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.  

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

Wildfire preparedness tips and some honest conversations about the importance of supporting your neighbors.    Special guests in this episode: 

• Isabel Sanchez, Community Member 
• Jamie Carpenter, Wildland Operations Specialist
• Kerry Webster, Wildland Fire Senior Program Manager
• Brett KenCairn, Climate Senior Policy Advisor 

This episode was hosted by Marya Washburn, Emily Sandoval and Leah Kelleher. It was produced 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. Please see our website for music attributions.    Resources mentioned in the episode: 

• The City’s Wildfire Preparedness Guide

Music in this episode (adapted):

• The Island (Instrumental) by Chad Crouch
• Hot Pink by Chad Crouch
• The Family (Instrumental) by Chad Crouch
• Drifting by Chad Crouch
• City Lights by Chad Crouch

All are licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License or Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

 

Dive into tools and strategies that help create a more resilient, healthy community where people and other local life can thrive.    Special guests in this episode: 

• Kerry Webster, Wildland Fire Senior Program Manager
• Brett KenCairn, Climate Senior Policy Advisor 
• Chris Wanner, Vegetation Stewardship Senior Manager
• Zach Hedstrom, Mushroom Grower and Owner of Boulder Mushroom

This episode was hosted by Marya Washburn and Leah Kelleher. It was produced 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.   Resources mentioned in the episode: 

• Using Trees and Vegetation to Cool Areas
• Nature-based Climate Solutions
• Wildfire Management on Open Space and Mountain Parks
• The City’s Wildfire Preparedness Guide
• Boulder Heat Maps

Zach Hedstrom's work with the Boulder Watershed Collective and Grama Grass & Livestock is funded by the Boulder County Climate Innovation Fund, which is funded in part by the City of Boulder.   Music in this episode (adapted): Song Sparrow Serenade (Instrumental) by Chad Crouch Smooth Stone by Blue Dot Sessions Stillness by Blue Dot Sessions Paper Napkin by Blue Dot Sessions City Lights by Chad Crouch Platformer by Chad Crouch A Little Powder by Blue Dot Sessions Bon Journée by Chad Crouch  

All are licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License or Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

 

Explore the connection between wildfire and the climate crisis.     Special guests in this episode:

• Jamie Carpenter, Wildland Operations Specialist
• Kerry Webster, Wildland Fire Senior Program Manager
• Brett KenCairn, Climate Senior Policy Advisor 
• Chris Wanner, Vegetation Stewardship Senior Manager

This episode was hosted by Leah Kelleher and Marya Washburn. It was produced 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.   Check out resources mentioned in the episode: 

• Marshall Fire Story Map
• Wildfire Preparedness Guide
• National Academy of Sciences Study: Climate Stabilization Targets (2011).

Music in this episode (adapted): Ivory Pillow by Blue Dot Sessions Seafoam by Chad Crouch Stingray - Dangerous Thought by Blue Dot Sessions A Little Powder by Blue Dot Sessions Headlights/Mountain Road by Blue Dot Sessions Small Hours by Chad Crouch  

All are licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License or Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

  Read the full transcript on our website.   

Get a sneak peak at our show.

Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. 

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.

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.

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. 

A close look at our years-long recovery from the 2013 flood. We're digging into flood mitigation and preparedness, and lessons learned that have made our response and recovery stronger. 

  Special guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):

• Joe Taddeucci, Director of Utilities
• Chris Meschuk, Deputy City Manager 
• Jennelle Freeston, Deputy Director of Community Connections and Partnerships for Open Space and Mountain Parks
• Brandon Coleman, Engineering Project Manager
• Chad Brotherton, Visitor Infrastructure Senior Manager for Open Space and Mountain Parks
• Mike Chard, Director of the Office of Disaster Management for the City of Boulder and Boulder County.

This episode was hosted by Cate Stanek 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:

• Flood Mitigation Project Roundup
• Boulder's Web Guide to Flooding
• How to Be Flood Ready
• City of Boulder Comprehensive Flood and Stormwater Plan
• 2013 Flood Interactive Website
• September 2013 Flood Information and Storytelling

Upcoming Engagement Opportunities:

Feb. 22 – Joint City Council and Open Space Board of Trustees public hearing on open space disposal for South Boulder Creek. A decision on disposal will be made in March. Find more opportunities and office hours with city staff on our website.

Music in this episode (adapted): 

• The Silver Hatch, Grand Fell, This Passage, Uncertainty and Leadin by Blue Dot Sessions.
• Brother Richard by Dave Nelson.
• Confidence Trick by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear.

All are licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License, Attribution-NonCommercial License or Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

We're going back ten years to remember the 2013 Flood, how it impacted our community, and the courage and care of neighbors who stepped up to help each other. 

  Special guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):

• Joe Taddeucci, Director of Utilities
• Chris Meschuk, Deputy City Manager 
• Jennelle Freeston, Deputy Director of Community Connections and Partnerships for Open Space and Mountain Parks
• Brandon Coleman, Engineering Project Manager
• Chad Brotherton, Visitor Infrastructure Senior Manager for Open Space and Mountain Parks
• Mike Chard, Director of the Office of Disaster Management for the City of Boulder and Boulder County.

This episode was hosted by Cate Stanek and Leah Kelleher. It was also produced by Leah Kelleher. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear (adapted), licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Please see our website for full music attributions.    Related Resources:

• 2013 Flood Story Map
• Call for 2013 Flood Art and Reflections
• Carnegie Library Oral Histories 
• September 2013 Flood Information and Storytelling
• Boulder's Web Guide to Flooding
• How to Be Flood Ready
• City of Boulder Comprehensive Flood and Stormwater Plan

Music in this episode (adapted): 

• By the Pond (Instrumental), Risers, Dim, Ink and Afternoons (Instrumental) by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear. All are licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License or Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Follow us on our journey to prevent waste, give new life to old objects, and build an economic system that regenerates our planet instead of exploiting it.    Special guests in this episode: 

• Jamie Harkins, Sustainability Senior Manager for Circular Economies
• Emily Freeman, Sustainability Policy Advisor
• Michele Crane, Facilities Architectural Senior Manager

This episode 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. Please see our website for full music attributions.    Call-in opportunity! Tell us how the climate crisis makes you feel. Where do you find hope and courage? Call 303-818-4678 and leave a voicemail sharing your thoughts, and you might be featured in an upcoming episode!   Related Resources:

• Our Circular Boulder Guide
• How to Live a More Circular Lifestyle
• Trash the Runway
• Jeff and Paige's Website
• Waste Sorting 101 Web Guide

Music in this episode (adapted): 

Freesia, Pilgrim's Progress, Cirrostratus and Skip Street by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear. All are licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License or Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

We have a bunch of community events planned throughout August and September with our partners at PLAY Boulder Foundation and Cool Boulder. Tune in to get the scoop!   Here's some more details and links to the big events:

• The Great Boulder Duck Race on Sunday, Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Adopt a rubber duck and join the fun!
• Little Creatures art show and workshops throughout August and September.
• What's Up Boulder on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Dig into emotions many of us experience as we live through climate change, along with coping strategies to build hope and personal resilience.   Special guests in this episode: 

• Eva Jahn (she/her), Licensed Psychotherapist
• Lodi Siefer (they/them), Psychotherapist and Hive Co-Director
• Louise Chawla (she/her), Professor Emerita at University of Colorado Boulder
• Heather Bearnes-Loza (she/her), Sustainability Senior Program Manager
• Sandy Briggs (she/her), Sustainability Program Manager
• Jonathan Koehn (he/him), Director of Climate Initiatives
• Emily Freeman (she/her), Sustainability Policy Advisor
• Daniel Hanson (he/him), Cool Boulder Intern
• Emily Sandoval (she/her), Community Engagement Senior Program Manager
• Marya Washburn (she/her), Public Information Officer for the Fire Department
• Jamie Carpenter (he/him), Wildland Operations Specialist
• Kerry Webster (she/her), Wildland Fire Senior Program Manager
• New Vista High School students Lahja, Lucy, Chauncey and Beck. 

This episode 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. Please see our website for full music attributions.    Call-in opportunity! Tell us how the climate crisis makes you feel. Where do you find hope and courage? Call 303-818-4678 and leave a voicemail sharing your thoughts, and you might be featured in an upcoming episode!   Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Community mental health resources
• Cool Boulder's website and calendar
• The Hive's Boulder.Earth website and calendar
• New Vista Climate Justice Photo Exhibit
• More on Louise Chawla and her research
• City poll showing community concern about the crisis

Music in this episode (adapted): 

• Etude 8 Dimitri and Etude 1 Cherub by Blue Dot Sessions
• Waves of Indigo by Daniel Birch
• The Bridge (Instrumental) and The Sheltering Firs (Instrumental) by Chad Crouch

All are licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 International License or Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Dive into the city’s guiding policy document, the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, as the city and Boulder County work on a major update of the plan to help shape the future of Boulder. 

Guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):

• Kristofer Johnson - Comprehensive Planning Senior Manager, City of Boulder 
• Kathleen King - Comprehensive Planning Planner Principal, City of Boulder 

Other Guests:

• Hannah Hippley - Long Range Planning Division Manager, Boulder County 
• Community Member voices – A Boulder Future Kick-off Video 

This episode was hosted by Cate Stanek and Julie Causa. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear, licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.    For a full transcript, visit the City of Boulder's podcast webpage.   Related Resources:

• The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update project page
• Community Connectors Program
• Community Connectors in Residence

Join Open Space and Mountain Parks and our Junior Rangers to continue exploring our open spaces and discover different ways they are made accessible for all.

Guests in this episode (City of Boulder) 

• Topher Downham – Education and Outreach Program Manager, Open Space and Mountain Parks

• Juanita Echeverri – Education and Outreach Program Manager, Open Space and Mountain Parks

Other Guests 

• Noah – Open Space and Mountain Parks Junior Ranger

• Sadie – Open Space and Mountain Parks Junior Ranger

This episode was hosted by Julie Causa and Cate Stanek. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team. Music and sounds attributed to:

• National Park Service
• CV20150611003-western_meadowlark.wav by tim.kahn -- https://freesound.org/s/325572/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0.

Related Resources

For more information about Boulder's open space, visit osmp.org.

Join Open Space and Mountain Parks and our Junior Rangers to explore the city's open spaces, and learn how to get outside safely and responsibly.

Guests in this episode (City of Boulder) 

• Topher Downham – Education and Outreach Program Manager, Open Space and Mountain Parks

• Juanita Echeverri – Education and Outreach Program Manager, Open Space and Mountain Parks

Other Guests 

• Noah – Open Space and Mountain Parks Junior Ranger

• Sadie – Open Space and Mountain Parks Junior Ranger

This episode was hosted by Julie Causa and Cate Stanek. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team. Music and sounds attributed to:

• National Park Service
• CV20150611003-western_meadowlark.wav by tim.kahn -- https://freesound.org/s/325572/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0.

Related Resources

For more information about Boulder's open space, visit osmp.org.

Discover the magic of Boulder's prairie landscapes in a piece written by Sam Clusman.

• Read the blog here

This episode was hosted by Julie Causa and Cate Stanek. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team. Music and sounds attributed to:

• National Park Service
• CV20150611003-western_meadowlark.wav by tim.kahn --      https://freesound.org/s/325572/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0.

Related Resources

For more information about Boulder's open space, visit osmp.org.

Explore Boulder’s vibrant arts and culture scene and hear from local leaders who are helping shape the city’s creative community. 

Guests in this episode (City of Boulder staff):

• Lauren Click – Arts and Culture Manager, City of Boulder 

Other Guests:

• David Dadone - Executive Director and Chief Curator for the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art 
• Leah Brenner Clack – Founder and Executive Director of Street Wise Arts 
• Kirsten Wilson – Founder and Executive Director of Motus Theater 

This episode was hosted by Angela Urrego and Emi Smith. It was produced by the City of Boulder's Podcast Team. Theme music is Wide Eyes by Chad Crouch/Podington Bear, licensed under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.    For a full transcript, visit the City of Boulder's podcast webpage.   Related Resources:

• Office of Arts and Culture
• Boulder Arts Blueprint
• Arts & Economic Prosperity 6