Speak with CW Sawyer about the issues on your mind! Due to the uptick in COVID cases, Office Hours will be held (mostly) virtually by private phone or Zoom appointment. Occasionally, CW Sawyer will hold in-person Office Hours at a local D5 business. In-person Office Hours are by appointment only. Please email our office or call 720-337-5555 to reserve an appointment. If you're unavailable for these dates, please contact our office to schedule an appointment at another time. 

As you may know, our office is partnering with local RNOs and engineering firm Fehr & Peers to conduct a traffic study of 8th Avenue from Colorado Blvd. to Quebec St. to enhance safety and quality of life for those who live and work here. At the October meeting, we discussed the data collected - Click here to access a video of the meeting in the Video section of the D5 Facebook page. During the November 16 meeting, we'll join Denver's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) to determine the best locations to install traffic calming measures.

To keep up with collections, Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) crews are working overtime during the week and on weekends. To preserve existing driver resources and maintain service standards and cleanliness in the City, DOTI plans to implement new routes starting January 3. For about 70% of residents, trash, recycle and compost bins will be set out on a different day than the current schedule. Changing customer collection days is not uncommon in the private/public sector; yet this is the first time in more than 15 years that DOTI has made significant routing adjustments, while the City has grown by about 200,000 people in that same time period. DOTI says that, "updated routes will help DOTI maximize its existing resources, reduce transportation costs, and improve customer service." Residents will begin hearing about reroutes in December. Click here to see the Reroute Fact Sheet for FAQs and additional information.

Children age 5 years and older can now get a COVID-19 vaccine. The State of Colorado website states that, "Vaccines are the strongest layer of protection we can offer children against COVID-19. This fall, COVID-19 rates have been higher in school-aged children than adults. While fewer children get severely ill with COVID-19 than adults, they still can get sick with the virus and spread it to other people. Some get sick enough to need hospitalization. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help your child stay healthy, keep them in school, and protect your family and community." Click here for more information from Denver Health about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine for children.

The COVID-19 vaccine is free. You don’t need ID or insurance for you or your child to get vaccinated. Vaccine Resources:

Denver's first Participatory Budgeting Program (Denver PB) wants to give residents of some D5 Neighborhoods direct decision-making power over part of $1.7 million budgeted capital funds. The four neighborhoods that make up the East Area Plan - Bellevue-Hale, Montclair, East Colfax and South Park Hill - will be included in piloting Denver PB, where residents will propose, deliberate, and vote on infrastructure projects there. Denver PB will compensate people through both two way:

EAP Neighborhood Residents can receive up to $700 for their time and participation on the Community Steering Committee, which will set the rules for the first cycle of Denver PB and will oversee the phases of the program.

Community organizations and non-profits can receive a Community Connector Mini-Grant to pay residents and organizations to help with neighborhood outreach. Individuals can earn up to $1,000 for materials, supplies, and their time. Mini-grants to individuals will be given out on a rolling basis throughout the program. Non-profits, grassroots organizations, and community groups can earn up to $7,000 for their support throughout the first cycle of Denver PB.

Click here if for more information and to apply.

Click here to attend a virtual information session on November 30, 6:00pm-7:30pm.

One way to help support our neighbors in need by is to take part in D5's Annual Southeast Denver Gives Blood Drive. Our office is again partnering with Lowry business Vitalant Blood Donation to collect 75 blood donations in January, which will save as many as 225 lives. It’s not too early to schedule your appointment for a date between January 3 to January 31 to ensure your donation count towards our virtual blood drive.

your blood donation appointment now!

Vitalant's Lowry location is at 717 Yosemite St., just north of Great Lawn Park. Throughout our state Vitalant must collect more than 3,000 blood donations each week to meet the demands of their hospital partners. Click here to learn more about current national and regional blood supply. You can give blood at any Vitalant location and still participate in the Southeast Denver Gives Blood Drive. Click here to learn more, find out if you're eligible to donate, how to donate funds, and more. Stay tuned for more information through our office updates and social media channels. Thank you for joining us in the effort!

The Board of Water Commissioners approved the proposed rate increase earlier this month, which will be effective January 1. The increase will help pay for critical upgrades and projects to keep this system operating efficiently. How that rate increase will affect individual customer bills will vary depending on where the customer lives in Denver Water’s service area and how much water they use. Click here to read more.

To celebrate the reopening off all 30 Denver recreation centers and thank customers for returning to their local centers, Individual Annual Memberships at Denver Rec Centers are discounted by 45% in November! Click here to learn more and get your Regional, Local or Neighborhood Level Membership.

Membership includes access to rec centers, drop-in fitness and aqua fitness classes, and all outdoor pools during the summer months. Rec center membership is free to Denver students, ages 5-18, through the MY Denver Card and MY Denver Prime for residents 60+. Click here for more information about all Denver Parks & Rec activities, programming, and more.

If you weren't able to attend one of the station design workshops, you can still provide your feedback on early design concepts by completing the station design survey, open until the end of the year. Click here for more information about the project, explore the interactive Virtual Engagement Hub or click email reach out to the project team.

Find Afterschool and Summer Programs for Youth of All Ages with Youth Program Locator

Search for hundreds of free and low-cost afterschool and summer programs for youth of all ages and interests. Find your kid's next adventure!

Our office is helping to spread the word about a Coat Drive organized by Diverse Talent, benefitting the residents of Rocky Mountain Communities, including supportive housing in East Colfax in D5. If you have coats and other winter outerwear donations, bring them to Diverse Talent's office at 1410 N. High St. November 29-December 3, 9:00am-4:00pm. Thank you!

If you are interested in commenting during a hearing, please review the guidelines and FAQs, and sign up to speak here. Sign-up begins 45 minutes prior to the Committee’s scheduled start time and ends 15 minutes before the meeting begins. Click here for information about how to participate virtually.

There are currently three open rezoning requests and one Legislative Rezoning proposal in District 5. Click here for more updates.

Upcoming hearings on re-zoning requests in other Denver Districts are listed below, dates are subject to change. For more information on proposed re-zonings around the City and their public hearings visit the Denver Community Planning and Development website. If you don't have internet access, you can still attend Council meetings by phone. Call 720-928-9299 and enter the Meeting ID of the meeting you wish to listen to. Click here to learn more and to see a Meeting Calendar.

Denver City Council is considering an ordinance that would reduce speed limits on all neighborhood streets in the City from 25 mph to 20 mph. The Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) looked at speeds on neighborhood streets, school zones, and areas identified “slow zones” like those around recreation centers, which typically have a lot of foot traffic. Thank you for your time and feedback on this issue!

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) is seeking your feedback for the next phase of Denver Moves Everyone, the citywide plan for the future of transportation. Click here or below to give feedback on your preferences for the future of transportation in Denver. This input will be used to define the future transportation system we desire in Denver, and the investments we need to make to reach our goals. Click here to see a flier with more info in English and Spanish.

Early next year, Community Planning and Development will launch a public process to develop the zoning standards that would apply under a permanent program. after the temporary program ends in October 2022. In the coming months, DOTI will establish processes around the permanent outdoor dining program, likely transitioning from a quarterly to annual permit renewal process and outlining requirements that maintain public safety and mobility. Criteria/limits for using parking lanes and travel lanes for dining will be established to ensure safety for all. Additionally, a permanent outdoor dining program will require amendments to the Denver Zoning Code, which regulates private property in Denver. Click here for updated information, design guidelines, eligible areas, and more.

Thank you, Denver voters! Long-awaited updates to City Park's playground, enhanced picnic sites and walking areas were funded by the Elevate Denver Bond, approved by voters in 2017. Community input defined playground design which includes open air pavilions and picnic areas, dragon and castle climbing structure and slide, towers and rope bridge, under-five play area, wavy walk, spinners, accessible swing and spinner merry-go-round. Click here for information on this and other park projects.

The Denver Park Trust's new Community Grant Program supports community-driven park improvement projects, programs or initiatives that make Denver parks demonstrably better in historically underserved neighborhoods. Help spread the word! Neighborhood groups, associations or organizations that have a well-defined park improvement project, a detailed budget and some established financial support are encouraged to apply. This program is designed to encourage community stewardship of parks, and to bring community vision and input into the park system. Click here for more information and to learn about the application process.

As year-end approaches, you may be thinking about charitable donations to make before 2022 rings in. Since 2007, Community First Foundation and ColoradoGives.org have made giving simple - from finding a cause you care about that has been fully vetted, to centralizing your giving history to easily access later. Plus, donations made for Colorado Gives Day through coloradogives.org get a boost from the $1.6 million Incentive Fund, making your donation worth even more. Click here to learn more, search non-profit organizations and schedule your donations. #COGivesDay

If you're headed to Denver International Airport (DEN) in the near future, we strongly advise you arrive at least two hours before your flight. Click here to get the latest on flight departures and arrivals, parking availability, new ticketing areas, self-bag check locations, security updates, shops restaurants and more. Remember that Federal Law requires that everyone wear a mask at all times at DEN. We wish you have smooth and safe travels!

Denver Community Planning & Development (CPD) and the Department of Housing Stability (HOST) have released a draft policy proposal aimed at creating more affordable homes in Denver. The proposal responds to recent changes in state law to allow municipalities greater freedom in addressing local housing needs. The City’s draft proposal would require large residential developments of eight or more rental units to designate 8%-12% of the apartments as affordable for a period of 99 years. In higher-cost areas of the City, such as downtown, developers would need to provide 2%-3% more affordable units. The exact percentages contained in the policy proposal vary based on the level of affordability offered. Several community meetings have been underway this month. Click here to learn more and read the draft policy proposal. 

Compost created through LeafDrop is available to purchase at a discounted rate in the spring. The LeafDrop location closest to D5 is the Cherry Creek Transfer Station at 7301 E. Jewell Ave.:

Click here to learn more and find other locations, days and times. When dropping off bagged leaves. Click here to download a coupon for free paper leaf bags at participating Ace Hardware Stores, while supplies last.

Click here for more information and to begin the application process. The Division of Disability Rights is responsible for implementing and enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) within City government. Title II of the ADA ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access and opportunities to all governmental activities, programs, and services. DDRD also works closely with various community members and groups pertaining to issues related to people living with disabilities. Individuals living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Free Public Art Tour of the Colorado Convention Center

Sunday, November 21, 1:00pm

Explore your Denver Public Art collection in-person and learn some of the stories behind the art. Click here to RSVP - space is limited. Click here to see all guided, self-guided and virtual tours through Arts & Venues.

Friday, November 26, 5:00pm - 8:00pm

1701 Wynkoop St.

Music, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the lighting of the station’s outdoor 40-foot-tall Christmas tree and exterior façade. Outdoor lightings will continue through December 27, from 5:00pm -10:00pm each night. More info and tickets here.

Thursday, December 2, 6:30pm

JCC Phillips Social Hall, 350 S. Dahlia St.

Taste latkes from Rosenberg’s, Safta, Latke Love, Rye Society. More info and tickets here.

JCC Phillips Social Hall, 350 S. Dahlia St.

Traditional klezmer music - donations greatly appreciated! More info here.

Pre-order Bob's Babka Ice Cream from D5's High Point Creamery through November 21. All proceeds benefit J programs. Order Olive & Finch's Chanukah Cookie Kit -Mention JCC and 10% goes back to the J.

Civic Center Park, 101 E. 14th Ave.

Holiday food, drinks and shopping! Click here to learn more.

The next phase of community planning for Lowry. Click here to send an email to Paul Vranas for more info.

Starting at the City and County Building, 1437 Bannock St.

Free! Floats, balloons, cultural performing groups and marching bands. Click here for the Parade route map and where the floats will be throughout December.