climate
The two major issues facing Boulder as a result of climate change are floods and fire. We are making progress on the first issue with the construction of the CU South project, which will mitigate the impact of floods, primarily for South Boulder. Our Utilities Department is in the midst of a program to construct a number of other flood mitigation projects to enhance our resilience to floods. This is critical work, and I support the efforts of the City to address this serious problem.
Just as important is the issue of wildfire resilience. After the Marshall Fire, we are all aware of the potential devastation that can result from wildfires. Those are lessons we cannot ignore. This year, the Council voted to significantly expand what is called the WUI, or the Wildland Urban Interface, essentially that part of the community nearest our Open Space and most vulnerable to the ravages of uncontrolled wildfires. We also banned the planting of junipers on new construction and major renovation projects. This was a necessary step in the protection of our community, but it is not the only step we need to take. I would like to see a robust community conversation about the potential next steps in enhancing our community’s safety. How we address the risk of wildfire in Boulder will determine the safety of our community from this existential danger.