Thanks to everyone for participating in UpDoNA’s first survey. The results of the survey have been reviewed and actions will be taken to ensure that we continue the work that is important to our members.
This article summarizes the results of our 2024 survey, shedding light on our members’ satisfaction with past initiatives, and priorities for future efforts.
Summary
The most visible and impactful outcome has been the removal of the encampments from downtown Denver. This was accomplished through significant public dissatisfaction with the proliferation of encampments of which UpDoNA assisted with continuous conversations with city council members and the police department. In particular, the vigilance of One Lincoln Park members and police cooperation quickly removed entrenched encampments that had been surrounding that building.
Scooter and pedestrian safety continue to be a work in progress. Our Scooter Committee has been extremely active in its communications with city officials and city council members. Recently City Council member Hinds presented his findings regarding the seriousness of safety issues which have been communicated to city leaders who are now considering options to better manage the scooters. The committee is in significant conversations with the city attorneys, the Director of the Dept. of Transportation, and continues to support Council member Hinds’ initiatives. In addition, the Scooter Committee has requested that it be involved in the upcoming contract negotiations with Lyft and Lime.
The Arts and Beautification Committee received high marks from the survey and continues to make progress on the Dominion Towers building proposal to have a 30-story mural on the 16th Street side of the building. The Dominion Towers building is located at Welton and 17th Street. The committee has commissioned a mural which is being painted on the pedestrian ramp between Colfax and Stout Cherry Creek. UpDoNA also partnered with Denver Sister Cities International in commissioning a street sign showing all ten of Denver’s Sister Cities. The sign will be permanently displayed in Upper Downtown on the 16th Street Mall.
There was also substantial backing for UpDoNA’s on-going support for the non-profits STEP and The Delores Projects.
Our monthly clean ups continue to provide opportunities for all residents to join in once per month to clean up our neighborhood and receive high marks for making improvements to our streets.
Key Issues: Past Impact and Future Emphasis
Residents rated UpDoNA’s impact on several key issues. The majority felt positive about the reduction of unauthorized campers, support for STEP Denver and The Delores Project, and the cleanliness of streets and sidewalks. There were mixed feelings about the progress of addressing crime and scooter/pedestrian safety.
For future emphasis, the top priorities identified were:
- Reactivation of Upper Downtown
- Ensuring unauthorized campers do not return.
- Improving cleanliness of streets and sidewalks
- Addressing crime in general
- Improving scooter safety
- Addressing open drug use
- Supporting charities like STEP Denver and the Delores Project
Other Activities: Past Impact and Future Emphasis
In terms of other activities, UpDoNA received high marks for arranging fun social events (66% positive), the quality of candidate forums (76% positive), communication with the membership (83% positive) and monthly cleanups (87% positive). However, there was room for improvement in reducing graffiti (54% positive) and getting trees planted (39% positive).
Future priorities for other activities include:
- Getting trees planted
- Performing monthly cleanups
- Reducing graffiti
- Obtaining GNAs
- Arranging candidate forums
- Getting public art installed
- Supporting charities that affect the lives of residents and businesses.
- Organizing social events
Additional Suggestions
Respondents also suggested a variety of additional activities, including:
- Beautification: Enhancing neighborhood aesthetics through park maintenance, tree planting, and promoting arts and community engagement.
- Cleanliness and Maintenance: Collaborating to improve cleanliness and maintenance, holding businesses and residences accountable for cleaning the area adjacent to their properties.
- Activation of Downtown: Creating more activated public spaces, minimizing permit delays for businesses, and focusing on the Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
- Traffic and Safety: Enforcing traffic laws, addressing noise ordinances, removing disruptive vehicles, and increasing police presence.
- Miscellaneous: Engaging with the private sector to support mutual goals, making candidate forums interactive, and improving engagement with business permits.
The survey results highlight the community’s satisfaction with UpDoNA’s efforts and provide a clear roadmap for future initiatives to enhance the quality of life in Upper Downtown Denver.
Attribution for thumbnail photo: Andreas Breitling, Pixabay
