District 5 News

You're Invited: Budget Together Denver Virtual Town Hall

Join Denver City Council members Amanda Sawyer, Shontel Lewis, and Stacie Gilmore to learn more about a proposal to change Denver’s budget process On March 17, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

After initial conversations with residents, fellow council members, and city agencies, they’ve developed ideas to make the process more transparent and responsive to Denver’s communities.

Register at bit.ly/BudgetTogetherDenverTownHall.

*Spanish translation will be available. To request ASL interpretation, email DenverCouncil5@denvergov.org.

Sign Up to Volunteer at Spring Community Clean-Up Day

Denver City Council District 5 residents are coming together to revitalize our cherished public spaces during Spring Community Clean-Up Day on Sunday, April 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Montclair Recreation Center. This biannual event invites residents of all ages to join forces and help beautify our local parks, trails, and bus stops.

Volunteers will refresh parks and trails by removing trash and debris, clearing overgrown vegetation, maintaining walking paths, and brightening bus benches with a fresh coat of paint–enhancing both the appearance and usability of public spaces. 

No experience is needed—just a willingness to help and a commitment to making a difference. Families and students seeking volunteer hours are encouraged to participate, making this a perfect opportunity for all ages to contribute meaningfully. Volunteers should dress for the weather and bring gloves if possible. Breakfast, necessary tools, and materials will be provided.

A huge thank you to Ace on the FAX, located at East Colfax Avenue and Poplar Street, for supporting the event by providing discounted spray paint for the bus benches!

For more information and registration, go to bit.ly/D5SpringCleanup2026.

Thank you for volunteering your time to help keep our community a wonderful place to live.

Completion of Augustana Homes in Washington Virginia Vale

Habitat Metro Denver completed eight new affordable homes in Denver’s Washington Virginia Vale neighborhood, providing families the opportunity to purchase homes with affordable mortgages in a vibrant part of the city.

Augustana Homes are possible thanks to a partnership with Augustana Lutheran Church, which is leasing the land to Habitat Metro Denver for the homes to be built. 

Cherry Creek West Demolition Underway

Construction has begun on Cherry Creek West, marking the start of a long-planned redevelopment that will transform four blocks between University Boulevard, Clayton Lane, 1st Avenue, and the Cherry Creek waterway. Led by East West Partners, the project aims to expand and connect the Cherry Creek neighborhood while adding significant open space and improved access to the creek and trail.

Phase 1 will include about 400 residences, 200,000 square feet of office space, and 50,000 square feet of retail, along with an eight-story office building, two 13-story residential buildings, a full-block underground parking garage, and improvements to the Cherry Creek Trail and surrounding open space. Demolition of several former retail buildings is expected to finish by the end of summer, with construction continuing through 2027 and the first building anticipated to open in summer 2029.



When fully completed, Cherry Creek West is planned to include 840 residences, 600,000 square feet of office space, 100,000 square feet of retail, and more than 2,000 underground parking spaces. The project is being built by Mortenson | Saunders JV in partnership with East West Partners and design firms Gensler and GBD Architects, with phased openings planned through 2029.

George Washington High School Speech and Debate Team Wins State Title

Huge congratulations to the Speech and Debate team at George Washington High School for winning its third state title in four years! We couldn't be more proud of the them.

Crestmoor Park Sidewalk Replacement and Playground Improvements

Good news! The entire southeast sidewalk at Crestmoor Park will be replaced this spring, and playground improvements are progressing beautifully. Looking forward to a safer, more enjoyable park for our community!

Denison Park Basketball Court Improvements Underway

Construction has kicked off at the Denison Park basketball court! This much-needed improvement was identified by the community, and it’s great to see it moving forward through the RISE Denver Bond.

Montclair Park Playground Reopens Following Tree Removal

Denver Parks & Recreation removed the American Elm tree at Montclair Park. While we’re sad to see this long-standing tree go, its condition has made removal necessary to keep our park safe for everyone. The playground has temporarily reopened until spring construction begins, and the tree trunk will be repurposed into a sculpture so its legacy lives on.

Water Main Replacements in Country Club

Country Club residents: Denver Water crews have started a water main replacement project to replace aging water mains beneath the road, which is expected to last several months.

Work will take place at the following locations:

• North Marion Street between East 6th and East 10th avenues
• East 8th and East 9th avenues between North Marion and North Lafayette streets
• North Lafayette Street between East 8th and East 10th avenues

Look out for a reminder notice on your front door before work begins on your street!

Denver Water Lead Reduction Program in Montclair Underway

Montclair residents: Denver Water started work in the Montclair neighborhood for the Lead Reduction Program to prepare for service line replacements set to begin in several weeks. A mailed notice will be sent before any planned water outages.

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 Closures:

East Dakota Avenue

• E. Dakota Avenue is temporarily closed to through traffic between S. Ivy Street and S. Holly Street for construction activities planned to take up to three weeks to be completed.
• E. Dakota-Leetsdale Alley access by way of Dakota Avenue to be under intermittent temporary restrictions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. construction work hours.

East Cedar Avenue – Anticipated to start March 16

• E. Cedar Avenue to temporarily close to through traffic between S. Dahlia Street and S. Cherry Street for construction activities planned to take up to three weeks to be completed.
• E. Cedar Ave./S. Dexter St. intersection will be temporarily closed.

East Ellsworth Avenue – Anticipated to start March 16

• E. Ellsworth Ave. to temporarily close to through traffic between S. Jackson Street and S. Monroe Street for construction activities planned to take up to three weeks to be completed.
• E. Ellsworth Ave./S. Garfield St. intersection will be temporarily closed.
• Alleyway access by way of E. Ellsworth Avenue to be under intermittent temporary restrictions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. construction work hours.

Update on existing temporary closures

• South Ivy Street closure between E. Dakota Avenue and E. Virginia Avenue is planned to end today, March 12.
• East Ellsworth Avenue closure between S. Harrison Street and S. Garfield Street is anticipated to end March 16.
• East Cedar Avenue between S. Elm Street and S. Eudora Street has been completed.

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.

Changes to 13th and 14th Avenues

Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) is converting a 16-block section of East 13th and 14th avenues between Quebec and Yosemite streets from one-way to two-way to slow traffic and better align with the surrounding neighborhood street network.

The change responds to long-standing community concerns about speeding, with many drivers previously traveling over 40 mph in a 30 mph zone; the speed limit will now be reduced to 25 mph. The project will also add all-way stops at Uinta and Willow streets, and the traffic signals at Syracuse Street may be removed after further study.



This stretch carries relatively low traffic volumes compared to areas west of Quebec Street, and a separate future bond-funded project will study safety improvements between Quebec Street and Colorado Boulevard.

Operational Testing Has Begun on East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

Last week, RTD’s Safety and Environmental Compliance team joined partners along East Colfax to observe operational testing for the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor serving Denver and Aurora. As part of the milestone, RTD Bus Operator and Revenue Trainer Boubacar Diawara maneuvered a 60-foot articulated bus within inches of the new elevated platforms, demonstrating how future BRT vehicles will operate in the dedicated bus-only lanes.

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.

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

Jonathan Norloff, County Assessor

We are excited to introduce Jonathan Norloff as the new County Assessor for the Department of Finance!

“Anyone who had the pleasure of working with my predecessor Keith Erffmeyer knows that, both figuratively and literally, I have some big shoes to fill,” said Jonathan Norloff, incoming county assessor. “I’m honored and incredibly excited to step into this new role. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside this remarkable team for over a decade and couldn’t be more thankful for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Together, I’m confident we will continue to deliver our best to those we serve.” 

Norloff has been Denver’s deputy assessor since 2024 and has worked in the Assessor’s Office in various appraisal and supervisory roles since 2012. He also brings private sector experience as a broker and manager of residential and commercial properties. He holds professional ad valorem appraiser licensures and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from McPherson College.

As county assessor, Norloff will oversee Denver's Assessor’s Office, including appraisals, locates, and records for real and personal properties, in line with the Colorado Constitution, state statutes, and Board of Equalization procedures, reporting to the city’s Chief Financial Officer.

Small Business Spotlight

Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood

Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood brings the coast to Denver with fresh oysters and seafood straight from Blue Island Shellfish Farms in Long Island, NY. With a calming, ocean-inspired atmosphere and dishes crafted dock-to-dish, it’s Denver’s go-to spot for coastal flavors.

Today is the last day of Denver Restaurant Week, so there’s still time to enjoy their special three-course $45 prix-fixe menu in Cherry Creek location at 2625 E 2nd Avenue!

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: Budget Together Denver Town Hall


WATCH: The Mayor's YouthWorks Initiative

WATCH: District 5 Monthly Drive Around

WATCH: Lunar New Year at Far East Center

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

March 16

• Rezoning: 385 S Zuni St

March 23

• Axon contract (tentative)

March 30

• No Public Hearing in observance of Cesar Chavez Day

April 6

• Rezoning: 4991 N Telluride St and 17600 E 56th Ave

April 13

• Rezoning: 3601 N Monaco Pkwy

Citywide News

Denver International Airport Seeking Grocery Store and Gas Gift Card Donations for Federal Employees Working Without Pay

Denver International Airport (DEN) is seeking grocery store and gas gift card donations in denominations of $10 or $20 from the public to support the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees who continue to work without pay during the partial federal government shutdown. 

“Once again, DEN’s federal employees are working tirelessly to ensure our airport operates efficiently and safely without getting paid. TSA employees just missed their first paycheck, and as we enter a busy Spring Break travel period, we want to do what we can to ease the stress of this moment,” DEN CEO Phil Washington said. “That’s why we are calling on the public, our passengers, and other airport employees to donate grocery store and gas gift cards to help make this moment a little more bearable for these federal workers.” 

Donated gift cards can be from stores like King Soopers, Safeway, Walmart, Costco, and Target. Ideal gift cards include those stores that sell both gas and food. Denominations should be in $10 or $20 gift cards only. Visa gift cards cannot be accepted. Collection bins and secure lock boxes are located in the Great Hall of the Jeppeson Terminal and the Final Approach Cell Phone Lot from now until the shutdown ends.

Applications Open for Mayor's YouthWorks Initiative

Applications are now open for the Mayor’s YouthWorks Initiative! The Mayor’s YouthWorks Initiative rewards eligible youth for their commitment to employment over the summer.

If you are 14–21 years old and complete 100 hours of work between March 1 and August 14, 2026, you could be eligible to apply for a $250 retention bonus.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a resident of the City and County of Denver
• Please note: Employment does not have to be located in the City and County of Denver
• Must be 14-21 years old
• Must have a job or have a job offer at the time of application. Please note, you can submit your application by Monday, July 6, 2026
• Work 100+ hours from March 1 to August 14, 2026 and provide verification

Review the eligibility requirements and submit your application by Monday, July 6, 2026 here.

Submit Your Ideas for The People's Budget

Denver is asking residents to share their ideas for neighborhood infrastructure projects that could enhance the community. Infrastructure includes physical features that benefit everyone, like playgrounds, walking and biking trails, trees, crosswalks, benches, and more.

Anyone living in Denver can submit an idea, no matter their age or immigration status. The top ideas will move forward to the community ballots next fall, and the city will construct the winning projects. This is a chance to see your idea become a real improvement in your neighborhood.

Submit your idea by March 31 by visiting Denvergov.org/DenverPB to learn more and explore past winning projects.

Denver TV Launched

The City and County of Denver is now offering more ways to stay engaged with the city! Denver TV features videos from across the city. Watch live or archived City Council meetings. Listen to city stories. Learn about programs and resources. All on demand and

across your favorite devices. Skip the algorithm and go right to your favorite content.

Access it directly at http://www.denvertv.com

App in the Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/denvertv/id6754637696

App in Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ott.denver8

Tax Time is Another Chance to Get Health Insurance Coverage

Did you know that when filing your Colorado state tax return, you can check a box if you are uninsured and interested in learning about free or low-cost health coverage?



Created through House Bill 20-1236, this Colorado program connects residents directly to coverage through the tax filing process. There is no obligation to enroll, and your information is used only to determine eligibility.

If you qualify, you may be eligible for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) or financial help to lower your monthly premiums through a Special Enrollment Period with Connect for Health Colorado, our state's official healthcare marketplace.

Learn more and get covered today: c4h.co/TaxTime

DOTI Released Sidewalk Program Annual Report

Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has released its 2025 Sidewalk Program Annual Report, which includes accomplishments, program expenditures, the state of the current system, and the 2026 work plan.

Key 2025 outcomes:

- 10.6 miles of new and widened sidewalks constructed

- 31.3 miles of sidewalks repaired

- Completion of the State of the System report

- Advancement of the Sidewalk Implementation Plan

View the report here:

https://www.denvergov.org/.../2025-annual-report-final.pdf

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

Egg Hunt at Mayfair Park

Join Mayfair Neighbors Inc. on Saturday, April 4 at Mayfair Park at 10:00 a.m. for a fun-filled morning of eggs, treats, and smiles. Kids will hunt for colorful eggs, enjoy festive activities, and make sweet spring memories.

Upcoming Free Day at Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum is offering free general admission on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors can explore three buildings and dozens of galleries, with exhibitions on photography, fashion, art, and design.

Learn more or reserve tickets at https://bit.ly/DAM-March2026.

Transportation Solutions Hosting The Road Ahead 2026

Transportation Solutions will host its 21st annual “The Road Ahead” seminar during Earth Week at the University of Denver on Tuesday, April 21, from 8–11:30 a.m.

The half-day event features a buffet breakfast, keynote speaker David Zipper of the MIT Mobility Initiative, presentations from Denver leaders, community awards, and a panel discussion on innovative strategies for improving transportation in a growing city. The event draws more than 150 attendees, including government officials, business leaders, developers, and residents interested in the future of mobility in Denver.

The District 5 office is a proud sponsor of this event!

Get tickets at https://transolutions.org/events/.

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