Looking for a way to get involved in hyperlocal issues facing the community and make your voice heard? You might consider joining a Registered Neighborhood Organization (or RNO).
RNOs pop up in the news often — like the group in City Park pushing back on the Denver Zoo’s new proposal to open a secondary zoo entrance. Mayor Mike Johnston also met with several local RNOs while campaigning his Vibrant Denver Bond package earlier this year.
So what exactly is an RNO? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is an RNO?
A Registered Neighborhood Organization is a group of residents and property owners in a certain neighborhood who register to be formally recognized by the city’s Community Planning and Development Department. Then, they meet regularly to discuss and help guide community issues and decisions. They also help foster neighborhood pride and connection with events like block parties or park clean-ups.
How Much Power Do RNOs Have?
RNOs don’t have the authority to vote on major city bills or ordinances, but they do have some sway. City leaders often confer with RNO groups for guidance, input, and feedback on things like zoning amendments, Planning Board hearings, and local business licenses.
Does My Neighborhood Have an RNO?
Most likely — seeing as there are 176 RNOs in Denver. You can find RNO options in your neighborhood with this interactive map from the City of Denver. It’s worth noting that RNO boundaries do not have to follow the boundaries of the city’s 78 statistical neighborhoods, and they can overlap with each other.
An important distinction: RNOs are not Homeowners Associations. They function differently. However, HOAs can register as RNOs — which you’ll notice on the city’s RNO map — if they meet the eligibility requirements.
How Do I Get Involved?
For residents wanting to start an RNO, there are just a few simple requirements:
- Members must live within the RNO’s proposed boundaries
- The group must meet at least once a year
- There must be a minimum of 12 members
- Meetings must be open to the public
Then, you just have to register the group with the Community Planning and Development Department during one of their registration periods in July, December, or January.
In many cases, it’s free to join an already existing RNO (though some groups charge fees for voting privileges) and typically, they’re open to all residents within the boundaries. (Locate options near you.)
The Future of RNOs in Denver
Council members Paul Kashmann and Serena Gonzalez-Gutierrez are currently working on a community outreach project to reform the city’s RNO ordinance. Their goal is to update the city’s RNO requirements — which were written in 1979 — to make RNOs more accessible to all Denverites. They’re hosting a series of workshops to hear from residents — you can learn more here.
