Running for Office

Are you thinking of running for office and want to know more? Read on to learn more about what is required to serve on the City Council or in the office of the Mayor.

The Greenwood Village City Council comprises eight elected members, two from each of the four Council districts. The citizens elect the Mayor at large and represents the City as a whole.

Greenwood Village City Councilmembers are elected every odd year to serve a two-year term. The Mayor is elected every other odd year to serve a four-year term. All municipal elections and offices are nonpartisan. 

Requirements

Candidate Information booklets have been prepared for the 2023 candidates and committees as a general guide.  The booklet may be downloaded or picked up in person in the City Clerk's office. The booklet summarizes the basic requirements associated with the candidacy for City Council or Mayor, with specific time frames for November 7, 2023, election and other pertinent information about the election process.

It is your responsibility to be aware of the requirements contained in the Colorado Revised Statutes, (www.colorado.gov) and provisions of the City of Greenwood Village Charter and City of Greenwood Village Code (www.greenwoodvillage.com) regarding elections.  The City Clerk’s office cannot provide legal advice, does not manage campaigns, or directly aid candidates seeking election.

To run for City Council or Mayor, a candidate must meet the following qualifications:

• Be a United States citizen;
• Be 18 years of age by Election Day; and
• Have lived in Greenwood Village and in the specific District for which they are running for office (if running for City Council) for one year immediately preceding the election.

City Council candidates must submit a signed and notarized Candidate Affidavit and a nomination petition form signed by at least twenty (20) registered electors from the district in which they are running. Nomination petitions must be submitted to the City Clerk's Office no later than 5 p.m. on August 28, 2023.

Mayoral candidates must submit a signed and notarized Candidate Affidavit and a nomination petition form signed by at least fifty (50) registered electors from any District in the City.

Nomination petitions will be made available in the City Clerk's office beginning July 10, 2023.

Write-in candidates may be included on the ballot if a Candidate Affidavit has been filed with the City Clerk by 5 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2023. Any write-in candidate must still fulfill the qualifications of the office they seek. 

Time Commitment

City Council meets on the first and third Monday of each month. The first Monday meeting is dedicated to a one-hour study session starting at 6 pm followed by a regular meeting beginning at 7 pm. The third Monday meeting is typically set aside for additional an study session starting at 6 pm unless there is a need to conduct regular business in which case a regular meeting will be held at 7 pm. Official holidays may alter the meeting schedule.  Special meetings may be called as needed. 

City Council may also occasionally attend full-day workshops to address comprehensive subjects such as goal setting and budgeting.

The Mayor will assign members of Council to act as liaisons to various special districts and other governmental and quasi-governmental authorities that provide important public services to the City's residents. Time commitments will vary based on the needs of each organization. The Mayor serves as the City's assigned representative for regional organizations including the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), Denver South Economic Development Partnership, and the Metro Mayor's Caucus groups.

Additionally, the Mayor and Councilmembers are often invited to be present at ribbon cuttings, local ceremonies and community events, and important City traditions like the annual Mayor's Holiday Lighting and Greenwood Village Day.

You can read more about the Mayor and Councilmembers responsibilities in the Greenwood Village Home Rule Charter and Municipal Code.

Training and Education

Newly elected officials are encouraged to attend training sessions with City staff and the City Attorney's office to become familiar with a variety of important subjects. Numerous resources are available that provide the skills and education necessary for good governance through various learning opportunities via traditional in-person workshops, lunchtime seminars, online webinars, and conferences throughout the year.

Compensation and Benefits

Councilmembers will receive monthly compensation of $1,500.  The Mayor will receive $3,000 per month and is eligible to participate in some of the City's benefit programs.

Authorized expenditures incurred in the performance of City business will be reimbursed, for things such as mileage and relevant office supplies, for example.

Campaign Reporting

All candidates, candidate committees, political committees, issue committees, small donor committees, and political party committees are required to file certain forms, whether or not contributions have been collected or expenditures made during an election. The purpose of this requirement is to allow interested citizens to know who is financing activities to support or oppose the election of candidates or ballot issues. Find out more about Campaign Reporting Requirements.

Question or Want to Know More?

Email the City Clerk's Office for more information on how to run for office in Greenwood Village or call the Election Line at 303-804-4113.