Mayor Emily Francis: Affordability, City Identity, and Community as Fort Collins Grows

Emily Francis is the Mayor of the City of Fort Collins, where she focuses on affordability, equity, and values-driven leadership. Born and raised in Fort Collins, she attended Laurel Elementary, Lesher Middle School, and Fort Collins High School before earning her degree from Colorado State University and a master’s in public health from Portland State University. Before entering public service, Emily worked in nonprofit leadership, including community organizing with mobile home park residents and senior nutrition programs. She was first elected to City Council in 2019 and became Fort Collins’ first millennial mayor in 2025.