Heather Graham, Mayor of Pueblo, CO, Ushers in New Era of Leadership

City of Pueblo

As a proud native Puebloan and small business owner, Mayor Heather Graham leads the City of Pueblo with passion and an entrepreneurial mindset. And it’s this profound level of care and expertise that has helped bring about significant change within the first few months of her inaugural term, positively impacting the community for years to come. 

In this interview with Mayor Graham, learn what motivated her to pursue roles in city leadership, how her experience as owner of several successful local eateries has uniquely served her as mayor and what she’s working on to further grow and improve the city. Graham also shares her favorite ways to spend her free time in the city she calls home, along with her husband and French bulldog. 

What prompted your interest in city leadership roles? 

The previous administration for the City of Pueblo prompted my response due to the COVID-19 restrictions. As a small business owner, I looked for a way to get involved with local government to make some changes. 

I ran for City Council in 2021 and was named president by my peers for two years. It was after my first year on City Council that I decided to run for mayor, so I could take on a different leadership role for Pueblo. I spoke with many residents at my restaurants and while on council and wanted another way to be able to help make a change in my community. 

How has your experience as a small business owner been helpful in your role as mayor? 

Running the city is very similar to running a small business. When it comes to the budgetary process, meeting quotas, customer satisfaction — or in this case, citizen satisfaction — the parallels of my experience as a business owner have given me a great foundation as mayor. 

In my role at the restaurant, I was not only the owner, but I also was the cook, accountant, manager and helped with other duties when needed. This is a lot like the City of Pueblo where, although I’m the mayor and my role is administrative, I’ve learned ways to support my department directors, management and our general service employees in their roles. It’s also important to let the individuals who are the experts do their job, just like in any other business. 

City of Pueblo

If you could describe the city in one word, what would it be and why? 

I would say “underutilized.” I chose this word because Pueblo is a hidden gem in Colorado with untapped potential, incredible resources like water, and amazing people who are ready and willing to help us make Pueblo better. 

What are a couple of your favorite ways to spend your free time in Pueblo? 

I love to spend time with my husband and French bulldog Lucy at the Pueblo Riverwalk, eating at our local restaurants and attending community events. Even before becoming mayor of Pueblo, I also prioritized cleaning up the community and still find time to volunteer with trash cleanup. 

What are a few of your top priorities for the Pueblo community? 

My top priorities are hiring more police officers to address public safety, beautification and revitalization, and economic development. A few of the focus areas have been accomplished quickly through a mayoral order with civil service, which has allowed us to reduce the vacancy level of our police officers from 60 to only 38 in the first eight months in office. Additionally, we have invested in the Riverwalk expansion and made a focus on cleaning up trash to beautify the city. I also am working to bring new business and make it easier to bring new prospects to Pueblo.