Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will receive $1 admission to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science per person for up to 10 people when they show their EBT card. This pilot program will run through Dec. 31

Download the PDF to learn more.

Check out the newly redesigned website about Photo Enforcement, which includes speed vans and red light cameras. Here you’ll find answers to questions like, “How are enforcement locations chosen” and “why are tickets issued for stopping past the stop-bar?”
www.denvergov.org/smartersafety

You can also request enforcement to address speeding problem areas that you are     concerned about.  The Photo Enforcement team will look into the street to determine if a speed van can help address the issue.  

Using modern and reliable technology to make our roads safer for everyone, Denver is committed to smarter safety. 

The Denver Police Department highly values its partnership with the community and recognizes that having public engagement creates a successful law enforcement agency. Continuing with Department’s mission to collaborate with the community to make Denver a better and safer place for all its members, DPD invites interested community members to apply to join the Chief’s Community Advisory Board. Selected members of the Chief’s Community Advisory Board will advise the Chief of Police on issues, matters and public policies, which influence or impact the ongoing relationship between the Denver Police Department, and the community we serve.
 
The Chief’s Community Advisory Board is empowered by the Chief of Police and the Executive Director of Public Safety for the City and County of Denver. This board is initiated by the Chief and Executive Director in recognition of the overwhelming need for the community and police to work together, in a collaborative and cooperative way, to best serve all the people of the City and County of Denver.
 
To carry out its duty and responsibility, the Chief’s Community Advisory Board will at a minimum;

• Demonstrate an ongoing and credible participation and communication within Denver's communities.
• Engage in two-way communication with their community constituency, advocating for their perspective, ideas and concerns; as well as serving as a responsible conduit for communicating and updating their community on police actions and decisions.
• Promote and engage in ongoing community engagement.
• Assume an active role in police community discussions, recommendations and strategy to enhance the social, economic and political interests of the community.
• Build coalitions intended to strengthen the ongoing relationships between the police and the community.
• Function in the role of part think tank and part action group; making recommendations to the Chief about relevant issues in the community.

Help us collect data about walking, biking, and transit conditions around Athmar Park! This data will help the Active Living Coalition to create an Active Living Plan to guide us to prioritize and advocate for improved conditions for walking, biking and wheelchair rolling!
Sign up to volunteer!

Spread the word with this flyer in Spanish and English!

With Memorial Day and weekend approaching, the Denver Police Department reminds those who consume marijuana and/or alcohol to not get behind the wheel. During the holiday weekend, the Denver Police Department will operate DUI checkpoints and impaired driving saturation patrols at various locations throughout the city. Although the locations, dates, and times are undisclosed, drivers should be aware of the extra patrols and plan ahead for safe travels this weekend and always.
 
“As Denverites honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country this Memorial Day Weekend, we ask them to do so responsibly,” said Robert C. White, Denver Police Chief. “With the many transportation options in and around town, there is no excuse to drive while being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please plan ahead and make it a safe weekend for everyone!”
 
During Memorial Day Weekend in 2016, 46 drivers were arrested for driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Denver. Be smart, safe and consume responsibly.

​We’re pleased to share the news that Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) has just launched Generation Wild, a multi-year, statewide campaign to get Colorado kids outside more often. Kids today are spending less time playing outside than past generations—averaging only 4-7 minutes per day in unstructured play.
 
Playing outside isn’t just fun, it’s also highly beneficial. Research has shown that children who play outside are happier and healthier. Plus, spending time in nature as a child helps you grow to appreciate the environment as an adult.
 
If you’re interested in helping us spread the word, you can download and share a copy of ‘100 things to do before you’re 12’ in English and Spanish here. 

Initiative is one of the 30 short-term action items in six months underway by Office of HOPE
 
Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock’s Office of Housing and Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE) today outlined a new citywide partnership aimed at providing coordinated, strategic assistance for people facing eviction, and support for vulnerable neighborhoods. The initiative is one of the 30 short-term action items unveiled by Mayor Hancock and the Office of HOPE on Friday at the Denver Housing Summit.

“We know far too many people in Denver are facing eviction, are being priced out of their homes, or are living in a community that is highly vulnerable to change that displaces longtime residents,” Mayor Hancock said. “Through the Office of HOPE’s coordinated eviction assistance programs, we are pulling together the city’s work to strategically invest city dollars to help the most people gain or maintain affordable homes, good paying jobs, and healthy lifestyles.”

Check out the PDF of the Existing Conditions Report of the Denver Moves: Pedestrians and Trails Plan. The purpose of this document is to summarize the current state of our pedestrian and regional trail network and provide a foundation for which future network recommendations will be built upon.

At the end of the summer Public Works will be going back out into the community to discuss what the future networks will look like and will be asking you to weigh in on preferences for moving forward.

Denver Public Art tours return for the 2017 summer with new sites, additional architectural focuses, and more tours offered than ever before.
 
New tour sites include Union Station, Denver International Airport (DEN), and the Denver Public Library/Denver Art Museum campus.
 
“We are excited to have widened our scope in terms of the variety of public art tours we’re offering this season,” says Denver Public Art Program Administrator Brendan Picker. “Thanks to our dedicated docents, both new and returning, we have about 14 different tours this year, from the classic Cherry Creek Mural and the Downtown Denver Bicycle tours, to the newly added Union Station History and Public Art Tour.”
 
Denver Public Art and DEN have added airport art tours this summer on Fridays, June 2, July 7 and Aug. 4, noon. This tour will highlight some of the insider secrets and behind-the-scenes stories of the airport’s art collection, one of the largest in the country.
 
Saturdays, June 10 and 24, July 8 and 22, and Aug. 12 and 26, 10 a.m., bring the new Union Station History and Public Art Tour. This tour will not only explore the art in the newly renovated Union Station, but will highlight some of the history of the building and its surrounding area.
                                                                                    
Sundays, June 11 and 25, July 9 and 23, and Aug. 13 and 27 at 10 a.m., Denver Public Art presents the Denver Art Museum and Denver Public Library Campus Public Art and Architecture Tour, covering the broad array of artworks near the Denver Public Library main branch and Denver Art Museum.
 
Denver Public Art also brings back two bicycle tours: Cherry Creek Trail Urban Arts Fund Bike Tour Sundays, July 16, Aug. 13 and Sept. 10, 3 p.m., and Downtown Denver Public Art Bike Tour Sundays, June 4 and Sept. 10, 10 a.m.
 
Additional walking tours include:

• Colorado Convention Center Public Art Tour: Sundays, June 4 and 25, and July 16, 2 p.m.
• Burns Park Public Art Tour: Wednesday, July 12, 6 p.m.
• City Park Public Art Tour: Wednesdays, June 14 and July 19, 5:30 p.m.
• Commons Park Public Art Tour: Wednesday, June 21, 5:30 p.m.
• 14th Street Public Art Tour: Tuesdays, May 23, June 27, July 18, Aug. 22 and Sept. 12, 5:30 p.m.
• Civic Center Public Art and History Tour: Wednesday, June 21 and Thursday, Sept. 21, 6 p.m.
• Ellie Caulkins Opera House and Denver Performing Arts Complex Public Art Tour: Sunday, June 4, Saturday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m., and Sundays, July 9 and Sept. 10, 11 a.m.
• RiNo – A Tour of Creative Businesses, Public Art and Murals: Wednesday, Aug. 16, 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 19, 3 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 19, 6 p.m.

 
Most tours are limited to 15 participants. View the full descriptions and RSVP online.

Valverde's bi-monthly neighborhodd meeting will take place next Wednesday 5/24 at 6 pm at The Barnum Rec Center- 360 Hooker st. We hope to see you there! Share this PDF with all of your neighbors!

Mayor Michael B. Hancock and Erik Soliván, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Housing & Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE), today launched a new strategy aimed at helping Denver residents experiencing homelessness or struggling to make ends meet.
 
The city’s strategy will go beyond a housing-first approach, and focus efforts on connecting individuals and families to affordable housing, healthy living and good paying jobs. The new approach for Denver will integrate all three factors to empower people to lead vibrant lives no matter their station in life.
 
“We want our residents to have the opportunity to turn a house into a home, and truly thrive in our city,” Mayor Hancocksaid. “To give people the chance to build a home, build their lives and build their futures, we must go beyond putting a roof over someone’s head. This is a new approach to leveraging our resources and coordinating department work to connect our people with good jobs, good health and a good home. When these three needs are met, people are empowered to succeed.”
 
Mayor Hancock and Soliván detailed the strategy and supporting action plan at the city’s third annual Housing Summit.The Office of HOPE will lead the work of leveraging public and private partner programs and resources to provide:

• Jobs through workforce training that will help families and people grow their wages and begin to save for their future;
• Health services, including mental health, addiction and supportive services, to help people rise to the opportunities ahead of them; and
• Housing that is affordable across income categories to ensure families and individuals take root in Denver.

 
Denver is experiencing a historic low for inventory and high cost of homeownership with median sale prices exceeding $350,000. And according to the Denver Housing Authority, a minimum of 21,000 affordable units are needed to meet the current housing demand. This need impacts everyone from those in our shelters to workers on construction sites, teachers, firefighters, police officers and the service industry.
 
The population of those who are homeless has also changed in recent years:

• Nearly three out of four homeless individuals surveyed in Denver are working;
• A growing number, about one in five, are homeless seniors, including an increasing number of senior women;
• The chronically homeless make up about one in five people experiencing homelessness, and a significant amount experience mental health and substance abuse issues; and 
• Young adults are beginning to make up almost 10 percent of the shelter population.

 
Under the three priority areas of affordable housing, healthy living and good paying jobs, the Office of HOPE, working across agencies, compiled a list of 30 short-term actions to improve and expand city and partner services throughout the end of the year. Short-term actions include:
 
Housing

• Develop policy and financing for Accessory Dwelling Units in partnership with the Denver Housing Authority.
• Develop code compliance checklist for Live/Work Spaces and look to establish a navigator in Permitting/Zoning to answer resident questions.
• Expand pipeline of permanent supportive housing projects by evaluating and developing a Supportive Services Funding Program, which will include a TANF and/or Medicaid underwriting criteria for the pipeline.
• Improve and expand Renter Eviction Assistance Program to prevent more people from losing housing or to help them access new housing opportunities when facing eviction.

 
Health and Supportive Services

• Expand number of co-responders from 6 to 24, pair them with a wider array of emergency service providers and develop specialized areas of expertise for youth, those with opioid addiction and other focused areas of need.
• Develop and administer pilot peer-to-peer mental health, engagement, counseling and support program.
• Expand storage options and develop sidewalk storage pilot program for individuals seeking shelter services.
• Develop and pilot shelter diversion program.

 
Workforce

• Evaluate, expand and integrate Denver Day Works Program with workforce actions.
• Expand the Section 3 Jobs Programs, which provide economic opportunities for low- and very low-income individuals, and integrate it with the Denver Housing Authority.

 
For the full list of short-term action items go to: www.DenverGov.org/HOPE.
 
“The strategy and actions reflect the feedback of our partners, communities and city agencies,” Soliván said.  “We are grateful for their hard work and ongoing support, and know that by working together, we can do more to build a safer, healthier and stronger Denver.”
 
This new strategy will also work with the Mayor’s mobility efforts to ensure the city is providing more and better transportation options for families and individuals where limited options may be impacting their ability to find affordable housing and good jobs.
 
Today, the City and County of Denver invests more in affordable housing and homelessness than ever before. The new strategy builds and expands on the considerable work by the city and partners in the areas of affordable housing, job training and health services over the last six years.
 
For a list of that work go to www.DenverGov.org/HOPE.  ​

 
The Bill Daniels Neighborhood Hero Award is presented to members of our community who make heroic efforts to help others, sometimes in harmful or potentially dangerous situations. On Wednesday, May 17, 2017, the Daniels Fund and the Denver Police Department will honor a man who acted quickly to prevent a distraught woman from jumping from a downtown building.
 
Who:
Bill Daniels Neighborhood Hero Award recipient
Daniels Fund President and CEO Linda Childears
Denver Police Chief Robert C. White
Denver Police District Six Commander Ron Saunier
 
What:
Good Samaritan to receive Bill Daniels Neighborhood Hero Award and Denver Police commendation
 
When:
10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Where:
Denver Police Crime Laboratory lobby, 1371 Cherokee St.  Denver

Did you know that Denver only diverts 20% of its solid waste from the landfill? We are HALF the national average! Cities like Austin, Charlotte and Salt Lake City are diverting twice as much as Denver! In 2016 Denver residents landfilled 192,000 tons of materials but at least 75% of those materials could have been recycled or composted (Denver Recycles estimate). Download the PDF to learn more about what you can do to help Denver become a Zero Waste City. 

The City and County of Denver’s Office of Children’s Affairs and Office of Economic Development, along with Mi Casa Resource Center, Impact Empowerment Group and Street Fraternity, are working in partnership with Bank of America to pilot the “My Brother's Keeper Summer of Success” program to provide 25 young men of color with summer employment opportunities.
 
“Through this program, we’re aiming to open doors for these young men of color and support their success,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. “This partnership with Bank of America and other local nonprofit organizations will change their trajectory, positioning them to become leaders within their communities and in our great city.”
 
The “My Brother's Keeper Summer of Success” program will run for 8 weeks and is scheduled to take place from June 5 – July 25, 2017. The young men selected to participate must be between the ages of 16 – 18 and will engage in job-readiness training with a strong emphasis on financial literacy and customer service skills. Participants will be placed with an employer partner that aligns with their specific area of interest and career goals.
 
Bank of America awarded the city $50,000 to support this program and will be the primary source for financial education through the Better Money Habits curriculum. Nonprofit partners will also utilize the Office of Financial Empowerment's Bank On Denver program to assist participants in setting up savings and checking accounts.
 
“Despite our improving economy, young people—especially young men of color—face job scarcity,” Colorado State and Denver Market President for Bank of America Jodi Rolland said. “As a business leader, our investment in this program stems from the knowledge that a first job is so much more than a paycheck – it’s a pathway for a better financial future for that young person and the economic vitality of our city.”
 
Participants of the “My Brother's Keeper Summer of Success” program will also attend bi-weekly seminars facilitated by men of color from the Denver community who have also overcome obstacles to realize their path to success. Facilitators will coach, mentor and share their own stories to guide these young men and help them discover their unlimited potential.
 
“We are excited to participate in this program and combine our passion for positive youth development with our expertise in career development and job-readiness training,” CEO and Executive Director of Mi Casa Resource Center Monique Lovato said. “Mi Casa Resource Center has been serving young people and families for over 40 years and the goals of the My Brother’s Keeper initiative to eliminate gaps for young men of color align with our strategic vision.”  
 
For more information about Denver’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative, please visit the Office of Children's Affairs website.

Attend a free one-day expo featuring healthy activities and breakout sessions to promote your physical, relational, financial, mental and personal well-being.

When:  
Wednesday, May 24, 3:00 - 8:00 pm
Check-in begins at 2:30 pm 
Come for a few sessions or stay for the entire expo

Where:
Infinity Park Event Center
4400 E. Kentucky Avenue
Glendale, CO  80246
Free parking is located in the lot at Kentucky Street and Cherry Street (entrance on Kentucky). Overflow parking is available in the Home Depot/Whole Foods parking lot (northwest corner only) near Kentucky and Colorado Blvd.  

Register by visiting the Energize your Life website.
Learn More about the Expo

Para obtener información en Español, haga clic aquí y seleccione el idioma preferido en la parte pequeña y superior en la pantalla que se llama "Select Language" 
  
ASL and CART services will be provided.   
Interpretation services available upon request.
Stipend for child care and transportation available. 

You’ve officially been invited to help raise money for Pet Wellness Packages for Denver Animal Shelter! Every $55 raised spays or neuters, microchips, licenses, and vaccinates a cat or dog.
 
What can you do to make this fundraiser a success? Getting all of your friends to make a donation! Simply go to the page below and click the FUNDRAISE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN button and you'll have your own fundraising page as a part of our Team. (Before you invite your friends to donate, be sure to make a donation yourself!)
https://www.crowdrise.com/denver-animal-shelter-savingpets2017
 
The Michelson Found Animals Saving Pets Challenge is even more exciting than a normal fundraiser because we have the opportunity to win extra money for the shelter. Throughout the campaign, Denver Animal Shelter will have the opportunity to receive bonus grants. One of the bonus grants is tied into the people we have fundraising on our team. So don’t delay – join our Team and invite your friends to donate! 

 A draft of the proposed Social Consumption Rules and Regulations has been posted on the Social Consumption Licensing website. 

There will be a public hearing on these rules and regulations at 5:30pm on Tuesday, June 13th in Room 4.G.2 of the Webb Building (201 W. Colfax Ave.).  
 
Attend the public hearing to provide any additional feedback regarding these rules and regulations. Additional feedback through written comments can also be sent at any time prior to June 13th.

Fill out the form on the website or it can be emailed to marijuanainfo@denvergov.org.

Interested in youth substance abuse prevention? Join Key leaders, youth and community organizations in Southwest Denver to develop a long-term plan to support our youth.
This event will be hosted over two sessions

Part 1: Saturday, May 13, 2017 & Part 2: Saturday, May 20, 2017
Time: 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: SWIC 1000 South Lowell Blvd, Denver 80219
Come eat, learn, and share your hopes & concerns for youth in Southwest Denver.

Translation services will be available

Lunch & snacks will be provided. Youth & young adults (ages 12-25) will receive gift cards for participating.

Childcare provided, Can only provide care for a maximum of 12 children ages 2-11. Children under 2 can stay with parents. All ages are welcome!
Register here: 
https://ctcsw.eventbrite.com/[https://ctcsw.eventbrite.com/&h=atmbmk8swkfc7mpuaedsetuppbc…]
Questions: email YSAP@dhha.org or call 303-602-5749

As part of the City’s South Broadway Reconstruction Project to improve the roadway surface and enhance mobility along the corridor, paving will occur in the intersection of West Kentucky Avenue at South Broadway starting Friday, May 12 at 9:00am. This work will require the intersection to close at Kentucky until Monday morning.

The right turn lane from Kentucky Avenue to South Broadway will remain open for eastbound traffic only. Traffic will be allowed through the intersection on South Broadway and will be reduced to one lane from Ohio to Tennessee Avenues while work is underway. Drivers trying to access RTD’s I-25 and Broadway Light Rail Station are urged to take Ohio Avenue as an alternate route to the station.

In addition, the southbound entrance to I-25 on northbound Broadway will have a new access pattern. Cars can enter the interstate at this location, however, buses, trucks and larger vehicles will be detoured to enter I-25 southbound at Alameda.

Drivers should expect delays during construction.