In April, I will pass the gavel to one of my fellow councilors, and with that tradition, my time as mayor will come to a close. I won’t be going far. I’ll continue serving on City Council, with my first four-year term running through April 2027. With this final column, I want to share a glimpse behind the scenes of some of the best and most surprising moments I’ve had.
I recently had the opportunity to represent Durango at the National League of Cities conference in Washington, D.C., where I met directly with our congressional representative, Jeff Hurd. It was a powerful reminder that face-to-face conversations are critical to getting things done, especially when federal decisions made thousands of miles away affect our small mountain community.
We often joke that Durango residents live in a bubble, but the truth is that state and federal debates shape our roads, housing, water and public safety. We need advocacy at the federal level, and we need it consistently – not just when there’s a crisis. The more we show up, the more Durango’s voice is heard.
Inside the council chambers, I tried to be realistic about the proposals before us by emphasizing the financial realities behind them. The city does not have unlimited resources. Every good idea comes with obligations: staffing, maintenance and long-term capital needs. I’m grateful to the departments that briefed us thoroughly, putting numbers and timelines before the public. It’s not glamorous, but it helps prevent surprises later. We have to align our ambitions with what taxpayers can support, investing where needs are greatest and where projects have the best chance for success.
Some of my most cherished memories as mayor are rooted in my interactions with local students, who are the next generation of civic leaders. At Park Elementary, I was deeply moved to be recognized in the Native American Hallways of Heritage as the city’s first Indigenous councilor. I’ll never forget the look of awe on the students’ faces. They reminded me that representation is about listening and being present.
I also spent hours at City Hall with Montessori students who earnestly presented their case for new playground equipment at Mason Center Park. Park Elementary students participated in their annual mock council session, and Mountain Middle School students spent a day learning about civic engagement. It was rewarding to watch their faces light up as they realized how civic engagement works. Their curiosity and persistence are exactly what I hope to nurture across Durango.
My biggest surprise as mayor came with the community’s response to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement protests last year. It was a difficult situation for everyone involved, but the intensity made me guarded during the special council meeting we held to hear concerns. In the moment, feelings ran high; afterward, I reflected on what it meant for us. When neighbors care enough to show up, whether with signs, speeches, or simply their presence, it’s our job to create space for dignity and dialogue. Often, our responsibility as elected officials is to simply listen.
If you’re thinking about seeking office or want to understand how City Hall works, here’s my advice: First, be involved. That means reading the agenda packet, asking staff members questions, walking project sites and attending the meetings you aren’t required to. That’s where the background behind council decisions lives.
Second, leave your personal agenda at home. We all bring values and experiences, but working as part of a five-member council means balancing personal viewpoints with data, legal constraints and the common good. We don’t always get our way, and that’s OK. The goal is to find solutions that serve the entire community.
Finally, I want everyone to know that I’ve genuinely enjoyed meeting residents across Durango, even those who didn’t always agree with me. Whether at a council meeting, on a trail, in a cafe or at the grocery store, those exchanges helped shape my thinking. They also reminded me that civility is a choice, and one we can make even when we disagree.
So, as I pass the gavel in April, know that I’m still here, focused on the work, willing to talk and grateful for the chance to serve. Government works, and it works best when you show up. I’ll see you at the next meeting.
Mayor Gilda Yazzie is a longtime Durango resident and Fort Lewis College graduate with a degree in business administration. Durango’s first Navajo (Diné) councilor and mayor, she has worked with HUD and other federal, state and tribal agencies, as well as on Capitol Hill on women’s rights and racial equality.