About Rob
A Boulder resident since 1993, Rob Kaplan has spent over three decades deeply embedded in the fabric of this community. His journey in Boulder began as an entrepreneur when he founded Pro Peloton Bike Shop, a local staple that he owned and operated. Through this experience, he gained a nuanced understanding of the local economy and the challenges facing small business owners. His background in commercial real estate, navigating the complexities of the market as both a landlord and a tenant, provides him with a practical, balanced perspective on Boulder’s evolving urban landscape.
Beyond the business sector, Rob Kaplan dedicated 18 years to professional fire service with Boulder Rural Fire Rescue. Rising through the ranks to retire as a Captain in 2023, he spent his career on the front lines of community safety, gaining invaluable experience in emergency management and public leadership. This dual-lens of business pragmatism and public safety expertise allows him to approach city governance with a unique focus on resilience, fiscal responsibility, and the protection of Boulder’s residents and natural resources.
Before his election to the City Council, Rob deepened his commitment to local governance by serving on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB). In this role, he helped oversee the stewardship of Boulder's cherished outdoor spaces,
balancing the needs of diverse user groups with the city's conservation goals.
On a personal level, Rob is a proud father to a son who is currently continuing the family’s local roots as a student at the University of Colorado Boulder. Having raised his family here, he is personally invested in ensuring that the city remains a vibrant, safe and sustainable place for future generations. His commitment to the community is driven by a deep-seated care for the land we share and the people who call it home.
Rob views his role on the City Council as a natural extension of his life’s work as a civil servant. He finds the work of local government both rewarding and challenging, thriving on the opportunity to tackle complex policy issues with transparency and dedication.
When he isn't in the Council Chambers, you’ll likely find him leaning into the Boulder lifestyle, whether he’s catching a rhythm behind his drum kit, skinning up a mountain on skis, or finding his flow on the trails while running and biking through our world-class
open space.
As part of the city’s commitment to advancing racial equity, Council Member Kaplan has attended the Advancing Racial Equity: Role of Government and Right Use of Power trainings.