Denver Mayor Appoints Homelessness Lead as New Housing Chief

Cole Chandler, who has been the face of the mayor's homelessness strategy, will now lead the Department of Housing Stability.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:58pm

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting a lone figure sitting on a park bench in a Denver city street, the scene bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of urban solitude and the ongoing struggle with homelessness.The appointment of a homelessness advocate to lead Denver's housing department signals a continued focus on addressing the city's ongoing challenges with homelessness and affordable housing.Denver Today

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has appointed his senior homelessness advisor, Cole Chandler, to lead the Department of Housing Stability (HOST). Chandler has been the public face of the mayor's efforts to address homelessness in the city, including the House1000 and All In Mile High initiatives. In his new role, Chandler will oversee both homelessness prevention and affordable housing development for the city.

Why it matters

The appointment of Chandler, who has been a central figure in the mayor's homelessness strategy, signals a continued focus on addressing homelessness and housing instability in Denver. However, Chandler's tenure has also faced scrutiny from some advocates, raising questions about the effectiveness of the city's approach.

The details

Chandler has been the mayor's primary representative on homelessness before the Denver City Council, defending the administration's efforts to bring people off the streets and into hotel and tiny home shelters. However, some of those shelter spaces have faced issues with violence, safety, and poor long-term outcomes for guests. Chandler has also faced criticism from homelessness advocates with whom he previously worked on tiny home projects.

  • Chandler was appointed to lead the Department of Housing Stability in April 2026.
  • The House1000 and All In Mile High initiatives were launched within the first six months of Mayor Johnston's administration.

The players

Mike Johnston

The current mayor of Denver who appointed Cole Chandler to lead the Department of Housing Stability.

Cole Chandler

The senior homelessness advisor for Mayor Johnston who has now been appointed to lead the Department of Housing Stability, overseeing both homelessness prevention and affordable housing development for the city.

Housekeys Action Network Denver

A group of homelessness advocates who have worked with Chandler in the past and have scrutinized his tenure as the mayor's representative on homelessness.

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What they’re saying

“I'm tremendously proud of what we've done to address both homelessness and affordable housing over the last two-and-a-half years of this administration. I think I'm well positioned to continue moving that progress forward and being a strong leader for the team of creating stability and camraderie and support.”

— Cole Chandler, Senior Homelessness Advisor

“I think Cole has done a fantastic job and has really grown in his leadership both across the city and across our employee base. And I think we're ready for the next phase of this work on homelessness into the next phase in housing. And I think he's going to be really well positioned to have dramatic success.”

— Mike Johnston, Mayor of Denver

What’s next

Chandler plans to continue the work he's already doing in the new role, with a focus on shoring up the current homelessness strategy and reducing burnout among HOST staff. He will also have the opportunity to work more on homelessness prevention and affordable housing development.

The takeaway

Chandler's appointment signals a continued focus on addressing homelessness and housing instability in Denver, but his tenure has faced scrutiny from some advocates, raising questions about the effectiveness of the city's approach. As the new head of HOST, Chandler will have the opportunity to shape the next phase of the city's efforts in this area.