Is your address current for the August 10 Primary Election?

Denver citizens who are not registered or who have changed their address should update their address information with the Denver Elections Division to ensure that they receive their Primary Election ballot. The August 10 Primary Election will be conducted as a mail ballot election, and ballots are not forwarded. The deadline to update your information for this election is Monday, July 12, 2010.

July 12 is also the last day for a voter who is already affiliated with a party to change their party affiliation prior to the Primary Election. Unaffiliated voters may affiliate with a party up to and on Election Day.

The Elections Division will mail Primary Election ballots beginning July 21 to all eligible voters who are affiliated with the Democratic, Republican or Libertarian parties. Unaffiliated voters will not receive a ballot, but may go to one of 13 voter service centers to affiliate with a party and receive a ballot. The locations of the service centers may be found at www.DenverVotes.org or by calling 311.

Voters can update their address information online at www.GoVoteColorado.com, or download a voter registration form at www.DenverVotes.org. The form can be returned by fax to (720) 913-8600, or scanned and emailed to voterregistration@denvergov.org, or mailed or dropped off to 200 W. 14th Ave., Suite 100 Denver, CO 80204.

Voters may find additional information at the Denver Elections Division website at www.DenverVotes.org or call 311.

Public Utilities Commission Electric Rates

The Public Utilities Commission has also placed information on its website as a resource for those who have questions about tiered rates.

The link can be found at: http://www.dora.state.co.us/puc/Tiered_rates_index.html


Zoning Code Map

http://www.newcodedenver.org/rezoning/page/draft-code-and-draft-map

Denver Citizens Emergency Response Training

This disaster preparedness and response training (FEMA course IS317) will include how to plan for a disaster and teach basic response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. At the completion of this training, participants are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

This training is open to anyone. We will accept up to 40 participants.

For More Information and Registration: http://www.denvergov.org/oem; Carolyn H. Bluhm, OEM: 720.865.7600 or email DenverCERT@denvergov.org

 

Skyline Park Concession Services - RFP opportunity

The Denver Department of Parks and Recreation is soliciting proposals to operate a food, beverage, and merchandise concession at the Skyline Park Pavilion, 1511 Arapahoe, Denver, Colorado.

The Request for Proposals was issued on July 1, 2010. Copies of the RFP are available from the Denver Parks and Recreation Permits Department, 201 W. Colfax Ave., 2nd Floor next to Excise and License Department, weekdays 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. There is no fee for each set of bid documents obtained. Copies of the complete RFP sections may also be accessed for free from:
http://www.denvergov.org/parksandrecreation/
PublicMeetingsNoticesRFPs/tabid/430253/Default.aspx

For any other questions or concerns contact Linda Kay Nedved, Denver Parks and Recreation, 201 W. Colfax Ave., 6th Floor/Dept. 602, Denver, CO 80202, telephone: 720.913.0730, email: Linda.Nedved@denvergov.org.

 

Denver Celebrates National Parks and Recreation Month

Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) wants residents to celebrate Park and Recreation Month with 31 ideas for each day during the month of July.

Each July since 1985, America has celebrated Park and Recreation Month. This year’s theme is Celebrate, Advocate, Recreate! and is designed to help remind residents of the vital role that parks and recreation play in the quality of life for which Denver is known lives of Americans.

To find out more contact Denver Parks and Recreation by calling Denver 3-1-1 or visit your local recreation center.

I -70 East - The Next Phase

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are entering the next phase of the I-70 East Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by undertaking a collaborative process to identify a preferred alternative for the I-70 East Corridor. The first step in this process requires the formation of the I-70 Preferred Alternative Collaborative Team (PACT). The I-70 PACT will engage in a collaborative dialogue and decision-making process that will result in the recommendation of a preferred alternative by early 2011.

For more information about the I-70 PACT including upcoming meetings, please visit the project website at www.i-70east.com.

 

Colorado Medication Take-Back Project

With emerging scientific discovery the harmful enironmental effects of flushing medicaton down the toliet. The Colorado Medication Take-Back Project is a pilot program comprised of a network of secure boxes for the purpose of collecting unused or unwanted household medications.

Medication drop boxes in Denver are located at: King Soopers, 2810 Quebec Street and Wellington E. Webb Center for Primary Care at Denver Health, 301 West 6th Avenue.

Foreclosure Redevelopment Funds Available

The Denver Office of Economic Development announces the availability of $12,095,000 in foreclosure redevelopment funds to affordable housing developers. OED is now accepting loan applications for the redevelopment of foreclosed multi-family properties in Denver through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 (NSP2).

Projects must include five units or more, under single ownership, and be located in one of the following NSP2 eligible neighborhoods: Montbello, Green Valley Ranch, Northeast Park Hill, Elyria Swansea, Cole, Clayton, Chaffee Park, Globeville, Sunnyside, West Colfax, Villa Park and Westwood. Projects in additional neighborhoods may be eligible on a case-by-case basis.

Information and application materials are available online at www.milehigh.com. Applications will be accepted until August 31, 2010, or when all funding has been obligated (whichever comes first). For more information, contact Melissa Stirdivant at melissa.stirdivant@denvergov.org or 720-913-1541.

Free Access to Recreation Centers

Through a generous $150,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente, Denver youth will once again have free access to City recreation centers and swimming this summer.

Open to Denver youth ages 17 and younger, recreation centers and pools will be free from June 4 through Aug. 14. This is the second year that Kaiser Permanente has supported the free summer recreation program. Standard fees will continue to apply for programs and activities that typically are offered at an additional charge.

Over the past two years, more than 162,000 kids have taken advantage of the free summer pools and recreation. Some centers experienced a 200 percent increase in users.
Area recreation centers offer a variety of summer activities, including open swim, basketball, game room and a Food Bank of the Rockies program that offers free food for families. Programs available for a nominal fee include Hoopin’ with Hickenlooper, baseball, t-ball, volleyball and swim lessons.
Free summer recreation complements the My Place program launched in 2008. This program gives Denver Public Schools students attending elementary and middle school where 75 percent or more students receive free and/or reduced lunch the opportunity for a free one-year membership to their neighborhood recreation center. In 2008 and 2009, more than 13,000 kids took advantage of that program.

 

SCFD 2010 FREE DAYS

DENVER ZOO
2300 Steele St., Denver, 303-376-4800
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Saturday November 13, 2010

DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE
2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver, 303-322-7009
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010

Denver Citizens Emergency Response Training

This disaster preparedness and response training (FEMA course IS317) will include how to plan for a disaster and teach basic response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. At the completion of this training, participants are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

This training is open to anyone. We will accept up to 40 participants

For More Information and Registration: http://www.denvergov.org/oem; Carolyn H. Bluhm, OEM: 720.865.7600 or email DenverCERT@denvergov.org

 

Colorado Boulevard Project – Coming Soon!

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and its contractor, Lafarge North America, Inc. will begin a 3.5 mile resurfacing project on Colorado Boulevard from Alameda Avenue to Martin Luther King Boulevard in Denver. The project will also upgrade traffic signals and improve turn lanes. The entire $3.8 million project is scheduled to be complete by the end of October.

Delays are expected throughout the project and alternate routes are strongly advised. Please obey all construction signs and flaggers and “Slow for the Cone Zone.” Fines for most infractions that occur in the work zone will be doubled.

eGo CarShare in District 8

District 8 residents and employees now have an alternative to personal car ownership in eGo CarShare. If you want to reduce your environmental footprint, save money, or be part of a community organization, eGo CarShare could be perfect for you. The organization’s mission is to provide and promote alternatives to individual car ownership, thereby reducing the environmental and social impacts associated with motor vehicle use.

Vehicles are rented on an hourly basis, allowing members to only pay for the vehicle when they use it! Members pay a one-time application fee of $25 and then hourly and mileage fees that cover everything (insurance, maintenance, gas and parking). Members make reservations online or over the phone, use their personal key fob to access the car, and return the car to the same parking spot when their reservation is over. Cars can be rented for 15 minutes or up to 48 hours.

eGo CarShare has been operating for nine years, and now has six cars in Denver, thanks in part to a Pilot Parking Project with the City of Denver allowing eGo CarShare to park three vehicles on the street (Glenarm Place at 16th Street, Market Street at 16th Street, and 17th Avenue at Pennsylvania Street).

Benefits of CarSharing:

For Members - it means affordable, convenient access to a car without personal ownership.

For the Environment - it means improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gases and eventually, less asphalt. (CarSharing has been proven to reduce VMT by 44%)

For our Communities - it means safer streets, more support for transit, less traffic congestion and better mobility for everyone, especially lower income residents.

For Developers - it means reduced parking space requirements and amenities for attracting and retaining residential and commercial tenants.

For Commercial Businesses - it means an incentive for employees to use alternative transportation, company fleet service, and reduced pressure on limited parking resources.

For Retail Businesses - it means an extra service for your customers, reduced pressure on limited parking, potential for increased local pedestrian traffic. Additionally, carsharing is a valuable asset in revitalizing local economies by creating a positive feedback loop for local investment. CarShare members save $250-300/month in transportation costs. These savings are then usually spent locally rather than being funneled into the global auto industry.

Xcel Energy Gas Line Replacement

Over the next several years, Xcel Energy is replacing 600 linear miles of gas pipe line throughout Colorado. Nearly 100 linear miles are in the Denver metro area, with the remainder being throughout the state. This replacement will result in continued reliable gas service for current and new customers.

We have started replacing gas line in your neighborhood. It is our desire and intention to provide the residents, businesses and neighbors in the area where we will be doing work with more advance notice when a project of this magnitude is undertaken. Xcel Energy has contracted with NPL Construction Company to replace gas pipeline.

Xcel welcomes the opportunity to speak to your association’s members to discuss our Accelerated Gas Main Replacement Project and answer any questions they may. To set up a time, please contact Kirk at infocolorado@xcelenergy.com or 303-294-2456.

Colorado Main Street Initiative

On Wednesday, April 28, Gov. Bill Ritter announced that the Five Points community would be one of four communities from around the state to be designated to take part in the new Colorado Main Streets Initiative. Launched as a pilot project, the new partnership will have significant impact on the corridor and will leverage it for future city, private, and federal support.

The Five Points Business District (FPBD) has been designated by the state as the entity to manage the project’s implementation and FPBD executive director Wil Alston will serve as the facilitator or “Community Champion” for the project. Click here http://www.fivepointsbiz.org/main-streets-page.html to go to the FPBD website to learn more about this new partnership with the state and to follow key upcoming dates and milestones.
Next Steps…

Two key groups will be created to implement the project. An Implementation Team will carry out the work generated by the project and a Community Advisory Committee will be created to provide guidance and oversight. The advisory committee will be made up of a broad collection of Five Points stakeholders.

To learn more about the project or how to get involved, call the office at: 303-832-5000.

Career Service Authority Board Vacancy

The Career Service Board consists of five Denver citizens appointed by the Mayor for five-year staggered terms. The Board provides oversight for Career Service Authority. Its charge is to maintain the merit system, which is the foundation of the Career Service personnel system. It is responsible for setting policy, considering appeals and making rule changes that enhance the work environment.

Mission, Vision, and Guiding Principles:
CSA upholds the merit system by providing human resource services to employees and agencies within the City and County of Denver for the benefit of the employees and the Denver community.
The vision is to set the standard for human resource best practices by;
Providing efficient, effective customer service
Valuing employee growth and development
Communicating effectively
Fostering inclusion, fair treatment and teamwork
Creating collaborative partnerships
Guiding principles: Customer Service, Integrity, Strategic Partnerships, Growth, Diversity, Respect

Meeting Times: The board meets twice monthly. These meetings are held on the first Thursday at 5:00 p.m. and the third Thursday at 9:00 a.m.

For more information contact:
Suzan Moore | Director, Boards & Commissions
Office of Mayor John Hickenlooper
O: 720.865.9034 | F: 720.865.8781
suzan.moore@denvergov.org | Dial 3-1-1 for City Services

Denver’s Food Deserts

There is an article that talks about Denver’s food deserts and includes the Denver Healthy Food Access Initiative, which is currently being launched with funding from the Colorado Health Foundation and in partnership with The Food Trust. It can be accessed at:
http://www.denverpost.com/frontpage/ci_14644222

Mayor’s Youth Commission

The Commission is a youth/adult partnership working together to provide youth voice and youth leadership in the City and County of Denver. It is an advisory body to the Mayor and City Council established by city ordinance and has 21 members; 11 youth members, ages 14-18, 5 representatives of City Agencies and 5 representatives of private/non-profit agencies which serve youth. Commissioners are appointed for three year terms. They meet bi-monthly on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., and other time commitments as necessary.

This year the Mayor’s Youth Commission partnered with Denver Health and the Boys and Girls Club on “healthy decisions”. Toward that end, the youth commission developed a workshop entitled: The Game of Life: How do You Play It?” They presented the workshop to about sixty students at the annual Youth Summit on March 25th. Earlier this year we partnered with Denver Television 8 and the Denver League of Women Voters to host a Denver Public School board candidate’s forum.

The Youth Commission is an exciting place for younger citizens of Denver to be involved in their community and Denver. It is a service learning and leadership opportunity. The Commission will have three youth and two adult vacancies to be filled by August 2010. We are seeking applications through June 4th. Applicants will be interviewed this summer and recommended to the Mayor’s Office for appointment.

The youth need to live in the City and County of Denver and be between the ages of 14-18. We are looking for committed young people willing to work with other students and adults on issues important to youth. Adults need to meet the criteria mentioned above work for a city agency or non-profit that works with young people.

Please have the youth fill out the application in survey monkey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=SIGaaLEwEeCIVplOw58h_2fQ_3d_3d
And the adult application
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=J9NGGpSc5w_2fhkNqwwnth6g_3d_3d

For questions, please contact Nancy Gilder, Mayor’s Office for Education and Children 720-913-0913

 

Join ACCESO – Denver’s Spanish Language Voter Advisory Board

Help the Spanish speaking voters of our community to vote.
Denver’s Elections Division seeks members for the ACCESO Spanish Language Voter Advisory Board.

It requires:
Attending a monthly meeting
Participating in a few outreach activities
Serving as a voice for Denver’s Spanish speaking voters

This group assists with effective voter outreach to the Spanish speaking community in Denver.
To apply go to Denver Elections Division
http://www.denvergov.org/elections
and click on ACCESO or call 720.865.4872.
Denver residents are encouraged to apply. Bilingual skill is a plus but not necessary.

Office of Economic Development to Report on 2009 HUD Activities at Public Meeting

The City and County of Denver’s Office of Economic Development will report on the 2009 accomplishments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs at a public meeting March 18, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., at the King Trimble Economic Prosperity Center, 2980 Curtis St.

The report, officially known as the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), will offer details on the effectiveness of housing, economic development, public service and neighborhood facilities programs funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnerships (HOME), Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) programs.

HUD’s goals are to provide decent housing, provide a suitable living environment and expand economic opportunities. Principal beneficiaries are extremely low to middle-income residents.

Copies of the draft CAPER can be obtained by calling 720-913-1549. Final copies will be available at www.milehigh.com in May.

No Change? No Problem! Smart meters are coming to Denver

Smart Meters are solar powered, wireless meters that accept Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards, coins and COMING SOON: ParkSmart Denver cards, pre-paid credit card sized plastic cards that will be available in amounts ranging from $5 to $100. 4,500 Smart Meters will be installed throughout Denver by May 2010. The Smart Meters will replace Denver’s older traditional parking meters. Not all meters in Denver will transition to Smart Meters; around 20% of the original meters will remain in areas where the character has changed and metered parking is being re-evaluated. Parking kiosks will not be transitioned to Smart Meters. Smart Meters will not accept the Cash Key, but are made to accept the ParkSmart Denver cards. While you may continue to re-load your Cash Key to use on the original meters, no more Cash Keys will be sold.


Denver B-Cycle

Like Bikes? Love Denver? Help Denver B-Cycle introduce an historic new bike-sharing program that'll offer a simple, clean, FUN and affordable way to get around town.

The City of Denver launched the country’s first citywide bike-sharing system aimed at helping Denver residents increase daily activity and reduce carbon emissions. The program launched with 500 B-cycles at 50 B-stations around the city, offering a green alternative to cars for short commutes and errands.

YOU or YOUR organization can help change our transportation culture in Denver. Learn more: http://www.bikedenver.org/news/bcyclelaunchvolunteers/.



New 2010 Denver Bike Maps Available Now!
Pick up a FREE updated Denver Bike Map today
and get ready to ride!

Denver Public Works, in cooperation with Denver Parks + Recreation, Denver GIS and Denver Community Planning and Development, have produced a new Denver Bike Map that is available for free at all Denver Rec Centers, Denver City Council Offices, Bike Denver and participating local bike shops (list below).

The 2010 Denver Bike Map not only shows the best ways to maneuver the City by bike, but it also features updated information on bike lanes, marked shared lanes, bike routes and multi-use trails. The map also includes tips for sharing the road when biking on Denver City streets and how best to avoid injuries when bicycling, specifically in “The Door Zone,” the area along the side of a parked car where an opening door can hit and injure a cyclist. Instructions regarding hand signals and new bike laws are illustrated on the map, and a section of the map is dedicated to understanding how to use RTD Bike-n-Ride and Bike-on-Light Rail.

The 2010 Denver Bike Map is printed on water resistant paper, so it’s easy to use when on the go. Pick up a free copy of the 2010 Denver Bike Map today at the following locations:
Denver Recreation Centers
Denver City Council Offices
Bike Denver
Participating Denver Bike Shops

· Turin Bicycle Ltd
· Bicycle Doctor/Edgeworks
· Salvagetti Bicycle Workshop
· Denver Spoke
· Campus Cycles
· Cherry Creek Bike Rack
· Singletrack Factory
· Cycle Analyst
· Greentree Cyclery
· The Bike Source
· Collins' Bicycles
· Mojo Wheels
· Denver Bicycle
· Westside Cycling
· Fly Bike Shop
· On Stop Bike Shop
· Park Hill Bike Depot
· Velosoul Bicycles
· Bicycle Village

Please visit www.DenverMovesBikes.com for all location addresses.


Taking Care of Our Trees

Make a difference in your community and beautify it at the same time! The Community Forester program, launched in 2003, has been revived by the Park People and Denver Parks and Recreation. The new training program empowers individuals to lead tree planting and tree care activities within the community. This volunteer program offers each of you an opportunity to help protect the trees on your block and engage your neighbors in the effort.

To become a Community Forester, participants must complete all sessions. Alternatively, individuals may take Trees 101 and at least one other class to become a Tree Steward. Visit The Park People for the session schedule and more information


Youth Link

Just released: the 2010 "YouthLink," a summer activities guide. The guide, sponsored by Councilman Linkhart and the Denver Community Service Fund, lists hundreds of opportunities for metro-area youth.

"I am committed to making Denver the most viable and healthy community for youth by expanding the opportunities for kids and increasing awareness of existing programs. Through this guide we've made available an extensive list that is sure to have something for everyone," said Councilman Linkhart. The bilingual guide lists 149 organizations located throughout the city.

The activities, many of which are free, include summer sports such as tennis, gymnastics or river rafting, jobs in community-based service programs, GED and language classes and culture and arts programs. The guide features a map indicating the location of each program.

Beginning next week 85,000 Activities Guides will be distributed to Denver public and private schools, and will also be available at Denver public libraries and Denver recreation centers. The publication can also be acquired by contacting our office at 720-865-8000.


Creating Tomorrow's Workforce

The program was more than a paycheck. It made me realize that I could be somebody.
-2009 Summer Youth Job Participant

We're looking for people who want to make a direct impact on the future of a young person. By hiring a teenager this summer, your organization can make a huge difference in the life of a young person while helping to build Denver's future workforce.

Budget cuts at all levels of government are threatening to reduce summer youth employment this year to only 200 jobs. In an effort to double this number, the Office of Workforce Development created the “Bridges to Work” program to engage the private sector. I am co-chairing the program with the Mayor and U.S. Bank's Colorado President, Hassan Salem. Together we are contacting businesses and nonprofit organizations to ask them to share the cost of hiring young people through a special training program this summer.

Bridges to Work participants will be primarily low-income youths ages 14-21. Each will receive dozens of hours of job readiness training and career exploration, along with job coaching and leadership development while on the job. Last year 60 kids participating in the city's program were later hired in permanent jobs.

Please help us build the workforce of the future. For more information on Bridges to Work contact Ginger Hecht or call 720-865-5700.

Denver’s new Ballot TRACE system

The second test of Denver’s new Ballot TRACE system, a free mail ballot tracking service, will begin this week. The service is being offered to voters in the City Council District 1 Special Vacancy Election.

Voters can sign up at www.denvervotes.org to receive text messages or emails that track the progress of their mail ballot through the postal system. Voters who do not have access to a computer but do have a cell phone may sign up to receive text messages by calling 311, Denver’s centralized information and citizen assistance agency.

“It is clear to us that voters would like some assurance about the status of their mail ballots as those ballots move through the postal system. This technology gives the voter the ability to track their ballot at every stage of the process,” said Denver Clerk and Recorder Stephanie O’Malley. “We think ballot tracking technology is the wave of the future, and we hope that Council District 1 voters will help give Ballot TRACE another test drive before we launch the product to all of Denver’s voters later this year.”

Ford-Warren Branch Library
2010 Hours of Operation

2825 High Street
720-865-0920

Denver Public Library’s Ford-Warren Branch Library today announces it’s 2010 hours of operation. Located in the Whittier Neighborhood at 2825 High Street (80205), this branch library, which a broad collection of materials in English and Spanish languages, opens four days a week, including Saturdays. Come Check It Out!, or visit us online at www.denverlibrary.org.

10a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday
Noon - 8 p.m., Tuesday
Closed, Wednesday
Noon - 8 p.m., Thursday
Closed, Friday
9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday
Closed, Sunday

Ford-Warren Branch Library also offers programs for children and families. Following is a schedule. Please call ahead if questions, or to ensure a seat!:

Monday
Storytime: 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Tuesday and Thursday
Community Learning Plaza: 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

All programs and services of the Denver Public Library are free and open to the public.

Denver Compost Collection Continues

Denver Compost Collection can no longer offer compost collection at no cost, they are able to continue this service for a fee to selected residences on a limited basis. Only homes currently participating in the composting pilot are being invited to continue service; additional households will be invited to participate if space becomes available. Act today to continue your compost collection service! Payment must be received by April 15, 2010 in order for service to continue. If payment is not received, your compost cart will be retrieved in April. Pay online or pay by mail.

Go to DenverComposts.com today and select your payment option to continue your compost collection.
Payment Options:
1 Payment of $87.75
• April - December service
3 Payments of $29.25 each
• Payment #1 is due on April 15, 2010 • Payment #2 is due on July 1, 2010 • Payment #3 is due on October 1, 2010

 

 

16th Street Mall Survey
As the Downtown Denver Partnership continues collecting feedback and narrowing down design preferences, we have moved on to the next stage of our survey process.

The survey below is the second of three surveys. These are each intended to collect public feedback on three specific topics:
1) Current Mall use patterns
2) Mall furnishings preferences
3) Future design option preferences

Click here to take the survey on Mall furnishings preferences.

In addition to being available to the public on the www.16thStreetPlan.com website and 16th Street Mall Facebook site, the survey will be directly distributed to members of the downtown community – residents, retailers, business and property owners and other stakeholders.

The final survey will be released in the coming weeks and we will circulate that link as soon as it becomes available.

 

Work Options for Women (WOW)
Women from across the Denver area come through the doors at WOW seeking job-training, support, and assistance in finding work. WOW provides an intensive program including a full complement of support services, which enables women to secure long-term employment. Students gain “real life” experience training alongside WOW’s own staff of professional chefs while producing hundreds of meals each day at the WOW café in the Richard T. Castro Denver Human Services Center and at Café Options, WOW’s quick-casual restaurant located in downtown Denver at:
1650 Curtis Street
Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 3:00 pm.
Case managers work individually with students before, during, and after their 16-week culinary training for at least a year to address those barriers, such as homelessness, that have contributed to being unemployed. WOW’s job placement coordinator helps students locate job openings, complete applications and résumés, and offers interview training. Graduates continue to receive one-on-one job counseling, life-management assistance and support services to ensure stability at work for up to three years after graduation.

For more information contact Dan Mondragon
(720-944-1920 / dan@workoptions.org) or visit:
www.workoptions.org
www.cafeoptions.com

Denver's Composting Collection Pilot Program Accepts Food, Soiled Paper & Yard Debris

Denver residents have proven they are great recyclers. We are now taking recycling to the next level in Denver by testing composting collection through a new pilot program. Organic material like food, soiled paper and yard debris is the single largest item we throw away in our landfill, and it is 100% compostable.

The composting collection program accepts organic material such as yard debris, food and soiled paper. The program strictly prohibits any type of plastic materials, glass or metal, as these are contaminants that prohibit the ability to compost the organic material.

For more information, call 720-913-0169 or e-mail cricciardi@denverartmuseum.org.

Seasonal Street Sweeping

Public Works Street Maintenance Department encourages drivers to “SHOW YOUR PRIDE AND MOVE YOUR RIDE” during Denver’s seasonal street sweeping, which begins Thursday, April 1.

Sign up for a free “e-minder” about your sweeping day at www.KeepItCleanDenver.org – direct link:
http://www.denvergov.org/Street_Maintenance

 

 

 

Watch Your Car Program

Do you park your car on the street?
Do you not drive you car between 1am - 5am?
Do you want to deter auto theft?

If you answer yes to these questions, then the WATCH YOUR CAR program might be for you. The program is free. This program is for you if you rarely use your car between 1am - 5am (the peak hours most cars are stolen). Registration in this program allows law enforcement across the nation to stop your vehicle during these hours to determine if the car has been stolen. Registered participants will display two Watch Your Car decals on their vehicles -one on the front windshield and one on the rear window. You need to have your drivers license, registration and vehicle when you register. Come to the Cop Shop or call for an appointment.
The Park Shop is open Mon, Wed, & Fri. noon - 3:00pm and will make special appts.

Park Avenue Cop Shop
2263 Champa Street
Denver, CO 80205
720 865-2355

 

Boot and Tow Fines Increasing

Just a courtesy reminder that boot and tow fines in Denver will be increasing. Effective Thursday, April 1, 2010, the fees for receiving a parking boot and tow will be increased from $50 to $100 each. These fees have not been increased for 21 years. A vehicle may receive a boot after it has accumulated three unpaid parking tickets. If the boot fee and the outstanding citations are not paid, the vehicle will be towed after 72 hours. These fines apply to all boots issued by Right Of Way Enforcement and all tows requested by Right Of Way Enforcement.

 

Mi Casa Granted $3.6 Million for Green Jobs Training in Five Points Area
The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced $150 million in green jobs training grants - including $3.6 million to Mi Casa Resource Center, part of the federal economic stimulus package.

The grant to Mi Casa and its partner agencies will provide training to individuals residing largely in the Five Points area of Denver in technical and nontechnical skills to obtain jobs in the fast-growing energy efficiency and renewable energy industries of Colorado.

If you are interested in Green Jobs Training, please contact Mi Casa:
www.micasadenver.org
360 Acoma Street, Denver - (303) 539-5597
Both technical and non technical courses will be provided in the areas of Energy Efficient Building Construction & Retrofits, Renewable Electrical Power, Deconstruction & Materials Use, and Energy Efficiency Assessment (Residential, Commercial, & Industrial).

Mi Casa’s lead partners on this project are Charity House, iCAST, Denver Institute of Urban Studies, American Pathways University, and the Denver Office of Economic Development.

Smart Meters
What are Smart Meters?
Smart Meters are solar powered, wireless, meters that accept Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards, coins and coming soon: ParkSmart Denver cards, pre-paid credit card sized plastic cards that will be available in amounts ranging from $5 to $100.

Where are the Smart Meters?
4,500 Smart Meters will be installed throughout Denver by May, 2010. The Smart Meters will replace Denver’s older, traditional parking meters. Not all meters in Denver will transition to Smart Meters; around 20% of the original meters will remain in areas where the character has changed and metered parking is being re-evaluated. Parking kiosks will not be transitioned to Smart Meters.

Your Options As a Cash Key Holder:
1. Keep your cash key and re-load it for use in Denver’s remaining original meters. While most meters in Denver will transition to Smart Meters, there will still be some original meters on the street that will accept Denver’s Cash Keys. If you have a Cash Key, you can continue to re-load it at the following locations:
The Webb Building, 201 West Colfax, 1st floor, Cashier Counter
The Wastewater Building, 2000 West 3rd Street, Permit Counter
Both Tattered Cover locations: 2526 East Colfax Avenue at Elizabeth Street and 1628 16th Street at Wynkoop
The Downtown Denver Partnership, 511 16th St Ste 200

Smart Meters will not accept the Cash Key, but are made to accept the ParkSmart Denver cards. While you may continue to re-load your Cash Key, no more Cash Keys will be sold.

2. Return Your Cash Key
Bring your Cash Key and photo ID to any of the above locations and we’ll mail you a check within six weeks for any cash left on the key and for any deposit made on the key. Deposit amounts vary, but each key is tracked in our system.

For more information visit: Parksmartdenver.com or call 311

Church in the City Site Purchase Complete
The City of Denver finalized its purchase of the Church in the City site on March 9, 2010.

The land, located at 1530 Josephine Street, was acquired for $6 million and will be the future home of the central Denver recreation center. Numerous centrally-located sites were considered for the central Denver recreation center, with the Church in the City eventually being identified as the most feasible after several public meetings.

The purchase includes approximately 2.56 acres, which will eventually be developed into a recreation center and may also allow for additional retail possibilities. In the interim, Denver Parks and Recreation will fence off the site for safety during the assessment process, which will last a few months.


.
Denver City Councilmembers Jeanne Robb and Carla Madison, along with Denver Parks and Recreation, are meeting with area neighborhood organizations and East High school representatives to determine interim uses for the property.

In 2006, Denver Parks and Recreation completed a Recreation Center Needs Assessment, which identified Capitol Hill and Stapleton as two areas not served by a recreation center. In 2007, both locations were included in the Better Denver Bond package that was passed by Denver voters.

Voters specifically approved $11 million in bond funding for land purchase, planning and design of a new recreation center in central Denver. A portion of the bond funds remaining after acquisition will be used toward demolition of the current building and planning of the new center. Separate funds must be raised for construction of the facility.

Denver 2010 Census

The Census is a head count of everyone residing in the United States. It has been mandated by the U.S. Constitution (Article 1, Section 2) since 1790 and it occurs every 10 years. The Census counts people of all ages, race, ethnic groups, citizens and noncitizens. Population totals from the decennial Census determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives; the totals are also used to redraw legislative districts. The Census is also used to help determine the appropriation of federally funded programs. Census data is safe. The constitution protects Census information from being shared with the Department of Homeland Security or any other federal agency.

Census data is used to determine how the community is changing and what its needs are.

Funding
Over $435 billion dollars in federal funding is distributed to communities each year. If the population is not counted accurately then Denver may not receive funds that match its needs.

Some of the areas where Census data is used to allocate funds are:
Title 1 grants to educational agencies
Head Start programs
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Public Transportation
Road rehabilitation and construction
Emergency food and shelter The Colorado State Demography Office estimates that for every Denver resident not counted in 2010, it could lose a minimum of $826 per person each year in federal funds. In Colorado, almost 55,000 people were undercounted in the 2000 Census. In Denver, it is estimated that there were 9,000 undercounted residents in the 2000 Census, which translates to an estimated loss of $7.4 million dollars each year for a total loss in Denver of $74 million in federal dollars over 10 years. For these reasons, it is critical to Denver’s continued economic success that it achieves the most accurate count possible.

Representation
Census data is used to determine U.S. Congressional and Local representation:
U.S. Congressional - Apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives
Local - Apportionment of representatives in the Colorado state legislature and seats on the Denver City Council

Accurate local statistical data is used for determining school and state legislature districts; to assist with infrastructure, public health, environmental protection, and disaster relief services amongst other services. Many state-funded grant programs also rely on Census data. Because the annual population estimates use the decennial census counts as a base, if a community's population is undercounted in the decennial census, these funds get misallocated for an entire decade.

For more information visit: www.denvergov.org/census2010

 

City Park Stories

The Denver Post is doing a story on City Park and its history. We are looking for elders who might have memories of City Park back when you could skate on it or when the race track was in place or even more recent but great stories of their lives around City Park. If you know anyone in your neighborhood who might have something to contribute, let the District 8 office know.

 

Mile High United Way – Individual Development Account Program

The Individual Development Account (IDA) Program is a matched savings program designed to assist income-qualified individuals and households (below 80% area median income) to purchase a home, attend post-secondary or vocational education for the participant or a dependant, or to start or expand a small business. The assistance combines both eight hours of financial training and asset counseling services.

CDBG funds will provide up to $4,000 in match funds for each individual participant’s savings goal. When eligible, participants will receive $2,000 of CDBG funds that will be met by a $2,000 Assets for Independence Grant match. For participants that are not eligible for Assets for Independence Grant matching funds, but meet CDBG criteria, a $4,000 CDBG match will be available for IDAs. The IDA program will provide a 4:1 match on up to $1000 of participant savings.
In addition to the financial support, participants will attend 8 hours of mandatory financial training and work with an asset counselor towards their end goal.

If you are interested in the Individual Development Account Program, please contact Mile High United Way program staff: Gaile Weisbly at 303-561-2367 or Kimberly Roy at 303-561-2339. For additional information, please visit the website:
http://www.unitedwaydenver.org/site/c.rwL8KjNULrH/b.4426601/k.E2E/
What_We_Do__Individual_Development_Accounts.htm

 

Neighborhood issues more prominent from the home page of Denvergov.org


From the “Living in Denver” tab on the home page of http://www.DenverGov.Org, the category “Neighborhoods” is now in place. If you select “Neighborhoods”, you will link to the following page that includes a permanent news item that promotes Registered Neighborhood Organizations.
http://www.denvergov.org//CityofDenverHome/LivinginDenver/
Neighborhoods/tabid/436206/Default.aspx

In addition to this high level navigation feature, we’ve attached a broader list of key words that lead to the RNO list for those persons who tend to use the web search feature located on the upper right hand corner of each DenverGov page.

Denver Elections Division Moving

The Denver Elections Division will move to a newly remodeled city-owned building at 200 West 14th Avenue. The new facility is located directly south of the City and County Building.

By returning to the city-owned facility previously known as the Permit Center, the Elections Division will save more than $300,000 a year because it will no longer have to pay rent as it currently does at its Mexico Avenue offices.

Improvements to the 200 West 14th Avenue building were funded by a Public Office Facility Bond approved by Denver’s voters on November 6, 2007.

The improved downtown facility will provide an ample customer service lobby for voters seeking assistance, and ballot processing will be conducted in full public view through large interior windows. The Elections Division will be sharing the building with the Denver Department of Environmental Health.

Because of the move, the Elections Division will be closed for business on Friday, March 19. Employees will take this day as a furlough day in place of a citywide furlough day scheduled for Friday, October 15. The Elections Division will re-open for business at its new downtown location on Monday, March 22 at 8 a.m.


Northeast Denver Plan

The focus of the plan will be on identifying challenges, opportunities, and existing conditions within the study area. You can also learn more about the plan by visiting the project’s website at www.denvergov.org/northeastdowntown.

If you have additional questions, you can reach me the project manager, Courtland Hyser, at courtland.hyser@denvergov.org or 720-865-2924.

Economic stimulus funds boost private sector hiring in Denver

The Denver Office of Economic Development (OED) announces the availability of wage subsidy funding for Metro Denver businesses to hire new employees. The program is made available through the City’s allocation of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act workforce development funding.

The program offers up to 100 percent of a new hire’s wages to be subsidized for a period of up to six months. Subsidies for individual positions cannot exceed $8,000.

“We’re finding that this program helps ease the burden for many employers with adding new employees,” said André Pettigrew, executive director of the Denver Office of Economic Development. “In exchange for the support, we’re looking to establish partnerships with businesses that will hire and retain long-term employees.”

OED has designated $4.1 million in ARRA workforce development funding for job seeker skills training and wage subsidy support to assist businesses. With these funds, OED has established wage subsidy contracts with 70 businesses in several industries, including energy, construction/skilled trades, health care, lodging and restaurants. The office has subsidy funds remaining to expend by June 30, 2010.

To be considered for the program, a business must be located in Colorado for at least 120 days, pay into workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance, and have not laid off employees within the past six months. Subsidies are only available for full-time positions that provide at least 32 hours of work per week.

To apply for the program, businesses must submit an interest questionnaire online at www.milehigh.com.

Changes to Large Item Pick-Ups and Barrel Overflow Trash Collection

Due to budget cuts, Solid Waste has made changes to its services that best reduce budget expenditures, while maintaining the highest level of services to citizens.

Starting January 1, 2010, Large Item Pick-ups (LIP) will be every 9 weeks. Overflow trash collection will be every 3 weeks in barrel service areas.

LIP items, such as household furniture and mattresses, should only be set out for collection on your scheduled LIP week. It is important that you follow the LIP schedule because additional personnel and equipment will not be able to respond to requests or complaints that are outside the current week’s LIP schedule

Solid Waste strongly discourages residents from placing items in the alley outside of the LIP collection schedule for neighbors or scavengers to take. Dumping items in your alley outside of your LIP schedule can create an eye sore, attract litter and rodents, increase illegal dumping and block access through your alley.

Barrel overflow trash collection in barrel service areas will be reduced from weekly service to once every three weeks. Overflow trash is any household trash place outside of your City-issued black trash barrel for collection. Items left outside of the black trash barrel will only be picked up on your scheduled overflow weeks.

For the Large Item Pick-up Calendar and more information visit:

http://www.denvergov.org
/LargeItemPickupLIP/tabid/423601/Default.aspx

New Future for Crossroads

The City and County of Denver’s Division of Theatres and Arenas – proprietors of the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Colorado Convention Center and the Denver Coliseum – On December 14, 2010 announced an intent to acquire the struggling Crossroads Theatre in the historic Five Points neighborhood. With the support of Crossroads’ current owner Kurt Lewis and landlord Hope Communities, Theatres and Arenas is working to take possession of the space as early as January 2010.

“Assuming the lease and management of Crossroads Theatre is one of the most creative endeavors Theatres and Arenas has undertaken,” said Jack Finlaw, Director of Theatres and Arenas. “Our agency’s mission is to provide cultural and public assembly facilities to Denver’s diverse communities. Adding Crossroads to the catalog of venues we manage on behalf of the City will greatly advance our goal of offering affordable spaces, and will enable us to foster a diversity of programming for residents and visitors to Denver.”

“The construction of Crossroads Theater at Five Points implemented the idea of a convergence of diverse cultures and art forms in an intimate performance space located in the heart of the city,” said Kurt Lewis, current owner and operator of the venue. “Since its opening, Crossroads has hosted poetry, music, theater, film, dance, visual art, storytelling, lectures and community meetings for all cultures in the city. I am excited to see Theatres and Arenas take the baton so that Crossroads can continue to provide an intimate affordable venue for Denver’s artists and performers to tell the story of our city.”

The 100-seat Crossroads Theatre has served small, independent performing arts groups and the Five Points community since 2007. When Kurt Lewis began searching for an entity to take over his stake in the venue, Theatres and Arenas recognized an opportunity to partner with and serve two vital Denver communities: the Five Points neighborhood and the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) Tier III performing arts organizations.

With collaboration from Denver’s Office of Cultural Affairs (DOCA), the Denver Office of Economic Development, the new Five Points Business District, District 8 Councilwoman Carla Madison and Mayor John Hickenlooper, Theatres and Arenas aims to preserve an important cultural space and contribute to the economic development of one of Denver’s most treasured neighborhoods.

“Crossroads Theatre is an incredible cultural asset of the historic Five Points neighborhood,” said André Pettigrew, Executive Director of the Denver Office of Economic Development. “Its continued success is paramount, as it further activates the neighborhood and provides a spark for future growth, as outlined in our office’s Neighborhood Marketplace Initiative District Development Plan for the area.” "Crossroads has been an important part of the revitalization of Five Points; it was part of the reawakening of the cultural center that Welton Street had been known for," said City Councilwoman Carla Madison. "When it looked like Crossroads was going to close, neighbors felt like it was a huge step backward. We are so grateful to Theatres and Arenas for stepping up and not only preserving live theater, but continuing Kurt Lewis' vision of creating a community-based theater. This is a great solution for local theater groups and the community at large."

Rather than take possession of the space with a programming agenda already in place, Theatres and Arenas will gather community input through public meetings to determine how the Five Points and SCFD Tier III communities would like to see the space utilized. Theatres and Arenas will make every effort to provide a venue where these communities can develop organic, sustainable programming that will enhance the cultural economy in Denver, while promoting and preserving the heritage of the neighborhood surrounding Crossroads Theatre.

“The Denver Office of Cultural Affairs is greatly supportive of the decision by the Division of Theatres and Arenas to take over management of the venue,” said Erin Trapp, Director. “We believe the move will be mutually beneficial to the Five Points community and the local arts organizations that choose to use the space. DOCA’s own use of the space through the 5 Points Jazz Festival has been a strong success and we hope that other performance groups will benefit from this important community resource.”

All events currently scheduled at Crossroads Theatre will take place planned. For location, event and ticket information, visit www.denvercrossroads.com. Information on public meetings related to the space will be announced soon.

The City of Denver’s Division of Theatres and Arenas owns and operates Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Denver Performing Arts Complex, the Colorado Convention Center and the historic Denver Coliseum. For more information visit www.redrocksonline.com, www.artscomplex.com, www.denverconvention.com and www.denvercoliseum.com.

Citywide Open Burning and Wood burning Ordinances

Summer has officially begun, and Denver residents have welcomed the warmer weather with cookouts, community gatherings and picnics in the park. With the increase in these activities, the Denver Fire Department and the Department of Environmental Health would like to remind residents of citywide open burning and wood burning ordinances that restrict the use of many backyard open burning devices such as fire pits and chimineas.

According to Denver’s open burning ordinance, open burning of wood (including fire-logs) is illegal in Denver without permits from the Denver Department of Environmental Health and Fire Prevention and Investigation Division. There are three main exceptions to this ordinance.

If you’re cooking. A permit is not required if the purpose of the open flame is to cook non-commercial food—such as with a backyard barbecue. However after the food preparation is finished, the flame must be extinguished. Fire pits, chimineas, or similar devices that burn solid fuels can only be used to cook food.

If you are using fuels such as propane or natural gas. Propane and natural gas-powered fires are allowed provided they meet conditions of the Fire Code. Fires powered by solid fuels such as wood, charcoal, coal, paper, trash and other combustible solid fuels are not allowed.

If you have a permit. Open burn permits are available, but are rarely granted and only for very limited situations such as fire safety training and certain religious and cultural special events and activities. Open burn permits are not an option for open burning in devices such as chimineas and fire pits that use solid fuel and the fire is solely for aesthetic purposes or comfort heating.

Denver’s open burning restrictions are designed to maintain air quality standards. Smoke from burning solid fuels such as wood, adds to air pollution and is a public nuisance. Wood burning contributes to the brown cloud, particulates, carbon monoxide and additional hazardous air pollutants.

For more information, visit the Fire Prevention and Investigation Division or www.denvergov.org/deh.

 

Senior Computer Classes
MONDAYS-THURSDAYS: Senior Computer Classes, 12-2 pm at the Salvation Army Red Shield Community Center, 29th & High. Cost is $5 yearly membership. Call 303-295-2107.

Looking for free financial counseling?
Denver office of Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS).
CCCS is a community based business that provides education on debt management, bankruptcy, and credit development/maintenance. Money workshops and personal counseling are available over the phone and internet. Visit the Denver CCCS website, www.cccsdenver.org and sign up for their free newsletter.

 

Darlington Fountain in Ferrill Lake gearing up to entertain City Park visitors again

Fountain shows of the Electric Fountain will begin again on Friday, May 22, 2009 and continue throughout the summer. The new fountain on Ferril Lake in City Park was dedicated August 19, 2008 in time for the 2008 DNC and just over 100 years after the original fountain was completed on May 30, 1908. The original fountain was supported by Mayor Robert Speer’s City Beautiful plan and the Democratic National Convention coming to Denver during the summer of 1908. The fountain was a centerpiece of life in Denver, drawing thousands of visitors to watch the water and light shows while listening to concerts in City Park. The fountain, which predates the Disney and Las Vegas era of show fountains by over sixty years, was created by engineer Frederic W. Darlington. It was called the Prismatic Electric Fountain because of the rainbow of colored lighting effects created by the special apparatus patented by Darlington in the late 1890’s.

Toward the end of the 20th century, necessary repairs became too frequent and the fountain shows were discontinued. After multiple attempted repairs, the deteriorating fountain was torn down and a 20-month project to build a historically accurate replica of the original fountain began in January 2007. The original Darlington Electric Fountain in City Park was the last known surviving, relatively intact example of Darlington’s work when it was demolished. Denver is the only city with a Darlington Electric Fountain to undertake the daunting task of creating a historically accurate yet modern version of his original work.

The new Electric Fountain vault was designed to match the dimensions of the original fountain based on measurements taken before the demolition. The new fountain vault is constructed with re-bar and a special mix of concrete for strength. The new fountain features the 12 water display effects of the original fountain, but there are now three times as many automatic valves to give dramatic new flexibility in controlling the displays. The new fountain, constructed at a cost of $3.2 million, is run by computer software. In keeping with Denver’s greener image, the fountain uses LED lights that consume about 80 percent less energy than incandescent lighting would require. These state-of-the-are lights are saving over 40,000 Watts of power during the peak demand point of a fountain show.

The fountain recycles between 600 and 4,000 gallons of Ferril Lake water per minute, depending on which water features are active and how high they shoot. The center geyser is designed to shoot to a height of 90 feet. Along with providing visual entertainment, operation of the fountain also aerates the lake water, which reduces algae growth and is good for the fish stocked in the lake.

The Prismatic Electric Fountain shows will be every 5 -10 minutes from 7p.m. to 11p.m. with lighted shows starting at dusk. During the day, the fountain will change patterns every 5 minutes with short fountain shows on the hour.

District 8 Bond Projects

For questions or concerns
regarding these projects contact:

Better Denver Program Office
201 W. Colfax - Dept. 910
Denver, CO 80202
720-913-0814
http://www.denvergov.org/Home/tabid/429576/Default.aspx

 

Crime Statistics

Citywide, crime increased 4.5% comparing Jan-Mar 2008 to Jan-Mar 2009. Crime increased by 2.3% from March of 2008 to March of 2009. In Part 1 Crimes, sexual assault had the largest percent increase of 42.3%.

By geographic area: 40 of the 78 neighborhoods experienced an increase in crime along with 5 of the 6 Police Districts and 10 of the 11 Council Districts.

Please visit this website for more detail by type of crime, police district, council district and statistical neighborhood via the following link:

http://denvergov.org/Default.aspx?alias=denvergov.org/sopa

 

The New Zoning Code Update

Information on the code approach, meetings, introduction to team members and the task force is available for review at:
www.newcodedenver.org

Dog Park Master Plan

Dog Park Master Plan needs your input
Denver Parks and Recreation is currently evaluating its seven pilot dog park sites and writing a dog park master plan for the City of Denver. Your input is needed. Please take this 15-minute survey, whether you own dogs or not. The information gathered will help us to draft the master plan, as well as make policy recommendations for off-leash areas in Denver. Surveys will be collected through April 30, 2009.
TO TAKE THE SURVEY PRESS HERE

 

Denver Municipal Animal Shelter extends weekday evening hours

Beginning March 31, the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter will offer extended weekday evening hours to provide customers with additional time to visit the shelter during the week.This change is just one of many Denver’s Animal Care & Control Division is undertaking to better meet the needs of its customers.

The new hours will be:

Shelter Hours:
Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Adoptions: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Adoptions: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Animal Intake/Office hours:
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Sundays

The Denver Municipal Animal Shelter has more than 75 animals available for adoption, including dogs, cats, rabbits, ginny pigs, and other small animals.

The shelter is located a 678 S. Jason Street in Denver. To learn more information, call 311. To view a list of adoptable animals, visit www.denvergov.org/animalcare.

 

Protect your Pets in the City

A few simple steps can be taken to protect your pets from predators in the city. One step is to make your yard harder to get into by animals by installing at least a six foot fence with rollers or wire angled outwards on the fence top. Keep fences in good repair, flush with the ground, or reinforce bottoms with wire. Other ways to reduce attractiveness of your yard to wildlife are trimming plants to one foot off the ground, and having noisemakers on hand to scare predators, including coyotes, away. Whistles, air horns, banging pans or any strange noise can help frighten off unwanted wildlife. Motion activated lights and sprinklers will also discourage them from entering the yard.

Make sure predators are not being fed intentionally or unintentionally. Feed house pets indoors, securely close garbage and compost bins or store them inside, and regularly clean underneath bird feeders, barbeque grills and fruit trees. Intentional feeding of wildlife is the number one cause of a wild animal becoming aggressive towards a person. And it is against the law to feed coyotes or foxes in urban area. Adaptable wildlife has plenty of food in a city, and feeding puts them and you at risk.

To further ensure pet safety in the city, always keep them on a short leash when walking, and do not allow pets to roam; especially at night. Wildlife is most active from dawn to dusk, so after dark turn on lights before going outside, visually inspect the yard before letting pets out, and stay with your pets when they are outside.

2010 Census & Complete Count Neighborhood Sub-Committee
Now Accepting Applications!

The purpose of the formation of the Complete Count Committee (CCC) is to increase the Census questionnaire mail-back response rate through focused structured, neighbor-to-neighbor program outreach. By bringing together a cross-section of community members who will focus on the 2010 Census awareness, we will be able to utilize the local knowledge, expertise, and influence of each Complete Count Committee member in order to design and implement a Census awareness campaign targeted to the community.

Specifically, the Complete Count Committee Neighborhood Sub-Committee members will:
· Ensure an accurate count of every City and County of Denver resident
· Ensure and accurate count of presumably undercounted communities
· Make every Denver resident aware of the census
· Make every Denver resident aware of the confidentiality of the census

Members will be asked to serve approximately one to two hours per month. If you are interested, contact Heather Barry at Heather.Barry@denvergov.org for additional information.

Want to Teach? This Program May be for You!

The program enables individuals that do not have teaching credentials to be hired as teachers and earn their credentials while they teach. If you are an individual who reflects the diversity of our district and may not have thought about teaching as a career path, but think you could bring great value to the profession, get more information today! Contact Happy Haynes at 720-423-3221or contact Juan Pablo Parodi at 720-423-1239 regarding this exciting opportunity! Time is limited for signing up for this program, so act now!

Denver Gets Approval to Expand Enterprise Zone
New Boundaries Will Boost the Number of Businesses Eligible for
State Tax Incentives, Create Revitalization Along Morrison Road
More businesses in Denver will now be eligible for special state tax incentives available in the City’s Enterprise Zone, thanks to a recommendation made by the Office of Economic Development (OED) to expand the boundaries to include Morrison Rd. from Knox Ct. to Sheridan Blvd., and Alameda Ave., from Knox Ct. to Federal Blvd.
The Denver Enterprise Zone is a designated area in Denver that affords qualifying businesses up to nine special state tax credit incentives and provides them with intrinsic advantages based on the zone’s strategic location for transportation, suppliers and potential clients. This increase of its boundaries, adopted by the Colorado Economic Development Commission (EDC), will benefit businesses operating in this district, which has been challenged with vacant buildings, higher levels of unemployment and social need.
For more information about the Enterprise Zone, contact the Denver Business Assistance Center at 720-913-1715 or visit www.milehigh.com.

Help Prevent Crime and Remove Graffiti
Do you need an incentive to clean up the graffiti in your neighborhood? Well this might be the answer you’re looking for! Recent research suggests that the presence of graffiti “creates an environment that breeds bigger crimes.” Understanding that graffiti vandalism is a quality of life issue, Mayor Hickenlooper and the City Council have made graffiti prevention a top priority in Denver by increasing graffiti cleanup, education and enforcement efforts. But we can’t prevent graffiti alone! That’s why we’ve created The Brush Off campaign – a partnership between the City and concerned citizens.
The Brush Off campaign provides an easy way for everyone to help prevent graffiti in our neighborhoods. Brush Off partners agree to keep a spot (such as a sign, pole, or dumpster) near their home clean, using free graffiti-removal supplies provided by the City. Research shows that promptly removing graffiti (ideally 24 – 48 hours after it appears) decreases repeat graffiti vandalism. So Brush Off partners are encouraged to remove graffiti from their spots as soon as possible. We hope you’ll become a Brush Off partner. Graffiti vandalism is everyone’s problem...we need everyone to be part of the solution.

Denver Partners Against Graffiti (DPAG) offers some tips to prevent graffiti – and possibly other crimes in your community.
Remove graffiti from your property as soon as it appears – each time it appears! Request free paint from DPAG.
Don’t let your property be an easy target. Limit access by repairing fences and gates. Relocate items such as sheds and dumpsters that can be used to access roofs. Trim shrubbery that can be used as hiding places, and install outdoor lighting.
Partner with the City and get free removal assistance for graffiti you cannot remove or access on your own.
Report the graffiti in your neighborhood (or anywhere in the City and County of Denver).
Make your neighborhood a “graffiti-free zone.” Share these tips with your neighbors. Send the message that graffiti is not tolerated in your community.
Graffiti spreads – so keep it off of your block! Graffiti vandalism stops with you! Give your kids and family a clean and safe place to live and play.
To become a Brush Off partner, request free paint, or report graffiti call 720-865-7867 or 3-1-1 or go online to www.denvergov.org/graffiti.

SMART PARKING METERS
Smart Meters
Denver Public Works Right Of Way Enforcement (ROWE) is piloting new “smart” parking meters in the Downtown area in an effort to explore ways to make parking more convenient. The new meters are solar powered, wireless and accept Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards, as well as nickels, dimes, quarters and dollar coins. The smart meter pilot will last about six months. After the pilot period is complete, the smart meters will be evaluated based on common-sense factors including ease of use, efficiency, durability and reliability.

Essential to the pilot is receiving feedback about the smart meters from the drivers using them. Tell us about your smart meter experience by taking a quick survey online at www.DenverMeter.com or receive a hard-copy of the survey by calling 311. This is your chance to be part of the future of parking in Denver!

Input received from the survey will provide clear information about the public’s real life experience with the smart meters, which is fundamental when considering implementing a new parking option on a City-wide basis. The smart meters also communicate with the Public Works ROWE meter technicians by sending alerts when a meter is jammed, near coin capacity or has a low battery, creating a more nimble and effective department.

The smart meters have a digital display screen, which allows ROWE to change the message according to the circumstances. For instance, the display may read “No Parking – Street Sweeping,” saving drivers a citation. On Sundays and holidays when parking is free, the display may read “Free Parking Today” and the smart meter will reject payment.

During the pilot, the meters will be installed on ten blocks in the downtown area. The meters will only be installed on one side of the street to allow drivers to choose if they would like to pay at the smart meters or at the traditional coin only meters.
www.DenverMeter.com.

 

NEW ONLINE LOAN APPLICATION
Colorado Enterprise Fund
Colorado Enterprise Fund is actively lending and our new online application makes it faster and easier than ever to get a loan! Take a look at our website and see for yourself our new streamlined process.

Go to www.coloradoenterprisefund.org and click on "Loan Application" on the left side of the homepage. Colorado Enterprise Fund is a nonprofit community development business loan fund.

Our purpose is to foster economic opportunity and create jobs through business ownership and expansion. CEF has provided over 760 loans totaling over $14 million to Colorado businesses that are not able to obtain adequate bank financing. We support our borrowers with business counseling and technical assistance to ensure loan repayment and business success. CEF has been serving Colorado small businesses since 1976.

Home Installation Rebates
Greenprint Denver has partnered with the Smart Energy Living Alliance and the Governor's Energy Office's 2008 Insulate Colorado program to offer cash-back rebates* to qualifying Denver homeowners who make energy efficient improvements to their homes. The rebates will be issued for the installation of either attic or exterior wall insulation and basic air sealing measures, performed by an approved contractor.

To learn more visit: www.greenprintdenver.org. If you have any questions, contact Smart Energy Living Alliance for additional information at 303-216-2026 or email kelsmore@SELAlliance.org.

* The rebates cover 20 percent of the total cost of insulation and air sealing upgrades or $300, whichever is less. Rebates will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until program funding is exhausted. This is a limited time offer so rebates are not guaranteed.

Park Hill Bike Depot
What It Is?

The Park Hill Bike Depot is a non-profit, community-based project which aims
to equitably increase active living opportunities that contribute to the
overall improvement of individual and community health. Residents of Park
Hill and surrounding neighborhoods can earn a used bike, become skilled at
repairing bikes, take a bike safety class, or participate in a variety of
wellness programs.

Park Hill Thriving Communities, a LiveWell Colorado initiative, partnered
with Recycle Bicycles, the Denver City Bike Planner, local business
representatives, Denver Parks and Recreation, and Park Hill residents to
build and staff the Park Hill Bike Depot.

Mission and Activities
The mission of the Park Hill Bike Depot is to increase equal opportunities
for active living, improve individual and community health, increase access
to bicycles and build Park Hill as a bike friendly and safe environment
while influencing policies to support biking and active living. Activities
of the Bike Depot include:
· Refurbishing of donated bicycles
· Redirection of donated bicycles for use in community programs
· Bike safety education programs
· Community earn-a-bike programs for Park Hill and surrounding communities

Where is the Bike Depot located and when is it open?
2825 Fairfax Street
Denver, Colorado 80207
Wednesdays and Fridays from 4 to 7 pm
Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm
For more information about the Park Hill Bike Depot:
Gabi Tobar, Park Hill Bike Depot Manager
303.393.1963
manager@thebikedepot.org

Share a Cycle
Donate your outgrown kids’ bikes to be refurbished for youth served by Denver Kids, Inc. Bikes will be accepted at the following locations:
The Cherry Creek Bike Rack – 171 Detroit Street, 303-388-1630
Campus Cycles – 2102 S. Washington Street, 303-698-2811
For more information, call 303-377-7086 or visit www.transolutions.org.

 

General Obligation (GO) ratings for the City and County of Denver upgraded to AAA from AA+
Signaling a strong endorsement of the City’s financial management practices, Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Rating Service has upgraded the General Obligation (GO) ratings for the City and County of Denver to AAA from AA+ with a stable outlook. www.denvergov.org

Aging Matters Task Force
The city has created a new task force to focus on making Denver a better place for aging adults. Mayor Hickenlooper has appointed 19 people to serve on an Aging Matters Task Force, including me and Councilwoman Carol Boigon.

The new task force will refine and start to implement the concepts coming from the city's 2006 Aging Summit and from the Denver Aging Steering Committee, which my office convened jointly with the Office on Aging and which met for more than a year. Some of these concepts include improving transportation systems, economic opportunities and other services for aging adults, as well as ways to improve opportunities for this population to give back to the community as volunteers or in other roles.

With the beginning of the baby boom generation turning 62 this year, the number of older adults in Denver is growing rapidly. By 2020 as much as 20% of our city will be over 60 years old. This makes it more important for the city to make sure that its services accommodate older adults and for us to look for opportunities to involve this population in making our community a better place for all residents.

To see a copy of the Denver Aging Steering Committee report PRESS HERE

BUSINESS WORKSHOPS SURVEY
Mile High Business Alliance
MJBA is conducting an online survey to assess the kinds of business classes that will suit your needs. Please take our workshop interest survey now to give your opinion on workshops that will provide the resources you need! PRESS HERE

 

Accident Statistics:
August 2008 statistics for the top 10 accident locations are now available on line!
http://www.denvergov.org/sopa/Accidents/tabid/429246/Default.aspx

Crime Statistics:
Overall citywide crime decreased 11.5% from January through August 2007 to January through August 2008
Please visit our website for more detailed information by individual crime category, police district, council district and statistical neighborhood.
http://denvergov.org/2008CrimeStatistics/tabid/429247/Default.aspx

The Denver Teen Pregnancy Prevention Partnership
The Denver Teen Pregnancy Prevention Partnership (DTPPP) is a two-year pilot initiative aimed at reducing the rate of teenage births in the City and County of Denver through collaboration among pregnancy prevention agencies. Comprised of 10 partners, including members of the private, public and nonprofit sectors, these agencies are able to saturate and infuse school communities with multi-level interventions that include in-school curriculum, after-school programs, parent education and engagement, and efforts in school-based health clinics. To learn more, visit www.denvergov.org/strategicpartnerships.

Cash Back for Qualified Homeowners
Greenprint Denver is a partner in “2008 Insulate Colorado.” The program offers cash back rebates to qualifying homeowners who install insulation and upgrade air sealing measures. Rebates are on a first come, first served basis with about 100 available.
Go to www.EnergyScience.org or call 303-216-2026 to find out more.

Citizen Police Academy
The Denver Police Department is accepting applications for the Citizen Police Academy. It’s an eleven-week course designed to teach citizens more about law enforcement, policies and procedures.
For more information call 720-913-6878.

Understanding Denver’s Foreclosures
Learn more about residential foreclosure filings in our City. The report is available online. It’s called “Understanding Mortgage Foreclosures in Denver” and is available at www.milehigh.com.
For information about the study, call 720-913-1999.

Join the movement
Visit useonlywhatyouneed.org and help yourself to conservation tips, fun videos, t-shirts and yard signs. The stuff is free, but the cause is priceless. Be sure to use only what you need by following the summer watering rules. Watering two days a week should be your goal; three is OK during hot, dry periods. There are no assigned watering days, but remember never to water between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and more than three days a week.

Report water waste
If you see a broken sprinkler head or other water waste in your neighborhood or park, call and let us know about it. To report water waste in one of Denver’s parks, dial 3-1-1. To report water waste elsewhere, call Denver Water at 303-628-6343.

Make your water bill green
If you haven’t already, make the switch to Denver Water’s Automatic Payment Plan and/or electronic bill pay option. Save time, paper (trees) and postage with our free, secure and convenient bill pay plans. Sign up today!

Homeowner Protections for Repairs & Remodeling
Denver homeowners can take many important steps to protect themselves when undertaking a home repair or improvement project.
For information on Building Permits, contractors, Energy Star ratings and more PRESS HERE.

Graffiti
You see graffiti in your community and around Denver, and you have probably
asked, "What is the City doing about this problem, and how can I help?"
To read about City statagy, enforcement, abatement, and what you can do
PRESS HERE

Crime Stats By Neighborhood
PRESS HERE

Green News
Pesticide Registry Available to Denver Residents
City to Notify Registrants before Applying Pesticides in Parks

Denver residents who want Denver Environmental Health to notify them of the pesticide application schedule in the city's parks have the ability to sign up for a pesticide notification registry by calling 720-865-5417 or by sending an email request to Sharon.Armijo@denvergov.org.

The Camera is Rolling!
The first traffic camera is scheduled to go live June 10 on northbound Quebec Street at 36th Avenue. With the others set to be installed at eastbound Sixth Avenue at Kalamath, the yellow will increase to four seconds; eastbound Sixth and Lincoln Street will increase to 3.5 seconds; and westbound Eighth Avenue at southbound Speer Boulevard will increase to four seconds.

Building Codes
The City & County of Denver has adopted the 2006 Series of Building Codes established by the International Code Council, and 2005 National Electrical Code.
The new Code is available for use now! Or, builders may use either the 2004 Denver Building Code or the new 2008 Denver Building Code for any projects that will be submitted to Denver Community Planning and Development before the effective date of this Code- August 4, 2008.
The Building Code for the City and County of Denver is based on the 2006 Series of I - Codes, and 2005 National Electrical Code or at: http://www.denvergov.org/Default.aspx?alias=www.denvergov.org/Building

Denver Completes In-Depth Mortgage Study
The Denver Office of Economic Development (OED) recently published new, in-depth study of residential foreclosures impacting the City and County of Denver. The 81-page report, titled Understanding Mortgage Foreclosures in Denver, seeks to create an understanding of the underlying causes for the rapid rise in residential mortgage foreclosure filings in Denver.
Copies of Understanding Mortgage Foreclosures in Denver are available online at www.milehigh.com.
For more information regarding the study call (720) 913-1999.

Now, you can get a weekly review of City news,
issues and events in two ways.
Watch the Denver Update video program or read the weekly summary.
PRESS HERE

Compact Fluorescent Light Recycling Begins in Colorado
Coloradans now can drop-off their used compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) at any Ace Hardware store in the state. Energy Star qualified CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than typical incandescent light bulbs. However, CFLs contain small amounts of mercury and must be recycled appropriately.
READ PRESS RELEASE
www.cdphe.state.co.us/hm/mercury/index.htm

 

Milestones Project
Beginning in May, the Colorado Convention Center will debut the photo exhibit Faith: Many Beliefs, So Much In Common. Created by the internally acclaimed Milestones Project, the exhibit is designed to reduce prejudice, intolerance and hatred while promoting mutual understanding and respect among all faiths. This photo exhibit will present the world premier of over 165 large format photos representing the 14 common attributes of the world’s 5 major religions and will be on display at the convention center until December 15th, 2008. www.milestonesproject.com

 

City and County of Denver Jobs.
For all job listings for the City and County of Denver, please visit www.denvergov.org/jobs.

Denver Public Works reminds you that Citywide street sweeping began on April 1. Avoid a parking ticket by going to www.mymotormaid.com to sign up for “e-minders,” emails to remind you of your street sweeping day.

 

Goodwill’s Youth Services is currently looking for volunteers to mentor Denver students who just graduated from high school and are the first in their families to attend college. To help, call 303.412.4985.

The Rape Assistance and Awareness Program seeks volunteers for a marketing committee for their Personal Safety Skills for Women program. If you have marketing experience and a passion for empowering women, call 303.329.9922.

The Denver Office of Strategic Partnerships is now accepting applications for the Executive Director Leadership Training program. For more information and application forms, please visit www.denvergov.org/strategicpartnerships.

The City and County of Denver has an easy way for local residents and businesses to get information on any non-emergency City service:
Simply dial 3-1-1 or go to www.denvergov.org/311.

Denver Human Services has kicked off the 2007-2008 Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). LEAP helps qualifying low-income families (up to 185% of AMI) pay their heating bills each winter. Applications are available by calling toll-free 1.866.HEAT.HELP.

Denver Human Services is looking for foster and/or adoptive parents. Help kids stay in their neighborhoods, keep their same friends and visit familiar places. Call today to learn more, 720.810.5139 or visit www.denvergov.org/fostercare.

Photo Red Light is Coming to Denver
Program to Reduce Dangerous Side Impact Collisions at Intersections
The Denver Police Department announced the City and County of Denver have entered into a contract for Redflex to assist the city in implementing a Photo Red-Light Traffic enforcement program. This project has been in the planning stages for several years. The city has evaluated Photo Red-Light programs across the country to determine the best technology and service provider for this traffic safety program. The Denver Police Department believes this contract will provide Denver a state-of-the art digital photo and video program to reduce dangerous side impact collisions at intersections.

Denver's Traffic Engineer in conjunction with the Denver Police Department selected the following four intersections for the installation of the first Photo Red Light Cameras.

6th Avenue & Lincoln Street
8th Avenue & Speer Blvd.
6th Avenue & Klamath
36th Avenue & Quebec Street

The main goal of the Denver Police Department Photo Red-Light Program is Public Safety. The Denver Police Department will keep the community updated over the next few months on the progress of this project.

Parking Code Update
Parking In Excess of Seventy-Two Hours "It shall be unlawful for any owner or operator of a vehicle parked in the same place on a public street continuously for a period in excess of seventy-two (72) hours. A vehicle shall be considered in violation if it has not been moved at least one hundred (100) feet during the seventy-two hour period of time.

 

Street Lighting in Denver
Good street lighting not only reduces crime rates and accidents; it also
improves the vitality and character of our community. The City owns the
lighting along public streets and alleys and the City pays for the
energy used. The Public Works department decides where and when to
install additional lighting. Xcel Energy maintains these lights in
Denver, responding to outages and installing new lamps and poles when
needed.
Reporting outages
Utility crews monitor the streets looking for broken, burned out or
flickering lights, but they don't find them all. Street light outages
can occur for a variety of reasons, including electrical storms,
vandalism, auto accidents and equipment failure. You can help keep your
neighborhood well lit by notifying Xcel Energy of malfunctioning lights.
To report an outage, go to xcelenergy.com/streetlighting or call
1-800-895-4999. Online reporting is the fastest way to ensure
restoration.
Request additional lighting
If you would like to request additional street or alley lights in your
neighborhood, you may call 720-865-3150 to request a lighting petition
from Traffic Engineering Services

Graffiti

You see graffiti in your community and around Denver, and you have probably
asked, "What is the City doing about this problem, and how can I help?"

In efforts to prevent graffiti, the City is using the following 4-pronged
strategy:
1) enforcement (legislation and policing of graffiti crimes)
2) abatement (removal or cleanup of graffiti)
3) education (increase public awareness and understanding of graffiti)
4) empowerment (support and promote community involvement)

In Addition:

· We've added 2 graffiti removal crews this year, and have abated 1.4
million square feet of graffiti as of April 2008 with a turn-around time on
work orders averaging 2.2 days. That compares to a 2007 stat of 880,000
square feet removed and a turn-around time of 7.7 days for the same time
period. Bravo Public Works!

· We've hired a graffiti inspector to help enforce the strengthened removal
regulations Council passed last year.

· We sponsored a challenge to middle school students to bring in graffiti
authorization forms resulting in hundreds of new authorizations and an
engagement with young people on this important issue.

· We're working with many of you and your businesses, schools and
neighborhoods on murals to prevent graffiti vandalism on highly-visible
walls.

· We're about to launch a new and improved "Brush Off" campaign to assist
neighborhoods and businesses in their cleanup and prevention efforts.

· Denver Police have partnered with your offices on several successful
graffiti sting enforcement operations.

Denver City Council, recently passed ordinances calling for mandatory
minimum penalties for graffiti offenses and faster cleanup of graffiti from
private property (48 hours for non-residential property and 72 hours for
residential property).

Other City ordinances make it illegal, in most cases, to sell graffiti tools
(spray paint, broad-tip markers, etching tools, etc.) to minors and or for
minors to possess these items. The ordinance often called the "paint lock
up law," requires retailers to make spray paint accessible only with store
employee assistance.

In addition to maintaining public property, the City provides free paint and
free graffiti removal assistance to Denver property owners and tenants.
City employees are also available to attend your association and community
meetings to answer your graffiti-related questions.

The most effective tool against graffiti vandalism is you! Here's how you
can help. Contact Denver Partners Against Graffiti to:
1. Report graffiti when you see it.
2. Authorize the City to remove graffiti from your property.
3. Volunteer to help remove graffiti around your community.

To request free services, volunteer, or get more information, contact Denver
Partners Against Graffiti, 720-865-STOP (7867), www.denvergov.org/graffiti

Discourage graffiti vandalism.
Remove it - every time it appears - every where it appears!