UpDoNA Accomplishments
June 2025 – June 2026
Introduction
The past year has been one of UpDoNA’s most active and influential periods. Through strong partnerships with city leaders, public safety agencies, neighborhood organizations, businesses, and residents, UpDoNA continued to advance its mission of improving the quality of life in Upper Downtown Denver. From advocating for public safety improvements and shaping transportation policies to hosting community forums, volunteer events, and neighborhood engagement activities, UpDoNA has strengthened its role as a respected and trusted voice for residents and businesses. The accomplishments highlighted below reflect the organization’s growing impact, collaborative approach, and commitment to making Upper Downtown a safer, cleaner, more vibrant, and more connected community.
City Partnerships & Advocacy
– Supported DOTI’s expansion of IKE kiosks throughout Denver and recommended adding cameras and call buttons for improved safety.
– Invited by the ‘Mayor’s Office’ to support the Axon contract; endorsed the initiative to replace Flock cameras with Axon license‑plate readers.
– Provided detailed research, comments, and testimony on the ‘Municipal Sentencing Bill’; ongoing collaboration with the City Attorney, District Attorney, LoDoNA, DDP, Mayor’s Office, and CM Watson and CM Hinds.
– Worked with LoDoNA, CMs Hinds and Watson, and DLCP on proposed amendments to the “Entertainment Licensing Ordinance”.
– Provided comment and support at the City Planning Meeting for the Home2 Suites electronic billboard, improving coordination among RNOs.
– Invited by Evan Dreyer to participate in planning discussions regarding the future of the bus terminal lot at Broadway and Colfax.
– Participated in “Registered Neighborhood Organization meetings” with Mayor Johnston.
– Asked to provide a “letter of support to RTD” for police training programs.
– Invited to Mayor Johnston’s “State of the City.”
Scooter Safety & Micromobility Improvements
– Built a strong partnership with DOTI, holding regular meetings that directly shaped the City’s scooter RFP.
– Successfully advocated for key RFP requirements: stronger safety standards, geo‑fencing, clearer enforcement expectations, enforced parking corrals, and improved device design.
– The City followed the RFP criteria and selected “Veo”, the vendor best positioned to address long‑standing scooter issues in Upper Downtown.
– Worked closely with Councilmember Hinds on scooter‑related legislation to strengthen safety and enforcement.
Public Safety & Law Enforcement Collaboration
– Held regular meetings with DPD, the Mayor’s Office, CM Hinds, CM Watson, and City Council to address safety concerns.
– Monthly meetings with DPD Lt. Koenigsfeld, who noted that “UpDoNA is the most engaged and active RNO District 6 works with.”
– Participation on the “Chief Thomas’ Police Advisory Board.”
– Regular attendance at the ”District 6 Community Advisory Group.”
– Monthly coordination with the “Downtown Denver Partnership’s Security Team.”
– Ongoing meetings with Al Gardner, Director of the Department of Safety.
– Coordinated with CVS and Ross management and the DPD task force to address shoplifting.
Community Events & Member Engagement
– Participated in “Earth Day.”
– Held 12 monthly Clean Ups.
– Served lunches at Urban Peak and The Delores Project. Contributed to the purchase of food for the lunches.
– Participated in “Trick‑or‑Treat at DPD District 6”, supporting their annual Halloween event for neighborhood children.
– Hosted monthly “UpDoNA Night Out” (UNOs) and “UpDoNA Eats.”
– Held the “4th Annual DDNNNO” at Skyline Park attended by more than 700 people.
– Hosted a meeting with CM Watson at One Lincoln Park open to all members and residents.
– Conducted a tour of Aspen Residences and reported findings to members.
– Toured “The Other Side” and published a newsletter article on their work.
– Attended ribbon‑cuttings at “Flaming Grill” and “Two Lazy Dogs”, and connected Flaming Grill with the Convention Center marketing office.
– Attended “LoDoNA GNC and Board Meetings.”
– Attended “Downtown Denver Development Authority” (DDDA) meetings.
– Participated in the “Downtown Denver Partnership Strategic Partnership” interviews with PUMA.
– Invited to serve as an Urban Land Institute panelist to discuss the future of the Denver Pavilions.
Major Events & Forums
– Hosted the “Roads to Recovery Town Hall”, featuring CM Parady, Chris Richardson, Senator Ball, DA James, and Sterling Simms ~80 attendees.
Follow‑up meetings held with DA James, Senator Ball, and Sterling Simms.
– Held a “City Council At‑Large Candidate Forum” at the Colorado Convention Center (10 candidates).
– Held the “UpDoNA Annual Meeting” with 110 members and guests. Speakers included Mayor Johnston, Doug Tilsdale of the DDDA and Jeff Hoover, VEO Representative. Guests included CMs Watson and Hinds, Tim Hoffman, Director of Policy and Legislation.
– Conducted an election for three open UpDoNA Board positions.
Awards & Recognition
– Received the “Neighborhood Champion Award” from the LoDo District.
Business & Organizational Development
– Moved UpDoNA’s checking account to Colorado Credit Union, a member‑owned institution and business member of UpDoNA.
– Developed a “Business Member Brochure” for membership solicitation.
– Provided regular updates and issue resolution with Sterling Simms of the Mayor’s staff.
– Continued progress on UpDoNA’s Strategic Plan.
Good Neighbor Agreements
– Completed and signed multiple “Good Neighbor Agreements” in 2025 and 2026:
Flaming Grill, April 28, 2026
Fortissimo Dueling Pianos – May 9th, 2026
Additional City & Community Engagement
– Attended the “Burnham Yards Community Meetings” to discuss wayfinding between Upper Downtown and the new stadium.
– Invited to attend the press conference announcing Alterra’s move to the Denver Post Building.
