A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Welcome to the official website of Jeanne Faatz, a dedicated public servant who has spent over four decades championing fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and effective governance. With a distinguished career as a Denver City Councilwoman from 2003 to 2015 and a State Representative for Southwest Denver from 1979 to 1998, Jeanne has been a relentless advocate for the citizens of Denver. As Assistant Majority Leader in the Colorado House of Representatives, she spearheaded crucial initiatives and policies, earning accolades such as the "Taxpayer Champion" award. Jeanne's commitment to public service is also reflected in her extensive involvement in community organizations and her unwavering dedication to improving the quality of life for all Denver residents.
A Note from Jeanne
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for the trust and confidence you have placed in me over the years. Serving as your councilwoman has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Your engagement, ideas, and feedback have been the cornerstone of my work, and I deeply appreciate every moment we shared.
Whether it was through conversations at your front door, discussions at community and homeowner meetings, or our personal and phone interactions, your input has been invaluable. Your participation in my annual surveys played a significant role in guiding my decisions and votes, ensuring that I represented your interests faithfully.
I also wish to express my sincere thanks to my colleagues who embraced compromise as a vital part of our democratic process. Working together, finding common ground, and reaching solutions through respectful dialogue have been key to our collective success. It is through this spirit of cooperation that we were able to achieve meaningful progress for our community.
In a world often divided by name-calling and partisanship, I am especially grateful to have served a community that values solutions over divisions. The friendships and relationships I've built with many of you have enriched my life beyond measure, and I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to speak on your behalf. Democracy thrives on advocacy and compromise, and it has been a privilege to witness and be a part of a community that embodies these principles. Thank you for your unwavering support, your willingness to engage, and for allowing me the honor of representing you.
With gratitude,
A framed version of this poster was displayed in Jeanne’s Colorado State Capitol and Denver City Council offices.
Jeanne Faatz has spent over forty years serving the Denver community. She began her public service career as a State Representative for Southwest Denver from 1979 to 1998, where she also served as the Assistant Majority Leader in the Colorado House of Representatives. In 1998, she received the "Taxpayer Champion" award from the Colorado Union of Taxpayers.
From 2003 to 2015, Jeanne served as a Denver City Councilwoman. She focused on fiscal policies, public safety, and community development, striving for effective governance and essential services.
Jeanne's commitment to education includes teaching roles at Metropolitan State College of Denver, Regis University, and public schools. She holds a Master’s degree in Communication from the University of Colorado at Denver and a Bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of Illinois. She was also a Gates Fellow at Harvard University's Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government.
Jeanne has been active in the community, serving as President of the Harvey Park Improvement Association and on the State Youth Council and the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Ft. Logan Advisory Board. She was the Director of the Colorado School-to-Career Partnership.
She is a mother of two and a grandmother of five. In her personal life, Jeanne enjoys reading, music, theater, and walking.
Jeanne Faatz's career is marked by dedication and integrity, inspiring those who believe in the power of public service
About Jeanne
Career Highlights
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-Advocated for fiscal responsibility and essential city services.
-Sponsored and passed numerous ordinances, including the requirement for city contractors to use the federal immigration database E-Verify.
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-Served as Assistant Majority Leader (1991-1998).
-Sponsored and passed significant legislation, including bills extending the Sunshine Law to local government and establishing the rights of crime victims.
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-Played a key role in legislative leadership and coalition-building.
-Recognized for her effectiveness in passing important bills and initiatives.
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Administered a federal grant to bridge education and career opportunities to students statewide.
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-Past President of Harvey Park Improvement Association.
-Former member of the State Youth Council, Southwest Family YMCA Board of Advisors, and Colorado Mental Health Institute at Ft. Logan Advisory Board.
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-College instructor at Metropolitan State College of Denver and Regis University (1985-1998).
-Taught in Denver Public Schools, Cherry Creek Public Schools, and Urbana (Illinois) Public Schools.
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"Taxpayer Champion 1998" by Colorado Union of Taxpayers.
Honored by various organizations, including the Colorado Library Association, National Federation of Independent Business, and CU-Health Sciences Center Alumni.
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Mother of two adult daughters and grandmother of five.
Longtime resident of Southwest Denver, living in community since 1968.
Accomplishments in the State Legislature
Public Schools of Choice: Intra and Inter District Open Enrollment
One of Jeanne Faatz's most treasured accomplishments during her time in the State Legislature is the establishment of the Public Schools of Choice Intra and Inter District Open Enrollment system. This initiative allows students to enroll in schools within and between Colorado school districts, a cause close to her heart.
As a teacher, Jeanne understood that each child learns in a unique way and thrives in different educational settings. This realization, coupled with a personal experience, led her to advocate for giving parents more control over their children's education by allowing them to choose schools that best fit their child's needs, regardless of where they lived.
Jeanne's goal was to make better use of the tax dollars parents were already paying, without increasing taxes. She believed that if there was space available in a school that could better serve a child’s needs, parents should have the option to enroll their child there, even if it was outside their district.
Gaining support for this idea was challenging and took several years. The breakthrough came when House Majority Leader Chris Paulson amended the bill into the School Finance Act, a crucial piece of legislation. After three years of persistent effort, the open enrollment system was passed in 1990. This system laid the groundwork for charter schools and provided families the freedom to choose the best educational options for their children. Jeanne's work on this initiative significantly influenced education policies across the United States.
Read the origin of public school choice here, in Jeanne’s words.
Victims' Rights Work
Another key achievement in Jeanne's legislative career was her work on victims' rights. Jeanne became aware of the legal system problems when a constituent asked her to attend a meeting of Parents of Murdered Children. Seeing each person’s soul-wrenching despair firsthand gave Jeanne the push to propose a bill of rights for victims and and eventually enshrine them in the Colorado constitution. This led to the passage of the Victims' Rights Amendment in 1992, ensuring that victims of crime had a more active role in the criminal justice process.
Under the Victims' Rights Amendment, victims are guaranteed numerous rights, including being informed, present, and heard at critical stages of the criminal justice process. The amendment covers a wide range of crimes, such as murder, assault, sexual assault, and human trafficking, and ensures that victims are treated with fairness, respect, and dignity throughout the legal process.
Little-known facts about Jeanne Faatz:
Graduated with college honors (top 3% of class)
Played the violin
Third generation teacher
Loves reading, music, action movies, British TV mysteries, and PBS 12 Colorado Inside Out
Last name rhymes with “lots”
Fought off a mugger