January 19, 2026 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)

In this newsletter

• What's new?
• Upcoming Topics
• Recent Decisions
• Get engaged
• Community Kudos
• What I'm reading/listening to
• Quote for the month
• Community resources
• Weekly Schedule

What's new?

• The city is designing a new viewing platform to restore access to Boulder Falls.
• Boulder joined a national program to explore how AI and data can make city services more effective, equitable and accessible.
• Next week (Jan. 26-Feb. 1) has a fifth Thursday, so there will be no Council meeting and no Nicole's Notes until the week of Feb. 2.

Upcoming Topics

This week Council will consider updating the city’s purchasing rules to better align with equity and sustainability goals, as well as which community land-use change requests to move forward for more study. Council will also discuss regulating metropolitan districts to protect future residents and businesses from potential financial risks.

Recent Decisions

At its annual retreat last week, Council reaffirmed its commitment to completing major work already underway and added several new priorities, including reducing the minimum wage increases promised to tipped workers in 2024.

Get engaged

• This is the last week to apply to join a city board or commission. Applications are due Jan. 25. Click here for more information.
• Learn about the possible Downtown Development Authority (DDA) at an open house on Jan. 22, 23, or 26. The DDA would provide long‑term funding for public space improvements, business support, and programs downtown.
• Join Boulder Police Chief Stephen Redfearn for a South Boulder town hall on Jan. 28 to ask questions, share concerns, and hear updates on public safety issues.

Community kudos

Open Space and Mountain Parks' 2025 Year in Review highlights a year of habitat restoration, trail improvements, and expanded community programs. Thanks to OSMP staff and everyone who helps fund, maintain, and protect our open space system.

What I'm reading/listening to

• The oil and gas industry, and conservative political groups, gave millions of dollars to a dark-money organization that boosted moderate Democrats in Colorado's 2024 primary elections. (The Colorado Sun)
• A single Democratic vote enabled a Republican to become chair of the CU Board of Regents this year, shifting control of the agenda and leadership structure despite Democrats holding the majority. (The Denver Post).
• Colorado’s two tribes asked lawmakers for more consistent consultation and pressed the state to step up its response to a major gasoline spill on tribal land. (Colorado Newsline)
• A federal occupation in Minneapolis is leading neighbors to build their own safety networks as arrests and disappearances mount. (MinnPost)
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s final speech, delivered in solidarity with striking sanitation workers in Memphis, is as relevant today as it was in 1968. (Full speech here; transcript here).

Quote for the month

We shall find the truth when we examine the problem.

-Bruce Lee, martial artist, actor, filmmaker

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.

Weekly schedule

Schedule office hours or find my weekly schedule and annual meeting tally here.