Denver Municipal Government

Denver is a consolidated city-county with an elected mayor, thirteen-member city council, auditor, and clerk and recorder.  Denver city elections are on a non-partisan basis, meaning there are no official party nominees, though officials may belong to a political party.  All citywide elected officials have four-year terms, with a maximum of three terms.

Denver has a strong mayor form of government.  The mayor can approve or veto any ordinances or resolutions approved by the council, make sure all contracts with the city are kept and performed, sign all bonds and contracts, is responsible for the city budget, and can appoint people to various city departments, organizations, and commissions. 

The thirteen-member Denver City Council is responsible for passing and changing all laws, resolutions, and ordinances, usually after a public hearing.  Eleven members are elected from constituent districts and two from at-large districts.  Councilman Paul Kashmann represents District 6, which includes the University of Denver.  The Council can override the Mayor’s veto with a nine out of thirteen-member vote, and the city budget must be approved and can be changed by simple majority vote of the council.  They can also call for misconduct investigations of Denver’s departmental officials. 

The University of Denver’s tie to Denver’s municipal government is crucial to supporting DU in varying ways.  The University connects with Denver regarding permitting, community issues such as homelessness and sustainability, economic development, workforce development, mobility, and COVID-19. The University maintains additional interest in local issues including affordable housing, public safety, infrastructure, criminal justice, social justice, equity, and mental health. 

If you want to contact the Mayor of Denver, a member of the Mayor’s Administration, or a member of Denver’s City Council concerning a university matter, you must contact the Office of Government Relations and Community Affairs.  If you want to contact the Mayor of Denver, a member of the Mayor’s Administration, or a member of Denver’s City Council concerning a non-university matter, you do not have to contact the Office of Government Relations and Community Affairs.

Mayor’s Office

DU’s City Council Representative