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Structural Financial Task Force Delivers Recommendations
Denver faces a fundamental structural problem with its finances. Many of the things that the City pays for (health care, fuel, equipment) are increasing in cost faster than inflation. At the same time, many of the sources of the City's revenue to pay for these things are growing more slowly than inflation (sales taxes, fees, fines, the "head tax"). If we don't fix this problem, we will face the long-term prospect of having to cut roughly $30 million from our budget, year after year after year, regardless of any improvements in the economy.
How do we fix this problem? For the past year, a group of business and civic leaders (including your very own Councilman), appointed by the mayor, have served on the Structural Financial Task Force to answer that question. They have analyzed the City's expenditures and revenues and vetted a huge number of innovative ideas to lower the growth of City expenditures and increase the growth of City revenues. Now they have delivered to the Mayor and City Council a comprehensive menu of options for putting Denver back on a sound long-term financial footing. (Click here to see the report and learn more about the SFTF).
None of the Task Force recommendations will be popular, and we, as a City, face some difficult conversations with ourselves about how to move forward. But if we are to continue to be the Denver we're all so proud of, doing nothing is not an option.
Watch this newsletter for upcoming opportunities for input and discussion. |
"Meet Your Perfect Match" in time for Valentine's Day at the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter
Volunteers will be on hand on Sunday, February 12th at the Denver Municipal Animal Shelter (DMAS) to play match-maker between potential adopters and their future furry family-members. DMAS will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is offering "sweetheart" deals on adoption fees: $85 for dogs, $50 for cats, and $10 for small animals. Trying to find a companion for an existing pet? Bring your pet along (just make sure they are vaccinated) and let them help you choose a new friend.
To learn more visit: www.DenverGov.org/AnimalCare, call (303) 698-0076, or stop by the new shelter at 1241 West Bayaud Avenue. Check out the public art on your way in: a twenty-five foot dog sculpture with 90,000 stainless steel pet tags for fur! |
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"Love the One You're With" -- Protect Your Pet with the Proper Tags and Shots
Not in the market for a new pet? Take care of the pet you have by getting it licensed and vaccinated. Licenses cost: $15 a year or $40 for three years -- a small price to pay to protect the pet you love. Or save yourself the hassle of renewing and purchase a lifetime license for $150. Either way, the license number is linked to your pet's rabies tag making it easier to reconnect you and your pet if it gets lost and lands in the shelter. Senior citizens over 65 receive one free license per senior and service dogs are free.
Additionally, DMAS offers weekly vaccination clinics for dogs on Wednesdays, from 2:30 pm - 4:45 pm and for cats on Thursdays, from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The cost is just $35, which covers vaccinations for rabies distemper/combo, and a one-year pet license required for Denver residents.
Click here for more information on how you can license your pet on-line or call 303-698-0076. |
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Photo Contest: I HEART My Purple Recycling Cart
The only thing people love more than their pets are their recycling carts. Or at least that's what "Denver Recycles" likes to think. Show them they aren't wrong. Submit a photo that captures your love of recycling and creatively illustrates how you use your bin. You will be rewarded for your efforts. Mayor Hancock, Denver Public Works Manager George Delaney, and Denver Recycles Operations Manager Charlotte Pitt will select a first, second, and third place winner, in addition to awarding the best submittal from an under 13-year-old. Prizes include: theater tickets, Avalanche tickets, and a "ParkSmart Denver" gift card. With more than 111,000 households choosing to "Go Purple" by recycling paper, bottles, containers, cans, etc. it's obvious that Denver is crazy about recycling! Seeing is believing. Send us your photos today! Here's how:
- Email your digital photo to DenverRecyles@DenverGov.org by noon, Tuesday, February 14th
- Include your name, phone, and address in the email.
- Photo must include your Denver Recycles purple cart, without any permanent markings on it (no stickers, spray paint, etc)
- Photo should illustrate your appreciation for your purple recycling cart, how or what you recycle at home, etc
- Digital photo should be a minimum of 500 KB and a maximum of 1000 KB
- One photo per household
Note: By submitting your photo, you are giving the City and County of Denver permission to post it on Facebook, websites and in other promotional and printed materials. Winners will be notified through their submittal email on February 14, 2012. City employees are not eligible to win prizes, but are welcome to submit photos.
Don't have a purple recycling cart yet? Click here to sign up or call 311. |
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Unwanted Phone Books? Opt Out!
Want to free up space in your recycle container? Opt out of home phone book delivery. Conserve energy, prevent pollution, and let go of the guilt that comes with chucking a brand new book into the purple bin, by contacting the following Colorado phone book publishers:
Dex: 1-866-606-9339 or www.DexKnows.com/Green
Yellow Book: 1-800-929-3556
Verizon: 1-800-888-8448 Others: www.YellowPagesOptOut.com |
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Eco-Rally - Electronic Recycling Event - February 25th
If you want to feel even more virtuous, round-up all of your unused electronic gadgets and bring them to the "Eco-Rally Electronic Recycling Event" on Saturday, February 25, 2012, 10 am to 2 pm, at Metech Recycling, 500 W. 53rd Pl. For $5 you can recycle a carful of stuff including: TVs, monitors, CPUs, laptops, printers, scanners, faxes, keyboards, mice, stereos, external hard drives, cell phones, telephones, DVRs, VCRs, digital cameras, video recorders, MP3 players, and small appliances like microwaves. It's tempting to trash the stuff but terrible as toxic electronic waste pollutes our water and air. Recycling is the way to go!
ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED: Air conditioners, large appliances, vacuum cleaners, car batteries or household batteries (rechargeable batteries okay).
Event is by appointment only! Click here to sign up. |
Take the Denver Energy Challenge: Reduce Your Energy Costs by 15%!
Want to stay warm and reduce energy costs? Take the "Denver Energy Challenge" and find out how you can cut energy waste, save money, and increase the comfort of your home. Call 720-865-5520 or click here to sign up. An Energy Advisor will contact you to provide free advice and guidance about programs and services. Bonus: Very soon, the "Denver Energy Challenge" will offer rebates on eligible energy upgrades. These rebates will only be for "Denver Energy Challenge" participants, so sign up today! |
Washington Park Running Trail Improvement Plan Finalized
After extensive community input, Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced its final trail improvement plan for the north side of Washington Park. The plan addresses safety issues, maintenance concerns, and overall park stewardship while still preserving a tranquil place for runners, walkers, loafers, and wildlife watchers alike. The re-routed trail features improved lighting and is easier for DPR to maintain resulting in reduced ice and trip hazards. Click here for more details on the plan and look for improvements in May, 2012. |
Ruby Hill Railyard 2012 Derailed Due to Weather
Bummer. The wildly popular Ruby Hill Railyard has been derailed by sunny skies. Snowboard and ski fanatics will have to wait until next year to rip-up seven different rails of varying configurations and skill levels. Silver lining to the snowless sky? You can ride your bike instead! |
Colorado Bike Summit - February 6 - 7, Downtown Denver
Are you interested in seeing better bike policy in Colorado? Do you believe cycling also has an economic impact on our state? Want to talk more about job creation, tourism growth, transportation planning, mountain bike trails, land preservation, and investments in health and the environment? This event is for you!
Hosted by Bicycle Colorado, the summit will bring together advocates, industry leaders, on- and off-road recreational cyclists, commuters, elected officials, and staff from across the state. The keynote speakers are Governor John Hickenlooper; Shawn Hunter, CEO of USA Pro-Cycling Challenge; and Jeff Miller, President of the Alliance for Biking and Walking. Visit Bicycle Colorado for a complete agenda and additional information. |
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311: There's an App for That!
Reporting code violations and asking questions just got easier. A new 311 mobile app and online help system provides quick on-the-go access to city information and services. Available for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, the 311 mobile app can be used to request assistance from Denver's 311 Help Center, track the outcome of a request, recognize the location of a complaint with GPS technology, upload photos of a problem, and transmit inquiries on a wide range of topics. To learn more and download the app, visit the iTunes App Store.
Don't have a fancy pod, pad, touch device? 311 has something for you too: an upgraded online help system to make it easier to request services and access general information with your mobile phone or computer. Go to www.DenverGov.org/311 and check out the following:
- Recycling and trash pickup schedules
- Motor vehicle registration and renewal requirements
- Business licensing requirements
- Graffiti removal
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FREE Trees for ALL Denver Residents This Spring
Sure it's the middle of winter, but spring will be here soon and if you want to plant a FREE tree now is the time to think about it. For the first time ever, all Denver residents are eligible for free trees regardless of where they live in the city. The Park People's Denver Digs Trees program is partnering with the City's Mile High Million tree planting initiative to offer FREE tree distribution to neighborhoods across the city.
You can apply for free trees to plant along the street in the public right-of-way and, better yet, if you have room on the west side of your home - whether in front, back, side or along the street - you can have trees delivered and planted for you!
Availability is limited. Apply by February 15th. Visit www.TheParkPeople.org or call 303-722-6262 for a list of trees, applications, and more information. |
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Caucus Season is Here
Interested in participating? Political parties have a ton of useful information posted on their respective websites. Caucus dates, contact information, caucus maps, and eligibility requirements are all available. GOP caucuses take place on Tuesday, February 7. Democratic and American Constitution Party caucuses take place on Tuesday, March 6. Anyone is welcome to attend their precinct caucus, but you must be registered with your party in your precinct to vote in the caucus. For more information visit:
www.DenverGOP.org or call 303-782-9555
www.DenverDemocrats.net or call 303-830-8242 www.AmericanConstitutionParty.com or call 303-332-5113 |
Redistricting: Save the Date and Stay Posted for More Info
Every 10 years City Council is required to change the boundaries of the 11 council districts based upon the most recent US decennial census. The last redistricting map was adopted in May 2002. The timeline for redistricting has been tentatively set, but modifications may occur. A new map must be adopted in 2012 to go into effect for the regular election in 2015. Watch Redistricting Committee meetings and stay posted for public meeting information. The public meeting for District 7 is tentatively scheduled for March 8th. |
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Parking Meter Changes on South Broadway
We are always looking for ways to make life better for our small businesses, and believe the upcoming parking changes on Broadway will make stopping and shopping much easier on one of our busiest corridors. Starting in February, the meters on Broadway, from Alameda Avenue to Exposition Avenue, will be removed and replaced with 1-hour restricted parking signs. If you've ever circled the block looking for a parking space, or waited for a car to pull out of a coveted spot, you know that parking meters are important to insure turnover for a commodity in short supply. This is more of an issue in some places in the city than others, and because parking is adequate on this part of Broadway, Public Works would like to move the meters to areas where there is a greater demand. In a nutshell, the change looks like this:
Existing Change
1 Hour meters 1 Hour time limits
9 am to 6 pm 9 am to 6 pm Sat, Sun, & Holidays Excluded Sat, Sun, & Holidays Excluded
Businesses will be notified the first week of February. Street sweeping restrictions and schedule will remain unchanged. If you have any questions, please contact ParkingOperations@DenverGov.org. |
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Help the Homeless on PJ Day - February 9th
Sponsored by Denver's Road Home, PJ Day is an annual fundraiser to help the homeless. The money raised goes directly to fueling solutions to end homelessness in our community as we work to move people off the streets and into housing. Get involved:
- Attend the PJ Party in your PJs! February 9th, 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm at the Residence Inn Denver City Center, 1725 Champa St.
- Eat at a partner restaurant
- Stay at a participating hotel
- Participate in PJ Day at your workplace
- Visit www.PJDay.org to find out more
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FREE Income Tax Preparation
The Denver Asset Building Coalition (DABC) offers FREE federal and state tax preparation for families earning less than $49,000 and for individuals earning less than $35,000 annually. The service is available from now until April 17th. Call the Economic Prosperity Center at the King Trimble Center (720-865-2430) to make an appointment. The Center is located at 2980 Curtis St., in Curtis Park. |
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Clear Money Program
Did you make a resolution to manage your money better in 2012? Need help accomplishing this goal? Check out the Denver Community Credit Union's "Clear Money Program." The program includes classes, financial coaching, social media, classes for organizations and workplaces, e-tools, and more. Classes are held at Denver Community Credit Union's 1041 Acoma Street location on the 3rd Floor. Free food and parking are provided. Register for classes online or call 303-573-1170. |
The Facilities and Energy Efficiency Advisory Board Needs You!
Each year the Denver Office of Strategic Partnerships (DOSP) distributes millions of dollars of energy efficiency grants to nonprofits. They need your help. DOSP is looking for representatives from the nonprofit, for-profit, and government sectors to serve a three year term on the Facilities and Energy Efficiency Advisory Board. The 7 member board is responsible for setting priorities and selecting organizations to receive funding. The following meetings are required:
February 16th, Community Partner Conversation
March 21st, Priority Setting Session
July 12th, Proposal Review
DSOP Needs to fill this position ASAP. Click here if you are interested in applying. |
Xcel Work in Your Neighborhood
Xcel Energy is upgrading the overhead electrical distribution system in southeast Denver to increase reliability and reduce power outages for current and new customers. The project began in January and will last approximately 3 months.
Phase 1: Rebuild overhead line on Louisiana Avenue from Quivas Street to Federal Boulevard
Phase 2: Rebuild overhead line on South Tejon Street to Wesley Avenue and on Mexico Avenue from Raritan to Tejon Street.
Phase 3: Install two new segments of underground line on Tejon Street from Mexico Avenue to Jewell Avenue.
If you have questions, contact project supervisor Kayla Jones at 303-356-4269. |
Xcel Energy Phone Scam Alert
Xcel is not only working hard to improve your service, but also wants to protect you from fraud. Be leery of phone calls from phony customer service agents. The scam goes like this: a phony agent explains that the monthly electricity payment was received but the check was not signed. Customers are then asked to pay with a credit card. Seniors are the primary target. If this has happened to you, contact the police department and your credit card company. If you have questions about Xcel's bill payment policy, call 1-800-895-4999. |
Protect Your Pets From Coyotes
Coyote breeding season has arrived and will last through mid March. Look out! As the weather gets colder and food gets scarcer, coyotes become more territorial in anticipation of breeding and protecting their pups. Coyotes are ambush predators who typically hunt by themselves, putting small outdoor pets at risk. Coyotes avoid contact with people so the best way to protect your pet is to keep them close to you, preferably inside, especially after dark. If you see a coyote don't run away. Make eye contact and act like the biggest, meanest person ever seen before aggressively chasing the coyote away. The more people harass or "haze" a coyote the more it will avoid people. Visit www.DenverGov.org/Wildlife or call a wildlife ecologist at 303-455-0785 for additional information. |
Spring 2012 Transit Alliance Citizens' Academy
Do you dig public transportation? Are you interested in making Metro Denver a better place to live? Sign up for the Transit Alliance Citizen's Academy.
What is the Transit Alliance Citizens' Academy?
The program will host a maximum of 60 participants over 7 weeks to discuss the complex linkages between transportation, community development and sustainability. These complexities and their relationship to the goals of the Denver Metro Region are covered in a program of speakers drawn from a diversity of expertise, such as the development community, public health sector, municipal government, and the Regional Transportation District itself.
The cornerstone of this unique program is that participants will take their new knowledge and put it in action. Each session will be designed to be very interactive and participants will be asked to follow-up each session with a homework assignment. In addition, participants will spend a portion of each class designing their individual action plan that they will implement in their community upon completing the Academy.
Why have a Transit Alliance Citizens' Academy?
Metro Denver is emerging as the learning laboratory for revitalizing our communities through the development of a multi-modal transportation infrastructure. Thanks to voter support of FasTracks in 2004, we will have more than 90 transit stations in the metro region in just 8 short years.
Who participates?
The Transit Alliance Citizens' Academy is limited to a class of 60 who will be selected on the basis of demonstrated leadership ability and commitment to make future contributions to transportation, community development, healthy living, and improving the quality of life in Metro Denver.
When will the Academy meet?
The Academy will meet on Wednesday evenings from 6 - 9 p.m. for seven consecutive weeks beginning April 4 and ending on May 16, 2012. Meetings will be held at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, 1445 Market Street, 5th Floor, Denver, CO.
How is it funded?
Participants selected for this program will be provided scholarships from supporting organizations and/or Transit Alliance. Forty-percent of participants are sponsored by Transit Alliance's supporting organizations and the remaining 60% from the Transit Alliance's general fund.
What is the application process?
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, MARCH 2. For more information and the application form, check the website at www.TransitAlliance.org/Academy. |
Colfax Marathon - May 20
Get ready for the ultimate urban tour of Denver on Sunday, May 20. Run or watch the Kaiser Permanente Colfax Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay and Urban 10 Miler. New for 2012:
- Epic stadium run-through
- Seven miles of water on the marathon course
- A new 10 mile race
- Run through a fire station on the ½ marathon course
- Short film contest
Register online at www.RunColfax.org. The sooner you register, the lower the price! Stay posted for race routes and street closures. |
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Denver Union Station Public Meeting
It's an exciting time in Downtown Denver as Denver Union Station is transforming into a modern regional transportation hub with accompanying retail, hotel, residential, and office development. The redevelopment of Denver Union Station brings to life a number of elements in the Downtown Area Plan, including energizing the commercial core and building on transit for a prosperous, walkable, diverse, distinctive, and green city.
Recently, the RTD Board approved the start of negotiations with the Union Station Alliance to develop the station. The group has created plans for a mixed use development, including a boutique hotel. Union Station Alliance is hosting a series of town-hall meetings and public focus groups to gather input for the redevelopment of downtown Denver's historic train station. Attend the next meeting and provide your input!
Wednesday, February 8, 4:00 p.m.
Denver Union Station in the Great Hall |
Denver Public Library Commission Public Meeting - February 15
Library District? Dedicated Mill Levy? Do you have opinions about sustainable funding for the Library? The Denver Public Library Commission wants to hear from you. Come to a meeting on Wednesday, February 15, 6:00 pm - 730 pm, at the Denver Central Library, 10 W 14th Avenue, B2 Conference Center, and let them know what you think. Can't attend? Send feedback to: DPLCommunity@DenverLibrary.org. For more information on the Library's budget and library districts, visit: www.DenverLibrary.org/Budget. |
Snow Season in Denver
It's hard to say what you will see first, this newsletter or the first big storm of 2012. Public Works is gearing up for the fun and has compiled some great information for you. Click here for a complete list of resources and residential snow plow program information. |
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