District 5 News

Virtual Blood Drive for National Blood Donor Month

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. This January, in recognition of National Blood Donor Month, my office is partnering with Lowry’s Vitalant Blood Donation Center for our sixth annual blood drive. Our goal is to collect at least 10 donations this month—enough to save up to 30 lives!

Blood donation is one of the most impactful ways to support our neighbors in need and strengthen our community. Platelets most often help cancer patients but are also needed to treat those with blood disorders and patients undergoing open-heart surgery or organ transplants. Type O is the most in-demand blood type, and Type O negative is what emergency room physicians reach for when there’s no time to determine a patient’s blood type. To meet the needs of their hospital partners across Colorado, Vitalant must collect more than 600 blood donations each day.

Vitalant’s Lowry facility, just north of the Great Lawn at 717 Yosemite St., is their largest site in Colorado, but you can give blood at any Vitalant location and still participate in our donation drive. To donate before January 31, visit bit.ly/D5BloodDrive2026 to reserve an appointment.

You’re Invited to Our Annual Community Open House! 

To connect residents directly with City staff, we’re hosting our annual Community Open House on Tuesday, February 10, from 5:00–7:30 p.m. in the George Washington High School Library. Attendees can park in the north parking lot and follow the signs to the library entrance. Stop by to speak with project leaders and get an inside look at what’s planned for our neighborhoods in 2026!

Agency partners include:

• Denver Police Department
• Denver Fire Department
• Department of Transportation & Infrastructure
• Denver Water
• Denver Parks & Recreation
• Denver Department of Housing Stability
• Xcel Energy

At the Open House, you’ll have the chance to get answers to many of your most common questions, including:

• What is the construction schedule for the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project?
• Will the Xcel construction affect my block?
• Is my home included in Denver Water’s Lead Reduction Program?
• How do I dispute a parking ticket?
• Is my street scheduled for repaving this year?

For more information, visit bit.ly/D5OpenHouse2026. We hope you’ll join us for this informative and collaborative event!

Temporary Road Closures for Xcel Energy Underground Transmission Line Replacement

Xcel Energy is replacing the six-mile-long Leetsdale-Monroe-Elati underground transmission line in central and southeast Denver to meet growing energy demands and improve system reliability. The work will involve temporary road and sidewalk closures, detours, and routine construction impacts. Crews will work Monday–Saturday, with occasional evening or Sunday shifts as needed. This project will have a significant impact on residents of District 5.



Temporary Road Closures:

• Virginia Avenue to temporarily close to through traffic between Ivy Street and Jersey Street for construction activities planned to require up to four weeks to complete.
• Ivy Street to temporarily close to through traffic between Dakota Avenue and Virginia Avenue.
• Ivy Street will be used to stage equipment and material, and trenching activities will follow the completion of work on Virginia Avenue. The temporary closure will extend into mid-February.
• Alley access via Virginia Avenue will face intermittent restrictions between Jersey Street and Holly Street. From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., the alley will be fully closed during trench work. Garage, shed, and parking access will be via Dakota Avenue, though access from Dakota may also be restricted during work hours—please coordinate with contractor crews if access is needed. Restrictions will be lifted once work on Virginia Avenue is completed, planned for the end of January.
• Although Virginia Avenue and Ivy Street are closed to traffic, they will remain accessible to residents. Street parking will be restricted, and driveway access may be limited during construction hours. If the need to restrict driveway access becomes necessary, a construction representative will contact you in advance to coordinate.

During construction, there may be times when temporary restrictions to driveway access are required. If this becomes necessary, a construction representative will contact residents in advance to coordinate directly, minimizing disruption and restoring access as quickly as possible. Xcel Energy encourages residents and commuters to plan ahead for alternate routes and adjust street parking during this period.

For more information about current road closures and schedule changes, visit xcelenergytransmission.com/projects/leetsdale-elati.

Denver Water Rate Changes

Denver Water is making important investments to keep its system strong, resilient and ready for the future. To help fund these upgrades, rates have increased in 2026.

These rate changes went into effect on January 1, 2026, and will increase monthly bills for most single-family customers by an average of $2.45 to $3.30 over the course of a year, depending on whether the customer lives in Denver or suburban water districts.

Over the next 10 years, Denver Water plans to invest $1.7 billion to maintain, repair and upgrade the water collection, treatment and delivery system that serves 1.5 million people in Denver and the surrounding suburbs. These projects include:

• Replacing customer-owned lead service lines at no direct cost to customers.
• Proactively identifying and preventing potential leaks while upgrading infrastructure.
• Completing a new state-of-the-art treatment plant.
• Raising the height of Gross Dam to increase storage capacity, flexibility and resilience in Denver Water’s system.

These efforts prepare Denver Water for challenges like a warmer climate, wildfires and new regulations — ensuring clean, safe and reliable water for decades to come.

If you are having problems paying your bill, Denver Water also offers one-time payment assistance to those who may qualify. Customer Care representatives are experts in helping customers navigate payment options and unique circumstances. They can be reached via this contact form or by calling 303-893-2444.

Denver Water Pipe Replacement and Lead Reduction Program Underway

Water main replacements are ongoing throughout District 5. Denver Water replaces water mains for various reasons, including repairing or avoiding main breaks, replacing corroded pipe, alleviating water quality problems, increasing available hydrant flow and improving area delivery.

Current Pipe Replacement Projects:

• North Ivanhoe Street between East 6th Avenue Parkway and East Severn Place

If you have questions about the project, contact Denver Water Customer Care at 303-893-2444 or visit denverwater.org/Pipes.

Change to Indoor Pool Rentals

Denver Parks & Recreation has discontinued its private pool rentals program at all recreation centers, including Montclair Pool. This department-wide policy change reflects a shift toward prioritizing drop-in recreation, community programming, and broader public and member access during operating hours. The decision was not based on swim team qualifications or compliance and applies to all organizations interested in permitting DPR pools.

East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Progress

Work continues on the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, which aimed at improving reliable, safe, and sustainable transit along the corridor. The project includes upgraded stations, enhanced amenities, and better pedestrian and bike connections. Construction is currently underway between Broadway and Quebec.

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.

We Back the Fax

East Colfax Avenue businesses remain open! This winter, 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
• Unplugged from social media? Submit your photo via this form

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!

Community Spotlight

Brooke Derloshon and Pierce Hansen From Vitalant

For National Blood Donor Month, we're proud to recognize the life-saving work of Brooke Derloshon and Pierce Hansen from Vitalant for our sixth annual blood drive!

Brooke Derloshon, Vitalant Communications Manager:

"As a Colorado native, I love helping encourage our community to give blood to help patients in need across the state. I’ve been working with Vitalant for more than 6 years now, and it’s a role that is very personal to me. I was born with a rare blood disorder called Beta Thalassemia, where my body doesn’t make red blood cells properly, so I don’t get the oxygen I need to function. I require blood transfusions every month to boost my red cell and hemoglobin counts, and I wouldn’t be here today without the help of selfless volunteer blood donors. There is no substitute for blood, and patients truly depend on these lifesaving donations to thrive. I love that I get to live my purpose every day working at Vitalant, and I encourage anyone who hasn’t given blood to give it a try! I am grateful to Councilwoman Sawyer for continuing to advocate for blood donation during National Blood Donor Month each January."

Pierce Hansen, Vitalant Account Manager:

“I joined Vitalant last fall and have been enjoying coordinating mobile blood drives in the Denver metro. Vitalant’s mission to “unite blood and biologics donors, talent, and innovation to save and improve lives” is one I can certainly get behind and support. National Blood Donor month is personally important to me because I required a blood transfusion following a surgery procedure in 2009. I was expected to need blood during my surgery, so it didn’t come as a surprise and my doctor was able to order units of blood in advance to provide to me. Getting the word out nationwide about donating blood helps boost the blood supply and makes hospital and EMS treatment possible. Thank you Councilwoman Sawyer for bringing National Blood Donor Month to the attention of the Denver community for the sixth year in a row! I encourage people who haven’t donated blood before to give it a try and want to thank our committed donors we see regularly. If anyone in the metro wants to setup a blood drive, please email me at pierce@vitalant.org and I’d be excited to work with you! Also, if anyone would like to find an existing drive to donate blood at, check out the blood drive finder on Vitalant.org.”

Small Business Spotlight

NOW OPEN: Mar Bella Boqueria

We're excited to welcome a new Spanish neo-bistro and wine bar to Cherry Creek called Mar Bella Boqueria at 233 Clayton Street. Michelin-starred Chef Johny Curiel brings the vibrant spirit of Spain's coastal regions to life with seafood-forward tapas, a jamoneria-inspired chef's counter, a conserva bar, and a curated Spanish wine and cocktail list. Mar Bella Boqueria is open daily from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and is now accepting reservations via OpenTable.

Thank you for your dedication to our community!

Video Recap

You may have seen the short, informational video clips Councilwoman Sawyer has recorded in an effort to provide transparency and to better connect residents to your government. Watch recent clips below!

WATCH: District 5 Blood Drive


WATCH: National Western Stock Show

WATCH: Colorado Gives Day

Upcoming Rezonings

If you are interested in commenting during a hearing, please review the guidelines and FAQs, and sign up to speak here. Click here for information about how to participate virtually.

There is one open rezoning in District 5 at 2625 East 3rd Avenue in Cherry Creek. For more information on the proposed zoning change, visit the Community Planning and Development website.

Upcoming public hearings 

*dates are subject to change

Week of January 19

• No hearings due to MLK Jr. Day

Week of January 26

• No hearings scheduled

February 9

• 3050 Richard Allen Ct
• 1555 N Grant St (Resubmittal)

Citywide News

Crime Reductions in 2025

The Denver Police Department recorded a major drop in violent crime in 2025, with 37 homicides, down 48% from 2024 and 54% below the prior three-year average, marking the second-lowest homicide rate since 1990 when adjusted for population growth. Police credit targeted, data-driven strategies, strong partnerships, and effective investigations.

Denver achieved significant crime reductions in numerous categories in 2025 compared to 2024, including:

Key contributors included the Downtown Safety Action Plan (expanded patrols, kiosks, and enhanced reporting), Place Network Investigations that disrupted crime hotspots (zero shootings in four of seven targeted areas), and high clearance rates—81% for homicides and 67% for non-fatal shootings. Non-fatal shootings fell 33.5%.

Technology played a significant role through HALO cameras, drones, and license plate readers, aiding hundreds of arrests and recoveries. Gun safety efforts removed 1,885 firearms from the streets. Most homicides stemmed from arguments escalating to violence, while domestic-violence-related homicides declined sharply year over year.

City Council Chamber Renovation – What You Need to Know

The Cathy Reynolds City Council Chamber is undergoing renovations to bring it up to the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act. While we make the chamber more accessible for everyone, City Council meetings will temporarily move to a different location. This change impacts how much space is available for public hearings and General Public Comment.

To learn more about the renovation timeline, the new meeting venue, and how to stay engaged, read the full article here.

Denver Developing Sidewalk Implementation Plan

The City and County of Denver is creating its first Sidewalk Implementation Plan, a roadmap for repairing, widening, and building sidewalks citywide. The plan will prioritize projects, outline construction and repair work for the next six years, and establish a long-term strategy for a complete sidewalk network.

Development will occur in three phases through the end of 2026: assessing the current sidewalk network, identifying the work and resources needed, and planning the steps to achieve a fully connected network.

Denver residents are invited to take part in the first step of the Sidewalk Improvement Program by reviewing the State of the System Report and completing a brief survey, open through mid-March, at www.denvergov.org/SOTS.

Stay updated by signing up for notifications or visiting the city’s website.

Program to Recycle Christmas Trees

Tis the season to recycle your holiday tree and give it a new life through Denver's Treecycle program! Denver residents can drop holiday trees off at designated drop sites to have them turned into mulch. Remove all decorations, lights and the tree stand before dropping the tree off at a collection site.


Weekday Treecycle drop sites are open through January 30, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at these locations:


• Cherry Creek Transfer Station – 7301 E. Jewell Ave. (enter on E. Jewell Ave.)
• Havana Nursery – 3685 Havana St.
• Central Platte Campus – 1271 W. Bayaud Ave. (next to the Denver Animal Shelter (Note: These locations will be closed on January 19 for holiday observances)
  

Nine Saturday drop sites will be open January 17 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.:


• Sloan’s Lake Park (Northwest Parking Lot) - W. Byron Pl. and Yates St.
• Bruce Randolph School - 3955 Steele St.
• Fred Thomas Park - 2400 Quebec St.
• Evie Dennis School Campus - 4800 Telluride St.
• Central Platte Campus - 1271 W. Bayaud Ave.
• Carson Elementary - 5420 E 1st Ave.
• John F. Kennedy High School - 2855 S. Lamar St.
• Congress Park - E. 9th and Josephine St.
• University Park Elementary – 2300 S St Paul St.
  

Trees received at drop sites will be turned into mulch made available to Denver residents for free at our annual Mulch Giveaway event in the spring! Residents that don’t wish to have their tree mulched (although we highly encourage it!) can set it out for collection on their large item pickup day. Trees left out for large item pickup will not be recycled.

Sidewalk Snow Shoveling Reminders

Snow is here! To help keep our city’s walks safe and accessible during the winter months, Denver residents and businesses are responsible for clearing snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their property. From mail carriers to neighbors walking their dogs, many use public sidewalks every day, and timely shoveling ensures we can all do so safely. Denver requires that property owners clear snow and ice from sidewalks after a snowfall. Residents and business owners are encouraged to shovel as soon as it is practical and safe. 

Here are a few tips: 

• Shovel early – It’s a lot easier to shovel two inches of snow than five, and shoveling early doesn’t give the snow a chance to bond to surfaces. You’ll also get the snow off the sidewalk or your driveway before people walk on it, which could compact the snow even more.  
• Shovel snow into your yard, away from the gutter, roadways and bike lanes, so snow plows don’t push it right back onto your sidewalk. 
• Don’t forget bus stops, if one is located on or adjacent to your property.  
• Help your neighbors! If you have a neighbor who can’t shovel snow because of health issues, maybe you can shovel their sidewalk after you’ve done yours. 



As a rule of thumb, the city recommends that businesses clear sidewalks within a few hours of the end of a snowfall, and residences clear sidewalks within one day of the end of snowfall.

Sign Up for Denver Snow Angels

Denver Snow Angels is program to assist community members in Denver who are physically unable to shovel their front sidewalks, including adjacent ADA ramps and bus stops, during the cold winter months. This is a volunteer-based initiative created to connect neighbors with one another and to prevent possible fines for non-compliance with city ordinance.

Sign up to be a Snow Angel, or register your home if you need help at denvergov.org/snowangels. Together, we can make Denver a safer and more accessible city this winter!

SNAP and Medicaid Eligibility Updates

New federal legislation has changed SNAP and Medicaid eligibility for some Denver Human Services customers:

Changes to SNAP are now in effect and changes to Medicaid will be implemented no earlier than December 31, 2026.

For additional information, including a list of groups NOT impacted by new work requirements, visit denvergov.org/foodcashmedical.

Property Tax Relief Program Open

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:

• Colorado Housing Connects: 1-844-926-6632
• CARE Center: 303-838-1200

Community Events & Meetings

National Western Stock Show Kicked Off

It’s January in Denver, which means the National Western Stock Show is back at the National Western Center. This iconic Denver event has been a cornerstone of western heritage and agriculture since 1906, bringing together agricultural producers, consumers, and enthusiasts from around the world.

One of Colorado’s premier tourist destinations, the National Western Stock Show attracts more than 700,000 visitors each year. This year’s event runs through January 25 and features one of the world’s richest regular-season professional rodeos, one of the nation’s largest horse shows, and Colorado’s largest western trade show, while strengthening American agriculture through youth education, enrichment programs, and the celebration of western lifestyles, community, and family traditions.

Grab your boots, round up the family, and get tickets at nationalwestern.com/buy-tickets/.

Denver International Airport Design Project Open House

Denver International Airport has launched the Peña NEPA & Design Project to study improvements to the Peña Boulevard corridor. A public open house will explain the NEPA environmental review process and gather community feedback on current concerns, travel experiences, and potential safety, mobility, and reliability improvements. Public input will help shape final decisions.

The public open house will take place on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Green Valley Ranch Recreation Center, located at 4890 Argonne Way in Denver. American Sign Language and Spanish interpretation will be available, and childcare will be provided.

If you can't make it in person, visit flydenver.com/pena-nepa-design for a self-guided online open house until February 2.

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!

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!

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 6 p.m., but feel free to come early as Community Resource Officers will be available starting at 5 p.m. 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.

• Bellevue-Hale Neighborhood Association
• Cherry Creek East Association
• Cherry Creek North Neighborhood Association
• Country Club Historic Neighborhood Inc.
• Crestmoor Park (2nd Filing) Homes Association
• Crestmoor Park Neighborhood Association
• Driving Park Historic District
• Hilltop Neighborhood Association
• Hilltop Heritage Association
• Historic Montclair Community Association, Inc.
• Lowry Community Master Association
• Lowry United Neighborhoods
• Mayfair Neighbors, Inc.
• Mayfair Park Neighborhood Association
• Park Forest Homeowners Association
• Preservation of Residential South Hilltop Neighborhood Association
• Rangeview Neighborhood Association
• Seventh Avenue Neighborhood Association
• South Hilltop Neighborhood Association
• Windsor Gardens Association
• Winston Downs Community Association