Tara Winer

Would you support accepting federal FAA grants that could require Boulder to keep the municipal airport open in perpetuity?

Yes. Reported by Boulder Reporting Lab from the June 6 2026 Raucous Caucus. Not a written questionnaire; a journalist's grouping of spoken answers.

A reporter grouped the candidates by position. This is not the candidate's own written answer.

Source: Boulder City Council candidates preview election-year battles over housing, airport and wages

What do you think are the most promising initiatives for reducing homelessness?

I believe housing with supportive services is the most effective way to help reduce homelessness. Because many people experiencing homelessness suffer from mental health issues and or drug addiction, having 24/7 wrap-around services would give people the highest probability of success in housing. We need options for people to access this kind of help, especially options that accept Medicaid. Our state is sorely lacking in these areas. I have been working with county and state representatives to provide options. Ready-to- work programs like Bridge House offers, are unique in that they provide employment, housing and support. A few months ago, I visited The Other Side Academy. It’s a live-in program where students learn vocational and life skills. It’s dedicated to those in the criminal justice system that struggle with substance abuse. Boulder’s Community Court program made its first successful referral to The Other Side Academy for an unhoused, criminal justice-involved individual! Ultimately, we need more housing for the unhoused. The City of Aurora’s pallet homes are 10 x 10, equipped with power, air conditioning and heat. A non-profit staffs the community 24 hours a day. This, in my opinion, is the most promising initiative.

Source: 2023 Boulder City Council election: Where the candidates stand on homelessness solutions

What approach would you take to address camping in our parks, on our bike paths and along our waterways?

I support Boulder’s encampment ban. Our public spaces need to be shared. The encampment ban is certainly not a solution for homelessness, but it is a tool to help maintain our shared spaces. Our SAMPS team (Safe and Managed Public Spaces), is a multi-departmental clean up team. I had the opportunity to walk around town with this team; they were compassionate and professional. They attempt to engage people in resources. Their process involves advanced notices. Cleanup day is the last step of a long process. We have a shelter for people to have somewhere to sleep at night. But they do need somewhere to go during the day. That is why I support a day shelter with toilets, showers, locker, and connections to other support services. About a year ago council allocated an additional $1 million for this initiative. Our bike paths need to be clear from obstructions. When biking through a dark underpass, it is crucial for safety for all that the underpass is clear. We need real solutions, not bandaids. One solution I will champion is pallet homes. Neighboring cities are having success with this inexpensive, efficient type of housing which can be constructed quickly.

Source: 2023 Boulder City Council election: Where the candidates stand on homeless encampments

What is your plan for increasing Boulder’s affordable housing supply?

For those eligible, we have a fair amount of permanently affordable housing options available, and even more in the pipeline. We should continue to add to our permanently affordable housing inventory to reach our city goals. Income diversity is important; it makes for a happier city. However, it is those in our middle-income category that have few options, if any. We have not had much success due to a variety of reasons, one of which is the cost of land. It is for this reason I would like to prioritize the Area III Planning Reserve as a council priority, as we own this land. I believe this is the location we would be able to build neighborhoods similar to the very popular Holiday Neighborhood in North Boulder. It has a variety of house types — both rentals and ownership options, both permanently affordable housing and market rate housing. It is well designed with plenty of trees and parks. Another option is redesigning some of our empty parking lots as middle-income neighborhoods with plenty of neighborhood-serving retail. Adding middle-income housing will be a council priority for me if I am reelected to city council.

Source: 2023 Boulder City Council election: Where the candidates stand on affordable housing