Resources - 2025 Newly Elected Officials Workshop
Supporting you as you begin your service to your community
Congratulations on your election and thank you for stepping up to serve your community. Taking on the role of a municipal elected official is both an honor and a significant responsibility, and the Colorado Municipal League is proud to support you as you begin this important work.
The Newly Elected Officials Workshop was designed to help new leaders navigate the transition from candidate to governing body member with confidence, clarity, and purpose. We hope the workshop provided valuable insights, practical tools, and the connections needed to begin your term on a strong foundation.
Workshop Materials & Resources
As you start your term in office, we invite you to revisit and use the materials from the workshop to support your work. These resources will help reinforce key concepts and guide you through the fundamental areas of municipal governance. A private link to a recording of the workshop was sent directly to attendee's email; please reach out to Denise White, dwhite@cml.org, or Karen Rosen, krosen@cml.org if you would like us to resend this you throughout your term.
All materials from the 2025 workshop sessions are available for you to download below.
| SESSION | SPEAKER | MATERIALS |
| Welcome to Local Government | Seth Hoffman, CML Executive Board President and City of Lone Tree City Manager | Contact: seth.hoffman@cityoflonetree.com Other Links: |
What is the Purpose of Local Government & Your New Role | Kevin Bommer, CML Executive Director | Presentation Slides Contact: kbommer@cml.org Other Links: |
| Default Empathy: Embarking on Public Service with Self-Awareness and Humility | Anna Stout, CML Executive Board Member and City of Grand Junction Council Member | Presentation Slides Other Links: |
| Open Meetings and How to Run a Meeting | Robert Sheesley, CML General Counsel | Presentation Slides Contact: rsheesley@cml.org Other Links: |
| Ask an Expert | Carol Saade, CML Executive Board Secretary/Treasurer and Town of Breckenridge Councilmember
Karen Rosen, Discussion Moderator and CML Meeting and Events Planner | Contact: carol@townofbreckenridge.com
Contact: tcoleman@ci.alamosa.co.us
Contact: krosen@cml.org |
| Ethics and Liability | Sam Light, CIRSA General Counsel | Presentation Slides: Contact: saml@cirsa.org Other Links: |
| How Clerks Can Be a Resource | Karen Goldman, | Presentation Slides Contact: Other Links: |
| CML's Advocacy Toolbox | Bev Stables, | Presentation Slides Contact Other Links: |
| CML | Denise White | Presentation Slides Contact Other Links |
| Workshop Action Plan | Denise White | Action Plan Handout Contact Other Links |
Moving Forward With Confidence
Stepping into public service requires ongoing learning, dedication, and a commitment to your community’s well-being. We commend you for taking the initiative to prepare for your role and encourage you to stay connected with CML for continued training, support, and networking opportunities.
Your leadership helps build strong, vibrant communities across Colorado—and we are honored to be part of your journey.
Stay Connected With Your Colleagues
Your learning and support network doesn’t end when the workshop concludes. One of the most valuable resources you now have is each other — elected officials who are beginning this journey at the same time, across communities large and small, urban and rural.
To help you stay connected, we invite you to am informal "cohort" of 2025 Newly Elected Officials Workshop participants. We hope this peer connection helps you feel supported in your role and reminds you that you are not doing this work alone. By opting-in, we will evaluate interest and then provide you with:
- Occasional check-in emails with helpful updates and reminders
- Invitations to optional virtual meet-ups and peer discussions to share questions, challenges, and successes with fellow newly elected officials
Interested in staying connected?
Please take a moment to complete this short form to opt in.