Downtown Boulder Block Captain Program
The Downtown Boulder Partnership has developed a Block Captain Program consisting of member business or property owners, managers, or employees who volunteer their time to connect with businesses in a designated block. Their goal is to build community and connections on each block and to represent businesses at quarterly meetings with the Downtown Boulder Partnership staff. It takes a village, and we are grateful for these community leaders!
Interested in joining our team of captains?
The time commitment is approximately 2 hours a month and the rewards are endless.
We are looking for captains and co-captains to connect with different blocks throughout downtown.
We are proud to align with the Boulder Police Department to introduce the Block Officers who work with the Block Captains to help align the downtown business community and local law enforcement.
Max Greene
700 & 800 blocks | Happy Glass
What is your favorite view from downtown?
"My favorite view is when I cross paths with someone I haven’t bumped into in a while. Just a quick, “Good morning, it’s nice to see you,” adds a positive note to the day. It reminds me how special it is to be a part of this community."
Tory Bergeon-Fogerty
900 block | First Interstate Bank
Why did you volunteer to be a captain?
"I took on the role of block captain to connect with fellow businesses in the area. The West End has a fantastic community vibe, and I’m excited to nurture and encourage mutual support and promotion among local businesses. Building a strong sense of community is important to me because when each of us succeeds, we all thrive!"
Rebekah Hartman
1000 block | Ozo Coffee Company
What is your favorite view of downtown?
"My favorite view on Pearl Street is the Flatirons - from any angle! Pure magic. "
Erica Dahl
1100 block Co-Captain | Savvy on Pearl
When did you first start working downtown? Describe your first memories.
"I opened my store the Sunday before Memorial Day 2007. As someone who was born and raised in Boulder, it was awesome to be on the other side of things and I remember I had a bucket blocking the front door and then all of a sudden we decided we were ready and people just starting flowing in and it was so exciting to make my dream a reality!"
Lindsay Shaw
1100 block Co-Captain | Lindsay's Boulder Deli and Haagen Dazs
Why did you volunteer to be a captain?
"I decided to volunteer to be a Block Captain because I love the 1100 Block so much. I shop and eat on this block more than any other block on the mall as I just have to walk out the door. I want the people on this block to feel loved, heard, seen, and above all successful. I feel if we can work together, we can help support small business as well as each other."
Sami Colgate
1200 block | Savannah Bee Company
When did you first start working downtown?
"I first started working Downtown when I was 21 at The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. From there it was Ku Cha House of Tea, Art Mart Gifts, Title Nine and now Savannah Bee Company! I have lived in Boulder since I was a freshman at CU and I am happiest when I am connected with and working in Downtown Boulder. I love all the knowledge and growth I have obtained from being in this wonderful city and want to make as many connections as possible to help Boulder continue to thrive!"
Vince Cruz
1300 block | Elevations Credit Union
When did you first start working downtown?
" I started working in Downtown Boulder 2 years ago, but I am a Colorado native and have always enjoyed the busy energy that Pearl Street brings; the vibrant people and shops."
Tarah Swaney
1300 block | Art Mart Gifts
Why did you decide to volunteer to be a captain?
"I’m volunteering to be a block captain because I grew up on Pearl Street and have seen how much the area has evolved over time. While there have been challenges, there have also been many positive changes. I care deeply about this community and want to contribute to its continued growth and safety—for the benefit of both our employees and customers."
Julia Fetzer
1400 block | Bitty & Beau's
What is your favorite view from your block?
"Seeing the community stream out of the 15th street parking garage to join all of the fun events on Pearl Street is always fun - especially the view during the Munchkin Masquerade or the Christmas Parade! It is so fun to be part of the vibrant community!"
Rebekah Hartman
1500 block Co-Captain | Ozo Coffee Company
Why did you volunteer to be a captain?
"Strengthening the business and overall community is my main intention in being a Block Captain."
Marcy Miller
1500 block Co-Captain | Organic Sandwich Company
When did you start working downtown? Share your first memories.
"I opened my shop in January of 2015 and it was a big undertaking for me. What helped me immensely was meeting my neighboring business owners and learning about the ebbs and flows of business in downtown Boulder. Pearl Street is such a fun place to do business - to this day, I feel pride and excitement about working in beautiful Downtown Boulder!"
Michelle Vargo
1600 block Co-Captain | Bliss
When did you start working downtown? Share your first memories.
"I started working on Pearl St. (at Bliss) in 2015. However, my first memories of Pearl St. are walking over from the CU campus freshman year with friends on weekend evenings, enjoying street performers, music, and receiving henna tattoos from street vendors. Pearl St. and Downtown Boulder has always been a gathering place for me and my loved ones. That's one of my primary reasons for volunteering: to ensure our beloved downtown stays vibrant and welcoming for locals. "
Claire Walgren
1600 block Co-Captain | Bliss
When did you start working downtown? Share your first memories.
"I started working downtown at Bliss in August 2024, and I immediately discovered how dog-friendly Boulder is. One of my favorite parts of working downtown is meeting some of Boulder's wonderful pups, as well as getting to know the mix of locals and visitors that walk down our block. The exchange of stories and memories is so fulfilling and makes me love this community more every day."
Nate Gann
1700 block Co-Captain | KW Capital Advisors
What are your initial memories from when you started working downtown?
"One of my earliest memories of working downtown was meeting like-minded professionals at local coffee shops. These welcoming spaces quickly became my go-to spots for conversations that sparked new ideas and strengthened connections. The energy and charm of these coffee shops created the perfect environment for networking, making it easy to build relationships while supporting local businesses."
Danaea Valdez
1700 block Co-Captain | Huntington Bank
What are your initial memories from when you started working downtown?
"My first memories involve visiting all the unique local business that make Boulder so special. I was struck by the incredible variety, including many female-owned, minority-owned, and military-owned businesses. I immediately felt a sense of community and pride in being part of a place that celebrates diversity and entrepreneurship. Exploring the area gave me a deep appreciation for the creativity and passion that thrive here."
Casey Easton
1800 block | Food Lab
Why did you volunteer to be a captain?
"Bring together community on the block, help drive business and be friendly with neighbors."
Chris Choate
1900 & 2000 block | 8z Real Estate
Why did you volunteer to be a captain, and what are your first memories of downtown?
"I volunteered to be a block captain because I have a deep connection to Downtown Boulder. I've been in Boulder since moving from Central California in 2010 and have always shown up somewhere along Pearl!
My first memories of Downtown Boulder are from 2010 when I moved to CO and started working the door at a college bar on the Hill. My friend group would walk down to Pearl and visit old staples like West End, The Pub, Boulder Cafe, The Walrus, and The Med. My wife and my date spots began to materialize at Jax, Hapa, Japango and more. I played music several times at the old Lazy Dog and Kitchen Next Door. These cherished memories and more make it an honor to serve as a block captain for DBP!."