# Denver Negotiates Axon Police Drone Contract

Denver is negotiating a draft contract with Axon for three Skydio police drone systems valued at approximately **$496,000**, just below the $500,000 threshold that would require formal City Council approval. The Department of Safety is leading negotiations, with Police Chief Ron Thomas and other city officials indicating no dedicated 2027 budget allocation for drones; funding may come from sources outside the general fund. Although a formal City Council vote may not be necessary due to the contract value, the Council will be briefed on the procurement if it proceeds.

- **Why this matters:** This procurement signals Denver's cautious approach to integrating drone technology into police operations while managing budget constraints and oversight requirements.
- Procurement professionals should note the importance of contract value thresholds in local government approval processes and the potential for alternative funding sources impacting contract execution.
- Vendors like Axon can anticipate engagement opportunities in municipal public safety technology, especially where emerging tech like drones is involved.
- Organizations should prepare for possible briefings or oversight discussions even when formal votes are not mandated, reflecting transparency priorities in local government procurement.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 26, 2026

### Government Entities
- Denver Police Department
- Denver Department of Safety
- Denver City Council
- City of Denver

### Vendors
- Axon (prospective prime contractor)

### Key Quotes
> Even though we may not need City Council approval because of the amount of the contract, that doesn't mean that we're not going to educate City Council and help City Council understand exactly how we're moving forward with this technology.
> — Ron Thomas, Police Chief

### Sources
- [A drafted contract for Axon police drones sits less than $4,000 below the $500,000 mark that would require a City Council vote. https://t.co/Rf8Odwmo4g](https://x.com/nexton9news/status/2103650927378915552) - twitter-sled
- [A drafted contract for Axon police drones sits less than $4,000 below the $500,000 mark that would require a City Council vote. https://t.co/LsFoFp3ABb](https://x.com/9NEWS/status/2103653065882472774) - twitter-sled