By Nicole Speer in Nicole's Notes — 01 Feb 2026

February 2, 2026 (Groundhog Day)

Report federal misconduct, safety upgrades at 28th & Pine, rezoning at 55th and Arapahoe, Elevate Boulder events, new lanes on East Arapahoe, arts and parks kudos, and increasing community actions.

Flatiron Freddy arrives to the city's 2023 Groundhog Day festivities (photo from the City of Boulder). Join the 2026 celebration in person or via livestream on Monday morning.

What's new?

If you witness misconduct by federal agents, fill out the new complaint form launched by Attorney General Phil Weiser.
Wondering how to prepare for unlawful federal actions? Read my reflections on how we can fortify our community.
Learn what to expect during this month's upgrade to the 28th & Pine intersection, which will reduce crashes and improve traffic flow.

Upcoming Topics

This week, Council will consider rezoning two sites at 55th & Arapahoe, review updates to the 2026 Policy Statement, and discuss next steps for the 2026 Council priorities.

Learn more about this week’s topics + upcoming items

Recent Decisions

At its Jan. 22 special meeting, Council unanimously approved a letter to Xcel asking for more accountability, the 2026 committee assignments, a much-needed update to the city’s purchasing rules, and further study of numerous BVCP change requests. Council also gave staff early feedback on future metro district regulations.

Learn more about last week's decisions

Get engaged

Experience Elevate Boulder participants’ stories in a new multimedia exhibition at the Main Library from Feb. 5–March 30 and through community conversations with project participants on Feb. 8 and March 12. Find more details here.

Community kudos

Thanks to everyone's patience with construction, the new curbside lanes on East Arapahoe are now open, giving drivers easier right turns, fewer bus conflicts, and more reliable travel through one of Boulder’s busiest corridors.
Boulder has again received national recognition for its arts vibrancy, demonstrating the success of our community's ongoing partnerships and investments in a strong cultural life (e.g., the Boulder Arts Blueprint).
Parks and Recreation put together a fabulous progress report to share how their department is advancing our city's health and well-being, building community, and engaging more young people.

What I'm reading/listening to

Recent protests, bike rides, runs, marches, worker absences, and faith vigils show Boulder's opposition to increasingly violent ICE raids across the country. (Boulder Reporting Lab, Daily Camera)
The Trump administration again moved to dismantle NCAR, despite negative impacts on weather forecasting and Boulder’s scientific community. (Boulder Reporting Lab)
Longmont Councilmember Jake Marsing explained why childcare is essential community infrastructure. (Daily Camera)
The League of Women Voters Boulder County hosted a community conversation on how proportional representation leads to more representative election outcomes. (Longmont Public Media)
Apartment vacancies in the Denver Metro area reached their highest rates in 16 years. (The Colorado Sun)
From PTA members to The Boss, Twin Citians are stepping up to support families impacted by ICE raids. (MinnPost, Bruce Springsteen)
Federal agents arrested two prominent Black journalists for reporting on an ICE protest, despite the First Amendment and despite multiple courts finding a lack of probable cause. (Native Land Pod)

Quote for the month

What we're seeing is the eroding of basic, basic principles that have been foundational to the way that we have expected to live life here in America. Everybody is waking up to a reality that many of us in the African American community have known for a very long time.

-Eli Darris, Executive Director, Minnesota Freedom Fund

Community resources

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