With ongoing federal attacks on climate action, civil rights and public health, local leadership is more important than ever. While federal leaders roll back protections for our environment and communities, Coloradans have the power to stand up to these attacks, starting in our cities and towns.

Local governments make decisions that affect both our daily lives and our climate future, from how our neighborhoods grow to whether we have access to affordable drinking water and reliable public transportation. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, and in addition to everyone voting on statewide ballot measures, many Coloradans will have the opportunity to vote for new local leaders, like mayors and city council members.

So why is it so important to vote in local elections? Here are a few examples of how local governments can make a difference for our climate and communities

Cleaner air and less traffic

Transportation is the number one source of greenhouse gas emissions in Colorado, and it’s getting worse every year. Local governments can take action to clean up our air and make it easier to get around our cities and towns. For example, city councils and mayors can choose to:

• Prioritize sustainable growth by encouraging walkable, transit-friendly neighborhoods
• Add sidewalks and bike lanes so families can walk or bike safely, reducing traffic and climate pollution at the same time

Protecting our water supply

Colorado is in the midst of its worst drought in more than 1,200 years, and climate change is making it worse. At the same time, pollution threatens our rivers, lakes and drinking water. Local governments have a role in making sure we don’t waste limited resources and in keeping water affordable. They can:

• Offer incentives for waterwise lawn care, drought-tolerant landscaping and responsible new development
• Prioritize conservation to reduce the need for costly new water supplies, reservoirs, dams and other infrastructure

Keeping families safe from harmful pollution

For too long, corporate polluters have contaminated Colorado’s air and water, putting Colorado families at risk. Local leaders, like city councils and mayors, can step in to protect neighborhoods by:

• Using zoning rules to keep major sources of pollution like oil and gas drilling away from homes, schools and parks
• Ensuring industries like construction, manufacturing, agriculture and transportation follow environmental laws and codes to reduce dangerous emissions and air pollution

Your voice really does count

Local elections are often decided by just a handful of votes. That means your voice and your vote could be the deciding factor in electing a leader who will stand up to polluters and protect the health of your community.

The most important thing you can do is vote in your city’s local elections. In the meantime, you can also sign the Colorado Environmental Voter Pledge and get involved with our work to protect Colorado’s environment and communities.