In July 2024, Created the City Council South Platte River Committee  to focus on impacts to one of Denver’s most valuable assets.

 In January 2024, after two years of collaboration between my office, community members, and city planners, City Council unanimously voted to adopt the Near Northwest Area Plan. The plan lays out a long-term vision for the Chaffee Park, Highland, Jefferson Park and Sunnyside neighborhoods that will guide growth and city decision-making over the next two decades.

The Near Northwest Neighborhood Plan details a vision of a vibrant, thriving North Denver community that respects and honors the past while accommodating the inevitable changes that are part of our history and future. The vision not only addresses immediate concerns but also takes into consideration the next seven generations. The Plan's guiding principles were driven by community input to preserve or improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods, prioritize preventing displacement of people and cultures, and support legacy businesses intrinsic to a resilient community. 

Download the Near Northwest Area Plan (PDF)

Download the Near Northwest Area Plan Executive Summary (PDF)

Denver City Council voted 13-0 Monday night to approve Councilwoman Amanda P. Sandoval’s rezoning to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the remaining parts of the Berkeley and Sunnyside neighborhoods. This is the Councilwoman’s fifth neighborhood-wide rezoning and extends the right to build ADUs to nearly 1,700 properties in District 1.

As with the Councilwoman’s previous four ADU rezonings, this latest effort came from community-initiated discussions. Councilwoman Sandoval had heard from several individual property owners interested in rezoning to allow ADUs on their properties. In response, her office convened a meeting to connect these constituents and describe the path forward for sponsoring a neighborhood-wide rezoning. The council office then partnered with neighbors to conduct outreach based on the Councilwoman’s model refined during past neighborhood-wide ADU rezonings. The council office provided door-to-door flyering, mailed notices to all registered property owners using City Assessor records, hosted two town halls, and gathered community sentiment via a survey available online or over the phone. At the close of the survey, there were 333 responses with 72.37% in support of rezoning. This provided clear direction for sponsoring the rezoning.

With the passage of this ADU rezoning, Councilwoman Sandoval celebrates another milestone in increasing homeowner opportunities to stabilize their incomes, age-in-place, house family members, and provide more attainable rental opportunities in District 1.

Denver City Council voted unanimously Monday night to approve the Sunnyside Conservation Overlays (CO-7 and CO-8) and apply them to 3,259 homes in the Sunnyside neighborhood in Northwest Denver. This vote is the culmination of more than five years of collaboration between residents of Sunnyside and the District 1 Council Office. The overlays will create modest but meaningful change in the bulk, massing, and appearance of new development in Sunnyside.

Sunnyside, located in northwest Denver between 38th Avenue & I-70, Federal Boulevard and Inca Street, is one of Denver’s original neighborhoods. It contains a diverse set of architectural styles and has a unified character of modest, working-class homes with projecting front porches, pitched roofs, and “naturally occurring” affordable housing. Some modifications and infill have occurred over the years, but the traditional visual characteristics established at the neighborhood’s beginnings remain strongly intact. Following the adoption of the 2010 Denver Zoning Code, Sunnyside residents became concerned with the rapid rise of out-of-scale development in their neighborhood. The community came together with two objectives in mind: to encourage full or partial preservation of existing homes instead of scrapes, and to have new residential infill enhance the character of the neighborhood.

Sunnyside residents and Council District 1 studied the neighborhood’s features, evaluated potential development allowed under existing zoning, and explored regulatory modifications to better ensure conservation of character. The effort established a neighborhood working group and performed robust outreach, including mailers and flyers, to the broader neighborhood. Over the past five years, the working group has carefully vetted the overlays to avoid unintended consequences and made thoughtful modifications based on feedback from the community, Planning Board, and other subject-matter experts and stakeholders.

The resulting Sunnyside Conservation Overlays are a modest set of building standards more consistent with existing homes, including front porches, smaller massing, lower heights for flat-roofed structures, and a limitation on above ground gross floor area. In the CO-8 area where brick is a defining characteristic, the addition of brick will be required for new home construction.

“Change and growth are both unavoidable and necessary. At the same time, it is also important to respect the history and sense of place of these neighborhoods that people have loved for generations,” said Councilwoman Sandoval.

“I am so impressed by the Sunnyside community. At each step on the way, we’ve gone back to multiple levels of stakeholders to vet new information, carefully consider unintended consequences, and vote together on the path forward. I want to thank everyone who has participated in this project over the years and am thrilled to see our work come to fruition.”

Ordinance 

Denver City Council voted 11-0 Monday night to approve Councilwoman Amanda P. Sandoval’s rezoning to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the West Highland neighborhood. This is the Councilwoman’s fourth neighborhood-wide rezoning and extends the right to build ADUs to an additional 3,281 properties in District 1.

As with the Councilwoman’s previous three ADU rezonings, this latest effort came from community-initiated discussions. Councilwoman Sandoval had heard from several individual property owners interested in rezoning to allow ADUs on their properties. In response, her office convened a meeting to connect these constituents and describe the path forward for sponsoring a neighborhood-wide rezoning. The council office then partnered with neighbors to conduct outreach based on the Councilwoman’s model refined during past neighborhood-wide ADU rezonings. The council office provided door-to-door flyering, mailed notices to all registered property owners using City Assessor records, hosted several town halls, and gathered community sentiment via a survey available online or over the phone. At the close of the survey, there were 640 responses with 70.5% in support of rezoning. This provided clear direction for sponsoring the rezoning.

With the passage of this ADU rezoning, Councilwoman Sandoval celebrates another milestone in increasing homeowner opportunities to stabilize their incomes, age-in-place, house family members, and provide more attainable rental opportunities in District 1.

Denver City Council voted 12-0 Monday night to approve Councilwoman Amanda P. Sandoval’s rezoning to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the Regis neighborhood. This is the Councilwoman’s third neighborhood-wide rezoning and extends the right to build ADUs to an additional 1,025 properties in District 1.

As with the Councilwoman’s previous two ADU rezonings, this latest effort came from community-initiated discussions. By summer 2021, Councilwoman Sandoval had heard from nearly a dozen individual property owners interested in rezoning to allow ADUs on their properties. In response, her office convened a meeting to connect these constituents and describe the path forward for sponsoring a neighborhood-wide rezoning. The council office then partnered with neighbors to conduct outreach based on the Councilwoman’s model refined during her ADU rezonings in the Chaffee Park and Sloan’s Lake neighborhoods. The council office provided door-to-door flyering, mailed notices to all registered property owners using City Assessor records, hosted several town halls, and gathered community sentiment via a survey available online or over the phone. At the close of the survey on February 15th, 2022, there were 292 responses with 82.9% in support of rezoning. This represents the highest level of support for ADUs in any of Councilwoman Sandoval’s neighborhood rezonings and provided clear direction for sponsoring the rezoning.

With the passage of this ADU rezoning, Councilwoman Sandoval celebrates another milestone in increasing homeowner opportunities to stabilize their incomes, age-in-place, house family members, and provide more attainable rental opportunities in District 1.

“In the midst of a housing crisis, inflation, and the continuing impacts of COVID-19, we must double our commitments to increasing housing options for all those who currently live or aspire to live in this wonderful city,” said the Councilwoman. “ADUs are a proven strategy to add gentle density to our neighborhoods while increasing homeowners’ potential to invest in their properties and build intergenerational wealth. As Council continues to lead on rezonings, I look forward to the outcomes of the ADUs in Denver project and other regulatory efforts to reduce the barriers to these critical components of Denver’s housing stock.”

Ordinance

City Council Voted 11-0 to approve a legislative rezoning of the Sloan’s Lake neighborhood to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Previously, only one third of the neighborhood had zoning that permitted ADUs. This is the second time an entire neighborhood in Northwest Denver has been legislatively rezoned to allow ADUs by Councilwoman Sandoval, the first occurring in the Chaffee Park neighborhood in November 2020.

Since 2015, numerous individual ADU rezoning applications have come from the Sloan’s Lake neighborhood. In response to this demand, in August 2020 Councilwoman Sandoval’s office began outreach to the Sloan’s Lake neighborhood to gauge interest in a large-scale rezoning to allow ADUs. A legislative rezoning would save property owners both time and money.

In September 2020, the Councilwoman’s office sent individual mailers to each property owner, distributed two rounds of door-to-door flyering, hosted two virtual town halls, and collected feedback via a community survey. At the close of the survey on January 8th, 2021, 73% of the neighborhood supported the rezoning, 20% were opposed, and 7% were undecided. Councilwoman Sandoval also gathered expert input from agencies such as Denver Water, Xcel, the City Assessor, Denver Fire, and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (including Wastewater) to evaluate any negative or unintended consequences of the large-scale rezoning

“ADUs are simply a win-win. As we figure out how to welcome future residents who want to live in this wonderful city, ADUs are a solution that creates gentle density while retaining the beloved character of our residential neighborhoods and allowing homeowners to invest in their properties,” said the Councilwoman. “I am incredibly excited to bring this rezoning forward for the Sloan’s Lake community and extend my gratitude to all those who shared their voices in this process.”  

Ordinance 

Denver City Council voted 12-0 Monday night to approve the Bungalow Conservation Overlay and apply it to the Harkness Heights neighborhood in Northwest Denver. This vote is the culmination of five years of collaboration between residents of Harkness Heights and the District 1 Council Office. It is the first overlay to promote the character-defining features associated with the bungalow architectural style found in many original Denver neighborhoods.

Harkness Heights, located in northwest Denver between 41st & 44th, Lowell & Federal Blvd., is an early Denver suburb of 353 properties, most of which were built before 1930 and in the bungalow style. Following the adoption of the 2010 Denver Zoning Code, Harkness Heights residents became concerned with the rapid rise of out-of-scale development in surrounding neighborhoods. The community came together with two objectives in mind: to encourage full or partial preservation of existing homes instead of scrapes, and to have new buildings enhance the character of the neighborhood.

To build community consensus, the Harkness Heights Neighborhood Association worked with the Council Office to hold countless small meetings of dedicated community volunteers, numerous larger task force gatherings, four community-wide town halls, and ongoing individual outreach to neighbors and property owners. The resulting overlay proposes a modest set of building standards more consistent with the bungalow style, including ample front porches, smaller massing, and lower heights for flatroofed structures.

“Change and growth are both unavoidable and necessary. At the same time, it is also important to respect the history and sense of place of these neighborhoods that people have loved for generations,” said Councilwoman Sandoval.

“I am so impressed by the Harkness Heights community. At each step on the way, we’ve gone back to multiple levels of stakeholders to vet new information, carefully consider unintended consequences, and vote together on the path forward. I want to thank everyone who has participated in this project over the years and am thrilled to see our work come to fruition.”

Ordinance 

Denver City Council voted 0-12 Monday night to approve the Active Centers and Corridors Overlay and apply it to key historic commercial areas in northwest Denver. This vote is the culmination of years of collaboration between residents of the Berkeley and Regis neighborhoods and the District 1 Council Office.

The 2010 Denver Zoning Code established “Main Street” (MS) and “Mixed Use” (MX) zoning along Tennyson and similar commercial corridors that sprang up along historic streetcar lines. With their pattern of small lots and pedestrian-friendly design (suitable for strolling to and from streetcar stops), these areas have supported small, local businesses that serve nearby residents and the region for over a century. The 2010 zoning reflected the community’s desire to maintain and enhance this commercial character while also making room for new residential density that would support businesses.

Unfortunately, due to development pressure and a lack of commercial requirements, long-standing main streets like Tennyson have seen numerous healthy businesses displaced by redevelopment that is 100% residential. To preserve these important mixed-use areas, especially as density increases, Berkeley Regis United Neighbors (BRUN) worked with the District 1 Council Office and the Department of Community Planning and Development (CPD) to create a streamlined and feasible requirement for commercial uses. The resulting overlay proposes a set of building standards based on best practices for supporting commercial activity and creating a pedestrian-friendly environment. Most importantly, the overlay places commercial use requirements on portions of the street frontage for lots over 37.5 feet wide.

“The loss of small businesses and many wonderful, unique spaces has been devastating to my community. At the same time, there is still much to preserve on Tennyson and throughout Berkeley and Regis,” said the Councilwoman.

“And as I keep in mind planning for the next seven generations, I also am heartened to know that this design overlay can help preserve the commercial nature of other historic main streets across Denver.”

Ordinance

After over a year of community outreach, Denver City Council voted 0-13 Monday night to approve a neighborhood-wide rezoning of Chaffee Park to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs). This is the first rezoning for ADUs of this scale in the City and County of Denver.

ADU’s—also known as carriage houses, granny cottages, and casitas—have long-standing roots in Denver and are an important tool for providing new housing and household financial stability while retaining the character of neighborhoods. While adopted plans and policies encourage ADUs throughout Denver, property owners who need to rezone to build an ADU must go through a one-off rezoning process than can be confusing and expensive, costing $1,000 for each owner each time. With the council office carrying this application, Chaffee Park property owners who desire to build ADUs will save valuable time and money.

In Fall 2019, the Chaffee Park Neighborhood Association (CPNA) approached newly-elected Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval to explore the possibility of rezoning their neighborhood to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Over the next year, the council office worked with CPNA on extensive community outreach, including: mailers sent to all affected property owners; an online opinion survey receiving nearly 400 responses; door-to-door canvassing; and two community town halls. Councilwoman Sandoval and her staff also met with multiple city agencies, ADU builders, and community ADU experts to make sure there would not be negative unintended consequences resulting from the rezoning.

“I am excited to be blazing a path forward and creating a model for breaking down barriers to ADUs in Denver. My job is to be a conduit for the people of District One, and it has been incredibly gratifying to help the people of Chaffee Park realize their vision for their community,” said Councilwoman Sandoval.

This rezoning is a ground-breaking step towards implementing Blueprint Denver goals of adding ADUs throughout the city.

Ordinance 

In 2023, I secured grant funding for Kesher, a #IAmDenver film that documents and celebrates the history of the Jewish community in Denver’s West Colfax neighborhood. In January 2024, I co-sponsored a community screening of the film, which featured kosher food and provided a space for attendees to share their memories.

Denver City Council voted unanimously Monday night to approve the designation of La Raza Park as a Historic Cultural District. The landmark application was led by District 1 Councilwoman Amanda P. Sandoval, acknowledging the community's desire to recognize the cultural significance of the park. Recently renamed to La Raza Park in 2020, it will be Denver’s third Historic Cultural District. The designation comes at the recommendation of a first-of-its-kind Latino/Chicano Historical Context Study led by the city’s Landmark Preservation division.

Within La Raza Park, located in the heart of the Sunnyside neighborhood, are distinct features such as Denver’s only Kiosko, the Plaza de la Raza, “El Viaje” or The Journey mural found within the Kiosko’s ceiling, designed and painted by Denver artist David Ocelotl Garcia, and “La Raza Unida” sculpture by the world-renowned artist Emanuel Martinez. La Raza Park has deep cultural ties in the Northside and was a vital part of the Chicano Movement in Denver. It serves as home to many community activities including Dia De Los Muertos, Xupantla (the Summer Solstice), La Raza Park Day, quinceañeras, and family picnics.

The historic designation of La Raza Park will ensure that the vast history and culture of the park will forever be preserved and acknowledged. As stated in the application, “La Raza Park has been the beating heart of generations of Denverites... The significance of the park transcends its physical characteristics and has truly come to represent the Northside and Denver’s wider Latino/Chicano communities.

“It’s been such an honor to lead the La Raza Park Historic Cultural District. Working with community, Landmark Preservation, and Parks & Recreation staff on this application has been one of the highlights of my career. Given this is only the third Cultural District designation in Denver, it clearly identifies the need to work with our BIPOC communities on more of these designations. I’d like to thank every community member who shared their story, wrote letters of support, and showed up to give public testimony, you were the foundation of this application. I’d also like to acknowledge those who came before us and fought for our Chicano rights, they have helped guide me through the park name change and this Historic Cultural designation. ¡Que Viva La Raza!” Said, Councilwoman Sandoval.

Ordinance

Denver City Council voted unanimously Monday night to approve the renaming of Columbus Park in Sunnyside to La Raza Park. The petition was led by District 1 Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval, building on decades of community calls to rename the park. The councilwoman held two socially-distanced, in-person petition signing events at the park in July which generated over 700 signatures, well in excess of the 300 signatures required to submit the petition. The name change was also supported be numerous public officials, including from State Representative Serena Gonzalez-Gutierrez and State Senator Julie Gonzales.

While given the name Columbus Park in 1931, the park at 38th and Osage has been colloquially known as La Raza park since the 1970s when it became an epicenter for the influential Chicano rights movement in Denver. The Latinx community of the Northside organized to advocate for their needs and care for the park in the face of disinvestment and oppression from the City. To this day, the park is used for key Latinx cultural events and political action in Denver. “Calls for the park name change have existed for 50 years and enjoy widespread community support. ‘La Raza’ is a positive name that acknowledges the park’s past and present importance to Latinx community,” said the Councilwoman.

This renaming is one of many recent moves to recognize Latinx contributions to our City, State, and Country.

“This renaming honors the legacy of so many who have fought for public space that welcomes them and reflects their needs. I am honored to have carried this petition forward on their behalf,” said Councilwoman Sandoval.

Ordinance

Be a part of Denver’s oldest Día De Los Muertos celebration at La Raza Park. Participate by building your own ofrenda to honor the spirits of your loved ones and join us at this annual celebration!

Join the Rocky Mountain Park Clean Up on Saturday, September 14th from 9:00-11:00 am. Sign up to volunteer and join me in giving back to the community by helping to care for our park. Encourage your friends and family to help us keep the Northside a beautiful place to live, work, play, and thrive.

Councilwoman Sandoval will be hosting a free movie in Zuni Park on August 16th. Bring your blankets to watch The Goonies with friends and family! There will be food trucks, city resources, and a special appearance of Miles, the Denver Broncos Mascot! The fun starts at 5:00 pm and the movie will begin at dusk.

Enjoy a free concert at Rocky Mountain Park on Friday, June 28 from 6pm-8pm. Bring your friends, family, a blanket to enjoy a relaxing evening while listening to the Denver Municipal Band. Choose food from food trucks or bring a picnic.

Enjoy an hour of free yoga in June, July, and August. Sessions will be lead by an Ohana Yoga + Barre Instructor. Just bring your yoga mat and a zen state of mind.

Bring your blankets to watch Disney’s Encanto at Zuni Park with friends and family!

• Food trucks
• City resources
• Special appearance of Miles, the Denver Broncos Mascot!

The fun starts at 6:00 pm and the movie will begin at dusk.

Be a part of Denver’s oldest Día De Los Muertos celebration at La Raza Park. Participate by building your own ofrenda to honor the spirits of your loved ones and join us at this annual celebration!

Don't forget to join us for a movie night at Zuni Park, on Saturday! Attendees are welcome to bring a picnic or purchase food from the food trucks.

Don't forget to join us at our Día De Los Muertos celebration! There will be music, dancing, storytelling, sugar skull decorations, a Mariachi band and so much more!

I can't wait to see everyone for movie night at Zuni Park, featuring Raya and the Last Dragon. The movie and popcorn are free.

When: Friday, August 20th 6:00pm
Where: Zuni Park (5100 Zuni)

Join us in celebration as we call in our antipasados for our annual Día de Los Muertos procession and fiesta!

We will meet on November 1st at Troy Chavez Peace Garden at 4pm and begin the march to La Raza Park at 5:15pm for danza, food, and more. All are welcome.

In September 2020, I hosted a Northwest Denver Park Cleanup day where volunteers were provided trash bags, gloves, and trash pickers to help remove trash and debris from our parks.

In November 2024, voters approved Ballot Issue 6A, which renewed and expanded the Downtown Denver Development Authority (DDDA) and authorized the City & County of Denver to issue $570 million in debt, without raising taxes, to finance public improvements to revitalize downtown.

In November 2024, voters approved ballot question 2T, which amended § 9.4.1 of the City & County of Denver Charter to remove the U.S. citizenship requirement for Classified Service employment, in compliance with a ruling from the United States Department of Justice.

Applicants must meet age and education requirements, as well as fulfill physical, mental, and psychological qualifications as well as have a valid work authorization/permit, legal permanent residency, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. Additionally, they are required to complete a comprehensive background history questionnaire. Automatic disqualification may occur if applicants fail to meet minimum qualifications related to character and background.

For the full list of requirements, reference the Entry-Level & Lateral Police Officer Examination Informational Booklet (PDF) and Firefighter Informational Booklet (PDF).

In November 2024, voters approved ballot question 2T, which amended § 9.4.1 of the City & County of Denver Charter to establish and implement a system of binding arbitration for firefighters. 

This aligned the collective bargaining policies for firefighters with those that already exist for police officers and Deputy Sheriffs.

In November 2023, voters approved ballot question 2P, permanently extending the city's dedicated sales tax that provides tuition credits that make preschool more accessible and affordable to all Denver families.

In April 2024, voters approved Ballot Question 2M, which removed the Board of Adjustment from the City & County of Denver Charter and directed City Council to modernize zoning variances, appeals, or exceptions through the city code.