City Cast Denver

Everyone’s talking about AI these days, including Denverites. And now, more data centers are popping up across the country, thanks in part to the AI revolution. But some cities are stemming the tide, including Madison, Wisconsin, who recently passed a one-year moratorium on new data center construction. City Cast CEO David Plotz feels strongly that this was the wrong choice! He’s sitting down with City Cast Madison podcast host Bianca Martin to weigh the pros and cons of data centers, and debate the economic, ethical, and ecological considerations at the heart of this debate. Plus, David and Bianca share must-know tips for making it in Madison and DC.  We also mentioned this City Cast Madison episode. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Adrian Felix, political commentator and prolific local poster, joins to unpack Palantir’s sudden move from Denver and the debate over whether protests or new AI laws played a role. He also discusses the seizure of Leven Supply for unpaid taxes, evolving Alameda Avenue plans, and local wins and fails. Short takes and sharp local commentary throughout.

Paul Teske, distinguished professor and longtime dean at CU Denver’s School of Public Affairs, explains Colorado’s TABOR fights and a proposed graduated tax. He breaks down a controversial temporary redistricting plan and the risks of retaliatory map changes. He also covers why Xcel bills are rising and the Public Utilities Commission’s role in balancing safety, investments, and rates.

Suzi Q. Smith, poet, author, and arts educator, brings cultural perspective and local activism to the table. They dig into Colorado’s new bill on decriminalizing commercial sex and the debates around safety, zoning, and labor protections. Conversation also covers rumors of an Erewhon in RiNo and what that says about neighborhood change and who benefits.

Listeners weigh in on transit safety and whether more police on buses and trains helps or harms marginalized riders. Mayoral politics and critiques of local homelessness plans spark debate about voter appeal and strategy. Conversation jumps to mall food courts, coffee shop tips around Sloan's Lake, and reactions to past reporting on Rocky Flats.

Sean McPherson, CityCast Twin Cities host and local journalist covering community organizing, shares on-the-ground perspectives. He discusses rapid mutual aid, tailing ICE, and volunteer vetting. He explains the tools and networks that enabled quick mobilization, the roles people take, and why joy and anonymity matter in sustaining action.

Shawn King, drummer and founding member of DeVotchKa, reflects on his long ties to Denver’s music scene. He and the hosts debate the Underground Music Showcase moving to RiNo and whether that shift will change its character. They imagine bold ideas for 16th Street, trade wins and fails around local news, and share colorful stories about venues, markets, and downtown life.

Thanks to multiple bond packages, the Sloan’s Lake Boathouse is getting a $7 million makeover and the lake itself is set to receive $5 million in ecological restoration.  But will that be enough to save it? For years, Sloan’s Lake has struggled with low water levels, leading to a toxic algae bloom that threatens the ecological future and public use of this popular body of water. We’re revisiting this conversation from last year with host Bree Davies and Kurt Weaver, executive director of the Sloan’s Lake Park Foundation, to learn more about why it could take a whole lot more money to save this neighborhood treasure. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this February 12th episode: Clyfford Still Museum Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Kevin Nguyen, award-winning architect behind Denver favorites like Brutø and The Wolf's Tailor, talks restaurant atmosphere and hospitality-driven design. He explains why entrance placement, host-stand positioning, and sound design matter. Short, human moments and service flow shape experience as much as the menu. Kevin also shares how he chooses projects and adapts spaces to tell a restaurant's story.

A music festival's future gets a rescue and a neighborhood move, with questions about vibe, accessibility, and walkability. Lawmakers are proposing fees on big alcohol makers to fund prevention and veterans programs. Listeners share RTD safety complaints and a massive roundup of favorite local coffee shops.