A Welcome Place for All.
These are challenging times.
As your elected officials and city manager, you expect us to serve faithfully, thoughtfully and in alignment with our community’s longstanding values. We want you to know we are resolute and united in our determination to do so.
Over the past year, Boulder has experienced levels of divisiveness and polarization that have been troubling, and as we look towards the future, we recognize a growing sense of anxiety and unease.
A welcome place for all
While we have differing perspectives on a variety of local issues, as is appropriate in a thriving democracy, we unanimously affirm that inclusivity matters.
Boulder must continue its efforts to become a community that is welcoming for all. We honor diversity of all kinds, including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, religion, age, language, ability, neuro and physical differences and immigration status, because it enriches us socially, economically and culturally. Our humanity is made up of many lived experiences, and we are better for it.
In the last week, we’ve fielded questions from immigrant and LGBTQ+ community members, in particular, who are seeking reassurance that their local government will continue to support them.
Please know this: City of Boulder departments serve anyone in need. Our staff understand the importance of creating trusting relationships and cultivating an environment that supports everyone. Gender identity and immigration status are not factors when considering whether someone is eligible for our assistance.
We know there is discussion currently at the national level about whether local resources can be diverted from their community-focused missions. We are paying close attention to these developments and will thoughtfully consider our options, if necessary. In the meantime, we remain committed to the cause in front of us: to create a sustainable, equitable and resilient community here in Boulder.
Every person who lives, works, studies and visits our city has the right to live authentically as themselves, free from harassment, discrimination or exclusion. Hate has no place here.
We will continue to support laws and policies that provide all individuals with the ability to meet their basic needs, including access to housing, employment, education and health care, while also cultivating the dignity and belonging that every human needs to thrive.
As we look to the future, our commitment to you is to remain focused on the priorities we’ve set as a community and on the core values that bring us together. Local action is meaningful action.
In unity,
Mayor Aaron Brockett
Mayor Pro Tempore Lauren Folkerts
Council Member Taishya Adams
Council Member Matt Benjamin
Council Member Tina Marquis
Council Member Ryan Schuchard
Council Member Nicole Speer
Council Member Mark Wallach
Council Member Tara Winer
City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde