In a recent report by Axios Denver, the city's laughable attempt to salvage struggling businesses from the impact of nearby homeless encampments has laid bare the failures of Denver's misguided policies on housing immigrants, lax drug regulations, and the acceptance of near-permanent encampments.

The situation reveals a city administration more adept at applying band-aids than addressing root issues, leaving businesses to bear the brunt.

The controversial grant program, facilitated by the Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) Programs since 2022, is nothing short of a desperate move to cover up the city's glaring policy missteps. A total of 69 businesses, teetering on the edge due to encampments, are now recipients of what amounts to being too little too late.

Blue Bridal Boutique on South Broadway, despite its $15,000 lifeline, ended up closing permanently, a testament to the futility of these handouts. It seems Denver is content with offering temporary respite while turning a blind eye to the pervasive issues.

Axios Denver's reporting reveals an unsurprising cluster of businesses in the beleaguered Five Points neighborhood receiving grants. Rather than addressing the root cause, Denver's administration has chosen to throw money at the symptoms of a much larger problem.

As federal relief grants dry up, the real question arises: what happens when the city can no longer paper over its failures? Will businesses be left in the lurch, or will Denver tap into its general fund, perpetuating a cycle of incompetence?

READ MORE:

• Denver's Homeless Deaths Reach Record High Under Failed Liberal Policies

• Three Stabbed at Denver Homeless Shelter Exposes Inadequate Security and Growing Danger

• Denver homeless camp features pop-up bar with rentable prostitution tents

• Report puts $2B price tag on spending to combat homelessness in Denver

Denver's current struggles are not just economic – they are emblematic of a city drowning in the consequences of its own ill-conceived policies. From housing immigrants without a plan to permissive drug use and tolerating permanent encampments, the city's leadership has become synonymous with short-sightedness.

It's high time for Denver to face the music. The city must confront its failures head-on, overhaul its misguided policies, and provide a conducive environment for business to thrive while there are still businesses to save.