Regional Transportation District - Conservation Colorado

What is the RTD Board of Directors?

The RTD Board of Directors is an elected body that sets strategic direction for the Regional Transportation District (RTD) — the largest provider of public transportation in the Denver Metro region— from southern Jefferson County to northern Boulder County. This agency manages a multi-million dollar budget. Directors are elected by geographic district, and eight of the 15 districts have elections this year.

Find your RTD District

Conservation Colorado is endorsing candidates in RTD races for the first time in 2024 because transportation is the biggest source of greenhouse gas pollution in Colorado. To fight climate change and have cleaner air, we must give people more and better transit options than driving cars. Expanded public transportation, especially when coupled with sustainable land use, will provide those options in addition to being a critical service for people who rely on it to get around. We need RTD Directors to be climate leaders who will fight for clean, accessible, reliable, and safe public transit for all communities.

Get to Know Conservation Colorado’s Endorsed Candidates

Kiel Brunner, District A

Kiel is a longtime environmental champion and data scientist who has advocated for progressive policies for many years. His experience with environmental policy and his dedication to collaboration makes him the best choice to represent District A. He was motivated to run after his young child was forced to use an inhaler due to Denver’s dirty air. Kiel’s top priority is creating a better public transit experience that will reshape the way people travel the region so we can all experience cleaner air and fight climate change for future generations.

Candidate Website

Bernard Celestin, District F

Bernard is a former RTD bus driver who knows the ins and outs of the agency and understands what it will take to create better public transit for the communities that need it the most. His experience and passion for serving his community make him the best choice to represent District F.

Candidate Website

Karen Benker, District I

Karen has the experience and conviction to ensure RTD fulfills its mission to provide amazing transit service to the whole region.

Candidate Website

Brett Paglieri, District M

Brett is a passionate advocate for public transit who brings the fresh perspective of a Gen Z representative and regular RTD rider.

Candidate Website

How to Cast Your Vote

Register to vote or verify your voter registration

You can register to vote online or in person up to and including on Election Day by visiting www.govotecolorado.gov or visiting a Voter Service and Polling Center in your county.

Vote by mail or drop box

To vote by mail, put your ballot in the mailbox by Monday, Oct. 28 to ensure it is received by 7pm on Election Day. After Oct. 28, please drop your ballot off at a dropbox or a Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC) near you. All ballots must be received by 7pm on Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 5. To find a dropbox near you, visit www.govotecolorado.gov.

Find your polling place

To find your nearest ballot drop box or Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC), visit www.govotecolorado.gov or visit your county clerk’s website.

Vote in person

Starting Monday, Oct. 21, you can go in-person to any Voter Service and Polling Center (VSPC) in your county to register to vote, use accessible voting equipment, update your voter information, drop off your ballot, or vote in person. You must be in line to vote by 7pm on Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 5.