Grand Junction has a new mayor. On May 6, the city council voted unanimously to elect Laurel Lutz, just one year into her council career. Behind the landmark vote lies a close fight for mayor pro tem, a heartfelt farewell from outgoing Mayor Cody Kennedy, and a bold new vision for a city that is ready to move forward.

A Unanimous Voice for New Leadership

The vote was not even close. Every single council member backed Lutz for the top job, and that kind of unity does not happen by accident in local government. Lutz joined the Grand Junction City Council in April 2025, representing District D. She had been serving as mayor pro tem before stepping into the mayor’s chair, giving her a working knowledge of the council’s ongoing priorities. Before entering politics, Lutz built a career rooted in community service. She moved to Grand Junction in 2021 to lead Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County as its Executive Director, a role focused on creating affordable homeownership opportunities for local residents. Prior to that, she managed Head Start Early Education Centers in Arizona and California and served as a department head for the Orange County Department of Education. She holds a Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood from National University. “I feel honored to have been selected by my fellow council members. I’m really excited and ready to keep moving forward with all the things that we’ve been working on as a council,” Lutz said. Her election follows a requirement under the Grand Junction Municipal Charter, which mandates the council elect a mayor and mayor pro tem from among its own members every single year. The city council is made up of seven community members, five from specific city districts and two elected at-large.

The Mayor Pro Tem Race Was Not Settled Easily

While Lutz sailed through to the mayor’s seat, the race for mayor pro tem was a whole different story. Two names entered the ring, and both went before the council to make their case directly. Councilmember Anna Stout put forward Jason Nguyen, a council veteran now in his fourth year. Nguyen pointed to his service on both economic and topic-specific boards and highlighted his track record of finding solutions even in moments of disagreement. Lutz herself nominated Ben Van Dyke, an at-large councilmember who had won his seat in the April 2025 elections as a small business owner with a platform built on restoring public trust. Van Dyke made his case on flexibility and personal judgment. Here is what both candidates said to their fellow council members:

After a full discussion, the council handed the role to Van Dyke in a 4 to 3 vote. Both Van Dyke and Lutz were sworn into their new positions shortly after.

Kennedy Steps Away With Pride and Purpose

Outgoing Mayor Cody Kennedy did not leave quietly. He left with words that carried the weight of a man who gave everything he had to his city. Kennedy’s path to the mayor’s chair was unlike most. He started as a city police officer, moved to city council, and eventually earned the top seat. That journey from cop to mayor shaped every decision he made in office. “Serving as a city cop, coming to city council, and eventually as to mayor, what a great experience. It has meant more than I could express. I love our city,” Kennedy said. Public safety was his defining mission. Kennedy said his biggest priority throughout his time on council was making sure Grand Junction could respond quickly and effectively during emergencies. He believes that foundation will leave a lasting impact on the community for years to come. Kennedy will remain on the council for three more years and has made it clear he is fully behind Lutz as she takes the reins.

Lutz’s Plan for Grand Junction Starts With Listening

Lutz is not wasting time. She already knows what her very first move as mayor will be. She plans to sit down one on one with every single council member to hear their individual priorities before setting the agenda. It is a quiet, deliberate approach that says a lot about how she intends to lead. Her broader vision rests on three clear pillars:

• Transparency in how city decisions are made and communicated
• Community engagement so residents feel heard and connected to local government
• Continuity by building on the work already done rather than starting from scratch

“I think we’re in such a great place as a city and as a council. My goal is to really make sure that we keep moving forward and that we’re connecting with the people in our community,” Lutz said. Her background makes those words feel more than political. Someone who spent years building affordable homes for working families and leading a nonprofit through real community challenges knows what it looks like when government shows up for people.

Town Hall on May 11: Your Turn to Be Heard

The community will not have to wait long to meet the new leadership face to face. A city town hall is set for May 11 at the Grand Junction High School Auditorium, located at 1400 N. 5th Street. The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and requires no registration to attend. Lutz, Mayor Pro Tem Van Dyke, and the rest of the council will all be present and available for direct questions. For residents who want to speak up, share concerns, or simply get to know the people leading their city, this town hall is the moment. Grand Junction is officially turning a new page. With Laurel Lutz bringing a background in nonprofit leadership, affordable housing advocacy, and community engagement into the mayor’s chair, and Ben Van Dyke stepping up as her second in command, the city has a leadership team that reflects both fresh energy and earned experience. Kennedy’s legacy of public safety work will not fade easily, and if Lutz’s record before politics tells us anything, Grand Junction residents have every reason to feel hopeful about what comes next. Share your thoughts below. What do you hope to see from Grand Junction’s new mayor and city council in the months ahead?