Denver City Councilman Kevin Flynn

@GenXJenDen The yellow on the map is all single-family areas. Suburban context is mostly southwest, south, southeast, and northeast Denver. Urban edge is closer to the core, and urban is all of the rest closer to downtown.

It’s unclear from the presentation which neighborhoods are Urban, Urban Edge, or Suburban. From the map, we can deduce the Suburban Neighborhoods are in yellow, the Urban Edge in orange, and those not shaded are Urban.

Tuesday, March 17 Denver City Council and the Denver Planning Board will get an update on the “Unlocking Housing Choices” planning process. 🧵 The ends the City seeks are to add units in neighborhoods and increase affordability. The presentation focuses on: are the proposed strategies economically feasible for builders? So far, only builders have been consulted. Denver residents can weigh in starting next week. Note: the dates may change. My thoughts and questions: 1. I think it is wrong to limit gross floor area in order to induce added density on a lot. It limits choice and is enough of an economic cudgel to result in the complete erasure of single family home neighborhoods, one lot at a time. I would encourage Council to reject this strategy. 2. Considering the significant costs added to home building caused by current City policies, codes, and practices, I would suggest that the City get its own house in order if it genuinely cares about building attainable housing. 3. Does the market want this? ADUs have been allowed everywhere, but aren’t getting built without significant subsidies from the City and State. Why? It suggests that a) there is not a lot of demand for homeowners to add households to their lot, or b) it is not economically feasible in Denver given our codes, fees, policies, and permitting practices. 3. I know many of our City leaders and planning staff envision a transit-dependent future and are hostile to parking, but that is not how most Denver residents want to live. The models included 2-4 parking spots on surface lots. I’m curious how appealing that is in scenarios with more than 2 units on a lot and how that ties in with the City’s curb use plans that aim to time-restrict parking on the street…or blocks with no street parking due to bike lanes…or electric car charging codes, etc. Final Thoughts: I live on a block with apartment buildings, old homes divided into 4+ units and single family homes. I’m not opposed to density or creative land use. I am opposed to limiting gross floor area in order to induce more units to be built. Let the market decide and preserve the option for future households to live on a lot without sharing it. Be careful with affordability bonuses and blending deed-restricted and market rate units on the same lot; this could get messy. Be realistic about parking needs. Don’t let your hostility to cars crowd out people’s preferences and needs. If you care about this, watch the meeting next week, attend the public meetings, write/call your Council rep.

Attention Denver property owners! Your 2026 property tax statement is now online at denvergov.org/property. View multiple tax statements, pay on the same page, and never again worry about losing your statement. Look for a postcard in the mail with instructions.

Head to the library to join Winter of Reading, an adult reading challenge. Pick up a game board (or download a PDF), complete five activities in a row, then trade the board in for a mug or pint glass. Program runs through the end of February. For info: loom.ly/LPg3wCM

Get the Council District 2 digital newsletter delivered to your inbox the first Thursday of each month. I don't flood your inbox and I don't share your email address with anyone. Sign up today. loom.ly/BA37Q8E

Learn the benefits of starting seeds, and leave with the confidence to grow your garden from scratch at a workshop presented by Denver Urban Gardens on Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 6-8 p.m. at the Posner Center for International Development. Register now at loom.ly/4Arsnbw

Want to escape what's going on around you? Enjoy "60 Minute in Space," a free presentation at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on Wednesday, January 28 at 7 p.m. No reservations required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Let's go Broncos! The Denver Broncos will host a fan rally tomorrow, from 1– 5 p.m. in Larimer Square. This free, family-friendly event will feature special appearances by Miles the Mascot and the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, exclusive playoff giveaways, and more!

In Denver, many sidewalks are in need of repair and about 43% are either missing or too narrow. Denver is about to fix that! Check out the "Sidewalk Implementation Plan State of the System Report" and take the survey to help start the process: denvergov.org/SOTS

The Park People's Denver Digs Trees program provides trees at little to no cost. College View and Mar Lee are lower-canopy focus neighborhoods, people living in those areas qualify for $15 trees. All other neighborhoods can get $50 trees. Apply by Feb. 15! TheParkPeople.org

TODAY! Pick up a FREE radon test kit, while supplies last, at the Bear Valley library between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Radon is an invisible gas that can enter your home and increase your risk of lung cancer—but the only way to know is to test. Get your free test kit today.

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." — Dr. King’s words remind me that hope is what keeps us moving forward.

Most city offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Trash, recycling and compost collection will NOT be impacted. City Council will not meet on Monday, but will meet on Tuesday instead. City Council info: loom.ly/92qjk00

This Saturday is the last weekend day to drop off your Christmas tree and have it turned into mulch through Denver's Treecycle program. In Council District 2, take your tree to Kennedy High School, 2855 S. Lamar St., Saturday between 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. loom.ly/nf5ADvc

Denver residents can get a free radon test kit through @DDPHE as part of #RadonActionMonth. Radon is an invisible gas that can enter your home and increase your risk of lung cancer—but the only way to know is to test. Take action now: loom.ly/VWUklSI

Winter can be tough. Short days, stress, and grief can take a toll. If you’re struggling call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential support. @DDPHE offers winter wellness tips, grief support, and other community resources at loom.ly/3bRwZQg

The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marade is Monday, Jan. 19 starting at 10 a.m. at the "I Have a Dream" monument in City Park. There is also a breakfast, a rodeo and a bike ride, a free day at the Denver Botanic Gardens and more! For details: loom.ly/9mry9K4

#FluSeason is still going strong, and this year has hit harder than usual. As we reset healthy habits in the new year, don’t forget flu prevention. #Vaccination and simple steps, like staying home when sick, help protect our community. Learn more: loom.ly/HIggcAY

Winter often brings an increase in off-leash dogs in our parks. Even the friendliest dogs can behave unpredictably when startled by wildlife, kids, or other dogs. Please help keep our parks safe and welcoming for everyone; if you love them, leash them!

Recycle your Christmas tree! Drop your tree at a collection site and it will be turned into mulch made available in the spring. In Council District 2, drop your tree on Saturday Jan. 10 and 17 at John F. Kennedy High School, 2855 S. Lamar St. For details loom.ly/q2eGj6E

Make 2026 a creative year by exploring available Creative Classes at the Denver Art Museum. Hone a new skill, discover opportunities to interact with working artists at lectures, artist demos and the quarterly Untitled: Artist Takeover program. Details: loom.ly/MuCO4mo