2026 Meeting Agendas and Outcomes
This post tracks summaries and outcomes for key items from 2026 City Council meetings: what was discussed, why it mattered, and what decisions were made.
For each 2026 meeting or study session, you’ll find a brief overview of what Council considered, why it mattered, and what happened.
APRIL 23, 2026 (STUDY SESSION)
Airport Discussion
What Council is discussing:
Whether to resume accepting federal airport grants or continue funding the airport locally without them.
Why it matters:
Federal grants can reduce short‑term costs by helping fund large, capital projects. They also come with long‑term financial obligations and can significantly limit the city's flexibility in how the land could be used in 2040 and beyond.
What happened:
A narrow majority of Council (5–4) indicated support for keeping the airport open indefinitely during the April 23 study session. This guidance came through a straw poll, which is an informal vote used to give staff direction. Council asked staff to draft a resolution reflecting this position for a future formal vote. Read summaries in the Boulder Reporting Lab and Daily Camera.
What's next:
Staff will bring forward a resolution for Council to consider at a regular meeting. A formal vote would determine whether the city resumes accepting federal airport grants, which would limit the city’s future control over the airport land.
Power Reliability and Resilience
What Council is discussing:
A plan to create a Power Resilience Roadmap that assesses Boulder’s rising outage risks, reviews Xcel’s planned investments, and identifies policy strategies the city can use to improve reliability and community preparedness.
Why it matters:
Boulder is seeing more and longer outages from climate-related wildfire risk, aging equipment, and public safety power shutoffs. This work will help identify the biggest risks and how to reduce future disruptions.
What happened:
Council reviewed staff’s proposed approach for developing a Power Resilience Roadmap and asked questions about reliability data, wildfire‑related shutoffs, and how accountability will be built into the process. Staff received general support to continue the analysis and community engagement work outlined in the memo.
What's next:
Staff will provide an update to Council in an information packet early this summer. A follow‑up Study Session on the Xcel Partnership is scheduled for August 27, where representatives from Xcel will participate.
APRIL 16, 2026 (REGULAR MEETING)
The overview and summaries below highlight key agenda items and how to engage with them. The full agenda is available here.
Jump to the summaries of selected items in each section:
Consent Agenda
Amendments to a water storage agreement with Nederland
What Council is deciding:
Whether to update a long‑term water storage agreement with the Town of Nederland.
Why it matters:
Boulder and Nederland share parts of their water systems; updating this agreement keeps the partnership between the two cities current and predictable.
What happened:
Council unanimously approved this motion (9-0).
What's next:
Boulder will renew its water storage agreement with Nederland for another 20-year period, effective April 1, 2026.
Chautauqua financing and lease updates
What Council is deciding:
Approving an agreement that will allow the Colorado Chautauqua Association to secure financing for construction.
Why it matters:
This agreement will support ongoing upkeep and improvements at Chautauqua while keeping the legal documents up to date.
What happened:
Council unanimously approved this motion (9-0).
What's next:
The agreement documents will be signed by the parties and recorded in the Boulder County records.
Annexation petition for Spring Valley Estates
What Council is deciding:
Whether a petition to annex approximately 43 acres in the Spring Valley Estates area meets legal requirements, as well as setting a data for the public hearing.
Why it matters:
This is the first step in deciding whether this neighborhood should be brought into city limits.
What happened:
Council unanimously approved this motion (9-0).
What's next:
This item moves to a public hearing in May, to determine whether the proposed annexation complies with state law. If so, Council will determine whether or not annexation is desired, and, if so, whether an election is required to impose additional terms & conditions, and, if so, call an election.
Land Use Code and Structures updates (First Reading)
What Council is deciding:
Whether to move an ordinance that fixes errors and clarifies parts of the land use and building codes to a public hearing in May.
Why it matters:
These updates help keep the city's land use code accurate and easier to use.
What happened:
Council unanimously approved this motion (9-0).
What's next:
This ordinance moves to a second reading and public hearing in May.
Public Hearings
If you want to share your views on a Public Hearing item:
Sign up to speak at the Public Hearing or email the Council before the meeting. At the Public Hearing, Councilmembers can propose and vote on changes if they feel a perspective has been left out or if new information comes up.
Metro District Enabling Ordinance & Model Service Plan
What Council is deciding:
Rules for metropolitan districts (special taxing districts that property owners can form to help pay for roads, utilities, and other infrastructure in new development) along with a standard plan that any future district(s) would have to follow.
Why it matters:
These rules will set limits on how metro districts can borrow and tax and will protect future homeowners and businesses from unexpected costs.
What happened:
All nine councilmembers voted to move this item forward. A majority of councilmembers directed staff to loosen the regulations on compounding interest in the model service plan and bring it back with those changes. Read summaries in the Boulder Reporting Lab and Daily Camera.
What's next:
Staff will make the requested changes, and this item will return on Consent agenda for final approval in May.
Matters
Legislative Update
What Council is discussing:
Staff will brief Councilmembers on state‑level bills the city has taken a position on, and any other legislative policy changes that affect Boulder.
Why it matters:
Decisions at the state legislature can influence local funding, programs, and regulatory authority.
What happened:
Councilmembers heard an update on state legislation the city has taken a position on. They agreed Council would not oppose HB26-1308 (lot splitting) if it were amended to exempt parcels in the WUI or in the 100-year flood zone and cities that are in compliance with HB24-1313 (the transit-oriented communities bill). Read more about the city's lot splitting discussion in the Boulder Reporting Lab.
What's next:
Staff will continue advocating for the bill's sponsors to amend the bill in accordance with the city's requested changes. If the bill is amended, the city will move to a "monitor" position where the city will neither oppose or support the bill.
APRIL 9, 2026 (STUDY SESSION)
Arts Blueprint Report and Recommendations
What Council is discussing:
The city’s new 10‑year plan for arts and culture, including community feedback, the Blueprint's vision and goals, and how the city will support artists, cultural groups, creative businesses, and neighborhood‑level cultural activity.
Why it matters:
Arts and culture are a big part of Boulder’s identity and economy. This plan outlines how to keep creativity accessible and affordable while supporting the people and spaces that bring the city's arts and culture to life.
What happened:
Council asked questions and generally supported staff’s approach for moving the Blueprint's vision and goals work forward, asking for updates as the work unfolds.
What's next:
Staff will refine the implementation framework and continue integrating arts and culture work into the Comprehensive Plan and the new Office of Cultural and Economic Development.
Facilities Funding Strategy
What Council is discussing:
An update on the condition of the city’s buildings and a plan to keep the most essential and most deteriorated buildings functioning (e.g., the Public Safety Building, fire stations, rec centers, senior centers, and maintenance facilities).
Why it matters:
These buildings house police, fire, 911 dispatch, pools, older adult services, and the crews who keep water, streets, and city vehicles running. The city needs a plan for urgent repairs and long‑term investments because the cost of fixing or replacing these buildings is far higher than the funding currently available.
What happened:
Council agreed to prioritize critical maintenance and asked staff to develop a mix of investment scenarios to fund repairs and replacements of buildings in critical condition, including the city's three recreation centers and two senior centers. Read the stories in the Daily Camera and Boulder Reporting Lab.
What's next:
Staff will work on those scenarios and bring specific options into the 2026 ballot item discussions, the 2027 budget, and the six‑year Capital Improvement Program.
APRIL 2, 2026 (REGULAR MEETING)
The overview and summaries below highlight key agenda items and how to engage with them. The full agenda is available here. The meeting recording is available here.
Jump to the summaries of selected items in each section:
Consent Agenda
If you want to share your views on a Consent Agenda item:
Email the Council before the meeting or sign up to speak at Open Comment. Consent Agenda items rarely change based on day‑of feedback. Councilmembers can vote “no” on individual items if they have concerns.
Adding Batteries to the Clean Energy Rebate
What Council is deciding:
Extending the city’s clean energy tax rebate, and the portion set aside to help affordable housing and nonprofits, to standalone battery systems.
Why it matters:
This change would help more households and nonprofits afford backup power during outages.
What happened:
Council passed this motion unanimously (9-0).
What's next:
There is no further action for City Council. People will now get the same city tax rebate for buying a standalone battery that they already get when buying solar.
Water Utility Protections Ordinance (First Reading)
What Council is deciding:
Whether to advance updates to the city’s water utility code that strengthen protections for Boulder’s watershed and water supply.
Why it matters:
These changes aim to safeguard drinking water quality and long‑term watershed health. If approved, this ordinance will return for a second reading at a later date.
What happened:
Council passed this motion unanimously (9-0).
What's next:
This item moves on to a second reading.
Historic Landmark Designation (First Reading)
What Council is deciding:
Whether to advance the landmark designation for the Polls and Registration House at 745 University Ave.
Why it matters:
Landmarking protects historically significant buildings. If approved, this ordinance will return for a second reading and public hearing at a later date.
What happened:
Council passed this motion unanimously (9-0).
What's next:
This item moves to a public hearing tentatively scheduled for May 7.
Metropolitan Districts Ordinance (First Reading)
What Council is deciding:
Whether to advance a new chapter of city code setting rules for how metropolitan districts operate in Boulder.
Why it matters:
This ordinance establishes clearer expectations for financing, governance, and public protections of metro districts. If approved, it will return for a second reading and public hearing at a later date.
What happened:
Council passed this motion unanimously (9-0).
What's next:
Council will hold a public hearing and consider adoption of this ordinance at its April 16 city council meeting.
Unleaded fuel subsidy grant for Boulder Municipal Airport
What Council is deciding:
Council is voting on whether to authorize the City Manager to accept a state grant that subsidizes unleaded aviation fuel at the Boulder Municipal Airport.
Why it matters:
The subsidy lowers the price gap between leaded and unleaded fuel, speeding the airport’s transition away from leaded fuel and reducing local lead emissions.
What happened:
Council passed this motion unanimously (9-0).
What's next:
City staff will finalize the agreement and work with the fuel provider to use grant funds to subsidize unleaded aviation fuel at the airport.
Public Hearings
If you want to share your views on a Public Hearing item:
Sign up to speak at the Public Hearing or email the Council before the meeting. At the Public Hearing, Councilmembers can propose and vote on changes if they feel a perspective has been left out or if new information comes up.
Letting Renters Apply for Festival Lodging Licenses
What Council is deciding:
First reading of whether to let tenants, with their landlord’s permission, apply for a short‑term festival lodging license during large events like the Sundance Film Festival.
Why it matters:
This would give renters the same chance as homeowners to rent out their homes during major festivals. If passed, this item moves to a public hearing tentatively scheduled for April 2, 2026.
What happened:
Council passed this ordinance unanimously (8-0).
What's next:
Staff will roll out the new tenant‑eligible festival lodging license, with applications expected to open by May 4. Read the Daily Camera and Boulder Reporting Lab stories for more information.
Matters
If you want to share your views on a Matters item:
Email the Council before the meeting or sign up to speak at Open Comment.
Exploring Our New Authority to Modify the Tip Credit - Policy Options
What Council is discussing:
How the city might change the rules for tipped workers’ pay, including options that would let employers pay a lower hourly wage and rely more on tips to make up the difference.
Why it matters:
Changes would lower guaranteed wages and reduce protections for workers who rely on tips. The decisions Council makes here will directly affect future pay and stability for thousands of service industry workers.
What happened:
Council asked staff to engage the community on attitudes toward slowing or freezing increases to tipped workers' base wages in 2027 and beyond. Council also asked staff to identify when more economic data may be available to inform decisions on this issue and a tentative date for a public hearing.
What's next:
The Council Agenda Committee will talk with staff to identify a date for the public hearing. City staff will work on an online survey to solicit feedback on potential changes to tipped wages from Boulder residents, workers, and business owners.
MARCH 26, 2026 (JOINT MEETING WITH PLANNING BOARD)
BVSD Update on Declining Enrollment
What Council is discussing
Representatives from the Boulder Valley School District will share updates on their work with the community regarding declining enrollment trends.
Why it matters
Enrollment trends influence school planning and neighborhood dynamics. This update gives Council a better understanding of long‑term community needs.
What happened:
BVSD discussed how shrinking enrollment is leaving several elementary schools below the size needed to sustain consistent programming, staffing, and class offerings, and outlined a community process aimed at restoring stable, high‑quality learning conditions across the district.
What's next:
BVSD is hosting community conversations in April to talk with Boulder residents about the tradeoffs the district is facing as they work to ensure all students have access to strong, stable learning conditions. The district will use this input as it develops adjustment options over the summer.
Review of the Draft of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan
What Council is discussing:
The draft update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, including long‑term land use, housing, transportation, and growth policies.
Why it matters:
This plan guides how and where Boulder grows over the next 20 years, shaping zoning, housing options, transportation networks, and future public investments.
What happened:
Council and Planning Board reviewed the draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan and provided their thoughts on whether the draft reflects community input (overwhelmingly "yes"), which elements they strongly support, and which areas they would like to see refined. You can view the presentation and discussion here.
What's next:
Community members can review the draft BVCP and share comments through April 6 at aboulderfuture.org. Staff will incorporate community feedback, along with Council and Planning Board input from this joint study session, into a revised draft that will be presented at an April 13 City-County meeting before each of the four decision-making bodies consider adopting the updated plan in June.
MARCH 19, 2026 (NO MEETING)
Spring Recess
MARCH 12, 2026 (STUDY SESSION)
Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Formation Analysis and Initial Recommendations
What Council is discussing:
The draft plan for creating a new funding district to support long‑term investment in downtown and University Hill. The discussion covers how the district would raise money, how it would be run, and how it could eventually take over the parking and maintenance work now handled by the two older districts.
Why it matters:
Downtown and the Hill are seeing higher commercial vacancies and slower sales tax growth, and the current funding system only funds basic maintenance. A DDA could create a stable way to reinvest in public spaces, streets, safety, and economic activity. Council’s discussion guides what may go to the district's voters in 2026.
What happened:
Council asked questions and signaled support for staff continuing to refine the funding approach and explore shifting some existing assets to a future DDA. Read a summary in the Daily Camera.
What’s next:
Staff will keep modeling the funding options, continue outreach, and refine the draft Plan of Development before returning to Council in June with a more detailed proposal.
Preliminary Discussion on 2026 Ballot Measures
What Council is discussing:
Possible 2026 tax ballot measures, and which options staff should study further. Options span transformational ideas like taxing services, mid‑range changes such as mill levy increases or a vacancy tax, and structural changes that don’t raise taxes, such as new debt authority.
Why it matters:
The city faces flattening revenues, unfunded capital needs, and an overreliance on sales tax. Council’s direction now will shape which revenue tools move forward, how flexible future funding can be, and what trade‑offs we'll ask the community to consider through the Long‑Term Financial Strategy.
What happened:
Council asked staff to explore several possible 2026 ballot measures, including a vacancy tax, combining several existing taxes into one fund, and authorizing up to $100 million in debt for major projects. Read summaries in the Boulder Reporting Lab and Daily Camera.
What’s next
Staff will research the options Council advanced, including a voter poll. Council will review and discuss the research and poll results before deciding what to place on the November ballot.
MARCH 5, 2026 (REGULAR MEETING)
The overview and summaries below highlight key agenda items and how to engage with them. The full agenda is available here and the meeting recording is available here.
Jump to the summaries of selected items in each section:
Consent Agenda
If you want to share your views on a Consent Agenda item:
Email the Council before the meeting or sign up to speak at Open Comment. Consent Agenda items rarely change based on day‑of feedback. Councilmembers can vote “no” on individual items if they have concerns.
Authorizing Airport Pavement Maintenance Grant
What Council is deciding:
Whether to authorize the City Manager to sign a $450,000 CDOT Aeronautics grant agreement to crack seal and seal coat a runway and taxiway at the Boulder Municipal Airport.
Why it matters:
This routine pavement maintenance keeps the runway safe, prevents more costly repairs, and won't extend the City’s grant obligations to continue operating the airport beyond 2040.
What happened:
Council passed this motion unanimously (9-0).
What's next:
The grant will be accepted, and the project will move forward this year.
Adopting a Planning Reserve Framework
What Council is deciding:
Whether to adopt a resolution laying out ground rules for how the city would study possible future development in the Planning Reserve.
Why it matters:
The resolution makes it clear the city would look at housing needs, infrastructure costs, and environmental protections before making any decisions about whether to grow into the Planning Reserve.
What happened:
Council voted unanimously to remove this item from the consent agenda for discussion (9-0). Council realized they had defined the framework too narrowly, discussed how the resolution might be modified, and asked staff to make changes based on the discussion.
What's next:
Staff will work to incorporate Council's feedback, and the updated resolution will return at a future meeting.
Adding Batteries to the Clean Energy Rebate
What Council is deciding:
First reading to consider extending the city’s clean energy tax rebate, and the portion set aside to help affordable housing and nonprofits, to standalone battery systems.
Why it matters:
This change would help more households and nonprofits afford backup power during outages. If passed, this item moves to a public hearing tentatively scheduled for April 2, 2026.
What happened:
Council passed this motion unanimously (9-0).
What's next:
This item is scheduled to return as a public hearing on April 2, 2026.
Letting Renters Apply for Festival Lodging Licenses
What Council is deciding:
First reading of whether to let tenants, with their landlord’s permission, apply for a short‑term festival lodging license during large events like the Sundance Film Festival.
Why it matters:
This would give renters the same chance as homeowners to rent out their homes during major festivals. If passed, this item moves to a public hearing tentatively scheduled for April 2, 2026.
What happened:
Council passed this motion unanimously (9-0).
What's next:
This item is scheduled to return as a public hearing on April 2.
Public Hearings
If you want to share your views on a Public Hearing item:
Sign up to speak at the Public Hearing or email the Council before the meeting. At the Public Hearing, Councilmembers can propose and vote on changes if they feel a perspective has been left out or if new information comes up.
2026 Boards and Commissions Appointments
What Council is deciding:
Who will be appointed to fill open seats on the city’s boards and commissions. This year, there are 38 seats to fill.
Why it matters:
The city's boards and commissions help inform Council and staff on housing, transportation, parks, climate, and more.
What happened:
Council unanimously appointed members to all 38 open seats after reviewing over 150 applications (9-0).
What's next:
Most new members begin their service on April 1; applications for the four boards without applicants remain open through March 20.
Matters
If you want to share your views on a Matters item:
Email the Council before the meeting or sign up to speak at Open Comment.
Review of the Current State of Affordable Housing in Boulder
What Council is discussing:
The current state of affordable housing in Boulder, including market trends, progress toward the city’s affordability goals, and how existing programs are evolving. The update also outlines projected future needs, such as deeply affordable homes and housing that supports an aging population.
Why it matters:
Housing costs affect who can afford to live in Boulder, what options exist for workers, families, and older adults, and how well the city can meet growing needs for deeply affordable homes.
What happened:
Council asked questions about market trends, progress toward affordability goals, and the city’s mix of programs; staff walked through the memo’s findings, including the shortage of deeply affordable rentals, the limited options for middle‑income homebuyers, and how existing programs are evolving.
What’s next:
Staff will continue refining affordable housing strategies, including work tied to the BVCP update and ongoing efforts to expand deeply affordable homes, support aging residents, and grow permanently affordable housing toward the 15% goal.
FEBRUARY 26, 2026 (NO MEETING)
Council member disaster management training
FEBRUARY 19, 2026 (REGULAR MEETING)
The overview and summaries below highlight key agenda items and how to engage with them. The full agenda is available here and the meeting recording is available here.
Jump to the summaries of selected items in each section:
Consent Agenda
If you want to share your views on a Consent Agenda item:
Email the Council before the meeting or sign up to speak at Open Comment. Consent Agenda items rarely change based on day‑of feedback. Councilmembers can vote “no” on individual items if they have concerns.
Memorandum of Understanding with Jefferson County Regional Child Abduction Response Team
What Council is deciding:
Whether Boulder should join the regional Child Abduction Response Team through a formal agreement.
Why it matters:
Joining the team would strengthen coordinated regional responses in rare but high‑risk child‑abduction cases.
What happened:
Council passed this motion unanimously (9-0).
What's next:
The City Manager will sign the agreement, and Boulder will join the regional team.
Public Hearings
If you want to share your views on a Public Hearing item:
Sign up to speak at the Public Hearing or email the Council before the meeting. At the Public Hearing, Councilmembers can propose and vote on changes if they feel a perspective has been left out or if new information comes up.
Annexation Petitions for 5399 Kewanee Dr & 5697 South Boulder Rd
What Council is considering:
An ordinance to annex city-owned land near East Boulder Community Park. Council is also asked to approve a resolution confirming the petition meets state requirements and to set the public hearing.
Why it matters:
Annexation is needed before the city can move forward with future parks, recreation, and flood‑mitigation uses on the site.
What happened:
Council passed this motion unanimously (9-0). Read more here.
What's next:
Existing plans for flood mitigation and outdoor tennis and pickleball courts can now move forward since the land is annexed into the city and zoned for public use.
Concept Plan Review and Comment for 4800 and 4898 Pearl St.
What Council is discussing:
Council will review an early concept for redeveloping the Boulder Storage site with new housing and a replacement storage building.
Why it matters:
Concept Plan review gives the applicant early feedback before submitting a formal development application.
What happened:
Council asked staff and the applicant questions about this concept plan and expressed concerns about diverting rare industrial land for general residential use, disrupting the industrial character of this area, and not complying with the East Boulder Subcommunity Plan.
What's next:
The developer and owner of these sites will consider Planning Board and Council feedback in deciding whether and how to proceed.
FEBRUARY 12, 2026 (SPECIAL MEETING)
The overview and summaries below highlight key agenda items and how to engage with them. The full agenda is available here and the meeting recording is available here.
Jump to the summaries of selected items in each section:
Consent Agenda
If you want to share your views on a Consent Agenda item:
Email the Council before the meeting or sign up to speak at Open Comment. Consent Agenda items rarely change based on day‑of feedback. Councilmembers can vote “no” on individual items if they have concerns.
Utility Easement for Xcel Energy
What Council is considering:
Giving Xcel permission to bury electric lines under certain City open space land.
Why it matters:
This easement keeps undergrounding work moving in areas at-risk of wildfire, while following the City's rules for protecting open space.
What happened:
Council passed this motion unanimously (9-0).
What's next:
Open Space and Mountain Parks staff will work with the City Attorney's Office to draft applicable agreements.
License Agreement with CU Boulder
What Council is considering:
Allowing the University of Colorado to place underground water pipes beneath Folsom Street to support campus operations north of Boulder Creek.
Why it matters:
This agreement lets CU provide efficient cooling for new facilities while the City retains the right to end the agreement if needed.
What happened:
Council passed this motion unanimously (9-0).
What's next:
The city manager will enter into a revocable license agreement with the University of Colorado.
Public Hearings
If you want to share your views on a Public Hearing item:
Sign up to speak at the Public Hearing or email the Council before the meeting. At the Public Hearing, Councilmembers can propose and vote on changes if they feel a perspective has been left out or if new information comes up.
Further consideration of a Service Area Expansion Plan for the Area III Planning Reserve
What Council is deciding:
Whether to keep exploring the idea of someday allowing future development on the rural land north of Jay Road, or to pause that idea for now.
Why it matters:
Continuing the study keeps the option of future development open, while a “not now” decision pauses the process until a future Comprehensive Plan update.
What happened:
Council passed this motion 7-2 and asked staff to work on a resolution that spells out the guardrails and expectations Council wants to see if the study continues. Read more in the Boulder Reporting Lab's story.
What's next:
Staff will bring back a draft resolution reflecting Council’s feedback, and the Planning Board will reconsider its earlier vote on whether community need exists.
Matters
If you want to share your views on a Matters item:
Email the Council before the meeting or sign up to speak at Open Comment.
Reconsidering community change requests
What Council is discussing:
Whether to reconsider a few Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan community change requests that Council, Planning Board, Or the County Planning Commission previously declined to advance, but which the County Commissioners voted to move forward.
Why it matters:
Reconsidering any of these requests would reopen the screening process and send them back through Planning Board and possibly Planning Commission for another review; choosing not to reconsider means they stop here and won’t be evaluated further in the Comprehensive Plan update.
What happened:
Council did not recommend reconsidering any of the community change requests the County Commission moved forward.
What's next:
These additional requests will not be studied further.
Municipal Court Update
What Council is discussing:
An update from the Boulder Municipal Court, which handles traffic, parking, photo‑enforcement, animal, and misdemeanor cases under city law.
Why it matters:
The update helps Council understand how the city's Municipal Court is operating and serving people who appear there, as well as the types of cases they are seeing.
What happened:
Council discussed the Municipal Court's rising case volumes and the launch of the court’s data dashboard, a new tool designed to make court operations more transparent and easier for residents to understand.
What's next:
Alongside its day‑to‑day work, this year the court will refine its new public data dashboard, develop clearer metrics for its Community Court program, and update procedures to comply with recent state law and Colorado Supreme Court rulings.
City Council Community Engagement Update
What Council is discussing:
How the Council’s engagement efforts performed in 2024-2025, including Chats with Council, youth-focused engagements, and open houses, and which engagement formats Council wants to participate in for 2026.
Why it matters:
Council’s community engagement methods influence how Council connects with community members to share information and hear community perspectives.
What happened:
Council expressed strong support for continuing and improving Chats with Council and the other engagement efforts outlined in the memo.
What's next:
Council's community engagement committee will work with staff to identify opportunities for Chats with Council and other informal engagement sessions in 2026.
FEBRUARY 5, 2026 (REGULAR MEETING)
The overview and summaries below highlight key agenda items and how to engage with them. The full agenda is available here and the meeting recording is available here.
Jump to the summaries of selected items in each section:
Consent Agenda
If you want to share your views on a Consent Agenda item:
Email the Council before the meeting or sign up to speak at Open Comment. Consent Agenda items rarely change based on day‑of feedback. Councilmembers can vote “no” on individual items if they have concerns.
Final Reading of Ordinance 8721
What Council is considering:
A required third vote on Ordinance 8721, the Waterwise Landscaping and Wildfire Hardening ordinance that Council already approved on Jan. 8.
Why it matters:
This final vote is procedural, but it sets a new start date of March 7, 2026, so the updated landscaping and wildfire‑safety rules Council adopted on Jan. 8 can take effect after the required 30‑day notice.
What happened:
Council passed this ordinance unanimously (9-0).
What's next:
Now that the ordinance is finally adopted, it will go into effect on March 7.
Public Hearings
If you want to share your views on a Public Hearing item:
Sign up to speak at the Public Hearing or email the Council before the meeting. At the Public Hearing, Councilmembers can propose and vote on changes if they feel a perspective has been left out or if new information comes up.
Rezoning 5501 & 5505 Arapahoe Avenue
What Council is considering:
Two ordinances to rezone the former Boulder Dinner Theater site and the Premier Members Credit Union site to Mixed Use 4 (MU‑4). Rezoning changes the types of uses allowed on the sites.
Why it matters:
This zoning may better match the community vision for the 55th & Arapahoe area, which includes housing, small businesses, and transit connections.
What happened:
Council passed this ordinance unanimously (9-0).
What's next:
Now that the site’s zoning is in line with the East Boulder plan, the already‑approved project can move forward. The city and the applicant will finalize the development agreement so the project’s required street and infrastructure improvements can move forward.
Matters
If you want to share your views on a Matters item:
Email the Council before the meeting or sign up to speak at Open Comment.
Updates to the 2026 Policy Statement
What Council is discussing:
Updates to the 2026 Policy Statement based on councilmember‑proposed changes that the Intergovernmental Affairs Committee (IGA) worked to incorporate.
Why it matters
This statement guides the city’s advocacy work and helps city staff and the IGA Committee know how to advocate and when to bring issues to the full Council.
What happened:
Council had no changes to the modified policy statement, but a very lengthy discussion on state bill HB26-1001, which would enable non-profits to build housing on any land they own without going through the city's typical review process.
What's next:
The city will continue to monitor legislation and advocate for or against bills depending on their alignment with the city's 2026 policy statement and city goals and priorities. The city will ask HB26-1001's sponsors to make some amendments before deciding whether or not to support its passage in the state legislature. The Boulder Reporting Lab and Daily Camera stories have more information.
City Council Retreat Follow-up Discussion on 2026 Workplan Priorities
What Council is discussing:
How to scope and schedule the work tied to the Council priorities set at the January 2026 Council Retreat.
Why it matters:
This discussion ensures the City's work on Council priorities aligns with Council's goals and can be completed this year with available time and resources.
What happened:
Council discussed its agreed upon priorities and timeline with staff and was reminded that there are only five Council Priorities this year. The "sixth" item Council indicated a desire to tackle this year (scoping a Title 9 code reform) will begin if time permits once other priorities are completed (e.g., the major update of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan).
What's next:
Staff will update the Council Priorities dashboard to reflect the discussion and return throughout the year with discussions, ordinances, etc. related to this year's Council Priorities. Councilmembers and community will be able to track the priority timelines and specific project stages and goals via the dashboard.
JANUARY 22, 2026 (SPECIAL MEETING)
The overview and summaries below highlight key agenda items and how to engage with them. The full agenda is available here and the meeting recording is available here.
Jump to the summaries of selected items in each section:
Consent Agenda
If you want to share your views on a Consent Agenda item:
Email the Council before the meeting or sign up to speak at Open Comment. Consent Agenda items rarely change based on day‑of feedback. Councilmembers can vote “no” on individual items if they have concerns.
Letter from City Council to Xcel Energy
What Council is considering:
Allowing the City Manager to send a letter to Xcel that reflects Council and community concerns about reliability, costs, and progress on shared clean‑energy work, and outlines expectations for the next few years.
Why it matters:
Residents and businesses have experienced repeated outages and rising bills. The letter sets clear expectations for improvements in service, communication, and clean‑energy progress as the city evaluates how well the partnership is working.
What happened:
Council voted 9-0 to send the letter to Xcel Energy-Colorado President Robert Kenney. Learn more via the Boulder Reporting Lab, Daily Camera, or Denver News 7.
What's next:
City staff will send the letter to Xcel’s leadership. Staff will continue to monitor partnership progress, talk with Xcel about its plans to improve communication and reliability, and prepare updates for council ahead of future opt-out years.
2026 Council Committee Appointments
What Council is considering:
Council will vote on its members' appointments to regional boards and city committees, including groups that work on transportation, housing, and other community priorities.
Why it matters:
These appointments determine who represents Boulder on regional boards and who tracks internal topic areas on behalf of the full Council.
What happened:
Council voted 9-0 to approve the committee appointments. There is one remaining committee seat to fill, on a county homelessness task force.
What's next:
Councilmembers will go about their committee work, attending meetings as assigned. Councilmember Marquis volunteered to be the alternate for the homelessness task force; Councilmembers Benjamin and Wallach will decide amongst themselves who will be the primary appointment to that committee.
Public Hearings
If you want to share your views on a Public Hearing item:
Sign up to speak at the Public Hearing or email the Council before the meeting. At the Public Hearing, Councilmembers can propose and vote on changes if they feel a perspective has been left out or if new information comes up.
Updating the city's purchasing procedures
What Council is considering:
Bringing the city’s purchasing rules up to date so the process is simpler, more flexible, and better aligned with the city's equity and sustainability goals.
Why it matters:
The update makes it easier for small-, minority-, and women-owned businesses to compete for city work. It also helps the city choose products and services that advance the city's climate goals.
What happened:
Council passed this ordinance unanimously (9-0).
What's next:
Staff will update the city’s internal purchasing steps so everyone is using the new rules, and because the ordinance lets staff keep these procedures current without waiting for another full code rewrite, they’ll make targeted updates over time to keep the procedures aligned with the goals of the ordinance.
BVCP Community Change Requests Review
What Council is considering:
Deciding which requests for discrete changes to land‑use maps or planning boundaries should move forward for more study as the city updates its long‑range plan.
Why it matters:
This step will not approve any changes. It will simply determine which ideas get a closer look as the draft plan is written later this spring.
What happened:
Council voted 9-0 to advance the recommended change requests, with three exceptions: not advancing a change request for higher density along Sioux Drive and advancing two additional requests related to wildfire mitigation and agricultural water use.
What's next:
Staff will take a closer look at the change requests that advanced and bring back recommendations in March 2026 on whether to include them in the draft BVCP update.
Matters
If you want to share your views on a Matters item:
Email the Council before the meeting or sign up to speak at Open Comment.
Metro District Policy Framework
What Council is discussing:
Early direction on a proposed city framework for regulating metropolitan districts ("metro districts"). These districts let developers borrow money for roads, utilities, and other improvements and repay it over time through property taxes collected within the district.
What happened:
Councilmembers generally agreed with staff's policy recommendations and gave minor feedback on additional information that may be helpful as this moves toward an ordinance.
What's next:
Staff will check in with businesses and bring forward a Regulating Ordinance and Model Service Plan this spring for consideration and adoption in early April.
JANUARY 12-13, 2026 (COUNCIL RETREAT)
With council elections moving from odd to even years between 2025 and 2026, this Council serves a one‑year term, so the retreat will focus on priorities for 2026 alone. My main priorities for this year are not tied to the retreat, but their success will be influenced by the 2026 commitments Council makes at the retreat:
- Completing the Long-Term Financial Strategy Council began in 2024,
- Completing the major update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Council started in 2024, and
- Avoiding overcommitting staff in what promises to be a very unpredictable and chaotic year.
My main goal heading into the retreat is to ensure any new work Council initiates is realistic and doesn’t compromise our ability to follow through on the commitments already underway.
What happened:
Council recommitted to finishing the outstanding workplan priorities from the prior Council (the Long-Term Financial Strategy and the major update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan). In addition, Council committed to:
- Figuring out options for cutting the raises Council promised tipped workers in 2024.
- Asking Xcel to give a clear explanation of what it will and won’t do to improve Boulder’s power resiliency, so the city can plan for the gaps.
- Identifying the wildfire‑mitigation options that give people the most benefit for their time and money and putting the information in one place.
- Shifting police time toward bike‑theft prevention and investigations.
- Rewriting the sister‑cities rules to clarify reporting and inactive partnerships.
- Looking at how much work a rewrite of the city's land use code would take.
Read summaries in the Daily Camera and Boulder Reporting Lab.
JANUARY 8, 2026 (SPECIAL MEETING)
The overview and summaries below highlight key agenda items and how to engage with them. The full agenda is available here and the meeting recording is available here.
Jump to the summaries of selected items in each section:
Consent Agenda
Consent Agenda items are typically routine or previously discussed and are approved together unless pulled by a Councilmember.
Letter from City Council to Xcel Energy
What Council is considering:
Allowing the City Manager to send a letter to Xcel that reflects Council and community concerns about reliability, costs, and progress on shared clean‑energy work, and outlines expectations for the next few years.
Why it matters:
Residents and businesses have experienced repeated outages and rising bills. The letter sets clear expectations for improvements in service, communication, and clean‑energy progress as the city evaluates how well the partnership is working.
What happened:
Council voted to remove this item from the Jan. 8 agenda to enable Councilmembers more time to provide feedback.
What's next:
This item returns to the Consent Agenda for a vote Jan. 22.
Sundance Film Festival & City Services Agreement
What Council is considering:
Approving an agreement that outlines how the city will support hosting the Sundance Film Festival in Boulder for the next 10 years, including transportation support, use of downtown facilities, and financial rebates tied to the event.
Why it matters:
This event requires coordinated planning for transportation, public safety, permitting, and city staffing. The agreement sets the framework for how Boulder and the Sundance Institute will work together to manage local impacts.
What happened:
Council passed this item on a 9-0 vote. Read the Daily Camera's summary.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging
What Council is considering:
Adopting a resolution to opt out of revising the city’s land use code for EV charging. Updating Boulder's already successful code to match the state’s model standards would require significant staff time with limited added benefit.
Why it matters:
Opting out keeps Boulder compliant with state law without diverting staff time into a major code rewrite. The city can continue permitting EV chargers through its already successful processes and still make future code updates if needed.
What happened:
Council passed this item on a 9-0 vote.
Rezoning 5501 & 5505 Arapahoe Avenue (first reading)
What Council is considering:
First reading of two ordinances to rezone the former Boulder Dinner Theater site and the Premier Members Credit Union site to Mixed Use 4 (MU‑4). Rezoning changes the types of uses allowed on the sites.
Why it matters:
This zoning better matches the community vision for the 55th & Arapahoe area, which includes housing, small businesses, and transit connections. If passed, this item moves to a public hearing tentatively scheduled for February 5, 2026.
What happened:
Council passed this item on a 9-0 vote.
What's next:
This item is scheduled to return for a vote as a public hearing on Feb. 5.
Annexation Petitions for 5399 Kewanee Dr & 5697 South Boulder Rd (first reading)
What Council is considering:
First reading of an ordinance to annex city-owned land near East Boulder Community Park. Council is also asked to approve a resolution confirming the petition meets state requirements and to set the public hearing.
Why it matters:
Annexation is needed before the city can move forward with future parks, recreation, and flood‑mitigation uses on the site. This is just first reading. If passed, a public hearing is tentatively scheduled for February 19, 2026.
What happened:
Council passed this item on a 9-0 vote.
What's next:
This item is scheduled to return for a vote as a public hearing on Feb. 19.
Public Hearings
Public Hearings include items where Council hears a staff presentation, asks questions, takes public testimony, and discusses the item before voting.
Updates to landscaping, water use, and wildfire‑resilient design (Ordinance 8721)
What Council is considering:
Changes to the city’s rules for landscaping and outdoor areas when people build or remodel, including updates meant to save water, protect trees, and reduce wildfire risk.
Why it matters:
These updates affect how homes and buildings manage water, vegetation, and wildfire‑resilient design, and they respond to community feedback about balancing safety, tree preservation, and climate goals.
What happened:
Council passed this item on an 8-0 vote with no amendments (Councilmember Winer went home sick). Read Boulder Reporting Lab's summary.
What's next:
The city manager's office will create the landscaping guide and approved tree and plant lists. The new regulations go into effect Mar. 1, 2026.
Matters
Matters items are discussed without a formal vote; Council usually hears a staff or Councilmember presentation before beginning the discussion.
2026 Council Committee Appointments Discussion
What Council is discussing:
Council will discuss who will serve on regional boards and city committees for 2026, including groups that work on transportation, housing, and other community priorities.
Why it matters:
These appointments determine who represents Boulder on regional boards and who tracks internal topic areas on behalf of the full Council.
What happened:
Councilmembers indicated interest in open positions and discussed changes they would like to make to their existing appointments.
What's next:
This item will return Jan. 22 or Feb. 5 for a vote to finalize the 2026 committee appointments.
