Cortez is shaped by the people who step up, listen, and lead. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking about how our city grows, how decisions get made, and how we can build on what makes Cortez special, this is your moment.
Update 1/20/26 - There are now five seats available with the resignation of Mayor Rachel Medina.
Candidate nomination packets for the City of Cortez City Council are available now at Cortez City Hall (123 Roger Smith Avenue, Cortez, Colorado). Completed packets are due by Monday, January 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Becoming a candidate is straightforward: you only need 25 valid signatures to be nominated. That’s 25 neighbors, colleagues, or community members who believe in your willingness to serve.
Cortez City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m., with a work session beforehand at 6:00 p.m. These meetings are where ideas are discussed, options are weighed, and decisions are made that impact the everyday life of people who call Cortez home.
If you’re considering running — even if you’re just curious about what’s involved — we strongly encourage you to reach out. Call or stop by City Hall and speak with the Cortez City Clerk, Danielle Wells, to learn more about the process and what to expect:
Email: dwells@cortezco.gov
Phone: 970-565-3402
Your voice matters here. If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I could help,” this is a powerful way to begin.