“I always knew that I would retire this year,” says LaTonya Lacy, a well-respected municipal administrator who supported the City and County of Denver for over three decades.
After starting her career as an executive assistant under Wellington Webb’s administration in 1991, she advanced through the ranks, holding senior administrator roles including the City and County of Denver’s Special Projects and Office Director, before being appointed as deputy chief of staff and finally, executive director of administration.
With a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Computer Information Systems, she was prepared for the constant change and operational oversight required at every level of city government, but it was her poise and proficiency that made her stand out as a high-performing staff member under five mayoral administrations.
Crediting her professional longevity to core principles of integrity, accountability, humility and respect, she says, “I’m very proud of the relationships that I’ve established. I’ll say, over the years, with not only the community, but with numerous city employees across departments and administrations, that is something I treasure. Many of those relationships are lasting relationships that will live even beyond my career here in the City and County of Denver.”
“I really believe that whenever people trust your character, not just your skills, it’s that trust that’s lasting,” she adds, explaining that her faith in God remained central to her capacity to lead with excellence, consistency and flexibility.
Mile High Memories
Lacy experienced momentous population changes with the addition of 1.5 million new residents in the Metro Denver area. She has been at the center of countless historical events, including visits from world leaders, rallies, parades and championships won by stellar sports teams.
“Our city was on fire!” she exclaims, noting the planning, expertise and collective effort it took to host each event.
Her favorite memory of exciting city stewardship was the 2008 Democratic National Convention, “because that resulted in the nomination of Barack Obama as our first Black president,” she says.
“I was very proud to be in the center of it.”
Strength Through the Shifts
When a new mayor is inaugurated, the transition process includes shifts in everything from policy to personnel as the new administration embarks on its own direction. For Lacy, the process offered an opportunity to build new relationships, with a focus on adaptability.
“I made it a point to stay flexible, to stay open minded and stay focused on finding solutions, no matter what the circumstances were, and often had to shift gears quickly and adjust to different communication styles, priorities, goals and different ways of doing things,” she recalls. “I always focused on building trust and listening, and serving as that ‘steady.’”
Being consistent and staying true to herself allowed her to support different leaders while keeping the city moving forward and delivering for the people of Denver. Yet, supporting changing municipal operations was not always easy. One of the most trying times in Lacy’s career was the 2020 global pandemic that shuttered city buildings and businesses.
“It disrupted every single aspect of city operations. We were put into crisis mode overnight. We had to activate our emergency operations center and respond to the urgent needs of the constituents, making sure there was access to essential services, that there was clear communication and we were supporting our most vulnerable,” she says.
The difficult period required resilience and compassion, forcing her to lean on her faith and reminding her that “we’re better together, always.”
The Heart of the City
Out of the Covid-19 pandemic grew an intensified public consciousness around social justice, and the implementation of initiatives promoting equity and inclusivity. When thinking back to her experiences over five administrations, equity is one of the things that stands out among Denver’s elected leaders.
“I’m proud that each of the mayors that I’ve had the honor of working for have really prioritized equity and inclusion,” she recounts.
“I first observed really meaningful efforts during Mayor Webb’s administration. He came in as the first Black mayor of our city and he laid the groundwork by creating opportunities for communities of color and ensuring that community voices were not only heard, but they were included.”
“Mayor Hickenlooper absolutely built on that and continued equity efforts in a strong fashion by addressing a lot of the structural disparities through education, funding and homeless initiatives.”
“Mayor Vidal was awesome in keeping that momentum and maintaining progress through the transition to the next administration.”
“Then, when Mayor Hancock came in, he really made a transformative shift – he institutionalized equity. He came into the office with the goal of delivering a world class city where everyone matters.”
One of Lacy’s proudest moments was receiving her first mayoral appointment by Mayor Hancock, who shared with 9News that she was “one of the most trusted advisors, friends, coworkers” that he’d had.
Although he had to work through great changes, Mayor Hancock created Denver’s first Office of Social Equity and Innovation and appointed the city’s first chief equity officer. “He even embedded equity into the budgeting process for the whole city,” Lacy continues.
Her retirement comes two years into Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s inaugural term, and she is confident that his leadership will continue the focus on equity displayed thus far. She commends him for maintaining the Office of Social Equity and Innovation, admiring his willingness to see its importance.
“He put equity into operational practice, tying it directly to policy goals,” she adds, with praise for his strong position on immigration policy and his recent testimony before the U.S. Congress.
Despite social, political and economic changes in the last 34 years, she is proud to have served under mayors who prioritized equity and “kept Denver moving forward.”
A Bold & Beautiful Era
When she retires, Lacy will focus on her business, Lacy’s Chair Cover Rentals, a longtime passion project and creative outlet she created over 10 years ago. Having planned for a 2025 retirement for years, she plans to close this chapter on her own terms after contributing to work that made a difference in the lives of others.
“I feel like God is leading me into a new season of more – one where I can spent more time with my husband, Frenchie Lacy, family and six grandchildren,” she says.
She passes on the most important lesson 34 years in city government taught her: “While what we do in city government is crucial, how we do it is even more important. The way we lead; how we hold one another accountable; how we listen; how we collaborate; how we show respect and compassion – all of those things really shape, not just the outcomes, but the culture of public service itself.”
She encourages women, especially women of color, to stay grounded by ensuring that work aligns with values.
“Speak your truth with confidence, even whenever it’s uncomfortable,” she heartens. “And remember, if you’re invited to the table, use your voice.”
Editor’s note: Hear more from LaTonya Lacy on “Spectrum Talk with Ruby” on YouTube. To support the recent retiree in her next chapter, visit Lacy’s Chair Covers and Linen Rentals at www.lacyschaircoverrentals.com.
