Attachment A - Draft Climate Action Plan

ATTACHMENT A: Draft Climate Action Plan Chapter Header | Action Area | Big Move | Link/more info needed | Infographic, chart, or visual Introduction..........................................................................................................................1 [Placeholder for letters/quotes] .............................................................................................1 Plan At a Glance ...................................................................................................................1 Key Goals .............................................................................................................................1 Action Areas and Big Moves ...................................................................................................1 Quick facts ...........................................................................................................................2 Climate Change in Boulder .......................................................................................................2 Our Planet is Heating Up .......................................................................................................2 Understanding Our Emissions ...............................................................................................3 Boulder’s History of Climate Action .......................................................................................4 Boulder’s Climate Future ......................................................................................................5 Boulder’s Approach to Climate Action .......................................................................................7 Goals ...................................................................................................................................7 Action Areas .........................................................................................................................8 Guiding Principles .................................................................................................................8 Action Areas .............................................................................................................................9 Community Resilience ..........................................................................................................9 Energy Supply ..................................................................................................................... 13 Healthy, Resilient Buildings ................................................................................................. 15 Clean, Connected Mobility .................................................................................................. 16 Circular Economy ............................................................................................................... 18 Nature-based Solutions ...................................................................................................... 21 Climate Equity & Justice ...................................................................................................... 25 What’s next ............................................................................................................................ 27

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Introduction [Placeholder for letters/quotes] Plan At a Glance This Climate Action Plan outlines how Boulder aims to reduce emissions, strengthen infrastructure resilience and invest in communities most affected by climate change. It connects long-term goals with practical strategies already in motion across the city. Each year that passes surpasses as the hottest on record. The Boulder community is already seeing more extreme heat, longer droughts, greater fire risk and rising energy burdens, especially for community members with the fewest resources. These impacts are not future threats. They are here. The city is responding with clear targets, coordinated action and a focus on long-term public benefit. Boulder’s last Climate Action Plan was updated in 2021. This updated version builds upon the latest climate science, brings new tools and represents an evolution in the citywide approach that integrates climate goals across buildings, transportation, energy, land use and ecosystems. It is organized into seven Action Areas, each with its own major strategies called Big Moves, that guide where Boulder is investing and why. This plan is driven by OneBoulder: a citywide approach that makes climate action part of every city decision from infrastructure investments to community services. Much of this work is already underway; the aim is for this Climate Action Plan to keep future initiatives focused, measurable and ready for what’s next.

Key Goals • • •

Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with science-based targets. Ensure that the benefits and burdens of climate action are shared fairly, addressing systemic inequities and prioritizing those most affected by climate change. Strengthen the community’s ability to prepare for, withstand and recover from climate impacts.

Action Areas and Big Moves 1. Community Resilience: Prepare our community for climate risks 2. Energy Supply: Clean the grid and improve affordability through local solar, battery storage and state-level utility reform 3. Healthy, Resilient Buildings: Support the transition from fossil fuel to cleaner, efficient, electric systems, while improving indoor and outdoor air quality and stabilizing utility costs

2 4. Clean, Connected Mobility: Expand electric vehicle (EV) adoption, increase walkability and support regional transit options 5. Circular Economy: Reduce consumption, support reuse and repair, and divert building materials from landfills 6. Nature-Based Solutions: Support our urban forests, landscapes, and ecosystems to cool the city and manage climate risks 7. Climate Equity and Justice: Invest directly in the communities most affected by climate change and reduce energy burden

Quick facts • • • •

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Boulder passed the nation’s first local climate tax in 2006. Boulder is suing ExxonMobil and Suncor, two of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, to hold them accountable for the growing local costs of climate change. In 2023, Boulder surpassed its 2030 goal for local renewable energy generation, hitting 105 megawatts (MW) seven years ahead of schedule. Boulder’s urban forest shades 21% of the city as of 2023, compared to 18% for comparable US cities. New trees are being planted in heat-prone neighborhoods where they are needed most. Boulder households generated just 1.83 lbs of waste per day in 2024. This is one-third the national average. More than 1,000 income-qualified households across the city receive utility bill savings from solar garden subscriptions Electric vehicles make up 12% of Boulder’s registered cars as of 2025. This is six times the national average.

Climate Change in Boulder Our Planet is Heating Up Global temperatures have already risen more than 2.2°F since the 1800s. As the planet warms, wildfires, floods, droughts and extreme heat are becoming more frequent both around the world and here in Boulder. Human activity continues to drive this shift, especially the burning of fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal. But recent science shows that fossil fuels are not the only contributors. Climate-driven impacts such as drought and wildfire are causing once-stable ecosystems, including forests and grasslands, to release carbon and methane. These landscapes, once considered reliable carbon sinks, are now adding to the greenhouse gases that warm the atmosphere.

3 [Info Box 1: Global and local temperature anomaly graphs]

Understanding Our Emissions Each year, the homes, buildings, transportation and businesses in the City of Boulder generate about 1.17 million metric tons of climate pollution (CO₂e). Around 65% comes from heating, cooling and electricity in buildings. 30% comes from transportation, mainly gas-powered cars and trucks. The remaining 5% comes from other local sources like waste, industry and fuels burned onsite. For more information, visit the Community GHG Emissions Data Dashboard. [Info Box 2: Pie chart: Sources of Boulder’s Climate Pollution] [Info Box 3: Definition: CO₂e (Carbon Dioxide Equivalent): A way to measure all climate pollution on a common scale, based on how much they warm the planet compared to carbon dioxide.] Typical greenhouse gas inventories, like the one above, don’t account for the emissions tied to the things we buy and consume, like food, clothing, electronics and more. These goods create pollution off-site, often far beyond city limits. Because Boulder, like much the rest of the US, consumes more goods and resources than the global average, these off-site emissions are meaningful and important to consider. That’s why, in 2023, Boulder’s completed its first-ever consumption-based emissions inventory, which includes emissions from goods and services produced elsewhere but consumed here. When accounting for these additional sources of pollution, our emissions more than double: jumping to 3.1 million metric tons for that year, meaning nearly 60% of our climate impact comes from goods and services produced elsewhere. Explore the full breakdown in the Consumption-Based Emissions Inventory Dashboard. [Info Box 4: Definition: Consumption-Based Emissions: Pollution caused by the production and delivery of goods and services.] [Info Box 5: Chart Consumption-Based Emissions: Pollution caused by the production and delivery of goods and services.] Natural systems also play a role in climate action. Boulder’s forests, grasslands, open space, and soils store about 2.7 million tons of carbon and can absorb about 13,000 tons of carbon each year. However, they can also become net emitters when stressed by drought, wildfire, or other disturbances. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems is as important as reducing emissions from energy, buildings, and consumption.

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Boulder’s History of Climate Action Boulder has been a national and global leader in climate action for decades. Boulder voters passed the country’s first local climate tax. The city has taken some of the world’s largest polluters to court. While protecting open space, cutting energy waste and setting ambitious goals to reduce climate pollution. Even when national leadership has slowed, Boulder has kept moving. Today, Boulder’s climate action goes beyond cutting pollution. The work also focuses on building resilience, advancing climate justice and restoring ecosystems through regenerative land management. Climate action also means strengthening the people and places most affected by a changing climate and unlocking their power as part of the solution. Boulder’s climate work reflects the community’s core values: local leadership, bold innovation and a commitment to protecting what matters.

Timeline of Boulder’s Climate Milestones [infographic spread] ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1967 – Voters approved an open space tax, making Boulder the first municipality in the country to pass a tax to purchase and preserve open space. 1994 – Voters approved a trash tax on residential and commercial waste. 2002 – Boulder adopted Kyoto Protocol goals, despite a lack of federal commitment. 2005 – The city released its first CAP. 2006 – Voters passed the nation’s first CAP tax on electricity use to reduce emissions. 2007 – The city published its first greenhouse gas emissions inventory. 2010 – The city began pursuing a localized electric utility after the Xcel franchise expired. 2015 – Boulder joined 100 Resilient Cities and released its first Resilience Strategy. 2017 – The city updated its CAP, introducing Just Transition principles. 2018 – The city joined a lawsuit against oil companies for climate-related damages. 2021 – The city updated its CAP to include new systems-change, equity, and resilience frameworks. 2021 – The city enhanced its pollution targets committing to become a carbon neutral city by 2035 and carbon positive by 2040. 2023 – The city published its first consumption-based emissions inventory.

Boulder’s Impact at a Glance [infographic spread] ● ● ● ●

Nation’s First Climate Tax: Became the first U.S. city to pass a voter-approved tax dedicated to local climate and sustainability action. Nation’s First Open Space Tax: Become the first city in the country to pass a voterapproved tax to support the purchase of open space. Six-Time CDP A-List City: Earned global recognition for bold climate leadership and transparency. 7 Years Early: Reached our locally produced renewable energy target in 2023, well ahead of schedule.

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+610% growth in EVs since 2018: Electric vehicles now make up 10% of cars registered in Boulder, compared to 2% nationwide. Tree City of the World: Recognized since 1984 for sustained excellence in urban forest management. 93% of Residents Live Near a Park: Ensured access to green space within a 10-minute walk for nearly all community members. Grid Reform Advocacy: Pushed for coal plant closures and expanded clean energy infrastructure. Held Polluters Accountable: Filed suit against ExxonMobil and Suncor for climate-related damages. Advanced Plastics Policy Reform: Helped pass state legislation to shift recycling costs from communities to producers.

Boulder’s Climate Future We are already seeing more frequent and severe climate-related events in Boulder—from devastating wildfires and historic floods to longer droughts, hotter summers, and ecosystem loss. Climate disruptions beyond our region have also rippled through global supply chains and impacted our local economy. As the planet warms, these impacts are intensifying. The burden isn’t shared equally: those who consume the most drive emissions higher, while the greatest harm most often falls on those least responsible. Even if global emissions drop, Boulder and nearby communities can expect the following by 2050: Hotter Temperatures: Boulder and the North Front Range are projected to see the highest temperature increases in Colorado, with median warming estimated at 4.5°F compared to current conditions. More Extreme Heat Days: Boulder currently experiences about 10 days per year with temperatures above 95°F. That number is projected to quadruple, reaching 42 extreme heat days annually. [Infographic box: Historic Baseline (1986–2005): 5 days per year over 95°F Recent Data (2018–2022): 10 days per year over 95°F Projected by 2030: 28 or more days per year over 95°F Projected by 2050: 42 or more days per year over 95°F] Heat-Related Health Impacts: As extreme heat increases, so does the risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths. These impacts disproportionately affect youth, older adults, outdoor workers, and people without access to cooling.

6 Longer, More Frequent Droughts: Shrinking snowpack and shifting precipitation patterns are driving longer and more frequent dry periods. Drought days are projected to rise to 168 per year, straining water supplies, ecosystems, and agriculture, while also threatening Colorado’s winter recreation economy, which Boulder benefits from both culturally and economically. [Infographic box: Historic Baseline (1986–2005): 57 drought days per year Projected by 2030: 151 drought days per year Projected by 2050: 168 drought days per year] More Intense Wildfires: Hotter, drier conditions are lengthening fire seasons and making fires more destructive. Boulder and nearby communities have experienced several major fires in recent years, including the 2021 Marshall Fire and 2022 NCAR Fire. High fire-risk days are projected to reach 230 annually—over half the year, every year. [Infographic box: Historic Baseline (1986–2005): 14 high fire-risk days per year Recent Data (2018–2022): 116 high fire-risk days per year Projected by 2030: 192 high fire-risk days per year Projected by 2050: 230 or more high fire-risk days] Poorer Air Quality: Hotter, drier conditions and more frequent wildfires contribute to higher levels of ozone and particulate pollution. This worsens air quality and increases respiratory risks, especially for children, older adults, and people with pre-existing health conditions. Even without local fires, regional wildfire smoke can degrade air quality. Heavier Precipitation and Flash Flood Risk: Though overall conditions will become drier, warmer air holds more moisture, making extreme rainfall events more intense when they occur. Combined with faster snowmelt, this increases the risk of flash flooding. Boulder’s topography, which includes steep terrain, and built environment make the city especially vulnerable, as seen during the 2013 flood. [Infographic box: Historic Baseline (1986–2005): 4 extreme precipitation events per 20-year period Projected by 2030: 10 extreme precipitation events per 20-year period Projected by 2050: 12 extreme precipitation events per 20-year period] Tree Canopy Loss: Hotter, drier conditions and increased pest pressure have already led to the loss of mature trees across Boulder. This reduces natural shade, intensifies heat, and weakens ecosystem resilience. Call-out box: Climate Change and Emotional Resilience The climate crisis impacts not just safety and livelihoods, but also mental and emotional wellbeing. Feelings of grief, anxiety, and uncertainty are natural responses, especially for young people

7 who will live the longest with these impacts. Building emotional resilience and offering tools to help navigate these feelings are essential parts of a complete climate action plan. [Spread: Mapping Our Climate Impact Risk] [High Heat Map: average maximum temperature for the month of August] [Floodplain Map] [WUI Map] [Disproportionately Impacted Communities Map]

Boulder’s Approach to Climate Action Goals Boulder’s approach recognizes that mitigation, resilience, and equity are deeply interconnected. This work is organized around three overarching goals. •

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Climate Mitigation - Taking bold, science-based action to reduce climate-causing emissions from local activities and from the goods and materials consumed in Boulder — even when those emissions occur beyond city boundaries. o How progress is measured: ▪ Local Emissions Targets • Reduce emissions by 70% by 2030 (against a 2018 baseline). • Reach net-zero emissions by 2035. • Become a carbon-positive city by 2040. ▪ Consumption & Circularity Commitment • Reduce emissions from the goods and materials Boulder consumes and track how consumption contributes to these emissions, both inside and outside Boulder.To do our part, Boulder must: Climate Resilience - Preparing for and responding to local climate impacts, such as wildfire, heat, drought, and flooding, by strengthening our community’s ability to adapt and recover. o How progress is measured: ▪ Track indicators specific to risks like extreme heat, drought, and flooding. Examples include tree canopy coverage in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods, water availability trends, and grid reliability. Climate Equity - Recognizing that climate impacts are not felt equally, Boulder strives to ensure that benefits and burdens of climate action are shared justly and to enable a just transition that empowers those most affected. o How progress is measured: ▪ Track indicators that prioritize equity. Examples include: • Energy Burden: Monitoring reductions in energy costs for lowincome households.

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Heat Vulnerability: Assessing and monitoring heat reduction strategies in high-risk neighborhoods.

Action Areas The work is guided by seven Action Areas: Community Resilience, Energy Supply, Healthy and Resilient Buildings, Clean and Connected Transportation, Circular Economy, Nature-Based Solutions, and Equitable Systems. Each Action Area targets the root causes of the climate crisis: how we power our homes, move through the world, use materials, protect nature, and prepare for disruption. These strategies help us adapt to a changing climate, making our community safer, healthier, and more connected as risks continue to rise. Nested within these Action Areas are thirteen Big Moves. Each Big Move connects to our daily lives by supporting cleaner air, safer streets, lower utility bills, and stronger communities. They are grounded in science, shaped by community insight, and designed to multiply benefits, especially for those most impacted by inequity. Together, the Action Areas form a roadmap for deep systems change shifting policies, transforming markets, and shaping culture.

Guiding Principles Boulder’s climate action is grounded in a set of crosscutting, guiding principles that guide every part of the strategy. Systems-Scale Change: The challenges of climate change are rooted in the systems that shape energy, land, materials, and society. While local action is essential, addressing deeper leverage points by shifting laws, policies, markets, and cultural norms can address the root causes of emissions, inequities, and ecosystem degradation. This work requires collaboration across jurisdictions and sectors to influence change beyond our boundaries and ensure equity is embedded in every transformation. Land Use and Stewardship: How we manage land and where we build shapes everything from energy use and transportation to ecosystem health and affordability. Land use has far-ranging impacts on carbon emissions from mobility, housing and consumption to climate resilience, sequestration and biodiversity. Compact land use and sustainable transportation are critical tools for achieving Boulder’s climate goals and meeting the Boulder’s ambitious emission reduction targets. Compact, connected, climate-smart neighborhoods cut emissions and improve quality of life. Healthy soils, forests, grasslands, and watersheds store carbon, filter water, provide habitat for plants and animals, and buffer against climate disruption. Equitable land use ensures all community members benefit from healthy, safe, and well-connected places to live, work and play.

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Circularity and Regeneration: Nearly half of global emissions come from how we make, move, and dispose of goods. Boulder is shifting to a circular approach that rethinks resource use and prioritizes efficiency, reuse, material choice, and reduced consumption. Regenerative practices, from composting to restoring ecosystems, ensure resource flows strengthen, rather than deplete, the systems we rely on. Community-Driven Leadership: We can’t build a climate-ready future unless we build it with, and for, those most impacted. That means centering the knowledge, leadership and needs of frontline communities, including children and youth. It also means investing in community-driven solutions that improve health, safety and opportunity while ensuring every neighborhood is a core part of our collective climate work. Supporting emotional and social well-being builds community capacity to engage and sustain collective action. Local Recovery and Resilience: Climate change is no longer a future threat. Having endured floods, fires, and global disruptions, Boulder works collaboratively to prepare, respond, and recover—ensuring all residents are supported before, during, and after climate events. Resilience includes fostering mental and emotional well-being so individuals and neighborhoods can adapt, heal and thrive through cycles of disruption. Financial and Economic Systems: Transforming our economy is central to lasting climate progress. By redirecting investments, incentives, and public resources toward regenerative and low-carbon solutions, we can shift away from extractive systems that drive both emissions and inequity. Boulder is exploring how local financial decisions, from budgeting to partnerships, can align with citywide goals and community well-being.

Action Areas Community Resilience Resilience is our ability to prepare for, endure, and recover from climate impacts and disruptions. These include extreme events, such as wildfires, floods, and heat waves, as well as long-term stressors like drought, ecosystem change, and rising temperatures. These hazards directly impact safety, infrastructure, and access to services. To prepare for future climate change impacts, Boulder is prioritizing research, investments, and programs that strengthen resilient infrastructure, strengthening emergency preparedness and response systems, building more reliable and interconnected services, and increasing our community’s ability to adapt to change.

Work So Far

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Flood Resilience Investments: Boulder has invested strategically in flood resilience to protect residents, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Key projects enhance creek conveyance, green infrastructure, and flood safety across Gregory Canyon, Upper Goose & Two-Mile Canyon, and South Boulder Creek. Ongoing greenway and creek restoration projects strengthen natural flood channels, improve habitat, and increase overall community resilience. Climate Risk Knowledge: Advanced new assessments of local climate risks, including heat mapping and a desertification risk assessment. These studies identify vulnerable neighborhoods, critical infrastructure, and natural systems, providing actionable data to guide resilience planning, prioritize interventions, and inform community preparedness efforts. Wildfire Protection: Launched the Wildfire Detailed Home Assessment program, offering free, specialist evaluations and recommendations to residents in high-risk areas. Boulder also updated its Community Wildfire Protection Plan, strengthening coordination among residents, businesses, and agencies to prioritize mitigation, improve preparedness, and raise public awareness of wildfire risks.

[Community quote/story/photo] [Community Voices: Isabel Sanchez; President, Mapleton Homeowners Association; Founder, Community‑Led Preparedness Training (CPT) When the Marshall Fire and hurricane-force winds damaged 32 homes in Boulder’s Mapleton Mobile Home Park, Isabel Sanchez launched the Community-Led Preparedness Training (CPT) program to give residents the tools and training to become their own first responders. 90% of Mapleton Park’s households qualify as low- or moderate-income, and 124 of its 136 homes are reserved for families earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income. Isabel’s work is rooted in this community and powered by it. “32 homes in Mapleton Park were damaged during the Marshall Fire and power outages left families unable to replace spoiled food and critical medications. Seeing neighbors struggle not only with immediate danger but also with the financial and emotional aftermath revealed just how unprepared and vulnerable we were — and it motivated me to dedicate my time to building stronger systems of community preparedness and resilience. A hotter, drier future places our most vulnerable communities at even greater risk. Building resilience requires communities and governments at every level to work together in preparation for climate emergencies such as fires and floods. My goal is to help as many people as possible prepare by sharing practical tools and empowering them to recognize that they are their community’s first responders. The more prepared individuals and families become, the less loss our communities will experience — and the stronger our collective recovery will be.”]

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Big Move: Prepare Our Community for Climate Risks Boulder is prepared for climate change, with strengthened systems that help people, places, and nature adapt and recover. How We Will Improve Climate resilience in Boulder is a citywide effort. Actors across the city lead work to reduce wildfire risk, manage floods and drought, protect ecosystems, and improve air quality. These efforts build on lessons from past disasters, including the 2013 floods and the Marshall Fire, which highlighted vulnerabilities in infrastructure, emergency response, and community preparedness. Together, these efforts create a foundation of resilience that strengthens the community’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate change. The diagram below highlights key plans and initiatives across the city, showing how they respond to Boulder’s biggest climate risks. [Cross-Departmental Mapping Spread (note: Icons indicate relationship to these key impacts [ wildfire, ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

air quality,

flood,

heat,

drought,

extreme weather]):

Access Management & Parking Strategy (AMPS) (💨). Uses parking and curb tools to encourage sustainable modes and cut congestion and pollution. Boulder Arts Blueprint (⛈️). Builds climate readiness for cultural programs and events as weather becomes more disruptive. Boulder Housing Partners Sustainability Commitment (🌡️). Expands clean energy and low-emission mobility access for affordable housing residents. Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (🔥 💨 🌊 🌡️ 💧 ⛈️). Guides land use and growth in ways that support climate and resilience goals. Citywide Extreme Heat Management Strategy (🌡️ ⛈️). Prepares for extreme heat with response systems and urban cooling strategies. Commercial Areas Blueprint (💨). Adds mobility-hub amenities (secure bike storage, ebike charging, carshare) to make cleaner trips practical. Community Sustainability, Equity and Resilience Framework (🔥 💨 🌊 🌡️ 💧 ⛈️). Citywide framework that centers equity in climate action and resilience work. Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) (🔥). Focuses on fire-adapted communities, resilient landscapes, and safe, effective wildfire response. Comprehensive Flood & Stormwater Master Plan (🌊). Guides projects and land use to reduce flood hazards and protect people, property, and ecosystems. Core Arterial Network (CAN) (💨). Delivers multimodal corridor upgrades that improve safety and support mode shift. Desertification Risk Assessment (🌡️ 💧). Evaluates long-term heat and dryness impacts on soils and vegetation to guide land management. Drought Plan (💧). Sets phased response, efficiency measures, and engagement when drought conditions emerge.

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Electric Mobility Plan (💨). Lays out fleet electrification, public charging, expanded home charging, and pilots like bi-directional charging. E-Bike Incentive Program (💨). Helps residents shift to zero-emission trips that reduce local air pollution. Facilities Master Plan (🌊 ⛈️). Hardens critical buildings and integrates cooling and preparedness so facilities stay functional during events. Green Infrastructure Strategic Plan (🌊 🌡️). Uses nature-based solutions to reduce runoff, protect waterways, and support cooling. Greenways Master Plan (🌊). Integrates habitat and flood mitigation along riparian corridors. Integrated Pest Management Program (🌡️ 💨). Manages rising heat-driven pest pressures while avoiding added air-pollution impacts. Landscape and Building Codes (🔥 💨 🌊 🌡️ 💧 ⛈️). Code tools the city uses to improve performance, safety, and climate readiness. Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (🔥 💨 🌊 🌡️ 💧 ⛈️). Citywide plan to identify risks and reduce impacts from multiple hazards. Northwest Area Mobility Study (NAMS) Corridors (💨). Advances multimodal regional connections that support cleaner travel. Open Space & Mountain Parks Climate Plan (2024–2030) (💧 🌊 🌡️ 🔥). Aligns land stewardship with risk reduction for water, heat, flood, and fire. Open Space & Mountain Parks Management and Master Plans (💧 🌊 🌡️ 🔥). Guide conservation and restoration that reduce climate risks. Source Water Plans / Source Water Protection Plan (🔥 💧). Protect and manage city water supplies to remain reliable under changing conditions. The City of Boulder & Xcel Energy: Energy Partnership Agreement (⛈️). Strengthens grid reliability and reduces outages during severe weather. Transportation Master Plan (TMP) (💨). Encourages walking, biking, and transit to lower vehicle emissions and improve health. Urban Forestry Strategic Plan (🌡️ 💨 🔥). Expands tree canopy for cooling, cleaner air, and risk reduction. Wastewater Collection Master Plan (🌊). Keeps wastewater systems functioning in heavy rain to prevent overflow and contamination. Water Efficiency Plan (💧). Runs conservation programs for homes and businesses to preserve supply.

Equity in Action Efforts to strengthen climate resilience will prioritize neighborhoods most exposed to climate risks, ensuring the most vulnerable communities can benefit from safer buildings, reduced displacement risks, and improved preparedness. Key considerations include supporting renters, low-income households, and small, minority-owned businesses in the transition through financial and technical support and clear communication.

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Energy Supply Our energy supply is our leading source of climate pollution. Transforming how our energy is produced, delivered, and used is critical to meeting our climate goals. A clean, efficient, reliable and resilient energy system requires prioritizing renewable energy, leveraging local distributed resources and ensuring equitable access to affordable energy for all. Through policy advocacy, litigation, and regional and state partnerships, Boulder works to transform markets to ensure clean electric options are available and affordable. Boulder advocates for zero-emission electricity, drives adoption of local distributed energy resources to reduce costs and strengthen grid reliability, and expand energy efficiency programs to ensure broad benefits. Boulder challenges legacy financial models that favor fossil fuel systems and foster innovation instead. Boulder also drives local investment in clean energy through voluntary incentives, advising services, and local codes and regulations. Work So Far ● 29% drop in carbon pollution from electricity since 2018 and 52,000 metric tons of carbon pollution avoided from renewable energy across Boulder, equivalent to 12,000 gaspowered cars driven for a year. ● State-wide, renewables now represent more than 47% of grid-supplied electricity and their share is expected to increase to more than 80% by 2030. ● By 2023, more than 105 megawatts of renewable energy were installed locally —seven years ahead of schedule. ● The city helped author the first statewide community solar garden legislation in the country and since that legislation passed, more than 1,500 Boulder households and businesses are subscribed to solar gardens as of 2024, with over 10 MW of subscribed capacity. ● The city constructed the first municipally owned solar garden in the county and through this garden and through other partnerships, more than 1,000 low-income households now get utility bill relief through solar garden subscriptions. ● As of 2025, grant and rebate programs helped 54 households and 37 local organizations install more than 1.8 MW of solar since 2008. [Placeholder for community quote/story/photo]

Big Move: Decarbonize the Electricity Grid and Ensure it is Safe, Reliable and Resilient Through advocacy and partnership, support a state-wide shift to zero-emissions electricity generation, and modernizing and hardening of the grid to ensure it is reliable and able to withstand extreme events. How We Will Get There ● Advocate at the state and national level for zero emission electricity and advanced technologies.

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Ensure investments are made in the energy distribution system to enhance reliability and resilience and to support future growth due to transitioning buildings and transportation from fossil fuels to electric. Capitalize on local investment in distributed energy resources that enhance resilience and deliver local economic benefit.

Tracking Progress ● Renewable Energy Supply: Achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030 ο Current: 47% (2024) ● Local Solar Generation: Achieve 145 MW by 2030 ο Current: 105 MW (2023) Equity in Action Ensure that grid modernization and clean energy investments benefit all communities, not just those with wealth or influence. Advocate for equitable rate structures and community participation in grid planning so that the transition to renewable energy does not increase burdens on those already facing high energy costs. Prioritize reliability upgrades in neighborhoods most vulnerable to outages or climate impacts.

Big Move: Make Energy Accessible and Affordable for All Lowering energy bills by expanding access to local solar, offering energy efficiency and bill assistance, and making sure homes, nonprofits, and small businesses benefit from and have access to the energy solutions they need to meet their needs How We Will Get There ● Advocate at the state level to mitigate rate impacts and expand access to voluntary programs that help reduce the number of customers experiencing energy insecurity. ● Pursue utility cost stabilization through energy efficiency and electrification paired with solar. ● Work through regional partnership to support workforce development and other initiatives that enable equitable participation in the clean energy transition. ● Empower local community members and organizations to participate in the regulatory and legislative process Tracking Progress ● Households enrolled in solar gardens or other energy assistance: Increase over the baseline Current: 1,030 households ● Percent of households considered energy impoverished (10%+ spent on energy needs): 0% by 2035 Baseline: 10.6% (2015)

15 Equity in Action Ensuring equitable and affordable access to energy for all community members supports community-wide social and economic resilience. Prioritized investments are made in programs and services that lower the energy cost burden, increase energy efficiency and provide renewable energy solutions for vulnerable populations. Access to high value jobs and business ownership opportunities is advanced through equity-focused workforce development and supportive services.

Healthy, Resilient Buildings Buildings are the largest source of energy-related emissions in Boulder and a major source of air pollution; they are also where people spend 90% of their time. Efficient designs and electric appliances that replace fossil fuel-powered equipment are essential to creating a healthier, more resilient, and lower-emissions built environment. Boulder has been a longtime leader in advancing local and national building codes that improve performance, reduce energy costs and pollution, and ensure new buildings meet the highest available standards. Today, Boulder prioritizes removing barriers to heat pump adoption, a proven electric technology that provides heating and cooling with maximum efficiency and minimal emissions. Boulder continues to expand advising services, affordability programs, and incentives that have already helped thousands of residents and businesses improve their buildings for healthier, safer, and more equitable outcomes. Work So Far ● Boulder helped establish a statewide low-carbon code that serves as a mandatory minimum code for all of Colorado, ensuring that newly constructed buildings are built to the most efficient standard, irrespective of where they are being built. ● Through partnerships and regulatory advocacy, more than $0.5 billion is being invested regionally in building efficiency and heat pump adoption, including workforce development and consumer education initiatives. ● As of 2024, residential energy use has decreased by 8% since 2018. ● The city organization has led by example in decarbonizing its own buildings, with many buildings already electrified and roadmap developed to address the balance. [Placeholder for community quote/story/photo]

Big Move: Construct and Transform Buildings to be Healthy and Resilient Spaces Making homes, rentals, businesses, and community spaces more efficient, healthy, and resilient. Increasing the energy performance of buildings to mitigate rising energy costs as extreme heat events increase in frequency. Reducing indoor and outdoor air pollution by replacing gas combustion appliances with efficient electric alternatives. How We Will Get There

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Advancing local and national building codes to prioritize building performance, energy cost savings and emissions reductions, ensuring everything built new is built to the best standards available and that existing buildings are improved over time. Advising services and incentive programs to help community members and businesses make improvements to their buildings voluntarily and in response to local regulations. Prioritizing support for renters, older homes, and income-limited households who face higher energy costs and climate risks. Energy efficiency upgrades – Use less energy with weatherization, efficient appliances, better lighting, and high-performance systems. Replace gas-powered systems with efficient, all-electric appliances powered by clean energy, such as heat pumps and induction cooking. Couple electrification with on-site solar and storage to lower energy costs and make buildings more resilient

Tracking Progress ● Percent of all-electric buildings: 100% by 2035 o 31% of homes use electric space heating and 27% use electric water heating o 15% of commercial buildings use electric space heating and 47% use electric water heating Equity in Action These upgrades reduce climate pollution, improve indoor air quality, and help lower utility bills, especially when paired with income-qualified support and rebates.

Clean, Connected Mobility A clean and connected transportation future provides pollution-free, accessible options that work for everyone, enabling safer travel, better transit and biking infrastructure, and neighborhoods where daily needs are close to home. Boulder has a strong legacy of connecting neighborhoods with sidewalks, multi-use paths, and transit, laying a solid foundation for getting around without a car. Clean mobility also requires electrification, including more electric vehicles (EVs), expanded charging infrastructure, and electrified transit fleets. , Transporation remains one of Boulder’s largest sources of climate pollution, especially from people driving alone into and out of the city, including commuters and visitors. Many workers commute longer distances as people seek more affordable housing options further from Boulder. This makes compact, walkable, and transit-connected neighborhoods an important part of Boulder’s climate solution. Progress in this area requires coordinated efforts: aligning land use and transportation planning, improving transit reliability, expanding safe walking and biking routes, supporting state and regional

17 investments in clean mobility, and increasing access to EVs and charging. Together, these efforts help us to create a system that is cleaner, more connected, and easier to use. Work So Far ● National leader in deploying public EV charging infrastructure to support early adoption and now host 39 public fast chargers ● Requirements to include EV charging infrastructure with all newly constructed buildings became the model for similar requirements statewide. ● In 2024, 10% of registered vehicles in Boulder were EVs (compared to 2% nationwide) ● The e-bike incentive program helped community members shift to zero-emission trips and improve local air quality. ● 10 HOP buses are now electric, and all are on schedule to be converted by 2030. ● Many projects have been completed and are underway to improve the multi-use trail system, including the addition of protected bike lanes on several arterial roadways [Placeholder for community quote/story/photo]

Big Move: Drive Adoption of Zero-Emissions Solutions to Meet Mobility Needs Through infrastructure deployment and partnerships, expand EV charging infrastructure so that charging is accessible for all. Advocate for financial incentives, programming and education to support statewide adoption of zero emission vehicles. Convert city fleet to be electric. How We Will Get There ● Work through regional partnerships to educate and to close gaps in public charging infrastructure, providing more access to EV charging networks. ● Develop innovative business models to use EVs as storage and bi-directional charging. ● State-level advocacy to support financing, incentives and programming that reduce upfront costs to EV adoption and support resale markets. ● Continue to support electrification of fleet and buses. Tracking Progress ● 80% of trips by sustainable modes of transport (transit, walking, biking, or carpool) by 2030, compared to 63% in 2024 ● 30% of registered vehicles in Boulder are electric by 2030, adopted by the GoEV Resolution in 2020 ● 162 publicly-accessible fast chargers installed citywide by 2030, compared to 39 fast chargers in 2024 Equity in Action Increasing access to charging infrastructure, especially in multi-family housing, expands clean mobility options to more neighborhoods, especially where people face barriers to owning or driving a car. Support incentive and resale markets to lower the upfront cost of EVs.

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Big Move: Shift to Lower Impact Modes of Transportation Create a transportation system that is sustainable and reduces negative impacts on Boulder’s natural environment. Support walkable neighborhoods and build multimodal infrastructure to support transit-dependent populations and to make it easy and convenient to choose nonvehicular modes of travel. Work locally and through regional and state partnership to expand access to public transition solutions. Promote transit-oriented development and 15-minute neighborhoods. How We Will Get There ● Make transportation investments that connect the community through multi-modal infrastructure. ● Support transit-oriented development through land-use planning, codes and regulation, and economic development strategies. ● Provide public transit solutions locally and through regional and state partnerships. Tracking Progress 74% of Boulder community members live within walkable 15-minute neighborhoods and 85% live in areas with access to comfortable bikeways. 82% of community members have convenient access to local or regional transit routes. Eliminate carbon pollution from commuter car travel within and around Boulder by 2035. Current: within Boulder's boundaries (59% drop since 2018), regional commuting (3% increase since 2018) Equity in Action Expanding multi-modal path access to historically underserved neighborhoods increases connectivity to and access to non-transit solutions. Supporting access to electric micro-mobility transportation increases accessibility of non-vehicle solutions.

Circular Economy A circular economy keeps materials in use and waste out of the landfill. It involves designing products to last, choosing reusable options, and recovering materials after use so nothing goes to waste. By rethinking how our community produces, uses, and reuses goods, we can reduce emission and strengthen the local economy. Boulder’s approach recognizes that local consumption has global impacts, and emphasizes accountability for producers and supply chains that shape the flow of materials beyond Boulder. Boulder invests in reuse infrastructure, promote durable product design, and make it easier for everyone to participate in a circular system. Work So Far

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Zero Waste Leadership: Boulder was among the first cities in the U.S. to set Zero Waste goals and has expanded recycling and composting programs, increasing waste diversion by 18% between 2005 and 2024. Plastics and Packaging Reform: Advocated for Colorado’s Plastic Pollution Reduction Act and the Producer Responsibility bill, which shifts the cost of recycling packaging materials from local communities to producers beginning in 2026. Building Material Reuse: Implemented a sustainable deconstruction policy that has achieved 75% material diversion citywide and led by example with 94% diversion at the Alpine-Balsam hospital site. “Circular Boulder” Materials Flow Analysis — City-commissioned study mapping material flows and priority opportunities (e.g., C&D recycling, waste-wood byproducts, reuse/repair).

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Big Move: Design and Deconstruct for Low-Carbon Building The community designs, builds, and takes apart buildings using low-carbon, responsibly sourced materials and reuse-focused practices, keeping materials in use longer and cutting emissions across the building’s lifecycle. How We Will Get There ● Deconstructing Existing Buildings Sustainably: Reusing and recycling materials from buildings at their end of life reduces waste and preserves the materials. The city’s existing Sustainable Deconstruction Ordinance requires the diversion of building materials for reuse or recycling. Additional efforts will be to update the policy to ensure it is preserving materials to the greatest extent possible and expanding local markets and building workforce capacity needed for high-value material recovery. ● Designing and Constructing New Buildings for a Low-Carbon Future: In addition to how buildings are brought down, how buildings are built is also critical to this effort. Boulder is prioritizing opportunities for local policy, through building codes and incentives, to use responsibly sourced, low-embodied carbon building materials and Tracking Progress ● Building Deconstruction Diversion: Achieve 80% annual diversion from sustainable deconstruction by 2030 Current: 75% average annual diversion (2022-2024) Equity in Action Deconstruction and low-carbon building practices can improve affordability, reduce pollution, and protect workers’ health. Key considerations include supporting small contractors in compliance and ensuring reclaimed materials are affordable and accessible.

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Big Move: Reduce Consumption By consuming less and prioritizing reuse, materials stay in use longer and less waste ends up in landfills. How We Will Get There ● Education for Using Less: Educational efforts and programs focus on the benefits of reducing consumption and provide clear, actionable steps the community can take to reduce consumption, through both existing businesses and new circular business models. ● Policies and Incentives for Using Less: Locally, Boulder is exploring a policy options to regulate single-use items and create requirements for reusable and durable consumer service ware. Advocacy at the state-level also plays a role in encouraging innovation and shifting the responsibility for managing materials from communities to producers, such as through the Producer Responsibility Program. ● Measuring Our Impact: Continue to assess the regional and global impacts of Boulder’s material consumption and supply chains to identify opportunities for emission and waste reduction beyond city boundaries. Tracking Progress ● Consumption-based GHG emissions: Monitor and reduce emissions over time ο Current: 38 metric tons of carbon pollution per household, compared to 41 US average ● Waste Generation Per-Person: Monitor and reduce our community’s waste generation over time ο Current: 1.83 lbs of residential curbside waste per person per day About one-third the U.S. average (4.9 lbs/day) or roughly 670 lbs per person per year. Equity in Action Reducing consumption benefits communities disproportionately impacted by waste and pollution, including frontline workers. Key considerations include making sustainable consumption accessible, reducing financial or logistical barriers, and anticipating unintended burdens on small businesses.

Big Move: Expand Reuse, Repair & Sharing Systems Markets and systems for reuse, repair, and sharing grow, making it easier to keep materials in circulation, support small businesses, and create local jobs in a circular economy. How We Will Get There ● Building Circular Markets: Local policy, supportive programming, business recruitment, and financial incentives expand markets for reusable and shareable goods, including building materials that can be directly reused in new buildings, renovations, or projects.

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These efforts include partnering with regional suppliers and producers to strengthen accountability within supply chains and promote circular business practices. Supporting Small Businesses: Advising services and financial incentives help small businesses move away from single-use materials toward more circular, resilient supply chains. These programs provide guidance and resources that strengthen local businesses while embedding circular practices in daily operations. Growing Community Reuse and Skill-Sharing: City programs and partners host container garden workshops, sewing and repair events, and neighborhood waste reduction initiatives that make circular practices tangible and accessible while strengthening connections between reuse, food, and community resilience.

Tracking Progress ● Single Use Containers Avoided: Continue to track and monitor single use containers avoided through partnerships with businesses like r.World and Hiccup. ο Current: 111,000+ containers avoided through events and partnerships in 2024 Equity in Action Expanding reuse and repair systems can lower costs for goods and create inclusive local jobs. Key considerations include ensuring small and minority-owned businesses can participate and designing programs that reach underserved communities.

Nature-based Solutions Healthy ecosystems are a powerful climate tool. They draw down carbon, absorb and filter water, produce food and materials, support biodiversity and clean air, and buffer communities from climate extremes. Access to and connection with nature also improves individual and collective well-being, creating a sense of place, identity and belonging. Nature connection also supports emotional recovery and resilience and fosters active hope in the face of rapid environmental change. Nature-based solutions harness the strength and beauty of this interplay between humans and nature to reduce risks from heat, fire, floods, and disease while improving all dimensions of wellness for Boulder Valley community members – human and otherwise. Boulder’s work supports stewardship of both natural lands, agricultural/working lands and urban landscapes as living systems that support both human and ecological well-being. The City works across departments, other government agencies, and community organizations to enhance biodiversity and carbon and water absorption across all three of these types of landscapes. This covers a spectrum ranging from city parks and urban forests, along waterways and in natural areas adjacent to the urban-developed parts of our community. Staff are working with indigenous organizations and individuals to integrate indigenous wisdom and honor traditional ecological knowledge in this work, for example, through a partnership with Harvest of All First Nations.

22 With more than 14,000 years of human presence across Boulder Valley, open space lands now managed by the city’s Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) department still play a vital role for the Boulder community. For example, forest and grasslands protections are themselves naturebased climate solutions, as are watershed-scale conservation and restoration efforts. This landscape-scale conservation is guided by a suite of OSMP management plans, as well as formal government-to-government consultation with sovereign Tribal Nations. Work So Far ● Mobilizing Local Action through Cool Boulder: Launched in 2022, the Cool Boulder is a city-sponsored campaign that has brought together 60+ community partners to create nature-based climate action in collaboration with community members. ● Sharing Knowledge Globally: Boulder has co-sponsored national and international nature-based solutions accelerator programs that have convened cities and nongovernmental organizations across the world to advance efforts in urban forestry, stormwater and green infrastructure, and urban organics management. These efforts have helped share lessons learned, build capacity, and demonstrate leadership in nature-based solutions. ● Long-Term Land Stewardship: OSMP and Parks & Recreation deliver a wide array of programs, from forest and grasslands restoration and trail management across 46,000+ acres of open space, to neighborhood tree planting and community park enhancements. [Placeholder for community quote/story/photo]

Big Move: Cool the City with Nature Boulder’s urban and natural ecosystems provide cooler, healthier spaces, reducing extreme heat and improving resilience for all community members. How We Will Get There ● Heat Modeling and Mapping: Boulder is conducting citywide heat mapping and urban forestry analyses to identify high-heat neighborhoods and guide natural cooling interventions. These assessments inform both ongoing projects and future planning decisions. ● Maintaining and Expanding Tree Canopy: Expanding Boulder’s tree canopy extends cooling benefits to more neighborhoods, while maintaining existing trees preserves established shade and ecosystem services, and ensures previous investments continue to deliver benefits. Urban forestry mapping shows us the neighborhoods where additional tree canopy is needed, and where maintenance of existing trees is critical. This work sets the stage for natural cooling pilot projects throughout the community. ● Cool Boulder: Through the Cool Boulder campaign, community members and organizations are learning and taking action to enhance urban ecosystems, implement natural cooling strategies, and strengthen neighborhood resilience. ● Community Forestry Corps: Engages youth in planting and maintaining trees, developing leadership skills, collecting data, and contributing to climate action and urban forest care.

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Tracking Progress As of 2023 the city has reached a 21% average canopy across the entire city. This is up from 20% in 2015. Nationally, the average tree canopy for comparable cities is 18%. Targets for 2040: ● By 2040, 50% of all residential neighborhoods achieve 40% canopy cover ● By 2040, 80% of all high vulnerability areas achieve a 40% canopy cover ● Equity in Action Expanding and maintaining tree canopy and natural cooling infrastructure provides relief from extreme heat, especially for community members in historically under-canopied, heat-vulnerable neighborhoods. Key considerations include ensuring investments and pilot projects prioritize highneed areas and engaging community members in co-design to avoid unequal access to cooling benefits.

Big Move: Restore and Manage Resilient Landscapes Boulder strengthens resilience to climate disruption through regenerative ecosystems that support biodiversity, enhance vegetative and water management systems, and reduce the impacts of climate change. Much of this work is implemented through long-standing restoration, forest management, and wildfire mitigation programs led by OSMP and Parks & Recreation. How We Will Get There ● Analyzing Landscape Risks: Assessing landscape vulnerability is essential to guide effective action. Boulder coordinated a joint initiative with Boulder County to conduct a Desertification Risk Assessment to identify areas vulnerable to long-term drought and ecosystem degradation across the entire land area between Boulder and the northern border of the County. Further analysis is being developed to understand vulnerability of other landscapes around Boulder. ● Embedding Resilience in Codes and Regulations: City codes and regulations can guide how landscapes are designed, managed, and maintained to withstand climate impacts. By integrating considerations for wildfire, drought, flooding, and heat across codes, standards, and planning processes, Boulder can ensure that both public and private landscapes contribute to reducing climate-related risks while supporting healthy ecosystems. ● Tools and Guidance for Resilient Landscapes: Providing practical tools, technical guidance, and training helps the city, partners, and community members put resilient landscape principles into practice. Things like templates for resilient landscape design, fire- and drought-tolerant plant lists, and trainings for contractors, organizations, and community members aim to build capacity and promote adoption of practices. ● Demonstration and Pilot Projects: Pilot projects can showcase how climate-resilient landscapes work in practice. Launching in 2026, the Climate Resilient Landscapes Challenge engages the community in designing approaches to landscape design and maintenance that increase resilience to heat, stormwater, drought, fire, and other related climate change impacts. Alongside other demonstration projects, these efforts will provide

24 examples, generate lessons learned, and inform broader adoption of resilient landscaping practices. Tracking Progress This is an emerging area of work, and tracking systems and indicators will be developed as programs, trainings, and pilot projects advance. ● Amount of non-functional turf replaced with biodiverse absorbent landscapes that increase water and carbon capture and cycling. ● Increase outdoor water use efficiency to protect water supplies while maintaining enhanced climate buffering capabilities ● Establish standards that reduce or eliminate pervious (absorbent) surface loss ● # of resilient landscape trainings completed ● # of pilots and demonstration projects completed to test approaches and share lessons learned ● Adoption of resilient landscape practices and % climate vulnerable landscapes transitioned to climate resilient landscaping ● Equity in Action Resilient landscaping practices reduce climate risks and create healthier outdoor landscapes, with the potential to benefit neighborhoods disproportionately affected by drought, flood, fire, and heat hazards. Key considerations include providing training, guidance, and incentives to ensure small contractors and landscapers and under-resourced community members can participate and adopt resilient practices without undue burden.

Big Move: Support Healthy Ecosystems Boulder manages ecosystems to reduce exposure to environmental contaminants, enhance biodiversity, and improve public health, while promoting nature-based solutions that strengthen both human and ecological resilience. How We Will Get There ● Reducing Pesticides and Toxics: Boulder aims to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals while maintaining healthy ecosystems. This includes efforts like collaborative research on chemicals and ongoing tracking and analysis of environmental contaminant trends. ● Ecosystem-Based, Integrated Pest Management: The city prioritizes nature-based strategies to manage mosquitoes and other pests, balancing public health needs with ecosystem resilience. Efforts include carrying out a citywide Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that addresses climate change magnified insect and disease pressures while minimizing the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. ● Pollinator Gardens and Pathways: Boulder fosters connected corridors of native plants and pollinator habitats across public and private spaces to support biodiversity and strengthen ecosystem resilience. Efforts include guidance and resources for community members and businesses to create pollinator-friendly landscapes and coordinating with community partners to expand habitat connectivity.

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Tracking Progress ● Vector Index: Tracks mosquito risk by measuring the proportion of mosquitoes carrying disease. Target: maintain below 0.75 (elevated risk). Boulder’s index was 0.14 in 2018, well below the target. Weekly mosquito data is tracked on the city’s dashboard. ● Pesticide monitoring: Boulder tracks and monitors pesticides applications on city-owned property. More information is available on the city’s IPM page. Equity in Action Nature-based ecosystem management improves both human and ecological health. Key considerations include communicating clear, actionable guidance and providing training and resources to small-scale landscapers.

Climate Equity & Justice Climate change disproportionately harms those who contribute least to its causes and are most vulnerable to its impacts. The City is committed to supporting historically underserved community members as we collectively confront the challenges of a changing climate. The City aims to center frontline leadership in its work and decision-making, invest in community capacity to address climate injustice, and ensure the fair distribution of climate burdens and benefits. To hold itself accountable, the City will collect and analyze data on climate risks and vulnerabilities to guide the design and funding of programs and policies that support those most impacted. Work So Far ● Racial Equity Plan: Shaping climate work, the plan is a living road map that guides city government through the process of prioritizing goals, specifying details and assigning resources to achieve equitable change. ● Manufactured Home Wind Damage Repair Grant: Assistance for owners of more than 200 damaged mobile homes, helping make homes more resilient to extreme weather events and more airtight, helping homeowners save money on their energy bills. ● Renter Protection Through Energy Standards: Since 2011, the city has required all licensed rental housing to meet a basic energy efficiency standard, lowering tenant energy bills and helping ensure rental units are upgraded with efficient technology. [Placeholder for community quote/story/photo]

Big Move: Center Frontline Leadership in Climate Solutions Climate risks and burdens are not felt equally across Boulder. In fact, frontline communities most at risk include those without resources to recover fully and quickly from acute emergencies and ongoing stressors. However, these same communities are often some of the most resilient in the

26 city, having the experience, wisdom and strength to thrive in the face of these realities. Using an asset-based approach, this big move involves celebrating and empowering community leadership in designing and implementing a just transition and climate solutions that improve the social, financial and physical safety and wellness for those most at risk. How We Will Get There ● Reducing energy cost burden through advocacy at the PUC and supporting low-income solar gardens subscriptions. ● Meaningful, inclusive community engagement to understand and address climate injustices. ● Funding initiatives to support capacity building and climate leadership from within frontline community-based organizations. Tracking Progress Percent of climate tax funds directly supporting historically underserved communities. Equity in Action Continuing to elevate the voices of historically disadvantaged community members supports community-driven solutions and climate equity. This includes ongoing consultation with frontline communities to identify and minimize undue burdens, maximize shared benefits, and ensure programs and investments reflect community-defined priorities. Callout Box: Food Systems and Climate Justice Food access and production are essential to both resilience and justice. Equitable food systems connect directly to community health, affordability, and climate resilience. Boulder recognizes the importance of supporting local, cooperative, and culturally rooted food production and distribution models that reduce emissions, strengthen local economies, and ensure all community members can access healthy food. While food systems are not a formal focus area in this plan, the city will explore opportunities to strengthen local and regional food systems as part of its future work.

Big Move: Empower Youth Voices and Strengthen Intergenerational Climate Leadership Recognizing that young people will live longest with the consequences of today’s decisions, Boulder is committed to elevating youth voices, supporting intergenerational collaboration, and investing in pathways for youth to lead the city’s climate transition. These efforts also foster wellbeing—supporting youth mental health, emotional resilience, and connection to nature as part of developing strong, sustained climate leadership. How We Will Get There • Increase the time young people spend outdoors through place-based opportunities for unstructured nature play and walkable, nature-based neighborhoods (Naturehoods) for all.

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Support collaborative educational strategies to increase outdoor learning and climate literacy. Foster intergenerational mentorship and learning through community engagement, educational forums and climate action projects. Elevate youth voice in city decision-making and systems-level change. Continue and expand youth career development programs and partnerships, such as Community Forestry Corps, the Junior Rangers Program, and other programs that offer well-rounded opportunities for service-learning and local climate action.

Tracking Progress • Amount of time that Boulder Valley students spend outside in nature. • Number of youth employed or trained through the city’s climate-related programs. Equity in Action Empowering youth leadership, especially those from frontline communities, ensures climate action is sustained across generations and informed by diverse lived experiences. At its core, this work involves connecting youth perspectives with those of elders and community leaders to foster a just transition for communities most at risk. Callout Box: Community Forestry Corps Boulder’s Community Forestry Corps connects local teens with hands-on climate action through tree planting, maintenance, and data collection. Half of participants in 2024 identified with historically marginalized communities, reflecting the city’s goal to make green workforce pathways accessible and representative.

What’s next This plan is a living document. The work it outlines is already underway, and many of the programs, tools and partnerships mentioned here are active now. For the most up-to-date resources, including how to get involved, apply for assistance or explore the data behind these actions, visit https://bldr.fyi/climate. There, you’ll find: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Information on programs and services Interactive maps of local climate risks (heat, fire, flood) Community emissions dashboards Infographics and downloadable graphics for presentations and public engagement Case studies and project photos Annual progress storymap and data tools Ways to stay involved

28 Follow the City of Boulder on Youtube, X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and NextDoor and visit bouldercolorado.gov/news for the latest city updates, climate progress and community stories. You can also sign up for the City of Boulder e-newsletter to get news delivered directly to your inbox.