Posts tagged Boulder
Rob Smoke is running for Boulder City Council
Sep 29th
Boulder Council Candidate’s Campaign
Rob, a long-time Boulder resident and former writer for the Daily Camera, is running for Boulder City Council for the fifth time. He has lived in Boulder since 1986 and previously ran for council in 2007. While he acknowledges the slim chance of winning this time, Rob expressed frustration with the repetitive nature of city council meetings and their focus on unnecessary data and political statements.
Boulder Council’s Silence on Gaza
Rob and Jann discussed the Boulder City Council’s stance on the conflict in Gaza, expressing frustration that the council has not condemned the violence or supported measures like divestment from companies aiding the conflict. Rob emphasized that morality and representing the core values of the community should be prioritized over political arguments, while Jann suggested that the council could pass a simple resolution condemning the genocide in Palestine. They criticized the council’s dismissive attitude and lack of action, highlighting the contrast with their past condemnation of international issues like apartheid in South Africa.
Boulder’s Homelessness Management Challenges
Jann and Rob discussed Boulder’s approach to homelessness, highlighting that the city spends approximately $4 million annually on police efforts to manage homeless individuals, with limited success. They noted that recent closures of the Tribe Home and youth housing facility have exacerbated the situation, while the city’s focus on law enforcement over treatment programs for addiction has proven ineffective. Rob suggested that using underutilized open spaces for designated camping areas could help reduce downtown homelessness, but the city’s resistance to such solutions reflects broader challenges in addressing the issue.
City Council Candidate’s Israel Policy Stance
Rob discussed his candidacy for City Council and expressed concerns about the city’s alignment with Trump administration policies, particularly regarding Gaza and Palestine. He questioned the need for Colorado’s Democratic senators and congresspeople to support Israeli weapons funding while ignoring the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Boulder to lose millions Maintains Sanctuary City Status Amid Federal Funding Threats
Sep 8th
BOULDER, Colo. — As of September 2025, Boulder has not lost specific federal funding solely due to its sanctuary policies. However, since January 2025, the Trump administration has threatened to withhold tens of millions in grants, with $55 million in federal funds for housing, transportation, and social services in limbo as of March. The University of Colorado Boulder has faced over 50 grant cancellations or stop-work orders in 2025, totaling $30 million in losses, linked to broader federal actions against sanctuary jurisdictions.
As of September 8, 2025, Boulder, Colorado, has not reversed its sanctuary city status, despite federal threats to withhold funding. The city, which formalized its sanctuary policy in January 2017, continues to limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as confirmed by city officials. No council vote to repeal the policy has occurred, though recent discussions and federal actions have heightened tensions.
On May 30, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) listed Boulder among 39 Colorado counties and 14 cities as “sanctuary jurisdictions” for allegedly obstructing federal immigration laws. Boulder County Commissioners defended the designation, stating, “If being a ‘sanctuary jurisdiction’ means we support due process and human rights, we are proud of that moniker,” criticizing DHS’s “baseless claims.” No formal non-compliance notification has been issued.
As of September 2025, Boulder has not lost specific federal funding solely due to its sanctuary policies. However, since January 2025, the Trump administration has threatened to withhold tens of millions in grants, with $55 million in federal funds for housing, transportation, and social services in limbo as of March. The University of Colorado Boulder has faced over 50 grant cancellations or stop-work orders in 2025, totaling $30 million in losses, linked to broader federal actions against sanctuary jurisdictions.
On June 10, 2025, the Boulder City Council discussed its sanctuary status in an executive session but made no policy changes. The 2017 ordinance, prohibiting city employees, including police, from assisting ICE unless required by law, remains in effect. Colorado state law further limits local police involvement in federal immigration enforcement. The Department of Justice sued Colorado and Denver in May 2025 over sanctuary policies, though federal judges have temporarily blocked funding cuts. Boulder’s estimated 7,000 immigrant residents face uncertainty as legal and financial challenges persist.
