When Wendy Koch’s term as Empire mayor ends in April 2026, it will close a chapter not just in her political career, but in the life of a woman who has called this mountain town home for 55 years.
That’s more than half a century of watching Empire evolve from a sleepy former mining camp into a small but resilient community navigating 21st-century challenges while preserving its historic character.
“I moved here in 1970,” Koch recalled during a recent interview at Town Hall. “Back then, you could count the year-round residents on two hands. We’ve grown, but not much—and I mean that as a compliment.”
A Career of Service
Before entering local politics, Koch spent over three decades working for the Colorado Department of Transportation. That background proved invaluable when infrastructure issues—particularly the town’s water crisis—demanded attention.
In 2019, Empire faced a critical situation when aging water infrastructure threatened the town’s supply. Koch, working alongside Town Administrator Jeannette Piel, responded decisively. Together, they navigated the complex process of securing over $4 million in state and federal funding for water system improvements.
“That was probably the most stressful period of my time as mayor,” Koch admitted. “Water isn’t negotiable. You can work around a lot of things in a small town, but you can’t work around not having clean, reliable water.”
The emergency declaration and subsequent infrastructure overhaul demonstrated the kind of crisis management small-town leaders sometimes face with limited resources and even more limited budgets.
Raising a Family in the Mountains
Koch raised her children in Empire, giving her a perspective few current officials can match. She’s seen kids grow up, leave for opportunities elsewhere, and sometimes return to raise their own families in the shadow of Berthoud Pass.
“Raising kids here meant they learned self-reliance early,” she said. “When you live at 8,615 feet, two miles from the nearest grocery store, you figure things out. My kids learned to entertain themselves, to appreciate nature, to be comfortable with solitude.”
Looking Ahead
As her final term winds down, Koch isn’t dwelling on legacy or accomplishments. Instead, she’s focused on ensuring a smooth transition and leaving infrastructure improvements on solid footing.
“Whoever comes next will face challenges I can’t predict,” she said. “But they’ll also have a community that looks out for each other. That’s Empire’s real strength—not our budget or our buildings, but our people.”
