At its October 12 Special City Council meeting, Brighton City Council appointed Michael Martinez as Acting City Manager, effective Oct. 12, 2021, pending contract negotiations. Martinez’ appointment comes after the Oct. 11 resignation of Brighton’s previous City Manager, Jane Bais DiSessa. In this role, Martinez will be responsible for daily city operations, prepare recommendations for Council consideration and implement the policy direction approved by City Council. 

“I’m honored to serve Brighton in this role during this interim period,” said Martinez. “I’m dedicated to moving the city forward with all the positive projects and initiatives underway and all the new ideas Council and staff will develop in the time to come.”  

Prior to this appointment, Martinez served as Assistant City Manager of Economic Development and Communications & Engagement, overseeing both departments. Additionally, Martinez oversees the Brighton Urban Renewal Authority on behalf of the city and serves as the Executive Director. Martinez came to the City of Brighton in March 2015 as Economic Development Specialist for the Brighton Economic Development Corporation and was promoted to Assistant Economic Development Director in September 2015. In March 2016, he became the Economic Development Director. He has more than 15 years of local government experience, working in a variety of roles with the City of Brighton and the City and County of Denver. A native of Adams County, Martinez earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Colorado-Denver and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Colorado - Denver’s award winning Center for New Directions.