Cooking Matters is excited to announce a competitive grant opportunity to current or new partners interested in offering online nutrition and food skills education that actively engages low-income parents and caregivers and their kids. Through this grant, education must be delivered online and have a focus on parent-child engagement.

Important Dates:

• Deadline: Monday, October 19th by 8pm ET
• AWARDS ANNOUNCED VIA EMAIL: No later than November 2nd 2020, 8 pm ET
• GRANT PERIOD: November 15th 2020 - June 10th 2021

 Application Announcement and Application
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EPA and USDA invite communities interested in revitalizing neighborhoods through development of local food systems to apply for Local Foods, Local Places technical assistance. Local Foods, Local Places supports projects that: 

• Create livable, walkable, economically vibrant main streets and mixed-use neighborhoods. 
• Boost economic opportunities for local farmers and main street businesses.
• Improve access to healthy, local food, especially among disadvantaged populations.

Eligibility: Eligible applicants include local governments, Indian tribes, and nonprofit institutions and organizations proposing to work in a neighborhood, town, or city of any size anywhere in the United States. This year, communities with projects located in federally designated Opportunity Zones will receive special consideration. Highest consideration will be given to those communities who can identify how Local Foods, Local Places assistance will leverage the Opportunity Zone designation to support implementation of the resulting action plan.
 
Deadline: October 30, 2020
 
How to apply: See the complete application instructions at: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/local-foods-local-places-2020-2021-application
 

What do you love about your neighborhood? What would you improve? How is walking, biking, and transit near you? What are the biggest challenges? What are the most important places?

If you didn't get a chance to attend the plan kickoff and have ten minutes to spare between now and October 31, there is still time to share your thoughts on ideas on Barnum, Barnum West, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park and West Colfax.

Take the Community Conversations survey--and share it with your neighbors--to help city planners get the West Area Plan off to a great start.

Building on previous actions to ensure Denver city employees and many city service contract employees are paid a minimum wage of $15 per hour by 2021, Mayor Hancock and Councilwoman Kniech intend to introduce legislation this fall to set a citywide minimum wage for all workers employed in Denver beginning Jan. 1, 2020. 
This year, Denver set a higher minimum wage for city employees and contractors. During this year’s legislative session, through HB19-1210, the Colorado General Assembly authorized local governments to set a citywide minimum wage greater than the state constitutional wage, currently $11.10 an hour and scheduled to go to $12 on Jan. 1.

Utilizing this new authority, Mayor Hancock and Councilwoman Kniech’s proposal would elevate Denver’s minimum wage to $13.80 on Jan. 1, $15.87 on Jan. 1, 2021, and then rise according to the Consumer Price Index each year after that.

The city will host several community meetings throughout October to gather input and feedback from Denver residents on the proposal. City Council is expected to consider the proposal in November.

Community Townhalls                   
SOUTHWEST
Wednesday, October 2 @ 6:00pm
Justice For All Center – 2525 W. Alameda Ave.

FAR NORTHEAST
Tuesday, Oct. 8 @ 6:00pm
Evie Garrett Dennis Campus (DPS) – 4800 Telluride St.

SOUTHEAST
Thursday, Oct. 10 @ 6:00pm
George Washington High School – 655 S. Monaco Pkwy.

CENTRAL
Wednesday, Oct. 16 @ 6:00pm
Carla Madison Rec. Center – 2401 E. Colfax Ave.

NORTHEAST
Tuesday, Oct. 22 @ 6:00pm
Hiawatha Davis Jr. Rec. Center – 3334 Holly St.

NORTHWEST
Tuesday, Oct. 29 @ 6:00pm
DPD District 1 – 1311 W. 46th Ave.

Join us for the College View Recreation Center Open House Celebration!
​
WHEN: September 7, 2019 | 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: College View Recreation Center | 2525 S. Decatur St., Denver CO 80219

• Check out the extensive building upgrades: new equipment, new carpet and flooring, and more!
• Meet the staff
• Tell Parks and Rec what programs you want to see at the center
• Free food, face painting, and yard games
• Enter to win giveaways throughout the day

 

Godsman Park's tennis courts are up for replacement, and we want to hear from the community about what to replace them with! Take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/godsmantennis. 

About the park: Godsman Park is a 5-acre park located in Denver's Ruby Hill neighborhood, directly adjacent to Godsman Elementary. There are two tennis courts located on the northern side of the park along Arkansas Ave. The footprint of the tennis courts is approximately 12,000 square feet.

Contact parksandrecreation@denvergov.org with any questions.  

Enjoy a friendly game of basketball with Jolon and your local law enforcement, and your neighbors on May 16, 5 pm at Flores Park (621 W. 4th Ave.) All are welcome!

​Learn and explore the facilities where your waste ends up after you toss it away in your black, purple and black bin on a Waste Extravaganza tour of the City's landfill, composting, and recycling facilities. Two bus tours are scheduled on May 23 and June 13. Learn more and sign up HERE.

This survey is for neighbors of the College View Recreation Center. If you have questions, please email parksandrec@denvergov.org.

Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) has managed the recreation center since December and we are excited for the upgrades to be done and to formally open to the whole community soon! 

This survey is to see what programming you and your family are most interested in for the recreation center. The last page will provide information on memberships to DPR centers as well. 
Survey Direct Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CVRecreation. 
Survey will close May 31, 2019

 April 15 - 19:

• There will be a thirty minute general public comment session before the meeting of Council on Monday, April 15. Sign up begins at 12 noon on Friday, April 12. 
• There is public comment scheduled at the SAFETY & HOUSING Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 17. 
• There is an Operations meeting on Wednesday, April 17 at noon. 
• The BIZ Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 17 has been canceled. 
• The Housing & Homelessness Working Group meeting on Thursday, April 18 has been canceled. 

 
Consent
19-0359 Relinquishes a portion of the utility easement established in recorded document No. 2017107806, located at 400 North Grant Street in Council District 7.
 
Council Meeting
19-0212 A bill for an ordinance approving a proposed Amendment to Agreement between the City and County of Denver and Urban Drainage and Flood Control District for drainage and flood control improvements along Sanderson Gulch. Amends an intergovernmental agreement with Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (UDFCD) by adding $1,650,000 in UDFCD funds for a new total agreement amount of $18,922,032 for drainage and flood control improvements along Sanderson Gulch, from Lipan Street to the South Platte River, in Council District 7. No additional city funds being added and no change to agreement duration (201523631). The last regularly scheduled Council meeting within the 30-day review period is on 5-6-19. The Committee approved filing this item at its meeting on 3-12-19.
 
19-0183 A bill for an ordinance changing the zoning classification for 2280 South Bannock Street in Overland. Approves an official map amendment to rezone property from U-TU-C to U-TU-B (increases minimum lot size to 5,500 sf), located at 2280 South Bannock Street in Council District 7. The Committee approved filing this item at its meeting on 3-5-19.
 
Committee
No District 7 specific items

Whether you walk, bike, take transit, or drive downtown, Public Works would  like to get your feedback on downtown Denver’s current transportation system to help re-envision it as part of the Denver Moves: Downtown planning effort. The public can share their voice at denvermovesdowntown.org through April 14. Comments received will help prioritize near-term transportation improvements while identifying a long-term vision for moving more people in the city center.

The Active Living Coalition is part of the Athmar Park Neighborhood Association and is a group of community members and partners committed to improving public health by promoting and improving the conditions for walking, biking and wheelchair-rolling. 
What are the goals of the Athmar Park Active Living Coalition?

• Increase access to safe and accessible routes to the places we work, play, gather, and shop
• Encourage community members to walk, bike, and wheelchair roll for transportation
• Raise awareness of the connection between the neighborhood’s physical design, infrastructure, and the health of community members
• Promote physical activity and increase healthy choices among community members

Job Summary
The Athmar Park Neighborhood Association is seeking a skilled professional to serve as a Community Connector. This position will require some non-traditional hours and the ability to talk with anyone about their community, about their aspirations and about opportunities to build a more walkable, bikeable and livable community. Athmar Park is seeking someone with an interest in neighborhood conditions; passion for community and the capacity to interact with community members of all backgrounds, specifically the Hispanic and Latino community.This is a Part-Time position, 20 hours per week, working some weekends and evenings.

Job Skills/Requirements
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Engage, recruit, and retain community members to participate in the Active Living Coaliton through door-to-door canvassing in the Athmar Park neighborhood and attending community events.
2. Thoroughly and consistently document each interaction with community members. 
3. Work with the Program Manager to schedule, facilitate and document meetings and events.
4. Represent the Athmar Park Active Living Coalition at community events, conferences, tabling sessions, and more, sharing Active Living Coalition events, programs, and service information with the community. 
5. Translate outreach materials into Spanish and interpret Spanish at meetings and events.
6. Assist in data collection and project evaluation.


The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Incumbent may be to perform other job-related tasks not specifically presented in this job description. 

Application Instructions HERE. 

March 18 - 22:
 

• There is public comment scheduled at the Special Issues Marijuana Committee meeting on Monday, March 18. 
• There is a general public comment session before the meeting of Council on Monday, March 18 starting at 5 p.m. Sign up starts at 12 p.m. Friday, March 15.
• There is public comment scheduled at the FINGOV Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 19.
• There is an Operations meeting scheduled on Wednesday, March 20 at 12 p.m.
• The Housing & Homelessness Working Group meeting on Thursday, March 21 has been canceled. 

 
Consent
19-0245 Approves an intergovernmental agreement with the Housing Authority of the City and County of Denver, Colorado for $500,000 and for two years to provide soft second mortgages of up to $25,000 to low-income homeowners participating in the West Denver Single Family Plus program to assist in the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to serve as an income-generation and anti-displacement tool in Council Districts 3, 7, and 9
 
Council Meeting
19-0183 A bill for an ordinance changing the zoning classification for 2280 South Bannock Street in Overland. Approves an official map amendment to rezone property from U-TU-C to U-TU-B (increases minimum lot size to 5,500 sf), located at 2280 South Bannock Street in Council District 7. If ordered published, a public hearing will be held on Monday, 4-15-19. The Committee approved filing this item at its meeting on 3-5-19.
 
Committee
No District 7 specific items
 
Board of Adjustments
ADDRESS: 685 S. Clarkson
SUBJECT: Appeal of a denial of a permit to erect a detached garage resulting in a total building coverage of 1,864 square feet, exceeding the maximum allowed building coverage by 323 square feet (1,541 square feet or 37.5% maximum building coverage permitted), in a U-SU-B zone
 
ACTION OF THE BOARD:
The denial is found to be proper. However, THE VARIANCE IS GRANTED according to the plans submitted to the Board (Exhibit 6), and the testimony at the hearing. 

March 11 -15:

• There is public comment scheduled at the FINGOV Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 12. 

Consent
19-0210 Approves a contract with Iron Woman Construction & Environmental Services LLC for $2,602,142.15 and for seven months to retrofit the existing detention basin to include water quality and improve recreational aspects in Asbury & Tejon Park, located near the intersection of West Asbury Avenue and South Tejon Street in Council District 7
 
19-0212 Amends an intergovernmental agreement with Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (UDFCD) by adding $1,650,000 in UDFCD funds for a new total agreement amount of $18,922,032 for drainage and flood control improvements along Sanderson Gulch, from Lipan Street to the South Platte River, in Council District 7. No additional city funds being added and no change to agreement duration
 
19-0215 Dedicates a parcel of land as public right of way as public alley, located in the alley bounded by East Mississippi Avenue, South Logan Street, East Arizona Avenue and South Grant Street in Council District 7.
 
Council Meeting
No District 7 specific items
 
Committee
No District 7 specific items
 
Planning Board
Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 at 3:00 pm
Parr-Widener Community Room, City & County Building 1437 Bannock St. ROOM #389
Blueprint Denver
Comprehensive Plan 2040

Coloradans can invest in the beauty and health of Denver’s urban forest by purchasing and planting trees during The Park People’s annual Denver Digs Trees Arbor Day tree sale, Saturday, April 27, 2019. The sale is open to all, including non-Denver residents, and the trees are offered at less than half the price of trees purchased elsewhere – only $45-$65, compared to regularly priced trees that sell for more than $100.

Denver Digs Trees Arbor Day Sale Details:

• WHAT:  Fruit and Yard Tree Sale 
  
• WHEN:  Saturday, April 27th, 2019, Noon-2 p.m. (or until supplies last)
  
• WHERE:  
  
  • ​City Park Greenhouse - 2500 E. 23rd Ave (near the intersection of York St. and E. 23rd Ave., in the northwest corner of the park.) Click here for a Map of City Park Greenhouse
    
  • Sloan's Lake Park - 5003 W 17th Ave. (near the intersection of Sheridan Blvd. and W. 17th Ave., in the southwest corner of the park.) Click here for a Map of Sloan's Lake

COST: $45 for bare-root trees, $65 for balled-and-burlap and container trees.  CASH and CHECK only.

Week of March 4 - 8:

• The Special Issues Marijuana Committee will meet Monday, March 4 at 1:30 p.m.
• There will be a 30 minute general public comment session before the meeting of Council on Monday, March 4 starting at 5 p.m.
• There is public comment scheduled at the FINGOV Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 5.
• The SAFETY & HOUSING Committee on Wednesday, March 6 has been canceled.
• The POLICY Committee will meet on Wednesday  March 6.

 
Consent
No District 7 specific items
 
Council Meeting
No District 7 specific items
 
Committee
March 5, 2019, LUTI Committee at 10:30 am:  19-0183: Rezoning request at 2280 S. Bannock St. in Council District 7.
 
Zoning
Application #: #2018I-00105
Hearing: Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at 10:30 am at City & County Bldg. Room 391.
Proposed Rezoning Location: 2280 S. Bannock St.
From U-TU-C to U-TU-B.
 

Join Denver’s code experts on Tuesday, March 26 at 6 pm at Decker Public Library (1501 S. Logan St.) for a presentation on residential building and zoning codes. Discussion topics: the basics of pulling permits, hiring contractors or doing-it-yourself, and codes to consider when planning for common home projects, from fences to remodels to building a backyard cottage (an “accessory dwelling unit” or ADU). More info HERE. 

February 25 - March 1:

• There is public comment at the FINGOV Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 26. 
• There is public comment at the BIZ Committee meeting on Wednesday, February 27.

Consent
19-0152 Dedicates a parcel of land as public right of way as public alley, located in the alley bounded by East Mississippi Avenue, South Sherman Street, East Arizona Avenue and South Grant Street in Council District 7.
 
19-0153 Dedicates a parcel of land as public right of way as public alley, located in the alley bounded by South Lincoln Street, East Arizona Avenue, South Sherman Street and East Mississippi Avenue in Council District 7.
 
Council Meeting
No District 7 specific items
 
Committee
March 5 at 10:30 a.m. Land Use, Transportation & Infrastructure Committee: Rezoning request at 2280 S. Bannock St. in Council District 7
 
Board of Adjustments
Zoning Appeal Application- Case No: 210-18
Hearing date: 3/5/19 at 10 am
Location: 201 West Colfax Avenue, Room 2.H.14 Webb Municipal Office Bldg., Denver CO
Subject: Appeal of a denial of a permit to amend/combine two non-contiguous zone lots across an alley into one zone lot, in a U-MS-S UO-1, UO-2 zone. 

February 4 - 7: 

• The Housing & Homelessness Working Group will meet on Monday, February 4 at 2:30 p.m.
• There is general public comment before the meeting of Council on Monday, February 4 at 5 p.m. Sign up starts at noon on Friday, February 1. 

Consent
19-0080 Establishes the Strategic Shelter Facilities Capital Fund in the Capital Improvement Fund as a follow-up administrative financial action to support the $3.35M appropriated for citywide Strategic Shelter Facilities projects as part of the 2019 budget. 

19-0081 Establishes the Caring for Denver Special Revenue Fund and appropriates $37,014,414 to the fund for fiscal year 2019 as part of a voter-approved ballot measure, for a variety of mental health services and treatment for children and adults, citywide. 

19-0082 Establishes the Healthy Food for Denver’s Kids Special Revenue Fund and appropriates $11,844,613 to the fund for fiscal year 2019 as part of a voter-approved ballot measure, for food and food-based education to primarily low-income and at-risk youth, citywide. 

19-0083 Establishes the Parks, Trails, and Open Space Special Revenue Fund and appropriates $37,014,414 to fund for fiscal year 2019 as part of a voter-approved ballot measure, for acquiring additional land for parks, open spaces, and trails, citywide. 
 
Council Meeting
19-0034 A resolution laying out, opening and establishing as part of the City street system parcels of land as South Delaware Street and a public alley bounded by South Delaware Street, West Wesley Avenue, South Cherokee Street and West Harvard Avenue. Dedicates parcels of land as public right of way as South Delaware Street and public alley, located near the intersection of South Delaware Street and West Harvard Avenue in Council District 7. The Committee approved filing this item at its meeting on 1-22-19.

Committee
No District 7 specific items

Zoning/ Board of Adjustments

• Hearing Date: 02/05/2019 
• Hearing Location: 201 West Colfax Avenue, Room 2.H.14 Webb Municipal Office Bldg., Denver CO 
• Hearing Time: 10:30 a.m. 
• Premise location: 986 S. Logan St. (part of 988, 992, 994, 996 S Logan St. & 405, 407 E Tennessee) 
• Description: Appeal of a denial of a permit to erect a new two story shopfront building form with mezzanines  incorporated into the second story units, exceeding the maximum allowed height of 30 feet by 5 feet, in a U- MS-2X zone.