Mountain View voters decisively turned down Question 2B, a proposal to replace the town’s strong‑mayor system with a council‑appointed manager, with only 37% in favor. Fewer than 300 of the town’s roughly 600 residents cast ballots, according to Denverite.
Mayor retains executive oversight
Mayor Emilie Mitcham said the result feels like voter approval and she will “retain my executive oversight,” while pledging continued collaboration with the town administrator.
Council reactions
Councilmember Ryan Debner expressed disappointment, noting he believed the change would be “a positive change for the town.” Councilmember Kathleen Bailey warned that underlying challenges remain, saying she is “concerned that nothing will change.” The town council had unanimously placed the measure on the ballot after a year of internal tension, including a failed attempt to oust the mayor and a recall of a council member.
What the measure would have done
Had it passed, a professional manager would have overseen day‑to‑day operations, supervised departments and prepared the annual budget for council approval, shifting authority away from the mayor.
Mountain View is one of only four Colorado municipalities—alongside Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo—to retain a strong‑mayor‑council government, a structure adopted in 1972.
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