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Colorado Municipal League gives Pueblo council governance, civility and transparency guidance
Summary
Kevin Baumer of the Colorado Municipal League delivered training for Pueblo council on municipal roles, ethics, transparency, civility, and best practices; he said CML initiated the AVIS bill and offered resources including facilitator lists and civility materials.
Kevin Baumer, executive director of the Colorado Municipal League, presented guidance to the Pueblo City Council Monday on effective municipal governance, ethics and civility, and offered CML resources and follow-up support.
Baumer, speaking as CML’s executive director, described the league’s advocacy, information and training roles and urged council members to read their charters, the Colorado Revised Statutes and the city’s ethics policy. He highlighted practical governance duties — setting policy, being accountable to residents, using staff expertise, and preserving transparency — and urged elected officials to separate governance from administration and to avoid private dealmaking on public business.
On civility, Baumer noted a CML civility initiative and resources including a downloadable guide and a civility pledge. "Incivility and divisiveness just has no place in nonpartisan municipal government," he said, and he encouraged the council to consider a civility resolution and to use facilitation when conflicts arise.
Baumer also addressed the surveillance bills discussed earlier: he said the AVIS bill (House Bill 1071) was initiated through CML’s policy process, that the CML board expects to authorize opposition to Senate Bill 71, that the league is seeking amendments to Senate Bill 70, and that it holds a position of opposition on the bill described as banning government purchase of personal data.
He offered to send the council CML’s statehouse report, training materials and a list of facilitators for retreats or conflict-resolution sessions.
Ending: Baumer closed by thanking council members for their service, offering follow-up materials and encouraging the city to reach out to CML staff for further assistance.
