Why Tamara for Mayor?
A Proven Community Leader
Tamara Gulde has been a resident and Main Street business owner in Ouray for 20 years.
Throughout that time, she has dedicated herself to serving the community—bringing together residents, businesses, and visitors to make Ouray a welcoming place to live, visit, and thrive.
Experience and Qualifications
Elected to City Council in 2021, Tamara has guided Ouray through significant change. She is solution-oriented and deeply committed to connecting the community with City leadership.
Her years of service—on Council, in business, and across numerous boards—make her the most experienced and qualified candidate to serve as Mayor.
Listening to the Community
Tamara believes leadership means listening to diverse voices, responding with respect, and working tirelessly for solutions that strengthen Ouray.
She has proven her dedication, her effectiveness, and her vision for a community where residents, businesses, and visitors all feel welcome.
Commitment to Future and Youth
Beyond City leadership, Tamara has supported local students as Race Director of the Mt. Sneffels Marathon and Half Marathon and served on its organizing committee for a decade.
With a background in English (B.A.) and years of networking experience, she thrives on engaging people, building connections, and driving collaboration.
Local Business Owner and Advocate
Tamara and her husband, Bruce, have been married for 30 years and own Mountain Fever Shirts & Gifts, a cornerstone business on Main Street since 2007 that employs 15 seasonal including 5 year-round staff.
She understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing Ouray’s business community.
Deep Roots in Service
Tamara has a long history of civic involvement:
Leadership roles on the Ouray Chamber Resort Association Board, including President and Vice President—when the Mountain Air Music Series was launched
10 years on the City Planning Commission (Vice-Chair) and Service on the Ouray Area Joint Planning Board
Chair of the 2021 Community Plan Steering Committee
Service on the Beautification Committee and Hot Springs Pool Improvement Committee
Tackling the Tough Issues
When Tamara joined Council, Ouray faced pressing challenges:
- Affordable housing shortages
- Urgent water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades
- Implementation of the 2021 Community Plan
- Hiring of a new City Administrator and Police Chief
- Flooding, erosion, and infrastructure repairs
Under her leadership, much of this work is now completed or well underway:
- Affordable housing neighborhoods have been secured or created, including Waterview Homes, Swiss Village, 4th Street and 7th Avenue apartments, and the upcoming Oak Street rental project.
- State-of-the-art water treatment facilities are operational, avoiding state fines and ensuring long-term sustainability.
- The Uncompahgre River is under evaluation for erosion and flow repairs.
- A new Police Department and facility are in progress.
- An experienced City Administrator is in place.
Tamara believes her work is not finished. She listens to diverse viewpoints, responds thoughtfully, and seeks solutions that benefit all. With her experience, dedication, and vision, Tamara is ready to continue serving as Mayor—ensuring Ouray remains a strong, connected, and vibrant community.
Actively working on refilling Crystal Reservoir, part of the City’s Water Augmentation Plan