Rachel Rose Isaacson

My civic journey began early, organizing and volunteering at 14, and by 17, drafting state legislation to protect LGBTQ+ youth in Ohio. That formative experience taught me the power of young people stepping into leadership, and it continues to shape how I approach public service. Since then, I have earned a bachelor’s in Political Economics and a master’s in Public Administration and Leadership, with specialized training in public budgeting, fiscal and policy analysis, and strategic resource management. These skills are essential for making responsible, transparent, and equitable decisions on City Council. Before making Boulder my home, I worked in regenerative education, organizing internationally attended conferences that empowered communities to cultivate resilience in the face of economic, social, and environmental turbulence. Here in Boulder, I stay grounded in daily life advancing ecological stewardship as a Pollinator Ambassador with Cool Boulder, and connecting with neighbors every day as a barista at South Side Walnut Café. I am running to be Boulder’s first Gen Z councilmember not only to ensure my generation has a voice at the table, but to bring informed, systems-level thinking and collaborative leadership to address the challenges we face today and those ahead.

No. No one should be legally punished simply because our city lacks adequate services or safe alternatives. In those moments, the responsibility is on us as a community to ensure people have legal and humane alternative places to be. At the same time, when shelter or services are available, I believe individuals should be accountable to the city’s current laws. Balancing compassion with accountability is essential, and the real solution lies in expanding services and creating pathways so no one is left without options.