Hinds' Sights - 2026-06-a

[Denver's Perfect 10 Newsletter]

Pride in Denver's Perfect 10

Your District 10 update: housing, transportation, representation, news & events.

✦ 2026-06-a ✦ Hinds' Sights Your District 10 Update Welcome to your June update from District 10. As summer gets underway, I'm particularly excited to share that applications are now open for the 2026 Community Benefit Fund. If you have an idea to strengthen our neighborhoods (a community event, a cleanup, a garden, public art, or something else) my office is ready to help make it happen with up to $2,000 in funding. The deadline is July 13, so don't wait. I'd also love to hear directly from you. If there's an event happening in your neighborhood where it would make sense for someone from our office to attend, let us know. We want to be there to support the work you're doing. ⚡ The District 10 Brief 👥 Representation Apply for the 2026 Community Benefit Fund to enhance District 10 neighborhoods. 🏠 Housing Denver reports a 12.5% decrease in homelessness, improving community stability. 🚌 Transportation RTD's Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project resumes on June 7 to enhance light rail safety. ✨ Spotlight Join the Denver Chalk Art Festival June 6-7 for vibrant street art in the Golden Triangle.

Core Updates on Priorities & Values Latest progress on housing, transportation, and representation—the pillars driving our work in District 10.

🏛️Representation How we’re making sure every voice in District 10 is heard at City Council.

Applications Being Accepted for the 2026 Community Benefit Fund If you have an idea to improve our District 10 neighborhoods, my office is ready to help make it happen with funding and support. The 2026 Community Benefit Fund is now accepting applications for projects that strengthen community ties and make our neighborhoods more vibrant. Awardees can receive up to $2,000 to bring their ideas to life. Projects like community events, neighborhood cleanups, gardens, food pantry support, resource programs, and public art are all great examples of what this fund can support. My team and I will celebrate your efforts by featuring your project in newsletters and in our social media posts, so you’ll be asked to include the Councilman’s Office in your outreach. Don’t miss this chance to bring your vision to the community. The deadline to apply is Monday, July 13, 2026. We will notify the award recipients by August 1st. Thank you to everyone who help make District 10 an even better place to live! Read More DENVER PRIDEFEST JUNE 27-28, 2026 Denver PrideFest returns June 27–28, 2026, bringing a weekend of celebration, community events, and cultural programming across Cheesman Park and 16th Street. Hosted by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Community Center of Colorado (The Center), PrideFest is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, supporting its mission to engage, empower, enrich, and advance Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community. Denver PrideFest 2024 generated an estimated $25 million in economic impact for the city. During the milestone 50th-anniversary celebration, the event drew over half a million participants to downtown Denver and generated $2,605,925 in revenue from sponsorships and sales for the primary organizer, The Center on Colfax. This year’s festivities include a Pride 5K on Saturday, June 27 (9:00–11:00 a.m.) at Cheesman Park and 14th Avenue, followed by a Pride Brunch from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On Sunday, June 28, the Pride Parade will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., beginning at Cheesman Park and traveling along 17th Avenue to 16th Street. PrideFest activities will continue on 16th Street from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. More information, including maps and event details, are available here! Read More

🏠Housing Updates on affordable housing initiatives, zoning changes, and community development in District 10.

Annual Count Finds Fewer Homeless in Denver Overall homelessness in Denver went down by 12.5% this year, the first year-to-year reduction in nine years, according to an annual count called a Point-In-Time count – a snapshot of homelessness taken on a single night in January. Street homelessness is also at a nine-year low, decreasing by 64% since 2023. The 2026 PIT count shows decreases of about 8% in metro Denver and 12.5% in Denver proper. The PIT count can be skewed by a number of factors, such as participation or weather, while the statewide report relies on data compiled over the entire year. Continue Reading Denver Sees Improvement in Homelessness, But A Worrying Trend For Kids Councilman Chris Hinds is working with Mayor Johnston to address the rising number of homeless children and families in Denver, including in District 10 neighborhoods. While overall homelessness has dropped, the number of unhoused kids under 18 has reached a 10-year high, with many families struggling to find stable housing. Mayor Johnston highlighted that youth homelessness on the streets and in shelters has decreased, but children under 17 still face serious challenges when families lose housing due to job loss or rent struggles. These children often have to stay with their parents on the streets or in temporary shelters. To help, Denver has invested hundreds of millions in creating long-term shelter options, including converting hotels into supportive housing. Chris supports these efforts and pushes for more resources to connect families with stable housing and services. Cathy Alderman from the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless warns that the official counts likely underestimate the number of homeless children by up to 2.5 times. She stresses that homelessness can cause lasting harm to a child’s development and that supportive environments are essential for kids to thrive. Councilman Hinds is committed to working with community partners to expand affordable housing and improve shelter services in District 10, ensuring that families and children have safe, stable places to live and grow. Read Article

🚇Transportation Safer streets, better transit access, and infrastructure progress across District 10.

RTD's Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project resumes on June 7 Starting June 7, District 10 residents will see important upgrades to Denver’s light rail system that will improve safety and reliability for years to come. Councilmember Chris Hinds has supported this next phase of the Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project, which focuses on rebuilding worn-out tracks and stations downtown. Continue Reading Two New Shuttles From Denver to Red Rocks Launched Memorial Day Weekend Getting to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre from Denver is now easier with two new shuttle options that serve District 10 residents and visitors alike. Councilmember Chris Hinds supports these new services, which launched over Memorial Day Weekend to improve access to one of Colorado’s most popular outdoor venues. Continue Reading

📰 Latest News Quick updates and important information for District 10 residents.

Easy Access to Denver City Services District 10 residents can now get quick help with city services anytime by texting or chatting with Sunny, Denver’s friendly multilingual chatbot. Councilmember Chris Hinds encourages neighbors to use Sunny for reporting neighborhood issues or asking questions in over 80 languages. Just text “hello” to 439311 (HEY311) or click the Sunny icon on Denvergov.org. Sunny is available 24/7 to provide instant, easy access to city information and services. This tool makes connecting with the city simpler and faster, helping you solve problems and stay informed without waiting on hold or navigating complex websites. Please let us know your experience with this new tool! Sunny!

Street Soccer at Skyline Park - World Cup Clinic Chris is supporting fun, affordable youth soccer clinics in District 10 this summer to help kids build skills and confidence. On June 6, 2026, Street Soccer USA will host a clinic at Skyline Park for children ages 5 to 12. The clinic focuses on dribbling, passing, and shooting in a fast-paced, welcoming environment. Low-cost registration keeps the event accessible to more families. Skyline Park will also offer other summer activities during the World Cup season, creating more chances for community connection. Chris is excited to see these programs bring neighbors together and grow safe, active spaces in Denver this summer. Fun fact: Chris played soccer until his crash (main position: sweeper), and Chris graduated from the same high school as Clint Dempsey. Read More

Free Summer Meals for Youth Begin June 1st Denver youth ages 3 to 18 in District 10 can enjoy free, nutritious breakfast and lunch this summer through the Tasty Food program, running June 1 to August 21. Chris supports this effort to make sure no child goes hungry while school is out. Meals and snacks are available at multiple locations across the city with no registration or ID needed. Families can simply visit any participating site during serving hours. Because schedules vary by location, check the Tasty Food website for the latest times and places to get a free meal all summer long. Read More

Summer Splash: Dive into Pool Health and Safety Denver residents in District 10 can enjoy safer swimming this summer thanks to ongoing pool inspections. The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) regularly checks pools at local apartments, hotels, and recreation centers to keep them clean and safe. Chris is committed to ensuring these health standards protect everyone, especially those with weaker immune systems. Swimmers are also encouraged to stay out of pools when feeling sick to prevent spreading germs. To report concerns or learn more about pool safety, visit the DDPHE Pool Inspections program website. DDPHE and pool inspections

Upcoming Activities & Events Join us in making District 10 an even better place to live and work.

Denver Chalk Art Festival The Denver Chalk Art Festival brings a free, colorful art experience to District 10 residents and visitors June 6–7, 2026, in the Golden Triangle neighborhood. Held at 12th & Bannock, the event features over 200 chalk artists turning streets into a vibrant outdoor gallery. New this year, the “Party Before the Pavement” block party kicks off the fun on Friday, June 5, from 5–8 p.m. Street closures start early Friday and remain through Monday morning to keep everyone safe and the art intact. Denver Chalk Art   Safe Summer Kick-Off Join DPD District 2 on June 18th, 4–7pm, for a Safe Summer Kick Off! Enjoy refreshments, a DJ, Denver Fire, the Sheriff's Mounted Patrol, Park Rangers, and a Pet Safety Station. Bring a vehicle registration, or a photo of your bike's serial number, to claim FREE theft-prevention gear—a CLUB ($40), AirTag ($20), or garage decal, all while supplies last! Denver Police Engagement Page   Get a Tattoo for a Good Cause Join us on Saturday, June 6 at Think Tank Tattoo on S. Broadway for a wildly fun, fur-tastic flash tattoo event benefiting Denver's most vulnerable critters. Get ready to roll up your sleeves (or pants leg!) for a pup-standing cause, because we're bringing together the best of both worlds: claw-some tattoos and cuddly companions. Whether you're a cat person, a dog person, or just here to kitten around, this is your purr-fect chance to get inked and do some good. Don't paws — these designs are the cat's meow, and they'll be fur-ever cool. It's going to be a doggone good time, so fetch your friends and come make your mark! Read More   PRIDE AT LARIMER SQUARE There are so many options for Pride, and here's one more for you! Join your neighbors at Larimer Square on Sunday, June 28, for a vibrant Pride celebration that brings the community together with fun and inclusivity. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy a Bottomless Drag Brunch hosted by Osteria Marco, live DJs, dancing, giveaways, and photo opportunities. Sip Pride-themed drinks from outdoor pop-up bars while Larimer Street between 14th and 15th remains pedestrian-only for a safe, festive atmosphere. Sidewalks and business access stay open throughout the event. Make a day of it from 7 a.m. till 9 p.m. Read More   Buddies Pride Block Party 2026 The Buddies Pride Block Party is a weekend-long community celebration taking place Friday, June 26 through Sunday, June 28 in honor of Denver Pride and features social gatherings, and opportunities to connect with the community while supporting two local LGBTQ+ charities. Festivities begin Friday afternoon, with a street closure starting at 2:00 PM and the event opening at 4:00 PM. Hours: Friday from 4:00–11:00 PM, Saturday from 11:00 AM–11:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM–8:00 PM. Buddies Denver

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Councilmember Chris Hinds Denver City Council District 10 Serving Downtown, Golden Triangle, Capitol Hill, Uptown, Cheesman Park, Congress Park, City Park West, and South City Park. You are receiving this email because you signed up for District 10 updates. Unsubscribe | Update Preferences