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Local government might not always make headlines, but it has a huge impact on our daily lives—from trash pickup and potholes to housing policies and city budgets. That’s why, in the latest episode of Five with Fry, I sat down with Denver City Councilwoman Shontel M. Lewis to talk about what we should expect from our local elected officials.
It’s more than just shaking hands at ribbon cuttings.
Shontel broke it down into five key things every council member should be doing, and why it matters for us as constituents.
1. Be accessible and responsive.
Your council rep should be easy to reach and ready to help. That means having staff who can follow up when your trash isn’t picked up or you’re confused about your property taxes. It also means keeping you in the loop through town halls, newsletters, and social media—creating real two-way communication, not just photo ops.
2. Do the legislative work.
City council members aren’t just public faces—they’re legislators. They should be writing policies, reviewing ordinances, and staying alert to what’s happening at the state and federal level. In places like Denver, where the city council also acts as the board of commissioners, they have a major say in development and zoning—big stuff that affects everything from gentrification to green space.
3. Provide oversight and checks on power.
Just like at the national level, city government has branches that need to balance each other. City council plays a key role in shaping the city’s budget and making sure it reflects the real priorities of the people, not just the mayor’s agenda. Council members should be willing to ask hard questions and hold things up if the budget doesn’t serve the whole community.
4. Build strong relationships.
Good council members don’t go it alone. They connect with other electeds, learn from what’s working in other cities, and stay in conversation with departments across the city to solve problems faster. And when the same issues keep showing up in their inbox? That’s a sign it’s time to push for a policy change, not just a quick fix.
5. Show up and do the work.
This one sounds basic, but it’s often overlooked. Council members should read the contracts, attend the meetings, and think through how decisions will impact everyone, not just the loudest voices. Shontel was clear: when elected officials skip the homework and rubber-stamp decisions, our communities suffer.
At the end of the day, this episode is a reminder that we can (and should) expect more from our local leaders. And when they’re not doing the job? We have the power to vote them out.
Local politics is personal. It’s also a space where we can make real change by staying engaged—reading agendas, attending meetings, and keeping the pressure on.
🎧 Want the full scoop from Councilwoman Shontel M. Lewis?
Listen to the full episode of Five with Fry to hear her unfiltered take on accountability, community, and what showing up for your people really looks like.
