Boulder Chamber updates policy framework for 2021

BOULDER — Unsurprisingly, the Boulder Chamber’s 2021 Policy Framework, a document used to help spell out the group’s positions for local, state and federal officials, is heavy on items related to the comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Policy positions are updated annually through a process of formal and informal discussions with the business community, chamber members and the group’s Community Affairs Council. The Boulder Chamber board of directors provides final approval.

These broad conversations, chamber senior director of policy programs Lori Call said, center around questions such as: “What are the most important issues facing your businesses? What are your biggest concerns?” 

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The Boulder Chamber arrives at its policy positions through feedback from the

community, Boulder Chamber members, its Community Affairs Council and with final

approval from the Boulder Chamber Board of Directors. 

“What we’ve heard resoundingly is about the uncertainty about the future,” Call said of conversations with the business community about the pandemic. “… The number one priority that we heard was the need for flexibility.”

Here are some of the main topics addressed in the 2021 Policy Framework:

COVID-19

• Provide accurate and up-to-date information on health guidelines
• Identify effective and innovative policy solutions to pandemic-related challenges
• Relief funding

Community development

• Diverse housing options
• Mixed-use
• Higher density
• Live/work options
• Revisit building height restrictions
• Oppose development moratoriums

Workforce development

• High-speed internet access, broadband infrastructure
• Up-skill workers for post-pandemic environment
• Technical training programs
• Business-school district collaboration
• Funding for state and federal research institutions
• Attract diverse talent pool

Climate and energy

• Collaboration with utilities on rates, efficiency, reliability, choice
• Improve building energy efficiency
• Incentives for energy innovation

Quality of life

• Greater inclusivity in policy making
• Sustained sales tax revenues
• Livable, affordable, walkable neighborhoods
• Support for arts and culture
• Protect open space

Taxes, fees and regulation

• Transparency
• Streamlined regulatory, development approval process
• Sensible linkage fees
• Competitiveness and equity in cannabis regulation

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