by Mark Smiley | Jun 30, 2026 | Uncategorized
by Heather Brecl
Screenshot
When Denver business owners on the Broadway corridor look carefully at their tax bill this year, they may or may not be surprised to see yet another line item for a new tax called the General Improvement District (GID). Though it should come as no surprise, especially in Denver, in November of 2025 the people of Denver with businesses and residences along Broadway through the Baker and Speer areas (stretching about two miles from 6th Avenue south to I-25) voted for an additional self-imposed tax (“assessment”) in the hopes of improving the well-being of their commercial corridor. GIDs have become the latest phenomenon, mechanism and often “bad word” in Denver created to compensate for the City of Denver’s shortcomings and mismanagement of affairs and efforts in making Denver a desirable place to work and live. With few checks and balances, and the small margins by which a GID can be voted into existence, Denver residents and business owners have a bad taste in their mouths. From the GIDs voted in from RiNo to Ballpark to Cherry Creek, where residents defeated the measure recently to get it on the ballot, many view GIDs as an unnecessary additional taxing mechanism to handle issues that should’ve already been addressed by the City and that it was presented with misleading and weaponized surveys, ads and slanted community meetings to gather support.
While the vote for the Broadway GID was passed by a “majority” of voters, as is required, the margin was slim, the vote passed by a mere 23 votes out of 1,200 eligible voters and many business owners lament that they weren’t accurately or fully informed during the election process about what a GID actually means to their future. Out of the 1,200 eligible voters, only 261 people actually voted. Only 51.5% of the voters approved a mill levy tax, meaning that only 126 people wanted a tax increase. Because of TABOR (Tax Payer Bill of Rights), the question for the vote had to be broken up into three questions with the first one specifically asked if voters wanted a tax increase – that passed by a very narrow margin. While the new GID assessment replaces the former assessment that businesses already paid to the LMD (Landscaping Metro District) it is higher than before and is in place for a decade, causing those who were not in favor of the GID grave concern about accountability and that the GID will represent the needs of all in the District.
Broadway GID Election Results
(November 2025)
Formation of the GID
YES 69.3%
NO 30.7%
181 votes 80 votes
Property Tax Increase
YES 51.5%
NO 48.5%
137 votes 129 votes
Debt Authorization
YES 60.4%
NO 39.6%
157 votes 103 votes
Broadway Merchants Association
Call For Revitalization
Known for its eclectic, artsy, trendy vibe with a plethora of independent stores, vintage shops and a strong restaurant and bar scene, the Broadway stretch from the Wizard’s Chest on the north end to the long-standing Army Surplus store on the south side encompassing the South Broadway (SoBo) neighborhoods of Baker, Wash Park, and Platt Park now comprises the new GID. There is a vibrant smattering of music venues, tattoo shops, antiques, and local boutiques, churches, and local businesses that have long been a part of the community. And with heavy car and pedestrian traffic up and down the street and around establishments, there is a pressing need to revitalize the district.
The Broadway Merchants Association “BMA” – a Registered Neighborhood Organization and 501(c)6 non-profit organized a campaign focused heavily on safety, cleanliness, branding, events, and economic support for South Broadway businesses in an effort to pool and leverage resources and make the corridor an attractive place for visitors, residents and business owners alike.
“The Broadway GID brings new energy and real resources to the corridor: more safety, cleaner streets, exciting events, and marketing that puts Broadway on the map. Broadway’s three existing Local Maintenance Districts (LMD’s), created back in the 1970s, have kept the lights on – but their funding only stretches so far, leaving no room for the investment and activation our community deserves.” – www.denverbma .com/broadway-improvement-district
Businesses Question
The Initial Phase Of The New GID
Enticed by the promise of safety, cleanliness, branding, events, and economic support for South Broadway businesses, a handful of business owners now question that the outcome fits the dream. Some business owners express deep concern that the new regime is not following through so far with the promises of a safer, cleaner community but are hopeful that things are moving in the right direction. As they walked up and down the sidewalks along West Alameda Avenue, they pointed out the weeds, dying trees, overflowing trashcans, and graffiti that now mark the public areas in front of their establishments that they say were well-maintained in the previous LMD. They argue that the recently neglected landscaping is causing patrons to question if they are even still open. Other businesses that have been a staple of the community such as the MDLDC (Metro Denver Local Development Corporation) are no longer in business with the change of the new guard. The MDLDC had to close its doors when they lost the contract for the new GID, having been responsible for not only landscape maintenance up and down Broadway in the LMDs but also instrumental in the creation of the districts almost 50 years ago. With the dissolution of the LMDs, those who had contracts to do maintenance were paid through March by initial funds from the GID.
Substantial operating budget changes are also a concern by a handful of business owners who wonder how a GID that is now more than twice the size of the initial three LMDs can possibly serve as adequate to address all of the maintenance and safety issues with a budget that is smaller than before.
The Broadway GID’s Response
To Community Pushback
Running the newly incepted Broadway GID from a small unassuming building off Broadway is former bartender, hospitality expert, and area resident Caitlin Braun, the first paid employee of the GID. Serving as the Executive Director with 10-12 full-time employees being trained to properly handle the workload and demands, Braun speaks vigorously of her commitment to the small businesses and residents of the GID. Known locally for her outspoken grassroots advocacy of the new organization, Caitlin prides herself on both working and living in the community that she promises to help revitalize. She stands firmly behind her conviction in creating a safer cleaner Broadway neighborhood and invites members of the community to bring their concerns and dreams to her at any time. Caitlin prides herself on being readily available for feedback, conversation, and debate, welcoming engagement with the community which she steadfastly believes in. Caitlin pointed out candidly that May is the very first month of fully operating and like all young organizations, there are growing pains but that they are firmly committed to its success.
“We are a Board made up of local entrepreneurs who work with the District and residents who believe firmly in making the neighborhood somewhere we all want to live and do business. We are not like other GIDs – we have our own identity. Every penny that we collect through the GID stays within the neighborhood we serve. We worked tirelessly to get the word out about the GID to voters through tons of outreach and doorknocking. Now we want to hear your ideas and input and welcome engagement. We will have a hotline that we can be reached on in order to stay on top of whatever critical issues need to be addressed in the community. Give us a chance to show you what we can do.” – Caitlin Braun, Executive Director of the Broadway GID.
In regards to budget discrepancies and the switchover to new service providers, Caitlin remarked that there is a new approach to doing business to more efficiently use resources and address the main two areas of focus – a Safe Clean Broadway. The Broadway GID hired a national company called Block by Block, based out of Louisville, KY to take over the reins from the MDLDC. Block by Block specializes in handling the bundle of services including both maintenance and safety for over 200 special districts across the country, including the Ballpark District. Braun shared that their expertise and experience is efficient in not only maintaining the safety, landscaping and maintenance, but also creates some relief for the overall budget.
Braun and the Board encourage everyone to visit their website to stay informed and bring any concerns or questions their way.
Tucked inside an unassuming building off South Broadway, Executive Director Caitlin Braun is the face of the new GID. Advocate, organizer, and neighborhood ambassador, Braun is betting that transparency, accessibility, and visible results will win over even the district’s toughest critics.
Coming Soon is easy. Delivering is the test. Business owners are already asking if those promises will be a reality.
The South Broadway corridor is now a crossroads of old Denver and new development. Is the new Broadway GID part of the solution — or another layer of bureaucracy? Business owners haven’t seen the results yet but Braun says they are just getting started.
Near the heart of the new Broadway GID, areas that merchants say were once carefully maintained in the previous Landscaping Metro District have become a symbol of the district’s growing pains with the return of graffiti, neglected walkways, and trash, making patrons wonder if businesses are even open.
“Safe and Clean Broadway” is the GID’s rallying cry. Business owners say the reality has yet to catch up with the marketing. The GID says they’ll deliver.
by Editorial Board | May 19, 2026 | Uncategorized
Guest Editorial —
by Matt Nicodemus, Founder & Coordinator, Sworn to Refuse (StR)
Matt Nicodemus, a recent transplant from Boulder to Glendale, is an activist-organizer who works at the intersection of social-environmental responsibility and people’s personal and professional choices.
Imagine you’re a public servant in Colorado government. When you began your employment, you proudly took this required oath of office: “I [name], do [select swear, affirm, or swear by the everliving God] that I will support the constitution of the United States, the constitution of the state of Colorado, and the laws of the state of Colorado, and will faithfully perform the duties of the office of [name of office or position] upon which I am about to enter to the best of my ability.”
One day at the office, you receive from your boss a request or an order to do something which you know, or have good reason to believe, would be illegal. What do you do? If you follow the directive, you’ll be violating the law — which you certainly don’t want or plan to do — and could face investigation, firing, and possibly career-ending indictment and conviction. But if you don’t obey your boss, your job and career in public service could end almost as soon as they began.
When you were sworn in, you took that oath, promising to support and follow the laws of your employer, the state of Colorado, and you’ve kept that promise. Yet here you are, facing the possible end of your career because you’re not willing to break the laws you’ve committed to follow. No public servant should have to struggle with such an impossible choice.
In fact, as increasing numbers of Americans have been learning in recent years, it is very important — often necessary — for public servants to say “no” to bosses who direct them to do things that would violate the law and potentially do great damage to our society, its democracy and rule of law, and, through the world’s interconnectedness, our continued existence.
Most recently, much to his displeasure, Donald Trump learned from six members of Congress who had careers in our nation’s military or intelligence agencies that those organizations have “duty to disobey” requirements: they must refuse any and all illegal orders. The Commander in Chief was enraged that his dictates could — and had to — be disobeyed if they violated the law. He had no knowledge about the origins of that requirement, including the post–World War II Nuremberg Principles and the 1968 war crime known as the My Lai massacre, in which more than 500 unarmed Vietnamese civilians were gunned down in and around their village by American GIs.
In 2017, after watching on TV a nationally broadcast public hearing in Washington, D.C., in which leaders of America’s military and intelligence organizations made clear that, in opposition to Donald Trump’s recent suggestions, they would not follow orders that violated the law — including the use of torture on terrorism suspects or taking Iraq’s oil following the downfall of Saddam Hussein “because that would be against the law” — I came up with the core concepts of Sworn to Refuse (StR). This is a nonpartisan project to see enacted nationwide, starting at state and federal levels, “refuser protection” (RP) statutes that would prevent the firing and other retaliatory punishment of conscientious, oath-taking government employees and contracted workers who refuse a superiors’ illegal orders.
Having founded StR, and understanding that RP laws are needed throughout America, I and a small but dedicated and growing group of Denver-area residents began campaigning for the introduction of RP legislation in both the Colorado Statehouse and Congress. Our outreach efforts are having an impact as people recognize how much RP is needed.
In conversations with fellow citizens, we point out how RP fills gaps that whistleblower protection laws leave. When a whistleblower files a report, damage could already be in process or already done. But in the refuser protection context, when a public servant is asked by a boss to do something illegal, their refusal means the law is not broken in the first place. And when that employee’s colleagues see their example of principled public service, they may realize their own responsibility — and ability — to do right by refusing to do wrong.
Sworn to Refuse is now focused on finding supportive Colorado state legislators who are willing to sponsor and co-sponsor refuser protection legislation. We are also preparing to promote RP to federal lawmakers.
We welcome inquiries and support as we move forward in our campaign. For more information, email sworntorefuse.info@gmail.com, and see StR’s Facebook page for additional details.
by Mark Smiley | May 19, 2026 | Uncategorized
by Mark Smiley
In Denver, where backyard grilling, patio cooking, and hands-on craftsmanship are part of everyday life, having the right tools can make all the difference. Two standout thermometers, the MEATER Pro Duo and the ThermoWorks Industrial IR Gun, offer distinct approaches to temperature tracking, each designed to meet the needs of serious users. These serve as perfect Father’s Day gifts which is coming up on Sunday, June 21.
For home chefs and grill enthusiasts, the MEATER Pro Duo delivers a high-tech, wire-free cooking experience. The system includes two fully wireless probes that monitor both internal meat temperature and ambient heat, allowing users to track multiple dishes at once, whether it’s a steak and chicken on the grill or different sections of a large roast.
The probes connect to a charging block that doubles as a WiFi gateway, enabling cloud-based monitoring through the MEATER app. That means cooks can step away from the grill, whether to prep side dishes or relax with guests, and still keep tabs on their food in real time. The app also includes guided cooking programs, alerts when target temperatures are reached, and estimated cook and rest times, making it useful for both experienced grillers and those still refining their technique.
In practical terms, the dual-probe setup is especially valuable in a typical Colorado setting, where multiple cooking methods might be in play at once. A user could monitor a tri-tip on the grill while keeping an eye on chicken wings in a smoker, all from a smartphone. The probes are built with durable materials designed to handle high-heat environments, an advantage when grilling at altitude or searing at higher temperatures.
Still, the MEATER Pro Duo does come with considerations. It relies on a strong WiFi connection at the cooking site, and its advanced features may be more than occasional grillers need. At around $199.95, it’s an investment best suited for those who regularly cook multiple items and want a more connected, hands-off experience.
On the other end of the spectrum, the ThermoWorks Industrial IR Gun is built for speed, durability, and precision in measuring surface temperatures. Ra
ther than monitoring internal cooking, this infrared thermometer provides instant readings of surfaces, from a hot griddle to industrial equipment, without direct contact.
Known for its rugged construction, the IR Gun features a comfortable grip, a bright backlit display, and a dual-laser targeting system that clearly defines the measurement area. Its adjustable emissivity allows users to fine-tune readings across different materials, whether shiny metal or matte surfaces.
Performance is where the tool shines. It delivers near-instant readings with high accuracy and offers a wide temperature range suitable for food safety, automotive work, brewing, and HVAC applications. The 50:1 distance-to-spot ratio allows users to measure from a safe distance without sacrificing precision, particularly useful when working with hot or moving equipment. Additional features like high and low alarms and MAX, MIN, and AVG modes provide further data insight for professional use.
While priced around $79, higher than basic consumer models, the IR Gun is positioned as a long-term investment for those who value reliability and performance in demanding environments.
Ultimately, the two devices serve different but complementary purposes. The MEATER Pro Duo is ideal for connected cooking and multitasking in the kitchen or backyard, while the ThermoWorks Industrial IR Gun excels in delivering fast, accurate surface readings across a range of professional and practical applications.
For Cherry Creek Valley residents, whether hosting a weekend barbecue or working in the field, these tools reflect a growing trend toward smarter, more precise technology that helps users work more efficiently and with greater confidence.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 17, 2026 | Uncategorized
by Mark Smiley
With spring sports heating up, Glendale and Cherry Creek-area residents don’t have to travel far to find one of Colorado’s biggest game-day viewing experiences.
Just a short drive from Glendale, the Gaylord Rockies Resort is spotlighting its Mountain Pass Sports Bar, now featuring a 75-foot flat panel television, billed as the largest indoor viewing screen in the state, for fans looking to catch the season’s biggest matchups.
The venue is positioning itself as a regional destination for sports enthusiasts, offering a stadium-style atmosphere with expansive seating, elevated sightlines, and a high-energy setting designed for group viewing.
For Glendale residents accustomed to neighborhood sports bars, Mountain Pass offers a distinctly unique alternative. The space combines the feel of a traditional sports bar with resort-level amenities, making it an option for everything from casual watch parties to special occasions.
To complement the viewing experience, the resort has introduced a limited-time, game-day menu built around shareable comfort food. Highlights include the “Colorado Gold Sandwich” with slow-cooked pork and Carolina gold barbecue sauce, a “Slam Dunk” platter of chicken tenders and wings with multiple sauce options, and the “Buzzer Beater,” a sampler of popular bar appetizers. A duo of dips, tinga chicken, and chorizo queso, rounds out the offerings.
The resort is also making a direct appeal to local residents, including those in Glendale and Cherry Creek, through its Local Resident Card program. The free program provides a 10% discount on dining and spa services, along with up to four hours of complimentary self-parking, a perk that helps offset the drive for nearby visitors.
Beyond game day, Gaylord Rockies continues to market itself as a quick getaway option for metro-area residents. The property includes more than 10 dining outlets, the Relâche Spa, and the year-round Arapahoe Springs Water Park, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, and a lazy river.
With major sporting events drawing crowds throughout the spring, the resort’s expanded viewing experience could give Glendale-area fans a new destination to consider, one that trades the neighborhood bar for a big-screen spectacle just minutes away.
For more information, visit GaylordRockies.com.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 17, 2026 | Uncategorized
by Mark Smiley
This summer, the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center is transforming into a destination for comic book fans and families alike, as DC Super Heroes take center stage in a new immersive seasonal experience.
“Super Hero Summer,” a partnership between Gaylord Hotels and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, will run from Memorial Day weekend through Sept. 7, offering a wide range of themed attractions, entertainment, and activities inspired by iconic DC characters.
The event brings interactive programming throughout the resort, from live shows and character dining, to scavenger hunts and poolside movie nights. Organizers say the goal is to create an experience that blends entertainment with hands-on activities for guests of all ages.
At the center of the experience is the resort’s Arapahoe Springs Water Park, which will host DC-themed events throughout the summer, including “Super Hero Splash” activities, trivia, and live entertainment. The indoor-outdoor water park, featuring heated pools, waterslides, and a 720-foot lazy river, will serve as a hub for many of the festivities.
Guests can also take part in the “DC Super Hero Academy Live Show,” an interactive performance that invites participants to solve puzzles and engage in storytelling adventures, along with character appearances from familiar heroes. Dining experiences will include a Justice League-themed breakfast where guests can meet characters while enjoying themed menu offerings.
Additional attractions include a resort- wide scavenger hunt based on The Riddler, craft stations for children, and spontaneous “super hero sightings” throughout the property. Poolside movie nights featuring DC films and specialty food and drink menus will round out the entertainment lineup.
The resort is also offering overnight packages tied to the event, including options geared toward families that bundle activities, themed merchandise, and resort credits.
For Colorado residents, Gaylord Rockies will continue its Local Resident Card program, which provides discounts on dining and spa services, along with limited complimentary parking.
Located just outside Denver in Aurora, the Gaylord Rockies Resort has become a regional destination for large-scale seasonal programming. With its proximity to both Denver International Airport and downtown Denver, the resort regularly draws visitors from across the metro area, including Glendale and Cherry Creek.
Organizers say the Super Hero Summer experience is designed to appeal to both overnight guests and local visitors looking for a day trip or special outing.
More information, including tickets and package details, is available through the resort’s website at www.gaylordrockies.com.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 17, 2026 | Uncategorized
by Mark Smiley
Elitch Gardens: A colorful skyline of thrills at Elitch Gardens, where twisting water slides, towering coasters, and classic rides set the stage for another season of summer fun in Denver.
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park opened its gates for the 2026 season on Saturday, April 18, marking 136 years as one of Colorado’s most enduring entertainment destinations.
This year’s opening carries added significance, aligning with two major milestones: the 250th anniversary of the United States, and Colorado’s 150th year of statehood. Park officials say the season will blend that sense of history with an expanded lineup of attractions and events designed to draw both longtime visitors and new guests.
“As we celebrate 136 years of Elitch Gardens alongside these incredible national and state milestones, we’re reminded of how deeply rooted this park is in our community,” said Rick Howarth, general manager of Elitch Gardens. “This season is about honoring our legacy while continuing to raise the bar.”
The 2026 season is expected to be the park’s longest yet, featuring more operating days and an increase in special events. In addition to its signature roller coasters, KiddieLand attractions, and water park, Elitch Gardens plans to introduce three new festival weekends, along with drone shows, Dive-In Movies at the wave pool, and adults-only water park events.
Seasonal favorites will also return later in the year. Fright Fest, the park’s popular Halloween celebration, will run for six consecutive weekends in the fall with expanded daytime and nighttime experiences. During the winter season, Elitch Holidays will transform the park into a festive destination with millions of lights, holiday entertainment, and select rides.
For more than a century, Elitch Gardens has remained a staple of the Denver area, drawing generations of families. Park leaders say the 2026 season is focused on continuing that tradition while offering new reasons for repeat visits.
Season passes, priced at $84.99, are currently available and include unlimited visits through the holiday season, along with perks such as free parking and access to special events. A limited-time opening sale runs through April 17.
More information is available at ElitchGardens.com.
