I’m running for Durango City Council to help keep our community moving forward. Durango is facing many difficult and complex issues, and I believe my professional background and experience will positively contribute to city leadership discussions and decision-making.

I’m Navajo/Diné. I was raised in a large Indigenous family in Lukachukai, Arizona, and I learned traditional family values. I’m a longtime resident of Durango. I have a bachelor’s degree in business from Fort Lewis College. I’ve managed multiple housing development projects with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other federal, tribal and state agencies.

I’ve also lived in Washington, D.C., where I worked on Capitol Hill on women’s rights and racial equality issues. I took time off between my careers to care for my mother before she passed. That was a critical time for my family, and I’ll always cherish that time with my mom. I’ve volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and on Durango’s Historic Preservation Board, and La Plata County’s Undesirable Plants and Rodent Advisory Commission.

My father instilled in me my love of the outdoors. I enjoy skiing, fly fishing and hiking.

I am ready to get to work addressing the issues facing Durango: including affordable housing, homelessness, infrastructure and parking. I am passionate about preserving historic downtown Durango, while making safety improvements. Residents and business owners must be meaningfully involved in the decisions that affect our community. When that does not occur, it fosters a climate of distrust, and hinders progress toward a shared vision of how our community should address issues and how it should look in the future. The city must be an active partner in exploring solutions for the unhoused through open dialogue with the county and community organizations.

I love waking up and seeing the mountains. The beauty of Durango and our surrounding region is astounding. I love all the opportunities we have here for outdoor recreation. Our business, arts and college community make Durango a thriving and exciting place. We must ensure we grow in a way that maintains our town’s character and doesn’t outpace the ability of the city to provide services.

I’m also passionate about serving as a role model for our youth, and ensuring we protect our land, air and water for future generations.

Contact me at GildaYazzie4Durango.com. I look forward to earning your vote on Tuesday, April 4.