Benita Duran is running for Boulder City Council on a platform of strengthening the local economy, improving affordability, preparing for wildfires and addressing public safety and homelessness.
Duran served as Boulder’s assistant city manager for nine years, from 1993 to 2002, before moving into government and engineering consulting. Beginning in 2009, she spent six years overseeing government affairs and public outreach for Denver Public Schools’ bond program.
In 2015, Duran founded her own consulting firm. She served as senior director of equity and civic engagement at the National Civic League, a nonprofit focused on good governance and civic participation, from 2022 to 2024 before returning to consulting.
Duran has served on numerous boards, including those of All Roads, Community Foundation Boulder County, the Family Learning Center, Intercambio and Watershed School. She has also served as a Boulder Community Health trustee and on the Colorado Economic Development Commission. She currently sits on the Boulder Public Library District Board of Trustees.
In 2015, while serving on the Boulder Community Health board, Duran advocated for the city’s purchase of the former hospital property at Alpine-Balsam. The site is planned for affordable and market-rate housing and a new city campus but has faced criticism over rising costs.
Duran said she is now disappointed with how the project has unfolded. “I wish it could have happened more quickly and more efficiently, and served our community better,” she said.
Duran previously ran for council in 2019. That year, she was endorsed by groups spanning Boulder’s political factions, including the Boulder Progressives, Open Boulder and Better Boulder, according to Boulder Beat. Duran describes herself as “a bridge between progressives and the business community,” with a particular focus on Latino-owned businesses. She did not receive the Boulder Progressives’ endorsement this year.
Duran opposes the proposed $400 million Recreation and Safety Bond, calling it a “significant cost that doesn’t have enough information and detail attached.”
Duran moved from Denver to Boulder in 1993 to work in the city manager’s office. Her son was born while she was assistant city manager, and his arrival was announced during a city council meeting in 1999. She lives in Newlands.
Occupation: Consultant
Neighborhood: Newlands
Rent or own?: Own
Age: 65