Longmont Starbucks unionizes
The workers of a Longmont Starbucks (2318 17th Ave.) voted last week to unionize, becoming the first location in the city to do so, according to Starbucks Workers United.
More than 400 stores and 10,000 workers have formed unions in the past three years, union representatives said in a news release. The Longmont location is the 11th Starbucks store in the state to unionize; the vote was 15-2.
A Starbucks near CU Boulder formed a union early last year after a 13-2 vote. Boulder-based Brewing Market and Spruce Confections have also unionized in recent years.
The number of workers represented by unions increased nationally from 2022 to 2023, according to the National Economic Policy Institute, but the share as a percentage of total workforce actually declined as the U.S. has added jobs. Last year, 6.9% of private-sector and 36% of public workers were in a union.
Boulder releases draft wildfire protection plan
The City of Boulder has released a draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) covering city limits and surrounding areas, including parts of Nederland, Superior and Louisville.
The CWPP was structured around three goals from an existing strategy for the Western U.S.: creating resilient landscapes; ensuring human populations and infrastructure are prepared for wildfires; and implementing collaborative, safe and effective responses to fires.
Specific recommended mitigation actions include making sure buildings are spaced at least 50 feet apart, increasing tree canopy spacing, requiring non-combustible construction materials and managing vegetation close to homes.
The public comment period closes April 8. Read the full plan (bit.ly/CWPP-draft) and submit feedback (bit.ly/43L17Jl).
Other input opportunities…
- Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, Louisville and Erie are collectively exploring a higher minimum wage in 2025. A series of in-person information sessions are being held through April 13, and an online questionnaire is open through April 15.
Learn more (bit.ly/4cG5xFC) and take the survey (bit.ly/4cBCbbp).
- Lafayette is developing its first Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare the community for the effects of climate change. Residents are invited to read the plan and provide feedback on its seven key focus areas: lafayette-listens.com/cap.
A CAP community workshop will be held in person Monday, April 15, from 6-7 p.m. at the Lafayette Public Library (775 Public Road).
In other news…
- Eagle Rock and Security Risk, two popular climbing spots in Boulder Canyon, are now open to the public after an annual closure to allow golden eagles to nest without being disturbed. Blob Rock and Bitty Buttress are closed through July 31.
- Longmont’s award-winning fiber-optic internet service, Nextlight, will soon be available to 125 residences in two neighborhoods outside Longmont: Anhawa and Strawberry Circle. A 2023 state law change allows the city-owned network to serve customers beyond a pre-approved geographical area.
- Small businesses (between three and 15 employees) in unincorporated Boulder County are eligible for grants of up to $5,000 from the county and Colorado Enterprise Funds. Applications close April 19. Learn more: bit.ly/3PBuMPA