District 5 News

Fall Community Clean-Up Day

Residents of Denver City Council District 5 are invited to join Fall Community Clean-Up Day on Sunday, September 28 at 8:30 a.m. at Montclair Recreation Center to help revitalize our beloved public spaces. This biannual event welcomes neighbors of all ages to come together and enhance the beauty of our parks, trails, and bus stops.

Volunteers will pitch in by removing trash and debris, clearing overgrown vegetation, maintaining walking paths, and giving bus benches a fresh coat of paint—improving both the look and usability of our public spaces.

No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to lend a hand and make a difference. Whether you can volunteer for a short time or the whole morning, every effort counts. Families and students looking to earn volunteer hours are especially encouraged to participate.

A special thank you to Ace on the FAX at East Colfax Avenue and Poplar Street for supporting the event with discounted spray paint for the bus benches! Volunteers should dress for the weather and bring gloves if possible; all other tools and materials will be provided.

For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/FallCleanup2025, check our official website, or follow Denver City Council District 5 on social media.

Let’s work together to keep our community vibrant and beautiful!

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.

Shift2 Program Launching

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. 

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.

Ross-Cherry Creek branch Library Moving to Seven-Day-A-Week Schedule

To meet the needs of the surrounding communities, the Ross-Cherry Creek Branch Library will move to a seven-day-a-week service during the closures of several branches undergoing renovations starting October 4.

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!

Applications Now Open for the Denver Legacy Business Program

Applications are now open for the Denver Legacy Business Program, which recognizes and celebrates longstanding, independent businesses that contribute to community character. Businesses that have been operating for more than ten years are invited to apply.

This program supports Legacy Businesses with: 



• Tailored support and referrals to resources 
• Denver Legacy Business marketing & branding
• Inclusion in the Denver Legacy Business Registry and more!

Apply by Friday, September 26, and join the list of designated Denver Legacy Businesses including Little Man Ice Cream, Olive & Finch, Salon Joa, Shish Kabob Grill, El Taco de Mexico, The Horseshoe Lounge and so many more! Apply here: bit.ly/LegacyBusinessProgram  

Explore the Denver Legacy Business Registry: bit.ly/LegacyBusinessProgramRegistry

Community Spotlight

Dan Rockne, District Manager for Denver's Northeast Park District

This month, we're excited to spotlight Dan Rockne from Denver Parks & Recreation, ahead of our Fall Community Clean-Up Day. In his own words, John shared with District 5 his role and connection to our beloved parks: 

"I am Dan Rockne, District Manager for Denver’s Northeast Park District. I manage all park operations in NE Denver, encompassing over twenty-three hundred acres of parks, open space and trails, including the neighborhoods of Lowry, Windsor, Parkhill, E. Colfax, Central Park, Northfield, Montbello and Green Valley Ranch. At DPR we strive to ensure that all our parks and facilities are safe, operational, and beautiful year-round for the residents of Denver to enjoy."

Small Business Spotlight

GreenHouse by City Floral

City Floral has a new online shop called GreenHouse for expertly curated houseplants delivered to your door! Can't find what you're looking for online? Visit their flagship store at 1440 Kearney Street to explore the full selection.

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: Update on High Line Canal

WATCH: Welcome the International School of Denver

WATCH: Office Closures

WATCH: Denver's First Padle Court in District 5

WATCH: Waste Management Scheduling

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

September 15

• 4626 E Louisiana Ave
• 1717 E 39th Ave
• DURA Plan and Cooperation Agreement for 1717 E 39th Ave
• Rock Drill Urban Redevelopment Plan

September 22

• No public hearings

September 29

• No public hearings

October 6

• 800 15th St
• Park Renaming

October 13

• City closure for Indigenous People's Day–public hearing will take place on October 14

October 14

• 800 S Franklin St

October 20

• 1252 W Byers Pl

October 27

• No public hearings

Citywide News

Denver Public Schools Launches Diligent Community — A Modern Governance Tool!

Denver Public Schools launched Diligent Community, a new platform that is a progression from the previous platform, BoardDocs, and offers a one-stop destination for all board-related materials, including agendas, minutes and more. Board Work Sessions, Public Comment, and Regular Board meetings will continue to be streamed via Vimeo at https://vimeo.com/event/19525. 

LeafDrop Plans This Year

Denver’s LeafDrop program allows residents to dispose of their fall leaves in an environmentally friendly way. Each fall, Denver’s Office of the City Forester partners with Denver’s Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) and Ace Hardware to provide paper leaf bags and designated drop-off sites for Denver residents.

LeafDrop will be offered the weekend of November 8-9. In addition to the weekend drop sites, there will be weekday locations starting Monday, October 6, through Friday, November 21.

While LeafDrop locations were previously offered on three weekends, the need has been reduced with the expansion of composting.

More information will be available soon at 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.

Recycling Right | How Denver’s Recycling Process Gives New Life to Old Materials

Help Denver reach its environmental and waste diversion goals by recycling! Recycling keeps valuable items out of the landfill by putting them back into the production cycle and helps save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions when manufacturers use recycled materials.

So, how does recycling work in Denver? Denver Solid Waste acts as a collection agency and hauler, visiting residential homes and transporting their recyclables to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). At the MRF, items are sorted into individual categories such as glass bottles, aluminum cans, metals and rigid plastics. These products are then sold to companies and manufacturers who turn your recycled goods into new items. Here in Denver, recycled aluminum cans may be purchased by companies like the Ball Corporation and transformed into new cups and cans for Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche fans at Ball Arena.

Recycling properly can seem tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! Keep it simple by putting items like glass, aluminum, paper and cardboard directly in your recycling cart. These materials are simple to recycle and produce high-quality material for manufacturers to repurpose into new goods.

Customer Resources

• Learn more about how Denver turns your trash into treasure by visiting Denvergov.org/recycling.
• Watch our video about proper recycling practices in Denver.
• If you’re still not sure where something belongs, check out the Waste Directory.
• Ask a Solid Waste Management team member questions by signing up for a Cart Smart Chat.
• Download the Denver Trash and Recycling app on Google Play or the App Store for an on-the-go sorting reference. 

Help Shape Mental Health & Recovery Support in Denver

Caring for Denver was created and funded by Denver voters to invest in mental health and substance misuse solutions that reflect what our communities need most. Their work is shaped by what they hear from the community—and they want to hear from you!

Take a few minutes to complete this short survey and share what’s important to you. Whether you live or work in Denver, your voice matters.

👉 Take the Survey

📣 Please share widely with your networks!

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 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

Lowry Home Electrification & Electric Vehicle Show

The Lowry Climate Action Group is hosting an Electric Vehicle (EV) Show on September 16 at 6 p.m. in the Chapel parking lot, followed by a Home Electrification Presentation from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Go Electric Colorado (GEC), a volunteer nonprofit, will discuss how to electrify homes for health, environmental, and financial benefits. Topics include EVs, solar panels, induction stoves, heat pumps, and rebate programs. GEC will also offer personalized coaching to homeowners.

Exhibition Preview and Opening at Denver Art Museum

Andrea Carlson: A Constant Sky Friday, October 2, 2025

On Friday, October 3, 2025, the Denver Art Museum presents an exclusive preview and opening reception for A Constant Sky, the first museum survey of mixed-media artist Andrea Carlson (Ojibwe and European settler descent, b. 1979). RSVP by September 26 to: patronrelations@denverartmuseum.org. 

Neustadt Jewish Arts Festival Brings a Season of Culture to the Denver This Fall

The 18th annual Neustadt JAAMM Festival (Jewish Arts, Authors, Movies, and Music) at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center in Denver will run through October 12, 2025. This multicultural celebration features a diverse lineup of performances, visual art, and educational events through a Jewish cultural lens.

Highlights include:



• Bookstore open until September 27: Jewish-themed books available at JCC Denver.
• Wendy Shattil Art Gallery open until September 27.
• The Spice Detective on September 18: Middle Eastern spice workshop with food and cookbook signing.
• Jillith Fair on September 21: Tribute concert to late Denver-born musician Jill Sobule.
• Gary Gulman’s “Grandiloquent” September 26–27: One-man comedy show.
• Jerry’s Girls September 25–October 12: Musical tribute to composer Jerry Herman.

Tickets are available now, many using a sliding scale pricing model. Visit jccdenver.org/jaamm for tickets and more information.

Hilltop Halloween Festival is back for 2025!

Sunday, October 19th | 2–5 PM

Robinson Park

Get ready for a spooktacular afternoon of family fun at the Hilltop Halloween Festival! Join your neighbors 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.

Flexible volunteering with older adults in District 5!

Looking for a meaningful way to give back close to home? A Little Help is a nonprofit connecting neighbors to support older adults with rides, yard work, and friendly visits, small acts that make a big difference.

The organization currently serves around 100–150 older adults in and around District 5 and is seeking more local volunteers to meet growing demand.

Volunteering is flexible, individuals choose how and when to help. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, including kids and teens. Whether someone is volunteering alone, with a partner, or as a family, there’s a way to get involved together.

After signing up and completing a background check, volunteers receive access to A Little Help’s online portal where they can view and accept requests that fit their schedule.

This year, A Little Help is celebrating 20 years of helping older Coloradans stay independent, connected, and thriving in the homes they love, all thanks to volunteers.

Get involved today at alittlehelp.org/Volunteer

Denver Resilient Landscapes Pop Up Events

The Denver Resilient Landscapes team is coming to a neighborhood near you this summer! Visit the District 5 pop-up event on September 11 at Cherry Creek North to learn about resilient landscaping, share your input, and enjoy sweet treats.

For more information, visit: DenverGov.org/landscape

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 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. 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