May 15, 2025
RE: Council Disruptions
Dear Mayor Brockett and City Council Members:
Better Boulder’s core mission is to create a more vibrant, livable, and connected city. We believe disruptions during City Council meetings hinder City Council’s ability to conduct the business of the city and reach the city’s goals.
Free speech means that all are free to speak. It does not mean that people have the right to disrupt or hinder others’ free speech or intimidate City Council members or members of the public.
Other institutions holding public meetings have faced similar challenges and have refined the process to respect all viewpoints. For example, disrupting a Colorado Senate hearing can result in being removed from the hearing, and in some cases, legal consequences. Disrupting a public meeting can be considered a misdemeanor and could lead to arrest for disorderly conduct.
We support the City Council’s decision to focus their efforts on local city issues and ask that Council keep Open Comment at the beginning of meetings to encourage community participation. But, we also encourage Council to consider measures such as those practiced by the Colorado State Senate to support a safe, productive, and just environment for all. Finally, we offer Better Boulder’s support to our elected officials who are serving our community.
Better Boulder