Denver Mayor Faces Criticism Over Downtown Revitalization Plans

Calls for bold, transformative projects like a downtown gondola system go unheeded, critics say.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:45pm

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Mayor Michael Johnston is facing criticism from local commentators who argue that his administration's plans for revitalizing downtown Denver are too small in scope and fail to capitalize on big, transformative ideas that could dramatically boost the area's economic and cultural fortunes. One proposal that has gained attention is a plan to build an extensive network of elevated gondolas connecting key downtown attractions, which proponents say could attract millions of new visitors and residents.

Why it matters

Downtown Denver has struggled with economic stagnation and a decline in foot traffic in recent years, leading to calls for bold, innovative solutions to revitalize the area. The mayor's critics argue that his current approach of piecemeal, parcel-specific projects won't do enough to drive the kind of large-scale transformation needed to restore downtown's vibrancy and competitiveness.

The details

Commentators like Ryan Ross have urged the mayor to back a plan to build a network of elevated gondolas connecting key downtown destinations, modeled on similar systems in cities like Los Angeles and Las Vegas. They argue this 'DEN-VAIR' system could attract hundreds of thousands of new visitors, residents and workers to downtown, while also providing a platform for enhanced security and community engagement initiatives. However, the mayor's team has so far focused on more modest, incremental projects, which critics say won't move the needle enough.

  • Mayor Johnston took office in January 2026.
  • New Downtown Denver, a local advocacy group, has invited gondola system manufacturers to present their technologies at a public hearing on April 7, 2026.

The players

Mayor Michael Johnston

The current mayor of Denver, who has been criticized for not backing bold enough plans to revitalize the city's downtown.

New Downtown Denver

A local advocacy group that has organized a public hearing to showcase urban gondola system technologies as a potential solution for downtown revitalization.

Ryan Ross

A local commentator who has written critically about the mayor's downtown plans and advocated for a transformative gondola system project.

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What they’re saying

“Mayor Michael Johnston says he's ready to back big projects to revitalize downtown. His actions to date suggest otherwise.”

— Ryan Ross, Commentator

“They've shepherded through a plan for downtown that's a collection of micro-steps that even collectively won't do much for downtown.”

— Ryan Ross, Commentator

“Denver has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be the first to do so, and put itself on the global map with an innovative transportation system that plays off the state's signature form of winter outdoor recreation.”

— Ryan Ross, Commentator

What’s next

New Downtown Denver has invited three manufacturers of urban gondola systems to present their technologies at a public hearing at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, in the Denver Post Building Auditorium at 101 West Colfax Avenue.

The takeaway

Mayor Johnston's critics argue that his administration's approach to downtown revitalization is too incremental and fails to capitalize on bold, transformative ideas like a citywide gondola system that could attract millions of new visitors, residents and workers to the area. The upcoming public hearing on gondola technology represents a key opportunity for the mayor to demonstrate a willingness to consider more ambitious solutions.