Rocky Ford Mayor Duane Gurulé Announces Resignation Effective August 31

Description: Rocky Ford Mayor Duane Gurulé will resign effective Aug. 31, 2026, ending his tenure as mayor and stepping down from the Colorado Municipal League Executive Board.

Mayor Duane Gurulé Announces Resignation Effective August 31, 2026

ROCKY FORD, Colo. - Mayor Duane Gurulé has announced that he will resign from his role as Mayor of the City of Rocky Ford, effective August 31, 2026.

Gurulé has served the Rocky Ford community in elected office since 2021, first as a member of City Council, Mayor Pro-tem, and later as Mayor. He was first elected Mayor in 2023 and re-elected in 2025.

"Serving as Mayor of Rocky Ford has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Gurulé said. "This community has shaped me, challenged me, believed in me, and trusted me with the responsibility of helping lead our city forward. I will always be deeply grateful for that trust."

During his time in office, Gurulé worked alongside City Council, City staff, community partners, businesses, and residents to strengthen the foundation for Rocky Ford's future. His tenure focused on long-term community investment, infrastructure, economic development, transparency, public safety, and building stronger partnerships across the region and state.

Gurulé emphasized that his resignation from elected office does not represent an end to his commitment to the community.

"Titles change and positions end, but love for a community does not disappear when you leave office," Gurulé said. "Rocky Ford will always be part of who I am. I will always be a phone call or an email away and willing to support any effort where my experience, relationships, or voice can bring value to our community."

Gurulé also expressed appreciation for the residents, City employees, fellow elected officials, volunteers, business owners, and community leaders who have worked alongside him throughout his public service.

"Every conversation, every challenge, every disagreement, and every opportunity to work together made me better leader," Gurulé said. "Most importantly, I want to thank the people of Rocky Ford for trusting me. I never took that responsibility for granted."

In conjunction with leaving elected office, Gurulé will also resign from the Colorado Municipal League (CML) Executive Board, effective August 31, 2026. Through his service on the statewide board, Gurulé has had the opportunity to represent Rocky Ford and advocate for the needs and perspectives of rural communities alongside municipal leaders from across Colorado.

"Serving on the CML Executive Board has been another tremendous honor," Gurulé said. "It gave me the opportunity to make sure communities like Rocky Ford and rural southeastern Colorado had a voice at the table, while learning from some of the most dedicated local leaders in our state. I am grateful for the relationships I have built through CML, and I look forward to continuing to find ways to support strong communities across Colorado.

Gurulé's resignation will become effective August 31, 2026. The City will follow its established governing process regarding the mayoral vacancy and transition of leadership.

"I leave this role with tremendous gratitude, pride in what we have accomplished, and strong belief in Rocky's future," Gurulé said. "It has been my greatest honor and my deepest community and professional duty to serve as Mayor."

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