Denver City Council resumes business in the new year with its first regular Monday meeting at 3:30 p.m., followed by the general public comment session at 5 p.m. Two proclamations will be issued. The first recognizes January as Denver Blood Donor Month and the important work of blood and biotherapy nonprofit Vitalant. The second proclamation will welcome the 119th National Western Stock Show, Rodeo and Horse Show to Denver.

There are two scheduled public hearings in the 5:30 p.m. session:

• 24-1588: Community Planning and Development will present an ordinance changing the zoning classification for 950 & 970 North Federal Boulevard in Sun Valley.
• 24-1644: Community Planning and Development will present an ordinance changing the zoning classification for multiple properties in Indian Creek, University Hills, Goldsmith, Virginia Village, and Washington Virginia Vale.

Meanwhile, councilmembers will consider a resolution to update the municipal code, raising the formal bidding threshold from $50,000 to $150,000, making informal bidding applicable below that amount citywide. Current city purchasing thresholds were last updated close to a decade ago, and the update, according to the bill resolution request, would also address “inflationary pressures” lingering from the COVID-19 pandemic and streamline procurement processes.

In other news, significant interest and public hearing attendance is expected surrounding 24-1644, which seeks to approve a map amendment to rezone multiple properties in Council Districts 4, 5, and 6 to implement land use guidance in the Near Southeast Area Plan. 

City officials say plans like the Near Southeast Area Plan seek to address residents’ concerns and make the city a better place to live. But at times, residents feel left out, and this plan, like many others, has drawn flak.