why it matters: The administration presented these figures as the core outcomes of five priority areas for 2024'vibrant neighborhoods and downtown revitalization, affordability and housing, safety, better government operations, and employee engagement'and said the results will guide 2025 priorities and program changes.

Key results highlighted - Homelessness and housing: Mayor Johnson said the city…