Comprehensive data collection effort to inform action steps for Boulder’s Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI).

The City of Boulder is proud to announce the completion of the State of the Child Report, a significant milestone in Boulder’s journey to becoming a UNICEF-recognized Child Friendly City. This report reflects the collective efforts of children, youth, parents, caregivers, service providers, Growing Up Boulder and city departments working together to better understand and address the needs of Boulder’s youngest residents.

The State of the Child Report is the result of a comprehensive data collection process spanning more than a year. This effort engaged over 1,400 community members, including children, teens, parents, caregivers and community partners, to assess the well-being of youth in Boulder. Information was gathered through a combination of government assessments, youth-led discussions and more than 30 in-depth community conversations. The process prioritized historically marginalized voices to ensure a representative understanding of the experiences of all youth in Boulder.

Key findings from the report show that young people in Boulder are seeking:

  • more methods, resources and adult allyship in combating bullying and identity-based discrimination
  • safer public spaces that address concerns around harassment and unpredictable behaviors in parks and transit areas
  • greater participation in decision-making at school and city levels
  • equitable play and leisure opportunities, especially for children with disabilities and low-income families
  • increased awareness and attention to affordability and equity issues

“This report is not just an assessment—it is a call to action,” said City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde. “The voices of our youth will help us to drive the changes we need to ensure that the city of Boulder is an inclusive and supportive place for every child.”

This report will serve as the foundation for the development of a Youth Action Plan, led by Boulder’s Youth Opportunities Advisory Board (YOAB) and a CFCI Youth Council. Based on the engagement and key findings, the Youth Action Plan will identify action steps intended to advance three primary areas of focus:

  1. Addressing bullying and ensuring psychologically safe environments in schools and community
  2. Enhancing safety in shared outdoor spaces and transit areas
  3. Expanding opportunities for youth to have a meaningful voice in their local government

The Youth Action Plan is currently under development through a series of workshops in collaboration with city departments, Growing Up Boulder, Mayamotion Healing and youth leaders. Members of the Boulder YOAB and the CFCI Youth Council plan to present a draft to City Council on May 15.

The full State of the Child Report can be found on Growing Up Boulder’s website. For more information about the UNICEF Child Friendly Cities Initiative in Boulder, visit the city’s webpage.

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