Longtime Municipal Court Judge Linda Cooke To Step Down From Her Role June 30

Municipal Court Judge Linda Cooke announced today that she plans to step down from her City Council-appointed role June 30, bringing an end to 22 years with the city and the court. Cooke said she remains interested in serving in a part-time capacity, if possible, but that it is time for her to devote more time to her family and her personal life.

Throughout her time on the bench, Cooke has been a champion of innovative approaches that both hold offenders accountable but also offer opportunities for restorative justice. Reflecting on her career, Cooke shared that she is particularly proud of her team’s work in bringing evidence-based sustainable programs to support young people and individuals who are experiencing homelessness. Under her leadership, Boulder has built out a successful court navigators program as well as Community Court, both of which seek to solve the root causes that lead to court violations.

“Judge Cooke has been an impassioned and collaborative leader for our Municipal Court. I appreciate the way she has always looked holistically at the cases that have come before her,” said Mayor Aaron Brockett. “She’s been a trusted partner in upholding our municipal code and helping our city council understand issues that impact our community. I am deeply grateful for her service.”

The municipal judge position is one of three that reports directly to Boulder City Council. Council will be asked this morning to schedule a time to discuss next steps in the hiring process.

“I embark on this transition with profound gratitude,” Cooke said. “The opportunities afforded to me in this role, and the many friendships and collegial relationships I have developed, will always be with me. I am confident that the many talented and dedicated court colleagues will continue to champion the principles of procedural justice that I’ve worked to instill.”