Boulder Youth Council presents Child Friendly Cities action plan to city council

The Boulder City Council meeting on May 15, 2025, showcased a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the lives of young residents through the Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI). This program, which aligns with the global UNICEF framework, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing children's rights and well-being in urban planning and community engagement.

During the meeting, city officials and youth representatives presented updates on the CFCI and a draft youth action plan. The initiative, which Boulder joined in April 2023, has involved extensive collaboration among various city departments, community organizations, and youth themselves. The goal is to ensure that young voices are not only heard but actively shape the policies that affect their lives.

Youth leaders from the Youth Opportunities Advisory Board, including President Bridal Horansky and Vice President Rachel Tilton, highlighted the importance of addressing key issues such as bullying, safety, and the need for youth representation in city decision-making. They reported that their outreach efforts had engaged over 900 youth and 500 adults, emphasizing the need for equity and inclusion in the planning process.

The youth council identified three main priorities: reducing bullying, improving safety and belonging in public spaces, and creating more opportunities for youth to share their opinions with city officials. Proposed strategies include developing anti-bullying curricula, enhancing public safety infrastructure, and establishing youth voting days to increase civic engagement.

Council members responded positively to the youth's presentation, expressing admiration for their professionalism and the clarity of their proposals. Several councilors noted that the issues raised resonated with their own experiences and those of their children, reinforcing the relevance of the youth's concerns.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council to support the youth in finalizing their action plan, which will be submitted to UNICEF USA for approval. The council emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue between youth and city officials, recognizing that the perspectives of young residents are vital for creating a more inclusive and responsive community.

As Boulder moves forward with the CFCI, the collaboration between city leaders and youth advocates marks a promising step toward fostering a city that truly prioritizes the needs and voices of its younger population.