Re: First Newsletter of the New Year

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Bryan Wilson

unread,
Jan 13, 2026, 8:27:01ā€ÆAMĀ (8 days ago)Ā Jan 13
to Council Member Watson, north-cent...@googlegroups.com, north-...@googlegroups.com, near-north...@googlegroups.com, east-...@googlegroups.com
Could you please add the appropriate Google Groups aligned to the Neighborhood Planning Initiative to your email list?
I believeĀ I CC'd the correct groups, but would like confirmation.
-Ā North Area

I would also like to invite anyone from your office as a Moderator to quickly approve messages sent by your office to the group(s).

Thank you inĀ advance for your help!

Respectfully,
Bryan Wilson

On Mon, Jan 12, 2026 at 3:09ā€ÆPM Council Member Watson <dist...@denvergov.org> wrote:
Don't Miss January Important Updates
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Happy New Year!

We hope you were able to connect with friends and family as we rang in another new year. This year marks the 250th birthday of the United States (1776-2026). Itā€™s a time to reflect upon our history, but also to look ahead to how our country can live up to its lofty ideals of freedom, justice, and equality for all.Ā 

As developments around regime change in Venezuela unfold at this very moment, each of us must wrestle with the implications. In addition, the wars and conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe continue without demonstrable clear steps to lasting peace and security.Ā  With the tensions in our country around immigration and other issues, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the deluge of negative news on your social media feed, or ā€“ if youā€™re old school like me ā€“ on the nightly news on your television.Ā 

At the start of the new year, but also each and every day, I strive to center my heart, spirit, and mind on the many things that I have control over. I try to focus on the events, places, and spaces I can change through measured steps in cooperation with others.

As a young man, the son of an alcoholic father, I attended Al-Anon meetings, where I learned the Serenity Prayer: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Some think this prayer is too passive to truly thrive in todayā€™s world, but ā€“ along with my regular journaling, exercise, and meditation ā€“ a prayer or mantra like this one keeps me grounded and sharpens me daily for what lies ahead.

I look forward to celebrating the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with elders and civil rights leaders who continue to push this country towards a more enlightened and just society. The Marade will start on Monday, Jan. 19th at 10 a.m. in beautiful City Park in District 9. Please bundle up. January may have started unseasonably warm, but the MLK Marade is consistently cold to the bone. Featured in last yearā€™s photo are Senate President Coleman, Hon. Happy Haynes, Council Member Romero Campbell, Mayor Johnston, Rep. Bacon, Yoli Casas, and me.

The Fine District 9 is honored to host the 120th Anniversary of the National Western Stock Show. From January 8-26, we welcome the world to Globeville. Folks from all 50 states and 30 countries will converge on Denver to celebrate our richly diverse Western heritage. With an estimated financial impact of over $170 million, this is one of the biggest events held in Denver every year.

As your Council Member, I am thrilled this event supports the National Western Scholarship Trust, which contributes over $550,000 to students pursuing careers in agriculture and veterinary services. Join thousands of your neighbors and me in family-friendly entertainment over the next sixteen days.Ā 

ā˜•ļø Whittier Hot Chocolate Express

File this under one of the most fun events each year! The Whittier Neighborhood Association rents a golf cart, and neighbors can sign up to deliver hot chocolate to their neighbors. Mike and I thoroughly enjoyed spreading cheer and chocolate to Whittier friends and families. Thank you, Gerald Hamel, for organizing this amazing opportunity every year. It is a great reminder of how small moments build a strong community. If you live in Whittier, please sign up for this fun event. Iā€™m already signed up for 2026!

šŸŒˆ Empowering Students at the Colorado Diversity Network Summit

On December 5, I was honored to be invited to speak at the Colorado Diversity Network Student Summit.Ā The Colorado Diversity Network Student Summit brings together hundreds of Colorado students in 9th-12th grade who are interested in perspective-building, allyship, and measurable action items for LGBTQIA+ students and allies. I am grateful to the students who are shaping a more inclusive future. Learn more about this group at www.thecoloradodiversitynetwork.org

šŸŽ„ Denver City Council Holiday Party

The Denver City Council Christmas party was festive and fun. Your D9 team took a group photo, but unfortunately, we missed Lynne and Bonnie. The night reflected the creativity and teamwork we bring to our work. Moments like this matter. A strong District 9 team helps us show up better for our neighbors all year long.

šŸ½ļø Honoring Elders at the Hiawatha Davis Jr. Senior Luncheon

I was honored to join Council Member Shontel Lewis, Council Member Gonzales-Gutierrez, and State Representatives Lindsay Gilchrist and Jennifer Bacon at the annual Hiawatha Davis Jr. Senior Luncheon, hosted by Council District 8.

This event celebrates our elders and the wisdom they bring to our city. Gathering in this way matters. Events like this help keep seniors visible, valued, and supported across Denver.

šŸ“œ Honoring Mayor Webb

On Dec. 22, the Denver City Council recognized the Honorable Mayor Wellington Webb and First Lady Webb. Mayor Webbā€™s legacy goes beyond being the first Black mayor elected in Denver. He was the architect and expert builder of most of what we consider Denver. I seek advice and counsel from Mayor Webb and First Lady Webb on many of the big decisions I face as your City Council member. Congratulations, Mayor Webb! And yes, the Webbs are residents of the Fine District 9.Ā 

šŸ•Ž Standing Together at the Capitol Menorah Lighting

On Dec. 18, I spoke at the annual Chanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony at the Colorado Capitol.Ā Thank you to Rabbi Popack and the Jewish in the City ā€“ Chabad, for hosting this tradition. I was honored to stand in solidarity with state and local elected officials and the Denver Jewish community. Public gatherings like this matter because they build understanding, show solidarity with our Jewish neighbors, and affirm that everyone belongs in Colorado.

Letā€™s Go Broncos!

It wouldnā€™t be December if I werenā€™t cheering for our Denver Broncos! We are playoff-bound. Letā€™s Go Broncos!

It is my honor to serve you as your Denver City Council Member. I will always focus on making progress on the biggest issues impacting you and your families. I will continue to work to earn and maintain your support.

With gratitude,

Darrell B. Watson

Denver City Council Member, District 9

Ā 

Community News and Events

ā„ļø Cold Weather Safety

The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment offers simple steps to stay safe.

  • Limit time outdoors

  • Watch for cold-related illness

  • Dress in multiple layers of clothes

  • Keep a basic emergency kit at home

  • Never use gas stoves for heat

  • Run generators only outside

  • Close blinds and doors to retain heat

šŸ”— Learn more about Cold Weather Safety

šŸŽ¶ Honoring Service at the MLK Humanitarian Awards

Jan. 13 | 7:30 pm

An inspiring evening of music and recognition takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Boettcher Concert Hall. The MLK Humanitarian Awards, hosted by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Colorado Holiday Commission, feature the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and honor Tony Exum Jr., Anna Maria High, Dr. Vern Howard, and Charleszine Terry Nelson.

šŸŠ Mestizo-Curtis Park Pool Open House

Jan. 15 | 5:30-7:00 pm

Neighbors are invited to join Denver Parks and Recreation for a public open house to help shape the future Mestizo-Curtis Park Pool. Stop by Denver Language School Gilpin on Thursday, January 15, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm to view updated pool designs, review survey results, and share feedback.

šŸ“Denver Language School Gilpin at 2949 California St. Denver, CO 80205

ā˜• Community Office Hours

Jan. 16 | 11:30 a.m. -12:45 p.m.

City Council Member Watson is hosting Community Office Hours at Cake Crumbs Bakery & Cafe on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Feel free to drop by anytime to share your thoughts on how to make Denver safer, more affordable, and more connected.

šŸ“Cake Crumbs: 2216 Kearney St. Denver, CO 80207

šŸ‘Øā€šŸ‘©ā€šŸ‘§ā€šŸ‘¦ MLK I Am the Dream Family Night

Jan. 16 | 5:30-7:00 pm

Families are invited to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at I Am the Dream Family Night Ā at the Community College of Aurora Rotunda Room. This free event welcomes all ages and focuses on connection, creativity, and shared learning. Family Night gives kids and adults space to explore Dr. Kingā€™s legacy together. Dinner will be provided, but an RSVP is required.

šŸ”— Click here to RSVP

šŸ’ƒšŸæ Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Grand Opening

Jan. 17 | 10:00 a.m.


Neighbors are invited to celebrate the grand opening of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Center on Saturday, January 17. This free community celebration begins at 10:00 a.m. with brief outdoor remarks and a ribbon cutting, followed by tours, performances, and special events till 1:00 p.m. The new center expands access to arts and cultural space in the heart of Five Points.

šŸ”— www.cleoparkerdance.org

āœŠšŸ½ Marching Together at the Denver MLK Marade

Jan. 19 | 10:00 a.m.

Each year, Denver comes together to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Denver MLK Marade begins with an opening ceremony at 10:00 a.m. in City Park. The Marade steps off at 11:45 a.m. near the Dr. King statue, travels down Colfax Avenue, and ends at the Colorado State Capitol. This yearā€™s route is updated due to construction. Learn more at the link.

šŸ”— https://linktr.ee/dmlkjrchc

šŸŒ³ Park Hill Park Open House

Jan. 22 | 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Park Hill neighbors are invited to see the final vision for Park Hill Park at an open house from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Smith Elementary School, 3590 Jasmine St. Hosted by Denver Parks and Recreation, the event will share updates from the Park Framework process and outline next steps. Neighbors can stop by anytime to ask questions and share feedback.

šŸ“Smith Elementary School at 3590 Jasmine St. Denver, CO 80207

šŸ’§ Community Meeting on Denver Waterā€™s New Location

Jan. 29 | 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Denver Water plans to relocate some operations to 2577 E 40th Ave. near Elyria, Swansea, Cole, and Clayton. A community meeting will be held from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Geotech Environmental. Neighbors can ask questions about traffic, jobs, and day-to-day impacts. Food will be provided. Please RSVP at Dist...@DenverGov.org or call 720-337-7709.

šŸ“Geotech Environmental at 2650 E 40th Ave Denver, CO 80205

ā˜• Business Roundtable at Prodigy Coffee

Jan. 30 | 8:00-9:30 a.m.

Local employers play a key role in shaping the future workforce, and from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m., Prodigy Coffeehouse will host a Business Roundtable. The conversation centers on the skills young people need today and what businesses are seeking now and in the future. Coffee will be provided to participants.

šŸ“Prodigy Coffee at 4500 Broadway Ave.Ā  Denver, CO 80216

šŸ¢ Community Meeting

on Data Centers

Feb. 3 | 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Neighbors can attend a community meeting on data centers from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Geotech. The discussion brings together the Office of Climate and Sustainability, CoreSite, Xcel Energy, Denver Water, and City Council Member Watson to discuss local impacts. Please RSVP by email at Dist...@DenverGov.org or call 720-337-7709.

šŸ“Geotech Environmental at 2650 E 40th Ave. Denver, CO 80205

New Community Garden at Benedict Fountain Park

A new community garden is coming to Benedict Fountain Park, northeast of the playground. Denver Parks and Recreation is partnering with Grow Local Colorado, a nonprofit with 16 years of experience growing food and donating fresh produce across Denver. This garden will be open to everyone and focused on learning, sharing, and connection. Neighbors can help plant, share seeds, and grow together.

Learn more at www.growlocalcolorado.org

šŸ„« Access to Food

If you or someone you know needs help putting food on the table, resources are available across Denver. Neighbors can find nearby food banks and meal programs at DenverGov.org/Food. You can also call 211 or text 898 211 with your ZIP code to get help by phone.

If you can help others, please donate dollars or food to help stretch resources further.

šŸ”— Learn more at DenverGov.org/Food

šŸŒŸ New Resource for Denver Kids and Parents

The city launched a new Youth Resource Hub, a one-stop website that connects young people and families to programs, childcare, after-school activities, and job opportunities. The hub makes it easier for parents and teens to find support close to home.

Families can explore services, workforce pathways, and community programs by visiting the Youth Resource Hub at Denvergov.org/Family.

šŸ½ Free Meals for Kids

The Tasty Food Program gives free healthy meals and snacks to kids ages 3 to 18 at Denver recreation centers with no ID or registration required. District 9 kids can walk in and enjoy meals at either the Swansea Rec. Center or Johnson Rec. Center for:

Weeknight Dinner from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m., Monday ā€“ Friday, now through May 22, 2026.


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ā„ļø Join District 9ā€™s Snow Angel Challenge

Snow Angels is back, and a friendly competition is heating up in City Council. Each council district is racing to sign up the most volunteers who help neighbors shovel their sidewalks after snowstorms. This HRCP program supports neighbors who need help clearing sidewalk snow so everyone can travel safely, and their live leaderboard tracks volunteers and activity by district. District 9 has the talent and heart to finish first in the council competition and help our elder neighbors!

Sign up to become a District 9 Snow Angel here!

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District 9 Business Spotlights

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Policy Wins and Updates

by Dwight Clark, Senior Policy Advisor

Council Member Watson and the District 9 office kicked off 2026 with three major policy wins that support local businesses, protect community services, and advance affordable housing. Each action reflects work driven by neighborhood needs and long-term community impact.

šŸŗ Raise a Mug as City Council Approves Denverā€™s First Entertainment District for Common Consumption

City Council approved Denverā€™s first Entertainment District with a common consumption area in District 9. The North Wynkoop district near Mission Ballroom allows adults 21 and older to enjoy drinks purchased from local bars and restaurants within a designated indoor and outdoor zone during set hours.

This policy creates a safe and well-regulated space that supports local businesses, increases foot traffic, and activates the plaza around Mission Ballroom. It gives Denver a new way to gather, support small businesses, and bring more life to the River North Art District.

šŸ˜ļø CrossPurpose Rezone Protects Community Services

City Council advanced a rezoning for CrossPurpose, a trusted District 9 nonprofit that helps residents build stable careers and stronger lives. The rezone allows CrossPurpose to legally operate licensed behavioral health and workforce services at its current site. This change ensures long-term compliance with state rules and prevents service disruption for more than 1,000 graduates each year, with 87% employed one year later. The update aligns with neighborhood scale and supports a community partner that delivers real results for families.

šŸ” Repairing Harm Through Affordable Housing

Council Member Watson passed an affordable housing rezone through Denverā€™s Planning Board. The rezoning at 4631 Josephine Street moves forward on a promise owed to Elyria Swansea after the I-70 expansion displaced dozens of families. Led by Tierra Colectiva Community Land Trust, the rezoning allows four family-sized homes to be built on a long-vacant parcel.

Tierra Colectiva has already delivered 14 permanently affordable homes for families and has hundreds more homes planned. These homes stay affordable forever through a community land trust model. This rezone helps families stay rooted, supports kids staying in their schools, and shows what neighborhood-level repair looks like in Denver.

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Infrastructure & Construction

šŸš§E. 16th Avenue Storm Interceptor (Phase 2)

Jan. 7, 2026 Update


Storm pipe installation has resumedĀ after the holiday break, heading eastĀ from the Bellaire Street intersection alongĀ E. Batavia Place.Ā The crew alsoĀ plans to complete aĀ manhole encasementĀ by the end ofĀ this weekĀ or early next week.

CURRENT TRAVEL + PEDESTRIAN IMPACTS

No new closures have been implemented. E. Batavia Place is closed from the east side of the Bellaire Street intersectionĀ to just west of the alley onĀ the east side of the intersection with Clermont Street. There is a hard closureĀ on E. Batavia Place at Bellaire Street to the east, andĀ at Clermont Street at E. Batavia Place on all sides. There are soft closures on Clermont Street between E. 17th Ave. Pkwy. and E. Batavia Place, and between E. Batavia Place and E. 16th Ave. On E. Batavia Place, a soft closure is in place between Clermont Street and Cherry Street. Parking is currently not permitted along E. Batavia Place from Bellaire Street to Cherry Street; however, sidewalks remain accessible.Ā 

We ask thatĀ all residents, guests of residents, and contractors working at residences pleaseĀ respect the no-parking restrictions located at all corners of the Bellaire Street and E. Batavia Place intersection. Trucks cannotĀ make turns when cars are parkedĀ in those restricted areas, and this creates a safety issue for both the truck drivers and those vehicles parked there.Ā Vehicles parked in these areas may be short-towed to a legal parking spot if the owner cannot be located to move the vehicle.Ā We appreciate your cooperation with this.


CURRENT TRASH / RECYCLE / COMPOST PICK-UP LOCATIONS:

  • For residents on Clermont Street ā€” north of the E. Batavia Place intersection:Ā Please take your bins to E. 17th Ave. Pkwy.

  • For residents on Clermont Street ā€” south of the E. Batavia Place intersection:Ā Please take your bins to E. 16th Ave.

  • For residents on E. Batavia Place ā€” between Bellaire Street and the Clermont Street intersection:Ā Please take your bins to the intersection of Bellaire Street and E. 17th Ave. Pkwy; Bellaire Street and E. 16th Ave.; Clermont Street and E. 17th Ave. Pkwy or Clermont Street and E. 16th Ave. - whichever is closest for you.

  • For residents on E. Batavia Place ā€” between Clermont Street and Cherry Street:Ā Please take your bins to Cherry Street.

If your service is missed, Crews are happyĀ to help. Please let them know, and they will come by to pick up your bins. For information on Denverā€™s trash, recycling, and compost policies, please visitĀ the solid waste website.

Please remember that work schedules are subject to change due to weather and unforeseen circumstances. Property owners should also care for their yards. If you have any questions or concerns, please visit the project website at 16thavestorm.com.

šŸŖ“ Welton Streetscape

Long-planned improvements are coming to Welton Street from 24th to 30th Street. This project aligns with the priorities identified in the Five Points Neighborhood Transportation Program Action Plan. Temporary safety features will become permanent, with green infrastructure, public art, and placemaking that honor the corridorā€™s history. Sidewalks, trees, and gathering spaces will improve safety, accessibility, and stormwater management.

šŸ”— Learn more at the project website

šŸš° Denver Water Rate Increase

Starting in 2026, Denver Water raised its rates to support long-term system upgrades. Over the next 10 years, Denver Water plans to invest $1.7 billion to maintain pipes, treatment plants, and delivery systems that serve 1.5 million people. These upgrades prepare for climate impacts, wildfires, and new regulations.

Next year marks the seventh year of the Lead Reduction Program, and Denver Water has replaced over 35,000 customer-owned lead service lines. The program dashboardĀ shows up-to-date information about our progress. In 2026, customers will continue to receive replacement filters and reminders about proper filter use. As in past years, lead service line replacements will occur throughout Denver neighborhoods and in areas that overlap with other planned work. For more information, please visit denverwater.org/Lead

šŸš Shared Streets Update

The City of Denver is considering transforming Tremont Place, Larimer Street/26th Street, and Fairfax Street in Council District 9 into a shared street through the new Denver Shared Streets program. A ā€œshared streetā€ is both a street and a place, designed for low vehicle volumes and slow travel speeds where people walking, biking, rolling, and motor vehicles share the same space. District 9 has four recommended shared street segments, and City staff need your input on what design improvements to prioritize.Ā 

There are multiple ways to provide your input. The project team is hosting pop-up events,Ā open-house style information sessions with neighborhood organizations, andĀ has launched a survey to gather feedback. All event locations, dates, and times for each street are available on the project website.Ā Ā 

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