Smart Policy for Safer Communities

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Gun violence prevention is about protecting lives, upholding public safety, and ensuring that Boulder remains a secure and welcoming place for everyone. The data is clear: communities that adopt strong, evidence-based gun safety measures see fewer firearm-related deaths and injuries. As a policymaker, I believe we have both the responsibility and the tools to reduce the risk of gun violence through local action. Boulder has already taken important steps, but the work must continue—with urgency, coordination, and a deep commitment to protecting our residents from preventable harm.

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The mass shooting at Boulder’s Table Mesa King Soopers in 2021 was one of the most tragic and traumatic moments in our city’s history. It also marked a turning point for our community—and for me personally—about the urgent need to act at the local level to prevent future tragedies.

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During my time on City Council, I’ve worked with national and local leaders to advance common-sense gun safety policies. I’ve met with survivors and advocates, including Gabby Giffords, and have been deeply inspired by the work of her foundation, along with Moms Demand Action, Everytown for Gun Safety, and other groups tirelessly pushing for reforms that save lives.

What We’ve Done in Boulder

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Boulder has taken bold steps to lead on gun safety while working closely with surrounding communities and the state legislature.

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• Local Ordinances: Supported ordinances banning assault-style weapons, large-capacity magazines, and bump stocks within city limits
   

• Raising the Age: Voted to increase the minimum age to purchase firearms to 21, aligned with public health data showing reduced risk of gun violence among young adults
   

• Safe Storage Laws: Helped enact safe storage requirements to keep firearms secured and reduce the risk of accidental shootings, particularly among children
   

• Regional Coordination: Collaborated with nearby cities like Superior, Louisville, and Lafayette to ensure regional alignment and close loopholes in local laws
   

 

What We Must Keep Doing

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Our work is far from over. Strong policy must be paired with enforcement, education, and prevention.

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How I'm Working On It:

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• Enforcement and Education: Advocating for expanded education campaigns around safe storage and responsible gun ownership, and continued funding for enforcement of local ordinances
   

• School and Mental Health Partnerships: Supporting early intervention efforts by strengthening collaboration between schools, nonprofits, and behavioral health providers to identify and respond to risks
   

• State and Federal Advocacy: Working with our state delegation and national partners to advance universal background checks, red flag laws enforcement, and legislation that closes dangerous loopholes
   

• Community Resilience: Backing trauma-informed services and community-based violence prevention strategies to address both the root causes and the long-term impacts of gun violence
   

 

Leading by Example

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Boulder has shown what’s possible when a community comes together to demand action. We’ve passed some of the strongest gun safety laws in Colorado, and we did it while respecting responsible gun ownership. I’m committed to continuing that work, not just through local leadership, but by standing with national allies to push for the broader change we need.

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Smart gun policy saves lives. It’s that simple. Let’s keep leading with courage, collaboration, and commonsense solutions that make Boulder safer for everyone.