The City of Fort Collins is now accepting applications to fill the upcoming District 6 City Council vacancy, which will occur when Mayor Pro Tem Emily Francis is sworn in as Mayor on January 13, 2026. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on December 31, 2025, and late submissions will not be accepted—even if postmarked by the deadline.
The individual appointed will serve until a newly elected District 6 Councilmember takes office following the November 2027 municipal election. Anyone wishing to continue in the role must run in that election.
Interviews and Appointment Timeline
City Council plans to conduct in-person candidate interviews on January 14, 2026. Community members will be able to provide public comment both online prior to the interviews and at the January 14 special meeting. After interviews, the Council will vote the same day to select the appointee.
The selected candidate is expected to take the oath of office during the January 20, 2026 regular Council meeting.
Why the Vacancy Occurred
Francis, who currently represents District 6 and serves as Mayor Pro Tem, was elected Mayor in the November 2025 municipal election. Her swearing-in triggers an automatic vacancy under Article II, Section 18 of the City Charter, which requires Council to fill non-mayoral vacancies within 35 business days. For this vacancy, the deadline falls on March 5, 2026.
How to Apply
Applications must include:
- A completed District 6 Vacancy Application
- A Financial Disclosure Statement
- A notarized Applicant Affidavit
The City Clerk’s Office offers free notary services for applicants who appear in person with photo identification.
Applications may be submitted in one of three ways:
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail: City Clerk’s Office, P.O. Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522
- In person: City Clerk’s Office, 300 LaPorte Ave.
All materials must be received—not just postmarked—by 5 p.m. on December 31, 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a United States citizen
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a registered voter in Fort Collins for at least one year prior to appointment
- Reside within District 6
- Have no felony conviction involving embezzlement of public funds, bribery, perjury, solicitation of bribery, or subornation of perjury
Residents can confirm their district using the city’s online district maps.