District 5 News

Thanks to Everyone Who Attended Fall Community Clean-Up Day!

Nearly 100 residents came together for Fall Community Clean-Up Day last month on September 28, refreshing 10 parks and 15 bus benches to make our shared spaces cleaner, brighter, and more welcoming for everyone. Thank you to all the volunteers who made it happen! We look forward to Spring Community Clean-Up Day next year.

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.

Denver’s Upcoming Coordinated Election on November 4

Don’t miss Denver’s Coordinated Election on Tuesday, November 4! Every election impacts our neighborhoods, our schools, and the priorities we set as a community. Your voice is a powerful force in deciding what comes next for District 5.


Voter Registration and Status

If you’re unsure about your voter registration status or need to update your information, visit bit.ly/DenverVotingStatus. Registered voters will automatically receive their ballots by mail about three weeks before Election Day. Ballots can be returned by mail or at one of the city’s 24-hour drop-off boxes. Replacement or accessible ballots are available at Voter Service and Polling Centers at bit.ly/AccessibleBallot.

For real-time updates, sign up for BallotTrax to track your ballot from mailing to counting at bit.ly/BallotTraxSignUp.

Casting Your Vote in District 5

We are lucky to have a number of voting locations within Council District 5. You can use a 24-hour drop box, drive through a polling center to hand your ballot to an election worker, or enter a building and get assistance with a ballot issue directly from an election worker!

24-hour Drop Box Locations

• Montclair Recreation Center, 729 N. Ulster Way
• Windsor Gardens, 595 S. Clinton St.
• Ross - Cherry Creek Branch Library, 305 N. Milwaukee St.

In-Person Voter Service Centers and Drive Thru’s

• In-Person Days and Times
• Monday, Nov. 3: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 4: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• District 5 Locations
• Montclair Recreation Center, 729 N. Ulster Way, Multipurpose Room
• Christ Church United Methodist, 690 N. Colorado Ave., Fellowship Hall

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office if there is anything we can do to assist you.

Budget Better Denver

Do you find Denver’s annual budget process hard to follow or wish you had more opportunities to ensure your priorities are reflected in the final budget? Council members Amanda Sawyer, Stacie Gilmore, and Shontel Lewis hear your concerns.

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.

Join us for the Budget Better Denver Town Hall on November 5, 2025 at 5 p.m. to learn about these proposed changes and share your own questions, ideas, and concerns about Denver’s budget process.

CherryArts Won the Gold Grand Pinnacle Award!

Congratulations to CherryArts for winning the Gold Grand Pinnacle Award for the second year in a row, a true testament to their creativity, vision, and lasting impact on our community!

Pedestrian Crossings and Stop Signs Around Tailwind Park

Freshly painted pedestrian crossings and new stop signs around Tailwind Park in Lowry are now in place, helping to keep pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers safer.

Denver Police Department Community Cares Coat Drive

Denver Police Department is holding a coat drive through October 23 to help Denver residents in need stay warm this winter. Donate any new or gently used winter coats at any Denver Police District Station.

To find a station near you, visit denvergov.org/police.

Monaco Bridge Construction Updates

Work continues on the western half of the Monaco Parkway bridge over Cherry Creek, with traffic using the realigned Monaco Parkway travel lanes on the newly-constructed eastern half of the bridge. The Cherry Creek Trail under Monaco Parkway will fully close until late fall for bridge reconstruction.


Traffic Impacts

• Monaco Parkway remains one lane each direction through the work zone.
• Cherry Creek Drives east of Monaco Parkway stay open with right-in/right-out access only; no left turns.
• North Cherry Creek Drive (west of Monaco Parkway) is fully closed; use Kearney St and Mississippi Ave for detours.
• Pedestrian crossings on both sides of the bridge are closed — use Mississippi Ave or Florida Ave to cross safely.
• Speed limit reduced to 30 mph in the construction zone. Drivers are urged to slow down and watch for workers.

Trail Detour

Trail users will be redirected up to Monaco Parkway, cross at Florida Avenue, and rejoin the trail on the opposite side.

Construction on the High Line Canal

Windsor residents, we heard your concerns about removing old-growth trees along the High Line Canal to expand walkways, so Denver Parks and Recreation has developed a new plan to preserve them. Construction will begin in November, with estimated completion in 2026. Thank you for your patience as we work to enhance our beautiful High Line Canal!

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.

Where:



1. Holly Street between East 6th and East 11th avenues.
2. Hudson Street between East 6th and East 8th avenues.
3. Ivanhoe Street between East 6th Avenue and Severn Place.

Project communications: Denver Water mailed the attached notification to residents in the neighborhood, with additional communications sent out for each phase. Door hangers will be delivered to impacted properties before the start of construction and before any planned water outages. 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

Suzanna Fry Jones, CEO of High Line Canal Conservancy

The High Line Canal Conservancy announced Suzanna Fry Jones as its next CEO! A visionary leader with over a decade at the Conservancy, she succeeds founding CEO Harriet Crittenden LaMair, who is stepping down after 11 years of transformational leadership.

“It’s an honor to step into this role and build on the extraordinary legacy Harriet has shaped over the past decade," Jones said. "I’m inspired by the strength of the partnerships and the commitment of the countless communities across the region that have brought us this far. With a dedicated board, a smart and passionate staff, and an engaged community, I look forward to deepening our collective impact to ensure the Canal remains a vibrant, protected, and welcoming resource for generations to come.”

Small Business Spotlight

La Vista Motel

The historic La Vista Motel at 5500 E. Colfax, originally built in 1956, is set to reopen this fall following a full 1960s-style renovation by developer Nathan Beal. The 23-room property showcases vintage-inspired décor, colorful Colorado-themed art, and retro appliances. Guests can also visit El Piñon coffee shop and bar or unwind in the cozy downstairs venue called Grandma’s Basement.

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: Denver's LeafDrop Program

WATCH: Crestmoor Park Construction

WATCH: Fall Community Clean-Up Day

WATCH: Taste of Mayfair

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

October 20

• 1252 W Byers Pl

October 27

• 2026 City Budget

November 3

• No hearings scheduled

November 10

• 890 Grove St

Citywide News

Denver Water Update: How to Spot a Fake Utility Worker

Denver Water is raising awareness about scammers posing as utility workers to deceive and exploit residents. These impostors may knock on doors claiming to be from Denver Water, offering services like lead testing, requesting cash payments or attempting to gain access to homes under false pretenses. Denver Water employees typically only visit homes to alert residents of an emergency like a water main break or a major construction project that will impact their street.

Outside of Denver Water's Lead Reduction Program – which requires the utility's workers and contractors to go inside a home to inspect and replace customer-owned lead service lines – Denver Water employees rarely go inside a home. If they do, it's typically in response to the resident's call to Denver Water to initiate or schedule service.

Be aware that residents may also receive emails that appear to be from Denver Water, asking them to click on a link that takes users to what appears to be Denver Water’s website — but the site is fake and intended to collect payment or personal information. Denver Water will never send an email asking customers to provide any type of payment or personal information.

One of the best ways to identify a Denver Water employee is to look for a white vehicle, clearly marked with the blue Denver Water logo. Make sure to check for the Denver Water logo on clothing and hats, and always ask to see an employee identification card.

Homeowners can also contact Denver Water Customer Care at 303-893-2444 to verify if an employee has been dispatched to their home. Call 911 if you feel threatened.

For more information, visit Denver Water’s TAP article: How to Spot a Scam or a Fake Water Worker.

Apply for the Citizen Oversight Board

The Denver City Council is taking applications to fill a vacancy on the Citizen Oversight Board. The board is an essential part of Denver’s independent system of civilian oversight of law enforcement. It is responsible for ensuring that the Office of the Independent Monitor effectively monitors the discipline process for the city’s uniformed law enforcement personnel. It selects and manages the head of that office, and it issues recommendations on various public safety issues. The Citizen Oversight Board also gives an annual report to the Mayor and City Council and regularly engages with the community.

This position will fill the remainder of a term for a vacated seat and will be eligible to seek an additional term in February 2027. Term lengths are four years.

To apply, Complete the online application by November 2.

Free Legal Resource Day on October 23

Denver’s legal community is mobilizing for Free Legal Resource Day on Thursday, October 23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1437 Bannock Street. Free Legal Resource Day is an annual, community-centered event where lawyers, judges, and legal professionals answer questions and provide resources to the public.

One-on-One Legal Consultations:

• 30-minute sessions with volunteer attorneys
• Civil legal issues addressed on the spot
• No appointment fees, no follow-up costs

Essential Legal Education Classes (choose from online or in-person sessions):

• Eviction 101 – Know and protect your housing rights
• Protection Orders – Navigate the filing process 
• Divorce and Custody – Understand your options
• Small Claims – Represent yourself effectively
• Estate Planning – Secure your family's future

Community Resource Hub:

• Local organizations providing ongoing support and services.

Learn more here.

LeafDrop Program Kicks Off

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.


Weekend drop site will open Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:


• Cherry Creek Transfer Station – 7301 E. Jewell Ave.
• Bruce Randolph High School – E. 40th Ave. and Steele St.
• Kennedy High School – Newland St. and Brown Pl.
• Sloan’s Lake Northwest Parking Lot – W. Byron Pl. and Yates St.
• Veterans Park – S. Vine St. and E. Iowa 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.

Property Tax Relief Program

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 at 1-844-926-6632
• CARE Center at 303-838-1200

Community Events & Meetings

Take Part in a Neighborhood Engagement Workshop!

Join council members Paul Kashmann and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez as part of their efforts to engage with the community to revise Denver's Registered Neighborhood Organization (RNO) Ordinance and reshape how neighborhoods engage with Denver city staff, agencies, and elected officials.

Take part in an interactive discussion about improving support for Denver’s neighborhoods. Use your voice to help change Denver policy! ALL ARE WELCOME—no experience or expertise necessary. Light dinner will be provided!

Date: Wednesday, October 15

Time: 6–8 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30)

Location: Cook Park Recreation Center (7100 Cherry Creek S Dr, Denver, CO 80224)

RSVP at linktr.ee/yourcityyourvoice.

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.

Hilltop Halloween Festival is back for 2025!

Get ready for a spooktacular afternoon of family fun at the Hilltop Halloween Festival! Join your neighbors on Sunday, October 19 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Robinson Park for a fang-tastic day filled with:

• Costume parade & fun contest for pets
• Trick-or-treat stations & sweet surprises
• Live entertainment and ghoulish games
• Food trucks & festive drinks
• Pumpkin patch photo ops

This is a kid-friendly, community event designed to bring families together in the spirit of fall. Whether you come dressed as a witch, superhero, or your favorite spooky creature, you’ll leave with magical memories.

Admission is free! Bring your friends, family, and Halloween spirit.

The Lowry Speaker Series Returns with Carlotta Walls LaNier

The Lowry Foundation is hosting Carlotta Walls LaNier, the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine, for a speaker series on October 21 at 7.p.m. LaNier will share her story and highlights from her book, A Mighty Long Way – My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School. This event is open to all ages and is free but registration is strongly encouraged using this link.

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