District 5 News

Denver City Council Honored Colfax Mayfair BID Long-Standing Businesses With Proclamation

I was honored to join Councilman Watson in recognizing the Colfax Mayfair Business Improvement District businesses that have stood the test of time, serving our community for 30, 50, and even 100+ years. As East Colfax evolves and BRT construction continues, these local businesses deserve our support now more than ever. Visit https://www.thefaxpass.com/ to get a passbook to boost these businesses and earn rewards along the way.

All Time Clock Repair - 52 years

City Floral - 115 years

Denver True Value - 34 years

Ed Moore Florist - 78 years

Emick's Auto Service - 61 years

La Vista Motel - 70 years

Mayfair Cleaners - 30 years

Mozart's Denver - 71 years

Myxed Up Creations Denver - 34 years

Park Hill Family Dental - 38 years

R&R Lounge - 51 years

Suburban Toppers - 41 years

Winning Coiffures - 47 years

Special thanks to Hilarie Portell, Executive Director of the Colfax Mayfair BID, for her leadership in supporting these longtime community anchors.

RRFB Crosswalk Installed in Lowry

A new RRFB crosswalk has been installed at Sports Blvd. & Fairmount Dr. in Lowry, making it easier and safer for students, families, and residents to cross the street on their way to school and the sports park. This is another important investment in the safety and quality of life of our community!

Ben Bezoff Park and Denison Park Basketball Courts Completed

The Ben Bezoff Park and Denison Park basketball court renovations are complete and ready for the community this summer. Residents can now enjoy newly refreshed courts featuring full playing surface replacements, new striping, hoops, and poles, along with improvements to the surrounding areas, including fresh sod and upgraded irrigation systems.

The Ben Bezoff Park improvements were made possible thanks to Denver voters, who approved funding through the Elevate Denver bond program. The Denison Park basketball court renovation was funded through the RISE Denver bond program, as part of a larger initiative supporting basketball and tennis court replacements and baseball field improvements at parks across the city.

Speer/Leetsdale/Parker BRT Study Begins This Summer

This summer, the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) will launch an 18-month study to evaluate options for enhanced transit service or bus rapid transit (BRT), along with supporting transportation infrastructure, on the Speer/Leetsdale/Parker corridor from downtown Denver to I-225. This study marks an important step in identifying potential corridor improvements over the coming decade. The effort is being led by DRCOG in partnership with the City and County of Denver, the City of Glendale, the City of Aurora, Arapahoe County, RTD, and CDOT.

A community outreach effort is underway to gather public input both online and in person. Sign up for updates on the project webpage to stay informed and share your feedback throughout the study.

Denver Public Library Providing Bookmobile While Schlessman Family Branch Library Remains Closed

While the Schlessman Family Branch Library remains closed for renovation, the Denver Public Library Bookmobile will be at scheduled stops every Monday to ensure the community continues to have access to library services. Residents can check out denverlibrary.org/southeast for the latest schedule and service updates.

Thanks to everyone who attended the "Coffee & Construction" drop-in event last month, where residents had the chance to chat with Denver Public Library staff and get updates on renovation progress. Stay tuned for more drop-in events coming soon!

For more information, contact CommunityEngagement@denverlibrary.org.

Denver Water Lead Reduction Program Update

Denver Water is replacing aging water mains to prevent breaks, improve water quality, increase hydrant flow, and enhance water delivery. During these projects, any customer-owned lead service lines discovered will be replaced with copper lines at no direct cost.


Work has been completed in Montclair for the Lead Reduction Program, and planning is underway for work in Hilltop. Click here for more information.

Temporary Road Closures for Xcel Construction

Xcel Energy is replacing the aging Leetsdale-Monroe-Elati underground transmission line in central and southeast Denver to meet growing electricity demand. The new project will install a larger, more modern cable system to improve reliability. Temporary road closures will be in place as construction is underway.

Temporary Road Closures

• E Alameda Avenue between S Holly Street and S Dahlia Street
• E Ellsworth Avenue between S Colorado and S Jackson
• Monroe Street between SE 1st Avenue and E 3rd Avenue
• S Jersey Street between E Virginia Avenue and E Leetsdale Drive
• E Dakota Avenue between 5401 E Dakota Avenue and S Forest Street
• E Ellsworth Avenue between S Colorado and S Albion
• S Birch Street between E Bayaud Avenue and E Ellsworth
• E Ellsworth Avenue between S Clermont Street andd S Bellaire Street
• S Glenco Street between E Dakota Avenue and E Alameda

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.

Progress on the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project

The East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project aims to improve reliable, safe, and sustainable transit along the East Colfax corridor from Broadway to I-225. The project includes upgraded stations, enhanced amenities, and better pedestrian and bike connections.

Last month, the Monaco Street Arch was lifted, marking 28 out of 32 total installations along the corridor and was the third arch lift in the Mayfair District on East Colfax. The arches are a key design element for future BRT stops and have already become a prominent feature along the corridor. Only two arches remain to be installed in Denver – the final set of arches to be installed the same night t Uinta Street (later this summer). Two additional arches will be installed at Havana Street in Aurora (August). 

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.

Upcoming Construction for E. Tennessee Avenue and S. Oneida Street Stormwater Project

Construction on the Tennessee & Oneida Project is now scheduled to begin Monday, July 20, pending final city permits. Crews will mobilize, install safety fencing, and implement traffic closures that week, with excavation beginning Monday, July 27.

Residents can expect parking restrictions on E. Mississippi Ave. and S. Oneida St., vehicle detours, and a sidewalk closure on the south side of E. Mississippi Ave. Pedestrians will be detoured to the north sidewalk, while residential access will remain available through alternate routes. Project updates and contact information are available on the project website.

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

Amy Cara, Managing Partner at East West Partners

As the Managing Partner of East West Partners in Denver, Amy is leading the vision for Cherry Creek West, one of the city's most anticipated mixed-use developments, right here in District 5. Demolition of the existing buildings is already underway, and the first phase is due to be completed in 2029, including 200,000 square feet of office space, 400 residences and 50,000 square feet of restaurants and retail, incredible public spaces and connection to the creek. 

Denver has been Amy’s home for almost 40 years, and through that time, she has been inspired by a deep appreciation for the people, neighborhoods, and vibrant culture that continue to make Denver an exceptional place to live and give back. Throughout her career, she has helped shape some of Denver's most iconic neighborhoods, including the Riverfront Park neighborhood, the Union Station neighborhood, and the Landmark development. For Amy, successful development is about more than a collection of buildings. It is about creating terrific places that foster connection, cultivate community, and enrich everyday life.

Amy is deeply committed to the community and is on numerous boards across placemaking, arts, culture, affordable housing, and civic organizations. She enjoys embracing all that Colorado has to offer. Whether hiking mountain trails, flyfishing, skiing or experiencing Denver's thriving arts and cultural scene, she finds inspiration in the people and places that make the Centennial State unique. Amy is grateful to call Colorado home and excited to make Cherry Creek an even more terrific place.

Small Business Spotlight

Denver Bicycle Company

Denver Bicycle Company is East Colfax’s local bike shop, located in Montclair at 6420 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80220. They serve cyclists of all experience levels with bicycles, cycling products, and full-service bike maintenance and repair. Their trained technicians provide expert service, from routine tune-ups to major repairs.

Denver Bicycle Company recently collaborated with the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project team for a bike festival watch party celebrating the Monaco Street station arch installation. The event highlighted BRT’s multimodal improvements, including bike safety features, and Denver Bicycle Company offered free bike tire air checks for attendees.

Despite ongoing BRT construction, Denver Bicycle Company remains open and ready to serve the community. Visit the shop to learn more about their products and services and continue supporting local businesses along the corridor.

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: New RRFB Crosswalk in Lowry


WATCH: Happy Fourth of July

WATCH: Vote in Primary Election

WATCH: Happy Father's 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 are currently no open re-zonings in District 5.

Upcoming Public Hearings 

*dates are subject to change

July 20

• No hearings due to Council President/Pro Tem Elections

July 27

• 406 S Quitman St rezoning
• 4901 S Monaco St rezoning
• Xcel franchise courtesy hearing

August 3

• Ballot question courtesy hearing

August 10

• No public hearings scheduled

Citywide News

Weaver Awards Mile High 2026 Applications Open

The Denver Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC) and the University of Denver are partnering on the Weaver Awards Mile High 2026, which provides $2,500 microgrants to everyday Denver community builders. They are seeking opportunities to table at summer events to share information about the program, help attendees apply or nominate others, answer questions, and collect community stories.

A few quick details about the Weaver Awards:

• $2,500 micro-grants for individuals doing relationship-building work in Denver neighborhoods
• Open to anyone 18+ who lives and works in the City and County of Denver — no nonprofit status or grant experience required
• Applications and nominations are open now through August 14, 2026
• Learn more or apply here: https://awards.weavers.org/en/denver/2026

DOTI Sidewalk Stamp Contest

DOTI is inviting residents to leave their mark on the city through a new Sidewalk Stamp Contest, an opportunity to design a stamp that will be embedded in sidewalks across Denver for years to come. The winning design will become a lasting feature of the city’s public spaces and receive a $1,000 prize. Community members can apply by July 31 at bit.ly/stamp_contest or bit.ly/concurso_de_estampados.

Find more information at denvergov.org/sidewalks. 

Feedback Requested for Recreation Center Strategic Plan

Do you wish your Denver recreation center had different programs or spaces? Have thoughts on how outdoor pools could be more accessible or fun? Now's the time to speak up!

Denver Parks & Recreation is creating a long-term plan for our recreation centers and outdoor pools and they need community input to make it great.

Take the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/DKF83Q9 by July 31, 2026.

Apply for Housing Stability Strategic Advisors Panel

The Denver City Council is seeking candidates for consideration to serve on the panel of Housing Stability Strategic Advisors. The council specifically seeks a person who has lived or professional experience in providing housing or services for residents experiencing homelessness. If that is you or someone you know, find all the details at bit.ly/HostAdvisorAppt.

Denver Public Library Launched Summer of Adventure Learning Program

Summer of Adventure is here! From now until August 10, kids through 12th grade can participate in Denver Public Library's free summer learning program. Register at your local library, track 20 hours of reading and learning, and earn prizes while supplies last. Learn more at summerofadventure.org.

Community Events & Meetings

National Night Out in District 2

District 2's National Night Out will take place Tuesday, August 4, from 6–8 p.m. at City Park Pavilion (2001 Steele St.). Organizers thanked participants for helping make this year's family-friendly event a success.

• Setup: Begins at 4 p.m. Vendors should bring their own table, chairs, canopy, and canopy weights.
• Parking: Show cars, food trucks, mounted patrol, and first responder vehicles should enter from 17th Avenue and park on the closed road south of the pavilion. All other participants should use the public parking lot north of the pavilion.
• Activities: First responder vehicles, mounted patrol, SWAT BearCat, police K-9s, fire truck, patrol boat, Denver Fire Safety Experience, fishing with park rangers, wiener dog races, climbing wall, games, DJ, city agencies, community partners, and more.
• Free food (while supplies last): Federales, Mission BBQ, and Chick-fil-A.

Quarterly Neighborhood Social in Hale

Mayfair Neighbors Inc. is hosting a Neighborhood Social Event at Supreme Chicken at 5410 East Colfax on Thursday July 16th from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Come enjoy some appetizers, conversation and connection with some of your neighbors while supporting a thriving East Colfax business! If you want to support Mayfair Neighbors Inc, consider making a donation or becoming a member. Mayfair Neighbors Inc is a 501(c)(3) and registered neighborhood organization in Denver, Colorado.

Click here to RSVP

Mayfair Neighbors Inc Board Meeting

Mayfair Neighbors Inc is hosting a monthly board meeting, where they share updates, review current projects, and discuss ideas and priorities that affect the community. In addition to neighborhood-focused topics, they provide updates from city and other local resources to help residents understand broader issues and how they may impact the neighborhood. These meetings offer an opportunity to collaborate, address concerns, and plan future initiatives. Neighbors are always welcome and encouraged to attend, participate, and stay informed about what’s happening in Mayfair and across the city.

The meeting will be held on August 3 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 833 Jersey Street (Mayfair Room). Learn more about the meeting here.

Community Forum on Police and Sheriff Accountability

Join the Denver Citizen Oversight Board and the Office of the Independent Monitor for a community forum on police and sheriff accountability this Wednesday, July 15, at 5:30 p.m. Learn about recent policy changes, ask questions, share your perspective, and engage in a conversation about transparency and accountability in public safety.

Cherry Creek Farmers Market

Cherry Creek Farmers Market returns for the season, running every Saturday through October 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Due to the construction of Cherry Creek West, it has been moved to the East Side of Cherry Creek Shopping Center near Macy's.

Open rain or shine and on all holidays, the market features a large mix of Colorado-grown seasonal produce and local goods, including fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs, meats, dairy, baked goods, honey, prepared foods, artisanal products, food trucks, and live music. Visitors also benefit from free parking and a lively weekly community atmosphere with rotating vendors and fresh finds throughout the season.

For more details, visit coloradofreshmarkets.com/visit.

Montclair Recreation Center Summer Bash

Join the Montclair Recreation Center team for their Summer Bash event on July 17 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. It will be a lively community celebration at the recreation center (729 Ulster Way), bringing together neighbors, families, and local activities for an evening of summer fun!

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
• Windsor Gardens Association
• Winston Downs Community Association