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Dear Neighbors,
A huge thank you to all the volunteers that came to my Office's bi-annual Community Clean-up Day last month to clean half of our city-owned parks in District 5 and re-paint eight bus stop benches. I am a big believer that beautified public spaces make us all feel safer.
I am very excited that District 5's newest city-owned park located at Mississippi & Dayton is moving forward in the re-zoning process by going before City Council on June 9, 2025. Please sign up to speak or send an email to show your support!
Read on for more important updates, and don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news. And as always, please don't hesitate to 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, May 22, from 11:00 to 12:30 PM at Olive & Finch in Cherry Creek
- Wednesday, May 28, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Thursday, June 5, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Thursday, June 12, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Friday, June 20, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
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.
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2024-2025 Annual Survey Analysis
I'm excited to share the results of the 2024-2025 annual survey, and we want to express our gratitude for the overwhelming response! This year, a total of 1,611 residents participated. Crime and Safety led as the primary concern voiced by District 5 residents, followed by issues related to traffic/mobility infrastructure, and the cost of living. I sincerely appreciate the diverse participation from all corners of the District and commit to continuing my work on each of these issues.
I'm very proud of this work and recognize that there's more to be done. Please free to reach out to our office if you have any questions, suggestions, or if there's anything we can assist you with. I value your engagement and am here to serve the People of District 5.
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2025 District 5 Vibrant Denver Bond Project Requests List
My Office has requested these improvements to be included in the 2025 Vibrant Denver bond package:
Parks
- Winston Downs Pocket Park (land acquisition and construction)
- Ben Bezoff Park Playground Replacement
- Manley Park Playground Replacement and Picnic Table Renovations
- Lindsley Park Tennis Court Renovations, Playground Replacement, and Construction of a Dog Park
- Burns Park Statue Renovations (Black Abstract Line Statue Dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr and the Untitled Yellow Circle Statue)
- Emporia Park (Design and Construction)
- Denison Park Playground Replacement
- Implementation of the 2018 Cherry Creek Area Greenway Plan
Transportation Infrastructure
- Mid-block Bike Path Underpass - Leetsdale Drive between the Xcel substation and George Washington High School & Greenway
- Roundabout Reconstruction and Traffic Calming Measures on Lowry Boulevard
- Underpass for Highline Canal at South Dayton Street
- Fairmount Drive / Valentia Street Traffic Calming
- Traffic Study Implementation (6th Ave, 8th Ave, Uinta Way, Exposition Ave, and Holly St)
- Intersection Improvements at 1st & Steele
- Intersection Improvements and Gateway Construction at 1st & University
- Alameda Road Safety Audit Implementation
- Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at Dayton & Emporia
- 13th & 14th Traffic Calming - Return to Two-way East of Colorado Boulevard
Public Safety
- Red Light Cameras (E Colfax Ave & Colorado Blvd, 1st Ave & Colorado Blvd, Monaco Pkwy & E Alameda Ave, Monaco Pkwy & Leetsdale Dr, Lowry Blvd & Quebec St, and 14th Ave & Quebec St)
Public Buildings
- New Police District in East Denver (land acquisition and construction)
Are there any other projects you’d like to see happen in your neighborhood? Let us know by e-mailing DenverCouncil5@denvergov.org. Learn more about the Vibrant Denver bond package at denvergov.org/vibrantbond.
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East Avenues Safety Study Results are Here
These streets have been a long-standing concern for area residents, business owners, and other constituents. Portions of these streets have been identified on the city's High Injury Network in the 2022 Vision Zero Action Plan. Additionally, forthcoming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) on East Colfax Avenue is expected to change travel patterns in the area. This study aims to identify mitigations for both pre-existing safety concerns on these streets as well as for potential diversion effects resulting from East Colfax Avenue BRT.
This study was comprised of an analysis of existing conditions, recommendation of countermeasures to improve safety, and a benefit-cost analysis of each recommendation. Now that the study is complete, the Department of Transportation will look at funding to implement these recommendations. Our office is extremely frustrated that no funding was dedicated to improvements in District 5 for 2025, and we have added the conversion of both 13th and 14th back to two-way streets as one of our requests in the Vibrant Denver bond proposals. Stay tuned as this develops.
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Alameda Road Safety Audit
The Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) completed a Road Safety Audit on Alameda Avenue between Kearney Street and Fairmount Drive. My Office is requesting that implementation of this Road Safety Audit be included in the 2025 Vibrant Denver bond package.
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Potential Creation of a General Improvement District (GID) in Cherry Creek
Our office is facilitating community conversations to hear your feedback on the possible creation of a General Improvement District (GID) in Cherry Creek, as recommended by the Cherry Creek Area Plan.
All recordings from previous information session meetings can be found on our website: denvergov.org/CCGID.
What is a General Improvement District?
- A GID is a special district that is established to fund enhancements to an area, like security, placemaking, pedestrian lighting, and infrastructure.
- The study area of this GID proposal applies to the Cherry Creek statistical neighborhood, which is bordered by 6th Avenue to Alameda Avenue and University Boulevard to Colorado Boulevard.
- All property owners in a GID agree to tax themselves to fund improvements to a specified area.
- Property owners and all registered voters in Cherry Creek would have the final say on the creation of a GID by voting for or against it.
There will be a community survey open to all Cherry Creek residents and property owners. Look for it in your mailbox at the end of May! The survey will be open until June 15th.
Learn more at: denvergov.org/CCGID
If you have questions, please contact us at: CCGID@denvergov.org
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#WeBackTheFax
Work is underway on the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, aimed at improving reliable, safe and sustainable transit along the corridor. Visit the project website to learn more about the improvements happening along the corridor and to sign up for notifications.
East Colfax Avenue businesses are open! This holiday season, support local businesses along East Colfax 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.
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District 5 Paving Plan
The Denver Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) creates an annual paving plan for the City & County of Denver and then briefs each of the District Councilmembers on upcoming paving happening in the neighborhoods they represent. The attachment above is the 2025 paving plan for District 5.
My Office uploads this plan to my website so that all District 5 residents are able to view it and be aware of roads that will be paved in their community.
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Reminder - Help Us Spot Neighborhood Issues During 311 Thursdays
We're asking District 5 residents to call 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 report to 311! 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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Thank you to Michelle Jeske!
The City's head librarian, Michelle Jeske, is retiring! Michelle has navigated the many ups and downs of the past 23 years with grace, humor, and steady determination. During 10 of those years, she oversaw the implementation of several bond projects and new money provided from multiple ballot measures, strengthening our existing libraries and opening two new branches.
I’m particularly grateful for her support of much needed renovations to the Ross Cherry Creek and Schlessman Branch libraries in District 5, bringing new spaces and opportunities for our youth. Our residents benefit every day from your forward-thinking leadership, especially your work in expanding DPLs digital ebook and audio book offerings.
Thank you for leading with compassion, and a commitment to libraries as public resource. Public service is hardly ever easy and often under appreciated. Let this proclamation, and the kind words of my colleagues, be a reminder of the debt of gratitude Denver owes you for your exemplary service. Thank you, Michelle, though a simple thank you is not enough. You leave us with an extraordinary legacy and some very large shoes to fill. I will miss working with you and I am excited to see what comes next!
Congratulations on your retirement and thanks for all you have done for our community!
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Lowry Beer Garden
The Lowry Beer Garden is nestled in its very own park with more than 9,000 square feet of outdoor garden area, vast open-air seating, and an inviting covered pavilion. The communal Oktoberfest-style picnic tables that collectively can accommodate up to 500 guests, foster an environment of community and conviviality. The Garden offers a thoughtful draft and bottled beer selection with a focus on Colorado and handcrafted brews. The Lowry Beer Garden also serves up your favorite casual fare with locally-made gourmet brats & sausages, freshly-baked pretzels, house-ground burgers, hand-cut fries and chef-created salads.
Thank you for your dedication to our community!
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Upcoming public hearings
*dates are subject to change
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May 26
- No Council meeting due to the Memorial Day holiday
June 2
- Park Hill Golf Course re-zoning
- Mestizo/Curtis Park Pool Building Plan
June 9
- 1060 South Emporia Street
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June 16
June 23
June 30
- 8400 Northfield Boulevard
- Modernizing Parking Requirements
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Parks and Recreation Needs Your Help in Enhancing Safety!
Denver Parks and Recreation has rolled out a Park Inspection volunteer program. This is a self directed program for volunteers to help us by identifying and reporting light outages in parks. Do you like to take a walk in your favorite park during the evenings? Help us by signing up for this program and using a report form that can be accessed via your smart phone or home computer.
To learn more and sign up, visit this link: https://godenverparks.denvergov.org/GetInvolved
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Summer Watering Rules are in Effect
Summer watering rules for Denver Water customers are now in effect. However, with the recent rains, we ask that you let Mother Nature be your guide and not run your sprinklers when you see rain in the forecast. The watering rules run through October 1.
This year, we’re also asking our customers with irrigation systems to switch their automatic sprinklers to different days and times to reduce strain on the water system. In asking customers to “Shave The Peak,” we’re encouraging folks to switch sprinkler timers to run at days and times other than Monday mornings at 5 a.m. This is a default setting for most sprinkler clocks, which means we see a large spike in water use throughout our system right at this time, every week. This “peak” strains the system, requiring us to treat and distribute more water for this moment, increasing energy use and costs to meet elevated demands.
Photo credited to Denver Water.
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Free Paint Recycling Event
Saturday, May 17 from 9 AM to 2 PM at 1271 W Bayaud Avenue
Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), in collaboration with GreenSheen Paint, a local paint recycling company, is hosting a free paint recycling collection event on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Denver Central Platte Campus, 1271 W. Bayaud Ave.
This eco-friendly event offers Denver residents a convenient and responsible way to dispose of leftover paint. Whether you're a homeowner who tackled a weekend project or a professional painter, all are welcome to participate in keeping our community clean and green. This event is a great opportunity for everyone to do their part for a sustainable Denver.
Recycling paint keeps harmful chemicals out of landfills and helps conserve resources. One gallon of improperly disposed paint can pollute up to 250,000 gallons of water.
Residents can conveniently drop off unwanted paint in its original containers (five gallons or less) while remaining in their vehicles. Event staff will be on hand to unload and ensure proper recycling of all accepted materials.
Here's what you can recycle:
- Oil-based and Latex-based Paints
- Acrylic paint
- Stains and shellacs
- Shellacs and lacquers
- Primers
- Sealers and clear coatings
- Varnishes
- Urethanes
- Textured coatings
Please note that the following items will not be accepted:
- Aerosol (spray) paint
- Marine and Auto Paints
- Paint thinner
- Solvents and cleaning agents
- Driveway sealers
- Drywall mud
- Roof tar
- Hazardous waste and electronics
Visit www.circular.eco/event/DEN517 to learn more and register for this free event.
The Paint Stewardship Program was the product of Senate Bill 14-029, which approved a fee on all new consumer paint sold in Colorado. The revenue collected from this fee funds a stewardship organization, PaintCare, to oversee paint reuse and recycling and offers drop-off sites throughout Colorado where the public can take unwanted paint for recycling. This paint is then reused, recycled or disposed of in an environmentally sound way.
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Measles cases rising: Protect yourself and your community
Large measles outbreaks are occurring throughout the United States, including in states bordering or close to Colorado. With many families traveling for spring break, it's crucial to ensure you and your family are protected. The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) urges Coloradans who have not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine or are not already immune to get vaccinated against this highly contagious disease.
Why the concern?
Measles is more than a rash. It's a serious respiratory illness that can lead to severe
complications, including hearing loss, brain damage, and in serious cases, death. Measles spreads easily. It can remain in the air for up to two hours and stays on surfaces, too. If one person has it, nine out of 10 people who are unprotected around them will get measles. A person can spread measles to others even before they show symptoms.
The best protection: MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine works extremely well and is your best protection against measles. It is highly effective, providing about 93% protection after one dose and about 97% protection after two doses. The MMR vaccine has been included in the U.S. routine childhood vaccination schedule since the early 1990s, and measles vaccines have been routinely recommended since the early 1960s. DDPHE recommends all children and adults who aren't already immune get vaccinated.
- Children should receive two doses of MMR vaccine, the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years.
- Infants (6-11 months) should receive a dose of MMR vaccine before international travel, ideally two weeks prior. Infants who get one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should get two more doses according to the routinely recommended schedule.
- Adults who may need to be vaccinated include:
- Those who were vaccinated before 1968 and received early, inactivated versions of the measles vaccine which weren't as effective as the current MMR vaccine.
- Those who were born in 1958 or later who are unsure of their MMR vaccination history. There is no harm in getting a dose of MMR vaccine even if you may be immune already.
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Health care personnel who do not have evidence of immunity or two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.
There is no recommendation for adults born between 1968 and 1989, who likely received just one dose of the measles vaccine, to receive a second dose of MMR unless they belong to certain high risk groups like health care providers. Anyone in this population who is concerned about their level of protection should speak with their health care provider before seeking MMR vaccination.
Where to get vaccinated:
The MMR vaccine is available at low or no cost at various locations, including:
- Doctor's offices
- Community health centers
- Pharmacies
- Public health clinics
- Some schools
Denver residents who meet certain criteria may be eligible to receive free vaccinations from DDPHE. As a certified Vaccines for Children (VFC) site, DDPHE can acquire and provide vaccines, including the vaccine against measles. DDPHE public health nurses are available to answer questions about if you qualify for vaccination through us. DDPHE public health nurses are here to help. If you have additional questions for our public health nursing team, contact them by email. They can help answer question about measles, vaccines and more!
Health First Colorado (Medicaid), Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), and most private health insurers cover the cost of the MMR vaccine, so you don't have to pay anything 2 at providers that accept your health plan. Even without health insurance, you can get recommended vaccines for no or low cost at one of nearly 600 locations statewide.
Take action now!
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Mayor's Youth Works Initiative
Deadline to apply is July 1, 2025
The Mayor’s YouthWorks Initiative rewards eligible youth for their commitment to employment over the summer. If you meet the requirements and complete all steps, you can receive a $500 retention bonus in the fall!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
✔ 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 between April 1 and July 1, 2025
- Work 100+ hours from April 1 to August 15, 2025 and provide verification
❌ You are not eligible if you are:
- Self-employed
- Working at an unpaid internship
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Denver Human Services' Annual #BeAGiver Spring Showers Hygiene Drive
Now through May 16
Denver’s annual Spring Showers Hygiene Drive is underway! Through May 16, we invite you to “Be A Giver” and donate unopened / unexpired hygiene items for our neighbors served by Denver Human Services. These items give people experiencing emergency crises a sense of security and dignity. Support the drive by:
- Making a monetary donation
- Dropping off items at collection sites across the city
- Purchasing items from our wish list
Click here to donate.
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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 anytime between May 1, 2025, and 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/propertytaxrelief. 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 www.denvergov.org/propertytaxrelief.
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
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Denver District Attorney's Office May Scam Spotter
Scams Beyond Normal Attempts
The Denver Metro area is currently experiencing a surge in scams that go beyond everyday fraud attempts. While common scams like phishing emails, fake tech support calls, and online shopping fraud remain, residents are seeing a wave of the scams outlined below that are specifically circulating within our area. These scams are often more believable and deceptive, aiming to exploit people's trust and familiarity with local institutions and services. Stay informed about these scams and help protect everyone by sharing information about scams with your friends, family, and neighbors.
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SANA Gardeners
Every Wednesdays from 8 AM to 11 AM
Seventh Avenue Neighborhood Association is sponsoring the second year of SANA Gardeners and would welcome anyone who wants to join the group on Wednesdays from 8 am to 11 am. You can come for the whole time or just half an hour in the time period. An email goes out to all volunteers every Tuesday announcing which bed along Seventh Ave to meet at. And we hope to schedule a couple of planting mornings on different days.
Sign up to learn about pollinator gardens and the best practices for high prairie gardening, to pull a bunch of bind weed and neaten the edges of the beds, and to socialize with other Seventh Avenue neighbors who love these gardens. Please contact oaksonrobb@gmail.com or Michelle.gates@denvergov.org.
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Screening of JOIN OR DIE
June 12 at 6:00 PM at the Historic Holiday Theater (2644 West 32nd Ave, Denver)
Come out for the Denver Community Film Fest! The night will feature a reception, screening & post-film discussion of the documentary Join or Die on June 12th, 2025.
About Join or Die: This powerful film traces the half-century tale of America’s civic decline through the journey of renowned social scientist Robert Putnam. Based on his groundbreaking research in Bowling Alone, the documentary explores the erosion of personal connections in America through the lens of declining membership in community based organizations. The film offers insights that may hold the key to addressing today’s challenges to democracy.
The event will take place at the Holiday Theater (2644 W 32nd Ave), a 100 year old Northside theater currently run by the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). This will be a community-focused gathering designed to spark meaningful discussions about civic engagement, community building, and ways to strengthen all of our neighborhoods. The film’s director will even be joining us via Zoom for the post film Q&A.
Tickets are FREE but an RSVP is required. Due to limited space please only reserve tickets if you are planning to attend. We strongly encourage participants to make a donation during registration or bring canned goods to support the Bienvenidos Food Bank program.
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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.
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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.
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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.
District 5 neighborhoods located in Police District 2 are Hale 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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