Share your voice in BRL’s Opinion section

We’ve created a space for informed local opinion.

Our Opinion section is designed to reflect the diversity of ideas and experiences in our community — and to invite thoughtful, civil conversation about the issues shaping life in Boulder and Boulder County. Whether it’s personal, analytical or somewhere in between, we want to hear your perspective.

What we’re looking for

We aim to publish a curated selection of opinion pieces that are:

  • Relevant to Boulder or Boulder County — with local context or impact.
  • Engaging and constructive — advancing ideas or perspectives, not just outrage.
  • Fact-based — with credible sources, links or citations for claims and statistics.
  • Inclusive — reflecting the voices and experiences of many different residents.

We especially welcome submissions from community members and local leaders who can offer insightful responses to unfolding news — commentary that complements our reporting and helps explain what’s really going on, what it means for Boulder and why it matters, from someone with the expertise to know. We’re also eager to hear from people who haven’t traditionally had a platform in local media.

What we’re not looking for

We don’t publish:

  • Misinformation or unverifiable claims.
  • Personal attacks or discriminatory language.
  • Content generated using AI tools like ChatGPT.
  • Submissions that promote false or potentially harmful public health or scientific information will not be accepted.

We’re a small newsroom and can’t independently fact-check every assertion, but we will reject submissions that include clear falsehoods or distortions. We ask that you provide links to reliable sources when referencing facts, statistics or quotes.

We can’t publish everything

We receive more submissions than we can publish, and sometimes we’re prioritizing topics based on what’s most timely or useful for our readers. If your piece doesn’t run, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t worthwhile. Please don’t be discouraged from trying again in the future.

We also reserve the right to edit for clarity, style and length. We may also request documentation to support assertions.

What about elections?

As a nonprofit newsroom, BRL cannot publish pieces that endorse or oppose political candidates or parties. This includes any op-eds, whether explicit endorsements or not, from current city council candidates through the Nov. 4, 2025 election.

We can publish:

  • Opinions about ballot measures.
  • Views on public policy or legislation.
  • Commentary on leadership roles selected by elected officials — such as city council voting to appoint a new mayor pro tem or city board or commission member — as long as it’s not about candidates in a public election.

If you’re unsure whether your submission fits, feel free to ask.

How to submit

Email your commentary to opinion@boulderreportinglab.org and include:

  • Your full name and city of residence
  • A short bio (1–2 sentences), including any relevant affiliations or roles
  • A note about why this topic matters to you right now

Commentaries

Up to 850 words. A personal or informed perspective on an issue that matters to you — and to Boulder.