District 5 News

Take Our 2025-2026 Annual Survey

Take part in our annual survey! Your feedback is valuable for my staff and I as we create our 2025-2026 work plan, and it guides how we advocate for the budget and projects within District 5 in the year ahead.

The 2024–2025 survey results show the top three concerns were crime, traffic, and the cost of living. Here are a few of the initiatives we worked on this past year in response to District 5 resident feedback:

• Addressing abandoned and derelict properties: We strengthened enforcement and raised fines for property owners who fail to secure their properties and create safety risks in our neighborhoods.
• Protecting space for housing: We updated the zoning code to restrict where new gas stations can be built in Denver. Too many gas stations take away much-needed space that could be used for housing.
• Improving traffic safety: We led a community process to develop traffic calming measures for Holly Street, one of District 5’s busiest intersections.
• Investing in parks and infrastructure: We secured over $30 million in traffic safety and park improvements across multiple District 5 projects as part of the Vibrant Denver Bond package, which will go before voters in November 2025.

Now it’s time to share your priorities for 2025–2026! Please complete our Constituent Feedback Survey by December 31, 2025. Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership as we work together to address the issues that matter most in our community.

Join Us in Supporting GWHS Families in Need

Every year, our office sponsors the George Washington High School (GWHS) Food Pantry — a vital resource providing food, hygiene items, and essentials like winter coats and school supplies to students and staff.

The pantry is open every Wednesday throughout the 2025–2026 school year (excluding holiday breaks), with special “break baskets” distributed during Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks to ensure no family goes without.

We invite residents to join us by donating or volunteering. Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference in the lives of our neighbors.

Celebrating District 5 INC Award Winners

District 5 residents were recognized at the Denver Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC) 50th Anniversary Awards Dinner on November 12. This milestone event celebrated the residents, leaders, and organizations who have shaped Denver’s neighborhoods and strengthened the city through decades of civic engagement, while reflecting on INC’s past fifty years and its future in grassroots community action.

Congratulations to all the honorees, and thank you for uplifting our communities!

Final Report for the Cherry Creek General Improvement District (GID) Feasibility Study

The final report for the Cherry Creek General Improvement District (GID) Feasibility Study has been completed. Launched in January 2025, the study evaluated whether a GID could provide long-term funding and management for improvements in the Cherry Creek Statistical Neighborhood (CCSN). The report highlights the feasibility assessment process, key findings from community engagement and surveys, and the resulting recommendations and conclusions for supporting sustainable neighborhood improvements.

To read the final report, click here.

East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in Progress

Work continues on the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, which aims to create vibrant, connected neighborhoods, increase transportation reliability and efficiency, and improve safety along the corridor.

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 summer, support local businesses along East Colfax before, during, and after the East Colfax BRT for a chance to win a $50 gift card.

Here’s how:



• Eat, drink, shop or play at an East Colfax Avenue business
• Take a photo or video showcasing your support for the business
• Post on social media with the hashtag #WeBackTheFax and tag the business
• Unplugged from social media? Submit your photo via this form

Pipe Replacement and Lead Reduction Program Underway

Water main replacements are ongoing in the Montclair and Hale neighborhoods. As Denver Water’s infrastructure reaches the end of its useful life, specific water mains in need of replacement are identified to ensure residents receive a continuous supply of high-quality water. Work is expected to wrap up in early 2026.

If you have questions about the project, contact Denver Water Customer Care at 303-893-2444.

Customers can visit denverwater.org for self-service options and project information.

Project Map: An interactive project map can be found at denverwater.org/Pipes.

Reminder - Help Us Spot Neighborhood Issues During 311 Thursdays

We're asking District 5 residents to call or text in an issue, problem, or complaint every Thursday! Is there a pothole on your street? Graffiti on an electrical box or building? Tall weeds or overgrown vegetation in your neighborhood? An intersection that needs improvements? Please call 311 to report an issue or text 'HEY311' to 439311.

Not only will this help the City know where problems are, it will generate needed data to show how the City can best allocate its resources to make our neighborhoods safer!

Community Spotlight

Luke Killoran, City Forester for Denver Parks and Recreation

Luke Killoran brings a lifelong passion for trees and environmental stewardship to his role as Denver’s new City Forester. Luke is committed to growing and protecting Denver’s urban canopy and mountain forests. Whether planting trees, engaging with the community, or shaping policy, he’s focused on making Denver a greener, healthier, and more resilient city for generations to come.

The Office of the City Forester (OCF) is here to support residents with all tree related questions and concerns from identifying pests like the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) to understanding tree care responsibilities. Did you know that all public trees in Denver are inventoried and available for public viewing through our interactive tree inventory? And remember, property owners are responsible for maintaining trees in the public right of way adjacent to their property. If you're unsure about your tree’s health or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out, we’re here to help!

Small Business Spotlight

Frank & Roze Coffee Co.

Frank & Roze is an all-day coffee bar and café located at the bustling corner of 9th and Colorado in the 9+CO development. Guests can enjoy ethically sourced, hand-crafted coffee and espresso beverages throughout the day, with wine and beer available in the evening. The café also serves scratch-made, all-day cuisine created by award-winning Denver chef and restaurateur Tom Coohill, making it a neighborhood destination for both exceptional drinks and thoughtfully prepared food.

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: Upcoming Community Events

WATCH: Lapse in SNAP Benefits

WATCH: Vote by November 4

WATCH: Take Our Annual Survey

WATCH: Halloween Events

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

November 17

• Annual budgets and work plans
• Downtown Area Plan

Week of November 24

• No hearings due to Thanksgiving

December 1

• City of Cuernavaca Park

December 8

• Regis Campus - 3333 Regis Blvd
• Regis Village - 3333 Regis Blvd & 5051-5115 Federal Blvd
• Far Southwest

December 15

• 709 S Delaware St (Soccer Stadium)
• 1555 N Grant St

Citywide News

SNAP Payments Resume After Government Shutdown

Now that the government shutdown has ended, Colorado is working to deliver 100% of November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments as quickly as possible to approximately 600,000 Coloradans, including 100,000 in Denver. In the meantime, those in need of support can call 211 to be connected with resources. Additional information on donations and volunteering is available at DenverGov.org/Food.

NEW: Sign Up for City News, Updates, and Neighborhood Information

The City has created a one-stop shop for community members to sign up for notifications on the topics that matter most to them. The website includes lists and links covering zoning, business licensing, event alerts, and agency newsletters. Browse the lists at denvergov.org/Signups.

Expired Registration and Temporary Tags Enforcement Starts November 15

The Denver Police Department (DPD) will begin a one-month initiative on November 15 to enforce expired vehicle registrations and temporary license plate violations. This is in response to ongoing community concerns and marks DPD’s fifth enforcement effort since last year.

To support this effort, DPD is temporarily and partially pausing a policy that restricts traffic stops for minor offenses. Police remind vehicle owners that standard registrations have a 30-day grace period after expiration, but temporary plates do not.

Residents can find registration and renewal information on the Denver Motor Vehicle website. Newly purchased or acquired vehicles must be registered in person at DMV offices, while renewals can be completed online or at a kiosk.

LeafDrop Program

Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has kicked off its annual LeafDrop program, giving residents a chance to compost their leaves instead of sending them to the landfill.

Through November 21, the following LeafDrop locations are open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m:


• Cherry Creek Transfer Station – 7301 E. Jewell Ave.
• Havana Nursery – 10450 Smith Rd. (enter on Smith Road)
• Central Platte Campus – 1271 W. Bayaud Ave.

Residents can download a coupon to receive a free five-pack of paper leaf bags at participating Ace Hardware stores. Leaves dropped off in plastic bags must be emptied on site.


To learn more about Denver’s LeafDrop Program, visit denvergov.org/leafdrop.

Schedule Changes for Trash, Recycling, and Compost Collection

Denver’s Solid Waste Management Division is adjusting collection schedules to align with upcoming staff schedules and holidays:

Thanksgiving Week (November 24–28)

• There will be no compost or recycling collection.
• All residents should set out their trash and large items by 6 a.m. on Monday, November 24. Collections will occur over a three-day workweek from Monday through Wednesday. 

Week of December 1

• Compost collection will resume.
• Recycling collection schedule will reset:
• Customers scheduled for recycling pickup during Thanksgiving week should set out carts the week of December 1, then every other week moving forward.
• Customers scheduled for recycling pickup the week of December 1 should set out carts the week of December 8, then every other week for the rest of the year. 

Updated collection schedules will be available the week of December 1 on the city’s website and Trash and Recycling App. Visit www.denvergov.org/trashschedule for more information.

New Start Time for Collections Effective immediately, all trash, recycling, compost, and large item pickup items must be placed at the curb by 6 a.m. on collection day. Setting carts out the night before is also acceptable.

Cherry Creek Recycling Center Closures

 The Cherry Creek Recycling Center will be closed from November 27 to December 1. 

Sign Up for Compost Service:

Now is a great time to sign up for compost collection, especially with seasonal yard and leaf waste on the way. Denver trash customers can enroll at no additional cost at www.denvergov.org/compost.

Shift2 Program Launched

The City of Denver is launching the Shift2 program, and you could earn up to $100 to shift trips away from driving. If you're 18 or older and live or work in Denver, challenge yourself to replace two drive-alone trips a week with walking, biking, carpooling, or transit for ten weeks.

To express your interest in the Shift2 incentive program, take a quick survey. The brief survey will determine your eligibility on multiple factors and help measure program impacts. You can challenge yourself to reduce your reliance on driving and earn cash for each non-driving trip. 

Property Tax Relief Program Open

Beginning today, the City and County of Denver is accepting applications for its annual Property Tax Relief Program. Qualified residents can apply for a refund on their 2024 property taxes until April 30, 2026.

Now managed by the Department of Housing Stability (HOST), the program provides financial assistance to older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income families.

The Denver Property Tax Relief Program offers a partial refund of property taxes paid—or the equivalent in rent—to qualifying residents of the City and County of Denver. This year, for the first time, applications can be submitted online at denvergov.org/propertytax. Refunds start at $372, with an average payment of around $1,000.

With more than 3,000 residents benefiting from the program last year, the city hopes to increase participation this year by expanding access through a new online application portal, available in both English and Spanish.

Learn more and see if you’re eligible at denvergov.org/propertytax.

Need help applying? Call or text:

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

Community Events & Meetings

LUN Town Hall With Elected Officials

Tuesday, November 18 | 7–8:30 p.m. | Eisenhower Chapel


Hear from local and state leaders—including Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer, Attorney General Phil Weiser, State Senator Matt Ball, and State Representative Sean Camacho—on the key issues facing our community. Todd Neff will moderate, and there will be plenty of time for your questions.

Learn more about the event here.

Windsor Gardens Seniors Resource Fair

The Denver City Council District 5 Office is hosting the annual Windsor Gardens Seniors Resource Fair on December 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CenterPoint (595 S Clinton St).

This free community event helps seniors navigate rising costs and provides information on benefits, housing, aging services, scam prevention, and more. This is an opportunity to meet with City and regional partners to learn about programs available to them as Denver and Colorado residents. Our partners will be able to answer general questions and refer you to resources for detailed application assistance. Please know, they will be unable to provide in person assistance with paperwork at the resource fair itself.

Participating partners include:

• Denver Human Services –SNAP and LEAP benefits
• Denver Office on Aging – support services for older adults
• Denver Department of Housing Stability – temporary rent and utility assistance, property tax rebates
• Denver District Attorney’s Office – guidance on avoiding financial scams
• Denver Regional Council of Governments – services for older adults and people with disabilities

Seniors can also access MyFriendBen, an online tool from Gary Community Ventures, to quickly explore which local, state, and federal programs they may qualify for. By answering a few questions about their household, residents receive a personalized report showing eligibility, potential benefits, and step-by-step instructions to apply at https://co.myfriendben.org.

Colfax Mayfair Business Improvement District Sip & Stroll

On Saturday, December 6 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., support local merchants, enjoy free wine and food tastings, shop holiday deals, and enter to win prizes at neighborhood shops.

How It Works

1. Start your Sip & Stroll at Park Hill Treasures or Marczyk Fine Foods where you’ll pick up your passport and register for prizes. (Bring your buddies for a cocktail or dinner afterwards. Pick up a gift card or make a reservation at a local eatery.)
2. Visit all 12 participating merchants for a passport stamp, free wine samples, bites from local eateries and holiday bargains.
3. Turn in your passport at Marczyk’s or Park Hill Treasures by 6 pm to enter the prize drawing.
4. Winners will be notified Dec. 7!

Learn more: colfaxmayfairbid.com/2025-12-06-sip-stroll

Parade of Lights Returns

The 9NEWS Parade of Lights, presented by the Downtown Denver Partnership, is back on December 6! This cherished holiday tradition will once again illuminate Downtown Denver with over 40 spectacular floats, giant balloons, marching bands, equestrian units, cultural showcases, and special appearances by Major Waddles the penguin and Santa Claus.


For more than 50 years, the Parade of Lights has spread holiday cheer to hundreds of thousands of families across Denver and Colorado. As a free event, the Parade welcomes the entire community.

View the parade route map:

For more information, visit winterindenver.com/parade.

Community Meeting for Montclair Playground Improvements

Located in east Denver, this project will replace Montclair Park's aging playground and surfacing with the design informed by a community engagement process.


Stop by Montclair Civic Building on December 9 between 5:30-7:00 p.m. to chat with the project team and review the final playground design. Please note that the playground is currently closed due to tree removal.

Cherry Creek Holiday Market

The Cherry Creek Holiday Market, located at Fillmore Plaza, will feature 40+ artisan vendors, live music, bars, food and other holiday-related entertainment from November 20-December 24. All are welcome to celebrate the holidays and help make Cherry Creek North Denver’s top holiday destination.

Event Activities Nov. 20-Dec. 24

-     Sun-Wed, 12pm – 7 p.m.

-     Thurs-Sat, 11 am – 9 p.m.

-     Thanksgiving & Christmas Eve, 12 p.m.-3 p.m.

Road Closures and Parking Restrictions

Fillmore Street between 1^st and 2^nd Avenue will be closed November 10 – December 31. Attendees are being encouraged to walk, park at Cherry Creek Shopping Center, or take public transportation or ride shares to the event to help alleviate traffic and parking congestion.

Find event details and updates at www.cherrycreekholidaymarket.com.

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