Grand Junction has a new face leading City Hall. On May 6, the city council unanimously picked Laurel Lutz as mayor, while Ben Van Dyke captured the mayor pro tem seat in a tight 4 to 3 vote. Both leaders were sworn in moments later, kicking off a fresh chapter for Colorado’s western slope hub. The community will meet them in person on May 11.

Council Hands Lutz the Gavel in a Unanimous Decision

The decision came during the council’s annual leadership selection, a process required every year under the Grand Junction Municipal Charter.

Lutz, who has served on the council since April 2025 and most recently held the mayor pro tem role, sailed through the vote without a single objection from her colleagues.

“I feel honored to have been selected by my fellow council members,” Lutz said. “I’m really excited and ready to keep moving forward with all the things that we’ve been working on as a council.”

Her promotion signals a steady hand rather than a sharp turn. Lutz, who also goes by Laurel Lutz Cole, brings governmental experience at the local, state, and federal level, along with a track record in nonprofit leadership through her past work with Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County.

Tight 4-3 Vote Crowns Van Dyke as Mayor Pro Tem

The race for the second seat at the dais turned into the night’s real contest.

Council member Anna Stout nominated Jason Nguyen, pointing to his fourth year on the council and his record of working across disagreements. Lutz countered with a nomination for Ben Van Dyke. Both men made short pitches before the vote.

Here is how the two contenders framed their case:

• Jason Nguyen: “Even when we’re disagreeing on things, I think I have always kind of brought a respectful demeanor and tried to find solutions and work with everybody.”
• Ben Van Dyke: “Being self employed and being my own boss, I do have the flexibility to truly fulfill the time commitment. I believe I’ve handled myself very respectfully, and I think I’ve offered solutions in the times that we’ve had disagreement.”

When the votes were counted, Van Dyke had four. Nguyen had three. The narrow margin underlined how seriously the council weighed each candidate’s pitch.

Outgoing Mayor Cody Kennedy Reflects With Heart

For Cody Kennedy, the gavel handover marked the close of a deeply personal chapter.

The former city cop turned council member had served as mayor for the previous term. He stepped aside with visible emotion, but he is not leaving the room. Kennedy will stay on the council for three more years and pledged to back the new mayor.

“Serving as a city cop, coming to city council, and eventually as mayor, what a great experience,” Kennedy said. “It has meant more than I could express. I love our city. I’m very, very thankful to be here and to have this opportunity.”

“Really focusing on that ability to make sure that we are able to respond as a city for public safety has been the absolute most important thing that I’ve done, and I think it’s making a lasting impact within our community.”

Public safety, he said, was the legacy he is most proud of. That focus is expected to continue under Lutz, who has signaled support for the work already in motion.

What Lutz Plans to Do First

Lutz wasted no time laying out her game plan. Her first move is simple but telling.

She will hold one on one meetings with every council member to hear what each of them wants to push forward. The approach reflects her stated focus on transparency and community engagement.

“My intentions are to continue to move forward with transparency and community engagement,” Lutz said. “I think we’re in such a great place as a city and as a council. And so my goal is to really make sure that we keep moving forward and that we’re connecting with the people in our community.”

Here is a quick look at the leadership shift:

Town Hall on May 11 Opens the Floor to Residents

The new leadership will not stay behind closed doors for long.

A town hall is set for Sunday, May 11, giving residents their first public chance to meet Lutz, Van Dyke, and the rest of the council in their new roles. Officials are expected to take questions, listen to concerns, and share priorities for the year ahead.

For a city that prides itself on neighborly conversation, the timing feels right. Residents who want a voice in shaping the next year of policy can show up, speak up, and meet the people calling the shots.

Grand Junction now sits at a familiar crossroads with new names in old chairs. Laurel Lutz steps up with a quiet confidence and a promise to keep listening, while Ben Van Dyke takes on the number two role after a contest that proved nothing here is handed out lightly. Cody Kennedy walks away from the head seat with pride in his voice and a promise to keep serving. For the families, business owners, and longtime locals who call this city home, the message is warm and clear: your council is changing, but your voice still matters. What do you think about the new leadership in Grand Junction? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let your neighbors know what you want to see next.