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Dear Neighbors,
Welcome to the April newsletter for Denver City Council District 5!
Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to gather as a community and care for the spaces we all share at our upcoming Spring Community Clean-Up Day on Sunday, April 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Montclair Recreation Center.
This is a chance to roll up your sleeves, meet your neighbors, and make a visible impact right here in our district. Volunteers of all ages can help clean our parks, maintain walking paths, and brighten bus benches with a fresh coat of paint—bringing new life to our public spaces just in time for warmer weather.
Read on for more details about these events, updates, and other ways to get involved this spring—and stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram!
Gratefully,
Councilwoman, Amanda Sawyer
District 5
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OFFICE HOURS
We have in-person and virtual office hours this upcoming month:
- Thursday, April 16 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Virtual)
- Friday, April 24, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (In-Person at Chook Chicken – 4340 E 8th Ave)
- Thursday, April 30, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Virtual)
- Thursday, May 7, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM (In-Person at Park Burger – 211 S Holly St)
- Tuesday, May 12, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Please note that you must contact our office to schedule an appointment with Councilwoman Sawyer for the virtual office hours appointments. The in-person office hours are walk-ins, meaning an appointment is not necessary.
| | Sign Up to Volunteer at Spring Community Clean-Up Day | | |
Denver City Council District 5 residents are coming together to revitalize our cherished public spaces during Spring Community Clean-Up Day on Sunday, April 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. starting at Montclair Recreation Center. This biannual event invites residents of all ages to join forces and help beautify our local parks, trails, and bus stops.
No experience is needed—just a willingness to help and a commitment to making a difference. Families and students seeking volunteer hours are encouraged to participate, making this a perfect opportunity for all ages to contribute meaningfully. Volunteers should dress for the weather and bring gloves if possible. Breakfast, necessary tools, and materials will be provided.
A huge thank you to Ace on the FAX, located at East Colfax Avenue and Poplar Street, for supporting the event by providing discounted spray paint for the bus benches!
For more information and registration, go to bit.ly/D5SpringCleanup2026.
Thank you for volunteering your time to help keep our community a wonderful place to live.
| | Colfax Mayfair BID Businesses Won Denver Westword Best of the City 2026 Awards | | |
Congratulations to all the Colfax Mayfair BID businesses recognized in Denver Westword Best of the City 2026 awards. Each brings something truly distinctive to our community—from thoughtfully curated mid-century vintage pieces, to the careful restoration of a once-overlooked building, to beautifully crafted, functional ceramics made accessible to all. This recognition is well deserved!
Antiques Etc - Best Antique Store
Ceramics in the City - Best Place to Paint Pottery You’ll Actually Use and Best Pottery Class
La Vista Denver - Best Sign on Life on East Colfax
| | GWHS Speech and Debate Team Recognized With Proclamation | Denver City Council recognized the George Washington High School (GWHS) Speech and Debate team with a proclamation for winning their third state championship in four years! Their dedication, teamwork, and pursuit of excellence continue to distinguish them as one of the best teams in the country. We are so proud to have them representing District 5! | | Schlessman Family Branch Library Renovations Underway | | |
We know residents are eager for Schlessman Family Branch Library to reopen and to see the exciting updates and improvements!
The library is undergoing its first major renovation, enhancing study and coworking spaces, improving accessibility, modernizing technology and service areas, and increasing energy efficiency. Phase I, funded by the 2017 Elevate Denver Bond, is complete.
Construction is now in Phase II, previously unfunded, made possible through the City of Denver’s Facilities Improvement Team and Strong Library, Strong Denver, supported by the DPL Fund. This phase includes updated restrooms, deferred maintenance, and HVAC system upgrades.
Here’s a sneak peek at the space, including new meeting rooms and restrooms:
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While the library is closed for construction, expanded hours are being offered at the Virginia Village Branch Library and Ross-Cherry Creek Branch Library. Residents can check out denverlibrary.org/southeast for updates on how library services will be available to the community during the renovation closures.
Residents are also invited to join two “Coffee & Construction Drop In” events to chat with the library staff about its progress:
- Thursday, May 14, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Logan House Coffee (7111 E Lowry Blvd #101, Denver, CO 80230)
- Saturday, June 13, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Virginia Village Branch Library (1500 S Dahlia St, Denver, CO 80222)
For more information, contact Community...@denverlibrary.org.
| | Bond Project Updates Across District 5 | | |
Ben Bezoff Park Basketball Court Renovations
Work on the Ben Bezoff Park basketball court kicked off in March, with upgrades to accessibility and design to help Windsor residents stay active outdoors.
The improvements are scheduled to be completed in May 2026, just in time for summer!
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Denison Park Basketball Court Improvements
Upgrades to the Denison Park basketball court began in February, with construction scheduled to be completed in June 2026. The upgrades are part of a multi-park project spanning seven parks throughout Denver.
These enhancements will provide the Montclair neighborhood with an accessible, dual-hoop, full-sized basketball court.
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Crestmoor Park Playground and Sidewalk Replacements
Since construction began in June 2025 on Phase Two of the Crestmoor Park Playground Replacement Project, work is well underway and is scheduled for completion by June 2026.
This phase replaces north asphalt walkways and upgrades the playground into a modern, inclusive space with improved accessibility to the playground and surrounding park amenities.
Visitors will also see improvements to the park’s southeast sidewalk this spring.
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East Alameda Avenue and South Forest Street Traffic Signal
Installation of a traffic signal at E Alameda Avenue and S Forest Street will include new left-turn lanes cut into the existing median and removal of the RTD bus pull-out lanes. The improvements are designed to enhance vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle safety at this critical intersection.
Construction is anticipated to begin in Q3 2026 and be completed in Q2 2027.
| | Tennessee + Oneida Storm Phase 3: Coming This Summer | | Tennessee + Oneida Storm Phase 3 is scheduled to begin this summer. Work on this phase will begin on Mississippi Avenue east of S. Monaco Parkway and continue east to S. Oneida Street. The goals of this project are to reduce property damage from local flooding, increase pedestrian and driver safety during storm events, and improve the water quality of stormwater runoff entering Lollipop Lake and Cherry Creek. The work is expected to take approximately 9 -12 months. | | |
A postcard with project information will be sent to residents in the area at the end of next month. There will also be a community meeting in early June; more details on that to come.
In the meantime, residents can find basic information on the project webpage at tennoneida.com .
| | Denver Water Construction and Lead Reduction Projects | | |
Denver Water began installing a new water main at the northwest corner of Harbour Drive, continuing north along Fairmount Cemetery Road. Residents in the surrounding area will receive door hangers before planned water outages.
Work has also begun in the Montclair neighborhood for the Lead Reduction Program to prepare for service line replacements set to begin in several weeks, with additional planning underway for work in the Hilltop neighborhood. Click here for more information.
| | Temporary Road Closures for Xcel Construction | | |
Xcel Energy is replacing the aging 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. Temporary road closures will be in place as construction is underway.
Temporary Road Closures
- E Cedar Avenue between S Clermont and S Birch
- S Birch Street between E Cedar and E Bayaud Avenue
- E Dakota Avenue between S Holly Street and 5401 E Dakota Avenue
- E Cedar Avenue between S Cherry and S Birch
- E Ellsworth Avenue between S Garfield and S Monroe
- E Dakota Avenue between S Ivy and S Hudson
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.
| | Final Phase of East Colfax BRT Project Underway | | |
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.
As part of the final phase of the project, paving operations will be underway from April through August. This work will include milling and overlay, striping, and other roadway finishing activities.
| | 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. | | |
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
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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!
| | Mia Cordova, Denver City Council Aide for District 5 | |
This month, Mia joined our office as a City Council Aide. She will be working closely with Councilwoman Sawyer's schedule, as well as working for constituent services in the Montclair and Hale neighborhoods in District 5.
Mia is a native to Colorado who is proud to serve on the Councilwoman Sawyer's team. She is known for her passion for helping others and holds a strong commitment to the City and County of Denver and its resources.
Mia is honored to be immersed in Denver’s City Council and to be apart of a team that will continue to expand community connections in District 5.
| | Awarded Best Antique Store in Denver in Westword’s Best of the City 2026, Antiques Etc. showcases pieces from all eras, featuring collectible merchandise from more than 50 antique dealers. Conveniently located on the southwest corner of Colfax and Ivy, it offers a variety of art, vinyl records, glassware, vintage clothing, quality used furniture, and more.
Thank you for your dedication to our community! | | |
Upcoming Public Hearings
*dates are subject to change
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April 20
- Rezoning: 1057 N Gaylord St
April 27
- Rezoning: 4211 N Hooker St
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May 4
- Rezoning: 992 Knox Ct
- Rezoning: 1453 Wabash St
- Text Amendment
May 11
- Rezoning: 5101 & 5115 N Milwaukee St
- Five Points BID Renewall
- 1057 N Gaylord St
| | Street Sweeping Season Started | | |
Street sweeping season began on April 1 and will continue through November. Make sure to check the red and white signs for parking restrictions and to move your car on your street sweeping day to avoid a $50 citation.
Denver’s annual street sweeping program removes dirt and debris from city streets, keeping it out of our air and water and making our environment cleaner and healthier. Denver asks residents to move their cars on their street sweeping day so sweepers can reach the curb line where dirt accumulates. The removal of debris also helps prevent storm sewer inlets from getting clogged.
In addition to checking for posted street sweeping signs on their block, residents can look up their schedule and sign up for email or text reminders online at denvergov.org/online-services-hub.
| | Feedback Session for Entertainment Licensing Policy Proposal | | |
The City of Denver is considering changes to how entertainment businesses, like venues with live music, dancing, or performances, are licensed. The goal is to simplify the current system and separate entertainment licensing from liquor licensing.
The Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection has drafted a proposal that would replace the existing cabaret and amusement licenses with three new, clearer categories. Before any changes happen, the proposal must be approved by Denver City Council and signed by the mayor.
Community input is a key part of this process. Residents and business owners are invited to join a virtual feedback session on April 15, 2026, from 1–2 p.m., where city staff will explain the draft ordinance in plain terms and listen to public comments. This is an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and help shape how entertainment is regulated in Denver. Register here to attend the meeting on Zoom.
For those who cannot attend, feedback can also be submitted through the online survey.
| | Denver's Unlocking Housing Choices Launched | |
Community Planning and Development has launched an inclusive process to explore updates to the Denver Zoning Code that would allow more middle housing in residential neighborhoods while preserving affordability and increasing attainable housing options.
Middle housing includes small-scale, house-like multi-unit buildings such as duplexes, tandem houses, and fourplexes.
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Proposed updates would apply to low- and medium-residential zone districts, including single-unit (SU) and rowhouse (RH) areas, as well as comparable Former Chapter 59 districts.
Project goals include:
- Expanding housing choices in residential neighborhoods
- Updating design standards to ensure compatibility with existing neighborhoods and adopted plans
- Encouraging preservation of existing homes
- Supporting affordable housing requirements or incentives in new middle housing
To attend a public event or share your feedback in a brief survey, click here.
| | Denver Water Implementing Temporary Drought Pricing | | |
The Denver Board of Water Commissioners approved temporary drought pricing on outdoor water use due to severe drought conditions, driven by historically low snowpack and diminished spring runoff.
Temporary pricing will apply beginning with May water use (reflected on June bills) and is scheduled to remain in effect through April 30, 2027.
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Tier 1: Essential indoor water use, as determined by monthly water use on bills between January and March, will remain unchanged.
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Tier 2: Temporary charge of $1.10 per 1,000 gallons, on top of 2026 water rates. Water in this tier is considered to be an efficient use of water outdoors.
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Tier 3: Temporary charge of $2.20 per 1,000 gallons, on top off 2026 water rates. Water in this tier is priced at the highest level to signal potentially excessive water use and encourage conservation efforts by larger-lot customers.
To help customers Use Only What They Need indoors and outdoors, Denver Water offers a range of tools, including:
Additional information and tips are available denverwater.org/Conserve.
| | Vibrant Denver Bond Dashboard Launched | | |
There’s a new Vibrant Denver bond dashboard so residents can track the status of projects citywide.
District 5 projects include:
- Emporia Park Buildout
- Lindsley Park Improvements
- 13th & 14th Avenues Safety Improvements
- 1st & University Intersection Improvements
- Road Safety Improvements
| | Applications Open for Mayor's YouthWorks Initiative | |
Applications are now open for the Mayor’s YouthWorks Initiative, a program that rewards eligible participants ages 14–21 with a $250 retention bonus for completing 100 hours of summer employment between March 1 and August 14, 2026.
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 by Monday, July 6, 2026
- Work 100+ hours from March 1 to August 14, 2026 and provide verification
Review the eligibility requirements and submit your application by Monday, July 6, 2026 here.
| Shift2 Program Rewards Residents for Sustainable Transportation Choices | |
April is Earth Month and a time to rethink how we get around for the benefit of the planet and Denver communities.
Choosing to walk, bike, take transit, scooter, or carpool instead of driving alone reduces emissions, eases congestion, supports local businesses, and strengthens neighborhood connections.
Shift2 rewards Denver residents and workers for choosing more sustainable transportation. In the April challenge, participants are encouraged to shift two roundtrips per week away from driving alone and log trips to earn an achievement badge and be entered to win prizes, including $1,000 awarded to 20 winners featuring rewards from locally owned West Colfax businesses.
Join Shift2 and get rewarded for trips that strengthen our environment and our community. https://mywaytogo.org/s/shift2citywide.
| | Property Tax Relief Program Open Until April 30 | | |
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:
| | Community Events & Meetings | | | Transportation Solutions Hosting The Road Ahead 2026 | | |
My office is sponsoring Transportation Solutions' 21st annual “The Road Ahead” seminar during Earth Week at the University of Denver on Tuesday, April 21, from 8–11:30 a.m.
The half-day event features keynote speaker David Zipper of the MIT Mobility Initiative, presentations from Denver leaders, community awards, and a panel discussion on innovative strategies for improving transportation in a growing city.
Get tickets at https://transolutions.org/events/.
| | Volunteer for Give5 Mile High: Colfax Clean Up | | |
April is Volunteer Month – and what better way to support your community than to help with a little spring cleaning?
Join the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and Give5 Mile High from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.on Saturday, April 18 for a Colfax Clean Up! Plan to stay after to celebrate your good work together at a local business on Colfax!
Register here!
| | Cherry Creek Farmers Market | | |
Cherry Creek Farmers Market returns for the season, running every Saturday from May 2 through October 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Due to the construction of Cherry Creek West, it has been moved to the East Side of Cherry Creek Shopping Center near Macy's.
Open rain or shine and on all holidays, the market features a large mix of Colorado-grown seasonal produce and local goods, including fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs, meats, dairy, baked goods, honey, prepared foods, artisanal products, food trucks, and live music. Visitors also benefit from free parking and a lively weekly community atmosphere with rotating vendors and fresh finds throughout the season.
For more details, visit coloradofreshmarkets.com/visit.
| | Senior Planet Digital Wellness Community Day | | Join Senior Planet in Lowry for its first-ever Community Day on April 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Brush up on your digital wellness skills with an interactive activation from Verizon. Explore the history of tech from dial to digital, test your AI-spotting skills, and step into a smart tech photo booth. It’s also a great way to connect with local businesses and organizations and access free resources. Register at digitalwellness.verizon.com or call the Senior Planet Hotline at 888-713-3495. | | Denver Resilient Landscapes Symposium | | |
Join Denver Community Planning and Development for the Denver Resilient Landscapes Symposium on Saturday, April 25 at the Confluence Theater on the CSU Spur Campus. Drop in between 10 a.m. and noon to get resources including rebates, free native seeds, and other expert advice to help transform your landscapes.
Date: Saturday, April 25
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: CSU Spur, Hydro building, Confluence Theater
4777 National Western Dr, Denver, CO 80216
There is a $15 parking fee at the venue. If you drive, be sure to register using the button below and receive a free parking voucher.
Register for this free event today!
| | 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....@denvergov.org.
Thank you to the amazing Meredith Levy who is the District 5 appointee to the PRAB!
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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!
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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.
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