Meet Atis Jurka

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Atis Jurka has called Palmer Lake home for more than 19 years, and he and his family have lived in the

Tri-Lakes area for more than 30 years.
 

A first-generation American, Atis is the son of Latvian parents who came to the United States as refugees following World War II. The welcome and opportunity his parents found in America inspired in him a desire to serve his country. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and went on to serve honorably for more than 12 years on active duty in the U.S. Army, followed by additional years in the Army Reserve. He attained the rank of Major.

As an Army officer and commander, Atis learned firsthand the responsibilities of leadership, including the importance of understanding and caring for the needs of those entrusted to his command. West Point's motto, “Duty, Honor, Country,” has remained a guiding principle throughout his life.
 

Following his military service, Atis built a career with communications and technology companies during a period of extraordinary change in those industries. He worked through the expansion of the internet and the transition from analog to digital technology in voice, data, and video, serving in engineering, management, and executive positions.

That experience taught Atis the importance of adapting to change while remaining focused on the fundamentals of good leadership: clear communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and teamwork. He believes people are more invested in solutions when they have a meaningful opportunity to participate in creating them.
 

Before retiring from his corporate career, Atis and his wife, Nancy, established a local business. Together they also created two children's books celebrating Palmer Lake, Bright Star of Palmer Lake and Magic on the Mountain. His involvement in the local business community deepened his interest in protecting Palmer Lake's unique character and supporting the people who call it home.

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Atis is a member of the American Legion, whose mission includes serving veterans and their families, and he has worked with and participated in several local volunteer organizations. Through that involvement, he has gained an even greater appreciation for what makes Palmer Lake special to residents and visitors alike: its natural beauty, history, arts, local businesses, and unmistakable small-town character.
 

Long before seeking elected office, Atis regularly attended meetings of the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees and town commissions to better understand how local government worked. He served on two Elephant Rock advisory committees, studying the property and helping develop recommendations for its potential use. His involvement with Elephant Rock and his advocacy concerning preservation of the property have also been documented in local coverage.
 

Atis also participated in the former Palmer Lake Economic Development Group, which focused on supporting local businesses, encouraging appropriate small-business development, and promoting tourism built around Palmer Lake's natural beauty, arts, dining, and history. The goal was not simply economic development, but enhancing the quality of life for residents while celebrating and preserving the qualities that make Palmer Lake distinctive.
 

Over time, Atis became increasingly concerned about the relationship between town government and the people it serves. He believes citizens deserve to be heard, informed, and meaningfully included in decisions affecting their community. That belief ultimately led him to run for the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees. He was elected in November 2024 and continues to serve as a trustee. 
 

His time on the Board has included periods of significant disagreement and turnover within both town leadership and staff. Throughout that service, Atis has sought to base his decisions on applicable laws and regulations, citizen input, available facts, and the guidance provided by the Town's Master Plan. Recent public records continue to document his participation in Board deliberations and town governance. 
 

Atis cares deeply about Palmer Lake, his neighbors, and the future of the community he has called home for nearly two decades.

Visitors entering the heart of Palmer Lake are greeted by a sign bearing two simple words: “Almost Heaven.” Atis believes those words capture something worth protecting. As a candidate for mayor, his commitment is to help preserve the character of Palmer Lake, plan responsibly for its future, and ensure that the voices of its citizens remain an essential part of the decisions that shape their town.

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Preserving Our Town. Planning Our Future. Representing Our People.

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