2 weeks Ago
In November, voters will choose between alternate pathsOne of City Park Ranger Brian’s favorite expressions when tangled in slow government decisions applies equally to local politics today. In November, voters will choose between two alternate paths for Boulder’s future.The current City Council majority members are strongly pro-growth.
Since being elected, this group has passed and/or supported laws that continue to increase Boulder’s population dramatically. According to a recent count by Boulder Action, the Council has approved or is actively considering over 20,000 new housing units, representing a potential eye-popping increase in Boulder’s population.The future doesn’t have to be that way.
Boulder can choose sustainable growth for its future where development pays enough in fees to support subsidized housing strongly. Shouldn’t development pay for the infrastructure required for their development: roads, sidewalks, bike improvements, parks, open space, rec centers, fire, police, utilities? And shouldn’t these fees be robust enough to subsidize affordable housing so workers and students can afford to live here? Otherwise, it’s left to the citizens to pay for this through increased taxes making Boulder even more unaffordable.Two compelling initiative petitions are now being circulated for signatures to get on the ballot.
One initiative promotes affordable housing; new backyard cottages/houses in single-family neighborhoods need to be permanently affordable (at 100% of the median-income Boulder residents) when rented: ~$3,700/mo instead of $6,000+/mo. This initiative helps families and discourages speculation and out-of-state real estate investors. The second initiative requires development to pay its own expenses.
The ~$1 billion in infrastructure required for Area III would be the developers’ responsibility rather than ours.This November, the choice will be candidates endorsed by sustainable growth advocates Boulder Action, Boulder Elevated and Plan Boulder or the pro-growth incumbents endorsed in the last election by the Boulder Progressives, Better Boulder and Sierra Club.Learn more: boulderaction.
org and planboulder.org.Jeff Hansen, Boulder Thankful for home-visit professionalsFor the first time, National Home Visiting Week and Colorado Home Visitor Appreciation Week will be celebrated April 21–25.
This is a meaningful opportunity to recognize the essential work of home visitors, the families they support and the powerful impact of these programs on maternal and child health.At Boulder County Public Health, our amazing home-visiting programs walk alongside families during some of the most important and vulnerable moments in life. These compassionate, dedicated professionals offer trusted guidance, build lasting relationships and connect families to resources they might not otherwise access.
• The Children with Special Needs Program supports families with a child born prematurely or with developmental delays or disabilities. A public health nurse helps parents navigate care, promote development and access services.• Family Connects offers a home visit from a nurse to any new parent in Boulder County within the first three months after birth.
The visit supports the physical and mental well-being of the baby, parent and entire family. It is available to all families — including immigrant, kinship, refugee and adoptive families.• GENESIS/Healthy Families America works with teen parents to build strong foundations through culturally respectful, family-centered support.
• The Nurse-Family Partnership pairs trained nurses with first-time, low-income parents from early pregnancy until the child’s second birthday to improve health outcomes and promote school readiness.Parenting is often complicated and can be hard. Home-visiting professionals work alongside parents to build skills, confidence and resilience.
Utilizing evidence-based models, home visiting supports healthy birth outcomes, increases family wellness and self-sufficiency, and helps children enter school prepared to succeed.The incredible home visitors on our teams make a lasting impact on our Boulder County families. This week and every week, we’re thankful for these dedicated and compassionate professionals.
Lexi Nolen, executive director, Boulder County Public HealthCouncil could use another assessment of flood planAs I was reading, Mr. Steve Pomerance’s detailed, lengthy commentary about flooding in Boulder, I thought that another very excellent assessment could come from Wright Water Engineers. They would give a very professional, accountable assessment that could be used by Boulder City Council now and for the future.
Carol Saunders, Boulder.
