Boulder is built on the “free love of the hippies,” but that history has been sold to corporate America. Like the thrift stores on Pearl that sell the activism of reuse, which, in practice, pervert a genuinely positive concept into overpriced clothes. The commercial side of Boulder is emblematic of its problems: it also shows a real demand for healthy eating, thrifting, and, in general, community-oriented and sustainable practices.
Still, it is hard to ignore the hypocritical underbelly to the city’s progressiveness and affluence: ridiculous housing costs, rampant tweaking, and a 20% poverty rate.
These issues make Boulder’s liberal demographic feel performative because many of these problems could be solved. All it takes is votes. People need to be willing to care about affordability more than their property value, otherwise it’s like exclusive inclusivity.
Boulder’s privilege and progressive brand come with the responsibility to uphold progressive values. So, the city council has made huge strides to fix the issues in Boulder. Last year, the city council pushed out huge zoning reforms and 25 million in funding for affordable housing.
The new form-based zoning is highly regulated, increasing development time and cost. Realistically, it’s worth it for walkable, aesthetic and affordable housing that prioritize duplexes and triplexes. Population density means people interact more, kids can walk to their friends houses, and youth get to make memories outside of playing fortnite.
Despite my tendency to write negatively, Boulder has admittedly cleaned up its act. Homelessness isn’t nearly as bad as it has been–although this is tied to property values.
The city council has been working towards a stronger sense of community. In 2023 UNICEF partnered with Boulder for the “CFCI” program. A child-friendly cities initiative that had goals to end “bullying” and make public transport safer. Their most impactful policy is getting youth involved in local government initiatives.
During my interview with multiple Boulder County police officers during one of their Teen Town Halls, I learned a lot about my rights, and how Boulder policy interacts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Community-based programs like the Child Friendly Cities Initiative are practical because they give the city incentive to fix its issues. The city wants to get recognized as “child friendly” which means they have to address what youth want.
CFIC prioritizes structural change over aesthetics. On top of this they partner with local activist groups, like YOAB (the Youth Administration Board) and GUB (Growing Up in Boulder).
Beyond town halls and surveys, CFCI does have a real chance to implement policy and programs. CFCI is backed by 2 million dollars and hard work; Boulder can be a city based on community.
Long story short, Colorado is a “sanctuary state” but it really doesn’t mean anything in practice. Our local cops can’t, or won’t, do much when ICE decides to go lurk in Buena Vista or other neighborhoods.
Youth representation could help push the city to be more community oriented. Youth want things like walkable cities, local activities, and access to culture because it affects them the most. Boulder deserves to be progressive for the substance and not the social status.
