Denver outlines personnel cuts to mitigate a $200M budget shortfall, including 171 layoffs and the elimination of nearly 928 positions, with severance and support offered to affected employees.

On Monday, the City of Denver announced 171 city employees would be laid off as the city faces a $200 million gap in next year's budget.

The layoffs that began Monday were lower than expected by some and represent less than 2% of the workforce that is paid through the general fund.

Mayor Mike Johnston said layoffs are needed to help close a $50 million deficit for the rest of this year, as well as a projected $200 million shortfall in 2026. The expected layoffs were announced last month.

After weeks of uncertainty, Denver employees are now finding out if they will be laid off. Mayor Mike Johnston's office said impacted employees would be notified Monday and Tuesday.

Denver voters are asked to approve nearly $1 billion in debt for big projects while the city is figuring out how to cut millions from current and upcoming budgets.