DENVER — Thousands of City of Denver employees are spending the weekend in limbo, waiting to learn if they still have a job.
The city will begin layoffs Monday, with affected workers notified throughout the week of August 18, according to an email from Mayor Mike Johnston.
“As a city employee, we’re the face of Denver,” said Audra Burgos, who has worked nearly 40 years for the Department of Parks & Recreation.
Even with her long tenure, Burgos said she’s anxious. In July, the city’s career service board approved changes to layoff procedures, making it easier to cut longtime staff.
“Seniority should matter, it really should,” she said. “It’s hard because people are going to be affected dramatically, dramatically by Monday’s layoff.”
In May, Johnston announced the city faced a $50 million budget deficit in 2025 and a $200 million shortfall in 2026. In his letter to employees, he said layoffs are necessary to balance next year’s budget.
The announcement immediately drew concern. Former Denver mayoral candidate Dr. Lisa Calderón urged employees to protect themselves. “I really want to encourage city employees to fight for their rights, to know that they have rights, and if they feel that their due process rights are violated, they have a right to sue,” she said.
As Burgos awaits word on her position, she called on city leaders to recognize the human toll of these cuts. “We matter. And we take these jobs, not because they’re the best paying jobs… I think we deserve a better Denver than that,” she said.
According to Johnston’s letter, employees will be notified the same day their job ends. They will then receive 30 days of paid administrative leave with full salary, benefits, and time-off accruals. Their official separation date will be 31 calendar days later.
Most benefits will end after that period, though medical, dental, and vision coverage will continue through September 30. Eligible employees will also get a severance package, based on years of service, if they sign a severance agreement. Payments will be issued within 14 days of their final day of employment.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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