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RTD launches new program to provide face-to-face assistance to customers

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RTD launches new program to provide face-to-face assistance to customers

New approach offers on-location, real-time support where and when customers need it most

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) launched a six-month pilot outreach program in May to assist customers on the system where and when they need it the most. Known as the “Impact Team,” the group of outreach ambassadors is comprised of nearly 40 RTD employees from across the entire agency. The team is deployed to rail stations and bus stops during peak service times, major events, and service disruptions to provide on-site, real-time customer service.

Photo courtesy: RTD Facebook

The team was initially established to support the Coping Panels and Downtown Rail Reconstruction projects, both of which are underway this summer. Over the last two weeks, the Impact Team has prioritized its outreach efforts to also support the temporary speed restrictions along the Southeast Corridor’s light rail lines.

Additionally, RTD has aligned the team’s outreach schedule to dispatch the employee ambassadors during concerts, festivals, downtown events, and Rockies home games. The on-location ambassadors support customers using RTD’s bus and rail services to reach events and venues, along with providing assistance navigating the system. Members of the Impact Team were trained to answer frequently asked questions, help customers to use the MyRide, Transit Watch, and NextRide mobile applications, and to collect customer feedback and concerns.

Earlier this week, the Impact Team began outreach along the E, H and R lines that have been most impacted by the recent speed restrictions. The team has been providing information about the slowdown zones, sharing alternate bus route schedules, and providing water for customers waiting for the next train. The Impact Team has also been educating customers on how to use Bustang’s bus services RTD’s online trip planner tools.

“The Impact Team program is focused on creating a welcoming transit environment for all customers,” said Stuart Summers, RTD’s Chief Communications and Engagement Officer. “This real-time approach to engagement not only addresses the immediate concerns and questions of customers, but we are able to foster stronger connections with the agency. By being present and available at stops and sta- tions, the Impact Team can immediately alleviate customer concerns, gather valuable feedback about improving RTD’s services, and ensure needs are satisfactorily met.”

The employees participating in the program volunteer their time in parallel with regular work duties and come from all departments of the organization. This includes Human Resource, Information Technology, Safety and Environmental, Bus and Rail Operations, Civil Rights, General Counsel, Capital Programs, and Finance, to name a few. RTD’s Leadership Team is also participating as mem- bers of the Impact Team, bringing their vast experience and knowledge to the program.

In October, RTD staff will assess the effectiveness of the six-month pilot program and develop a strategy for its continuation in the future.

Our Government

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Our Government

White House

Statement from President Joe Biden on Protecting One Million Pensions: “Today, we mark a major milestone: Thanks to my American Rescue Plan, we have protected one million pensions from devastating cuts. Whether it is Social Security, Medicare, or pensions, workers who earn a dignified retirement through decades of hard work and sacrifice should never see their benefits cut due to broken promises or policies that favor the wealthy over working families.”

Colorado Governor

The State of Colorado announced plans on behalf of the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Boulder) and a regional coalition of partners, including the City of Boulder, the Boulder Chamber, the University of Colorado Boulder and the Stanley Film Center, to submit a proposal to host the Sundance Film Festival in Boulder, Colorado starting in 2027. “The Sundance Film Festival has a deep history in the Mountain West, and we can think of no better home for its next act than Colorado. With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop and our deep commitment to the arts, we can help the Festival achieve even greater success while preserving what makes it special, building on Colorado’s iconic creative brand and our strong arts community,” said Gov. Jared Polis.

Denver Mayor

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, joined by Amy Ford, Executive Director of Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) and partner organizations, announced a new pilot program to increase safety in Denver by addressing speeding on high-risk streets to reduce traffic fatalities. The city will focus on corridors that make up the city’s high injury network – the streets where most serious and fatal injury crashes are occurring – with targeted actions aimed at reducing fatalities as Denver moves toward its goal of zero fatalities by 2030. “Building a safe and vibrant Denver means improving traffic safety by reducing speeds on Denver roads,” said Mayor Mike Johnston.

A Week In Review

Joseph Rios
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A Week In Review

Africa

Rebels target oil pipeline in Niger

Officials in Niger confirmed that rebels damaged an oil pipeline between Niger and Benin. The pipeline, which was formally launched in November, provides crude oil to Benin. A rebel group called the Patriotic Liberation Front claimed responsibility for the attack. The group is fighting for the release of former president Mohamed Bazoum. He was overthrown in a coup last summer.

Rally stampede leaves one dead, dozens injured in Rwanda

At least one person was killed while dozens were injured during a crush in Rwanda. The incident occurred as Rwanda President Paul Kagame formally launched his reelection campaign at a rally. Kagame’s party said it was deeply saddened by the stampede and sent its condolences to the victim’s family. Around 250,000 people attended Kagame’s rally.

Asia

Snake bites on the rise in Bangladesh

Hospitals in Bangladesh have reported an increase in people being bitten by snakes. Officials ordered hospitals to stock up on anti-venom in response to the surge. In particular, cases of bites from the Russell’s viper have increased. The viper is typically found near human settlements and was originally declared extinct in Bangladesh in 2002.

Dozens die from bootleg alcohol in India

India’s Tamil Nadu state reported that 57 people have died the past week after drinking toxic bootleg alcohol. Authorities have since arrested five people in connection with the bootleg alcohol. It is typical for bootleggers to add methanol to their mixture to increase its strength. Methanol can cause blindness, liver damage, and death.

Europe

Putin tells South Korea to not support Ukraine

Russia President Vladimir Putin said it would be a big mistake if South Korea provided support to Ukraine in its war against Russia. South Korea recently said arming Ukraine was a possibility after Russia and North Korea recently agreed to help each other if there is “aggression” against either country. Putin spoke in Vietnam shortly after he visited North Korea and the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un.

Gunmen target churches and synagogue in Russia

At least 20 people were killed when gunmen targeted churches, a synagogue, and police posts in southern Russia. The area where the attacks occurred is a predominantly Muslim republic. The attacks occurred Sunday night during the Orthodox festival of Pentecost. Dagestan, the area where the attacks occurred, has been the victim of Islamist attacks in the past.

Latin America

Nationwide blackout leaves millions in the dark in Ecuador

This past week, Ecuador suffered through a nationwide blackout. At least 18 million people were without power for several hours. Ecuador’s public works minister said the blackout is more proof of an energy crisis that the country is dealing with. Earlier this year, the government was forced to execute a series of blackouts because of a drought. Most of Ecuador’s energy comes from Colombia.

Suspects accused of trying to kidnap Brazilian judge killed in jail

Janeferson Aparecido Mariano Gomes and Reginaldo Oliveira de Sousa, two men suspected of being involved in a plot to kidnap a Brazilian judge, were killed in prison. They were arrested last year and were being held in pre-trial detention. The arrest led to police learning about a plan to kidnap high-ranking public officials for ransom. The men were both 48 years old and were on a sunbathing break inside the prison compound when they were attacked.

North America

Pirates of the Caribbean actor killed in shark attack

Tamayo Perry, who acted in the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean film, died after being attacked by a shark in Hawaii. He was 49 and was pronounced dead by paramedics after he was brought to shore by a jet ski. Perry was one of the pirates in the film “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Strander Tides.” He also appeared in other popular TV shows like Lost” and “Hawaii Five-0.”

Criminal charges recommended against Boeing

U.S. prosecutors have advised the Department of Justice to file criminal charges against Boeing. The plane maker is accused by the Department of Justice of violating a settlement related to two crashes involving its aircrafts. The Department of Justice will have until July 7 to decide whether or not to prosecute Boeing.

Hunter Biden found guilty in historic trial

Ernest Gurulé
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Hunter Biden found guilty in historic trial

For the first time in U.S. history, a child of a sitting president has been convicted of a crime. President Joe Biden’s only surviving son, Hunter, was found guilty in a Delaware federal court on three charges stemming from his purchase of a .38 caliber Colt Cobra. When sentenced, Mr. Hunter Biden faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison.

Mr. Biden was convicted early earlier this month for falsely filling out a form to buy a handgun while he was allegedly under the influence of drugs. It is illegal to make a gun purchase when either addicted or using illegal drugs.

Despite the possibility of serving a long sentence in federal prison, court watchers say there is only a slim chance that the penalty will be an extended one. In fact, there remains a possibility that Special Prosecutor Daniel Weiss could negotiate a plea deal with Biden that would allow him to avoid prison altogether.

Mr. Biden, 54, had initially negotiated a plea agreement that would have allowed him to participate in a counselling program for people who commit nonviolent offenses instead of facing far more serious penalties, including prison time. But the deal was scuttled when the I.R.S. became an issue. The U.S. attorney then demanded that Mr. Biden to plead guilty to committing tax offenses. It was then that the agreement was cancelled, and federal charges were filed.

Form 4473, the Firearm Transaction Record, is a multi-page document filled out with every gun purchase from a licensed gun seller. It asks whether the applicant, is ‘a fugitive from justice,’ if the buyer has been ‘convicted of domestic abuse,’ and if the purchaser is ‘addicted to drugs’ and whether the buyer is ‘the actual buyer of the weapon.’

At the time of the purchase, Mr. Biden had been drug-free for more than a week. But one of his former girlfriend’s, Hallie Biden, who was also his former sister-in-law, said she witnessed him smoking crack two days after the purchase.

Mr. Biden has a long history of drug and alcohol issues and has written extensively and candidly about it in his memoir, “Beautiful Things.” In it, he recounts the tragedies in his life, from losing his mother and baby sister in a car crash when he was a two-year old to losing his older brother, Bo, who died in 2015.

While crimes such as the one Mr. Biden was convicted of are rarely prosecuted, there are still people in prison today who been convicted of them.

Former Colorado state Senator Joe Salazar and one-time candidate for Colorado Attorney General has no issue with Mr. Biden’s prosecution. “The DOJ didn’t walk into this case lightly,” said Mr. Salazar. “It considered the evidence and whether there was enough evidence to convict Hunter Biden beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The case, said Mr. Salazar, “wasn’t about politics…it was about whether the law was broken, much the same as the Trump conviction.” He also speculated on whether or not Mr. Biden’s conviction will be used against the President who is running for reelection. “Do I think people are dumb enough to hurt President Biden because of his son’s mis- takes? You bet,” he said.

One member of the jury who spoke to the media said that when deliberations begin, “It was 6-6,” before adjourning until the next day. When they returned the next day, it took only two more hours before it consolidated on conviction and delivered its verdict.

Mr. Biden was accompanied to court each day with his wife, with whom they share a young child. Also in the courtroom each day was his mother and First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden. Mrs. Biden was back and forth between France and the Delaware courtroom. The first couple was in France commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

President Biden’s first comment on his son’s conviction was one of support. “As I said last week, I am the President, but I am also a Dad.” He said he accepts the verdict “and will continue to respect the judicial process as Hunter considers an appeal.”

“He has overcome an addiction. He’s one of the brightest, most decent men I know…I’m not going to do anything.”

Despite Mr. Biden’s conviction, Republicans, including the presumed nominee of their party, ex-president Donald Trump, continue to complain about a “rigged” judicial system. Democrats counter by pointing out that two Democratic members of Congress, Senator Bob Menendez and Henry Cuellar, are now facing federal prosecution.

Trump was also recently the defendant in a criminal prosecution where a New York jury convicted him of 34 felonies. The ex-president also faces felony charges in three other state and federal court cases. He has already been held liable for sexually abusing New York writer, E. Jean Carroll and ordered to pay $83 million dollars.

While no sentencing date has yet been announced, Mr. Biden must still face tax charges in California, where he and his family now reside. He is accused of tax evasion as well as falsely claiming deductions and business expenses for payments to assorted strip clubs, escorts and to a woman he was seeing. The government says he lied about more than $1.4 million dollars in income on which he should have paid taxes between 2016 and 2019.

UCLA names its first Latino chancellor

Joseph Rios
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UCLA names its first Latino chancellor
Photo courtesy: UCLA

For the first time in university history, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) will have a Latino chancellor.

On June 12, UCLA President Michael V. Drake announced Julio Frenk will serve as the university’s next chancellor. Frenk is a global health expert and currently serves as president of the University of Miami. He will succeed current Chancellor Gene Block who is planning to return to teaching and conducting research.

The seven-month long search for UCLA’s next chancellor involved an advisory committee chaired by Drake, university faculty, staff, students, alumni, and others. The university said the search process yielded a strong and diverse pool of candidates. In a statement, Drake said Frenk demonstrated a powerful commitment to the health and well-being of people, institutions, and systems around the world.

“His leadership will build on the growth and strength the campus has achieved under Chancellor Block and accelerate UCLA’s brilliant trajectory in service to Los Angeles, the nation, and the world,” said Drake in the statement.

While at the University of Miami, Frenk guided the university through the pandemic and helped to turnaround its academic health system. Among his achievements as president at the University of Miami include orchestrating a $2.5 billion fundraising campaign for the university. Under Frenk’s leadership, the University of Miami was inducted as a member of the Association of American Universities, an organization of leading research universities devoted to maintaining a strong system of academic research and education.

Outside of his work as a higher education administrator, Frenk is a public health and sociology professor. He worked as co-chair of the Lancet Commission of the Education of Health Professionals for the 21st Century, and has authored 196 papers in academic journals, 182 articles in magazines and newspapers, and 29 books.

“At this crucial moment for higher education, returning to the public sector to lead one of the top research universities in the world — including one of the 10 largest academic health systems — is an exciting opportunity and a great honor for me,” said Chancellor-designate Frenk. “I look forward to adding my lifelong commitment to public service in education and health care to the vibrant, diverse, and cosmopolitan community that is Los Angeles.”

Frenk also served as federal secretary of health of Mexico from 2000 to 2006. During that time, he reformed the country’s health system and helped to expand access to health care for more than 55 million people.

Frenk is set to begin his role as UCLA’s new chancellor in January. Until then, Darnell Hunt, UCLA’s executive vice chancellor and provost, will serve as interim chancellor when Block steps down from his position at the end of July.

“Dr. Frenk is an excellent choice to take up UCLA’s chancellorship,” said Block in a statement. “He is widely respected across academia and well-known as an exceptional thinker, an administrator of considerable ability and a brilliant public health leader. UCLA is in great hands, and I am certain that our university’s star will rise even higher under him.”

The Boston Celtics end 16-year drought

Brandon Rivera
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The Boston Celtics end 16-year drought

The Boston Celtics have won the Larry O’Brien Trophy after defeating the Dallas Mavericks 106-88 in game-five. The Celtics took a three game lead over the Mavericks last Wednesday when Boston went into American Airlines Center and squeezed out a 106-99 victory which inevitably became the point when Boston never really looked back despite losing game four 122-84.

The Celtics were favorites in the East to meet up with the Denver Nuggets in the Finals both last post season and this post season. Last post season, Denver went on to play the Miami Heat after Miami defeated the Celtics 4 games to 3 in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Nuggets went on to defeat the Heat 4 games to 1 and the rest is history.

The Celtics didn’t get a chance to play the Nuggets in the Finals due to Denver’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round, but many have been saying that the only team to have a chance to beat them this year would have been the Nuggets. The Nuggets defeated Boston 102- 100 in January and 115-109 in March during the regular season.

In other sports the Denver Broncos are on a break before returning back to Dove Valley for training camp in a about a month (July 28th). This will be when the real competition heats up for the quarterback position, wide receiver, and center. Denver Broncos Bo Nix has been a beacon of hope for a lot of Denver Broncos fans despite the long string of quarterbacks who have been under center with the Broncos over the past two decades.

Bo Nix has received praise from fellow teammates about how he carries himself and his ability to connect with his teammates. Head Coach Sean Payton had everyone fooled that Denver was interested in moving up in the draft to pick, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, when in reality his sights were set for only Nix.

While J.J. McCarthy has been praised for his work during OTA’s in Minnesota, the Vikings will not likely be naming McCarthy to the starting position anytime soon, especially since the Vikings recently invested $10 million in quarter- back Sam Darnold.

Both the Broncos and Bo Nix have agreed to the terms of his contract, which includes, four-years worth $18.61 fully guaranteed with an additional $10.36 million signing bonus. While McCarthy has yet to sign his deal, it is estimated that he will earn close to $22 million.

The Rockies had a big night on Saturday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates scoring 16 runs to 4 in their defeat of the Pirates. Unfortunately for Colorado, that was their only win in a three-game series that took place over the weekend at Coors Field. Colorado kicked off a four games series with the L.A. Dodgers at home by losing 9-5 on Monday afternoon. Colorado will close up the series with L.A. this Thursday before hosting the Washington Nationals this weekend at Coors Field.

Water safety is a high priority in Pueblo

Ernest Gurulé
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Water safety is a high priority in Pueblo

Things are getting back to normal on the Pueblo stretch of the Arkansas River, a river that is one of the most popular places in Colorado for rafting, tubing and other water recreation. Of course, getting back to normal can mean far different things when it comes to rivers across the state once the snowpack melts. And that is where we are today.

As of mid-June, Arkansas River flows are running at seasonal-high levels and officials say, are especially treacherous along the stretch of the river that cuts a path from Chafee on the west to Prowers County and the Kansas state line. It is a meandering water trail that cuts through roughly two thirds of the state. But some bends of the river lure more people than others and some of these spots can also be the most treacherous for anyone want- ing to cool off and recreate.

The river also feeds Lake Pueblo, southern Colorado’s pre- mier watering hole, drawing people from not just Colorado but surrounding states, as well.

All of the state’s rivers are now running at or near seasonal highs prompting officials to issue warnings that all safety measures need to be followed. It’s a no-nonsense edict. Since March, there have been 18 drowning deaths that have been recorded in Colorado waters.

Recently in Pueblo and Otero counties, public safety agencies and the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife restricted water sports in the Arkansas river due to its fast flow and near-record water levels.

Restrictions enacted by the Pueblo Sheriff’s Department and CPW forced a temporary ban on kayaking, canoeing, swimming along with air-filled devices including inflatable mattresses and inner tubes. Violators have also been warned they could be subject to fines.

Restrictions, said PCSO Public Information Officer Gayle Perez, lasted only a few days. But Perez says caution is still strongly advised. “Now that the restrictions have been lifted, we will continue to monitor the river conditions closely through regular inspections and coordinate with the Divisions of Parks and Wildlife and City partners.”

One popular section of the Arkansas River is Salida where river enthusiasts come from all over the world to raft. But current conditions have forced cancellation of some of events at the summer’s annual FIBArk festival. But for serious competitors everything remains a go.

Officials are warning anyone headed for the water at any place in the state that all safety warnings be taken serious. That includes wearing safety vests and remaining leashed when paddle boarding. Leashing, they say, provides extra insurance if you fall off your board. Without exception, the state mandates anyone in the water to wear a life jacket.

One Colorado woman, Pamela Barrett, whose son drowned in San Juan County’s Miramonte Reservoir, recently raised money to buy and donate life jackets for anyone using the reservoir.

Miramonte, like a number of other state locations for kayaking and boating, also sits at more than seven thousand feet in elevation. At that elevation, even in the hottest months, water temperatures rarely rise above seventy degrees. Falling in can quickly reduce body temperature creating a condition known as hypothermia, a contributing factor in many drowning deaths.

While late spring and summer heat swells the number of people in the state’s lakes, rivers and reservoirs, it also puts local rescue teams on high alert. “We’re always training,” said Pueblo Fire Department Public Information Officer Tim Trujillo, “because the Arkansas is one of the mostly highly rafted rivers in the country and runs through the heart of the city.” The same holds true for water rescue teams across Colorado.

In the last week, Otero County rescue teams say one man was rescued from the Arkansas River. But in a separate incident, the OCSO and the La Junta Fire Department say a 19-year-old man remains missing.

While so much of the attention on water safety is focused on rivers, lakes and reservoirs, a number of drowning deaths—especially those of younger children—occur in cities where gates to swimming pools are often left open and pools are left unattended.

While families are left devasted over the loss of children, there is also another, often unspoken cost. “There is an emotional toll,” said Trujillo. “Anytime you deal with a child’s death it’s hard on everyone, hard on first-responders seeing those things.”

Colorado state law also now mandates that anyone under age 14 may not operate “any motorboat or personal watercraft.” Anyone age 14-17 years of age must also pass a state boating safety exam to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft. Also, if stopped by a state official on the water, certification must be shown.

Because a high percentage of boating accidents involve alcohol, state officials say that the same regulations covering driving a motor vehicle apply to the waterways. Anything at or above a .08 blood alcohol level will result in a violation.

The Mexican Revolution then and now

David Conde
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The Mexican Revolution then and now
David Conde, Senior Consultant for International Programs

This past week, a group from the Mile Hi Veterans organization is visiting some of Mexico’s most important cultural sites. Among the activities was attending the performance of the world famous Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez at the beautiful Bellas Artes building.

Over the years, having the opportunity to attend one of their performances is a treat that lasts a lifetime in the sensibilities of those present. This performance was no different as the talent displayed in the dance presentations is second to none.

Featured on stage were the pre-Colombian sounds, the Northern Mexican music, the Bajio region centered in Jalisco style and the Jarocho art of Veracruz. As different as the music and dance concepts were, they centered on one theme: patriotism.

The projection of the patriotic theme in the performance is exemplified in the songs of the Mexican Revolution. It is as though there is a “pull” toward the standards and values created by the great event.

Mexico seems to want to come back to the road it gradually deviated from over the years. This appears to be why the Mexican Revolution looms large in the music and dance presentations of the Ballet.

That is in line with the ongoing political aspirations of the country as expressed by the national vote in the beginning of the month. It is also in line with what the Mexican political leadership calls the Fourth Transformation.

The term comes from the notion of identifying key moments that radically changed the history of the country. The First Transformation is represented by the Mexican movement to independence in 1821.

The Second Transformation comes the Liberal Reforms led in part by the great Benito Juarez between 1858 and 1861. The Third Transformation is the Mexican Revolution fought between 1910 and 1917.

Photo courtesy: @guillewho_photo/BalletAmaliaMX Instagram

The Fourth Transformation also appears to be based on the Mexican Revolution and the ideals brought forth as a result of the bloody affair. The notion of improving the lives of the masses is basic to both.

There was a scene in the Ballet Folklorico performance that brought out the “Adelitas,” the women that fought along side of the men in the Revolution. Dressed in black and red, these armed women remind me very much of of the “Adelitas” in the Ballet Folklorico de Aztlan, a ballet that was part of the Crusade for Justice organization in Denver.

The “Adelita” segment of the Mexican Ballet presentation stimulated a series of mixed emotions around the reality of war. First there is the aggressive threat with challenging violence. Then there is the feeling associated with the chaos of war and an almost carnival atmosphere of death and destruction. In the third, a deep emotion is created by the slowing of the song and its dance depicting the sadness of departure and the human need to be remembered.

The Ballet performance begins with the evocation of pre-Colombian Mesoamerican rituals that provide the foundation of Mexican identity. Then, throughout the performance there is a tendency to return to that concept as a counterpoint to a new beginning depicted by the Mexican Revolution and the commitment it portrays in a dramatic fashion.

The Ballet Folklorico on this occasion reflects contemporary developments in Mexico’s social and political way of life. Much of the climate in this regard suggests a radically different direction for the country.

There is an edge to the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez. It is so because it is a call to patriotism and another beginning.

The views expressed by David Conde are not necessarily the views of laVozColorado. Comments and responses may be directed to news@lavozcolorado.com.

Denver funds development of 62 permanently affordable condos

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Denver funds development of 62 permanently affordable condos

RTD transit-oriented development site to provide income-restricted homeownership through land trust model

A Regional Transportation District (RTD) parking lot adjacent to the L light rail line in Five Points will soon transform into 62 affordable condominiums for house-holds earning up to 80 percent of the area median income. Denver City Council yesterday approved two loan agreements providing $4,965,000 toward the project.

“Building an affordable Denver means not only creating more affordable units for rent, but expanding opportunities for homeownership, especially at transit-oriented development sites like this,” said Mayor Mike Johnston.

“By using an innovative land trust model to ensure the units remain permanently affordable, this project will serve not just current residents, but generations to come. We’re thrilled to partner with RTD, Elevation Community Land Trust and Shanahan Development to make progress toward our affordable housing goals and make homeownership a reality for individuals and families.”

Denver’s Department of Housing Stability (HOST) and RTD have worked cooperatively together for several years to spur the development of income-restricted condominiums at 2907-2915 Welton St. Shanahan Development and Elevation Community Land Trust (ECLT) won an RTD competitive solicitation to purchase the site and provide permanent affordability through a covenant.

HOST is providing $1,605,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to ECLT to assist with its purchase of the development site. HOST is also providing $3,360,000 from Denver’s Affordable Housing Fund to Shanahan Development to help support construction.

In a June 3 memo that updates the RTD Board of Directors about the project, General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson noted that affordable housing was first proposed a decade ago for the site, which has been in the agency’s possession for more than 30 years. State and Denver policy strongly support affordable housing and transit-oriented development. With the Board having approved disposition of the property in 2021, based on language that permits a discount in connection with the development of affordable housing, Johnson approved the sale of the property at a price of $1.5 million.

“The 29th and Welton project is a representative example of how working collaboratively and cooperatively with jurisdictions, associated entities and developers can bring about affordable housing projects,” Johnson wrote.

“Moreover, it provides RTD the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to being part of the solution to the region’s affordable housing crisis.”

The six-story building will include condo units ranging from one to three bedrooms. All units will be income-restricted to households earning up to 80 percent of the area median income (up to $71,900 for a single-person household, or up to $92,400 for a three-person family). Plans call for the ECLT to lease the land and ground floor community space to the homeowner’s association on a renewable 99-year land lease.

The project adds to Denver’s inventory of income-restricted housing which encompasses approximately 7.5 percent of all housing units in the city. This inventory includes over 2,400 homeownership units and nearly 25,000 income-restricted rental units. Learn more about this inventory at the Denver Affordable Housing Dashboard.

Denver Arts & Venues accepting nominations and applications

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Denver Arts & Venues accepting nominations and applications

Denver Arts & Venues accepting nominations to honor those who have made significant contributions to Denver through arts and culture

Denver Arts & Venues opens applications and nominations for the Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts & Culture to recognize programs, individuals and organizations that make significant and lasting contributions to the artistic, cultural and creative landscape in the City and County of Denver.

Winners will be recognized through a $2,500 stipend, a video highlighting their achievements, and a piece of artwork created by Access Gallery, which will include a plaque commemorating the award. They will be honored at a luncheon award ceremony in December.

“Part of Denver’s vibrancy comes from the home-grown creatives who inspire us all through their art and passion,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “I’m thrilled to invite Denverites across the city to nominate an artist who has impacted their life to be recognized through our annual Mayor’s Awards for Excellence in Arts & Culture.”

Nominations are being accepted through Friday, July 5 and applications are being accepted through Sunday, July 28 for the following categories:

ARTS & CULTURE YOUTH AWARD

This award is presented to an organization or individual that has had a positive impact on youth in their community through the arts. This category is open to individuals ages 14 and up.

ARTS & CULTURE IMPACT AWARD

This award is presented to an individual or an organization that has made a significant and lasting impact on arts and culture in the City and County of Denver. This category requires that the nominee have at least 10 years of history in the arts in the City and County of Denver. 

ARTS & CULTURE INNOVATION AWARD

This award is presented to an individual or organization that is breaking new ground in the arts and whose contribution to innovation in the arts has been significant in 2023 or 2024.

ARTS & CULTURE JEDI AWARD

This award is presented to an individual or organization that has focused their arts and culture work on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI). Nominees for this award have a demonstrated track record of integrating an equity practice into their day-to-day operations and programming, and in so doing work to support historically under-resourced communities.

ARTS & CULTURE GLOBAL AWARD

This award is presented to an individual or organi- zation whose work has had national and international significance – bringing the world to Denver and Denver to the world..

Individuals may nominate an individual or organization through a simple form and Arts & Venues will follow up with the nominee for more information. Alternatively, individuals and groups may apply for an award directly. Groups and individuals need not be nominated prior to completing an application. Those applying for a Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Arts & Culture for themselves or their organization may complete an application on their own behalf.

Additional information is available online at ArtsandVenues.com/Mayors-Awards.

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