Junie Joseph – HD10

Boulder Weekly sent candidate questionnaires to all state primary candidates.These are their written responses, edited for length and clarity. Find a full list of candidates and questionnaires here

Office: Colorado House of Representatives, District 10 (incumbent)
Campaign website: junie4colorado.com/

Relevant experience 

Colorado State Representatives, House District-10, 2023-present 
(Committee Membership in the House of Representative: Vice Chair, Finance Committee; Energy & Environment Committee Member; Co-Chair of Aerospace and Defense Caucus)
Family Law Attorney, 2021-present
Boulder Mayor Pro Tem 2020-2021 
Boulder City Councilmember, 2019-2023 (member of: Audit Committee, Racial Equity Committee, Council Employee Evaluation Committee, Colorado Municipal League Policy Council Member, National League of Cities, Sister City Cuba Representative)
Boulder County Democratic Party Area Coordinator/Precinct Organizer
Human Rights Officer, United Nations, 2017-2018
Creator of BOCO Dems BIPOC Risin, a program to prepare BIPOC community members to run for elected office
Former Boulder County Board of Community Corrections Member
Former Chair of the Boulder County Housing & Human Services Citizen’s Panel Review
Former Governor-Appointed Member of the Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board

Priorities

• Economic security and affordability for all. I will stand firm in my dedication to advocating for low- and middle-income residents facing financial challenges. I will continue prioritizing measures that enhance economic security and affordability for Boulderites and people across Colorado. My focus will be on policies that address housing affordability, access to healthcare, job creation and support for small businesses, all aimed at improving the overall economic well-being of constituents in House District 10.

• Climate change. My personal passion for promoting decarbonization and sustainable practices is a driving force behind my initiatives. I will prioritize actions to combat climate change and protect the environment, pushing for legislation that promotes sustainable and renewable energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and enhances our cities and state’s resilience to the impacts of climate change.

• Equity and social justice initiatives. Continuing my commitment to championing equity and social justice, I will prioritize implementing policies that address systemic inequalities in healthcare, education, criminal justice and housing. This priority will involve advocating for legislation that promotes diversity, inclusivity and fairness for all residents of Colorado, mainly focusing on marginalized communities.

What are you most proud of from your most recent term? 

• Expanded Social Security benefits for older adults. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my legislative work has been the opportunity to turn the ideas and concerns of my constituents in Boulder into impactful policies that bring tangible improvements to our community. A prime example is the successful expansion of tax benefits to individuals aged 55 and above who rely on federal Social Security benefits. This initiative, driven by the needs of Boulderites, received overwhelming bipartisan support and was passed on the final day of the 2024 legislative session, bringing tax relief to many low-income members of our community.

• Eviction protection. In 2023, I spearheaded an eviction protection bill, HB23-1120, which was inspired by a distressing real-life scenario involving a client reliant on public assistance. This bill stands as pioneering state law by providing individuals on public assistance with extended mediation opportunities and a 30-day waiting period before facing eviction, mitigating the adverse impacts of sudden homelessness. This bill was a collaborative effort involving extensive research, consultation with experts and stakeholder discussions. 

• Expanded legal aid for low-income Coloradans. Similarly, my commitment to equitable access to justice is exemplified through HB24-1286, which establishes an Equal Justice Authority to oversee a fund doubling the resources available for legal aid to low-income individuals and families in Colorado. This proactive measure ensures that economic status does not determine one’s access to a fair legal system.

During my first term as House District 10 Representative, I passed 36 bills covering a wide range of crucial topics. These bills, which included pioneering measures such as statewide incentives for decarbonization, a first-in-the-nation e-bike tax credit and facilitation of licensure for Spanish-speaking childcare providers, were a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision.

It is an honor to work collaboratively with a wide range of people to pass legislation that helps the people of House District 10.

See Joseph’s sponsored legislation for 2024 and 2023

Efficacy rating (as calculated by Boulder Weekly): 78% 
21 of 27 bills on which Joseph was a primary sponsor were sent to or signed by the governor

Lightning round

Yes/no answers only
Do you support the state’s elimination of local occupancy limits? Yes
Do you support ending the state’s prohibition on local rent control? Yes
Do you support requiring or allowing more density in your jurisdiction as a way to address the affordable housing crisis? Yes
Do you support the Front Range train as the state’s highest priority for passenger rail? Yes

When was the last time you paid rent? How much was it? 

I am currently a renter in South Boulder.

What would you say are the top issues facing District 10, and what are your plans to address them in a way that differs from the current approach?

As a resident of House District 10, I share the top concerns of many in Boulder: the climate crisis, housing affordability and homelessness. I understand the urgency of these challenges and am committed to finding innovative and impactful solutions.

When it comes to the climate crisis, I take a proactive approach. I have and will continue to support legislation that mitigates its impacts by protecting residents from floods and fires and investing in infrastructure systems and ecosystem resilience to withstand the escalating threats from hotter, drier temperatures. I will continue to prioritize sustainable environmental practices, renewable energy initiatives and community empowerment. 

With housing costs continuing to be out of reach for many residents of HD10, affordability in Boulder and across the state is a top priority. I will continue to tackle both the symptoms and the underlying issues. I will advocate for policies focusing on rent stabilization and addressing the interconnected challenges of high housing, childcare and healthcare expenses. I will continue supporting initiatives that boost economic opportunities, enhance workforce development and promote affordable housing options.

My goals for addressing homelessness in Boulder and the Denver Metro area involve more than emergency responses to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness. We need comprehensive programs that keep people housed via emergency rental and financial assistance, transitional housing options for people recovering from addiction or mental illness and permanent supportive housing initiatives for those who need long-term support. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by vulnerable populations, such as foster youth aging out of the system, I will advocate for tailored behavioral health services and transition programs to facilitate stable housing and holistic well-being. 

By prioritizing proactive, community-driven solutions, we can rise to meet our many challenges with compassion, efficiency, and equitable outcomes.

How do you plan to balance the necessary evolution of our transportation system with current realities of car-dependency such that people who have to drive aren’t too negatively impacted, but people who don’t have to are encouraged to make other choices? 

Enhancing infrastructure to accommodate both drivers and non-drivers is crucial. Implementing measures like expanding road networks to support public transit, upgrading public transit systems, creating dedicated bike lanes and enhancing pathways for those who walk or roll can improve everyone’s overall transportation experience. By prioritizing infrastructure projects that benefit multiple modes of transportation, individuals who rely on driving can experience improved road efficiency and safety. At the same time, non-drivers have accessible and reliable alternatives.

I support prioritizing universal design principles in street infrastructure and transport systems to ensure that all community members, including those with visible and invisible disabilities, benefit from transportation solutions and feel included in and connected to the community.

I support investments in accessible and reliable public transportation systems that cater to all residents. By expanding transit options, enhancing connectivity and improving the frequency and efficiency of public transportation services, we can encourage residents to choose sustainable modes of travel. 

I support initiatives that incentivize the adoption of alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles, such as bike-share programs and car-share services. By providing financial incentives, promoting active transportation such as walking/rolling and creating more infrastructure that supports sharing options, we can encourage behavioral shifts toward sustainable transportation choices while minimizing the impact on individuals who rely on cars for essential travel needs. 

Transportation and land use are interconnected. When our neighborhoods integrate housing, commercial spaces and public services, we can cultivate vibrant communities prioritizing walkability/rollability and reducing the carbon footprint associated with excessive car usage. By promoting mixed-use developments, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure built to universal design standards and accessible amenities within close proximity, residents can easily access daily necessities without needing a car. 

A holistic approach can create an equitable, environmentally friendly transportation ecosystem that responds to evolving mobility while ensuring everyone’s transportation needs are considered and valued.

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 D10?

As a Member of the Energy and Environment Committee, I have championed legislation focusing on electrification, circular economies and equitable climate solutions. I include impacted community members in the decision-making process so that my bills are community-driven and bring value to the people of HD10.

In the 2024 session, I passed HB24-1449 to help Colorado communities pursue a circular economy for waste management, including waste diversion and aversion. Circular economies promote resource efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, create economic opportunities, foster innovation and drive sustainable practices. A vital feature of this bill was the creation of a 13-member board, with a strong emphasis on including communities often excluded from legislative processes, to oversee these programs. This inclusive approach ensures that all communities feel valued and integral to the legislative processes. This enterprise will award grants and other funding and provide technical assistance to various entities throughout the state that are actively pursuing a circular economy for waste management. It will also create the statewide voluntary sustainability program to support businesses engaging or looking to engage in sustainability efforts. 

In the previous session, I sponsored HB23-1242, a comprehensive bill that requires oil and gas companies to report on their use of water in operations, including recycling and reusing water. This measure is aimed at reducing fresh water usage and increasing recycled water use in these operations, a crucial step towards environmental sustainability. The bill also allocates funds for the program costs and the water quality control division to support the drinking water program. I also sponsored HB23-1134, requiring home warranty insurers to provide electric options as part of their insurance policy, which supports the transition to electric heat pumps, HVAC systems, boilers and stoves, aligning with sustainable energy goals and empowering individuals to make eco-conscious choices. In HB23-1272, I secured e-bike tax credit robust enough to assist low-income individuals, allowing their participation in emissions-reduction efforts. 

How does JEDI factor into your policy making?

As a Black woman, multilingual renter, small business owner and working-class millennial representing diverse constituent groups at the Colorado General Assembly, I emphasize the importance of inclusive and equitable representation in policy making. It is not enough to invite diverse people to observe our legislative process. Nor is it sufficient to ask them to wait their turn or gain more experience before they can effect change. As a legislator, I am committed to actively supporting the inclusion of and collaborating with people who have been excluded for centuries. This is the key to making our legislative process truly representative.

While recent legislation such as SB22-105 creates symbolic engagements like allowing the Ute Mountain Utes and Southern Utes to address the Colorado Legislature once each year, justice demands more substantial actions. Recognizing the gaps in American Indian legal integration within legislative processes, I advocated for an interim study on American Indian Affairs in the 2024 legislative session, which will build stronger relationships with American Indian communities in our state and allow them to have a say in addressing disparities in health, judicial matters, child welfare and other vital areas through collaborative discussions between legislators, tribal citizens, and communities. The committee will delve into these  critical issues and propose legislation to address them in future sessions.

Authentic partnerships with historically excluded groups are essential to advocate for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Rather than merely observing, excluded groups should play an active role in shaping policies and driving change without waiting for permission or experience. I am dedicated to actively supporting the inclusion of marginalized voices and collaborating with those historically sidelined. This inclusive approach is fundamental to fostering a truly representative legislative process. 

What efforts do you make in your daily life to consider and understand people with different lived experiences from your own?  

I consider and understand people with different lived experiences from my own by listening to and learning from those whose perspectives differ from mine, seeking to understand their realities and struggles. I engage in open dialogue, attend diverse community events and actively seek opportunities to connect with individuals from different backgrounds to broaden my understanding of my many constituents. 

My lived experiences inspire me to advocate for inclusivity for all. From supporting local initiatives that uplift underrepresented voices to challenging systemic inequalities through my actions and advocacy at the Capitol, I work to create an environment where all individuals feel they are heard and seen, regardless of their unique backgrounds. 

Ultimately, by acknowledging the inherent diversity within our community and actively working to understand perspectives that differ from my own, I aim to embody a commitment to empathy, understanding, and solidarity with everyone in HD10.

When’s the last time you changed your mind about something, and what was it?

I considered voting against HB24-1313 because I had only heard from the opponents who are mostly anti-density. Further, I had read the bill myself and noticed that the bill as written was too prescriptive in some aspects and lacked the necessary affordable housing mandates.  I had received at least 50 emails from the anti growth community. Because of the strong outreach from the anti-growth community and my own interpretation of HB24-1313, I did consider voting against the bill. I would have been the deciding member to kill the bill in the finance committee as the Vice Chair. 

The night before [the vote], I received many emails, phone calls and text messages from proponents of the bill on the possible positive environmental impact of the legislation. The outreach helped me realize that even though the bill was not a perfect piece of legislation, it is one that will help our community minimize its carbon footprint and will lead to further investment in public transit infrastructure.  

Even though at first, I was worried about voting for the bill because of the vocal negative outreach, I felt comfortable to vote for the bill once I had heard from the proponents and also the compelling testimony from the sponsors and other witnesses in committee helped in convincing me that voting for this bill was ultimately the right decision. 

What question would you ask a fellow candidate on the ballot?

Who do you believe won the rap battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake and why?