After eight unforgettable years on Durango City Council, I step away at the end of a chapter shaped by defining moments, unprecedented challenges and meaningful progress for our community. I leave with deep gratitude, immense pride and heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to serve – and for the trust you placed in me throughout this journey.
When I took office, I couldn’t have imagined the challenges ahead. The 2019 embezzlement scandal was an early, painful test of leadership that shook trust and required reform. From that low point, we rebuilt. Today, Durango is recognized for financial best practices – a true turnaround.
Leadership changes soon followed. I had the privilege of helping to hire all three council appointees – city manager, city attorney and municipal judge. Together, they brought stability and laid the foundation for a more resilient, forward-thinking Durango.
We faced a pandemic that upended daily life, challenged small businesses and threatened public health. Council acted quickly – shifting to virtual meetings and approving emergency measures. We kept Durango moving forward through deeply uncertain times.
We faced rising legal challenges, growing polarization and a collision of issues – housing affordability, growth pressures and aging infrastructure – that tested every part of city government. Despite the weight of these challenges, we moved forward.
We restructured boards and commissions, made difficult decisions around homelessness, including the closure of Purple Cliffs, and passed ordinances to stay focused on local priorities amid pressure to engage in global debates. Even during recent times of tension with La Plata County and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, we always remained committed to collaboration and productive dialogue.
Even during the hard moments, I never stopped believing in this community or in the work we were doing.
Together, we:
- Rebuilt trust and financial systems after the embezzlement crisis.
- Passed the 2019 Streets & Alleys Tax to improve roads, sidewalks, ADA access and key corridors like County Road 250/251.
- Added new amenities to parks and recreation, including Durango Mesa Park, Lake Nighthorse, Oxbow Preserve and Schneider Park pickle ball courts.
- Supported housing projects like the Residences at Durango – Colorado’s first hotel-to-housing tax credit conversion.
- Boosted the arts through the lodgers tax, growing per capita support from $3 to $37.
- Invested in sustainability: the Santa Rita Water Reclamation Facility, Electric Vehicle infrastructure and multimodal transportation.
Through it all, I’ve learned leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about showing up, listening and staying grounded in service. In city government, leadership is shared, and I’ve been honored to serve alongside dedicated colleagues.
My early mentors – Dick White, Sweetie Marbury and Dean Brookie – set the tone for thoughtful leadership. Kim Baxter and Barbara Noseworthy brought wisdom and care during our financial crisis. Chris Bettin – my co-heart – challenged me, taught me and became a true friend. His loss is still difficult to grasp.
To Jessika, Olivier, Gilda and Dave: It’s been an honor to serve with you. Your time on council brought lasting progress in parks and recreation, the arts, housing, streets and the airport. The arts flourished under your leadership, and your work on 2A will be a defining legacy.
To our city staff: Your resilience and dedication inspired me. I’m grateful for your excellence – even on the hardest days.
To our appointees – Jose, Mark and Matt: I truly valued the opportunity to work with you. Your calm, capable leadership and deep expertise strengthen our city every day, and I’m grateful for your ongoing contributions to Durango.
To my family – Jim, Nathan, Natalie, Amina and my mom, Rose Marie: Thank you for your love and support through all the ups and downs. To my dear friends: Thank you for being my sounding board and biggest cheerleaders.
To the community: Thank you for the strong passage of 2A. Your support opens doors for a brighter future. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
To our new councilors – Kip, Shirley, and Jessika: Congratulations. And to Chris and Olivier, thank you for stepping up. Durango is in good hands.
Though my time on council ends, my love for Durango remains. I will always be grateful for the chance to serve this community – to listen, lead and grow alongside so many passionate, talented and generous people. Thank you for your trust, your support and your commitment to making Durango a place we’re all proud to call home.
Melissa Youssef served twice as mayor on Durango City Council from 2019-2025. She completed her second and final term on April 1.
