Hinds' Sights - 2026-07-b: The FreeRide, 176 new apartments, and your July 30 invite

[Denver's Perfect 10 Newsletter]

Should RTD keep the free 16th Street shuttle? Plus: Coffee & Conversation July 30

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

✦ 2026-07-b ✦ Hinds' Sights Your District 10 Update Summer is in full swing in District 10, and so is progress. This issue has news on 176 new income restricted apartments breaking ground at Auraria, a proposed park in the Golden Triangle, and Waymo's plans to bring self driving cars to Denver later this year. I want to hear what you think about all of it. The best place to do that is in person. Join me July 30 for Coffee and Conversation at the Central Library, 12:30 to 2:00 PM. Register below and submit your questions ahead of time, and if we don't get to yours, my team will follow up by email. You'll also find summer events throughout this issue, from the Cheesman Park Art Fest to National Night Out. And if you're hosting a block party or neighborhood movie night, send the details to Distr...@denvergov.org so we can help spread the word. See you around the neighborhood, Chris ⚡ The District 10 Brief 👥 Representation Join Chris Hinds for Coffee and Conversation on July 30 at Denver Public Library. 🏠 Housing Auraria campus breaks ground on 176 affordable apartments near downtown. 🚌 Transportation Waymo plans to launch self-driving car service in Denver later this year. ✨ Spotlight Celebrate local culture at the NIGHT MARKET on July 31 in Civic Center Park.

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.

Coffee and Conversation Get your questions about District 10 and Denver City Council answered in person on July 30 at Denver Public Library’s Central Branch, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway, from 12:30 to 2:00 PM. Register and submit your questions ahead of time. If yours isn’t answered at the event, the District 10 team will follow up by email. Ask a question Community Self-Service Chris Hinds is making it easier for District 10 residents to stay informed with PANDA, which stands for Personalized Access to Neighborhood Data & Assistance. The new tool puts street and sidewalk closures, permits, crime statistics, nearby 311 requests, and upcoming City Council meetings in one place, along with police contact numbers and alternatives to traditional police responses. Chris is inviting residents to beta test PANDA and shape it with real feedback before a wider launch. Interested? Click below to get started. Beta test PANDA Community Meeting About Crime in Cap Hill On Friday, July 10, Councilmember Hinds convened Denver Police, property managers, building owners, and residents to address crime, vandalism, drug use, and slow police responses in the 1400 blocks of Pennsylvania and Pearl Streets. There is no easy or quick fix to these problems. But real public safety requires both effective policing and strong alternatives to police, and this meeting brought both to the table. Continue Reading

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

Voter-Approved Dollars Bring Affordable Housing to Capitol Hill The first affordable housing investment from the Vibrant Denver bond package is happening right here in District 10. City Council approved the $4.5 million purchase of a former state office building at 251 E. 12th Ave. in Capitol Hill, paving the way for the site to become future affordable housing. When District 10 residents joined voters citywide to overwhelmingly pass Vibrant Denver in November, they dedicated $45 million to affordable housing and reducing displacement. Now those dollars are going to work, and Capitol Hill is first in line. Continue Reading Auraria Breaks Ground on Apartment Building in Campus First The Auraria campus broke ground July 8 on an $80 million, seven story residential tower at 10th and Walnut Streets, the first apartment building on campus that will be open to the public. Its 176 income restricted apartments will serve households earning 60% to 100% of the area median income, with an early learning center on the ground floor. Read the full story at the Denver Post. Read More

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

RTD Proposes Eliminating the Free 16th Street Shuttle Just nine months after 16th Street celebrated its grand reopening, RTD is considering eliminating the free shuttle that runs along it. Facing a budget deficit of more than $200 million, the agency presented five service reduction scenarios to its Finance and Planning Committee on July 14. The FreeRide, formerly known as the Free MallRide, would be eliminated in four of the five. The shuttle carried 2.3 million riders last year, recorded more boardings than any other RTD route in early 2026, and just gained an onboard history tour celebrating its four decades of service. RTD estimates cutting it would save about $9 million annually. Meanwhile, Denver just invested $175 million rebuilding 16th Street as the spine of our downtown recovery. RTD committees are making recommendations now, and any changes would take effect in 2027 after a civil rights review and opportunities for public comment. A final decision is expected later this year. Councilmember Hinds wants to hear from you before then. Does the FreeRide matter to how you live, work, or get around downtown? Share your thoughts at Distr...@denvergov.org, and stay tuned for details on RTD's public comment opportunities. Waymo Vehicles Coming to Denver: Just Not Yet Waymo says it is working to open its doors to Denver riders later this year, and company data claims its driverless vehicles are involved in far fewer serious crashes than human drivers. Once service launches, Waymo will fall under Colorado Public Utilities Commission oversight, including licensing, insurance, and crash reporting requirements. Let us know your thoughts! Learn More

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

Saving Water During the Dog Days of Summer You may not have a yard, but you can still save water. Saving water indoors is easier than you think, and it helps keep Denver’s water supply healthy for everyone in District 10. Most household water use happens in kitchens and bathrooms, so small changes like fixing leaks quickly and installing low-flow fixtures can make a big difference. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or washing produce, run full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine using cold water, and take shorter showers. Councilman Hinds encourages all families and neighbors to make water-saving a fun challenge to protect our community’s resources together. Learn More

2nd Annual Public Health Career Exploration Summer Camp High school and college students can explore careers in public and environmental health at the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment’s free 2nd Annual Public Health Career Exploration Summer Camp, August 3–7. The five-day program includes tours and hands-on learning in community health, mental health, forensic science, and emergency response, with lunch provided daily and a certificate for students who attend all five days. Apply below. Apply Here

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

Denver Public Library's Annual Sale of Used Books Find great deals and support library programs at the Red Chair Bookshop’s 3-Day Used Book Sale, July 17–19 at the Central Library. Bring a tote bag to save even more. Every purchase supports the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation and the community programs it funds. Learn More   13th Annual Cheesman Park Art Fest Browse original work from local juried artists at the 13th Annual Cheesman Park Art Fest, July 25–26, recognized as one of the Top 200 Art Shows of the Decade by Sunshine Artist Magazine. No commercial vendors, just community-driven creativity. Check the event’s FAQ page for road closures before you go. Learn More   NIGHT MARKET: Homegrown Colorado Celebrate Colorado’s 150th birthday and America’s 250th at the Civic Center NIGHT MARKET: Homegrown Colorado on July 31 at Civic Center Park. Enjoy Colorado-made food and drinks, artisan goods, live music, and family activities, presented in partnership with the Denver Art Museum’s Untitled event. Come downtown, meet your neighbors, and support local makers. Read More   Put Your Stamp on Denver with the Sidewalk Stamp Contest! Design the stamp that will mark new Denver sidewalks for years to come. Submit a design that celebrates Denver’s spirit and includes space for the installation year by July 31, then join the public vote to choose the winner. The winning artist receives a $1,000 prize. Read More   Recycle Your Leftover Paint Clear out your leftover paint and support Denver firefighters on Saturday, August 1, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Ball Arena parking lot. GreenSheen Paint hosts the recycling drive, with proceeds benefiting the Denver Fire Department Foundation. Pre-register for a drop-off time to keep traffic moving. Read More   Downtown Denver and the Police Department's National Night Out Join Councilmember Hinds and his team at the Fourth Annual Denver National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, 4:30 to 7:30 PM at Skyline Park (Arapahoe between 15th and 16th Streets). Meet the police, fire, and paramedic teams who serve downtown while enjoying food, live music, and games. Can’t make it to Skyline? City Park hosts a second event during the same hours, and Congress Park Neighbors is serving ice cream at a third. Read More

District 10 Resources Calls to Action, surveys, input or questions 🏢 What's In My Neighborhood? 🛡 Contact Police District 👥 Contact Registered Orgs 💼 Colorado Business Resources

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

[Bryan Wilson]

As someone who lives in the East Central Area of District 10, I would only really navigate 16th Street by bike. That means only Saturday or Sunday by personal bike & never by Veo, since it is geofenced.

I think it's more important to allow bikes & scooters to be permitted in the bus lanes only.

Thank you,

Bryan Wilson