Denverite: Denver City Council will use a new law designed to give more transparency to the mayoral appointment process when it considers Mayor Michael Hancock’s pick to lead DIA.

Some context: Hancock announced last week he was nominating Phil Washington to replace DIA CEO Kim Day, who’s retiring next month. Washington used to lead Los Angeles County’s regional transportation authority and, before that, RTD. But questions and concerns have been raised about Washington since the LA agency he used to run is facing public corruption allegations. Washington has said he is not involved in the allegations.

Before last year, Hancock could have just appointed Washington — and 13 other key city positions. But thanks to the law, which was co-written by Councilmembers Amanda Sawyer and Candi CdeBaca, council can now block his appointments with a majority vote.

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