The mayors of three of Colorado's largest cities agree on several pressing issues, including a call for the state to fund more juvenile detention beds in response to rising youth crime.

In a joint letter to Gov. Jared Polis and the General Assembly, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston outlined their priorities for the 2025 legislative session.

On letterhead featuring the seals of their respective cities, the mayors identified public safety, housing, and economic vitality as “the most important concerns facing our cities.”

The letter, dated Jan. 9, 2025—the same day as Polis’ annual State of the State address—expresses support for the governor’s proposal to increase funding for juvenile detention facilities. The mayors emphasized the need for more beds, citing a rise in serious crimes committed by young offenders.

“By increasing bed spaces,” the letter states, “we can ensure youth are removed from situations that may cause additional harm and instead connect them to social services and programs to help, thereby decreasing the rate of re-offending.”

Colorado Springs recently held a summit addressing youth crime after the city reported a 59% increase in juveniles suspected of violent crimes and a 49% rise in the number of juvenile suspects armed with guns. These figures far outpace the city’s 10% overall increase in violent crime.

Gov. Polis echoed the mayors’ concerns in his address, saying his budget proposal includes expanded crime prevention resources and additional support for youth offenders.

“Under my new proposal, youth offenders who are currently being sent all over the state will be able to stay closer to home and get the support they need faster,” Polis said.

Housing Challenges: Condo Construction Legislation

‍The mayors also advocated for legislation to boost condominium construction by reducing the legal risks builders face. Mayor Mobolade had championed a similar initiative last year, though it failed to pass. In his address, Polis called for a “meaningful conversation” on the issue, signaling ongoing interest in resolving the housing crisis.

However, the mayors remained silent on other housing-related proposals, such as loosening development rules to encourage “single-stair” apartment designs, which Polis supports for increasing housing capacity.

Focus on "Safe Cities"

‍The mayors’ letter also emphasizes the importance of local municipalities retaining control over sentencing and community-responsive solutions.

This stance appears to counter legislative efforts to align municipal court sentencing with the state’s lighter penalties for minor crimes. For instance, state courts impose a maximum of 10 days in jail for minor offenses like trespassing, whereas municipal courts can sentence offenders to nearly a year.

Rep. Javier Mabrey has called for reforms to bring municipal courts in line with state practices and establish a right to an attorney in municipal cases. The ACLU has also pushed for changes, including ending criminal penalties for missed court dates in municipal courts.

As lawmakers convene for the 2025 session, they face the challenge of addressing these priorities while managing a $700 million budget shortfall. Passing a balanced budget remains their sole constitutional obligation.