# Denver Council Expands Legal Contract, Delays Airport Lease

On October 5, 2026, Denver City Council approved a $500,000 amendment to Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell’s legal-services contract, bringing the total to $970,000 for representation in two lawsuits. The 8-4 vote followed questions about the firm’s $800 blended hourly rate, the timing and support for the amendment, and ethics complaints under investigation. Separately, the council delayed consideration of a three-year Key Lime Air passenger-service lease at Denver International Airport until October 13, amid concerns about the company’s ICE deportation flights and calls for further community engagement. The airport says rejecting the lease could put up to $90 million in federal grant funding at risk; the current agreement expires December 31, 2026.

- The legal-services amendment highlights the importance of documented scope, cost justification, and timely approval when municipalities expand outside-counsel contracts. The approved amount is $500,000, bringing the total to $970,000.
- Airport concession operators and service providers should account for public scrutiny and community engagement in municipal lease decisions, as well as the schedule for the current agreement’s expiration.
- **Key deadline:** Council consideration of the Key Lime Air lease is scheduled for October 13, 2026—seven days after the reported delay. The airport has cited potential federal grant exposure of up to $90 million if the lease is rejected.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Professional Services, Transportation
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 06, 2026

### Government Entities
- City and County of Denver
- Denver City Council
- Denver International Airport (DIA)
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

### Vendors
- Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell (Outside legal-services contractor)
- Key Lime Air (Proposed airport passenger-service lease operator)

### Key Quotes
> We will actually spend more money if we do not pass this contract and we are forced to retain new counsel.
> — Miko Brown, City Attorney

> Council should not be put in a position where work has already been performed, and we’re asked to approve the money afterwards.
> — Flor Alvidrez, Councilwoman

> I'm very hopeful, and I greatly appreciate the movement that has been made in addressing the concerns that have been brought to light.
> — Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, Councilwoman

### Sources
- [Denver City Council delayed a DIA lease for Key Lime Air and approved a law firm contract, both with ties to immigration enforcement. https://t.co/hpEsB9Yzp2](https://x.com/9NEWS/status/2107328790380597327) - twitter-sled
- [The majority of the City Council approved a $500,000 contract addition for the law firm Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell after some members had raised questions about the extension. https://t.co/amcRlzP3PN](https://x.com/denverpost/status/2107460753280102507) - twitter-sled