By Nicole Speer in Nicole's Notes — 27 Sep 2026

September 28, 2026

CBOs needed to help residents learn about electrification, public hearing on 2027 budget, Resident Travel Study, Alpine-Balsam flood mitigation.

The newly completed Alpine-Balsam flood mitigation channel. Photo credit: City of Boulder

What's new?

Power Ahead Colorado is seeking community‑based organizations (CBOs) to help residents learn about and access electrification resources and rebates. Attend an information session on Oct. 8 or apply by Oct. 30. Find details here.

Upcoming Topics

The City Council is holding a public hearing this week on the first reading of the city’s 2027 budget. After three consecutive years of slowed revenue growth and multi‑million‑dollar cuts that have challenged the city’s ability to keep up with Boulder's changing needs, my focus will be on making decisions that give future Councils, staff, and community members more sustainable and flexible paths forward.

Learn more about this week’s topics + upcoming items

Recent Decisions

At last week’s study session, Councilmembers heard a public safety update and discussed a new model for administering its Sister Cities program.

Learn more about recent decisions

Get engaged

Sign up by 2 p.m. on Sept. 30 for a chance to join the Oct. 8 Community and Council Forum on power reliability and resilience. Learn more here.
Be on the lookout for a transportation survey in your mailboxes as part of the city's 30-year Resident Travel Study.
Staff are hosting an all‑ages community event on Oct. 13 to help shape the city's approach to reducing single‑use plastics. RSVP here.
Ballots for the Nov. 3 election will be mailed this Friday (Oct. 2). Confirm your address and registration and find details on how, when, and where to vote here.

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

Community kudos

Kudos to city staff and the Mile High Flood District (MHFD) for completing the Alpine‑Balsam flood mitigation channel. Our local and regional flood‑management experts have once again protected homes, businesses, and public spaces while restoring habitats and ecosystems. #NotAllHeroesWearCapes

This channel completion is a major milestone in the more than decade‑long effort to redevelop the Alpine‑Balsam site, first initiated by Boulder’s City Council in 2015. It’s remarkable to see their 2017 vision and 2019 area plans taking on a physical shape. Learn more about this complex project's history and future here.

What I'm reading/listening to

The Boulder Valley School District will close two Boulder elementary schools after the 2026-2027 school year. (Boulder Reporting Lab)
A data-informed look at how housing and land‑use policies have contributed to BVSD's enrollment declines and school closures. (Boulder Reporting Lab)
Current and former ICE victims describe the horrific, inhumane conditions at GEO Group's Colorado-based "immigration detention facility." (Daily Camera)
Xcel's ratepayers will get a 20% break on a major energy reliability upgrade thanks to a $250M federal grant. (Colorado Sun)
Voting rights groups sue Colorado Springs under the new Colorado Voting Rights Act, saying the city’s April elections create a racial turnout gap. (Colorado Newsline)

Quote for the month

It's harder to build worker power when the people in charge are working every day to undermine the movement that gives working people a voice.

-Liz Shuler, President, AFL-CIO, 2026 State of the Unions

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.