Can Mayor Johnston Reduce Gun Violence by 20%?

Colorado recorded a record-high number of gun deaths in 2021, according to the Colorado Sun. While gun violence has waned since then, it’s not decreasing fast enough for many Denverites, including Mayor Mike Johnston. He announced last week his new plan to reduce gun crime in Denver by 20% in 2024 by expanding the city’s focus on high-crime areas known as “hot spots.” So host Bree Davies is sitting down with former mayoral candidate and criminal justice professor Lisa Calderón to talk about how Johnston’s strategy compares with his predecessor and what she’d be doing differently. Bree mentioned the new plan Mayor Mike Johnston announced Wednesday to fund newcomer response, including budget cuts to many city departments. Lisa talked about this community event coming up on May 13. Do you have a question for Mayor Mike? We’re sitting down with the mayor later this month, and we want your help! Do you have a question you want to ask him? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear your question on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Visit Meow Wolf! Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise