By Nicole Speer in Nicole's Notes — 23 Aug 2026

August 24, 2026

Councilmembers talk resilience with Xcel Energy, wildfire mitigation, state e-bike vouchers available, open space access questionnaire, election risks.

Photo by Priscilla Gyamfi / Unsplash

What's new?

I’m a full-time student this semester as I finish my last pre-requisites for nursing school. While I will do my best to stay consistent with my weekly newsletters so you’re in the loop on all things City Council, I may miss a week here and there. I’ll update the upcoming topics, schedule, and meeting outcomes pages on my site weekly, even if I don't get a newsletter out.

Upcoming Topics

This week's study session features a discussion with Xcel Energy executives about energy costs, reliability, wildfire mitigation, and expectations for the city's partnership. Council will also get an update on its wildfire resilience workplan priority.

Learn more about this week’s topics + upcoming items

Recent Decisions

At last week's meeting, the Council voted on resolutions supporting or opposing various state and county ballot measures, approved property acquisitions for 30th street safety improvements, and advanced the sale of a downtown parking lot.

At the last study session, Councilmembers discussed the citywide strategic plan and the search for a partner to advance the community's vision for the Civic Area East Bookend.

Learn more about recent decisions

Get engaged

Lower-income Coloradans can register to receive one of 2,800 e-bike vouchers beginning at 11 am on Aug. 24. Details here.
Join city staff to discuss water, sewage, and stormwater rates, and water budgets Aug. 25-26 as part of the city's rate study. Find dates and times here.
Tell the city how you access open space lands and trails, and how access can be improved. A brief questionnaire is open through Aug. 30 here.

Find more updates and engagement opportunities on the city's news website.

Community kudos

I spent the weekend in Minneapolis with a group of councilmembers and commissioners from across the country, learning how Minnesota pushed back ICE last winter and brainstorming how to respond to election attacks this fall. Thank you to Local Progress for bringing us together for these important conversations.

What I'm reading/listening to

South Boulder church raises $40,000 for San Lazaro residents working to buy their mobile home park. (Daily Camera; more from Boulder Reporting Lab)
Colorado suspends Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming healthcare for youth. (The Colorado Sun)
Colorado's pay-to-play ballot initiative process leads to an abundance of state measures. (The Colorado Sun)
State officials across the U.S. are preparing for federal attacks on local elections this fall. (Colorado Newsline)
The federal government spied on protesters, progressive organizations, and unions during Operation Metro Surge. (Minnesota Reformer)

Quote for the month

If we want to change the world, it must first come from healing the discord within our own souls.

-Will Bowen, author of A Complaint Free World

Community resources

Click here to find additional financial and social assistance programs, report an issue, contact staff or Councilmembers, learn about grant opportunities, and more.