By Rob Squire & Lisa Pope
UpDoNA is a very active organization. We have been busy, and we’ve accomplished a lot. Here is a summary of our most significant accomplishments since the last Annual Meeting was held in June of 2023.
Organizational Level
Accomplishments
- When we learned that a major Oil & Gas company was going to leave Downtown Denver with hundreds of employees, we met with the Building Owners and Managers Association and organized a meeting with them and the city to discuss the amazing things being done to revitalize downtown.
- Based on that meeting, the Oil & Gas company decided not to move, and to remain downtown
- UpDoNA was the first organization that the City of Denver and Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA) met with to discuss the proposed investment of $500 million in downtown Denver. We think that shows that we are a known and respected organization.
- UpDoNA was asked to participate in several meetings where ideas were being solicited regarding the best ways to improve and revitalize Upper Downtown. One was a Ground floor Activation meeting by PUMA where ideas for emphasis areas for populating empty storefronts in Downtown Denver were being solicited
- Several of our ideas were included in the final report to the city
- Partnered with LoDoNA and Lodo District to arrange a debate between candidates for DA Office
- Developed and released a survey, which solicits member feedback on our success in several areas, and on emphasis items for the future
In Progress
- Lisa met with Mayor’s office and business owners to address significant permitting issues that exist in Denver. She’ll be reporting on that in the upcoming newsletter.
Safety & QOL Committee co-chaired by Lisa Pope and Rob Squire
Accomplishments
- Invited on DPD Ride-along and to attend Virtra training to help us understand the life of a police officer
- Invited to attend DA Academy to help us understand the work of the DA’s office
- Established regular bi-weekly meetings with Armando Saldate and Lt Albi on problems specific to Upper Downtown
- Held our first annual Downtown Denver National Night out last August where we honored police, firefighters, and all first responders
In Progress
- Working on next DDNNO to be held on Aug 6
- Working with city and DPD to kick off the Ambassador Program
Scooter Subcommittee chaired by David Kurth
Accomplishments
- Ran PSAs on electronic signs in Upper Downtown indicating that scooters need to NOT be ridden on sidewalks
- Provided flyers to Downtown Denver Partnership to be distributed to their members on scooters
- Worked with Armando Saldate to use Street Enforcement Team and Denver Police officers at Rockies Opening Day and at the Convention Center to use passive enforcement on violators
- Distributed brochures to Upper Downtown hotels regarding proper scooter usage
In Progress
- Working with DOTI to correct signage in bike lanes
- Working with Dept of Safety to increase passive enforcement to possibly weekly or bi-weekly
- Making recommendations on technology requirements in next contract with scooter providers
Clean Upper Downtown Committee co-chaired by Kristen Deak and Carolyn Benton
Accomplishments
- 12 cleanups around Spire and OLP involving UpDoNA members, employees of JARS cannabis and employees of Pacific Premier Trust
- Received a total of $2,750 in grants from Councilman Chris Hinds and DOTI which was used to purchase supplies for monthly cleanups
In Progress
- Meeting with businesses to provide cigarette butt containers
Good Neighbor Committee co-chaired by Garis Smith and Gary Gottesfeld
Accomplishments
- Negotiated 5 GNAs with La Diabla, Que Rico, Bombshells, JARS and Lime
- La Diabla
- Que Rico
- Bombshells
- JARS
- Lime
In Progress
- Working on GNA with the Populus Hotel
Outreach Committee (Chaired by Rob Squire, members: Andrew Weiner, Teri McGinley, Carly Ebenstein, Stephanie Springer Coassin and all contributors)
Accomplishments
- 68 articles
- 54 events
- 12 first class newsletters
- 1 website
Arts & Beautification Committee chaired by Sal Tripodi
Accomplishments
- Applied for and received a $25,000 Dynamic Denver Activation Grant for commissioning outdoor artwork in Upper Downtown
In Progress
- Working with Dominion Towers to paint a 30 story tall mural with an integrated climbing wall
- Mayor Johnston has joined the effort to get permission to proceed
- Parks and Rec contacted the committee to paint a mural along the Cherry Creek path
- Develop the green space on Welton at Broadway into an education/outdoor space, spearheaded by the OLP members on our committee and the Denver Expeditionary School.
UpDoNA Cares co-chaired by Ron Townsend and Helen Hedrick
Accomplishments
- Held a clothing drive for homeless that were being moved into hotels due to Mayor Johnston’s House1000 program
- Delivered 127 bags of clothing & toiletries
- Helped to set up one of the hotels that homeless were being moved into
- Prepared and served lunches for Delores Project
- Helped with neighborhood cleanups, and performed painting /staining at STEP Denver
- Supported fundraisers at both Dolores Project and STEP Denver
In Progress
- Working with Urban Peak to see if they are an organization that UpDoNA should be affiliated with
Social Committee formerly chaired by Terri McGinley, currently chaired by Dale Dewitt
Accomplishments
- Held 3 social events
- Planned the annual meeting
- Instituted monthly UNOs on 2nd Wednesday of each month
Membership Committee – Looking for a chair, currently run by Sue Townsend and Deborah Friedman
Accomplishments
- Total membership has grown by 35% from 167 to 226 members
- Business Membership has grown by 133% from 12 to 28 memberships
