Residents and candidates press Denver leaders on gentrification, jobs and public safety during public comment

Several residents and candidates used Denver’s May 4 general public comment period to press city leaders on gentrification, economic displacement, public safety and local jobs.

Jesse LeCham Paris, who identified himself and several organizations and said he is a candidate for House District 8, criticized what he described as systemic neglect and gentrification in historically Black neighborhoods and urged tangible policy responses rather than symbolism: “No more symbolism... Reparations or anti black hate crime bill, something tangible. No more symbolism.”

Roderick Marshall (announced by staff) urged stronger youth work and mentorship programs as crime‑prevention measures, pointed to adult education efforts and recommended city support for employment pathways. He cited the Excel Center and mentioned a recent small graduation.

Brandy Majors (announced by staff) criticized the council as performative and accused officials of voting to benefit developers and donors rather than constituents, saying, “Representation without action is decoration.” She called for immediate, tangible protections for Black Denver residents including legislative or policy action on crime and safety.

David Roybal, who introduced himself during his remarks and said he is running for Denver City Council District 3, described job losses affecting Mexican American workers, criticized displacement and rising costs, and raised local enforcement concerns including drivers failing to yield to pedestrians and police parking on grass at Sloan’s Lake.

All comments were delivered during the council’s public comment period; council members did not respond during the session. Several speakers said they are running for office or represent community organizations; their remarks tied local quality‑of‑life complaints to broader calls for policy action and accountability.

Clarifying details: Roderick Marshall said the Excel Center recently had “about 20 or so” new graduates; Jesse LeCham Paris stated he is a candidate for House District 8; David Roybal said he is running for Denver City Council District 3. These were self‑identified on the record.