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Dear Neighbors,
Welcome to the August newsletter for Denver City Council District 5! I’m excited to share the latest updates and ways for you to get involved in our community. Read on for more information!
Denver City Council recently passed the Vibrant Denver Bond Package, which will be on the ballot this November. District 5 has been allocated over $30 million for projects that will enhance our neighborhoods and public spaces if passed by voters. In addition, I'm proud that after almost two years of work by myself and Councilmembers Kashmann and Torres, Denver City Council unanimously passed an updated ordinance on neglected and derelict buildings, aimed at improving safety and quality of life across our neighborhoods.
Cherry Creek stakeholders are also encouraged to participate in upcoming community conversations about a potential General Improvement District (GID) and provide input on its development. Local working groups will happen this fall to help neighbors develop a clear plan to respond to.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to host an upcoming Community Clean-Up Day next month! Residents can help beautify local parks and public benches—an excellent opportunity to connect with neighbors and make a visible impact in our community.
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news. As always, please reach out to our office if there is anything we can do to assist you.
Gratefully,
Councilwoman, Amanda Sawyer
District 5
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GENERAL INQUIRIES
DenverCouncil5@denvergov.org
720-337-5555
Visit our website for useful information and helpful links!
LOCATION
City and County Building
1437 Bannock St., Room 451
Denver, CO 80202
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OFFICE HOURS
We have virtual and open in-person office hours this upcoming month:
- Thursday, August 21, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM (In-Person at Aviano Coffee on 2nd Avenue)
- Thursday, August 28, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Virtual)
- Thursday, September 4, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Virtual)
- Thursday, September 11, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Virtual)
Please note that you must contact our office to schedule an appointment with Councilwoman Sawyer for the virtual office hours appointments. The in-person office hours are walk-ins, meaning an appointment is not necessary.
| | $950M Vibrant Denver Bond Package is Referred to Voters | |
The Vibrant Denver Bond package has passed Denver City Council and will appear on your November ballot! I’m thrilled to share that, if approved by voters, District 5 stands to receive over $30 million in investment—without raising taxes—over the next six years.
Key bond projects in District 5 include:
- Design and construction of the newly-acquired land at Dayton and Mississippi, now known as Emporia Park
- Resurfacing of the Lindsley Park tennis courts
- Converting 13th & 14th Avenues back to two-way streets to improve safety and calm traffic
- Redesign of the intersection at 1st Avenue and University in Cherry Creek
- Traffic calming improvements on 6th Avenue, 8th Avenue, Uinta Way, Exposition Avenue, and Holly Street
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This process has been extensive, and I’ve had significant concerns along the way. However, my role as a council member is not to block access to the ballot, but to ensure the bond package is solid so voters can make an informed decision in November. I voted to refer the bond because I am confident in the project list, pricing, and the direct impact this investment will bring to District 5 neighborhoods.
Some residents have expressed concerns about the city’s financial position in relation to this bond. To be clear, voter approval of this bond will not put Denver in a risky financial situation. In fact, it functions as an economic stimulus for the city. The estimated economic impact has a 1.8x multiplier—meaning each construction dollar spent is expected to generate at least $1.80 in benefit to the city. Additional economic benefits include:
- Supporting the city’s general fund: Bond projects generate sales tax on materials, contributing to the city’s general fund, which is largely funded by sales tax revenue. This strategy has proven successful in both 2008 and 2021.
- Protecting city jobs: Bond projects require staffing for implementation, which is included in project pricing, helping preserve city employee positions.
The bond’s total amount ($950 million) was carefully determined to maintain Denver’s AAA bond rating, ensuring the lowest possible financing rates. This figure does not represent the city’s maximum bond capacity.
Thank you for your feedback, partnership, and advocacy throughout this process. Please reach out to our office with any questions.
| | Neglected and Derelict Buildings Ordinance Passes Denver City Council | | |
Denver City Council unanimously passed the updated Neglected and Derelict Buildings (NADB) ordinance that council members Jamie Torres, Paul Kashmann, and I co-sponsored.
The new ordinance strengthens Community Planning and Development's (CPD) ability to address problem properties in seveeral ways, including:
- Removing show cause hearings and replacing them with an initial remedial plan assesment meeting
- Increase fines on violations of a remedial plan from $999 per day up to $5,000 per day
- Enhance oversight of designated historic properties on the NADB list
- Ceates a service response fee of up to $5,000 per response by the Denver Police Department, Fire Department, or Emergency Medical Services (EMS) when three or more calls for service occur at a NADB property within six months.
The new ordinance will go into effect on February 1, 2026.
| | Cherry Creek General Improvement District (GID) Community Conversations | | |
Cherry Creek stakeholders, join your neighbors at a community working group to explore the specifics of a General Improvement District (GID)!
Centro Inc. led a feasibility study in early 2025 which showed that the community wants to see more specifics before deciding on whether to pursue a GID in Cherry Creek. Local working groups will happen this fall to help neighbors develop a plan for stakeholders to respond to.
Attend a neighborhood-specific community meeting in September to share your thoughts and priorities!
Mark your calendar for your neighborhood's first engagement meeting:
Cherry Creek East
September 15 | 6:00-7:30 PM
The Seasons of Cherry Creek
3498 E Ellsworth Ave, Denver, CO 80209
Cherry Creek North
September 16 | 6:00-7:30 PM
Bromwell Elementary School
2500 E 4th Ave, Denver, CO 80206
Cherry Creek Triangle
September 24 | 6:00-7:30 PM
Foster Graham Milstein & Calisher
360 S Garfield St #600, Denver, CO 80209
Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District
September 25 | 6:00-7:30 PM
Aviano Coffee Cherry Creek North
244 Detroit St, Denver, CO 80206
If you have questions, please contact us at: CCGID@denvergov.org
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HALE RESIDENTS: Recently, there were two backflow devices stolen along Hale Parkway, near 5200 E. Hale Pkwy at Farifax/Forest and 4802 Hale Pkwy at Dahlia.
Denver Parks & Recreation is already working on getting this fixed, but it will take some time before they are repaired. There will be a delay in watering the turf in this area, which may cause it to looked more brown than usual. Forestry is checking if the trees will need supplemental watering.
| | East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Progress | | |
Work continues on the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, which aims to create vibrant, connected neighborhoods, increase transportation reliability and efficiency, and improve safety along the corridor.
The project remains on schedule with traffic control currently in place on East Colfax Ave. between Broadway and Ivanhoe Street. In the Montclair area - from Hudson Street to Niagara Street - early construction activities are underway. These include site investigations, potholing, installation of signage and barriers, and median removals. This phase is expected to take approximately two months. Afterward, crews will begin fiber installations and work related to third-party utilities in advance of BRT station construction. In addition, sanitary work is scheduled at Hudson Street in August, lasting approximately one month. This work will also require a traffic shift during that time. Up-to-date construction information, including activities by cross street, is available on the project’s construction dashboard.
Visit denvergov.org/ColfaxBRT to learn more and to sign up for updates on construction, project progress and opportunities to “Back the Fax” by supporting small businesses along the corridor.
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East Colfax Avenue businesses remain open! This summer, support local businesses along East Colfax before, during, and after the East Colfax BRT for a chance to win a $50 gift card.
Here’s how:
- Eat, drink, shop or play at an East Colfax Avenue business
- Take a photo or video showcasing your support for the business
- Post on social media with the hashtag #WeBackTheFax and tag the business
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Unplugged from social media? Submit your photo via this form
| | Pipe Replacement and Lead Reduction Program Underway | | |
Denver Water recently began a water main replacement project in the Montclair and Hale neighborhoods. As Denver Water’s infrastructure reaches the end of its useful life, Denver Water identifies specific water mains in need of replacement are identified to ensure customers receive a continuous supply of high-quality water.
When: Construction work on the first phase began last week and is expected to last two months, exclusive of restoration.
Where:
- Holly Street between East 6th and East 11th avenues.
- Hudson Street between East 6th and East 8th avenues.
- Ivanhoe Street between East 6th Avenue and Severn Place.
Project communications: Denver Water mailed the attached notification to residents in the neighborhood, with additional communications sent out for each phase. Door hangers will be delivered to impacted properties before the start of construction and before any planned water outages. In addition, Denver Water will provide periodic updates throughout the project via the social media platform Nextdoor. If neighbors have questions about the project, they should contact Denver Water Customer Care at 303-893-2444.
Customers should visit denverwater.org for self-service options and project information.
Project Map: An interactive project map can be found at denverwater.org/Pipes.
| | Reminder - Help Us Spot Neighborhood Issues During 311 Thursdays | | |
We're asking District 5 residents to call or text in an issue, problem, or complaint every Thursday! Is there a pothole on your street? Graffiti on an electrical box or building? Tall weeds or overgrown vegetation in your neighborhood? An intersection that needs improvements? Please call 311 to report an issue or text 'HEY311' to 439311.
Not only will this help the City know where problems are, it will generate needed data to show how the City can best allocate its resources to make our neighborhoods safer!
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John Deffenbaugh
We’re excited to spotlight John Deffenbaugh as the President and CEO of Historic Denver! In his own words, John shared with District 5 his role and connection to our city:
"I am originally from Glasgow in Scotland, but visited Denver many times growing up to see my aunt, uncle, and grandfather. I attended East High School, graduating in 1997 before moving back to Scotland for college. I relocated to Denver permanently in 2017 and joined Historic Denver in May 2023 as CEO of the 55 year-old non-profit. The organization works to empower communities to actively experience and thoughtfully maintain Denver’s cultural landmarks and historic places today and into the future. My passion lies where architecture, landscape, and art intersect to create walkable and livable cities, holistically integrating new development within the established and historic contexts."
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As construction continues on the East Colfax BRT, support local businesses by visiting Yaqui Tacos, Tequila, Mezcal for a chance to win Colfax Cash — gift cards to your favorite local spots on East Colfax!
This family-owned restaurant serves cuisine inspired by the rich flavors of Sonoran soul food, using fresh, authentic ingredients. Enjoy their delicious burritos, tortas, Sonoran hot dogs, empanadas, and more, paired with a wide variety of tequilas, mezcal, and other drinks—all in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Experience a true taste of northern Mexico with real, fresh ingredients at Yaqui Tacos, Tequila, Mezcal!
Thank you for your dedication to our community!
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Upcoming public hearings
*dates are subject to change
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August 18
August 25
September 8
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September 15
- Waste No More Ordinance Changes
September 22
| | Schedule Changes for Trash, Recycling, and Compost Collection | |
Upcoming Staff Schedules and Holiday Impacts on Trash, Recycling, and Compost Collection
Denver’s Solid Waste Management Division is adjusting collection schedules to align with upcoming staff schedules and holidays:
Week of August 25–29
- Compost collection will be paused.
- Staff will work a 32-hour week with a furlough day on Friday, August 29.
- All collections, including compost, will resume the week of September 1, operating on a one-day delay due to the Labor Day holiday.
Thanksgiving Week (November 24–28)
- There will be no compost or recycling collection.
- All residents should set out their trash and large items by 6 a.m. on Monday, November 24. Collections will occur over a three-day workweek from Monday through Wednesday.
Week of December 1
- Compost collection will resume.
- Recycling collection schedule will reset:
- Customers scheduled for recycling pickup during Thanksgiving week should set out carts the week of December 1, then every other week moving forward.
- Customers scheduled for recycling pickup the week of December 1 should set out carts the week of December 8, then every other week for the rest of the year.
Updated collection schedules will be available the week of December 1 on the city’s website and Trash and Recycling App. Visit www.denvergov.org/trashschedule for more information.
New Start Time for Collections Effective immediately, all trash, recycling, compost, and large item pickup items must be placed at the curb by 6 a.m. on collection day. Setting carts out the night before is also acceptable.
Cherry Creek Recycling Center Closures
The Cherry Creek Recycling Center will be closed from August 29 to September 1 and again from November 27 to December 1.
Sign Up for Compost Service:
Now is a great time to sign up for compost collection, especially with seasonal yard and leaf waste on the way. Denver trash customers can enroll at no additional cost at www.denvergov.org/compost.
| Recycling Right | How Denver’s Recycling Process Gives New Life to Old Materials | | |
Help Denver reach its environmental and waste diversion goals by recycling! Recycling keeps valuable items out of the landfill by putting them back into the production cycle and helps save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions when manufacturers use recycled materials.
So, how does recycling work in Denver? Denver Solid Waste acts as a collection agency and hauler, visiting residential homes and transporting their recyclables to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). At the MRF, items are sorted into individual categories such as glass bottles, aluminum cans, metals and rigid plastics. These products are then sold to companies and manufacturers who turn your recycled goods into new items. Here in Denver, recycled aluminum cans may be purchased by companies like the Ball Corporation and transformed into new cups and cans for Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche fans at Ball Arena.
Recycling properly can seem tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! Keep it simple by putting items like glass, aluminum, paper and cardboard directly in your recycling cart. These materials are simple to recycle and produce high-quality material for manufacturers to repurpose into new goods.
Customer Resources
| | Summer Watering Still in Effect | | |
Did you know that the default setting for most sprinkler clocks is to run before dawn on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays? While Denver Water has long been a champion of smart irrigation systems (including offering rebates), these default settings can lead to spikes in water use that cause unsustainable strain on Denver Water’s distribution system.
Fortunately, there’s an easy fix: switch sprinkler timers to run on days and times other than Monday mornings at 5 a.m. and help us lighten the load on our system.
And, to help you remember, the Splashstreet Boys (Denver Water’s resident boy band) recently released “Water Tuesday (Splashstreet’s Back)” a follow-up to the 2024 hit, “I Water That Way.”
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Help Shape Mental Health & Recovery Support in Denver
Caring for Denver was created and funded by Denver voters to invest in mental health and substance misuse solutions that reflect what our communities need most. Their work is shaped by what they hear from the community—and they want to hear from you!
Take a few minutes to complete this short survey and share what’s important to you. Whether you live or work in Denver, your voice matters.
👉 Take the Survey
📣 Please share widely with your networks!
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Property Tax Relief Program Now Open
Beginning today, the City and County of Denver is accepting applications for its annual Property Tax Relief Program. Qualified residents can apply for a refund on their 2024 property taxes until April 30, 2026.
Now managed by the Department of Housing Stability (HOST), the program provides financial assistance to older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income families.
The Denver Property Tax Relief Program offers a partial refund of property taxes paid—or the equivalent in rent—to qualifying residents of the City and County of Denver. This year, for the first time, applications can be submitted online at denvergov.org/propertytax. Refunds start at $372, with an average payment of around $1,000.
With more than 3,000 residents benefiting from the program last year, the city hopes to increase participation this year by expanding access through a new online application portal, available in both English and Spanish.
Learn more and see if you’re eligible at denvergov.org/propertytax.
Need help applying? Call or text:
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Colorado Housing Connects: 1-844-926-6632
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CARE Center: 303-838-1200
| | Community Events & Meetings | | | Fall Community Clean-Up Day | | |
Residents of Denver City Council District 5 are invited to join Fall Community Clean-Up Day on Saturday, September 28 at 8:30 a.m. at Montclair Recreation Center to help revitalize our beloved public spaces. This biannual event welcomes neighbors of all ages to come together and enhance the beauty of our parks, trails, and bus stops.
Volunteers will pitch in by removing trash and debris, clearing overgrown vegetation, maintaining walking paths, and giving bus benches a fresh coat of paint—improving both the look and usability of our public spaces.
No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to lend a hand and make a difference. Whether you can volunteer for a short time or the whole morning, every effort counts. Families and students looking to earn volunteer hours are especially encouraged to participate.
A special thank you to Ace on the FAX at East Colfax Avenue and Poplar Street for supporting the event with discounted spray paint for the bus benches! Volunteers should dress for the weather and bring gloves if possible; all other tools and materials will be provided.
For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/FallCleanup2025, check our official website, or follow Denver City Council District 5 on social media.
Let’s work together to keep our community vibrant and beautiful!
| | Lindsley Park Art Festival | | You're invited to the Lindsley Park Art Festival on Saturday, September 13 from 11 AM to 5 PM. Enjoy local art, food, live music, and giveaway bags with the community. | | Lowry Home Electrification & Electric Vehicle Show | | |
The Lowry Climate Action Group is hosting an Electric Vehicle (EV) Show on September 16 at 6 p.m. in the Chapel parking lot, followed by a Home Electrification Presentation from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Go Electric Colorado (GEC), a volunteer nonprofit, will discuss how to electrify homes for health, environmental, and financial benefits. Topics include EVs, solar panels, induction stoves, heat pumps, and rebate programs. GEC will also offer personalized coaching to homeowners.
| | Neustadt Jewish Arts Festival Brings a Season of Culture to the Denver This Fall | |
The 18th annual Neustadt JAAMM Festival (Jewish Arts, Authors, Movies, and Music) at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center in Denver will run September 2 – October 12, 2025. This multicultural celebration features a diverse lineup of performances, visual art, and educational events through a Jewish cultural lens.
Highlights include:
- Bookstore (Sept. 2–27): Jewish-themed books available at JCC Denver.
- Wendy Shattil Art Gallery (Sept. 2–27; reception Sept. 7): Showcasing local wildlife photography.
- The Maccabeats (Sept. 11): A Jewish a cappella group performance.
- The Spice Detective (Sept. 18): Middle Eastern spice workshop with food and cookbook signing.
- Jillith Fair (Sept. 21): Tribute concert to late Denver-born musician Jill Sobule.
- Gary Gulman’s “Grandiloquent” (Sept. 26–27): One-man comedy show.
- Jerry’s Girls (Sept. 25–Oct. 12): Musical tribute to composer Jerry Herman.
Tickets are available now, many using a sliding scale pricing model. Visit jccdenver.org/jaamm for tickets and more information.
| | Winston Downs Community Association Neighborhood-Wide Garage Sale | | |
The Winston Downs Community Association will be having a neighborhood-wide garage sale on Saturday and Sunday, August 16-18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend!
Primary streets surrounding Winston Downs are Quebec, E. Alameda Ave., S. Monaco Pkwy, and E. Exposition Ave.
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Denver Resilient Landscapes Pop Up Events
The Denver Resilient Landscapes team is coming to a neighborhood near you this summer! Visit the District 5 pop-up event on September 11 at Cherry Creek North to learn about resilient landscaping, share your input, and enjoy sweet treats.
For more information, visit: DenverGov.org/landscape
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Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB)
Meets the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30 - 7:30 PM
The Denver Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) is comprised of 19 members appointed by each City Council member, the Mayor, and Denver Public Schools. Advisory Board members work closely with their appointing authority, the community and the Department to be stewards of the Denver Parks & Recreation system.
View the Advisory Board Roster
Regularly scheduled meetings are open to the public and occur on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. To request a recording of a previous meeting, or to sign up for public speaking time at an upcoming PRAB meeting, email Arthur.gilkison@denvergov.org.
Thank you to the amazing Meredith Levy who is the District 5 appointee to the PRAB!
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Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) Advisory Board
Meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 4:00 - 6:00 PM
The Transportation and Infrastructure Advisory Board was approved by the voters of Denver in 2020. The board comprises 19 members (6 Mayoral appointees and 13 City Council appointees) and is charged with advising DOTI on transportation policy and operations of the department along with reviewing and commenting on the proposed annual department budget.
Huge thank you to Joe Levi who is the District 5 appointee to the DOTI Advisory Board!
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DPD2 and DPD3 CAB Meetings
Did you know that both of our police districts host monthly community meetings? Both District 2 and District 3 Commander Advisory Board meetings are held the 1st Wednesday of each month at the district station (excluding holidays). CAB meetings start at 6pm, but feel free to come early as Community Resource Officers will be available starting at 5pm to answer specific questions, discuss concerns, or to help you register for crime prevention programs. This is a fantastic way to learn about how DPD is tackling crime in our neighborhoods and see real-time crime statistics for yourself!
District 5 neighborhoods located in Police District 2 are Hale, Mayfair, and Montclair. All other District 5 neighborhoods are located in Police District 3.
| | Registered Neighborhood Organizations | | | |
Denver is a unique city in promoting greater citizen involvement through organized neighborhood associations. Currently, there are 78 statistical neighborhoods represented by more than 200 registered neighborhood organizations (RNOs), Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and Homeowner Associations (HOAs).
In its defined geographic area, an RNO will normally address neighborhood quality of life issues - such as traffic, development and zoning, crime, communication and licensing, and promote social activities to enhance residential spirit, developing a sense of community, and encourage resident participation. RNOs meet regularly and many send out newsletters to keep residents informed on neighborhood issues and events.
Get more involved in your community by joining your Registered Neighborhood Organization (RNO). Below is a list of Council District 5 community organizations. You can also find out which RNO you belong to by entering your address or selecting a location on the map.
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