District 5 News

Potential Creation of a General Improvement District (GID) in Cherry Creek

Today is the last day to share your feedback via the community survey!

My office is facilitating community conversations to hear your feedback on the possible creation of a General Improvement District (GID) in Cherry Creek, as recommended by the 2012 Cherry Creek Area Plan. Please take the community survey by today at: Bit.ly/CCGIDSurvey. The survey is only open to residents, business and property owners in Cherry Creek.

A letter written by neighborhood leaders encourages residents to take the survey to allow the process to continue and reminds residents that you will also have a say via your vote in the November 2026 election. Click here to read that letter.

All recordings from previous information session meetings can be found on our website: denvergov.org/CCGID.

What is a General Improvement District?

• A GID is a special district that is established to fund enhancements to an area, like security, placemaking, pedestrian lighting, and infrastructure.
• The study area of this GID proposal applies to the Cherry Creek statistical neighborhood, which is bordered by 6th Avenue to Alameda Avenue and University Boulevard to Colorado Boulevard.
• All property owners in a GID agree to tax themselves to fund improvements to a specified area.
• Property owners and all registered voters in Cherry Creek would have the final say on the creation of a GID by voting for or against it.

Learn more at: denvergov.org/CCGID

If you have questions, please contact us at: CCGID@denvergov.org

2025 District 5 Vibrant Denver Bond Project Requests List

The Vibrant bond Executive Committee is meeting weekly to consider all projects submitted to them by various subcommittees. The Mayor's Office and the Department of Finance were at City Council on Wednesday, June 11 to provide an update. Click here to watch that meeting.

My Office has requested these improvements to be included in the 2025 Vibrant Denver bond package:

Parks

• Winston Downs Pocket Park (land acquisition and construction)
• Ben Bezoff Park Playground Replacement
• Manley Park Playground Replacement and Picnic Table Renovations
• Lindsley Park Tennis Court Renovations, Playground Replacement, and Construction of a Dog Park
• Burns Park Statue Renovations (Black Abstract Line Statue Dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr and the Untitled Yellow Circle Statue)
• Emporia Park (Design and Construction)
• Denison Park Playground Replacement
• Implementation of the 2018 Cherry Creek Area Greenway Plan

Transportation Infrastructure

• Mid-block Bike Path Underpass - Leetsdale Drive between the Xcel substation and George Washington High School & Greenway
• Roundabout Reconstruction and Traffic Calming Measures on Lowry Boulevard
• Underpass for Highline Canal at South Dayton Street
• Fairmount Drive / Valentia Street Traffic Calming
• Traffic Study Implementation (6th Ave, 8th Ave, Uinta Way, Exposition Ave, and Holly St)
• Intersection Improvements at 1st & Steele
• Intersection Improvements and Gateway Construction at 1st & University
• Alameda Road Safety Audit Implementation
• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at Dayton & Emporia
• 13th & 14th Traffic Calming - Return to Two-way East of Colorado Boulevard

Public Safety

• Red Light Cameras (E Colfax Ave & Colorado Blvd, 1st Ave & Colorado Blvd, Monaco Pkwy & E Alameda Ave, Monaco Pkwy & Leetsdale Dr, Lowry Blvd & Quebec St, and 14th Ave & Quebec St)

Public Buildings

• New Police District in East Denver (land acquisition and construction)

Stay tuned as we learn which projects the Executive Committee chooses to include in the bond package. Learn more about the Vibrant Denver bond package at denvergov.org/vibrantbond.

#WeBackTheFax

Work is underway on the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, aimed at improving reliable, safe and sustainable transit along the corridor, and is set to start in District 5 this summer. Visit the project website to learn more about the improvements happening along the corridor and to sign up for notifications.

East Colfax Avenue businesses are open! This summer, support local businesses along East Colfax 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.

District 5 Paving Plan

The Denver Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI) creates an annual paving plan for the City & County of Denver and then briefs each of the District Councilmembers on upcoming paving happening in the neighborhoods they represent. The attachment above is the 2025 paving plan for District 5.

My Office uploads this plan to my website so that all District 5 residents are able to view it and be aware of roads that will be paved in their community. If you would like to know whether your street is on the list for 2025, click below!

Reminder - Help Us Spot Neighborhood Issues During 311 Thursdays

We're asking District 5 residents to call 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 report to 311! 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

District 5's newest, City-Owned Park!

The vacant lot at the Northeast corner of Mississippi & Dayton is now District 5's newest, city-owned park! The land has been re-zoned and purchased by the city using Denver Parks Legacy Fund dollars in partnership with a gift of $75,000 from the Denver Parks Trust. The Parks Legacy Fund was passed by voters in 2018 which means you're seeing your tax dollars at work for you! Stay tuned for more updates as the Department of Parks and Recreation works to design and build-out the park. We have asked for the funding for this project to be included in the Vibrant Denver Bond package and are hopeful that it will make the final list!

This is a major enhancement to the quality-of-life for District 5 residents!

Small Business Spotlight

Forget Me Not

Forget Me Not is an exciting upscale cocktail lounge located in the heart of Denver's Cherry

Creek. Serving an assortment of elegant cocktails, wine, beer and elevated bar snacks, Forget Me Not looks to host guests for before and after dinner drinks.

Creating an environment in which can feel comfortable and unique to each of its guests. Whether it is a date night out, an evening of celebration, or just looking to mingle with new friends, Forget Me Not has a unique ability to make many different guests all feel special and welcome in the same space.

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: My Office is considering the creation of a General Improvement District in Cherry Creek!

WATCH: New park in District 5!

WATCH: Summer watering rules are in effect!

WATCH: It's lifeguard hiring season!

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

June 16

• No public hearings

June 23

• No public hearings

June 30

• 8400 Northfield Boulevard
• Modernizing Parking Requirements

July 7

• No City Council meeting due to the Charter requiring the meeting closest to the July 4 holiday be canceled

July 14

• Broadway General Improvement District (GID)
• 510 South Garfield Street
• 1149 South Navajo Street

July 21

• Tentative - Vibrant Denver Bond hearing

Citywide News

Updates to the Neglected and Derelict Buildings Ordinance

We know problem properties are a resource drain for our city's first responders and 311 services and they are an eye sore and a nuisance in your neighborhood, so I'm doing something about it.

The legislative changes that Councilmembers Kashmann, Torres, and I are co-sponsoring passed unanimously out of City Council's Land Use, Transportation and Infrastructure (LUTI) Committee last week. The proposed changes would:

• Establish a service response fee that would be levied against property owners of NADBs when 3 or more calls for service by DPD, DFD, or for EMS happen at one of these properties.
• Increase the fine structure to allow CPD to issue fines from $999 per day to up to $5,000 per day for non-compliance with the remedial plan.
• Expand the scope and definitions of NADBs to include vacant land (lots without structures on them that are nuisances).
• Streamline the appeals process and judicial enforcement of NADBs to clarify when CPD must seek a court order and clarifies when they can go to court after repeated non-compliance or continued delinquency of monetary penalties. This change will speed up the timeline for bringing these properties into compliance.
• Empower Landmark Preservation Commission to preserve historic properties that are designated neglected & derelict.

In early 2024, the three co-sponsors convened a monthly working group that has included the Department of Safety and the Office of Social Equity & Innovation to ensure we are looking at this ordinance with an equity lens. From those working group meetings, we are proud to say that CPD has created an inter-agency Neglected & Derelict Buildings Task Force to knock down the silos between city agencies, which will lead to more efficient enforcement of these properties. The proposed ordinance has an effective date of February 1, 2026, to allow CPD to create rules and regulations since none exist now. 

• Click here to watch Councilwoman Sawyer's presentation on the problem property "doom loop"

• Click here to watch the July 22 Budget & Policy Committee meeting presenting initial ideas on how to tackle Neglected and Derelict Buildings

• Click here to watch the March 3 Budget & Policy Committee meeting presenting nailed down ideas on how to tackle Neglected and Derelict Buildings

• Click here to watch the Land Use, Transportation & Infrastructure (LUTI) Committee meeting presenting bill language

Prior to January 2024, there was no dedicated full-time city staff member focusing on Neglected and Derelict Buildings in Denver. With the addition of that employee and this ordinance, we are hopeful that these properties will come into compliance much quicker.

The legislation has so far received letters of support from the Colfax-Mayfair Business Improvement District, Historic Denver, Sun Valley RNO, and the West Colfax RNO. If you, your organization, or your RNO would like to write a letter of support for this proposal, please address it to all Denver City Councilmembers and e-mail it to DenverCouncil5@denvergov.org by Wednesday, June 25, 2025.

Your City Your Voice Survey

Hello Denver Neighbors! Denver City Council is launching out Your City, Your Voice: Empowering Denver survey. We’re gathering feedback about your Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs)!

Whether or not you know anything about RNOs we’d love to hear back from you about your thoughts and feedback surrounding RNOs. Your voice matters and by taking this survey you’ll help us develop a better understanding of how Denver residents engage with their RNOs and what we can do to make them more accessible, more inclusive, and better resourced.  

Currently, there are over 150 RNOs within 78 different Denver neighborhoods, all offering unique perspective and experiences that help shape our communities. These organizations are a vital part of local decision-making, connection, and advocacy, and your input and perspective can help strengthen their role in building a more equitable Denver for all. 

Take the quick survey here: linktr.ee/yourcityyourvoice. Help us work with you to create stronger, better connected Denver neighborhoods. Your city, your voice!

Email us at: yourcityyourvoice@denvergov.org

Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) Application Portal Opens on June 17!

Denver’s Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) Program is currently not accepting applications. The program will reopen for new applications at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17 and close at 10:59 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18. Please continue to check this webpage for updates. All applicants will be required to upload a copy of their current Demand for Rent or Possession/eviction notice. Please be sure to have a copy of this notice ready to upload to the application. Click here to view example documents.

Households may only apply for TRUA assistance if they have a current Demand for Rent or Possession from their landlord or have an active eviction case (FED) at the time of application. Households who receive funding from TRUA in 2025 may not re-apply for additional funds in 2025 and will not be eligible to receive TRUA in 2026.

Applications will be accepted beginning on the third Tuesday of each month (see below for schedule). After this period, there will be a random selection, and selected applicants will be invited by email to provide additional information in order to complete the application process. Applicants who are not selected will be notified and are welcome to apply again in future months. Interested applicants may submit one application per household per month.

Funding is not guaranteed. Applicants may not receive all types of assistance requested in the application. Eligibility for TRUA funding is determined by the reviewing agency assigned to the case. Not all eligible households who apply for TRUA will receive assistance.

The TRUA application portal will open on the following days:

• Tuesday, June 17, 2025
• Tuesday, July 15, 2025
• Tuesday, August 19, 2025
• Tuesday, September 16, 2025
• Tuesday, October 21, 2025
• Tuesday, November 18, 2025
• Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Refer to the TRUA Program Guidelines [Versión en español aquí] for more detailed information and guidance. 

For questions and further assistance, including language access and technical support, contact the CARE Center Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm MT:

• Call or text (303) 838-1200
• Chat with a representative by using the yellow chat function found in the bottom right corner of the CARE Center welcome page.

The Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) Program offers three types of assistance to eligible renter households:

1. Rental Assistance – Up to 6 months of rental assistance may be provided one time. This may include rental arrears, the current month’s rent, and up to one month of future rent.
2. Utility Assistance – Assistance may be provided for current and past-due bills from Denver Water and/or Xcel Energy (electric, gas). Utility assistance may be provided one time per utility and will only be provided at the same time as rental assistance; households may not apply for standalone utility assistance.
3. Relocation Assistance – Only available in instances when eviction cannot be prevented. This may include security deposit, first month’s rent, application fees, and other eligible move-in costs. Deposit and first month’s rent will count as one month each toward the 6-month maximum. Relocation assistance may be provided one time and will only be provided at the same time as rental assistance.

Unauthorized Access to City Pools

This is a reminder from the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) that unauthorized access to city pools – including jumping fences after hours – poses significant safety risks and operational impacts. Glass, damage or pool contamination from off-hours use can force Denver Parks and Recreation to shut down facilities during normal operating hours for repairs and cleanup, causing disruptions to drop-in swim for families, swim lessons and scheduled programs. Please be aware that trespassing citations will be issued for any individual who enters public pools unlawfully.

Thank you for helping us to keep our community pools safe, clean and open for everyone.

Parks and Recreation Needs Your Help in Enhancing Safety!

Denver Parks and Recreation has rolled out a Park Inspection volunteer program. This is a self directed program for volunteers to help us by identifying and reporting light outages in parks. Do you like to take a walk in your favorite park during the evenings? Help us by signing up for this program and using a report form that can be accessed via your smart phone or home computer.

To learn more and sign up, visit this link: https://godenverparks.denvergov.org/GetInvolved

Summer Watering Rules are in Effect

Summer watering rules for Denver Water customers are now in effect. However, with the recent rains, we ask that you let Mother Nature be your guide and not run your sprinklers when you see rain in the forecast. The watering rules run through October 1.

This year, we’re also asking our customers with irrigation systems to switch their automatic sprinklers to different days and times to reduce strain on the water system. In asking customers to “Shave The Peak,” we’re encouraging folks to switch sprinkler timers to run at days and times other than Monday mornings at 5 a.m. This is a default setting for most sprinkler clocks, which means we see a large spike in water use throughout our system right at this time, every week. This “peak” strains the system, requiring us to treat and distribute more water for this moment, increasing energy use and costs to meet elevated demands.  

Community Strategic Planning for the Denver Fire Department

The Denver Fire Department is collecting valuable insights and feedback to assist us in forming our goals and objectives for our 5-year strategic plan which begins in 2026. Your input as a Denver resident is crucial in helping us understand different perspectives as we formulate our long- and short-term goals.

Please take a moment to fill out the survey linked to the QR Code below. The survey will close on July 31, 2025. DFD truly appreciates you taking the time to tell them what fire department issues are important to you and your community.

Mayor Announces the City has a $250,000,000 Budget Shortfall

As you probably saw, Mayor Mike Johnston has announced the city has a $50,000,000 budget shortfall in 2025 and a $200,000,000 shortfall in 2026. The main reasons for this shortfall are softening sales tax revenues, global economic uncertainty, and (in my personal opinion) reckless spending from this Administration's various policy initiatives. The city's budget crisis means city staff must take furloughs and layoffs. Because elected officials cannot be furloughed or laid off, I will be writing a check back to the city in solidarity with city staff.

As my office learns more, we will share updates with you.

Mayor's Youth Works Initiative

Deadline to apply is July 1, 2025

The Mayor’s YouthWorks Initiative rewards eligible youth for their commitment to employment over the summer. If you meet the requirements and complete all steps, you can receive a $500 retention bonus in the fall!

HOW DOES IT WORK?

✔ Eligibility requirements:

• Must be a resident of the City and County of Denver
• Please note: Employment does not have to be located in the City and County of Denver
• Must be 14-21 years old
• Must have a job or have a job offer at the time of application. Please note, you can submit your application between April 1 and July 1, 2025
• Work 100+ hours from April 1 to August 15, 2025 and provide verification

❌ You are not eligible if you are:

• Self-employed
• Working at an unpaid internship

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 anytime between May 1, 2025, and 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

Denver Pridefest

June 28 and 29

Denver Pride is produced by The Center on Colfax, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides year-round programs and services for the LGBTQ+ community completely free-of-charge. Denver’s first LGBTQ+ pride celebration kicked off in 1974, and the energy and unity of that first parade inspired the founding of The Center on Colfax in 1976.

From there, Denver Pride continued to grow, adding a full festival in 1990, and has since flourished into the largest Pride in the Rocky Mountain region with over 500,000 visitors annually. Today, Denver Pride consists of 3 main events, encompassing the festival, 5K, and parade. This weekend produces the largest annual fundraiser for The Center and contributes directly to critical services for the local LGBTQ+ community, such as mental health support, programming for our transgender and gender diverse community, youth, older adults, and more.

Summer Kids Club Series

Cherry Creek Shopping Center is excited to announce the return of its Summer Kids Club, a free, family-friendly event series taking place on select Wednesday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30 AM, starting June 11 through August 13, 2025.

Designed for children ages 3 to 10, the Summer Kids Club features eight weeks of engaging activities, live performances, and educational fun. Each week brings something new—from STEM challenges and cookie decorating to a live magic show. This year’s lineup also includes an interactive pollinator program from Denver Botanic Gardens, where kids will plant pollinator-friendly flowers and create their own pollinator-themed craft.

Summer 2025 Kids Club Schedule:

• June 11 – STEM Building Activity with Snapology
• June 18 – Arts and Crafts with Cherry Arts
• June 25 – Cookie Decorating with Cakes Iconic
•  July 16 – Science Project with Mad Science of Colorado
• July 23 – Planting with Denver Botanic Gardens
• July 30 – Music with Katherine Dines
• August 6 – Magic Show with Magic Rob
• August 13 – Safari Adventure with Party Safari

“We’re thrilled to welcome families back for another year of our Summer Kids Club series,” said Michael Wilson, General Manager of Cherry Creek Shopping Center. “Each week offers something unique, fun, and educational for children and parents alike, and the entire series reflects our ongoing commitment to creating memorable experiences for our community.”

Events are free and open to the public, but space may be limited. Families are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy additional kid-friendly experiences throughout the center.

For more information, visit https://www.shopcherrycreek.com/pages/kids-club-2025

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

View as Webpage