Axios Live: Denver aims to become "the easiest place to do business"

May 29, 2026 - 19:19

Mayor Mike Johnston has set an ambitious target for the Mile High City: transforming Denver into what he calls "the easiest place to do business" in the country. Facing an exodus of companies and a sluggish downtown recovery, the administration is rolling out a plan focused on cutting red tape, reducing operational costs, and speeding up the notoriously slow permitting process.

Johnston's strategy is a direct response to complaints from local entrepreneurs and corporate leaders who have struggled with bureaucratic hurdles and high expenses. The mayor argues that if Denver wants to retain its economic vitality, it must actively remove obstacles that push businesses to neighboring states or other metro areas. Key proposals include streamlining the approval timeline for new construction and renovations, which currently can take months or even years.

Beyond permitting, the plan aims to revive foot traffic in the city's core. With many office workers still remote and storefronts shuttered, the administration is exploring incentives for mixed-use developments and pop-up shops. The goal is to create a vibrant, walkable downtown that attracts both customers and talent. Johnston has framed the effort as a necessary evolution, stating that the city must adapt to a post-pandemic economy or risk falling behind. Whether these changes will be enough to reverse the trend remains to be seen, but the mayor is betting that a faster, cheaper, and friendlier business climate will keep Denver competitive.