BOCC approves naming new lobby for Carrie Clyde Holly and displaying portrait

The Pueblo County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve a resolution to name the lobby of the Elections/customer-facing building at 201 West 8th Street for Carrie Clyde Holly and to display a portrait honoring her.

Commissioner Zach Swearingen moved to approve the item; the motion was seconded and carried after an ayes-unanimous voice vote. The resolution directs planning and coordination for placement and accompanying material; the board indicated the incoming commissioners and the community group that raised funds would work through the logistics.

Speakers from the centennial committee and county staff described Holly’s historical significance: she was one of the first three women elected to the Colorado legislature (elected 1894 for the 1895 term) and — as the committee noted — the only one of those three to secure passage of legislation she proposed. The committee highlighted that Holly was the first woman attorney in Pueblo County and emphasized the educational value of displaying a portrait and a plaque in a high-visibility lobby.

Organizers told the board they had raised funds for the portrait and an accompanying plaque, though the transcript contains inconsistent figures when fundraising totals were mentioned during the meeting; committee materials and staff later clarified that funds have been dedicated toward the portrait and plaque creation. Staff said the front lobby is expected to be ready by summer and that planning for placement can proceed with the new Board.

Outcome: Motion to approve Item 1b carried; the board instructed staff and the centennial committee to coordinate placement, plaque copy, and any additional interpretive materials with the incoming commissioners and project representatives.