Montrose City Council has selected Michael J. Badagliacco as mayor and Ed Ulibarri as mayor pro tem for the 2026–2027 term. The appointments follow the April election and mark a transition in city leadership, alongside recognition of outgoing officials.
Montrose residents will see new leadership at the helm of City Council following appointments made during the April 21 regular meeting. Councilor Michael J. Badagliacco has been selected as mayor for the 2026–2027 term, with Councilor Ed Ulibarri chosen to serve as mayor pro tem.
The appointments were made by a majority vote of the council, following the city’s established process under its home rule charter.
New Leadership Follows April Election and Swearing-In
The leadership transition comes shortly after the April 7 municipal election, where several council seats were decided. Michael J. Badagliacco was elected to represent District I for a four-year term, while Adam Woodden secured the At-Large seat for a two-year term. Ed Ulibarri was also re-elected to represent District II for another four-year term.
Badagliacco and Woodden were officially sworn into office at the April 21 meeting prior to the leadership selections.
How Montrose Selects Its Mayor
Unlike some municipalities where the mayor is directly elected by voters, Montrose follows a council-appointed system. As a home rule municipality under the Colorado Constitution, the City Council selects both the mayor and mayor pro tem each year from among its members.
The mayor serves as the presiding officer during council meetings and often represents the city in official capacities, while the mayor pro tem steps in when the mayor is unavailable.
Outgoing Mayor Recognized for Infrastructure Focus
During the meeting, Badagliacco acknowledged outgoing mayor Dave Frank for his leadership over the past year. Frank’s tenure included a focus on public infrastructure investments, including street and sidewalk improvements, upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant, and the city’s partnership in developing the Montrose Veterans Memorial.
Councilor Judy Ann Files presented Frank with a commemorative plaque and the ceremonial gavel used during his time as mayor.
Frank was first elected to City Council in 2024 and represents District IV. He now returns to his role as a councilor following the conclusion of his one-year term as mayor.
Council Transitions and Recognitions
The meeting also marked transitions for several council members. Councilor J. David Reed continues to represent District III, now serving his second term after first being elected in a 2022 mid-term election.
Councilors Doug Glaspell and Judy Ann Files were recognized for their service. Glaspell, who represented District I since 2018, reached his term limit. During his tenure, the city completed major projects including the Public Safety Complex, which houses the Montrose Police Department. Both Glaspell and Files also contributed to the development of the city’s new Public Works facility, currently under construction.
Looking Ahead
With new leadership in place, the Montrose City Council enters its next term with continuity across key infrastructure priorities and a mix of experienced and newly elected members.
Residents can learn more about City Council members, meeting schedules, and upcoming agenda items by visiting the City of Montrose website.
