Johnston calls for 20,000 new homes, universal childcare and stronger neighborhoods

DENVER – Mayor Mike Johnston announced his bid for reelection yesterday, joined by a crowd of enthusiastic supporters and community members who have worked alongside the Mayor over the past three years.

The kickoff marks the beginning of a grassroots campaign to continue tackling the city’s toughest challenges, delivering results for every neighborhood and fighting every day for the people of Denver. Watch his announcement here.

“In the face of every challenge, Denver stepped up to deliver,” Mayor Johnston said at yesterday’s kickoff rally at Town Hall Collaborative in the Santa Fe Arts District. “I’m proud of what Denver has accomplished these last three years but the work is not done yet. In the next four years, we’re going to build more than 20,000 homes, guarantee childcare for every kid from birth to kindergarten and support people who still live on our streets into permanent housing and treatment. In Denver, we know that change drives hope. When we work together to show that even the hardest things can get better, we start to believe in what else is possible.”

Prior to the rally, Mayor Johnston spent the day connecting directly with families and local business owners across the city. He met with the Cowan family to hear about their vision for the new Park Hill Park, visited Hattie McDaniel to speak with developers about expanding affordable housing, and stopped by Family Star Montessori to listen to educators and students and discuss Childcare for All. He also visited Tocabe, where he heard from a small business owner about the

opportunities and challenges of operating in Denver. The day was all about listening, showing up and building momentum – bringing Denverites together around a shared vision for a city where change drives hope.

In his next term, Mayor Johnston will focus on expanding access to affordable housing at all income levels, bringing universal childcare in Denver, and continuing to reduce homelessness and strengthening public safety across every neighborhood. Mayor Johnston will also keep defending Denverites’ rights from Trump and his attacks on our values.

Here’s what community leaders are saying about Mayor Johnston’s commitment to taking on tough challenges:

“Mike Johnston has taken on some of Denver’s biggest challenges and has delivered results,” former Denver Mayor Federico Peña said. “He’s brought people together to drastically reduce homelessness, expand housing and make Denver safer. He is making investments to strengthen and diversify our economy. I’m proud to support his bid for a second term, which will continue current progress, tackle future challenges, and make sure Denver remains a city where people can afford to live, raise a family and build a future.”

“Little Saigon in Southwest Denver is where I grew up, built a life and learned the meaning of community,” said Mimi Luong, owner of Truong An Gifts in the Far East Center. “As a small business owner and working mom, I know how important it is to have leaders who see, value and stand with our communities. That’s what I’ve experienced with Mayor Mike Johnston. He hasn’t just talked about supporting Little Saigon and Denver’s AAPI community, he has truly shown up.”

“I have watched Mayor Johnston firsthand talk to the youth of our city. Sit and listen to them, ask them questions about what they are most worried about, what they are most proud of, what they are missing, what they need in our city, what they need in him,” said Kayla Garcia, nonprofit and community leader. “Our kids are watching what the adults around them do. They are watching whether we show up. They are watching whether we listen. They are watching whether we keep our promises. I know Mayor Johnston will continue to show up, listen, and keep the promise of Denver to all.”

Since taking office in 2023, Mayor Johnston’s administration has delivered record reductions in street homelessness and crime, re-opened downtown, expanded job opportunities, supported small businesses, and led investments in housing and neighborhoods across the city. Today’s campaign kickoff reflects a commitment to keep that work going and to tackle the challenges still ahead.