Denver Council Mandates Oversight, Records Access for Behavioral Health Nonprofit
The Denver City Council voted 11-0 to require greater oversight of Caring for Denver and two other tax-funded nonprofits, following a CPR News investigation and an auditor's report that found weak due diligence and transparency gaps. The ordinance subjects Caring for Denver to public records laws, sets aside up to 1% of designated tax revenue for oversight, bans use of administrative funds for alcohol purchases, and raises the administrative spending cap from 5% to 7% of tax revenues. Caring for Denver, which distributes more than $40 million annually in city tax money for mental health and substance use treatment, must also develop a strategic plan with measurable goals and performance metrics. The changes take effect following Monday's council vote and apply similarly to the Denver Preschool Program and Prosperity Denver Fund.