Study Session Memo

City of Boulder City Council Study Session Summary Meeting Date: June 18, 2026 Agenda Title Consideration of a motion to accept the April 23 Study Session Summary regarding the Airport Discussion.

Staff Contact • •

Blythe Bailey, Director Transportation and Mobility Eric Vences, Airport Manager

Draft Motion Language Staff requests council consideration of this matter and action in the form of the following motion: Motion to accept the April 23rd Study Session Summary regarding the Airport Discussion.

Presentation Summary The purpose of this study session was to seek council direction regarding the future of the Boulder Municipal Airport. The memo and staff presentation for the airport discussion provided an overview of the city’s policy considerations for two scenarios. Scenario one would commit to the indefinite operation of the airport, enabling access to federal funding and greater financial stability while scenario two would preserve the potential option to seek closure and land reuse no earlier than 2040, accepting the associated fiscal costs and legal ambiguity from foregoing federal grants that compromise the 2040 target. A review of recent community engagement efforts, financial analyses, and legal considerations, such as FAA grant assurances and legal status were discussed. Staff rounded out the discussion with updates on community topics we commonly hear about such as noise management and unleaded fuel.

Questions for Council and Direction Received Note: Questions were amended for clarity from the original memo on the night of the study session. 1. Does Council have any questions regarding the information presented on the current or future state of the airport? 2. Does Council have feedback to support scenario one (indefinite operation of BMA) or two (maintain closure opportunity)? Council members asked a variety of questions related to the future financial viability of the airport under each scenario including: • • • • •

Reliability of future federal funding and impact of grant assurances Cost of deferred maintenance Revenue generating opportunities The land value and viability of other possible uses Ability to attract and retain tenants depending on long-term future

Council members also asked questions regarding federal regulations on the airport independent of grant assurances including: • •

Aircraft noise regulation Ban on leaded aviation fuel

The discussion ended with a 5–4 straw-poll preference for Scenario 1, giving staff direction to proceed on the assumption that the airport will continue operating for the indefinitely. However, council also expressed a desire for a follow-up discussion regarding taking more formal action in an upcoming meeting prior to staff taking further action.

Next Steps for City Council City Council will see an agenda item at a future date to be determined to formalize the guidance received. At the time of preparing this study session summary, that follow up is anticipated for Thursday, May 28.

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