A group of Democrats in Denver announced their position to reject a proposal to ban slaughterhouses within the Denver city limits, joining other groups opposing the measure.
The Central Committee of the Denver Democratic Party recently voted 207-12 to endorse a “no” position on the proposal, which voters will address next month, according to Complete Colorado.
The measure titled “Prohibition of Slaughterhouses” would outlaw “the construction, maintenance, or use of” any meat processing facilities in Denver beginning Jan. 1, 2026, as well as “require the city to prioritize residents whose employment is affected by the ordinance in workforce training or employment assistance programs.”
The vote lines up with other organizations that are opposing the measure, including the Denver Area Labor Federation, the Denver Pipefitters Local #208, Service Employees International Union Local 105, the Teamsters Union and the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7, the article said.
Proponents of the measure say they are seeking an increase in consumption of plant-based protein sources, as well as pushing the claim that the livestock industry is a major contributor to climate change. However, no explanation is provided as to how pushing existing meat processing outside of Denver city limits would reduce greenhouse gas emissions or lead to more vegetarian diets.
Wendy Howell, state director of the Colorado Working Families Party, told Complete Colorado that it’s important that Democrats stand with workers and she’s glad the Denver Democrats recognize the importance of protecting these slaughterhouse jobs.
Two of the ballot initiative’s supporters — Pro-Animal Future and Pro-Animal Denver — are the targets of a campaign finance complaint filed last month by former Denver City Councilwoman Kendra Black with Secretary of State Jena Griswold. In her complaint, Black alleges that the two are conspiring with each other to hide their donors.
La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal Chef Jose Avila and II Posto Chef Andrea Frizzi are teaming up with president and CEO of the National Western Stock Show and Complex Paul Andrews, operations manager/employee owner of Superior Farms Isabel Bautista, president of the Colorado Livestock Association Kenny Rogers along with other Superior Farms employee/owners to oppose this citizen-initiated measure.
The slaughterhouse provides many jobs in one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods. This ban puts 160 jobs at stake and according to one study, at least $215 million in economic benefits, which could be as high as $860 million, counting indirect factors.
Your Next Read: Don’t Ignore Denver: Prohibition of Slaughterhouses Ballot Initiative Seeks to Stop Food Production
