The Town of Parker plans to appoint a new councilmember after new Mayor Joshua Rivero vacated the seat for his new role, according to town officials.

Rivero was sworn in as mayor of Parker on Monday.

Rivero is a self-identified independent who, in the middle of his term as a councilmember, vacated his seat after defeating former Mayor Jeff Toborg in the November election.

“What we need at this level is nonpartisan representation,” Rivero previously told The Denver Gazette. “What we need is somebody that listens to all of Parker and not just one party.”

The new councilmember appointee will serve the remainder of Rivero’s two-year term through 2026.

Parker officials on Tuesday announced councilmember applications will be accepted from eligible residents now through Dec. 23. Following study sessions on Dec. 27 and Jan. 10, Parker officials plan to swear in a new councilmember by Jan. 13.

“Should the Town Council decide to formally appoint an individual to the vacant Town Council seat, a special meeting will be held Jan. 13, 2025, where the new town councilmember will be appointed and sworn into office,” officials said in a news release.

Parker’s Town Council consists of six at-large councilmembers and the mayor. For the rest of this year, Parker will conduct business with its current five-member council.

Town officials ask interested residents to visit its website for further information on applying for Parker’s vacant council seat.