The Durango City Council will elect a new mayor on April 21, as the one-year term of current Mayor Gilda Yazzie concludes. The selection will take place during the council’s regular meeting at council chambers, located at 949 East Second Ave., starting at 5:30 p.m.
The annual election of the mayor is required by the city charter, which states that council members must choose one of their own to serve as mayor each year. The position is largely ceremonial, with the mayor presiding over meetings but holding no veto power or regular administrative duties. In addition to selecting a new mayor, councilors will also appoint a new mayor pro tem; Dave Woodruff currently holds this role.
During the meeting, several significant agenda items are scheduled for discussion and potential action. Councilors may vote on whether to enter an executive session for legal advice regarding a citizen-led initiative that seeks to prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing masks and would require visible identification and agency affiliation.
Other topics include ratifying a Stage 1 Water Shortage/Drought declaration made by the city manager in response to record-low snowpack, early runoff, warm temperatures, and minimal precipitation—factors contributing to critical water supply shortages under Durango’s Municipal Drought Management Plan adopted in 2020. The council will also consider amending its Land Use Development Code in line with Proposition 123 requirements for fast-track approval of affordable housing projects; jurisdictions adopting such processes before June 30 become eligible for state financial incentives.
Additional ordinances up for discussion involve increasing available parking spaces by restricting recreational vehicles and trailers from parking along public rights-of-way beyond certain time limits. The council may also discuss whether to move forward with a citizen-led initiative that has achieved sufficient petition signatures for certification; according to procedure, they must either adopt it without changes or submit it for a special election within thirty days.
Community members are encouraged to participate through Engage Durango or contact city officials directly with questions or suggestions.
