This document outlines the history of growth and development policies in Boulder, Colorado. It discusses how entrenched "anti-growth" views led to a lack of housing diversity and affordability over decades. A new coalition called Better Boulder was formed to promote smart growth principles of infill, density, and housing for all. Better Boulder brought together diverse groups around common goals and helped shift the political dialogue. One of its first successes was influencing policies around proposed ballot measures 300 and 301. The document concludes with lessons about getting out of ideological "echo chambers", building broad coalitions, pursuing balanced policies, and continuing the movement toward more sustainable communities.

1. GETTING TO THIS . . .
Building an Enduring
Community Partnership

2. Agenda:
• Background and History
• Change the Paradigm
• Better Boulder
• The Gift
• Lessons Learned

3. Boulder Background:
• Boulder’s Preservation History - open space protection, height limit,
blue line, green building codes, investment in transit and bike/ped
infrastructure
• Countywide Intergovernmental Agreement sets Urban Growth
Boundaries around every community
• Open space – city and county sales taxes have funded acquisition of
145,000 acres of land between cities
• Consistent policy direction for last 30 years

5. Boulder Background:
• The good – beautiful place / strong economy
• The bad – limited housing diversity, stagnation (bad for
quality of life and environment)

6. Political History:
• NIMBY/Antigrowth Sentiment: Tight reign on positive redevelopment and
infill
• Players: PLAN Boulder County / Sierra Club / Business Community /
Affordable Housing Advocates
• Historically: City Council Candidates / Boards and Commissions / carry
mantle of environment protection

7. The Definition of Insanity:
• Past Practice: Boulder Chamber / BARA / Development Interests
• Success and Failures: Stop the worst overreach (“Don’t kill the goose that
laid the golden egg”) / Rare City Council victory
• Echo Chamber: Talking to themselves and standing on their own
• Environmental advocates who supported density and infill had no
institutional home
• Lack of Sustainable Influence . . .

8. New Coalition Needed:
• Promote Smart Growth/YIMBY Principles – Infill and redevelopment and
flexibility with existing housing that promotes efficient land use, transit
mobility, reduced climate impact, housing for everyone
• Focused on Comprehensive Plan Update – Change regulations and
policies related to land use, transportation and housing
• Long-Term Political Realignment
• Goal: Sustainable Influence – City Council and Board appointments

9. Unorganized Constituency:
• Young people who love Boulder, can barely afford to live here,
and wonder why we don’t have neighborhoods like Highlands in
Denver
• Older folks who are ready to downsize but there’s no where for
them to go
• Businesspeople and entrepreneurs who see the vitality that
could come from a more urban fabric
• Environmentalists who see that without land use
changes, our carbon goals can’t be met

10. Breaking Out of the Echo Chambers:
• Previous Experience – Annexation by vote opened door for future
conversation
• The First Encounters – informal dialogue meetings
• Identifying Common Goals – “How can we help?” (avoid leading with your
agenda!)
• Building the Coalition and Formalizing the Relationship - Foundation
based on sound communication practices and balance
• Let Others Lead – Avoid the spotlight but get the job done

11. Better Boulder:
• Who We Are – Diverse interests with a common vision
• What We Do – Public Programs / Communication Tools / Action
• Initial Success – Getting together / Speaking-Up / New Voice
• Challenges - “Worse Boulder”

12. The Gift / The Test: 300 / 301
• “Bring it on!”
• Careful What You Wish For
• Campaign – Hearts and Minds Battle
• Victory - The Coalition Held!

13. Toward a Sustainable Future:
• Political - Council / Boards and Commissions
• Policies – Comprehensive Plan
• Balance!
• Healthy Housing Market

14. Lessons:
• Get out of the Echo Chamber
• Coalition – Big Tent
• Balance – Overreach is not the goal
• Policy that is good for business, environment and equity
• This is a Movement – Get on It!