Positions

Airport

I support a long-term commitment to the airport. However I don’t think Boulder has gotten a good enough deal nor completed the necessary due diligence to agree to running the airport in perpetuity. Therefore I do not support accepting FAA funds and the accompanying 2022 grant covenants at this time. I made a motion to go ahead with a long term airport commitment but wait on FAA grants for at least a year on July 23. That failed 3-6. I then voted for an amendment requiring the next FAA grant to require council approval, which passed.

Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs)

I believe we should stop the use of ALPRs, massively networked AI-enabled surveillance cameras (e. g., Flock and Axon), until and unless we generally have consent from the public. I do support the use red light traffic cameras and the target use of drones for wildfire spotting and other active emergency response that minimize personal data. I spoke about this in March, posted about it in March and posted again about it in July.

Boulderado Workers

I enthusiastically support the drive of Boulderado workers to unionize. I admire the brave, difficult work they are leading to build a more secure future for their families, themselves, and others. Going forward, I stand with Boulderado workers and UNITE HERE Local 23 as I have stood with them before in meetings and the picket line.

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

I support making it a priority to revitalize downtown and our local economy in a way that is symbiotic with the city budget. However I do not believe we are clear enough on the underlying policy issues nor have sufficient buy-in from the community to warrant referring a DDA, which would impact citywide voter-approved dedicated funds, to a small group of special district downtown voters (under 2500 people in all) to be decided. I voted no to the DDA on August 6.

Fixing Boulder’s Facilities

I’ll be voting yes to modernize Boulder’s fifteen failing public buildings, from our police station to the rec centers, in the $400 million ballot measure this fall. So that’s a YES on City of Boulder 2K: Recreation and Safety Bond. Here’s my explanation.

Minimum Wage

I’m a leading Council voice to increase earnings for wage workers. I voted to increase minimum wage in 2024, going to $16.82 in 2027, which my council cohort approved. I do not support changes to the tip credit that could reduce pay to minimum wage earners, which I voted against on July 30.

Priorities

Learn about my priorities that lead to these positions at www.ryanwithboulder.com/priorities.