Boulder County Commissioners have rolled out their pivotal priorities for supporting state legislation and securing state funding in 2025. According to Boulder County, these priorities revolve around reinforcing racial equity, environmental justice, and the prudent use of taxpayer funds. As counties in Colorado operate under the governance of state laws, these priorities will shape Boulder County's advocacy during the current legislative session, which kicked off this week and will conclude in May.
In laying these principles, the county has identified several legislative realms for attention. Boulder County's state legislative and budget priorities are heavily influenced by racial equity, advocating for policies that strive to be anti-racist, culturally responsive, and wholly inclusive. The principle of climate action emphasizes the protection and enhancement of the environment, a pledge to safeguard nature for the generations that follow us. Financial stewardship focuses on efficient service delivery and program integration, aimed at equitable outcomes for all community members, Boulder County outlined in their statement.
Key among Boulder County's legislative priorities are the drive for environmental justice, aiming to shield vulnerable communities from disproportionate environmental burdens, and the push for emissions reductions through easily accessible energy upgrades for homes and businesses. Efforts to halt gun violence include backing legislation to ban assault weapons. They're also championing the Colorado Voting Rights Act, bolstering legislation against racial discrimination in voting and ensuring that access is maintained for all eligible voters, which includes groups often facing barriers such as voters with disabilities, LGBTQ+ voters, those on tribal lands, and individuals affected by the criminal justice system.
With a precarious state budget that projects a deficit exceeding $1 billion, Boulder County stresses the importance of a responsible fiscal approach. In the spirit of collaboration, the commissioners have called on the state to prioritize critical programs like the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program, Medicaid, and other safety net services. They underscore the urgency of IMPACT TO SUPPORT, a partnership offering alternatives to juvenile justice detention, to influence the allocation of funds within the state's strained budget, the announcement detailed on their website.
