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.

Some Denver elected officials and laid-off staff are accusing Mayor Mike Johnston of weaponizing budget cuts to punish critics of his administration. The big picture: Their reproach reflects growing resentment at City Hall toward Johnston,

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.

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.

The city of Denver completed its layoff process for 171 workers on Tuesday, after the city already cut 665 unfilled positions on Monday.

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.

Those were part of broader city-wide layoffs of 171 workers in an effort to save money amid a $200 million budget shortfall.

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.