ELECTED OFFICIALS SPEAK OUT - OFICIALES ELEGIDOS HABLAN
Let’s Talk Housing By Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore Denver City Council District 11
Housing is a critical component of health, opportunity, and community engagement. Not having affordable housing or experiencing housing instability affects many aspects of our community such as food access, transportation and mobility, seniors, aging in place, and so much more. That is why in 2016, the District 11 Council Office brought together Montbello neighborhood organization leaders and community experts and formed an organization called the Montbello Leadership Cabinet, which meets to discuss and explore tactics to address impending gentrification and involuntary displacement. By creating opportunities for community education, outreach, and advocacy around neighborhood resources, we created Montbello Speaks; a speakers’ forum to address housing and other issues from all perspectives. It is exciting to see the work
of the Montbello Leadership Cabinet and their many accomplishments over the last three years. On Saturday, October 19, we held our 3rd Montbello Speaks series called Montbello Speaks: Fall Housing Event. This event was an interactive and informational workshop that discussed important topics such as aging in place, veteran support, home-ownership, renting, and affordable housing. We had 30 experts from city agencies, community organizations, and the real estate and financial sectors connecting residents directly with services and resources needed. Alongside the Cabinet’s efforts, the District 11 Council Office is focused on promoting equity and advancing families in our neighborhoods through programs and initiatives such as: The Expansion of Denver’s Tax Rebate programs to include families with children – This rebate program serves renters, seniors and persons with disabilities, and now includes families with children at the 40% of Denver’s Average Median Income (AMI). The Homeowners Resource Guide insert in Annual Property Tax Bills – This insert was first mailed last year in English and Spanish to help residents navigate city resources associated with housing cost burdens and will continue to be sent every year. Financial Empowerment Center – Located at the Arie P. Taylor Building (4685 Peoria St., Suite #251, Denver 80239), this Center offers free, one-on-one financial coaching in English and Spanish to address your unique financial circumstances.
This year, I am working on a Rental Registry and Licensure ordinance. Denver currently does not have a licensing program and the responsibility to report substandard housing conditions and lease violations rests on the renter. This overburdens the renter in a system that is set up to be supportive of landlords. That’s where rental registration and licensing programs become essential tools to strengthen tenants’ rights within the community and to protect them from exploitative landlords. In strained housing markets, these tools can be used by cities and municipalities to increase the standard of living. Every organization and agency within the city play a vital role in building healthy communities. They ensure our seniors and families have the tools to succeed. My office has created a District 11 Stakeholders guide with city organizations and non-profits that is constantly updated. If you or a loved one needs access to resources, the information is available at www.denvergov.org/district11 under the “Resources” tab on the right side of the page. It will take us all working together to make sure that we continue to be a diverse and inclusive community. You can always reach out to my council office at 720-337-7711 or email me at Stacie.Gilmore@denvergov.org . I’ll be happy to get you connected or hear your ideas about how we can ensure all District 11 residents have the opportunity to thrive in our growing economy and city.
MUSE - Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition – November/December 2019
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Hablemos sobre la Vivienda Por La Concejal Stacie Gilmore, Distrito 11 La vivienda es un componente crítico de la salud, las oportunidades y el enfoque comunitario. No tener una vivienda asequible o pasar por una época de inestabilidad afecta muchos aspectos de nuestra comunidad como el acceso a los alimentos, la transportación y movilidad, y hasta puede impedir que personas de mayor edad no puedan envejecer en su hogar. Es por esto que, en el 2016, la Oficina del Distrito 11 reunió a líderes de varias organizaciones de Montbello y otros expertos en nuestra comunidad para formar la organización llamada Montbello Leadership Cabinet (Gabinete de Liderazgo de Montbello). Este Gabinete se reunió en varias ocasiones para discutir y explorar las tácticas para hablar sobre la gentrificación inminente y el desplazamiento involuntario de nuestras comunidades. Al crear oportunidades para la educación comunitaria, extensión de ayuda y apoyo a la comunidad, nació la serie de eventos “Habla Montbello,” que busca solucionar al tema de la vivienda desde todas las perspectivas. Es emocionante ver el trabajo que ha logrado el Gabinete en estos últimos tres años. El sábado 19 de octubre tuvimos nuestra tercera serie de “Habla Montbello” titulada Habla Montbello: Evento de Vivienda. Este evento consistió de un taller interactivo e infor-