Boulder Human Relations Commission unanimously approves 2026 work plan

The Boulder Human Relations Commission on Jan. 12 approved its 2026 work plan, backing three priority areas and directing commissioners and staff to develop concrete activities and ownership assignments.

Commissioner Jorge moved to approve the plan and the commission adopted it unanimously, the chair said: "Looks like it is unanimous. The work plan is approved." The plan identifies three top objectives: reduce barriers between community members and city institutions ("bridging vertical gaps"), strengthen ties across communities ("bridging horizontal gaps"), and center work on marginalized and underrepresented populations.

During discussion, commissioners said the document’s top‑level objectives were clear but that the listed activities need translation into who, when and how much effort. Commissioners and staff proposed follow-up steps: commissioners will review the plan during the coming month, indicate which objectives they will lead, and return next month with suggested activities; staff offered to provide example activities and assist with outreach coordination.

Staff flagged specific projects the plan will support, including continuing the "difficult dialogues" partnership with the University of Colorado and targeted outreach to the Latinx community and unhoused neighbors. Elizabeth Crow, City of Boulder Housing and Human Services, told the commission staff can help identify events and provide outreach materials.

The commission characterized the approved document as a "living" work plan: commissioners approved the framework now and will refine actions and timelines through regular meeting check‑ins. The motion to approve was moved by Commissioner Jorge; the chair announced the vote as unanimous (5–0).