Boulder Weekly sent candidate questionnaires to all candidates on Boulder County ballots. These are their written responses, edited for length and clarity. Read more Election 2024 content.
Gregory Horowitz
Relevant experience
I currently serve as the director of sustainability for an international consulting firm where I focus on integrating sustainability into projects that balance environmental, economic and social objectives. I have over a decade of experience in environmental conservation, building science and public speaking on topics like air quality and sustainable development. My professional background and leadership roles have prepared me to bring practical, innovative solutions to Superior’s challenges. I’m also deeply involved in community volunteering and have a passion for social equity and sustainability.
Priorities
1. Sustainable development: Ensuring that Superior grows responsibly, with a focus on balancing economic prosperity and environmental conservation.
2. Fiscal Transparency: Ensuring all town spending is accountable and transparent to residents, aligning with the town’s long-term goals.
3. Community Engagement: Creating more opportunities for residents to be involved in decisions that shape our town’s future.
Lightning round
Should Superior join local efforts to explore an increase to the minimum wage? Yes
Do you support an end to the state prohibition on rent control? Yes
Do you support interventions for human-caused climate change? Yes
Do you agree with the Superior resolution opposing HB24-1313 (Housing in Transit Oriented Communities) unanimously passed in April? Yes
Do you support the adoption of a home rule charter for Superior? Yes
Do you support SB24-157 which narrowed the definition of what constitutes a public meeting? Yes
When was the last time you paid rent? How much was it? And where?
2023, $2,100 in Bell Flatirons in Superior.
Tell us about your decision to run for Superior’s Board of Trustees. Why are you running and why now?
I’m running for trustee because I care deeply about the future of Superior. As a sustainability professional and a parent raising my son here, I want to ensure that Superior remains a vibrant, resilient community for current and future generations. I believe that now is the time to address the challenges of growth, environmental stewardship, and inclusivity in a thoughtful, balanced way. Superior has the potential to be a leader in sustainable development, community engagement and fiscal responsibility. I’m committed to making sure we plan for smart growth while protecting the character of our town and fostering a sense of community.
What would you say are the top three issues facing Superior and what are your plans to address them?
1. Sustainable growth: As Superior grows, we must ensure development is balanced with environmental preservation and maintaining the character of the town. My plan is to advocate for smart growth policies that prioritize sustainability, protect open spaces and encourage responsible land use.
2. Affordable Housing: Superior needs diverse housing options to accommodate residents of all backgrounds. I will work to explore creative solutions for affordable housing, including public-private partnerships and zoning adjustments.
3. Community Engagement: It’s vital that residents feel their voices are heard. I will create more opportunities for direct engagement through public forums, digital platforms and outreach programs.
The Superior Board of Trustees often votes unanimously. Is that a good sign representing the ability to reach consensus or a bad sign representing a lack of diversity in opinion?
Consensus can indicate collaboration and shared goals, but it’s essential that all opinions are represented. I support diversity of thought because it ensures that decisions are carefully considered from all angles. One decision I agree with is the town’s focus on sustainability initiatives, which align with my priorities. However, I disagreed with the decision to pass up certain opportunities for affordable housing development. I believe there’s room for improvement in addressing this issue more proactively to ensure Superior remains accessible to everyone.
Given the realities of a changing climate and limited government resources, how do you plan on balancing mitigation and adaptation for already-impacted populations in Superior?
We must take a dual approach that includes both climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. I will advocate for renewable energy projects, green infrastructure and wildfire risk reduction initiatives to mitigate future impacts. At the same time, it’s essential to support residents already affected by climate events, such as those impacted by the Marshall Fire, by providing financial aid, rebuilding assistance and mental health support. By leveraging state and federal grants and forming public-private partnerships, we can stretch limited resources to ensure both mitigation and adaptation are addressed.
How do you think Marshall Fire rebuilding and recovery efforts are going? What do you think is going well and what is something you think the town should be doing differently?
The town has made strides in helping residents rebuild after the Marshall Fire, with financial assistance programs and streamlined permitting processes. However, I believe more can be done to ensure that rebuilding efforts incorporate sustainable and fire-resistant building materials to reduce future risks. Additionally, we should focus on mental health resources for families still coping with the emotional trauma of the fire. By continuing to enhance our emergency preparedness and investing in resilient infrastructure, we can better protect residents moving forward.
Do you believe there is a need for more affordable housing in Superior? If so, what is your plan to make it happen?
Yes, there is a need for more affordable housing in Superior to ensure that people from diverse backgrounds can call it home. My plan includes promoting public-private partnerships to develop affordable housing projects, adjusting zoning policies to allow for more diverse housing types, and exploring incentives for developers to include affordable units in new developments. By being proactive, we can address housing affordability while maintaining the town’s character and fostering an inclusive community.
How do justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) factor into your policy making?
JEDI principles are at the core of how I approach policy making. I believe that inclusivity leads to stronger, more vibrant communities. I will work to ensure that every decision the board makes considers how it impacts marginalized and underrepresented groups. This means supporting policies that promote equitable access to housing, education, public services and town governance. I’m committed to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and has an opportunity to thrive.
What efforts do you make in your daily life to consider and understand people with different lived experiences from your own?
In both my professional role and personal life, I actively seek out diverse perspectives. I participate in community volunteer work, particularly in environmental and social equity initiatives. Through my work in sustainability, I engage with a broad range of individuals and communities, learning how different people are impacted by issues like housing, environmental changes and public health. I also make a conscious effort to listen to others and create spaces where different voices can be heard.
When’s the last time you changed your mind about something and what was it?
The last time I changed my mind was regarding the best approach to community development. Initially, I believed that rapid development was necessary to meet growing demands. However, through discussions with community members and further reflection, I realized the importance of sustainable, thoughtfully planned growth that preserves Superior’s unique character while addressing the needs of current and future residents.
What question would you ask a fellow candidate on the ballot?
I would ask, “How do you plan to ensure that the decisions made by the board truly reflect the desires and needs of Superior’s residents, especially those who might not always have a voice in the decision-making process?”