Our layoff wave is over,” Denver Mayor Mike Johnston told employees during a meeting Wednesday morning. “That is complete.”

Newly laid-off city workers must forfeit their right to sue to receive severance pay under Mayor Mike Johnston's administration.

On Monday and Tuesday, the city notified 169 city workers that their jobs were being eliminated and they were being laid off as part of an effort to close a $200 million budget gap in 2026.

The Denver City Council will postpone a mountain retreat planned for next week after drawing scrutiny for its nearly $27,000 cost in the wake of large-scale layoffs of city workers.

The city of Denver completed its layoff process for 171 workers on Tuesday, after the city already cut 665 unfilled positions on Monday.

Some Denver elected officials and laid-off staff are accusing Mayor Mike Johnston of weaponizing budget cuts to punish critics of his administration. The big picture: Their reproach reflects growing resentment at City Hall toward Johnston,

The president of Local Union 158, Mark Wallin, said he has had several sleepless nights as a result of the looming layoffs. The union represents employees of the City and County of Denver. "A great deal of suspense," Wallin said on Sunday evening, explaining how the weekend has been.