Boulder's first progressive council in decades is off to a great start

Happy 2022! We're excited to share some recent developments from Council as well as some volunteer opportunities that will allow you to have a positive impact on the community. Let's get rolling!

A Help request:

We are still reeling from the loss of over 1,000 homes in December’s Marshall Fire. It has been reported that many of the families who lost their homes will likely leave the areas permanently, due to the incredibly tight housing market in Boulder County and across the wider metro region.

We can’t solve the housing crisis overnight, so instead, let’s take one small step. Let’s make sure that those who are most vulnerable to disaster, and those who might be the least likely to have a solid network of support, can get some help. Sister Carmen is running an online fundraiser for undocumented victims of Marshall Fire, and you can donate here.  

Awesome:

Last week, Council completed their retreat agenda, settling in on the top priorities they’d be focusing on the years ahead. If you’ve ever wondered if elections matter… the results of the retreat discussion should tell you the answer. The majority of focus will be on items many of you suggested! Measures that will make housing more accessible and affordable, including loosening restrictions for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units), changing codes to incentivize smaller, more affordable housing options, setting up a day shelter for our unhoused neighbors, and a launch plan for developing protected bike lanes across the city. Read the full write-up of Council’s 2022 priorities in the Boulder Beat.  

Not Awesome:

When 8,000+ Kroger workers announced they were going on strike for livable wages and safer working conditions, most of the Boulder community came out in support of them. We saw empty lots at King Soopers and plenty of love from elected officials like our own mayor standing in solidarity with them.

Unfortunately, we also saw plenty of privileged, callous takes from others in our community, whose principal complaints disturbingly echoed those of the rightwing, including arguments that “no one is guaranteed a living wage” and that workers should find other places to work that will provide them better pay.

We therefore need to remind ourselves (!) and our readers that the fight for progressive values doesn’t end with any single election — forces opposing collective action, housing access, and social justice continue to fight for their own agenda, and we must therefore continue to show up.

Up Next:

And speaking of showing up! Have we got the opportunity for you! Boards and Commissions applications are open! These small groups act as little policy think tanks that brainstorm and present innovative solutions for Council to act on. Whether its Planning Board, Transportation Advisory Board, Library Commission, or the many other advisory bodies, this year presents a huge opportunity with our new Council to act — and act fast — on the genius, forward-thinking ideas that you can bring before them.

Are you a resident of the city of Boulder? Have you long considered joining a board or commission? Let us know and we’ll be in touch with resources to help you learn more about how to apply what to expect! Please fill out the following form to get started! https://forms.gle/Bxx37pV6eQofuitK7   

Learn More about Boulder's Boards & Commissions

Interesting:

There's a growing chorus of elected officials in Colorado who are calling for more direct action to address our state's ever-worsening housing crisis. The ideas range from interest in overturning the statewide ban on rent control, to tax-sheltered downpayment savings accounts, to encouraging multi-family housing, and even a call by Gov. Polis to relax occupancy limits to accommodate those displaced by the Marshall Fire. To help those most in need we must have a "both/and" approach to this. Build more homes and protect tenants from double-digit rent increases and those who would be most at risk of eviction.  

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As always, find us on our social channels for the latest news and views.

Till next time,

BP