During the Boulder City Council meeting on March 20, 2025, intense discussions unfolded surrounding the city’s financial ties to Caterpillar, a company linked to controversial military actions in Gaza. The meeting featured passionate public comments from residents Eric Gross and Laura Gonzalez, who expressed deep concerns about the implications of the city’s investments.

Gross presented a harrowing image of a victim from Gaza, emphasizing the human cost of military actions and questioning the ethical implications of Boulder’s financial support for companies involved in such conflicts. He urged council members to confront the realities of their investments, stating, “You can’t not look. You have to be willing to see that there’s not one side to this.”

Gonzalez echoed these sentiments, criticizing the council for what she perceived as a double standard in their stance on human rights. She highlighted the council's historical opposition to apartheid in South Africa while accusing them of remaining silent on similar issues in Palestine. Her remarks included a call for accountability regarding the use of taxpayer dollars in support of military actions abroad.

The meeting also saw disruptions, with tensions rising as some attendees expressed frustration over the council's handling of the discussions. The council had to call for a recess to restore order after heated exchanges occurred.

As Boulder City grapples with its role in global issues, the discussions at this meeting reflect a growing demand from residents for transparency and ethical considerations in municipal investments. The implications of these conversations may influence future council decisions and community engagement on international human rights matters.