“I want to be helpful to this place no matter what, and that’s what I’m hoping happens. I don’t want to lose it.” ”

Jonathan Cain

NEDERLAND — The City of Lakewood announced on Friday, August 14, 2026, that they had found their new City Manager in candidate Jonathan Cain. The announcement quickly spread across social media and made its way to Nederland through the “Nedheads” Facebook group, sparking congratulations—and some indignation—from the shocked community. 

Cain officially began his role as Nederland’s Town Manager on July 8, 2024, after a months-long process that included 19 other applicants. It was stated by both the Board of Trustees (BOT) and Planning Commission back in May of that year that, due to the Town’s laundry list of capital projects, whoever they chose as Town Manager would need to have the ability to "jump into the deep end.” 

When Cain came to Nederland, the Town was just wrapping up celebrating its 150th anniversary of incorporation, the dust from the Town logo redesign controversy was just settling, and the Housing Needs Assessment had just been completed, prompting the Town to dedicate its focus on Proposition 123. 

Also immediately awaiting his attention were not only the longstanding concerns regarding water rights, expensive infrastructure improvements, downtown redevelopment, annexation-based endeavors, affordable housing, paid parking, second bridges, and emergency egresses, but also new concerns, such as the controversial agreement to lease town-owned land to nonprofit TEENS, Inc. for a new childcare center.

Cain oversaw the completion of many major structural documents produced by hired firms who gathered years' worth of data analysis and community feedback. He not only facilitated the successful completion of these documents—which include the Multimodal Transportation Plan, the Comprehensive Plan, and the downtown-focused Subarea Plan—but he immediately began working to implement the actions suggested within them.

Continuing in the same vein as his work in structuring and strengthening Town staff, Cain also dedicated time to remodeling and refining how Nederland’s governmental and advisory boards work and collaborate. He also set new standards for the Town’s budget planning process. 

In just under four months after Cain had been hired, the Town announced that it was pursuing the acquisition of Eldora Mountain Ski Resort. At the time, many Trustees and Commissioners voiced concerns that the lofty plan would add too much to Cain’s already full plate. 

The Eldora Acquisition presented many opportunities for Cain and the BOT to make announcements to the public in the community center auditorium.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

Less than a year later, the Lakeview Fire happened, and the Caribou Village Shopping Center burned down, taking with it the livelihoods of over 20 independent business owners and a hefty percentage of the Town’s sales tax revenue.

During every step of the disaster, Cain was active and attentive to the community’s needs, from instituting emergency measures and urging state legislators to help, to moderating issues between the property owner and state regulators. Cain remained calm through the storm and ensuing aftermath, though the disaster undoubtedly added stress to an already stressed Town. 

Shortly after the fire—and one or two Public Safety Power Shutoffs by Xcel Energy—Cain and the Town became embroiled in a lengthy and unconventional mayoral election. Leading up to the election and persisting afterward were the nagging issues of Board retention and a continuing lack of engagement from the public.

In the months leading up to Lakewood’s announcement, Cain worked diligently to find suitable replacements for some of Nederland’s “legacy” positions in an effort to reopen the Visitors Center, keep operations at the Nederland Community Center running smoothly, and ensure the right treasurer is at the helm during this years’ sure-to-be difficult budgeting season. 

Nederland Town Manager Jonathan Cain, seen here meeting with the community before he was hired two years ago.

Photo by Christopher Kelley

According to Lakewood, their search for a new City Manager had been going on for the last four months, with Cain beating four other finalists to fill the shoes of 18-year City Manager Kathy Hodgson. 

The announcement highlighted their excitement for Cain’s empathy, passion, and professionalism, as well as his 10 years of experience with Lakewood and his dedication to “continuing to foster that culture.” 

“During his time in Nederland, he guided the town’s acquisition and transition of the Eldora Mountain Resort to municipal ownership and also led recovery efforts in the town after a downtown fire,” Lakewood’s announcement reads. 

Cain will officially be sworn in by Lakewood City Council during their meeting on August 24, 2026.  

And the BOT said...
During the Nederland BOT’s regular meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, Mayor Nichole Sterling addressed Cain’s departure with a round of congratulations from the Board. She also provided Trustees with some considerations for the Town’s next steps. 

“I don’t think we’d be in the position we’re in with Eldora without Jon’s grand vision,” Mayor Pro-Tem Luke Miller said. 

“Congratulations and thanks for getting us ready for this transition,” Giblin said. 

Sterling noted that Cain’s official last day will be on September 24, and announced that Nederland’s former Town Manager, Dr. Miranda Fisher, is available almost immediately to act as interim manager, as she has been listed with the Town as a consultant since Cain’s arrival two years ago. 

 The BOT approved Town staff to engage with Fisher on a renewed contract to act as interim Town Manager, and to get her involved with the non-disclosure agreement required for those working on the Eldora acquisition.  

“I love this place,” Cain said to the Board, “and I hope I get to still be a part of this community moving forward.” 

Immediately following the meeting, Cain spoke briefly with The Mountain-Ear about what was for him one of the hardest decisions he has had to make, stating that he needed to do what was best for his family, and needed to be closer to his parents and siblings.

“I want to be helpful to this place no matter what, and that’s what I’m hoping happens,” he said emotionally, as Nederland has always held a special place in his heart and memories. “I don’t want to lose it.”