Dueling approaches: Aurora and Denver clash over homelessness strategy
AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — A new report is reigniting debate over how to best address homelessness across Colorado, highlighting vastly different strategies from the cities of Aurora and Denver.
The Common Sense Institute, a conservative-leaning research organization, recently released findings that claim Denver's 'Housing First' initiative is spending roughly $69,000 per year per homeless individual, while the overall number of people experiencing homelessness continues to rise.
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In response, Aurora leaders unveiled plans for a new facility grounded in a 'Work First' model. Their upcoming Regional Navigation Campus will include over 200 temporary housing units, available only to individuals who are working or actively pursuing employment. The city says the approach reflects a form of 'tough love,' aimed at long-term self-sufficiency.
'This is a very tough-love approach to helping people,' said Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman. 'The evidence is that the housing-first model is just not working.'
Coffman said he recently brought the city's plan to Washington, D.C., sharing the approach with members of the Trump administration.
Meanwhile, Denver leaders are pushing back, not only against Aurora's strategy but also the data used to support it. City officials questioned the accuracy of the CSI report and stood by their existing model, which prioritizes getting people housed first.
'There's never been a bad idea out of Washington, D.C.,' said a spokesperson for Denver Mayor Mike Johnston's office, responding to news of Coffman's visit.
'How are you going to stabilize your life if you don't have a place to sleep that night?' the spokesperson added.
Aurora's mayor questions why Tren de Aragua impacts have been felt less in Denver
Both cities agree that the homelessness crisis is worsening, but remain deeply divided on how best to solve it. While Aurora's new facility is slated to open in November, Denver officials say their focus remains on expanding supportive housing and regional coordination.
FOX31 will continue to follow developments on both fronts as cities across the metro area seek solutions to one of Colorado's most urgent challenges.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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