Denver, CO — In a rare show of unity, the mayors of Colorado’s three largest cities—Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, and Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman—have jointly penned a letter to Governor Jared Polis and members of the Colorado General Assembly. The letter outlines several key priorities as the 2025 legislative session gets underway and represents the collective voice of the cities of Aurora, Denver, and Colorado Springs.

The mayors of Colorado’s three largest cities, from left, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade. Credit: CPR.org

Addressing Juvenile Justice

One of the primary concerns highlighted in the letter is the issue of juvenile justice. The mayors expressed alarm over the increasing frequency and severity of crimes committed by juvenile offenders. They pointed out that the lack of funding and a cap on the number of juvenile detention beds have exacerbated the problem. The reduction in bed space has led to violent youth offenders being re-released based on the severity of their offenses, often related to gun violence, aggravated assault, gang violence, and other violent crimes.

The mayors support Governor Polis’s budget proposal to increase funding for juvenile detention bed space. They believe that by expanding bed spaces, youth offenders can be removed from harmful situations and connected to social services and programs that can help decrease the rate of re-offending.

Tackling Construction Defect Litigation

The letter also addresses the statewide issue of housing attainability, particularly in large cities. The mayors criticized politically motivated construction defect legislation, which they argue has hindered the building industry’s ability to construct condominiums—a prime entry point for homeownership. They called for reasonable legislation that would provide builders with the right to cure, thereby protecting both buyers and sellers and returning this vital housing option to residents.

Ensuring Safe Cities

Governor Polis’s dedication to positioning Colorado as one of the ten safest states was commended by the mayors. They acknowledged the progress made over the past two years in reducing property and violent crime rates. However, they emphasized the need for continued collaboration between state and local governments to sustain and build upon this progress. The mayors stressed that cities must retain the flexibility to implement solutions responsive to community concerns and assign appropriate sentences when crimes are committed.

A Unified Call for Action

The letter, presented on behalf of the more than 1.5 million residents of Aurora, Denver, and Colorado Springs, underscores the importance of addressing these key priorities to protect and improve the quality of life for Coloradans. The mayors’ unified call for action highlights the need for cooperation and collaboration between state and local governments to tackle the pressing issues of public safety, housing, and economic vitality.

As the 2025 legislative session begins, the mayors’ letter serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure the well-being and prosperity of all Coloradans.