The $687,000 award will allow RTD and CDOT to work with their mutual mobile ticketing provider, Masabi, and app partner Transit, to develop a multimodal trip planning and and payment integration feature in the Transit app. Read more
“Enjoy the ride!” These were just three small words but boy did they mean to the world to me.
Last Sunday, my autistic son Tyler (age 27) and I set out to do a long bike ride from our hometown of Basalt towards Aspen. Personally, I was hoping we could reach Woody Creek Tavern which is about 13 miles “up valley”. This means most of the trip would be uphill (about 800 feet in elevation gain). I knew Tyler was capable of making the trek (as well as the downhill return) but as many of you know, autism almost always forces us to have contingency plans.
Tyler’s pace is not fast. He’s very methodical and likes to ride at one speed…moderately slow. This means most other bikers pass us. Most of the time people yell out “passing on the left” before they speed by. A few sound a bell on their bike to make us aware they are coming up from behind. But almost all bikers are focused on getting to their destination as fast as possible.
However, one small group of female cyclists approached us and decided to slow down. We were approaching a section of the trail that had some blind curves so they decided to let all of us get through those turns before executing their pass.
It was at this time that they recognized my lead man (aka Tyler) was special. They asked us if we were having a good day. They said “We are in no hurry. Take your time. All is good.” When the trail opened up and there was a clear path for them to use, they proceeded by us. And as they went ahead, each one of them said “Enjoy the ride!” and gave me some signs that they were proud of what my son was doing.
So why am I telling you this story? Because I truly believe even more members of our community need to slow down, recognize that certain people need our help and understanding and to enjoy the ride. We all know our rides have materially changed this past year. The COVID pandemic has altered the way things operate and our futures are less certain or at the very least more variable. This small experience made me appreciate how some people choose to navigate the world. They take their time, they are thoughtful to others and they focus on the journey rather than the end result.
As we transition to a new season and eventually a new year, I hope you will find joy in this story and take time to enjoy the ride.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — As one of the groups to feel the disproportionate effects of job loss and health impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic, Latinos have come to rely on media and social channels more than ever to educate, inform, and entertain. And although this group continues to face significant challenges, they are not buckling under pressure. Instead, they are tapping into their collectivist culture and virtual social networks to stay connected, weathering the storm by tapping into their resilient roots. Read more
Philanthropic Services
In 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act contains significant incentives for donors to support the causes and organizations they care about. Most significantly, for taxpayers who do not itemize, the Act provides all taxpayers with an “above-the-line” charitable income tax deduction for contributions up to $300. This may be a one-time gift of $300 or multiple charitable contributions totaling $300. This provision is an important step in enabling all community members to participate in philanthropy. Individual taxpayers who do itemize can deduct up to 100% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) (UP FROM 60%) for cash contributions to public charities, including DRMAC. Both of these provisions are limited to the 2020 tax year, apply only to cash gifts (not those of appreciated securities), and do not include gifts to donor advised funds, private foundations, or supporting organizations.
Ways to accomplish your goal within the cash contribution restriction:
1. A donor might use appreciated securities to fund their donor-advised fund, avoiding capital gains tax and securing an income-tax deduction of up to 30% of AGI. With a recovery of over 50% since the late-March lows for the S&P 500, many securities bought over the past decade still have high valuations and embedded gains.
2. Donors over the age of 70 1/2 can use their Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA to contribute up to $100,000 IN IRA assets directly to various funds and programs at DRMAC, without incurring taxable income from the distribution.
3. Families interested in creating a legacy at DRMAC may consider taking advantage of the 100% deduction for cash contributions and “bunching” several years worth of donations into 2020 to establish an endowed fund.
Transportation is an integral part of our daily lives, providing access to jobs and healthcare, influencing climate change and air quality, and impacting our quality of life. Every day, leaders in the public and private sectors make decisions with meaningful repercussions for Denver’s transportation system. People deserve to know what’s happening and why. Read more
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