The Denver City Council has decided to postpone a mountain retreat originally scheduled for August 27 to 29, 2023. The decision comes in response to criticism over the nearly $27,000 cost of the event, which surfaced shortly after the city announced significant layoffs affecting 171 employees due to budget constraints. Council President Amanda Sandoval announced the postponement in a statement on Wednesday, stating that the council’s focus needs to be on supporting city workers during this challenging time.
The retreat was planned to take place at Lone Rock Retreat near Bailey, Colorado, with ten council members and three staff members expected to attend. However, following reports by CBS News Colorado, the council faced scrutiny regarding the appropriateness of the retreat’s cost in light of the recent job losses. The estimated $26,700 expense included $16,500 for facility rental, meals, and accommodations, as well as $2,600 for accessible transportation and $7,600 for a facilitator and assessment tools.
According to council spokesman Robert Austin, the retreat was intended as a team-building workshop using the Insights Discovery Evaluator, designed to enhance communication and collaboration among council members. The contract for the retreat was signed on May 8, before the city’s budget issues were fully understood. Just two weeks later, Mayor Mike Johnston announced that the city would face a $200 million budget shortfall in 2026, necessitating the layoffs.
In addition to the 171 job cuts, the city also plans to eliminate 665 vacant positions and shift 92 positions to alternative funding sources. These measures are expected to save approximately $100 million in 2026. The council has not yet set a new date for the retreat, as they continue to prioritize the needs of their constituents.
As the city navigates these financial challenges, Johnston’s office is preparing a budget proposal aimed at achieving an additional $100 million in savings for the upcoming year, which is due before the September 15 deadline. The recent developments have prompted public discussions about the council’s spending priorities, particularly during a time of significant workforce reductions.
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