Progressive group criticizes Mike Johnston's homeless strategy, while chamber says people feel safer Denver's largest homeless advocacy group condemns policing homeless people living on the streets.

Howard, leader of the Housekeys Action Network Denver, presents statistics of police records showing an increase in anti-houseless law enforcement in Denver from January to March of 2024 during a protest on the steps of the Denver City and County Building on Monday, June 3, 2024. (Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette)

A progressive advocacy group criticized Mayor Mike Johnston's homeless strategy, notably for enforcing the city's camping ban, even as a business chamber maintained that things have improved in downtown Denver.

Protesters from Housekeys Action Network Denver earlier this month complained that the Johnston administration has "increased police enforcement" on the city's streets. The group also asked the mayor to disband the Street Enforcement Team, which enforces city ordinances and informs homeless people of available resources.

"There's no progressive beat in Johnston's blood,” the group's Terese Howard said on June 3. “He needs to actually stop policing people for surviving, and create real housing that lasts.”