Take a step back into high school civics to learn how Boulder’s government works - and discover how you can get involved and make a meaningful impact in your local community.
Guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):
Carl Castillo, Chief Policy Advisor
Elesha Johnson, City Clerk
Other Guests:
Glen Krutz, Political Science Professor at University of Colorado Boulder
This episode was hosted by Cate Stanek and Emi Smith. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Related Resources:
Municipal Initiative Petition Guidelines
City of Boulder Boards and Commissions
City of Boulder Ranked Choice Voting Guide
Boulder City Council Frequently Asked Questions
Clarification:
The number of employees serving the City of Boulder fluctuates based on seasonal and temporary hires. At one point in the show, a guest mentions that the city employs 1,500 people. This number varies and gets as high as 1,800.
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21:51
Episode 10: Connecting Our Canopies
Climb into this episode about Boulder's city trees and hear from the people who care for them.
Guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):
Andrew Holt, Forester
Calvin Wing, Crew Lead
Heather Bearnes-Loza, Senior Program Manager for the Nature-based Climate Solutions Team
Kathleen Alexander, Forestry Manager
Regina Elsner, Senior Manager of Natural Resources
Other Guests:
Daniel Hanson, Community Forestry Corps Lead
Mike Reichert, Tree Trust Program Manager
Community Forestry Corps members and tree planting volunteers, Mallory, Josue and Ellory.
This episode was hosted by Cate Stanek and Jonathan Thornton. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team and edited by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Related Resources:
All About City Trees
City of Boulder Staff Land Acknowledgement
Inquire Boulder
Cool Boulder
PLAY Boulder Foundation Tree Trust & Tree Tender Training
Cooling Our City
City Heat Mapping
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31:36
Join Us Sept. 7 at What's Up Boulder!
Meet your neighbors and people behind the city — attend What's Up Boulder!
When: Saturday, Sept. 7 from 1 - 4 p.m.
Where: East Boulder Community Park between the soccer field and East Age Well Center.
What: Popsicles, lawn games, a foam party, conversations with council members, music and much more!
Get the details on our website.
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2:09
Episode 9: From Passion to Action
Got time, talent or treasure to share? You're in the right place. This episode is all about giving back to your neighbors through acts big or small, with some tales of volunteering along the way.
Special guests in this episode (city staff and volunteers):
Aimee Kane, Equity Officer
Ali Rhodes, Director of Parks and Recreation
Brian Wegner, Volunteer Services and Partnerships Program Supervisor
Andrew Shoemaker, Volunteer
Karen Donnelly, Volunteer
Cameos from Deputy City Manager Chris Meschuk and Deputy Director of Community Connections and Partnerships for OSMP Jennelle Freeston.
This episode was hosted by Cassy Bohnet and Leah Kelleher. It was produced by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Related Resources:
Volunteer Opportunities with the City of Boulder
Count Me In volunteer web portal
Volunteer with Parks and Recreation
Volunteer with OSMP
Volunteer with EXPAND
Meet the people behind the city: attend What's Up Boulder!
When: Saturday, Sept. 7 from 1 - 4 p.m.
Where: East Boulder Community Park between the soccer field and East Age Well Center.
What: Popsicles, lawn games, conversations with council members, music and more!
Learn more on our website.
Music in this episode (adapted):
Ring Ouzel, The Crumbling, Dream Caper and County Courtship by Blue Dot Sessions. All are licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License on Free Music Archive.
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35:30
Episode 8: A Child Friendly Boulder
We're talking child-friendly cities this episode, communities where all kids feel safe and cared for, while being able to express their opinions and influence decisions that affect them. Becoming a child-friendly Boulder is an ongoing journey, but we've got a plan for how to get there. Ready, set, tune in!
Explore more visions for a child-friendly Boulder.
Special guests in this episode:
Sarah Huntley, Director of the City of Boulder Communications and Engagement Department
Mara Mintzer, Co-Founder and Director of Growing Up Boulder
Avery Stuhlbarg, YOAB member
Elias Weatherley, YOAB member
Jeff Kagan of Jeff & Paige
Paige Doughty of Jeff & Paige
This episode was produced and hosted by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Related Resources:
All about the City of Boulder's Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI).
Learn more about Growing Up Boulder. Explore their CFCI webpage.
Boulder's digital Child Friendly City Map.
Check out the city's Be Heard Boulder online engagement platform. Stay tuned for future opportunities to share your thoughts and ideas.
Learn about UNICEF CFCI around the world.
UNICEF CFCI in the United States.
Jeff and Paige's website and music.
Fostering a Better Community for Children and Youth, plus Family Services.
Dig into the city's Youth Opportunities Program.
Youth Opportunities Advisory Board (YOAB) and how to apply.
More opportunities for youth in Boulder.
Stay in the loop: follow City of Boulder Instagram #CFCIBoulder, and subscribe to city updates and Growing Up Boulder's newsletter.
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities:
Teen Townhall: A Conversation about Policing and Safety.
Boulder Police Department Youth Open House.
Learn more about both events.
Music in this episode (adapted):
"A Civic Area" by Jeff and Paige.