🗳️ How close is the Evans-Rutinel race?

🗳️ A Tight Race in Colorado’s 8th?

A new poll shows Republican Rep. Gabe Evans and Democratic challenger Manny Rutinel in a tight race for Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, one of the most closely watched House races in the country. The district stretches from from Denver’s northern suburbs into Weld County, and its last two elections were both decided by less than one percentage point. [The Colorado Sun]

• What the poll says: Evans has 48% support to Rutinel’s 46%, with 6% undecided. That two-point gap falls within the poll’s 4.9 percentage point margin of error.
• One important piece of context: The poll was conducted by Republican firm McLaughlin and Associates for Enhancing American Competitiveness, a conservative nonprofit backing Evans. [The Colorado Sun]
• What about a debate? While the candidates don’t currently have a televised debate scheduled, they are scheduled to face each other on Oct. 7 in Berthoud. The event is currently sold out. [Eventbrite]
• Why so much attention? The 8th is Colorado’s most competitive congressional district and could play a role in determining which party controls the U.S. House. Democrat Yadira Caraveo won by 1,600 votes in 2022, and Evans flipped the seat in 2024 by a margin just over 2,500 votes. [CPR News]

💉 Unvaxxed and Looking for Love?

Remember that dating event specifically for people who didn’t get the COVID-19 vaccine? Well, it’s coming back. The “Unjected” dating app is planning another event specifically for anti-vax singles in Denver.. Their last event made headlines earlier this year after its original venue, Recess Beer Garden, canceled. Unjected ultimately found a new venue in The Grizzly Rose. [Westword]

• Recommended reading: Our very own “Keep it Local” newsletter writer Michelle Polizzi took a deeper look for Playboy at Unjected, the community behind the dating app and what happens when vaccination status becomes part of finding a match. [Playboy]

🌳 Globeville Neighbors Want Green

A dusty, vacant lot near I-70 and Washington Street has become the center of attention after complaints from a nearby resident. Joseph Herrera wants the property to become a green space, arguing that trees and grass could help a neighborhood already dealing with pollution. Denver bought the property from CDOT for $30,000 in February, but the city says there are challenges with the site and hasn’t committed to turning it into a park. [CBS News]

🏗️ A New Future for Lowry?

A massive piece of Lowry could be headed for redevelopment. The Colorado Community College System is looking for a developer to reimagine its 145-acre campus straddling Denver and Aurora, where both Community College of Aurora and Community College of Denver currently hold classes. About 136 acres could become available for redevelopment by the end of 2028, with the colleges’ operations consolidated into the remaining property. [BusinessDen 🔒 / JLL]

• How big is this opportunity? Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, who previously pushed for the campus to be sold, says the project could become the second largest redevelopment in Aurora’s history behind Fitzsimons.

👣 Put Your Stamp on Denver. Literally

Nearly 250 people submitted designs for Denver’s new sidewalk stamp, and now it’s down to five finalists. The options include nods to the city flag, the “cash register” building and those classic “Welcome to Colorful Colorado” signs. Denverites have until Sept. 30 to vote, and the winning design will eventually be stamped into sidewalks across the city as they’re repaired and replaced. [Denverite]

We asked our City Cast Denver Neighbors to show some love to their favorite local people, places and organizations, and they came through! Here are a few Mile High shoutouts worth putting on your radar!

📣 Rachael W. has a shout out for Viva! Mexi Coffee Shop on East Colfax: “Their latte de olla with almond milk is my go-to! And their bearclaw is the best in town. The owners are so nice and the gallery of art that you can purchase is so fun.”

📣 Felix H. has a shout out for IBEW LU 68: “Empowering Denverites with living wages through a four-year apprenticeship, paving the way to the middle class for all!”

📣 Duke M. has a shout out for Mr. Biscuits in Wheat Ridge: “Worth leaving Denver for scratch biscuits and warm, community-driven service. The spicy vegan ketchup is a MUST!”

Become a City Cast Denver Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter and on the podcast. Plus, you’ll get a weekly curated events roundup, ad-free podcast feed, special bonus segments, invites to Neighbor meetups, and so much more 😎