Denver International Airport spent more than $466 per person on party; Ethics Board says spending "inappropriate", tell me about this news
02-10-2026
The Denver Board of Ethics reviewed a complaint regarding a retirement party hosted by Denver International Airport (DEN) that cost more than $21,000 for just 45 attendees.
CBS NewsThe Spending: The event totaled over $21,000, which breaks down to more than $466 per attendee who actually showed up.
CBS NewsEthics Board Ruling: The Denver Board of Ethics determined that the level of expenditure was “inappropriate,” raising concerns about fiscal responsibility and the proper use of enterprise funds, even though the board did not issue a formal penalty for an explicit ethics code breach.
Wider Context: This marks the second time in roughly a year and a half that Denver airport leadership has faced scrutiny over lavish spending. Prior to this, airport CEO Phil Washington and other senior officials faced backlash and an ethics inquiry over a $165,000 overseas trip to Madrid, where business-class flights cost between $9,000 and $19,000 per person. While cleared of formal code violations in that matter as well, the board heavily criticized the airport’s spending choices and leadership’s attitude toward public accountability.
CBS News