Michael Hancock
- Mayor, Denver, CO
Denver
I am the proud 45th Mayor of the Mile High City.
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Articles by Michael Hancock
Moving Aurora’s elections would overload voters | Michael A. Hancock
When fewer than one in three registered voters choose who governs their city, the natural question is why. In Aurora’s 2025 municipal election, approximately 79,000 voters cast votes on a citywide question, out of roughly 252,000 registered voters. Nearly seven out of 10 did not participate in that decision. That should concern anyone who believes representative government depends upon an informed and engaged citizenry.
The record and the alternative | Michael A. Hancock
Elections involving incumbents offer voters something elections between newcomers cannot: evidence. Tom Sullivan need not tell Senate District 27 voters what kind of legislator he might be. After four years in the Colorado House and nearly four in the Senate, he has accumulated something more revealing than campaign promises. A record. Danielle Lammon offers something different. Having never served in the legislature, her argument cannot be that she has governed better.
Leading a movement isn’t like leading a city | Michael A. Hancock
Omar Montgomery has announced his candidacy for mayor of Aurora, promising unity, economic opportunity, and a stronger community. His experience includes education administration, NAACP leadership, and community organizing. But his announcement raises a fundamental question: Does leading a movement prepare someone to govern a city? The distinction is consequential. Community organizers advocate for particular interests.
The prosecutor and the executive | PODIUM
Colorado voters choosing their next attorney general face a question more fundamental than Republican versus Democrat. What is an attorney general for? Michael Allen and Jena Griswold offer remarkably different answers. Allen, the elected district attorney for El Paso and Teller counties, has spent more than two decades prosecuting crimes. He talks about fentanyl networks, organized crime, victims, consumer fraud and public safety.
Aurora must create wealth in order to spend it | Michael A. Hancock
Every city eventually confronts the same economic reality: prosperity cannot simply be assumed. Once money arrives in the city treasury, politics naturally turns to how it should be spent — on police, fire, roads, parks, libraries, housing, recreation and a growing list of public priorities. But there is a step that comes before all of them. Someone has to create the wealth first. Government can tax economic activity. It can borrow against future revenues.
Municipal governance shouldn’t be moral theater | Michael A. Hancock
“This was obviously not the day to be voting on collective bargaining agreements and raises for the folks that were responsible for the death of Elijah McClain.” So declared Aurora Councilwoman Alison Coombs during discussion of the city’s police and fire collective bargaining agreements. It was a remarkable sentence, chiefly because almost none of it described what the council was actually doing. The council was not voting on Elijah McClain. It was not deciding who was responsible for his death.
From moving people to managing them | GUEST COLUMN
Transportation policy used to have a fairly uncomplicated purpose: move people safely, efficiently and reliably. Build roads where people drive. Maintain bridges before they fail. Add capacity where growth overwhelms the system. Provide transit where it makes sense. Infrastructure was supposed to accommodate human behavior. Colorado increasingly prefers the opposite arrangement. Today, transportation policy is used not merely to serve the way people travel, but to change it.
Aurora council majority acts first, thinks later | Michael A. Hancock
Fire is an emergency. A flood is an emergency. A catastrophic water-system failure is an emergency. Civil disorder can become an emergency. A disagreement over a police department’s communications policy is not self-evidently an emergency. Neither is every controversial political issue that suddenly captures the attention of activists, elected officials or the national news cycle.
When police reform actually works | Michael A. Hancock
There is a question reformers rarely ask: What happens when reform succeeds? We know how reform begins. Something goes wrong. Public confidence collapses. Investigations follow. Politicians demand action. Rules are rewritten, monitors appointed, committees created and new layers of oversight imposed. But reform is supposed to have a destination. Aurora may finally be approaching that point with its police department. The Aurora Police Department has spent years under extraordinary scrutiny.
Aurora council progressives govern by crisis | Michael A. Hancock
There is a familiar rhythm to progressive government. First, announce a crisis. Second, demand an immediate solution — one that expands government power, weakens an institution, or rewards the activists who declared the crisis. Third, ignore the results when the solution fails. Finally, insist that failure proves the solution did not go far enough. Thomas Sowell described this pattern decades ago: crisis, solution, result and response. The crisis changes, but the response rarely does.
Aurora confuses spending with solving | Michael A. Hancock
A familiar ritual now governs much of public life, and Aurora is not immune to it. A problem is identified. A crisis is declared. Money is demanded. A program is launched. Grants are distributed. A press release announces that compassion has been funded. Then government moves on before the only serious question is answered: did the problem get better? This is the danger facing Aurora.
Aurora City Hall needs oversight — not micromanagement | Michael A. Hancock
Aurora has reached the stage where reform must prove it can survive success. That may sound strange in a city still carrying the weight of police controversies, consent decree reports, court rulings, and public anger. But this is precisely the moment when Aurora must decide what accountability is for. Is accountability a means of restoring public trust? Or is it a tool for political power?
Memorial Day is not enough | Michael A. Hancock
Memorial Day is necessary. It is not sufficient. A republic needs days of remembrance: lowered flags, wreaths, music, and a national pause. But the thing remembered is not annual. The sacrifice was not annual. The grief was not annual. Lives given in service to this nation were not offered for a weekend, a parade, or a gesture each spring. That is why the Colorado Freedom Memorial matters. Located at 756 Telluride St. in Aurora, it is not merely a place to gather on Memorial Day.
Don’t sacrifice Aurora’s strides in public safety | Michael Hancock
A serious city can mourn a death without surrendering its judgment. It can examine a police shooting, review tactics, reform procedures, and still refuse to turn grief into a political blank check. It can insist on accountability without confusing accountability with the capture of public institutions. Aurora is now being asked to do the opposite. The demand is no longer merely that the city review the death of Kilyn Lewis. That has been done.
Listen: JOHANNSON Taps Afro House Rhythms on New Single ‘Bailalo’
JOHANNSON continues building his release catalogue as he drops ‘Bailalo’ on Sundle Records. A Producer and DJ who keeps returning with fresh-sounding music, consistently exploring and evolving his creative approach, this latest single from JOHANNSON sees him build on his groove-heavy foundation whilst expanding into Afro House territory with an infectious and vibrant production. Throughout his musical journey, JOHANNSON has remained committed to development.
HeadBox Delivers Pulsing New Single ‘Voice Inside Your Head’ on MODVL
HeadBox joins Eddy D’Amato’s label, MODVL, with ‘Voice Inside Your Head.’ Built around a Techno foundation, the track balances rhythmic intensity with soft vocal dynamics: unfolding with a hypnotic yet warm energy that positions it to translate across dancefloors, broadening its stylistic appeal to a range of listeners. Inviting a fellow Italian DJ and Producer to his label, Eddy D’Amato extends his welcome to HeadBox, providing a platform for his high-energy sound.
“Ophanim” Lands as the Latest Project from Electronic Artist Profetik
Profetik drops ‘Ophanim’ as the next step in his journey. The debut release on his brand-new label, Seraph Records, the track signals evolution: both in its sound and statement of intent. Refocusing his vision following a five-year hiatus from the Electronic Music scene, this latest release sees Profetik push into fresh territory.
The civil rights solution America forgot | Michael Hancock
At 27 years old, Cedric Pride walked into a sheet metal company and admitted something most men would have tried to hide. He could not read a tape measure. But then he added the sentence that should haunt every serious conversation about civil rights in America: “It’s not because I’m stupid. I’ve never been taught.” There, in that simple distinction, is the difference between incapacity and exclusion.
“Work It” Arrives as the Latest Release from Producer JOHANNSON
JOHANNSON releases ‘Work It’ on dt weapons, a sub-label of Data Transmission. Leaning into a rhythmically-driven sound, the track builds into an arrangement where tight grooves meet with catch motifs, culminating in a production geared for dancefloors: the ideal tool to encourage movement and engage audiences.
Teocino Expands His Sound with the Release of “Kodada” EP
Teocino drops his brand-new EP ‘Kodada’ via Kuukou Records. Delivering driving energy, the two-track project brings Teocino’s signature sound into focus, highlighting his instincts for dancefloor weaponry and high-octane production. For the Swiss DJ and Producer, this latest release marks a continuation of his evolving journey. Having been inspired by the world of Electronic Music early on, his musical horizons have continued to grow.
“Eyes On Me” Arrives from Italian Producer Eddy D’Amato
Eddy D’Amato brings another release via his own label MODVL with ‘Eyes On Me.’ A track that lands with the same heavy-hitting energy that continues to define Eddy D’Amato and the MODVL catalogue, this latest single explores the driving sound of Techno while pushing into fresh dimensions. There is a steady momentum behind Eddy D’Amato and his journey on the Electronic Music scene.
Marco Weber and Em Pathik Present New Single “Pot Holes”
Marco Weber delivers his new Deep Tech track, ‘Pot Holes’ on deeperdub. Expanding on a sound that prioritises groove, energy, and movement, this latest single sees the Zurich-based Producer and DJ build on his approach: maintaining clarity in his creative intentions and identity. For Marco Weber, music is a language to communicate with listeners, aiming to connect with them on the dancefloor and beyond, while continuing to nurture new ways to explore influences and extend into fresh ideas.
I Spent $400 on a Dating Photoshoot. Three Weeks Later I Paid $29 for an AI Tool. Here’s the Honest Comparison.
MikeR steps out with his new single, ‘Up In The Sky.’ Capturing the essence of his signature sound, the release builds on his Progressive House style, pulling his uplifting energy into sharp focus. For the Munich-based Producer and DJ, music is an opportunity to articulate emotion and connect with listeners. Through a continued engagement with creative exploration, he leads with instinct, working to deliver music that aligns with his vision and reflects intention.
Aurora needs a city council, not group therapy | Michael A. Hancock
The Aurora City Council recently held a meeting about decorum. It became, unintentionally, an argument for the necessity of decorum rules. The purpose was simple: decide how council members and the public should conduct themselves so city business can proceed in an orderly way. People should speak. Council members should listen. No one should shout down speakers. No one should hijack the meeting. No one should confuse public comment with theater. Denver Gazette file Aurora City Hall.
Sir Ivan Continues the Journey of ‘Love Is The Piece’ with Giuseppe D.’s Rework
Continuing the remix rollout, Sir Ivan taps Giuseppe D. for a high-impact take on ‘Love Is The Piece.’ Setting the original’s peace-driven message within a fresh, high-energy setting, the rework brings a new perspective to the track, leaning into a more mainstage-driven direction through punchy drops and uplifting synth work. Part of the ongoing ‘Love Is The Piece’ remix campaign, this latest release follows Alex M.O.R.P.H.’s Trance-driven rework, with Sir Ivan now welcoming Giuseppe D.
Aurora needs more participation — and better citizenship | Michael A. Hancock
America’s civic crisis is usually described as apathy. Too few people vote. Too few attend public meetings. Too few know who represents them. Too few can explain the difference between a city council, a county commission, a school board, a state legislature and Congress. All true. But the problem is deeper than absence. It is also a distortion. Some citizens do not show up at all. Others show up without understanding the civic forum they have entered.
Singelolycka på Lemlandsvägen
En person for av vägen i sin skåpbil vid halvåttatiden på onsdagsmorgonen och fick föras till sjukhus i ambulans. – Det var på väg 3, alltså Lemlandsvägen, säger biträdande räddningschef Karl Nordlund till Nyan. Han är oklar över den avåkandes skadeläge och vet inte om personen var vid medvetande vid ambulansfärden. Rent generellt säger han att solen är bländande vid denna tid på morgonen och kan ha varit en faktor.
Grief, guilt and the role of government in Aurora | Michael A. Hancock
Every death leaves grief behind. Families mourn. Friends mourn. Communities feel sorrow. That is human. It is unavoidable. But a city government is not merely a vessel for sorrow. Its duty is not simply to feel. Its duty is to judge carefully, distinguish honestly, and speak with moral clarity. That is why Aurora City Council’s emerging posture on fatal police shootings is so troubling.
MikeR Joins Housewyve To Explore New Creative Scope In “Barbariga”
A collaboration with heart, energy, and identity, MikeR comes together with Housewyve for ‘Barbariga.’ Stepping outside of his signature Progressive House and Melodic Techno sound, he lends his production hand to this new Afro House project, expanding his creative scope whilst exploring collaborative working in a way that goes beyond the traditional framework; a joint release with his daughter, it is a track that feels expressive of their shared passion for creativity and exemplifies MikeR’s...
Fede Spamer Blends House And Techno In The New EP “Late Night Visions”
Entertainment, Music Fede Spamer crafts a high-energy journey with his new EP, ‘Late Night Visions.’ A collection that conveys his sonic vision with clarity and confidence, this latest release from the Buenos Aires-based Producer and DJ is a declaration of intent: channelling his signature sound whilst blending in fresh ideas that speak to his current creative focus.
Avi Sic Brings Her Vision Into Sharper Focus With “Boombox Juice”
Avi Sic drops her latest single, ‘Boombox Juice’ via Municipal Recordings, putting forward another high-energy cut grounded in forward-driving momentum and darker, cutting touches.
Terry Golden Continues His Artistic Trajectory With “Never Alone”
Terry Golden brings his next release with ‘Never Alone’ on Gameroom Records, sub-label of Black Hole Recordings. On a journey that has maintained its momentum for over a decade, the Producer and DJ continues to navigate his way with consistency and clarity. Building a sonic identity that reflects his vision, merging influences while sustaining originality, Terry Golden shapes his own path within the genre, with this latest single signalling a continuation of his evolving approach.
The Centennial State's nuclear energy opportunity | OPINION
Colorado was given a clear opportunity earlier this year. On Jan. 28, the U.S. Department of Energy issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking potential hosts for Nuclear Energy Innovation Campuses — an early-stage process designed to identify states serious about shaping the next generation of energy development. What followed was not hesitation from local communities or industry, but mobilization. Counties engaged. Legislators convened. Stakeholders organized.
Two candidates, different visions for CD-6 | Michael A. Hancock
Every election is said to be important. Most are not. Most are merely cyclical, another turn of the wheel, another exchange of slogans, consultants, mailers, and television smiles. But some elections are genuinely clarifying. They force voters to confront not simply who they prefer, but what kind of future they are willing to accept. Colorado’s 6th Congressional District now faces such a choice. The contrast between Jason Crow and Mel Tewahade is not merely partisan. It is philosophical.
Three former Denver mayors urge a “yes” vote on license plate cameras (Opinion)
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... This week, Denver City Council will make a decision that goes to the heart of a basic responsibility we all share: keeping our communities safe. The proposal is a one-year contract with Axon Enterprise to install 50 license plate reader cameras in high-traffic areas. These cameras help law enforcement identify vehicles connected to crimes. Some in our community have raised concerns about privacy–and we should take those concerns seriously.
Aurora’s next step — restore civic ownership
In my previous column, I argued that Aurora faces a quiet but serious civic problem: a spiral of political disengagement in which fewer citizens participate, a narrower slice of the electorate gains disproportionate influence, and more residents begin to feel that City Hall no longer belongs to them. That diagnosis matters. But diagnosis alone is never enough. If Aurora is to avoid the long-term consequences of civic withdrawal, it must do more than name the problem.
Aurora’s next step - restore civic ownership | Michael A. Hancock
In my previous column, I argued that Aurora faces a quiet but serious civic problem: a spiral of political disengagement in which fewer citizens participate, a narrower slice of the electorate gains disproportionate influence, and more residents begin to feel that City Hall no longer belongs to them. That diagnosis matters. But diagnosis alone is never enough. If Aurora is to avoid the long-term consequences of civic withdrawal, it must do more than name the problem.
Marco Weber Remains Committed To Sharing His Sound Worldwide With The Release Of Soulful House
Marco Weber reveals his new single, ‘Soulful House’ via R-Trybe: coming as part of a various artists compilation, alongside tracks from another five Producers on the Electronic Music scene. A track that leans into his signature grooves, this latest release from the Swiss Producer and DJ exemplifies his approach, all whilst keeping the energy fresh and unique for listeners.
Ursul Records Returns With Its Second Various Artists Compilation “The Circus In Town Vol. 2”
Entertainment, Music Ursul Records returns with its second various artists compilation, ‘The Circus In Town Vol. 2.’ A showcase of the label’s heavier, club-oriented direction, the album is rooted in the uplifting, rhythmically charged energy that Ursul Records continues to promote, giving way to a myriad of unique sounds and texturally rich productions. A label founded by Omer Keinan and T-Puse, Ursul Records is emerging as a hub for artists looking to push boundaries.
Music Lifts Me Up By MikeR Offers An Uplifting Electronic Experience
MikeR delivers his latest single, ‘Music Lifts Me Up.’ Bringing an uplifting Progressive House journey for listeners, he offers a chance to experience his signature sound and be enveloped in his unique creative world. Focused on creating music that fosters feel-good emotions and connectivity, MikeR has emerged as a Producer and DJ with clear creative intentions: aiming to build on his approach, he strives to deliver work that feels both functional and distinct.
Aurora’s quiet crisis - civic disengagement | Michael A. Hancock
Aurora is Colorado’s third-largest city. It has more than 270,000 registered voters, a diverse population, and a growing economic footprint along the Front Range. Yet when Aurora holds municipal elections, the number of people who actually determine the city’s political direction is astonishingly small. In some races, the winning candidate receives barely 36,000 votes. Do the math.
JOHANNSON Underlines His Creative Direction In New Single De Mi Corazon
Producer and DJ JOHANNSON releases ‘De Mi Corazon’ via Club Bad Records. Stepping out with a grooving production, he underlines his creative direction moving forward, all the while reinforcing the expertise he has garnered throughout his 25-year journey. With its high energy and layered sound, the track lands within JOHANNSON’s catalogue as a functional, dancefloor-ready production. Based in Switzerland, JOHANNSON is a project founded by Nenad Jovanovi.
CHAMPION By Eddy D’Amato Features Textured Layers And Shuffled Beats
Eddy D’Amato continues on his journey with the release of ‘CHAMPION,’ stepping out with the next track on his own label MODVL. Characterised by its strong Techno power, it is a production that places Eddy D’Amato’s signature style in focus, identifying the raw grit and tightly controlled intensity that defines his approach.
Fede Spamer Showcases Technical Control In Latest Production Neon City
Fede Spamer reveals his latest single, ‘Neon City’: a production that delves into the depths of Melodic Techno while maintaining a firm grip on dancefloor energy. Serving as a showcase of Fede Spamer’s technical control, the release offers a listening experience that feels both introspective and high-powered. Based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Fede Spamer has cultivated a musical identity shaped by his diverse international upbringing and formal foundation in classical music.
T-Puse And Zooki Merge Distinct Styles In Keeping Me Out
T-Puse comes together with Zooki to deliver ‘Keeping Me Out,’ featuring Gali Givon. Released on T-Puse’s label, Ursul Records, a joint venture with Omer Keinan, the track epitomises the dynamic sound that has so far dominated the label’s roster. Balancing textured layers with psychedelic energy, the production creates moments where both innovation and playful energy share space.
Producer And DJ Alonique Shares Her Latest Single ‘AY AY AY’ Via Ursul Records
Producer and DJ Alonique shares her latest single, ‘AY AY AY,’ via Ursul Records. A track with groove, pulse, and uplifting energy, this newest release delivers infectious vibes and refined production in equal measure. Grounded in organic textures and layers of dynamic detail, the track integrates seamlessly into the Ursul Records catalogue, complementing the label’s creative direction – intertwining dance and culture in a way that feels refreshing, transformative, and transportive.
Naughty Girl By Changing Faces And LIIA Is Out Now Via NUFORM
The latest release featuring the vocals of Slovakian talent LIIA, ‘Naughty Girl’ by Changing Faces, is out now on NUFORM. A hard-hitting Drum and Bass track, the production blends a high-impact instrumental arrangement with layers of LIIA’s expressive vocals, resulting in a track that feels dark and driving yet soft and fluid.
When improvement isn’t enough | Michael A. Hancock
At a recent Aurora Public Safety Committee meeting, Police Chief Todd Chamberlain did something that has become surprisingly rare in civic life: he presented operational reform backed by measurable results.
Aurory Maintains His Signature Style In Latest Release: “Go Fast” - Vents MagaZine
Producer and DJ Aurory releases ‘Go Fast,’ an offering that comes via his own label, Lucentia, a branch of his monthly event series based in Milan, Italy. With solid beats and a driving sound, the track is built with the listener in mind, crafting an evolving journey that feels ready to make an impact across the dancefloor and beyond. Although still early in his journey, the path Aurory is carving signals a deep commitment to exploration and artistic identity.
Alex Micca And Eddy D’Amato Combine Individual Strengths In Their New Single “RELIC” - Vents MagaZine
Alex Micca and Eddy D’Amato reveal their new single, ‘RELIC’ – released via Eddy D’Amato’s own label, MODVL, it is production that plunges into the depths of high-energy Techno, inviting listeners into a sonic landscape where dark textures and powerful rhythms converge. For Alex Micca, this project aligns with the momentum-driven journey he continues to navigate.
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