Welcome to summer in Upper Downtown!
I am very excited to be the new President of UpDoNA and to work with our newly elected Board of Directors. UpDoNA and the Board of Directors will continue to represent the interests of the residents and businesses in Upper Downtown.
Thanks to all who attended UpDoNA’s first Annual Meeting on Monday, June 6th, at French 75. Members, along with special guests Senator Chris Hansen and Representative Alex Valdez, celebrated how far UpDoNA has come since its formation and discussed the work that lies ahead. UpDoNA now has over 100 members!
As you know, we have several committees working to make Upper Downtown safe, clean, and compassionate. The following is an update on just a few of our committees:
The UpDoNA Cares Committee was formed to improve the living experience of the residents of Upper Downtown by providing volunteer and financial support to charities and agencies that directly address the underlying factors that result in people living on the streets. The Committee selected two homeless organizations for the Board to consider. Both organizations gave presentations to the Board, after which the Board voted to support Step Denver and The Delores Project. Now our work can begin!
The UpDoNA Cares Committee will be meeting with these organizations to start planning fundraising and volunteering opportunities. Please watch for future announcements from the Committee to learn how you can get involved.
The Membership and Social Committees were formed to hold events that gain membership, support Upper Downtown retail businesses, and build community. Plans are underway for an exciting July event! Please watch for an announcement on the website and in the newsletter!
A new Scooter Committee was approved by the Board of Directors. This Committee plans to work with Councilman Hinds and LoDoNA’s Pedestrian Safety Committee to address the issues and hazards of e-scooters.
If you are interested in volunteering for any of UpDoNA’s committees, please visit the Volunteer Page on our website at https://updona.org/become-a-volunteer/
Finally, the Downtown Denver Partnership requested that we ask our members to please patronize the businesses along the 16th Street Mall that are affected by the construction. Those businesses need our support. In addition, check out Pop Up Denver at https://www.popupdenver.org. The DDP along with the City of Denver Department of Economic Development and Opportunity have teamed up to activate inactive storefronts on the 16th Street Mall. Five businesses were selected through a competitive process and were awarded a $20,000 package including interior design, set up and merchandising. Please look for and support these new businesses.
Have a wonderful July. I look forward to speaking to you in August!
Lisa Pope
