Idea is to enhance community engagement early in the decision-making process.

The City of Boulder is launching its first Community and Council Forum to test a possible way to offering meaningful community engagement earlier in City Council’s decision-making process. This new pilot program was developed in response to community feedback as part of the Better Public Meetings project. The first session will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 6 – 9 p.m. in Council Chambers, focusing on the topic of the Economic Development Plan and Program Enhancements.

This forum is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to ensure community voices are heard and to address the need for greater inclusivity and engagement in city governance. After a brief staff presentation, participants will have the opportunity to ask clarifying questions and engage in small group discussions with councilmembers and city staff.

“We are thrilled to be launching this new forum in direct response to the community’s desire for more meaningful engagement earlier in our processes,” said City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde. “We are interested to see what we can learn – and possibly build on – as a result of this pilot.”

There are 20 available seats, 10 of which are reserved for invited community members with lived experience related to the forum topic. The remaining 10 additional seats will be available through advance sign-ups with a randomized selection if more than 10 individuals register. Interested community members must sign up for a chance to participate, though registering does not guarantee selection. Other community members are welcome to observe the forum in person or virtually. The forum will be livestreamed on Channel 8 and the City of Boulder’s YouTube channel. The forum will be conducted bilingually with Spanish interpretation.

This forum replaces the regularly scheduled study session on Sept. 26. Two additional forums will be held in 2025 as part of this pilot program, with dates to be announced.

To register for an open community seat by 12 p.m. on Sept. 18, or learn more about the Community and Council Forum, visit the city’s website.

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