Frequently Asked Questions

The Metro Mayors Caucus (MMC) is a collaborative organization comprised of 38 mayors from the seven-county Denver metropolitan area who join together to address issues of regional significance. It was established in 1993 following the initiative of then-Mayors Margaret Carpenter (Thornton), Don Parsons (Northglenn), Susan Thornton (Littleton), Linda Morton (Lakewood), and Wellington Webb (Denver), who saw the need for a non-competitive environment where regional elected officials could build relationships and discuss common concerns. MMC is distinctive in that it offers a platform for discussing issues that are critical to its members, both on a city level and across the broader region. In this setting, the issues and positions of both small and large jurisdictions are given equal consideration.

In 1995 and 1996, the Metro Mayors Caucus (MMC) received operational grants from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), which supported its efforts to build local capacity for addressing public issues and promoting greater cooperation among local governments. Since then, MMC has relied on voluntary dues contributions from its members to fund its operations. The suggested member contributions are calculated using an annual per capita formula, which is currently set at 10 cents plus $500. This funding structure enables the Caucus to pursue its mission of fostering regional collaboration and addressing issues that impact its member cities and the broader region.

In 1994, John Parr and Peter Kenney, who were associated with the National Civic League at the time, reached out to the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) and the Colorado Municipal League (CML) to explore the possibility of these organizations providing strategic advice and staffing support for the Metro Mayors Caucus. However, neither organization was willing to take on the staffing responsibilities for the Metro Mayors Caucus (MMC). Over the years, the idea of affiliating with these organizations has been revisited; however the consensus has been to keep the Caucus as a separate entity due to its unique focus on Denver's metropolitan region, which often has different priorities from the broader statewide positions of CML.

DRCOG has a strong partnership with MMC, and many members overlap. However, because DRCOG deals with competitive funding decisions and involves a wide range of elected officials on its board, it is not positioned to function as a consensus-based body like MMC.

Under the leadership of Heidi Williams, Civic Results continues to support the MMC by providing essential programming, policy, and administrative services. This support encompasses financial management, along with identifying and analyzing legislation or policy developments that might impact the MMC's policy priorities and overall mission.

Civic Results works closely with the MMC to ensure its operational needs are met, assisting with tasks like event planning, resource management, and communication among member cities. Additionally, the organization monitors legislative and regulatory changes to help the MMC stay informed about issues that could influence its work. This comprehensive support allows the MMC to focus on fostering collaboration among mayors and addressing critical issues facing the Denver metropolitan region.

The Metro Mayors Caucus (MMC) is dedicated to addressing issues of shared interest among its members, drawing on a collaborative approach to tackle regional challenges. To understand what matters most to its members, the MMC conducts annual surveys to gather insights into their concerns and priorities. Over the years, the Caucus has worked on a diverse range of issues that impact the Denver metropolitan region, reflecting the broad spectrum of interests within its membership.

Among the key issues the Caucus has focused on are:

• Transportation: Addressing infrastructure needs, traffic congestion, and the expansion of public transit options.
• Health and Wellness: Promoting initiatives that support public health and well-being.
• Energy Efficiency: Encouraging practices that reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability.
• Water Conservation: Addressing water management and promoting efficient water use.
• Multi-Modal Transportation: Supporting the integration of various transportation modes to create a more cohesive transit system.
• Youth Violence: Developing strategies to reduce violence among young people and create safer communities.
• Air Quality: Working to improve air quality through policies and programs aimed at reducing pollution.
• Telecommunications: Addressing the evolving needs for digital infrastructure and connectivity.

The annual surveys play a critical role in shaping the Caucus's agenda, ensuring it stays aligned with the most pressing issues facing its members and the wider region. By fostering collaboration and open dialogue, the MMC aims to create positive change on a regional level.

You can learn more about the MMC by reading the Metro Mayors Caucus primer.

The Executive Committee serves as the main agenda-setting body for the Metro Mayors Caucus (MMC), responsible for guiding the organization's direction and ensuring it addresses the most relevant issues for its members. The MMC is governed and represented by a Chair and two Co-Vice Chairs, who are selected by the members during the annual retreat.

The typical progression to the role of Chair involves serving as a Co-Vice Chair in the preceding year. This structure ensures continuity in leadership and allows for the smooth transition of responsibilities. Additionally, the Immediate Past Chair remains part of the Executive Committee as an officer, provided they still hold public office. This retention of past leadership helps maintain institutional knowledge and offers experienced guidance to the current leadership team. The current Chair and 1st Vice Chair also serve as ex-officio members of the Civic Results board of directors. 

The Chair, Co-Vice Chairs, and Immediate Past Chair work together within the Executive Committee to set the Caucus's agenda, plan its initiatives, and represent the interests of its members. By collaborating in this way, they ensure the Caucus remains focused on addressing the key issues that matter to its members and the broader community.