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.

Xcel Energy Construction Underway for Underground Transmission Line Replacement

Xcel Energy is replacing the six-mile-long Leetsdale-Monroe-Elati underground transmission line in central and southeast Denver to meet growing energy demands and improve system reliability. The work will involve temporary road and sidewalk closures, detours, and routine construction impacts. Crews will work Monday–Saturday, with occasional evening or Sunday shifts as needed. This project will have a significant impact on residents of District 5.



A temporary road closure is in effect on East Dakota Avenue between South Hudson Street and South Grape Street until January 5. The road will be accessible to residential traffic during the December 25 and January 1 holidays.


During construction, there may be times when temporary restrictions to driveway access are required. If this becomes necessary, a construction representative will contact residents in advance to coordinate directly, minimizing disruption and restoring access as quickly as possible. Xcel Energy encourages residents and commuters to plan ahead for alternate routes and adjust street parking during this period.

For more information about current road closures and schedule changes, visit xcelenergytransmission.com/projects/leetsdale-elati.

Vote! The 2025 Denver-est Denver Awards

Cast your vote for the 2025 Denver-est Denver Awards in celebration of the people, places, and things that make living in Denver so amazing. Submissions have been narrowed down to five finalists in each of our six categories. (Preference was given to the highest number of nominations, then to the most persuasive testimonials when the raw numbers were close).

We're thrilled that Lowry is a finalist for Best Neighborhood/Street—a place with a strong sense of community and a unique identity that captures what makes Denver great. Vote now to help Lowry claim the title by December 15!

Submit Your Ideas for The People's Budget

The People’s Budget is Denver’s participatory budgeting program, where the community invests a portion of taxpayer dollars to neighborhood projects supporting critical needs relating to housing and homelessness, climate resiliency, pedestrian safety, food access and more. 

YOU get to decide how to spend $2 Million for Denver, and $1 million is just for projects in Near Southeast Denver!   

We want your ideas for neighborhood infrastructure projects that would improve your community. What’s infrastructure? Think physical items that serve the community—playgrounds, trails, trees, crosswalks, benches, and more!   

If Denver is your community, then you can submit a project idea. The top ideas will advance to the community ballots next fall and the winners will be constructed by the City. Who knows, your great idea could become a reality!  

Learn more at www.Denvergov.org/DenverPB and check out projects that have won in the past. Or, head online to submit your idea now!  

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

Here’s how:



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

Denver Water Pipe Replacement and Lead Reduction Program Underway

Water main replacements are ongoing throughout District 5. Denver Water replaces water mains for various reasons, including repairing or avoiding main breaks, replacing corroded pipe, alleviating water quality problems, increasing available hydrant flow and improving area delivery.

Pipe Replacement Projects:

• (Hilltop) Orange Ct between E 4th Ave & E 5th Ave
• (Montclair) N Ivanhoe St between E Severn Pl & E 6th Avenue Pkwy

Lead Reduction Program Work Areas:

• (Hale) From Colorado Blvd to N Holly St, between E 8th Ave & E 6th Avenue Pkwy

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

Hilarie Portell, Executive Director at Colfax Mayfair Business Improvement District

I’ve lived and worked in Denver, and particularly East Denver, for much of my career. I love Colfax Avenue, the hardy businesses that line it and the neighborhoods we serve. Every building on Colfax has a history and many stories, and I delight in learning them and working with the people involved to write the next chapters. The transformation underway on Colfax today is generational. The modern transit, new lighting, trees and crosswalks will make it safer, more welcoming and easier for everyone to get around. Many economic factors weigh heavily on our business owners right now. They are an incredibly resilient bunch, and many have here for decades. We all deeply appreciate the support of our councilmembers and neighbors. Every dollar you spend on Colfax stays on our street. Let’s make it better and better together!  

Watch for Colfax Mayfair BID news and events on Facebook or Instagram. You can also sign up for a quarterly e-newsletter here.

Small Business Spotlight

Tessa Delicatessen

Tessa Delicatessen is known for its elevated take on classic deli fare, first introduced at its East Colfax location in 2019. Founded by a Los Angeles couple who moved to Colorado to raise their children and be closer to family, Tessa quickly gained a loyal following with its fresh, house-made ingredients. The menu highlights sandwiches, soups, and salads, with favorites like the “OG Italian,” the savory “Brisket Dipper,” breakfast burritos, and the much-loved carrot cake.

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: Colorado Gives Day

WATCH: Montclair Playground Community Meeting

WATCH: Small Business Saturday

WATCH: Trash and Recycling Schedule Changes

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

December 15

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

Week of December 22

• No hearings due to holidays

Week of December 29

• No hearings due to holidays

January 5

• 1100 Lafayette St

January 12

• City of Cuernavaca Park
• 8250 E 40th Ave

Citywide News

Sidewalk Snow Shoveling Reminders

Snow is here! To help keep our city’s walks safe and accessible during the winter months, Denver residents and businesses are responsible for clearing snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their property. From mail carriers to neighbors walking their dogs, many use public sidewalks every day, and timely shoveling ensures we can all do so safely. Denver requires that property owners clear snow and ice from sidewalks after a snowfall. Residents and business owners are encouraged to shovel as soon as it is practical and safe. 

Here are a few tips: 

• Shovel early – It’s a lot easier to shovel two inches of snow than five, and shoveling early doesn’t give the snow a chance to bond to surfaces. You’ll also get the snow off the sidewalk or your driveway before people walk on it, which could compact the snow even more.  
• Shovel snow into your yard, away from the gutter, roadways and bike lanes, so snow plows don’t push it right back onto your sidewalk. 
• Don’t forget bus stops, if one is located on or adjacent to your property.  
• Help your neighbors! If you have a neighbor who can’t shovel snow because of health issues, maybe you can shovel their sidewalk after you’ve done yours. 



As a rule of thumb, the city recommends that businesses clear sidewalks within a few hours of the end of a snowfall, and residences clear sidewalks within one day of the end of snowfall.

Sign Up for Denver Snow Angels

Denver Snow Angels is program to assist community members in Denver who are physically unable to shovel their front sidewalks, including adjacent ADA ramps and bus stops, during the cold winter months. This is a volunteer-based initiative created to connect neighbors with one another and to prevent possible fines for non-compliance with city ordinance.

Sign up to be a Snow Angel, or register your home if you need help at denvergov.org/snowangels. Together, we can make Denver a safer and more accessible city this winter!

SNAP and Medicaid Eligibility Updates

New federal legislation has changed SNAP and Medicaid eligibility for some Denver Human Services customers:

Changes to SNAP are now in effect and changes to Medicaid will be implemented no earlier than December 31, 2026.

For additional information, including a list of groups NOT impacted by new work requirements, visit denvergov.org/foodcashmedical.

Shop, Eat, Play Local: Invest in Our Community This Holiday Season

Denver Economic Development and Opportunity, Visit Denver, and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce are coming together to encourage the support of small local businesses this holiday season and all-year round.

Whether you are finishing up your holiday shopping or looking for a new small business or local restaurant to discover, you are doing more than just buying a gift or a meal—you are investing directly in your community. In fact, according to the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, 76 cents of every dollar spent in the City and County of Denver stays in the City and County of Denver, helping to support local jobs and small business owners. 

Visit denvergov.org/shoplocal to get started!

Recycle Your Holiday Lights

Don’t throw out those broken, burned-out or impossibly tangled holiday lights you stored away with last year’s decorations. Recycle them instead, for FREE, through Denver’s holiday lights recycling program!

Accepted for Drop-off:

• Light strings and wires for incandescent, LED, and "icicle" lights
• Attached bulbs okay

Not Accepted for Drop-off:

• Bubble (liquid-filled) or neon lights
• Packaging material
• Plastic Bags
• Cardboard Boxes

Drop-off Locations:

1. Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-off

• Located near the intersection of S. Quebec St. and E. Cherry Creek South Drive. Enter going south on Cherry Creek Dr. South (follow the signs).
• Tuesday-Friday: 9am-12pm and 1pm-4:30pm (closed 12-1pm), Saturday: 8am-12pm and 1pm-3pm (closed 12-1pm)
• Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and City holidays

2. Blue Star Recyclers 

• Located at 953 Decatur St. (Suite C), Denver, CO 80204
• Drop off Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Closed on Sundays
• Blue Star will be closed December 24 - January 1; the drop site will reopen Friday, January 2.

Property Tax Relief Program Open

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

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

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

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

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

Need help applying? Call or text:

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

Community Events & Meetings

Virtual Blood Drive in January

This January, in recognition of National Blood Donor Month, my office is partnering with Lowry’s Vitalant Blood Donation Center for our fifth annual blood drive. Our goal is to collect at least 10 donations this month—enough to save up to 30 lives.

To donate between January 1–31, visit bit.ly/D5BloodDrive2026 to reserve an appointment.

You’re Invited to Our Annual Community Open House! 

To connect residents directly with City staff, we’re hosting our annual Community Open House on Tuesday, February 10, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. in the George Washington High School Library. Attendees can park in the north parking lot and follow the signs to the library entrance. Stop by to speak with project leaders and get an inside look at what’s planned for our neighborhoods in 2026!

Agency partners include:

• Denver Police Department
• Denver Fire Department
• Department of Transportation & Infrastructure
• Denver Water
• Denver Parks & Recreation
• Denver Department of Housing Stability
• Xcel Energy

At the Open House, you’ll have the chance to get answers to many of your most common questions, including:

• What is the construction schedule for the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project?
• Will the Xcel construction affect my block?
• Is my home included in Denver Water’s Lead Reduction Program?
• How do I dispute a parking ticket?
• Is my street scheduled for repaving this year?

We hope you’ll join us for this informative and collaborative event! More details will come in the New Year.

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 until December 24. All are welcome to celebrate the holidays and help make Cherry Creek North Denver’s top holiday destination!

Event Activities:

• Sun-Wed, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Thurs-Sat, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Thanksgiving and 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