Engaging Our Community

Ongoing Community Engagement

Effective climate action starts with listening. We want to do our part to keep thriving communities thriving and to lift everyone's quality of life through climate action. Spending our days in Denver neighborhoods, talking to Denverites, and sharing your stories is just one way we are ensuring that your tax dollars are being spent most effectively.

Community engagement processes that are current, ongoing, or still in progress are below:

Creating Denver's Climate Plan

The Denver Climate Plan is the 2026 update to the Climate Protection Fund’s original 2021 Five-Year Plan. This update reflects what the city, our partners, and our communities have accomplished since 2021 and lays out the strategies the city will use over the next five years to cut pollution, expand clean energy, and protect neighborhoods from heat, poor air quality, and other climate risks.

Learn More About The Denver Climate Plan

Sustainability Advisory Council

The Sustainability Advisory Council (SAC) advises the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency's Executive Director and the Mayor. This group helps Denver build a carbon-pollution-free, sustainable and resilient for all. The SAC acts as a bridge between the community and policymakers.

Current Members

The current members of SAC will serve until October 31, 2026.

  • Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez
  • Erin Ahlholm
  • Adair Andre
  • Jon Buerge
  • Jim Bunch
  • DaZha Creal
  • Austin Krcmarik
  • Travis Madsen
  • Aaron Martinez
  • Pattie Mason
  • Brandy Moe
  • Erin Overturf
  • Kartika Rachmawati
  • Emily Starz
  • Natalie Youssef

Past Community Engagement Processes

Climate Action Task Force

The Denver Climate Action Task Force made recommendations to advance climate action in Denver. The key areas they discussed were:

  • Buildings
  • Transportation
  • Electricity
  • Energy Use
  • Emissions Sources
  • Resiliency and Adaptation

The task force engaged experts, stakeholders, and community members in their work. In the process, the task force:

  • Engaged Denver's communities to define goals, gaps, solutions and investment opportunities.
  • Reviewed the city's climate goals, current climate action work, and gaps in that work.
  • Recommended policies and solutions to meet goals in an equitable way.
  • Determined the level of funding needed to implement the proposed policies and solutions. 

The Task Force met 14 times between January and June of 2020. All meetings were open to public observers. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some meetings took place virtually. Meeting agendas, notes, and recordings are available by request.

In June 2020, the task force finished their work and created a report of recommendations.

Task Force Members

Mayor Michael Hancock appointed 26 members to the Climate Action Task Force. He received over 260 applications to join the task force. The goal was to identify a diverse set of experts and members of the public to define the goals, priorities, and plan for climate action in Denver. The Task Force members were as follows:

  • Brandon Rietheimer, Resilient Denver
  • Dominique Gomez, Salazar Center for North American Conservation
  • Emily Gedeon, Sierra Club - Colorado
  • Eugene Downing, New Hope Baptist Church
  • Frank Locantore, Colfax Ave BID
  • George E. Ware, Community Member
  • Jackie Bouvier, Santa Fe BID
  • Jasmin Barco, Eco-Cycle
  • Jennifer Gremmert, Energy Outreach Colorado
  • Jessica Goad, Conservation Colorado
  • Jon Buerge, Urban Villages / LoDo District / Downtown BID
  • Kathie A Barstnar, NAIOP Colorado, the Commercial Real Estate Association
  • Kelly Shanley, Student Advocate, Community College of Denver
  • Laura Zaspel, Serendipity Catering
  • Lori Pace, Denver Metro Association of Realtors
  • Micaela Iron Shell-Dominguez, International Indigenous Youth Council
  • Mike Kruger, Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA)
  • Naomi Amaha, Denver Streets Partnership
  • Patricia G Iwasaki, Metro/NorthEast Denver
  • Piep van Heuven, Bicycle Colorado
  • Rhiannon Duryea, Denver Area Labor Federation
  • Sam Knaizer, BPX Energy, BP America
  • Sebastian Andrews, Youth Sustainability Board, environmentally concerned youth of Denver
  • Thomas Riggle, Resilient Denver
  • Tyler Smith, Xcel Energy
  • Veronica Booz, Green Valley Ranch/KIPP Colorado Schools

Energize Denver Task Force

The Energize Denver Task Force presented, published, and finalized recommendations to the City and County of Denver in September 2021 that would reduce the 49% of Denver’s greenhouse gas emissions that come from buildings towards zero by 2040. Stakeholders across multiple industries came to consensus on an equitable path to healthier, safer, net zero energy commercial and multifamily buildings. 

Energize Denver Task Force Recommendations(PDF, 1MB)

Community Briefing Presentation(PDF, 2MB)

Members

The 2021 Energize Denver Task Force included stakeholders from our community from across the real estate sector, energy sectors, labor, workforce development, affordable housing, small business, resident advocates, solar, energy efficiency, and environmental advocates.

The Energize Denver Task Force membership:

  • Aaron Martinez, Urban Land Conservancy
  • Amie Mayhew, Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association
  • Angela Fletcher, Denver Housing Authority
  • Ariana Gonzalez, Natural Resources Defense Council
  • Celeste Cizik, Group 14 Engineering
  • Christine Brinker, Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP)
  • Eddie Bustamante, LiUNA! Local 720
  • Frank Arellano, LBA Realty
  • Jennie Gonzales , IBEW 68
  • Jennifer Gremmert, Energy Outreach Colorado
  • Jenny Wilford, Colorado Sierra Club
  • Jolon Clark, Denver City Council District 7
  • Jon Buerge, Urban Villages
  • Jonathan Cappelli, Neighborhood Development Collaborative
  • Kathie A Barstnar, NAIOP Colorado
  • Lori Pace, Denver Metro Association of Realtors
  • Mike Kruger, Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA)
  • Monique Dyers, Ensight Energy Consulting
  • Peter Muccio, Apartment Association of Metro Denver
  • Sam Knaizer, bp, bpx energy
  • Scott Prestidge, Colorado Oil and Gas Association
  • Sergio Cordova, Pipefitters Local Union No. 208
  • Stephen Shepard, Denver Metro BOMA
  • Steve Morgan, Bolder Energy Engineers, Rocky Mountain Association of Energy Engineer
  • Tyler Smith, Xcel Energy

Waste No More Task Force

The city formed a task force in 2023 with the goal of enforcing, clarifying, and overseeing requirements for the Universal Recycling ordinance. This task force included:  

  • Representatives of the entities regulated by the ordinance
  • Other stakeholders indirectly affected 
  • Ballot sponsors
  • Members of the City Council 

At the end of their process, the Task Force submitted a report of its recommendations:

Task Force Recommendations Report(PDF, 1MB)

A revised updated Universal Recycling and Composting ordinance was created based on feedback from the Task Force and stakeholders. The Mayor and City Council also provided guidance.

Of the Task Force's fourteen (14) recommendations:

  • Eleven (11) address ordinance content and were fully incorporated into the updated ordinance language, or incorporated with minor modifications.
  • Three (3) address long-term support, programs, and infrastructure investments, and will be incorporated into implementation as resources allow.

On September 15, 2025, the Denver City Council approved updates to Denver’s Universal Recycling and Composting Ordinance.

Community Needs Assessments

In January 2022, the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR) launched its Rapid Assessments Pilot in Sun Valley. This project, funded by the Climate Protection Fund (CPF), is the first of its kind. Rapid Assessments aimed to: 

  • Start a Dialogue with Denver’s under resourced neighborhoods about CASR and the Climate Protection Fund 

  • Engage and empower local residents and partners to tell the city how best to invest CPF funding in their neighborhood. 

The information generated from the Rapid Assessments serve as a “snapshot” of community priorities and challenges —from the perspective of neighborhood adults, youth and workers. The discussions in each community were open forum, and nothing was off limits. Adults and youth were compensated for their time.  

The feedback helps the city meet communities where they are, and is used to:  

  • Guide how Denver invests dollars from the Climate Protection Fund
  • Address barriers to Climate Protection Funded programs 
  • Serve as a foundation for Denver to co-create programs with the community that can solve the highest priority issues for the community. 

Neighborhood Narratives

East Colfax

Public Process

The Rapid Assessment discussions in East Colfax were facilitated by the East Colfax Neighborhood Association between July and September of 2022 at the Counterpath Community Center. Approximately 44 people participated, 39 of whom were community residents. All age groups were represented, with youth under 18 years old representing about 22% of participants.   

Most Urgent Issues

  • Increasing healthy trees and tree maintenance
  • Establishing a resource/cooling center for East Colfax
  • Addressing gun violence and improving 911 services
  • Implementing youth crime prevention programs Enhancing bike lane safety and promoting affordable housing, weatherization, and public transit 

Community Assets

  • Proximity to amenities and gathering spaces
  • Cultural diversity and community cohesion
  • Availability of parks and open spaces
  • Potential for preserving affordable housing 

Priority Needs

  • Well-lit sidewalks and enhanced traffic/pedestrian/bike safety
  • Clean streets and access to parks and gardens
  • Preventing displacement and preserving affordable housing
  • Addressing gun violence and promoting food security
  • Supporting youth sports and at-risk youth education
  • Implementing affordable solar energy and cooling centers 

Barriers to Accessing Climate Protection Fund

  • Perceived government indifference towards community needs
  • Navigating bureaucratic processes and lack of education on available resources
  • Limited collaboration among government agencies and community groups
  • Insufficient sustainable funding for local organizations
  • Language and cultural barriers for immigrant populations 

Elyria-Swansea

Public Process 

The Rapid Assessment discussions in Elyria and Swansea were facilitated by The Green House Connection Center at its neighborhood Center between the end of July and October of 2022. Approximately 86 people participated, 81 of whom were community residents. All age groups were represented, with youth under 18 years old making about 40% of participants.  

Most Urgent Issues

  • Pollution and air quality 
  • Security in schools and neighborhoods
  • Gun violence
  • Gentrification, renter protections, and affordable housing
  • Accessibility to solar and clean energy for renters
  • Development of gardens and green infrastructure in abandoned lots
  • Illegal dumping and the need for public dumpsters
  • Homelessness
  • Increased street lighting for security 

Community Assets

  • Proximity of local schools 
  • Rich cultural heritage
  • Strong sense of community
  • Local recreational centers
  • Valdez-Perry Branch Library 

Priority Needs

  • Safe roads and transportation 
  • Sidewalks and well-lit walkable areas
  • More accessible energy efficiency, solar, and clean energy programs
  • More trees and support for renters
  • Homeless shelters and addressing unauthorized encampments
  • Tackling illegal dumping
  • Neighborhood beautification efforts 

Barriers to Accessing Climate Protection Fund

  • Environmental racism and prejudice against low-income individuals and youth 
  • Skepticism and burnout from community participation in public processes
  • Inflation
  • Lack of information about available resources
  • Insufficient outreach and government support
  • Perceived lack of care or value from the city towards neighborhood concerns 

Globeville

Public Process 

The Rapid Assessment discussions in Globeville were facilitated by the Birdseed Collective at the Globeville Center between June and July of 2023. Approximately 62 people participated, 58 of whom were community residents. All age groups were represented, with youth representing about 40% of total participants. 

Most Urgent Issues

  • Clean air, asthma, and pollution 
  • Food desert and lack of home cooling
  • Clean water accessibility
  • Racism and equitable access to public facilities
  • Maintenance of right of ways, road conditions, and green spaces 

Priority Needs

  • Access to safe outdoor recreation for families
  • Sustainable funding for home upgrades and maintenance
  • Improvement of neighborhood cleanliness and waste management
  • Increasing greenery and soil health
  • Mitigation of neighborhood displacement
  • Indoor air quality improvement and access to groceries
  • Adoption of renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure 

Barriers to Accessing Climate Protection Fund

  • Lack of education on available resources 
  • Lack of community unity in setting priorities
  • Limited knowledge on navigating the funding system
  • Concerns about government allocation of funds
  • Inadequate outreach to marginalized community members 

Montbello

The Rapid Assessment discussions in Montbello were facilitated by the Montbello Organizing Committee between September and July of 2023. Approximately 62 people participated, with more than 50 being community residents. 

Most Urgent Issues

  • Affordable waste management, recycling, and composting 
  • Violence, drugs, and addiction
  • Health, mental health, and education accessibility
  • High living costs and limited resources
  • Extreme heat, air quality, pollution, and lack of affordable housing
  • Senior services, forest fires, tree scarcity, and solar energy 

Priority Needs

  • Affordable healthy food and food assistance 
  • Accessible health and mental health resources
  • Climate change education and green energy initiatives
  • Clean transportation options
  • Community peace, resources, and outdoor recreation 

Barriers to Accessing Climate Protection Fund 

  • Lack of climate change education and awareness
  • Financial barriers and racial tensions
  • Language and cultural barriers
  • Classism and resistance to change
  • Stress and transportation costs
  • Immigration status restrictions 

Northeast Park Hill

Public Process

The Rapid Assessment discussions in Northeast Park Hill were facilitated by Lincoln Hills Cares and CASR between June and July of 2022 at the Hiawatha Davis Jr. Recreational Center. Approximately 45 people participated, 38 of whom were community residents. All age groups were represented, but the vast majority of participants were adults over 60 years of age, all lifelong residents of the community. A separate meeting was also facilitated with representatives of local institutions including Hiawatha Davis Recreational Center, Mo' Betta Green MarketPlace, Denver Police Department District 2, and the Dahlia Campus for Health and Well-Being. 

Most Urgent Issues

  • Gentrification and disregard for historical neighborhood values 
  • Gang and gun violence
  • Outdoor water waste, home maintenance, air quality, and career development for youth
  • Tree maintenance and water usage 

Community Assets

  • Strong community bonds and willingness to help
  • Access to recreational facilities like Hiawatha Davis Jr Rec Center and Dahlia Campus for Health & Wellbeing
  • Rich green spaces promoting community health 

Priority Needs

  • Improved ambient and indoor air quality, and economic opportunities 
  • Access to health, nutrition, and wellbeing services
  • Enhanced communication, community involvement, and collaboration Home maintenance and water conservation practices 

Barriers to Accessing Climate Protection Fund

  • Systemic racism 
  • Lack of inter-agency communication and bureaucratic hurdles
  • Insufficient information, education, and communication
  • Political obstacles and government neglect of community needs 

Sun Valley

Public Process

The Rapid Assessment discussions in Sun Valley were facilitated by the Sun Valley Kitchen Kitchen + Community Center between January and February of 2023.  In total approximately 58 people participated, about 40 of whom were community residents. One meeting was held just for youth participants, and two other meetings with neighborhood adults and institutional community partners, including representatives of local institutions such as Namaste Solar, Sun Valley Youth Center, Sun Valley Neighborhood Coalition, and Denver Housing Authority. 

Community Assets

  • Vibrant culture, with over half of the population being 17 years or younger 
  • Diverse Latino, African American, and refugee population
  • Denver Housing Authority's redevelopment efforts, including new affordable housing units and a riverfront park
  • Local nonprofits like Earthlinks, Sun Valley Kitchen, Sun Valley Youth Center, and Latino Arts Cultural Center contributing to community well-being and preserving cultural identity 

Most Urgent Issues

  • Need for parks and access to green spaces 
  • Climate change education and access to healthy, affordable food
  • Mobility safety and better public transportation
  • Quality job opportunities, work training, and economic security
  • Addressing security and crime
  • Establishing a youth center 

Priority Needs

  • Access to green open cultural spaces and sports 
  • Implementing recycling programs and providing trash cans to reduce litter
  • Creating jobs and economic opportunities for youth and residents
  • Access to healthy food and sufficient parking spaces
  • Sustainable infrastructure improvements and cooling initiatives 

Barriers to Accessing Climate Protection Fund

  • Lack of awareness and belief in climate change impacts
  • Financial barriers and funding limitations
  • Insufficient education and engagement efforts, including trauma-sensitive approaches
  • Limited time to identify and implement solutions
  • Competing priorities between the city and community members
  • Displacement of families due to ongoing neighborhood redevelopment 

  • Community voice not being recognized and lack of training and outreach for solution implementation

Valverde

Public Process

The Rapid Assessment discussions in Valverde were facilitated by the Valverde Neighborhood Association in August of 2022 at Life-Line’s Youth Empowerment Center. Approximately 58 people participated, 48 of whom were community residents. All age groups were represented, with youth representing about 40% of participants. 

Most Urgent Issues

  • Need for a multi-resource/recreational/health center, including a summer cooling center 
  • Mobility and traffic safety improvements
  • Expansion of gardens and fruit trees
  • Jobs for community members
  • Home weatherization and improvements
  • Access to food support and fresh groceries
  • Accessibility in bus stops and parks for people with disabilities
  • Addressing and reducing gang violence 

Community Assets

  • Strong sense of community and belonging 
  • Diverse demographics and unique topography
  • West-Bar-Woodpark, Youth Empowerment Center, and animal shelter
  • Proximity to Valverde Elementary School 

Priority Needs

  • Increase in tree canopy and green spaces 
  • More community gatherings, events, and recreational sports opportunities
  • Street safety enhancements and safe sidewalks
  • Fenced dog areas and dog parks
  • Water conservation measures
  • Mental health resources
  • Accessible grocery store and drinking water fountains
  • Lighting in parks 

Barriers to Accessing Climate Protection Fund

  • Lack of awareness about available resources
  • Insufficient resources to facilitate access to programs and incentives
  • Apathy among community members towards government programs
  • Need for improved agency engagement, coordination, and accountability
  • Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on community engagement and trust
  • Vandalism affecting incentivized solutions
  • Lack of understanding of neighborhood needs by the city administration
  • Importance of neighborhood advocacy for collective desires. 

Villa Park

Public Process

The Rapid Assessment discussions in Villa Park were hosted by the Villa Park Neighborhood Association and facilitated by the Dr. Justina Ford (JF) STEM Institute and CASR in August of 2022.  Meetings were held at Presentation of our Lady Catholic Church (institutional stakeholders), Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales Branch Library (adults), and the Barnum Recreation Center (youth). In total approximately 42 people participated, 32 of whom were residents of the community and 10 workers from the non-profit and private sectors who serve the Villa Park neighborhood. All age groups were represented, with about half of the participants being youth (25%) and 65 years or older (24%). 

Most Urgent Issues

  • Access to affordable, nutritious food 
  • Increase in trees, especially fruit-bearing trees, and tree maintenance
  • Clean air and water
  • Substance abuse prevention
  • Adoption of electric cars and sustainable transportation
  • Improvement in government services for residents
  • Building a park over 6th Avenue to connect the neighborhood
  • Creation of local, well-paying jobs
  • Access to clean energy and cooling
  • Affordable housing
  • Education about available community resources
  • Creek maintenance
  • Addressing homelessness
  • Enhancing walkability and sidewalks, particularly on 10th Avenue 

Community Assets

  • Strong community leadership through the Villa Park Neighborhood Association
  • Well-connected bike paths and green spaces offering unique views
  • Convenient RTD light rail and public bus systems enhancing mobility 

Priority Needs

  • Improved walkability, mobility, and public transportation safety 
  • Mitigation of extreme heat and provision of shade and cooling options
  • Implementation of recycling programs and education on recycling and composting
  • Crime prevention and security measures
  • Support and empowerment of local leaders
  • Expansion of tree canopy, pollinator habitats, and native plants
  • Addressing high rent costs
  • Support from the Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) for food access programs on Federal Boulevard 

Barriers to Accessing Climate Protection Fund

  • Lack of community voice in program development
  • Complexity of Climate Protection Fund application process and language
  • Government bias towards influential stakeholders
  • Financial burdens associated with tree planting and sidewalk maintenance
  • Classism and racism affecting access to resources
  • Need for genuine partnerships with neighborhood leaders and organizations
  • Cost barriers to electric bikes and scooters
  • Lack of education and awareness on climate action solutions and funding opportunities
  • Transparency issues in accessing funds and co-creation pathways. 

West Colfax

Public Process 

The Rapid Assessment discussions in West Colfax were facilitated by the West Colfax Association of Neighbors between September and October of 2023 at Confluence Ministries (adults and institutional stakeholders) and Lake Middle School (youth).  Approximately 70 people participated, about 55 of whom were community residents. All age groups were represented, with youth representing about 35% of participants. 

Most Urgent Issues

  • Colfax street improvements for cooling, safety (crosswalks), and creating vibrant spaces
  • Safe walking spaces, including sidewalks and pedestrian bridges for children
  • Efficiency upgrades, such as indoor and outdoor water-efficient retrofits
  • Lowering utility bills
  • Waste management and litter/trash reduction
  • Increasing tree shade and plants to combat extreme heat
  • Sidewalk repairs
  • Improving and expanding public transportation
  • Affordable housing and housing stability/gentrification concerns 

Community Assets

  • Rich historical community
  • Focus on eco-friendly transit and safe walking/biking
  • Dedicated volunteers for fair, green safe spaces
  • Collaborative networks linking diverse local partners and community members

Priority Needs

  • Clean water and new plumbing for old buildings 
  • Walkability improvements at large intersections and for small businesses
  • Safe areas around kid zones
  • Litter and garbage infrastructure and waste reduction/disposal education for the homeless
  • Education on climate change and fostering a conservation culture
  • Investment in eco-friendly sustainable solutions
  • Addressing extreme heat and reducing heat islands
  • Parking and congestion management, especially event-related parking
  • Cleaner streets and better street maintenance 

Barriers to Accessing Climate Protection Fund 

  • Lack of education and messaging programs on climate action solutions and available resources
  • Food insecurity hindering community prioritization of climate action
  • Difficulty in applying for Climate Protection Fund incentives and programs
  • Inflation and family size affecting affordability
  • City's lack of focus on community needs
  • Other priorities taking precedence over community engagement
  • Cost of retrofitting and weatherizing old homes. 

Westwood

Public Process 

The Rapid Assessment discussions in Westwood were facilitated by ReVision in their community center in Morrison Road in October of 2023. Approximately 64 people participated, 85% of whom were community residents. All age groups were represented, with youth representing almost 40% of participants. 

Most Urgent Issues

  • More trees and reforestation efforts 
  • Environmental education and workshops (recycling, gardens, composting)
  • Access to clean water and additional green spaces and recreation centers
  • Housing for undocumented immigrants and affordable housing
  • Addressing unintended consequences of new waste collection fees
  • Establishing a cultural community center for Latino families
  • Improved mobility options
  • Safer and cleaner parks and public spaces
  • Land use planning policies prioritizing green spaces
  • Assistance with yard and garden clean-ups
  • Affordable medicine and access to healthy foods 

Community Assets

  • Local neighborhood-based organizations
  • Community-led programs
  • Community-led clean-up and beautification drives
  • Multiracial community
  • Forthcoming cultural center

Priority Needs

  • Clean alleyways
  • Green career pathways and access to renewable energy and affordable solar
  • Better maintenance of plants and trees
  • Clean river and waterways
  • Air pollution control and accountability for polluting industries
  • Education on renewable energy and solar panels
  • Addressing drug addiction and enhancing security
  • Mitigating speeding cars and improving foodbank offerings 

Barriers to Climate Protection Fund Programs and Incentives  

  • Low numbers of bilingual government engagement staff
  • Ensuring community voices are heard
  • Providing information about Climate Protection Fund opportunities
  • Addressing immigrant status fears and lack of education on citizen’s rights
  • Equitable distribution of benefits and addressing racist politics
  • Government interest in the community and renter’s access to incentives
  • Building trust between residents and government
  • Past experience with wasteful investments and lack of due diligence
  • Reputation of the neighborhood and administration of funds
  • Lack of local community navigators knowledgeable about CASR and the Climate Protection Fund, fluent in the neighborhood’s culture and languages. 

 

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