We are just getting started
Four years ago, you asked me to represent you on the Denver City Council representing District 3, my life-long home. At the time, none of us knew that we’d collectively be facing some of the most challenging circumstances of our lives. The issues our community faced at the time were already critical, and the pandemic made those issues even worse, creating unavoidable disparities and exacerbating dilemmas that our community has faced for generations. In this first term, we made incredible strides addressing those issues, however, there is still much work to be done. This is why I am running for re-election.
I have dedicated my career to public service, even before becoming your Council representative. The Westside is my home, and I am thankful every day that I get to spend my days serving our community. I am ready to continue advocating for smart investment in our neighborhoods, affordable housing opportunities, celebration of arts and culture, parks that are both accessible and awe-inspiring, and whole communities where our families are safe and supported.
In my first term, the pandemic created an entirely new and urgent situation of getting residents connected to resources like rental support, utility assistance, and answers to a spectrum of questions about COVID. I was able to collaborate and deliver 20 community-based vaccine clinics in West and NorthWest Denver where vaccines were provided to over 3,000 community members – a true community effort.
In the midst of the pandemic, I was successful in getting over $27 Million allocated to District 3 in the Rise Bond in 2021 which includes a full-service library in the Westwood Neighborhood, a safer Morrison Road and sidewalks and intersection improvements throughout the District. In collaboration with my colleagues on council I have also successfully passed a Rental Registry bill, worked with Parks & Recreation to create a bison donation program for Indigenous tribes, established a Language Access team committed to ensuring our city departments meet the need of non-English residents, and referred to the ballot a charter change to improve the Office of the Independent Monitor.
I have actively taken on leadership roles to help prioritize what matters and participate actively in moving all of Denver forward. I was elected as Council President Pro-Tem in July 2020 and again in July 2021. I have served as Vice-Chair of the Safety, Education, Housing & Homelessness Committee since 2019 and am a member of the Land Use, Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.
As a community, we have been through so much since 2019 and I am proud of how our community persevered, united, and supported one another during the pandemic. We have some powerful projects in motion and more on the horizon, all to improve the neighborhoods of District 3 and ensure all residents have the access to a quality of life that everyone deserves.
Join me for the next era of District 3’s growth and success where equity is at the forefront so that everyone can thrive together.
Jamie Torres