Wildfire isn’t just a seasonal concern in Boulder, it’s a constant risk. Preparation saves lives, not hope. That’s why I support adopting the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code with thoughtful, community-driven input that fits Boulder’s unique landscape.
But codes alone aren’t enough. We need to assess evacuation routes in every neighborhood, ensure reliable water infrastructure, explore more mitigation strategies, and continue to support the emergency services that keep us safe. This means supporting surge staffing of fire crews, dispatch centers, and the emergency operations center (EOC) on Red-Flag days when significant winds are predicted. In addition, we must continue to strengthen inter-agency coordination and resources for extended complex incidents, and engage the community in year-round education and preparedness.
We’ve seen the devastation of the Marshall Fire and tragedies across the West. We don’t need more warnings, we need action. I’m running for City Council to bring practical, experienced leadership to protect Boulder from wildfire and help build a safer, more resilient future for everyone.
Public Safety – A Core Responsibility, A Community Commitment
As a former fire captain with 18 years of frontline experience, I understand the essential role that safety plays in building a thriving community. I’ve worked side by side with law enforcement on emergency scenes, wildfires, mental health calls, and large-scale incidents. I know what effective public safety looks like and I know the importance of trust, coordination, and compassion.
I strongly support the Boulder Police Department and the dedicated professionals who serve to protect our residents, visitors, small businesses, and most vulnerable community members. We must ensure they have the training, resources, and public trust needed to do their jobs with professionalism and empathy.
The June 1, 2025 terrorist attack on Pearl Street was a tragic reminder that we cannot take public safety for granted. Safe public spaces are not only a basic right, they are the foundation of economic vitality, community life, and civic participation.
As your City Councilmember, I will advocate for:
·Continued investment in collaborative emergency response between fire, police, EMS, and mental health services.
·Proactive public safety planning for high-traffic areas like downtown, parks, and transit corridors.
·Supportive, accountable policing that serves all residents with fairness, including our unhoused neighbors who deserve contact points grounded in dignity and connection.
·Ongoing coordination with county and state partners to ensure preparedness and rapid response to threats, both known and unexpected.
Boulder must be a place where people feel safe walking down the street, running a business, or asking for help. I’m ready to bring real-world safety leadership to City Council with the relationships and experience to back it up.
Transportation – Safe, Balanced, and Ready for the Future
Boulder’s transportation network is essential to how we live, work, and prepare for the unexpected. Well-designed and maintained streets aren’t just about convenience, they’re about safety, resilience, and access.
Boulder has identified the Core Arterial Network (CAN) as the backbone of our transportation system. I support this vision and believe we must implement it in a way that truly balances multiple needs:
·Protected bike lanes that make active transportation safer and more accessible
·Efficient vehicle flow to support commuters, businesses, and city services
·Clear access for emergency vehicles and timely evacuation routes in the event of wildfires or other natural disasters
As our population grows and our climate changes, we must ensure that Boulder’s transportation system serves everyone, including first responders when seconds count.
At the same time, we can’t ignore the strain caused by the 60,000+ vehicles that enter Boulder each weekday from outside the city. This adds to congestion, emissions, and parking demand. I want to explore practical solutions to reduce this inflow, including:
·Expanding and modernizing Park & Ride facilities to make them safer, more convenient, and well-integrated with RTD and active transit
·Exploring regional commuter incentives, carpool programs, and last-mile solutions
·Continuing to improve transit frequency and reliability within the city so people can leave their cars behind
Transportation doesn’t exist in a silo, it touches affordability, climate, public health, and emergency response. I’ll bring firsthand operational insight and a collaborative mindset to ensure Boulder’s transportation future is smart, safe, and sustainable.
Rob Kaplan
Tackling homelessness takes more than good intentions, it requires coordinated strategy. As a former fire captain and county-wide mutual aid representative, I understand the impact of unified command and clearly defined roles in achieving real results. In Boulder, we have dedicated partners, the city, county, state, nonprofits, and businesses, all working on this issue, but often in isolation. I’m running for City Council to change that.
Solving homelessness is not a one-size-fits-all problem. People need different kinds of support, and our approach has to reflect that. I propose a thoughtful exploration of a centralized portal to streamline communication, information sharing, and resource coordination. This isn’t about creating more bureaucracy, it’s about cutting through it. With better alignment, we can respond more quickly, more effectively, and with greater accountability, offering real support to those in need while restoring safety and shared responsibility across our community.
Leadership matters. I’m ready to bring it.
The lack of affordable and middle-income housing in Bouder isn’t just pushing people out, it’s pulling more cars in. Every day, tens of thousands of people commute into Boulder because they can’t afford to live here. That growing wave of in-commuters adds to traffic congestion, strains our infrastructure, and increases greenhouse gas emissions, undermining the very sustainability, equity, and resilience goals we’ve committed to as a community.
If we don’t act, the housing shortage will continue to hollow out our workforce and deepen inequality. Teachers, firefighters, restaurant staff, nurses, and early-career professionals, the people who make our community function, are being forced to live farther and farther away. This isn’t sustainable.
I’m committed to addressing our housing supply thoughtfully, through smart infill, mixed-use developments, and incentives that prioritize affordability and design quality. We must protect the natural beauty, cultural charm, and neighborhood character that make Boulder unique, but we cannot let nostalgia block the progress needed to keep Boulder inclusive and livable for generations to come.
Downtown Boulder is more than a business district. It is where people gather, eat, shop, and experience the city. When downtown thrives, so does the rest of Boulder. But right now, too many residents and visitors are saying the same thing: it does not feel as safe or as inviting as it used to.
If we want a downtown that is strong, inclusive, and economically vibrant, we need to start with the basics: cleanliness, accessibility, and public safety.
Here’s what I propose:
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Extend Pearl Street police patrols to 10:00 or 11:00 p.m. to match business hours and support a safer, more welcoming nighttime atmosphere.
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Prioritize upkeep with clean sidewalks, working bathrooms, and proactive trash management.
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Improve access and visibility after hours, including better lighting, safer sidewalks, and protected bike and scooter infrastructure.
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Support small business activation with easier permitting for patios, pop-ups, and local events.
As a former small business owner in Boulder, I understand the daily effort it takes to keep a space vibrant and welcoming. I’ve seen how the right city policies can lift small businesses up or leave them to struggle.
So let’s reinvest in the heart of Boulder, because a thriving downtown strengthens the city, the community, and our sense of connectivity and civility.
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