Nick Gradisar
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Nick Gradisar | |
|---|---|
 Gradisar in 2023 | |
| Mayor of Pueblo, Colorado | |
| In office February 1, 2019 – February 1, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Carl D. Bryan (1954) |
| Succeeded by | Heather Graham |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Nicholas A. Gradisar 1949 (age 75–76) Pueblo, Colorado, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jan Pullin |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Drake University (JD) |
Nicholas A. Gradisar (born 1949) is an American politician and attorney who served as the mayor of Pueblo from 2019 to 2024. Gradisar, a Democrat,[1] was elected in 2019, becoming the first mayor since 1911.[1] Gradisar lost re-election to Republican Heather Graham.
Born in Pueblo, Colorado, Gradisar is a graduate from Southern Colorado State College and obtained his legal education at Drake University.[2] Gradisar was in the private practice of law in Pueblo for 40 years. He was a co-founder of the law firm now known as Gradisar, Trechter, Ripperger and Roth.[2] He is the former president of the Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors[2] and the former president of the Action 22 Board of Directors.[2] Gradisar was an elected member of the Pueblo Board of Water Works for 14 years and served as president of the board for 6 years. Nick was elected Mayor of Pueblo in January 2019.
Gradisar was sworn in as the first elected mayor of Pueblo, Colorado, on February 1, 2019, following the city’s adoption of a new form of government approved by voters in 2017. Prior to this, Pueblo operated under a city manager–council structure since 1954. Gradisar, a longtime Pueblo attorney and former chair of the Pueblo County Democratic Party, played a central role in advocating for the shift to a strong-mayor system. He won the inaugural election for the position in a January 2019 runoff, securing approximately 58% of the vote.
Gradisar faced criticism in his final year for perceived delays in addressing homelessness and persistent concerns about violent crime. Some residents and opponents described his leadership style as out of touch, particularly in response to visible encampments and police understaffing.
In the 2023 mayoral election, Gradisar was defeated by Heather Graham, who won approximately 62% of the vote. He left office on February 1, 2024, concluding a historic five-year term as Pueblo’s first strong mayor in over six decades. Gradisar's tenure is remembered for restoring executive leadership to city hall, driving economic expansion, and laying the groundwork for continued infrastructure and public service development in Pueblo.
Early life and education
[edit]Gradisar was born in 1949 in Pueblo, Colorado to Anthony Gradisar, a local businessman, and Lila, a registered nurse. Gradisar earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from Southern Colorado State College in 1971, followed by a Juris Doctor from Drake University in 1976[2][3] before embarking on a 40‑year legal career in Pueblo.
Mayoralty
[edit]Election and inauguration
[edit]Gradisar was sworn in as the first elected mayor of Pueblo, Colorado, on February 1, 2019, following the city’s adoption of a new form of government approved by voters in 2017. Prior to this, Pueblo operated under a city manager–council structure since 1954. Gradisar, a longtime Pueblo attorney and former chair of the Pueblo County Democratic Party, played a central role in advocating for the shift to a strong-mayor system. He won the inaugural election for the position in a January 2019 runoff, securing approximately 58% of the vote.
Criticism
[edit]Gradisar faced criticism in his final year for perceived delays in addressing homelessness and persistent concerns about violent crime. Some residents and opponents described his leadership style as out of touch, particularly in response to visible encampments and police understaffing.
2023-24 election
[edit]In the 2023 mayoral election, Gradisar was defeated by Heather Graham, who won approximately 62% of the vote. He left office on February 1, 2024, concluding a historic five-year term as Pueblo’s first strong mayor in over six decades. Gradisar's tenure is remembered for restoring executive leadership to city hall, driving economic expansion, and laying the groundwork for continued infrastructure and public service development in Pueblo.
Political positions
[edit]COVID-19
[edit]Gradisar’s administration was also shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic. His early response included diverting $5 million in local funds to support small businesses before federal relief arrived. Pueblo was accepted into Bloomberg Philanthropies’ “What Works Cities” program, which helped the city apply equity-focused and data-driven practices in budget recovery. He also launched local educational initiatives such as a $1 million summer reading program and supported neighborhood reinvestment task forces.
Economics
[edit]Gradisar focused heavily on economic development, infrastructure renewal, and public safety. During his tenure, Pueblo’s sales tax revenue grew from around $50 million in 2018 to over $73 million by 2022. He helped attract significant industrial investments, including a $200 million expansion by CS Wind, which created hundreds of jobs, and supported expansion at EVRAZ Steel. Gradisar also oversaw the successful application and use of federal RAISE grant funds—totaling over $16.8 million—for major infrastructure projects such as the Prairie Avenue corridor and Union Avenue Bridge upgrades.
Housing
[edit]In housing, Gradisar launched a revitalization initiative that converted 184 blighted or vacant properties into livable homes through lien sales. He also expanded homeless services by establishing a permanent 100-bed shelter and warming center, as well as reactivating the city’s Housing and Homelessness Commission. These efforts aimed to combine housing-first approaches with mental health support and data-driven interventions.
Public safety
[edit]
On public safety, Gradisar invested in modernizing the Pueblo Police Department. He introduced a Real Time Crime Center, offered new recruitment bonuses, and expanded community policing through units like the Downtown Impact and Community Engagement (DICE) team. Although serious crime fell by 13% during his final year in office, Pueblo continued to struggle with police staffing shortages—remaining about 50 officers below target levels despite new hires.
Personal life
[edit]Gradisar is married to Jan Pullin.[2] Gradisar and Pullin have two children, Tracy and Douglas.[2] A third-generation Puebloan, his paternal grandparents immigrated from Austria and Yugoslavia to work in the city’s steel mills, a legacy reflected in his summers spent working there during college.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Boyce ·, Dan (2019-01-23). "Pueblo Voters Elect Their First Mayor in Over A Century". Colorado Public Radio. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
- ^ a b c d e f g Blank, Bobbi (2022-10-03). "Mayor Nick Gradisar, City of Pueblo". Economic Development Council of Colorado. Retrieved 2025-06-13.
- ^ "Nicholas Gradisar | Facebook". Facebook.