DENVER — Denver Mayor Mike Johnston plans to use nearly $4 million in interest from a one-time COVID-19 relief fund to cover several budget requests from Denver City Council members next year.

Mayor Johnston unveiled his final proposed 2026 budget during a council meeting on Monday after months of discussion between city leaders over where to make cuts as they work to address a $200 million budget deficit.

In a letter to council members , Mayor Johnston laid out which programs and departments will see additional funding amid what he calls the most challenging fiscal year since 2020 and the Great Recession. He said slowing revenues, rising costs and reduced federal funds led to the budget shortfall.

The final proposed 2026 budget adds funding for the following:

Mayor Johnston said the

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