Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan | Healthy and Socially Thriving

The city and county work to dismantle institutional and systemic racism and are committed to ensuring all voices, experiences, and needs of community members are fully and equitably heard and considered, including those of communities that have been historically excluded from local government. The city and county will work to reduce the vulnerabilities of people most susceptible to natural or human-caused stressors. Equity is a primary consideration for city investments in engagement, infrastructure, programming, and maintenance.

The city and county preserve lands for open space purposes, as defined by the city charter or tax-enabling language, by purchasing or accepting donations of fee simple interests, conservation easements or development rights and other measures as appropriate and financially feasible. The city and county steward these lands to ensure ongoing protection, maintaining their value for open space purposes into the future.

The city works with the community to shape how different areas evolve over time in varying ways and degrees. Change across the community will contribute to the unique and authentic character of different areas while supporting citywide goals.

The city and county work to foster a diverse, inclusive and inviting community, recognizing that diversity strengthens community well-being and long-term resilience. Policies and programs support equitable access to housing, employment, education, services, and public spaces, ensuring that all community members can fully participate and thrive throughout the Boulder Valley.

The city encourages the evolution of “15-minute neighborhoods.” 15-minute neighborhoods are diverse, inclusive and connected areas in which services and amenities are easily and equitably accessible within 15 minutes from home for pedestrians of all abilities. The city encourages improvements that can enhance access to services and amenities, especially in areas that are currently underserved.

The city promotes and maintains a network of high-quality natural infrastructure including waterways, open lands, parks, urban tree canopy, and plant and habitat corridors to integrate environmental, social, health and recreation functions.

The city fosters a healthy, inclusive and resilient economy that includes a broad mix of businesses and employment opportunities through collaborative strategies and programs that build on economic strengths and emerging opportunities. The city will consider the needs of local entrepreneurs, businesses, workers and community members when planning for land use, arts, transportation, programs and services.

The city and the county support the physical, mental and behavioral wellness of community members through collaborating with organizations that provide health and wellness services and providing direct services where appropriate. The city and the county recognize the importance of providing these services to community members that face greater barriers to health services, and after significant events or periods of disruption.

The city supports a diverse range of affordable and accessible arts and cultural experiences by supporting investment in art in public places, venues, facilities, special events and programs that reflect Boulder’s creative spirit, heritage and community diversity. Arts and cultural programs will reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of Boulder’s community members.

The city supports and encourages spaces, programs and institutions throughout the city that offer social places for interpersonal connections, belonging, well-being and community cohesion for people of all cultures, generations, incomes, backgrounds and abilities. The city recognizes the value of social infrastructure to build community resilience and wellness.

The city works with employers, educators and partners to support equitable access to programs designed to help develop, up-skill and attract workers of all ages in multiple fields with a range of skills, education and experience. The city fosters a diverse and creative workforce and supports wraparound services for Boulder workers, ensuring programs are accessible to all community members.

The city and county encourage the development and preservation of stable, accessible and affordable housing throughout the community as well as place-based services to address the unique needs of people with disabilities or health conditions, older adults and any anyone who requires additional housing support.

The city and county collaborate to support and resource the transition of people experiencing homelessness into safe homes and to help them maintain their housing through the provision of comprehensive supportive services, behavioral health assistance, community building and social integration. Housing solutions respect the dignity, autonomy and diversity of people experiencing homelessness.

The city and county support an age-inclusive community that is responsive to population trends toward an aging population and recognizes the importance of attracting and retaining young professionals and households with children. An age-inclusive community has appropriate infrastructure, services, housing, education, accessible childcare, social infrastructure, entertainment and programs that benefit all members from children to older adults.

The city and county will work collaboratively with community partners who provide vital arts, health, language access and cultural services as well as education on skills, trades and civic navigation to community members of the Boulder Valley.

The city promotes the health and well-being of the entire Boulder community by providing high quality parks, facilities, programs and space for events. The city supports access to services for young people, older adults, those with low-income and those with disabilities. The city will prioritize thoughtful planning and management to ensure public spaces and services are designed to build social cohesion, support health and well-being and advance access for all.

The city supports the creation, care and activation of accessible nature spaces throughout the community, affording equitable opportunities to live, learn and play in nature to all community members.

The city and county support farms, businesses, nonprofits, homes and programs throughout the region that grow, produce, process, glean and sell fresh local food and feed. The city and county recognize the importance of a local food system that provides nutritious and culturally appropriate local foods to address food insecurity and facilitate greater community access to these products. Local leaders and community members work collaboratively to sustain an agriculturally focused community with a food system that is just, equitable, inclusive, and resilient.

The city supports urban agriculture, including greenhouses, in community and private spaces to combat food insecurity, extend growing capacity in Boulder’s climate, and promote equitable access to healthy, locally grown foods.

The city and county recognize workers are critical to sustaining agriculture and a local food system and encourage training, apprenticeship and skill development programs. The city and county support exploring options to increase transportation options, worker protections and housing opportunities for agriculture workers and land stewards in the Boulder Valley.

The city is committed to meaningful, inclusive, and equitable engagement of all community members to lead to better decision-making and outcomes. The city supports elevating youth engagement and input in long-range policy making as they may be disproportionately affected by decisions that take decades to realize. The city recognizes there are communities that have been historically excluded from engagement and influence, and enhanced efforts and resources are needed to include them and create belonging in government decision-making. The city supports volunteer programs that engage people in activities and efforts to improve the Boulder Valley community and help address local issues.

The city and county supports actions that encourage understanding and appreciation of American Indian Tribal Nations, their traditions, culture and our shared history in these ancestral lands known as the Boulder Valley. The city and county respect Tribal sovereignty and self-determination and follows federal and state consultation guidelines. The city follows a formal government-to-government consultation process to receive input on important topics with Tribal Nations.

The city acknowledges that local Indigenous community members and nations face distinct hardships and barriers rooted in historic and ongoing inequities. Their voices, knowledge, and priorities are central to shaping a more inclusive and just future for the Boulder Valley. The city is committed to strengthening and improving ongoing engagement with these community members in planning and decision-making processes.