The Colorado Municipal League (CML) recently recognized Mancos Mayor Ellen “Queenie” Barz for attaining “Leadership Level” through its MUNIversity at its annual conference.
Mayor Barz has participated in multiple workshops and webinars offered through CML for the last four years to attain this achievement. The workshops have covered topics ranging from housing, infrastructure, and economic development. Barz has attended the annual week-long CML conference every year since she was elected mayor in 2016 – except the 2020 conference which was moved online due to COVID-19 safety precautions.
“The CML workshops and conferences have been helpful during my time as mayor. Attending these events has given me an opportunity to network with others in the state who are also confronting similar challenges,” said Barz.
In 1991, CML created a training program for elected officials, now called “MUNIversity,” to help increase knowledge and enhance capacity to lead. In order to earn credits for the program, elected officials must attend training sessions offered by CML through workshops and webinars at their annual conference. To attain the Leadership Level, members must earn 60 credits.
Queenie Barz was sworn in for her second four-year term as mayor in April of this year. Prior to becoming mayor, Barz served on the town board for eight years. Barz also serves as a board member of Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado and is an ex-officio board member of the Town of Mancos Planning and Zoning. Additionally, she serves as the secretary/ treasurer of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5231 Auxiliary and is the 2020-21 patriotic instructor and Americanism chairman for the State of Colorado VFW Auxiliary.
Growing up in Mancos, Barz has deep roots in the community. She is a third-generation graduate of Mancos High School. She attended Fort Lewis College and later earned a degree in business through General Motors. Barz was inspired to give back to the community by her father who served on the town board and as the Mancos fire chief, by her great uncle who started the Mancos Times, and by her mother who was the editor for 20 years. Both parents belonged to the Lions Club where her father achieved the club’s highest honor. He was also instrumental in bringing the 9 Health Fair to Mancos.
The Colorado Municipal League is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization formed in 1923 to provide services and resources for municipal officials in Colorado.
