I’m not a politician and I’ve never run for office before. But I am a mom of two young girls and bring twenty years of public service and policy experience to the job. Running for city council is my way of modeling to my girls what leadership should be -- to build hope for our future and make the world a better place.
I believe that Denver can be a shining example of effective local government that cares for people and planet – where our parks are beautiful and fun, our traffic patterns make sense, and it is affordable to live, to raise a family, and to run a business. I believe in a city where our kids can thrive in great schools with great culture and safety and transportation, and where they can come back and have great jobs and afford to own a home when they are adults. And I believe in a city with clean air, safe streets and accessible public services, where neighbors support one another.
I’m running for Denver City Council because hope is an action word – it is not passive or wishful thinking. Instead, real hope for a brighter future means rolling up our sleeves and taking action, engaging, and working through obstacles. As councilmember for District 6, I am committed to showing up for our community and leading with compassion, care, and creativity.
Together, we can build a thriving Denver.
About Jill
An enthusiastic and innovative leader, I am driven by a mission to make the world a better place and help people thrive. Whether volunteering for local schools or organizing across the region to promote sustainable management of our public lands and waters, I love building partnerships that help inspire creative solutions and drive change.
A working mom of two, I came to Denver 25 years ago for our unique quality of life – a regional economic hub with access to some of the best outdoor recreation in the nation. Raised in a Detroit family who worked in manufacturing for generations, I developed two core principles: that everyone should have the opportunity to be heard, and to leave a place better than you found it. This inspired my career working with nonprofits and governments to engage communities and translate big ideas into practical solutions.
For ten years, I ran a $20 million philanthropic program that promotes sustainable management of the Colorado River and the forests, rivers and communities of the southwest. I also spent many years in public service as staff for U.S. Senator Mark Udall and in non-profit organizations, leading on issues that matter to our quality of life in Denver and across the state like public lands, climate, wildfire and water. My volunteer work includes serving on a budget committee for Denver Public Schools, on the Colorado Conservation Easement Oversight Commission, and chairing the Colorado Recreational Trails Committee where we secured over $50 million for outdoor recreation projects across the state.
My husband and I have made Cory-Merrill our home since 2013, where we are raising two daughters. My commitment to public service is driven by a desire to model collaborative leadership and build a better future for them and for our community.