By Nicole Speer in Nicole's Notes — 12 Oct 2026

October 12, 2026

Indigenous Peoples Day events continue, final 2027 budget hearings, youth substance misuse prevention funding opportunities, vote by Nov. 3.

Soon‑to‑be PBS stars Jeff & Paige performing at a city‑sponsored community engagement event in the Civic Area in 2024.

What's new?

If you missed local Indigenous Peoples Day Events over the past few days, you can still see The Land Returns on Oct. 17. Find details and register here.
The city is now accepting proposals for 2027–28 programs that help prevent youth substance misuse and increase awareness. Apply here by Oct. 30.
Council will not meet on Oct. 29 or Nov. 5. As I need to finish my classes, prepare for my entrance exam, and apply to nursing programs next month, the Oct. 19 newsletter will likely be my last one for 2026. More details next week.

Upcoming Topics

This week, the City Council will hold final hearings on the 2027 budget, take up a rezoning request on Arapahoe Avenue, and hear about a new opportunity to significantly cut the cost of replacing the Public Safety Building (an option that would require rescheduling other projects if the bond measure doesn't pass).

Learn more about this week’s topics + upcoming items

Recent Decisions

Last week, Councilmembers and community members reviewed Boulder’s rising outage trends, learned strategies to improve power reliability, and discussed goals and priorities for the city’s upcoming resilience roadmap.

Learn more about recent decisions

Get engaged

Halloween drive-in movies at the Boulder Reservoir are back! Get tickets to see Coco on Oct. 16 or Poltergeist on Oct. 23 here.
The city is accepting name submissions from K-12 and university students for Boulder's snowplow fleet. Submissions are due Oct. 18. Learn more here.
Stop by the South Boulder Rec Center Halloween Carnival on Oct. 24 for some family-friendly Halloween fun. Details here.
Be sure to return your ballot to a drop box by 7 pm on Nov. 3. Find details on how, when, and where to vote here.

Click here to learn more about state, county, and local ballot measures

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

Community kudos

Congratulations to local legends Jeff & Paige, whose live, nature‑filled educational performances have inspired Boulder kids for two decades (and powered many family road trips). Next spring, they'll be sharing their magic more widely through their new PBS show, Rainbow Socks.

What I'm reading/listening to

Former Councilmember Mark Wallach reminds Boulder to take a breath, tone down the vitriol, and remember we all still have to live together. (Daily Camera)
An interactive tool from Dr. Brian Keegan that lets anyone with an internet connection try to close Boulder’s $6.3 million gap. (Boulder Reporting Lab)
Former Parks & Rec. Advisory Board Chair Charles Brock notes Issue 2K would save money over time and help preserve the programs and services Boulder relies on. (Daily Camera)
Cities across Colorado are navigating major budget deficits and infrastructure needs, and some are facing much bigger cuts than Boulder. (The Colorado Sun)
A geology tour explains the Flatirons’ 300-million-year history and reminds visitors how minuscule this moment is in Boulder's geological timeline. (The Colorado Sun)

Quote for the month

Back in the day we threw stones
Now we throw judgment from phones
It's like takin' a breath or reachin' for cigarettes
We reach for who to hit next

-Joy Oladokun, Hope is a Heavy Thing

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.