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News Denver

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2026 Real Estate Shifts Toward Balance

Real estate from the first week of January shows that Denver homes are now averaging 45 to 60 days on the market. Analysts note this is a "pivotal transition" from the pandemic-era frenzy, giving buyers more leverage and negotiating power than they have had in years.

Conflict Over Tri-State Coal Plant Closure

On January 4, a major environmental battle erupted as the Trump administration ordered the Craig Unit 1 coal plant to remain open past its scheduled December 31 closing date. State leaders and environmental groups have vowed a legal challenge, setting up a high-stakes 2026 fight over Colorado’s clean energy mandates.

Economics: Denver Minimum Wage Increases Effective January 1, Denver’s local minimum wage officially rose to from $18.81. Tipped workers also saw an increase to $16.27. This adjustment, based on the Consumer Price Index, makes Denver’s wage one of the highest in the country, though some restaurant owners continue to lobby for a freeze on tipped wages.

Snowpack Concerns Hit Near-Record Lows

As of January 5, water experts are sounding the alarm over Colorado’s snowpack. Only about 5% of water years have ed this dry, raising scientific and ecological concerns about the state's water security for 2026. However, meteorologists predict a shift in weather patterns later this week.

Denver Art Museum Announces "Untitled" Artist Takeover

The Denver Art Museum confirmed on January 5 that its January 30 Untitled event will feature artists Tya Alisa Anthony and ANALUNA. The evening will blend digital art, cinematic violin performances, and "offbeat" gallery tours inspired by Camille Pissarro’s impressionism.

DenVhere Fashion Show 2026 Sneak Peek Organizers for the DenVhere Fashion Show released the final designer lineup on January 5 for their upcoming January 9 event. Featured brands like Cougar Wear and Aura Couture are set to showcase local streetwear and high-fashion trends at the annual showcase.

Colorado Job Growth Forecasted at 0.6%

A new economic report released early this January predicts that Colorado will add approximately 17,500 jobs in 2026. While this marks a "flat" growth cycle compared to previous years, economists at CU Boulder emphasized that a recession is not currently anticipated for the state.

Used EV Prices Projected to Drop in Denver Local auto analysts noted on January 5 that as federal EV tax credits expire, a surge of off-lease electric vehicles is expected to hit the used market. This shift is predicted to make EVs more accessible to Denver's price-sensitive buyers who are currently facing high new-car MSRPs.

Legal Battle Over Autism Therapy Reimbursements

On January 3, a group of parents and providers in Denver filed a lawsuit against the state over new prior-authorization requirements for CAR T-cell and other behavioral therapies. The group argues these changes reduce access to the "gold standard" of autism care.

Investigation Into Southeast Denver Shooting Denver police are continuing their investigation into an overnight shooting on January 5 during a celebration in Southeast Denver. The incident left a 16-year-old boy dead and three adults injured, sparking renewed calls for community safety initiatives.

National Western Stock Show (Rodeo/Sports) – National Western Complex, Jan 10–25

Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (Symphony) – Boettcher Concert Hall, Jan 9–11

SIX (Musical Theater) – Buell Theatre, through Jan 11

Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza (Sports/Culture) – Denver Coliseum, Jan 11

Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Concert (Symphony) – Boettcher Concert Hall, Jan 13

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors (Play) – Garner Galleria Theatre, through Jan 15

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert (Multi-media) – Boettcher Concert Hall, Jan 16–18

Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns (NBA) – Ball Arena, Jan 19

Colorado Avalanche vs. Florida Panthers (NHL) – Ball Arena, Jan 22

Waiting for Godot (Play) – Aurora Fox Arts Center, opens Jan 30

Denver Voters Overwhelmingly Pass New Homelessness Initiative "Away From Home"

Denver voters approved a ballot initiative, "Away from Home", that prohibits unsanctioned camping citywide and mandates the city create several new, designated "safe outdoor spaces" and increase shelter capacity by 1,000 beds within a year. The controversial measure passed with 62% of the vote, with supporters arguing for structure and opponents fearing it criminalizes poverty.

Denver-Area Inflation Outpaces National Average, Driven by Housing and Insurance

The latest Consumer Price Index for the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro area shows inflation at 3.8% year-over-year, significantly higher than the national rate of 3.5%. The primary drivers are shelter costs, which rose 6.2%, and motor vehicle insurance, which jumped a staggering 22.1%, squeezing local household budgets.

CU Boulder Researchers Link Colorado's "Megadrought" to Shrinking Snowpack, Affecting Water Forecasts
A new study from CU Boulder's Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, published in Nature Water, reveals that the persistent "megadrought" in the Colorado River Basin is directly causing earlier and faster snowmelt in the Rockies. This reduces the slow, steady runoff that reservoirs rely on, forcing a major revision to regional water supply models used by Denver Water and other utilities.

Denver Art Museum Secures Landmark Gift of Contemporary Native American Art
The Denver Art Museum (DAM) announced a transformative gift from a local philanthropic family of over 100 works of contemporary Native American art, valued in the tens of millions. The collection includes major pieces by artists like Jaune Quick-to-See Smith and Fritz Scholder and will form the core of a new, permanent gallery wing dedicated to 21st-century Indigenous art.

RiNo District's "Wear Denver Week" Showcases Local Sustainable Designers
The annual "Wear Denver Week" festival launched in the River North Art District (RiNo), featuring pop-up shops, runway shows, and workshops highlighting over 50 Colorado-based clothing and accessory designers. The focus this year is on circular fashion, with events dedicated to mending, upcycling, and sustainable material sourcing.

Aerospace Hiring in Metro Denver Surges, Defying Broader Tech Slowdown
While national tech hiring remains muted, a report from the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation shows a 15% year-over-year increase in job postings for aerospace engineers, technicians, and software developers in the region. Companies like Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace, and numerous NewSpace ups are driving the demand, bolstering Denver's reputation as "Space Country USA."

Denver's Median Home Price Surpasses $600,000 for First Time Amid Low Inventory
The Denver Metro Association of Realtors monthly report revealed the median closing price for a single-family home hit $605,000 in April, a new record. Despite high mortgage rates, fierce competition for a historically low number of active listings (down 22% from last year) continues to push prices upward.

New EV Tax Credit Rules Create Confusion at Denver Dealerships
Stricter federal rules for the $7,500 EV tax credit, which now mandate certain battery components cannot originate from "Foreign Entities of Concern" (like China), have taken effect. Denver-area dealerships report confusion and a scramble to verify eligibility for models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model 3, potentially slowing sales of previously qualifying vehicles.

Five Points Jazz Festival Announces Full Lineup for 2024 Return
The beloved Five Points Jazz Festival, a free celebration of the neighborhood's rich musical heritage, announced its full lineup for the May 18th event. Headliners include nationally renowned jazz and R&B artists alongside dozens of local performers, with stages set up along Welton Street to honor the area's legacy as the "Harlem of the West."

Denver Nuggets – NBA Playoffs, Western Conference Semifinals (Home Game)

When: Tuesday, May 14 (Potential Game 5, if series extends)
Where: Ball Arena
What: The defending NBA champions continue their playoff run in front of a raucous home crowd. Dates subject to series progression.

The Book of Mormon (Broadway Musical)

When: May 14-26
Where: The Buell Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex
What: The hilariously outrageous, Tony Award-winning musical by the creators of South Park returns for a two-week run.

Colorado Symphony – "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in Concert"

When: Friday, May 17 - Sunday, May 19
Where: Boettcher Concert Hall
What: The full film projected in HD while the Colorado Symphony performs John Williams' entire magical score live.

Cinqo de Mayo Celebrate! Festival (Note: Occurs slightly outside the 5-day window but is a major imminent event)

When: May 10-12
Where: Civic Center Park
What: One of the nation's largest and most authentic Cinco de Mayo celebrations, featuring live music, folkloric dance, lucha libre wrestling, and extensive food and craft markets.

Meow Wolf Denver: Convergence Station – "Neon Dreams" New Exhibit Opening

When: Opens Saturday, May 11
Where: Meow Wolf Denver
What: The immersive art experience unveils a new permanent installation, "Neon Dreams," a retro-futuristic cityscape that explores themes of memory and artificial reality.

Denver Day of Rock

When: Saturday, May 25 (Free)
Where: Along the 16th Street Mall
What: Five stages of free, live music featuring national and local acts, all to benefit the nonprofit Amp the Cause, which supports children's health and education.

Clyde's at the DCPA's Ricketson Theatre

When: Runs May 10 - June 9
Where: Denver Center for the Performing Arts
What: A Pulitzer-finalist comedy by Lynn Nottage about formerly incarcerated kitchen workers finding redemption and ambition while making sandwiches. A story of grit and second chances.

The Decemberists with Special Guest Squirrel Flower

When: Wednesday, May 15
Where: The Mission Ballroom
What: The iconic indie folk-rock band performs in support of their new album, As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again.

Denver Burger Battle

When: Thursday, May 16

Where: The Sports Castle

What: Over 20 of Denver's top chefs compete for the title of best burger, with unlimited samples for attendees

Economics: Southwest Power Pool (SPP) Opens Denver Office

In a move to expand the Midwestern electric grid into the West, the SPP officially opened its downtown Denver office this week. The expansion into the Western Interconnection is slated to go operational in April 2026, integrating utilities from Colorado, Arizona, and Utah into a unified market.

Science: Teen Science Scholars Application Opens

The DenverMuseum of Nature & Science announced on January 5 that applications for its 2026 Teen Science Scholars program are now open. The initiative provides high schoolers from underrepresented communities hands-on internships in zoology, science, and paleontology.

The Arts: Planning Begins for First-Ever American Indian Cultural Embassy

Denver city leaders and Indigenous advocates met on January 5 to begin formal planning for a first-of-its-kind cultural embassy. Funded by the $20 million Vibrant Denver Bond, the center will be located at the First Creek Open Space and serve as a hub for Indigenous trade, art, and education.

Fashion: "Vintage is Your Friend" Initiative for 2026

Local fashion experts and boutique owners in the Wheat Ridge area launched a "Style Adventure" campaign this week, encouraging Denverites to move toward sustainable, eclectic vintage wear. The initiative focuses on mixing high-fashion "Aura Couture" pieces with curated thrift finds to combat fast-fashion waste.

Employment Outlook Remains Flat for Q1

Economists from CU Boulder clarified this week that while job growth in Colorado has slowed to approximately 0.6%, the state’s GDP is still projected to grow by 2.9% in 2026. The "no-hire, no-fire" environment means current employees are staying put, but new graduates may face a more competitive entry-level market.

Real Estate: Denver's Apartment Market Faces "Overbuilt" Status Commercial brokers reported on January 5 that Denver’s apartment market is seeing a "city-suburban rift." While demand remains high for single-family homes, many newly completed apartment projects are facing higher vacancy rates and falling rents as the city grapples with an oversupply of luxury units.

Auto Sales Defy Policy Uncertainty to Year

Despite the removal of the federal EV tax credit, Denver auto dealers reported a 2% increase in overall sales for the first week of January. Toyota and Hyundai are leading local sales thanks to the popularity of affordable hybrid models, which many Detroit-based automakers have phased out.

Public Health: Denver Issues Warning on Gas Stove Labeling

A new court decision being discussed in Denver this week could set back efforts to label gas stoves with health warnings similar to cigarettes. Local public health advocates are debating the scientific links between indoor gas combustion and respiratory issues in Denver's high-altitude environment.

History: Colorado Prepares for 150th Anniversary (Sesquicentennial) History Colorado launched a new exhibit on January 5 detailing the saga of Colorado becoming the 38th state. This kicks off a year-long series of events leading up to the state’s sesquicentennial celebration on August 1, 2026.