In response to the collapse of a border deal that would have provided federal funding, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has unveiled a plan to reduce the city's budget by $5 million. These budget cuts are a necessary measure to offset the fast-rising costs of sheltering migrants within the city.

At a news conference held on Friday morning, Mayor Johnston announced the first round of budget cuts. The plan includes the temporary closure of some Denver Motor Vehicle offices, reduced hours at recreation centers, and a 25% reduction in spring recreational programming offered by the parks department. These measures aim to address the budget shortfall caused by the increasing expenses associated with providing shelter for migrants.

The city of Denver currently accommodates 3,560 migrants in various temporary housing options, including hotels. As of Friday, the city is projecting a potential $180 million budget shortfall in 2024 without additional state or federal support. These projections necessitate immediate action to ensure the city's financial stability.

The collapse of the border security deal in the U.S. Senate earlier this week forced Denver city leaders to revise their plans. Mayor Johnston expressed disappointment and squarely placed the blame on former President Donald Trump, who pressured Republicans to reject the deal. In a video shared on social media, the mayor emphasized the need for shared sacrifice in these challenging times.

The implemented budget cuts represent a turning point for the city. While leaders had been preparing for potential reductions, they had hoped that federal funding through the border deal would spare major cuts in city services. However, with the deal's collapse, they were left with no choice but to take immediate action.

Among the specific changes being implemented, four out of the city's five DMV offices will temporarily close on a rotating basis, while the main administrative branch will maintain regular hours. Regional recreation centers will reduce their operating days to six days per week, and local and neighborhood centers with existing six-day schedules will have reduced hours. The city will also temporarily pause acceptance and processing of permits for public events, special occasions, and tournaments.

Jolon Clark, the executive director of Parks and Recreation, mentioned that decisions regarding which spring programs will not be offered this year are still being finalized. The department has slightly extended the registration period to allow for more time to determine program offerings.

Since the onset of the migrant crisis in December 2022, Denver has provided assistance to over 38,000 individuals, many of whom are asylum seekers from Venezuela. The city estimates it has already spent over $42 million supporting these individuals, including providing short-term shelter in hotels. Although some have moved on to other cities, a significant number remain in Denver, placing a strain on the city's resources.

These budget cuts are just one part of the solution as Denver continues to search for additional funds to meet the growing demands caused by the ongoing migrant crisis. On Monday, the City Council will vote on reallocating $10 million from contingency reserves and $15 million from the budget for planned renovations at the Denver Human Services campus towards the migrant response efforts. If approved, this allocation will provide a financial bridge until March.

City officials remain hopeful that the combined efforts to reduce expenditures and secure additional funding will help address the immediate financial challenges posed by the migrant crisis. The situation requires careful management to ensure that essential city services are maintained while meeting the critical needs of both the migrants and the local population.