For decades, Chris Nichols has dedicated much of his life to guiding Craig through prosperity and transition. He has run restaurants, led the city’s fire department, served on multiple boards and helped steer Craig through its evolution and economic shifts.

Now, as Nichols runs unopposed for a second term as mayor, he aims to continue his stewardship of community and dialogue while maintaining a focus on ensuring Craig’s stability, growth and preservation of its core values.

Nichols spent more than 40 years in business before entering public office. During much of that time, he concurrently dedicated himself to a high level of community involvement as he served in multiple roles. For 23 years, he was a volunteer firefighter, with the last three and a half of those years spent as its chief. His community engagement increased even more when he joined the Craig Planning and Zoning Commission in 1986. In May of 2017, he became a city council member. 

He has also served as the President of the Craig Chamber of Commerce and as the President of the Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Colorado Board of Directors.

Those experiences, he said, built his foundation for leadership long before he was elected.

“Leadership isn’t something new to me,” Nichols said. “When I retired, I didn’t step away from service, I shifted into it full-time.”

That shift brought him to Craig City Council, where he has served during a period of significant change for Craig and Moffat County. Since joining the council, Nichols has watched the city strengthen its financial position and invest heavily in infrastructure and recreation, while also bracing for the long-term effects of the coal industry’s decline.

“When I first came onto council, we had about five million dollars in reserves,” Nichols said. “Now, between the general fund and enterprise funds, we’re finishing this year with around 34 million.”

That financial growth has allowed the city to invest in major projects while maintaining stability. Improvements to Craig’s parks and recreation system, sidewalk replacements, the completion of the Whitewater Park, the Craig Housing Authority and the creation of the Urban Renewal Authority all came during his tenure.

“We’ve been able to do all that while still growing our reserves,” Nichols said. “That fund balance gives us time to adjust as we prepare for the closures of the coal resources. It’s about being ready and being smart.”

Looking ahead, Nichols said his vision for Craig’s future centers on what he calls “slow, controlled growth.” He believes Craig’s next chapter must be built on diversification, through manufacturing, infrastructure and emerging technologies, while simultaneously ensuring community support for each step.

“The future of Craig is controlled growth,” Nichols said. “It has to fit the community, and the community has to support it.”

Nichols has been a cautious but open-minded advocate of exploring nuclear energy as part of Craig’s long-term economic landscape. The city continues to evaluate what nuclear power could mean for local jobs and revenue.

“I support exploring it,” Nichols said. “I’m not sure I support nuclear energy in total, but we’re following a path to learn more and to educate the public on what it could bring.”

Beyond energy, Nichols points to Craig’s new industrial park and the collaboration with Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association as signs of progress. He helped establish an economic development fund that could bring millions in long-term support for local growth.

“Between the city, the county, and Tri-State, we’re working on something Craig has never had before, which is real funding to work with developers and bring businesses here,” Nichols said. “It’s already a success story.”

That partnership could eventually provide between $22 million and $70 million in development funding, depending on new tax revenues and investments in Moffat County. Nichols said the fund will allow the city to offer incentives to community-minded developers while protecting taxpayers.

“It gives us the ability to sit at the table with investors,” Nichols said. “That’s something we’ve never had.”

The proposed industrial park, located near the potential terminus of the Mountain Rail project, could help Craig strengthen its role in manufacturing and logistics. Nichols said the city has already begun working with a marketing firm to attract potential tenants.

“It’s a great fit for our future,” he said. “We’re setting the groundwork now so Craig is ready when those opportunities come.”

Nichols said the current city council’s diversity has been one of its strengths. He credits a mix of professional backgrounds ranging from construction to healthcare to real estate for creating healthy debate and well-rounded decision-making.

“I think a diverse council is important,” Nichols said. “We all represent different areas of the community and bring different expertise. That’s how we make the best decisions for Craig.”

As he looks toward another term, Nichols said the lessons of leadership have also included navigating state and federal pressures that often weigh heavily on small communities. Unfunded mandates, shifting grant structures and restrictions on housing projects have challenged the city to adapt.

“We’ve learned a lot about how state laws impact our daily work,” Nichols said. “We’ve had great partnerships with DOLA in the past, but a lot of that funding is drying up. We’ll need to find new ways to keep moving forward.”

Despite uncertainty over state funding and the closure of local coal operations, Nichols said Craig’s spirit remains resilient. Still, he acknowledged that some residents are anxious about the future.

“I think there’s a black cloud hanging over the community with the unknowns of the transition,” Nichols said. “People are cautious. But what will turn that around is seeing successes — construction happening, new projects opening and jobs being created.”

For Nichols, the path to that optimism runs through consistent leadership and collaboration.

“We just need to keep showing people the results,” he said. “The white water park, the gas plant, the sports complex are all things that create momentum.”

Asked what he’s most proud of during his time on council, Nichols points to the establishment of the economic development fund and the commitment to listening.

“It’s not about me,” Nichols said. “It’s about working together to create good-paying jobs and make sure people can stay here, raise their families here and keep this community strong.”

As Craig faces change, Nichols said his focus remains on steady growth and responsible stewardship.

“We’ve accomplished a lot, but there’s more to do,” he said. “Craig’s best days are still ahead, and I want to help make sure we get there.”