Denver Mayor and Council Meeting: Give Five Mile High, August 20, 2024
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Denver Mayor and Council Meeting: Give Five Mile High, August 20, 2024
The Denver Mayor and City Council held their weekly session on August 20, 2024. After opening announcements, First Lady Courtney Johnston presented the Give Five Mile High volunteer initiative, which encourages every Denverite to volunteer five hours each month. The discussion focused on the program's August launch, upcoming September activities, and partnership opportunities with council districts. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss ongoing litigation.
Discussion Items
- Council Announcements: Councilwoman Romero Campbell thanked participants for the successful South by Southeast Festival. Councilman Lewis announced a town hall on Saturday, August 24, at Northfield High School.
- Give Five Mile High Program: First Lady Courtney Johnston outlined the initiative, which launched on August 17 with a back-to-school theme. Volunteers assembled 250 backpacks and 250 teacher kits for six Denver Public Schools: Manual High School in Whittier, Ferrellby Howell in Montbello, Cala Elementary in Villa Park, Castro and Monroe Elementaries in Westwood, and Denver Justice High School in Capitol Hill. The program partners include Maria Empanada, Little Man Ice Cream, Topo Designs, Meow Wolf, Comcast, Be a Good Person, and RNR Head Labs, offering incentives like free empanadas, ice cream, backpacks, discounted admission, school supplies, T-shirts, and free haircuts. Monthly themes: September (Beautify Denver), October (Health Access), November (Food Access), December (Give Five Spirit). The main activation day is the third Saturday of each month, but volunteers can log any service hours. A website and QR code are available for sign-ups.
- Council Questions and Suggestions: Councilwoman Lewis asked how to submit site selections and praised the kickoff at Hia-Otha. Councilwoman Romero Campbell inquired about family and youth volunteering; Johnston confirmed family-friendly opportunities. Councilman Hines thanked RNR Head Labs for hiring justice-involved individuals. Councilwoman Torres asked about social media (Instagram and Facebook: @GiveFiveMileHigh), site selection coordination via email (give5milehigh@denvergov.org), and Spanish-language materials (translation available). Councilwoman Gonzalez Gutierrez recommended partnering with DPS so students can earn community service hours; Johnston agreed to follow up. Councilman Cashman shared a personal story affirming the program’s authenticity. Councilwoman Sawyer noted her office’s community cleanup days and suggested presenting to the DPS City Coordinating Committee. Council President Sandoval urged outreach to seniors (e.g., St. Elizabeth’s Church) and offered to share the volunteer opportunity with school principals.
- Next Steps: Each council district is asked to identify one volunteer location for September and designate a staff point person. Council members will receive social media content to promote the events.
Key Outcomes
- Motion to Enter Executive Session: Councilman Hines moved to enter executive session pursuant to DRMC 234A3 and 6 to discuss settlement of ongoing litigation against the city. The motion passed unanimously (all ayes). The meeting then adjourned to closed session.
Meeting Transcript
Of the mayor and Denver City Council. At this weekly session, city agencies brief the mayor and council members on various proposals and projects across the city. This meeting of the mayor and city council members begins now. Good morning, everybody. We are live and on the air. Good morning, Denver. All right, it is a raucous crowd here this morning. Thank you so much for the folks joining us at home on public television. We did have a fire alarm this morning, right when Mayor Council was forced to start. Everyone is safe. It was a drill, but we uh that's why we're starting a little bit late, and we're all just getting settled. So thank you all so much for being here. Um we will start as is custom with introductions, and we will start as is tradition with the distinguished gentleman from District Six. Thank you, Mayor. Good morning, everybody. Paul Cashman, South Denver District Six. Glad to be here. Good morning, Amanda Sawyer, District Five. Good morning, Chante Lewis, District Eight. You know, Mayor, if there's any opening on the train, I would love to be on the on the recording. Chris Hines, Denver's perfect time. Good morning. Uh Diana Romero Campbell, Southeast Denver District 4. Gene Course, West Denver District 3. Amanda Sanaval, North West Denver District 1. Uh good morning. Thank you all so much for joining. Um we will start out with announcements. If any members have announcements for their colleagues or for the listening public, this is the time. Yes, Councilwoman Romero Campbell. Thank you, Mayor. I just wanted to say thank you again for all of the residents and the folks and who came out for the South by Southeast Festival. Um it was a great day. We didn't have any rain. We had lots of sun and heat, um, which and a lot of activities uh for people to do. I just also wanted to thank all the volunteers who came out um and made it a success, as well as our staff. Uh and we did have you come out and visit as well as Courtney, the first lady. Um and uh councilwoman uh Gonzalez Gutierrez also had a booth out there for us this year. So it was just a great event, and I just appreciate everybody who was able to make it. It was a wonderful event. Thank you so much for the while you did pull it together and for all the neighbors that it was a really great gathering. Um other announcements. Yes, Councilman Lewis. I just wanted to announce that we have uh town hall this Saturday, the 24th, third Saturday. Just come at Northfield High School. Um see you all there. Excellent. Trying to make my son come back to Northfield on the Saturday, also, in addition to the other five days. Uh great. Any other announcements?
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