In a recent news report, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston was quoted in regard to migrants and a potential “partnership” with Fort Collins and Grand Junction. Mayor Stout contacted the Denver Mayor and received an apology as he had not received a commitment or plans from the City of Grand Junction about the topic. “[Mayor Johnston] was very gracious about it and seemed to understand how complicated the situation has become here because of the reporting,” stated Mayor Stout.
Mayor Johnston went on to express to Mayor Stout that he is very conscious of the situation in Grand Junction and the fact that the city would not have the capacity or the political support to receive migrants. He stated that he wasn’t considering Grand Junction for a recipient community given those realities, and indicated he has had compassionate conversations with other communities like Fort Collins and Grand Junction, but did not have any commitment or plans from Grand Junction. He also said he has no intention of asking Grand Junction to receive any migrants.
The City of Grand Junction has not engaged in any conversations with Denver or the state about being a recipient city in addressing the migrant crisis on the front range. City staff has been briefed by the county and the health department about emergency preparedness plans, as is customary, and will stay in contact with them about the migrant situation, but that is the extent of the City's involvement in conversations on the topic.