Capitol Hill United Neighborhood (CHUN) announces the appointment of Brittni Joy West-Ware as our new Executive Director
Capitol Hill United Neighborhood (CHUN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brittni Joy West-Ware as our new Executive Director from August 1, 2023.
Brittni Joy has deep roots in our community as a Denver native born and raised in our city. She is deeply committed to CHUN’s mission of improving the lives and welfare of the thousands of residents living in CHUN’s service area. “It is truly an honor to work with such an incredible organization. My hope is that I bring a fresh perspective to an already phenomenal mission, said Brittni Joy. I can’t wait to see the results of this amazing team!"
Brittni Joy has a Masters of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and Education and a Hospitality Management certification. She was most recently the Executive Director of the Clayton Contributes Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Clayton Members Club and Hotel and currently manages Brittni JOY Consulting, a JEDI and “Humanness” building company.
Brittni Joy has deep roots in our community as a Denver native born and raised in our city. She is deeply committed to CHUN’s mission of improving the lives and welfare of the thousands of residents living in CHUN’s service area. “It is truly an honor to work with such an incredible organization. My hope is that I bring a fresh perspective to an already phenomenal mission, said Brittni Joy. I can’t wait to see the results of this amazing team!"
Brittni Joy has a Masters of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and Education and a Hospitality Management certification. She was most recently the Executive Director of the Clayton Contributes Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Clayton Members Club and Hotel and currently manages Brittni JOY Consulting, a JEDI and “Humanness” building company.
Thanks To All Who Joined our Annual Meeting, SEED and Good Neighbor Awards
A sincere thank you to all who joined the CHUN annual meeting on January 12th. It was great to see you! Further information about our wonderful 2023 SEED Award recipients is provided in the SEED Award page here. We were delighted to honor the following individuals and organizations in our Good Neighbor Awards:
- Vickie Berkley and Nichole Racelis, our outgoing Vice President of Community Engagement and our outgoing Board Secretary, both received the Tom Knorr Award for exceptional dedication and community spirit in their work to strengthen Capitol Hill neighborhoods.
- Jeanne Puerta received the Roger Armstrong Award for Outstanding Volunteerism.
- Semple Brown Architects received the Historic Preservation Award for preserving and restoring the architecturally significant Tears-McFarlane House at Cheesman Park.
- Sienna Wine Bar received the Neighborhood Character Award for preserving and developing neighborhood character with its renovation and upgrade of its new space in Congress Park.
- Capitol Square Apartments received the Affordable & Accessible Housing / Addressing Homelessness Award for their contributions to address homelessness and ensuring accessible, affordable housing in our neighborhoods.
- Rachel Griffin received the Neighborhood Safety Award for fostering safe neighborhoods.
CHUN Endorses Four Ballot Initiatives To Support A Sustainable and Equitable City
Denver voters considered a number of important initiatives on this year's November 2022 ballot. Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods announced its support for four ballot initiatives:
CHUN members hear about Several Upcoming Ballot Initiatives at its Recent Forum
Waste No More
Waste No More is an initiative aimed at expanding the use of composting and recycling in Denver. It would require commercial properties in Denver, including businesses, hospitals, sports venues, permitted events, and multifamily buildings with more than eight units to provide on-site access to recycling and composting, as well as pickup services for recycling and composting. It would also require that all construction and demolition activities separate their waste and recycle appropriate materials. The properties that provide these services would be required to give instructions on how to recycle and compost.
Denver Deserves Sidewalks
Denver Deserves Sidewalks is an initiative that would publicly fund the construction and repair of sidewalks across Denver. The goal of this initiative is to enable the construction of a complete sidewalk network that serves every Denver neighborhood within 9 years. To fund this program, the initiative would establish a fee on property owners, based on street type and linear feet of property frontage. The proposed fee is estimated to generate $41 million in revenue annually. The revenue could only be used for the construction, repair, and upgrade of pedestrian sidewalks. The Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) would manage the program.
No Eviction Without Representation (NEWR)
No Eviction Without Representation (NEWR) is an initiative that would provide free legal representation to all Denver tenants who face an eviction. The goal of this initiative is to ensure that all tenants have access to legal support when navigating the eviction process. The program would make legal support accessible to all tenants regardless of income, and would be made available to tenants from the time they receive an initial eviction filing (‘notice to quit’) from their landlord. NEWR would be funded by an annual tax on rental properties and is estimated to generate $12 million in annual revenue. NEWR would be managed by a dedicated program coordinator and would be overseen by a tenants’ committee appointed by City Council.
Waste No More is an initiative aimed at expanding the use of composting and recycling in Denver. It would require commercial properties in Denver, including businesses, hospitals, sports venues, permitted events, and multifamily buildings with more than eight units to provide on-site access to recycling and composting, as well as pickup services for recycling and composting. It would also require that all construction and demolition activities separate their waste and recycle appropriate materials. The properties that provide these services would be required to give instructions on how to recycle and compost.
Denver Deserves Sidewalks
Denver Deserves Sidewalks is an initiative that would publicly fund the construction and repair of sidewalks across Denver. The goal of this initiative is to enable the construction of a complete sidewalk network that serves every Denver neighborhood within 9 years. To fund this program, the initiative would establish a fee on property owners, based on street type and linear feet of property frontage. The proposed fee is estimated to generate $41 million in revenue annually. The revenue could only be used for the construction, repair, and upgrade of pedestrian sidewalks. The Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) would manage the program.
No Eviction Without Representation (NEWR)
No Eviction Without Representation (NEWR) is an initiative that would provide free legal representation to all Denver tenants who face an eviction. The goal of this initiative is to ensure that all tenants have access to legal support when navigating the eviction process. The program would make legal support accessible to all tenants regardless of income, and would be made available to tenants from the time they receive an initial eviction filing (‘notice to quit’) from their landlord. NEWR would be funded by an annual tax on rental properties and is estimated to generate $12 million in annual revenue. NEWR would be managed by a dedicated program coordinator and would be overseen by a tenants’ committee appointed by City Council.
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Annual Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods Fundraiser
Thank you to everyone who joined us for CHUN's annual fundraiser, Celebrate Community! It was a great evening of fun with CHUN members, friends, guest and sponsors. Massive shout out to our sponsors and supporters, Joy Wine and Spirits, Native Roots CC, Angelo's Taverna, Good Chemistry, CRL Associates, Presbyterian/St. Luke's Medical Center, Logan Street Denver, Councilwoman Amanda Sawyer, Robin Kniech, Denver City Council At-Large Celebrate Community Photos
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Denver Park Trust, CHUN, and others Team Up to Clean Cheesman & City Parks
On Thursday, July 21, 2021 the Denver Park Trust, in partnership with Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, Downtown Denver Partnership, Denver Mountain Parks Foundation and The Nature Conservancy, is hosting a citywide park stewardship day from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm followed by a community celebration at City Park Pavilion from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm. Join us for this festive, engaging day of service across the greater Capitol Hill Community.
CHUN Appoints New Executive Director
John Deffenbaugh has been appointed Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods' next executive director effective June 1, 2022.
John brings a solid experience in architecture, urban planning, and public policy. His passion lies at the intersection where architecture, planning, and landscape meet to create walkable and livable cities. In this part time role, John will oversee the day-to-day programs, activities, and operations that will further CHUN’s mission and vision throughout greater Capitol Hill and Denver.
John started his career as a qualified architect working on affordable housing projects in Edinburgh, Scotland, but was keen to explore the wider policy context that shapes the spaces and experience around us. He transitioned to the public sector, working in the planning and development departments of the cities of Edinburgh and then London, where he led award winning development of area-wide masterplanning proposals and public realm projects.
John moved into airport planning and construction, first as Design Leader and then Commercial Planning Manager for London Heathrow’s $3.5 billion Terminal 2, the Queen's Terminal, voted best terminal in the world 2018. After nine years in airport design, John moved back to the sector he loves, community-led urban planning and now works as Strategy & Projects Director for RiNo Art District.
A dual national of the United Kingdom and United States, John is a Denver East High School alumnus and graduate of the University of Dundee and Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, and is completing an MBA at Colorado State University. He is a 5 year resident of the greater Capitol Hill neighborhood.
John brings a solid experience in architecture, urban planning, and public policy. His passion lies at the intersection where architecture, planning, and landscape meet to create walkable and livable cities. In this part time role, John will oversee the day-to-day programs, activities, and operations that will further CHUN’s mission and vision throughout greater Capitol Hill and Denver.
John started his career as a qualified architect working on affordable housing projects in Edinburgh, Scotland, but was keen to explore the wider policy context that shapes the spaces and experience around us. He transitioned to the public sector, working in the planning and development departments of the cities of Edinburgh and then London, where he led award winning development of area-wide masterplanning proposals and public realm projects.
John moved into airport planning and construction, first as Design Leader and then Commercial Planning Manager for London Heathrow’s $3.5 billion Terminal 2, the Queen's Terminal, voted best terminal in the world 2018. After nine years in airport design, John moved back to the sector he loves, community-led urban planning and now works as Strategy & Projects Director for RiNo Art District.
A dual national of the United Kingdom and United States, John is a Denver East High School alumnus and graduate of the University of Dundee and Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, and is completing an MBA at Colorado State University. He is a 5 year resident of the greater Capitol Hill neighborhood.
CHUN Endorses Denver Expanding Housing Affordability Plan
CHUN has endorsed the City and County of Denver's proposed Expanding Housing Affordability Plan. Our organization is committed to working with the myriad stakeholders to onboard more affordable housing, and we are focused on encouraging multifamily development near and along major transit corridors. This plan, coupled with our own track record in neighborhood planning and development, will help Denver achieve these shared policy priorities. Read our letter to the Denver Department of Community Planning and Development. Other helpful background information can be found below:
Doing good in the neighborhood ... and for our planet!
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CHUN is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability at the local level. On Saturday April 23rd, Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods partnered with SustainAbility, Ridwell and First Baptist Church to host our 2022 Earth Day Recycling Event. This was a fun, simple way to ensure that neighbors can come together to recycle old and used electronics, as well as hard to recycle plastics--helping to reduce pollution and keeping our neighborhoods clean. Thank you to all who supported the event.
On Saturday, April 30, CHUN teamed up with the Denver Park Trust, Alamo Placita Neighborhood Association, and others for a volunteer cleanup at Alamo Placita Park. Participants picked up litter, spread mulch, tidied up the landscaping, and helped with other maintenance. Many thanks to all who joined us for an uplifting morning of service and community connections.
On Saturday, April 30, CHUN teamed up with the Denver Park Trust, Alamo Placita Neighborhood Association, and others for a volunteer cleanup at Alamo Placita Park. Participants picked up litter, spread mulch, tidied up the landscaping, and helped with other maintenance. Many thanks to all who joined us for an uplifting morning of service and community connections.
CHUN Hosts First Lunch and Learn of 2022
Many thanks to the Denver Parks and Recreation department for participating in Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods first Lunch and Learn webinar of 2022. Participant speakers included: Jill Coffman, Director of Parks Operations; Eliza Hunholz, Director of Park Rangers; and Owen Wells, District Planning Supervisor
It was great to hear more about forthcoming projects, including a return to 100% planting levels, at parks like Alamo Placita Park and Cheesman Park. CHUN loves our Denver Parks and Open Spaces.
See their slide-deck HERE.
It was great to hear more about forthcoming projects, including a return to 100% planting levels, at parks like Alamo Placita Park and Cheesman Park. CHUN loves our Denver Parks and Open Spaces.
See their slide-deck HERE.
CHUN Members Elect Board of Directors and Adopts New Governance Framework
On January 27, 2022, CHUN held its Annual Update. Because we did not have a quorum at this meeting, we were unable to address two outstanding business items that require a vote from our members. Thus, on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, we launched an electronic written ballot.
- Item 1: To approve the at-large delegate slate as presented by the nominations committee. Click to view the Slate of New At-Large Delegate Nominees
- Item 2: To adopt changes to the Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods By-Laws. Click to view the redlined copy.
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Urban Planning in Greater Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods recently held an Urban Planning meeting to discuss several timely issues including: (1) Temporary Safe Outdoor Sites for the unhoused remain at top priority for Denver City Council. On Monday, February 7, 2022, the full Council approved $3.9 million contract to fund the expansion of managed homeless camps run by the Colorado Village Collaborative. Central Presbyterian Church in North Capitol Hill is looking at renovation opportunities and exploring community partnerships that incorporate multiple non-profit service organizations in its building. CHUN supported the state historical fund application with the hope that the church will receive state funding to compliment these efforts. Finally, the Historic Patterson Inn has applied for Denver’s first license from the City and County of Denver allowing for a cannabis consumption lounge at the historic bed and breakfast at 420 E. 11th Avenue; Denver Excise and Licenses will conduct a required public hearing soon. Click here to review the Patterson Inn/420, Inc. PRESENTATION.
Statement Concerning December 27th Shootings in Central Denver & Lakewood
CHUN Hosts Neighborhood Assembly and Presentation about LGBTQ+ Neighbors
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On November 30, Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, and its partners at the Center on Colfax, hosted a 2021 Neighborhood Assembly, featuring David Duffield, History Program Coordinator for the Colorado LGBTQ History Project, where he presented "Queer Neighbors".
The presentation traveled back in time to share details about the spaces, events, and lives of queer Denver from 1859-2021. It looked at how Capitol Hill became the first "gay neighborhood" and how CHUN played a central role in many of these events. Other topics included issues of housing, discrimination, law, and resistance strategies that took place in the heart of the greater Capitol Hill community. David also looked at issues past, present, and post-COVID within the LGBTQ community of Denver and how the community has changed as a result. |
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Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods reinforces need for affordable housing; invests in St. Francis Center.
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St. Francis Center held its grand opening for the new Warren Residences at 14th and Gilpin in the Cheesman Park neighborhood. The Warren Residences will provide 48 studio style affordable supportive apartments for individuals who are experiencing homelessness and/or are justice involved.
Travis Leiker, CHUN President and Executive Director, spoke at the event saying, “One of CHUN’s main missions is to shape the quality of life of the residents of the greater Capitol Hill community, which includes partnering with organizations like the Saint Francis Center to address homelessness and to support affordable housing.” Thanks to a $10,000 anonymous gift given to CHUN this year, CHUN is proud to financially support a much-needed crisis fund for SFC Warren Residences and its residents. For more information on the project, visit http://www.sfcdenver.org/programs-services/housing/ |
CHUN calls for #BetterSidewalks
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Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods and our partners at the Denver Streets Partnership toured a number of our neighborhood sidewalks to spotlight the community's immediate needs for better sidewalk infrastructure.
The lack of safe, accessible sidewalks and pedestrian friendly transit networks in many parts of Capitol Hill requires immediate attention. But, the need is not isolated to our own community. It is especially prevalent in Denver's communities of color and other historically underserved neighborhoods. Collectively, we along with other partner organizations, are calling on the City and County of Denver Government, Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Denver City Council to invest more in safer thoroughfares and improved sidewalk infrastructure. Public infrastructure should be equitable and readily available to all Denverites. |
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CHUN and other neighborhood groups issue response to 5-Year Housing Plan
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Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, along with other neighborhood groups and business improvement districts, has formed the Unhoused Action Coalition (UAC). Collectively, we have called on city leaders to immediately and compassionately address homelessness impacting all corners of the city. While Denver's 150+ page 5 year housing plan is robust and is slated to be considered by Denver City Council, unhoused and housed Denverites face an uncertain future NOW.
The times call for swift action, sustained support, and improved coordination among myriad organizations--city departments, direct service providers, neighborhood groups, and other stakeholder groups. You can read the 10 point action plan HERE. |
CHUN invests $1 million at The Denver Foundation
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Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods invested $1 million at the Denver Foundation. This unprecedented, innovative partnership establishes the CHUN Endowments which include an agency-advised fund and operating fund. Based on average annual returns, our endowments are expected to grow between 7-9 percent annually and the organization will only draw 5 percent each year.
These endowment distributions, along with our growing membership, grants, corporate partners, and other fundraising activities, will fuel our operations, SEED micro grants, community programs, and our collective vision to move Denver Forward. As Richard Wilson, CHUN's treasurer said, the “Board of Directors is doing the smart thing...to diversify our funding strategy while building in safeguards to prevent unwise financial decision making in the future." The series of funds will be preserved in perpetuity. |
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Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods invested $1 million at the Denver Foundation. This unprecedented, innovative partnership establishes the CHUN Endowments which include an agency-advised fund and operating fund. Based on average annual returns, our endowments are expected to grow between 7-9 percent annually and the organization will only draw 5 percent each year.
These endowment distributions, along with our growing membership, grants, corporate partners, and other fundraising activities, will fuel our operations, SEED micro grants, community programs, and our collective vision to move Denver Forward. As Richard Wilson, CHUN's treasurer said, the “Board of Directors is doing the smart thing...to diversify our funding strategy while building in safeguards to prevent unwise financial decision making in the future." The series of funds will be preserved in perpetuity.
These endowment distributions, along with our growing membership, grants, corporate partners, and other fundraising activities, will fuel our operations, SEED micro grants, community programs, and our collective vision to move Denver Forward. As Richard Wilson, CHUN's treasurer said, the “Board of Directors is doing the smart thing...to diversify our funding strategy while building in safeguards to prevent unwise financial decision making in the future." The series of funds will be preserved in perpetuity.
A new day for the historic Tears-McFarlane Property
Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods and City Street Investors closed on a joint venture partnership making them co-owners of Denver’s historic Tears-McFarlane property at 1290 Williams Street. In 1962, the Denver Post proclaimed the Tears-McFarlane dining room as “one of the loveliest in the city” with its prominent position and magnificent views of Cheesman Park. Thanks to this agreement, CHUN and CSI will be able to restore the house to its former glory and provide neighborhood-serving amenities and programs. Collectively, the partners will work to preserve the 120-year-old historic house for decades to come.
City-wide Solutions and Neighborhood Cooperation
Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, Uptown on the Hill, RiNo, Art District - Denver, and other neighborhood groups are deeply troubled and saddened by the recent legal actions against Park Hill United Methodist Church.
Such efforts are not neighborly and a poor use of public resources. We call on fellow registered neighborhood organizations, like our partners at Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., as well as Business Improvement Districts, and Creative Districts be solutions-oriented and promote neighborhood cooperation around SOS implementation and other measures to support Denver's unhoused.
Such efforts are not neighborly and a poor use of public resources. We call on fellow registered neighborhood organizations, like our partners at Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., as well as Business Improvement Districts, and Creative Districts be solutions-oriented and promote neighborhood cooperation around SOS implementation and other measures to support Denver's unhoused.
CHUN Plays Leadership Role in KMGH/PMG Development Negotiations
On May 10, Denver City Council formally weighed in on the future of 123 Speer. When the landmark applicants and sellers of the property reached an impasse, Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods developed a memorandum of understanding with PMG Holdings (the likely buyer) calling for a neighborhood working group to shape the future of this site. Further, the parties agree to thoughtfully collaborate and conceptualize opportunities for the site including, small business recruitment, attainable/affordable housing, smart street design, traffic study, potential adaptive reuse, and a number of other areas. The important work of ideation and community feedback begins. Read the final MOU here.
Updates to Zoning Code and Unrelated Adults Who Live Together
On February 8, 2021, Denver City Council approved sweeping revisions to Denver's Zoning Code, with specific focus on group-living and the number of unrelated adults living in one domicile. The changes passed by a vote of 11-2. City Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods supported the original recommendations developed by the Group Living Advisory Committee as a next step to "correct the decades-long discrimination that still exists in our zoning and housing policies." The adopted, revised policies weren't 100% of what the proponents, or opponents for that matter, had hoped for. But, the zoning changes are an important step forward as we work to break down decades of racism and discrimination. Now, we need to focus our time, energy, and resources on making these changes a success through responsible implementation and periodic evaluation. We are a solutions-oriented RNO and are committed to being thought partners for both residents and city stakeholders. Final Group Living Text Amendment can be accessed HERE. Additional reporting can be found here: Denver Westword; Denver Business Journal; 9News; KDVR Denver
Welcoming More Voices to the Table
NEW YEAR. NEW BOARD MEMBERS. The CHUN board has expanded our outreach into the community, and we recruited six new board members to fill existing vacancies. Last month we welcomed Rajat Agarwal, Amanda Pennington, Kathy Callender, Nicholas DiPasquale, Joshua Emerson, and Noemi Ramos. With these great additions, our board composition now includes affordable housing champions, historic preservationists, communications and IT professionals, grassroots organizers, a member of the Navajo Nation and veteran, and small business owners.
Check out the full list of board members HERE.
Check out the full list of board members HERE.
Investing in Community Impact & Honoring Outstanding Neighbors
The Good Neighbor Awards are a longstanding tradition and an opportunity to recognize nonprofit organizations, individuals, and/or businesses for outstanding contributions to the greater Capitol Hill community. This year, we are honored: Rev. Bonita Bock, Bill DeMaio, St. Francis Center Warren Residences, Joy Wine & Spirits; Smith and Cannon Ice Cream, REDI Corporation, & Courageous Yoga. Award recipients were honored at the virtual Annual Member Meeting on January 27th at 6:30 pm.
The SEED Awards encourage civic entrepreneurship and promotes neighborhood engagement. Launched in 2019, these cash awards provide support to scalable, high-impact projects that align with CHUN's mission and values. The 2021 honorees are: Harm Reduction Action Center; SafeHouse Denver; Urban Servant Corps; Gathering Place; Our Savior’s Lutheran Church; South City Park Neighborhood Association; Swallow Hill RNO; and Senior Housing Options.
The awards were presented at a virtual celebration on January 6, 2021. All award recipients received $1,000 per program/project.
The SEED Awards encourage civic entrepreneurship and promotes neighborhood engagement. Launched in 2019, these cash awards provide support to scalable, high-impact projects that align with CHUN's mission and values. The 2021 honorees are: Harm Reduction Action Center; SafeHouse Denver; Urban Servant Corps; Gathering Place; Our Savior’s Lutheran Church; South City Park Neighborhood Association; Swallow Hill RNO; and Senior Housing Options.
The awards were presented at a virtual celebration on January 6, 2021. All award recipients received $1,000 per program/project.
Supporting Denver's Unhoused with Good, Neighborly Intent
Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods and other community groups have engaged members and community stakeholders to address the seeming surge in homeless encampments. This growing coalition of groups has outlined a few actionable steps to (a) support the unhoused with near-term options; (b) engage service providers with new ideas; and (c) initiate long-term solutions. Check out our memo to the Mayor. Concurrent to these discussion, Two temporary safe outdoor sites (SOS) were launched in December 2020 at First Baptist Church and Denver Community Church. CHUN is engaged in conversations to ensure appropriate next steps are taken and is mindful of neighbor concerns. Temporary safe outdoor sites comply with Denver Zoning Code Section 12.4.6; Ordinance No. 2020-0961 . While not the panacea to systemic challenges, TSOS programs have the potential to be an important first step.
- FINAL Good Neighbor Agreement with EarthLinks for 1373 N. Grant Street SOS
- FINAL Good Neighbor Agreement for Denver Community Church/Colorado Village Collaborative for 1595 N. Pearl Street SOS
- FINAL Good Neighbor Agreement with EarthLinks for 1373 N. Grant Street SOS
- FINAL Good Neighbor Agreement for Denver Community Church/Colorado Village Collaborative for 1595 N. Pearl Street SOS
