Denver Mayor Mike Johnston unveiled his proposal for the city and county's 2026 budget during a news briefing on Monday, saying the $1.66 billion general fund budget would “cut to the bone.”

Johnston called the 5.8% reduction in spending, which aims to fill a $200 million gap, as the "most conservative" in 15 years.

The mayor insisted that, while significant budget cuts have been made across city departments, Denver residents would not see a cut in core services.

Johnston said his budget proposal solves the city's $200 million deficit via the following:

$77 million in savings from services, supplies and internal transfers

$118 million in personnel savings

$5.7 million in revenue additions

The proposed budget now goes to members of the Denver City Council, who will review it and have

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