District 5 News

Changes to Our Office Phone System

The City has updated our phone system, and we no longer use landlines. Unfortunately, this transition hasn't been as smooth as we would have hoped. If you have recently tried to phone us and we did not answer or call you back, please be sure to leave a voicemail for us, otherwise we will never have a record that you called.

We understand this may make it more challenging to reach us, and we are as frustrated as you are about it! Again, we encourage you to leave a voicemail so that we receive notification that you called. The best way to reach us remains to email us at DenverCouncil5@DenverGov.org. Our team will respond as soon as possible! We apologize for this inconvenience.

2025 Annual Survey Analysis

I’m pleased to share the results of the 2025 annual survey and want to thank everyone for taking the time to provide feedback. This year, 1,347 District 5 residents took part. Crime and safety was the top concern, followed by traffic and mobility infrastructure, and the cost of living. I’m grateful for the broad representation from across the District and remain committed to addressing each of these priorities.

While meaningful progress has been made, there is still important work ahead. Please feel free to contact our office with any questions, ideas, or ways we can support you. I value your engagement and am honored to serve the people of District 5.

Xcel Energy is replacing the aging six-mile 230-kilovolt Leetsdale-Monroe-Elati underground transmission line in central and southeast Denver to meet growing electricity demand. The new project will install a larger, more modern cable system to improve reliability.

Because the existing line runs beneath heavily trafficked roads like Leetsdale Drive and Speer Boulevard, it cannot be rebuilt in place due to safety and construction constraints. The proposed new route avoids major roadways to allow for safer construction, operation, and maintenance.

Due to construction, there's temporarily a road closure on E. Cedar Avenue between S. Elm Street and S. Dahlia Street until mid-February. The E. Cedar Avenue/S. Eudora Street intersection is also temporarily closed during this period.

Starting on February 16, S. Ivy Street's current soft closure will change to a temporary hard closure to all traffic between E. Dakota Avenue and E. Virginia Avenue. There is also a temporary closure on E. Ellsworth Avenue between Colorado Boulevard and S. Jackson Street. The closures are anticipated through the end of February.

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.

Denver Water Pipe Replacement and Lead Reduction Programs Continue in District 5

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.

Planned Pipe Replacement Projects

• North Pontiac Street between East Colfax Avenue and East 13th Avenue
• South Locust Street and South Leyden Street between East Alameda Avenue and East Virginia Avenue
• East Virginia Avenue between South Leyden Street and South Locust Street

Lead Reduction Program Work Areas

• Montclair in progress

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

East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Construction Almost at the Halfway Point

The East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project aims to improve reliable, safe, and sustainable transit along the East Colfax corridor from Broadway to I-225. The project includes upgraded stations, enhanced amenities, and better pedestrian and bike connections.

The Cherry Street Station arch is now up, marking the halfway point of station arch construction for the project, and the overall project construction is approximately 40% complete.

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

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

Patrick Riley From Vibrant Bond Program Manager

Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Patrick has proudly called the Denver metro area home since 2006. With a strong foundation in general contracting, he brought his expertise to the City and County of Denver in 2012 as a Project Manager. Driven by a passion for public service, Patrick is motivated by the opportunity to improve the daily experiences of residents and visitors through meaningful, high-impact projects.

Throughout his career, he has played a key role in delivering some of Denver’s most transformative and high-profile initiatives across both vertical and horizontal infrastructure. Notable projects include Red Rocks Amphitheater, the revitalization of Brighton Boulevard, and the National Western Center campus redevelopment, each project contributing to the city’s evolving landscape.

In 2025, Patrick was selected to develop and lead the Vibrant Denver Bond office, serving as Program Manager.  He was heavily involved in the creation of the Bond Program, facilitating both the Arts and Culture Subcommittee and the Executive Committee. As the program now moves into implementation he is responsible for overseeing the development of the projects, through design, and construction, he will be the central point of accountability for the Vibrant Denver Bond Program.

Outside of work, Patrick is a devoted husband and proud father of two teenagers. A lifelong sports fan and live music enthusiast, he can often be found enjoying the energy of downtown Denver.

Small Business Spotlight

The Hermitage Bookshop

Founded in 1973, The Hermitage Bookshop is Denver’s oldest independent bookstore, located in Cherry Creek North at the southeast corner of 3rd and Fillmore. The shop specializes in high-quality used, rare, collectible, and antiquarian books, with a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction.

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: Budget Transparency


WATCH: Community Open House Reminder

WATCH: Property Tax Statements Online

WATCH: You're Invited: Community Open House

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 is one open rezoning in District 5 at 2625 East 3rd Avenue in Cherry Creek. For more information on the proposed zoning change, visit the Community Planning and Development website.

Upcoming Public Hearings 

*dates are subject to change

February 16

• No hearing in observance of Presidents Day

February 17

• Mini Bundle Text Amendment
• 1965 Verbena St

February 23

• 12150 E Andrews Drive
• 1620, 1625, 1675 E 35th Ave, 3532, 3580 N Franklin St & 3558 N Gilpin St (Tramway)
• 2001 S Acoma St

March 2

• W 32nd Ave
• Southwest Area Plan

March 9

• 4631 Josephine St

Citywide News

Denver Transitions to Online Property Tax Statements

New in 2026, the City and County of Denver is moving property tax statements online at denvergov.org/property. This transition is more sustainable and offers a number of benefits to residents, though we found the process to be a bit cumbersome:

• Taxpayers can now see multiple years of property tax statements 
• Taxpayers can easily pay taxes on the same webpage
• Taxpayers will have a digital copy of their tax statement, which can be downloaded, saved, and emailed 
• Taxpayers no longer need to contact the city to request copies of lost statements 
• Denver saves 500,000 pieces of paper and $100,000 in mailing costs each year

Visit any Denver Library location for free internet and printers if you have trouble accessing your property tax statement online from home. For property tax rebate programs and help with taxes or statements, please visit denvergov.org/propertytaxes or call 3-1-1.

Taxes can still be paid online, by mail, or in-person at the Webb Building (201 W Colfax Ave). For questions, please call 311.

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

Denver International Airport and CU Boulder Partner on 

New Quarterly Travel Index Survey

Denver International Airport (DEN), in partnership with the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business - Business Research Division, announced the launch of a new quarterly survey designed to measure travel sentiment and demand. The findings will inform the newly established Denver International Airport Travel Index, serving as a barometer and a recurring snapshot of near-term expectations for business, leisure and personal travel for the airport’s use.

Quarterly survey results will be compiled into the DEN Travel Index and collected long-term. Insights from the research are expected to serve as a leading indicator of near-future travel behavior and will complement other DEN research used to evaluate air service demand, new route development and enhance understanding of DEN’s passengers. It will also provide insights into macroeconomic factors that may influence travel habits and impact travel demand.

DEN invites participation from travelers across Colorado and neighboring states who travel through DEN. Participants who complete the survey will be asked to continue participating on a quarterly basis. The survey will remain available through February 27.

Denver Prepares for Statewide DMV Technology Upgrade

The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is upgrading its statewide system, affecting all Denver DMV locations. The update will improve the public e-services platform, myDMV, and CO MV Express kiosks in grocery and retail outlets, offering customers a smoother way to manage driver and vehicle services.

The new system will provide a secure, logged-in customer portal with a dashboard for managing vehicles, licenses, personal information, and DMV correspondence, creating a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for Coloradans.

To implement the upgrade, temporary closures will occur. Online and kiosk services will be unavailable until the relaunch on Tuesday, February 17. All DMV offices will close for Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 16, with Denver offices also closed February 17–18 for staff training. Regular operations in Denver are expected to resume Thursday, February 19.

Learn more about the state’s upgrade and new features here: https://dmv.colorado.gov/mydmv.

Civil Service Commission Opening

The City Council of the City and County of Denver is seeking candidates for consideration to serve on the Denver Civil Service Commission. The commission is responsible for administering the testing process for entry-level and promotional positions within the Denver Police and Fire Departments, policy administration, and hearing disciplinary appeals of classified members, and endeavors to certify the best qualified candidates for employment and promotions who represent the diversity of the Denver community.


Interested candidates can submit an online application by Sunday, March 1, 2026.

New Public Licensing Hearings Calendar and Signup Notifications Coming Soon

The Department of Licensing & Consumer Protection has made several improvements to how residents and business operators are notified about public licensing hearings. Over the past year, these changes have reduced unnecessary hearings for unopposed liquor and marijuana license applications, saving both staff and customers time.

In addition, the public hearings calendar has been enhanced to provide clear information on applications and opportunities to participate. The updated calendar at denvergov.org/licensehearings now features two dashboards: one showing applications eligible for a hearing with instructions for submitting requests, and another displaying scheduled hearings along with details on accommodations such as evening hearings, continuances, and translation or accessibility support.


Coming soon, there will also be a signup page for residents to indicate their interest in receiving notifications about license applications in their neighborhood. Solutions will be developed based on the level of interest expressed by residents. Technology Services is also working on a similar process with Community Planning and Development for zoning change notifications.

Denver Developing Sidewalk Implementation Plan

The City and County of Denver is creating its first Sidewalk Implementation Plan, a roadmap for repairing, widening, and building sidewalks citywide. The plan will prioritize projects, outline construction and repair work for the next six years, and establish a long-term strategy for a complete sidewalk network.

Development will occur in three phases through the end of 2026: assessing the current sidewalk network, identifying the work and resources needed, and planning the steps to achieve a fully connected network.

Denver residents are invited to take part in the first step of the Sidewalk Improvement Program by reviewing the State of the System Report and completing a brief survey, open through mid-March, at www.denvergov.org/SOTS.

Stay updated by signing up for notifications or visiting the city’s website.

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!

Community Events & Meetings

LUN Town Hall on Water and Fire

Lowry United Neighborhoods (LUN) is hosting an event on March 10 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Eisenhower Chapel about how to conserve water and prevent fires. As Denver becomes drier, the event will focus on maintaining beautiful, climate-resilient yards and improving home fire safety. Residents will also have the opportunity to hear directly from city officials and ask questions.

Night Moves Program at Montclair Recreation Center

Denver Parks and Recreation is hosting a Night Moves at Montclair Recreation Center, giving teens a safe space to create, play, and connect–featuring open gym, music production, live DJs, sports tournaments, free food, and prizes.

The program that will start on Friday, March 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will be held every 2nd and 4th Friday of each month until the Winter.

Winter Social With Bellevue Hale Neighborhood Association

Join Mayfair Neighbors Inc. and Bellevue Hale Neighborhood Association for The Winter Neighborhood Social on Thursday, February 26, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The W (5001 East Colfax Avenue).

It's a great opportunity to meet your neighbors and enjoy delicious food!

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