Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, Inc.

Background Statement

In 1969 a group of concerned residents in the Capitol Hill and Cheesman Park neighborhoods of Denver banded together and successfully persuaded then-Mayor William McNichols to abandon a plan to turn East 11th and 12th Avenues into a pair of one-way streets.

Those neighbors then formed Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods (C.H.U.N.) whose mission is to preserve the past; improve the present; and plan for the future of Capitol Hill, its surrounding neighborhoods, and the magnificent City and County of Denver.

As one of Denver's largest and oldest registered neighborhood organizations, C.H.U.N. has played a central role in addressing the most vexing issues facing the Mile-High City by organizing neighbors, forging strong, collaborative relationships with community stakeholders, and serving as the go-to resource for policymakers and elected leaders.

Neighborhood character and beauty is a primary focus for C.H.U.N. As such, the organization has been responsible for planting more than 4000 trees, prevented the closure of neighborhood schools, and negotiated countless zoning, land use, housing, liquor license, traffic, and park issues through grassroots organizing and ongoing communication with the residents, businesses, and other neighborhood groups.

The organization encourages representation and cooperation among diverse constituency groups. For decades, C.H.U.N. has been a thought-partner in the development of several neighborhood plans, Blueprint Denver, and the recent Denver Neighborhood Planning Initiative.

C.H.U.N. has shaped neighborhood growth and transformation through smart development; the organization has honored the city's rich history by establishing many historic districts and landmark structures. C.H.U.N.'s membership and leadership believe that it is paramount to engage in thoughtful dialogue with an emphasis on integrating historically significant architecture with new, innovative development.

In partnership with myriad city agencies, C.H.U.N. has worked to reduce crime and promote neighborhood safety, address homelessness through access to housing and other social safety nets, and promote community wellness and livelihood through improved access to city services.C.H.U.N. continues to develop its organizational identity and visibility by harnessing and celebrating the ever-evolving diversity, culture, energy, and beauty of greater Capitol Hill-ensuring the community is a more welcoming and inclusive than it was fifty years ago.

C.H.U.N. has earned a seat at the table with city and state government regarding issues that affect Greater Capitol Hill. We are fortunate to work alongside C.H.U.N. leadership to move Denver further into the 21st Century;