Parents and early-childhood advocates press Erie council on safety and childcare; council proclaims Black History Month

Speakers during public comment at the Feb. 10 meeting urged the council to address safety concerns for marginalized families and to treat childcare as essential infrastructure.

Shannon, who said she is a mother and a transracial adoptee, described carrying legal documents for herself and her daughter because she fears profiling and harm. "I currently fear for my daughter's safety," she told the council, and urged local leaders to accept accountability and to make policies and communications that protect families who are marginalized.

Casey Hendrick, an Erie resident who serves as executive director of the Early Childhood Council in Boulder County, told the council Erie is a "childcare desert" and offered three steps for the town: incentivize developers to include childcare in new development, reduce zoning and permitting barriers for childcare providers, and consider partnering with the Early Childhood Council to develop regional strategies and supports. "Child care must be viewed as an essential infrastructure just as critical as roads, schools, utilities, and housing," Hendrick said.

Separately, Council member Baer read and presented a Black History Month proclamation marking February 2026 and calling on residents to observe programming and ceremonies.

Council members acknowledged the concerns raised and noted staff and council follow-up would be necessary to address childcare capacity and community safety communications. The town clerk was instructed to include public handouts in the meeting record when provided.