Policy Process

  1. Purpose/background
  2. Policy process steps
  3. Applicability to Strategic Goals

On May 18, 2021, City Council amended a process to define and take action on Policy Positions (PDF)

The City receives numerous requests for policy positions. These can come from other governmental entities, non-profit organizations, special interest groups, citizens, our own Boards and Commissions, or community groups – either directly or through Council members. They can also come from staff of the Colorado Municipal League, National League of Cities, State or Congressional representatives or other governmental entities. The process outlined on the flowchart below includes several decision points that lead to a particular type of Action. The Actions are divided into those that are related to Policy making, and those that are not. Policy-related Actions include ordinances, resolutions, and letters that convey the support (and unified voice) of Council, while Non Policy-Related Actions include Council direction to staff, proclamations, and letters signed by individual Council members.


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Policy-related Actions

ActionTaken byRequiresConveys
Ordinance


City Council


Council majorityOfficial Action of the City and Unified Voice
ResolutionCity CouncilCouncil majorityOfficial Action of the City and Unified Voice
Letter signed by mayor with Council support


City Council


Council majority


Official Action of the City and Voice of the Councilors who Supported the Letter.
Letter signed by city manager with Council support*City ManagerCouncil majorityOfficial Action of the City and Unified Voice
Administrative PolicyCity ManagerCity Manager approvalAdministrative policy direction
No Action

N/A

N/A

N/A


*If the letter is for support or opposition of legislation, staff will provide an opportunity for both sides of the issue to be presented.

Non Policy-related Actions

ActionTaken byRequiresConveys
Council Direction to StaffCouncilCouncil majorityDirection by Council
ProclamationMayorFollowing policySupport of mayor
Letter signed by individual Council member(s)Council member(s)Individual support of signatorySupport of individual Council member(s)
Letter signed by city manager or department directorsCity Manager or Department DirectorsCity Manager approvalSupport of City Staff
City Manager Direction to StaffCity Manager or Department DirectorsCity Manager approvalDirection from City Manager
No Action

N/A

N/A

N/A