A Denver Town Hall Focused on the Future

Two state lawmakers held a town hall on Jan. 10 at Hiawatha Davis Jr. Recreation Center to preview issues for the 2026 legislative session, which is currently underway.

The event was held by state Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist, who represents House District 8 in Denver, and state Rep. Jennifer Bacon, who represents House District 7. The two areas are geographically connected, and the two lawmakers’ priorities for the legislative session are also aligned.

The Saturday gathering was held for residents to listen, learn, and ask questions, with some submitted in advance. Bacon said she and Gilchrist were “honored” to be doing the event, “as a reminder of what’s possible with representation and what’s possible with our core values as a nation.”

She talked about the importance of bringing people together. “I just want to acknowledge that there’s a lot of stress out there, and just know that people know that’s real, and we’re doing everything we can to change our world. It’s not even just our neighborhood, state, or country anymore.”

Bacon, the House assistant majority leader, emphasized the challenges posed by the more than $800 million state budget deficit, the impact of federal policies on healthcare, and the need for consumer protection against AI surveillance.

Gilchrist highlighted her focus on criminal justice, gun violence prevention, a bill banning 3D printing of firearms, child welfare, and health care.

“People are looking at 100% increases (for health insurance coverage). We are working on a bill to help fill that gap. It’s going to be a very meaty bill. We did a stopgap during the special session. We will do a larger bill this next session,” Gilchrist said.

The meeting also touched on Medicaid cuts, the need to fund schools, and TABOR, the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights.

TABOR is an amendment to the state constitution that limits government revenue and requires voter approval for tax increases, with any excess revenue returned to taxpayers. It comes up often at town halls as a roadblock to state funding needs.

A Day of Protest in Denver’s Central Park Neighborhood

On Jan. 11, dozens of people lined the sidewalk along MLK Jr. Blvd. in front of the Central Park Recreation Center. Carrying signs and blowing whistles, the anti-ICE protesters were greeted by many drivers honking horns in support. The participants also marched to the intersection of MLK Jr. Blvd. and Central Park Blvd.

The protest, organized by Central Park Parents Who Care and Seniors for Democracy, was scheduled as part of the nationwide Weekend of Action in response to the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis on Jan. 7.

Discount Grocer Opening Stores in Denver

Aldi, a discount grocery store chain, will open its first stores in Colorado over the next five years. Fifty stores are planned for Denver and Colorado Springs, along with a distribution center in Aurora, the German company announced.

The locations of the new stores are yet to be announced, but given the number of new stores planned, there will likely be one in or near northeast Denver.

“One in three U.S. households shopped at Aldi this past year, and in 2026, we’re focused on making it even easier for customers to shop our aisles first,” said Atty McGrath, CEO of Aldi U.S. “That means bringing Aldi to even more neighborhoods, upgrading our website, and planning additional distribution centers.”

The Colorado distribution center is projected to open in 2029, bringing “hundreds of new jobs,” the company said in a press release.

Meanwhile, work has begun at the site of the Whole Foods Market store at 40th Ave. and Central Park Blvd. at a complex that will also be home to other retailers. The still-unconfirmed Trader Joe’s in Northfield has not begun construction.

Changes at The Aurora History Museum

A shortfall in the City of Aurora’s budget has caused The Aurora History Museum to change its hours and admission rates. The previously free museum is now charging $5 for adults and $1 for children. Memberships are also available. The museum will be open Tuesdays through Thursdays, with additional hours on Saturdays.

The museum is currently hosting the exhibition “National Reserves of Peru: Biodiversity & Landscapes.” Visitors are invited to view photography of Peru’s ecological regions and gain insight into the South American nation’s people. The exhibit also celebrates 200 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Peru.

It’s presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Peru in Denver and the city’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs. It will be on display at the museum’s community gallery through March 7.

The museum also has two surveys available to help shape upcoming projects, including “Proclaiming Colorado’s Black History” and an exhibit on Aurora’s Filipino community.

Both surveys are available at EngageAurora.org.

Bluff Lake Grand Opening

Bluff Lake Nature Center, at 11255 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., is holding a grand opening of the campus improvements project on Feb.14 from 10am to 2pm. The new main entrance will be open, along with the community building and lake-accessible ramp and stairs trail.

The parking lot will be closed for the event.­ Visitors are advised to park nearby or walk or bike to the site. A ceremonial ribbon cutting will be followed by tours and family activities at the 123-acre wildlife refuge.

Visit blufflake.org for more details.