The Boulder City Council has chosen Lauren Folkerts, first elected in 2021, to serve as the city’s next mayor pro tem. The one-year role includes presiding over council meetings in the mayor’s absence, representing the city at events and other duties.
Both Folkerts and Councilmember Tara Winer were nominated for the position — Folkerts by the current mayor pro tem, Councilmember Nicole Speer, and Winer by Councilmember Mark Wallach. Both nominators and nominees gave statements, but Winer withdrew before the vote, saying, “I don’t have the votes; let’s just be honest.” Councilmember Schuchard disagreed, calling the decision a “coin toss.”
“I’m interested in this opportunity to serve as mayor pro tem because I believe in making our work together as productive, transparent and positive as it can be,” Folkerts said during the meeting. “I see this role as not just about keeping us on track, but about creating a kind of space where every voice is heard and where every discussion moves us closer to real solutions for the people we serve.”
The selection process for mayor pro tem is typically an awkward one, with councilmembers publicly choosing from among their peers. Traditionally, councilmembers have said the role goes to the member with the most seniority who has not yet served in the position.
In the future, Speer is advocating for a non-politicized process for selecting the next mayor pro tem, particularly when two councilmembers have the same level of seniority. She suggested using a random-selection process.
Mayor Aaron Brockett offered a “deep and heartfelt thank you” to Councilmember Speer for her work as mayor pro tem as she steps out of the role.
“Over the last year, it’s been an honor and a pleasure to serve alongside you at all those 9 a.m. meetings on Monday mornings, and you’ve done a phenomenal job running meetings when the opportunity has arisen,” he said.