The Denver City Council has decided to postpone a planned mountain retreat costing nearly $27,000 following scrutiny over the timing of the event, which comes shortly after significant layoffs of city employees. Council President Amanda Sandoval announced the postponement on Wednesday, stating that the council’s focus should now be on supporting affected workers and the community.
The retreat, scheduled for August 27-29, 2023, at Lone Rock Retreat near Bailey, was intended to include ten council members and three staff members. The event’s costs raised concerns after CBS News Colorado reported on the optics of such an excursion just one week after 171 employees were laid off due to budget constraints.
In her statement, Sandoval emphasized the need for unity during challenging times: “Our full attention must now be on supporting one another and helping our city move forward from this challenging period with the best interests of our constituents at heart.” The council has not yet determined whether any funds already spent will be applied to a future date or if costs could increase.
The retreat was set to cost $26,700, with expenses broken down into various categories. The facility rental, meals, and accommodations amounted to $16,500, while $2,600 was allocated for accessible transportation. An additional $7,600 was budgeted for a facilitator and an assessment tool meant to foster team-building and enhance communication among council members.
According to council spokesman Robert Austin, the contract for the retreat was signed on May 8. At that time, council members were aware of the city’s financial difficulties, although they did not know the extent of the budget issues until Mayor Mike Johnston announced a projected $200 million shortfall for 2026 two weeks later.
The layoffs announced this week included not only the immediate personnel cuts but also the elimination of 665 vacant positions and a shift of 92 positions to alternative funding sources outside the general fund. These measures are projected to save the city approximately $100 million in 2026.
Johnston’s office is expected to present a budget proposal that seeks an additional $100 million in savings before a September 15 deadline. Meanwhile, the council is still considering a new date for the postponed retreat, as the focus remains on addressing the needs of city workers and constituents during this difficult time.
