Boulder City Council · Document
Attachment D_2025 BVCP Final Survey Report
SPECIAL Joint Meeting with Planning Board, December 11, 2025 · item Study Session Items2: Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Preliminary Policy & Land Use Direction Staff Time: 40 Min Council Time: 140 Min · 142 pages
This is the text extracted from the file, without its layout, tables, or images. Use the original for anything that matters.
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Report of Results November 2025
1241 John Q. Hammons Dr, Suite #203 • Madison, WI 53717 • 608-709-8683 • info.polco.us
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Contents Executive Summary ............................................................................................................... 4 Summary of Survey Methods .......................................................................................................................................4 Key Findings.............................................................................................................................................................................4
Survey Background ............................................................................................................... 6 Survey Administration.......................................................................................................................................................6 How the Results are Reported .....................................................................................................................................6 Precision of Estimates .......................................................................................................................................................7 Comparison of Results by Subgroups .....................................................................................................................7
Survey Results ......................................................................................................................... 8 Familiarity with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan ..........................................................................8 Perceived Challenges and Community Concerns ............................................................................................9 Perceived Importance of Comprehensive Plan Objectives .................................................................... 10 Housing Preferences ........................................................................................................................................................ 12 Commercial Preferences ............................................................................................................................................... 17 Water Conservation and Support for All Generations ............................................................................... 19
Appendix A: Respondent Characteristics .................................................................. 22 Appendix B: Complete Set of Probability Survey Responses ........................... 27 Appendix C: Verbatim Responses to Open-ended Questions from Probability Survey................................................................................................................ 43 Appendix D: Selected Survey Questions by Respondent Characteristics ... 50 Comparisons by Gender and Age ........................................................................................................................... 51 Comparisons by Race/ethnicity and Income................................................................................................... 65 Comparisons by Tenure and Housing Type ..................................................................................................... 81 Comparisons by Planning Area................................................................................................................................. 95
Appendix E: Complete Set of Open Participation Survey Responses .......... 106 Appendix F: Verbatim Responses to Open-ended Questions from Open Participation Survey.......................................................................................................... 115 Appendix G: Survey Methodology ............................................................................... 129 About the Survey.............................................................................................................................................................129 Developing the Questionnaire .................................................................................................................................129 Selecting Survey Recipients .....................................................................................................................................129 Survey Administration and Response Rate ....................................................................................................130 Survey Processing (Data Entry) ............................................................................................................................131 Analyzing the Data .........................................................................................................................................................131 Open Participation Survey .........................................................................................................................................132 Weighting the Data ........................................................................................................................................................132
Appendix H: Survey Materials ...................................................................................... 134
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Table of Figures Figure 1: Familiarity with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan .........................................................8 Figure 2: Perceived Challenges and Community Concerns ...........................................................................9 Figure 3: Perceived Importance of Comprehensive Plan Objectives ................................................... 11 Figure 4: Levels of Support for Housing Initiatives in Boulder Valley ................................................ 12 Figure 5: Resident Preferences for Potential Housing Locations ............................................................ 13 Figure 6: Preferred Strategies for Accommodating New Housing and Businesses .................... 14 Figure 7: Levels of Support for Different Housing Types ............................................................................ 15 Figure 8: Resident Preferences on Building Heights ....................................................................................... 16 Figure 9: Preferences for Allowing Small Businesses in Residential Areas ..................................... 17 Figure 10: Approaches to Addressing Commercial Vacancies.................................................................. 18 Figure 11: Water Conservation Measures .............................................................................................................. 19 Figure 12: Support for Older Adults .......................................................................................................................... 20 Figure 13: Support for Younger Community members ................................................................................ 21 Figure 14: Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Areas .................................................................................. 95
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Executive Summary Background and Summary of Survey Methods The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (“the Plan”) outlines a shared long-term vision for how the Boulder Valley community should grow and change over the next 20 years. It guides decisions about land use, service delivery, and the protection of valued community assets. Jointly adopted by the City of Boulder and Boulder County, the Plan has been in place since the 1970s and is regularly updated to reflect evolving conditions, priorities, and community needs. This report summarizes the key findings from a community opinion survey mailed to a random address-based sample of community members. This community input is intended to help guide and inform the 2026 update of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, along with other community input being gathered via other means as part of the Plan update process. The survey addressed a variety of topic areas that are important focus areas for the Plan update, including community values, livability and growth management, design, neighborhoods, and related issues. Survey invitations followed by paper surveys were mailed to 5,000 randomly selected resident households in September 2025. A total of 668 surveys were completed, yielding a response rate of 13%. The margin of error is ±4% around any given percentage reported for all survey respondents. In addition to the survey sent to randomly selected addresses, open participation outreach was also conducted by the City of Boulder and Boulder County to give all community members an opportunity to participate. Respondents to this outreach completed the survey online. The questionnaire was identical to that received by the address-based sample. A total of 950 complete surveys were obtained through this effort. Responses to the open participation survey can be found in Appendix E: Complete
Set of Open Participation Survey Responses.
Survey results for both the random sample survey and the open-participation survey were weighted so that respondent gender, age, housing unit type (attached or detached), housing tenure (rent or own), race and planning area were represented in proportions reflective of the entire adult population of the Boulder Valley.
Key Findings Many Community Members Are Unfamiliar with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan. •
Residents in the Boulder Valley generally have lower awareness of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan. About four in ten respondents said they knew nothing about the Plan, three in ten knew very little, two in ten knew some aspects of the Plan, and only one in ten described themselves as somewhat or very familiar with it.
•
Two-thirds of respondents indicated that this survey was the first time they had heard about or participated in the Comprehensive Plan input process. Out of the one-third who had participated, 26% thought most or all their input was heard in the process, 41% were neutral and 32% felt at least some of their input was missed.
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Affordability and the Natural Environment Emerge as Key Priorities and Concerns for Boulder Valley. •
Respondents were asked how concerned they were about fourteen current or potential issues facing Boulder Valley. The issues generating the greatest concern were the cost of living, the cost of housing, hazard preparation and resiliency, and the decline of the natural environment — each considered a concern by nine in ten community members.
•
Between eight and nine in ten community members also expressed concern about pedestrian and bicyclist safety, the economic health of local businesses, resource availability (e.g., water and energy), support for youth, and crime prevention.
•
When asked what goals were more important to be addressed by the Plan, about eight in ten respondents said it was essential or very important to protect and enhance the natural environment, making it the top-rated priority among all issues considered.
Community Members Prioritize Focusing Growth Within Existing City Limits and Show Openness to Diverse Housing Types. •
When asked about the future of housing in Boulder Valley, about three-fourths of respondents supported focusing on increasing housing that is more affordable, allowing moderate-density housing types in more areas, encouraging the use of underutilized sites within the city before developing areas outside the city boundary, and promoting mixed-use buildings (combining commercial and residential uses) in more areas.
•
Respondents were asked to identify which areas in Boulder Valley, if any, should be considered for additional housing. Overall, every area was chosen by at least 15% of community members, with the largest percentage of respondents selecting East Boulder, Gunbarrel, and Southeast Boulder. No one area was selected by a majority of community members.
•
Most of the respondents support accommodating new housing and businesses, but there were differences on how and where to accommodate growth. About four in ten community members preferred focusing growth within existing city limits and roughly two in ten supported extending city boundaries into the Planning Reserve on Boulder’s north side. Approximately three in ten favored a balanced approach that combines both strategies.
•
Asked whether they would support or oppose allowing different types of housing in Boulder Valley’s low-density neighborhoods, respondents indicated openness to a range of housing options. A majority of respondents at least somewhat supported adding duplexes, cottage clusters, multiplexes, and accessory dwelling units.
•
Community members were less open to changing building heights in the City of Boulder. A majority of respondents —six in ten—preferred keeping the current height limits unchanged. About two in ten supported allowing buildings of 6 or 7 stories in specific areas to enable more housing units, and 15% were open to fewer restrictions.
Community Members Support Allowing Small Businesses Throughout Residential Areas. •
A large majority indicated support for small businesses in residential areas. More than half of respondents supported allowing small businesses such as corner cafés, daycares, salons, or small shops, throughout all residential neighborhoods. About one-third also supported these types of businesses, but preferred limiting them to certain locations such as near transit stops, suggesting support for a more targeted approach in some parts of the community. Only one in ten respondents favored keeping residential areas exclusively for housing. 5
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Survey Background The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (“the Plan”) provides a long-term vision for the next 20 years that guides how the Boulder Valley community should evolve, how best to provide services, and where to preserve what is valued. It is a jointly adopted plan between the City of Boulder and Boulder County and has been in place since the 1970s. The Plan is regularly updated to respond to changing circumstances and community needs and priorities. The 2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Statistically Valid Survey is intended to help guide and inform the 2026 update of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, along with other community input being gathered via other means as part of the Plan update process. The survey addressed a variety of topic areas that are important focus areas for the BVCP update, including community values, livability and growth management, design, neighborhoods, and related issues. Please contact Kristofer Johnson (City of Boulder) at 303.441.4277 or Hannah Hippely (Boulder County) at 720.564.2298 if you have any questions about the survey.
Survey Administration A random sample of 5,000 households within the Boulder Valley was selected. Each household was contacted twice. The first contact included a mailed survey accompanied by a cover letter signed by Boulder City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde and Boulder County Manager Jana Petersen, inviting community members to participate. The packet also contained a postage-paid return envelope in which the survey recipients could return the complete questionnaire directly to Polco. Approximately one week after, each household was mailed a reminder postcard. All mailers included a web link and a QR code so that community members could take the survey online, if desired. There were 668 respondents to the mailed questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 13%. The margin of error is plus or minus four percentage points around any given percentage for all respondents. Survey results were weighted so that respondent gender, age, housing unit type (attached or detached), housing tenure (rent or own), race, and planning area were represented in proportions reflective of the entire adult population of the Boulder Valley. More information about the survey methodology can be found in Appendix G: Survey Methodology.
How the Results are Reported For the most part, the full set of frequencies or the “percent positive” are presented in the body and narrative of the report. The percent positive is the combination of the top two most positive response options (i.e., “excellent” and “good,” “very safe” and “somewhat safe,” “strongly support” and “somewhat support,” etc.). On many of the questions in the survey, respondents could give an answer of “don’t know.” The proportion of respondents giving this reply is shown in the full set of responses included in Appendix B: Complete Set of Probability Survey Responses is discussed in the body of this report if it is 30% or greater. However, these responses have been removed from the analyses presented in the body of the report, unless otherwise indicated. In other words, the majority of the tables and graphs in the body of the report display the responses from respondents who had an opinion about a specific item.
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
For some questions, respondents were permitted to select multiple responses. When the total exceeds 100% in a table for a multiple-response question, it is because some respondents are counted in multiple categories. When a table for a question that only permitted, a single response does not total to exactly 100%, it is due to the customary practice rounding values to the nearest whole number.
Precision of Estimates It is customary to describe the precision of estimates made from surveys by a “level of confidence” and accompanying “confidence interval” (or margin of error). The margin of error for this survey is generally no greater than plus or minus four percentage points around any given percent reported for the entire sample (N=668).
Comparison of Results by Subgroups Selected survey results were compared by gender, age, housing unit type, housing unit tenure (rent or own), race /ethnicity, household income and planning area. These crosstabulations are summarized and presented in tabular form in Appendix D: Selected Survey Questions by Respondent Characteristics. For each pair of subgroups that has a statistically significant difference, an upper-case letter denoting significance is shown in the category with the larger column proportion.
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Survey Results Familiarity with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan The first question of the survey asked Boulder Valley community members how familiar they were with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (the Plan) prior to receiving the survey invitation. Results indicate relatively low awareness of the Plan among community members: about 4 in 10 respondents said they knew nothing about it, and another 3 in 10 said they didn’t know much. In contrast, 2 in 10 respondents reported knowing some things about the Plan, and just 1 in 10 described themselves as somewhat or very familiar with it. Figure 1: Familiarity with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan
Before receiving this survey, how familiar were you with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (The Plan)?
I’ve never heard of it/know nothing about it, 42%
I don’t know much about it, 31%
I’m very familiar with it (e.g., understand its purpose, scope, objectives, etc.), 2% I know some things about it, 20%
I know quite a bit about it, 5%
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Perceived Challenges and Community Concerns Respondents were asked how concerned they were about fourteen current or potential issues facing the Boulder Valley. The issues that generated the greatest concern were the cost of living, the cost of housing, hazard preparation and resiliency, and the decline of the natural environment. All four issues were considered a concern by 9 in 10 community members. Between 8 and 9 in 10 community members reported being very or somewhat concerned about pedestrian and bicyclist safety, the economic health of local businesses, the availability of resources (e.g., water and energy), the support for the youth population and crime prevention and safety. Between two-thirds and three-fourths of respondents expressed concern about issues such as poor or aging infrastructure, excessive growth and development, the lack of diverse housing options, and support for the aging population. Additionally, about half of respondents said they were at least somewhat concerned about the impact of tourism in the Boulder Valley. Figure 2: Perceived Challenges and Community Concerns
The Plan provides a framework for addressing potential issues facing the Boulder Valley. How concerned, if at all, are you about the following current or potential issues facing the Boulder Valley? Cost of living
64%
30%
94%
Cost of housing
64%
28%
92%
Hazard preparation and resiliency
44%
Decline of natural environment
47%
55%
Safety of pedestrians and bicyclists
49%
Economic health of local businesses
44%
Availability of resources
39%
Support for youth population
Poor/ aging infrastructure
35%
90%
39%
88%
43%
87%
45%
33%
Crime prevention and safety
91%
84%
49%
41%
82%
40%
26%
81%
52%
78%
Excessive growth and development
40%
36%
76%
Lack of housing types/choices
37%
37%
74%
Support for aging population Tourism impact
21%
47%
11%
39%
Very concerned
68%
50%
Somewhat concerned
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Perceived Importance of Comprehensive Plan Objectives The survey asked community members to rate how important it is for the Plan to address a series of objectives, with the goal of identifying which priorities community members believe the Plan should focus on. Shown on the following page, about 8 in 10 respondents said it was essential or very important for the Plan to protect and enhance the natural environment, making it the top-rated priority among all issues considered. Other goals viewed as essential or very important by more than two-thirds of community members included promoting a strong and diverse local economy (76%), preserving the existing quality of life (74%), enhancing adaptability to climate change (73%), enhancing parks, recreation, and open spaces (68%), increasing housing affordability (67%) and strengthening hazard resilience (67%). Between about one-half and two-thirds of community members thought it was essential or very important to increase the variety of housing options, enhance support for all ages and stages of life, foster a welcoming and inclusive community, improve public safety, support vibrant local arts and culture, ensure fairness and equal opportunity, provide easy and safe access to a range of mobility choices, and support Boulder’s role as a technology and science hub. The only issue considered essential or very important by a minority of respondents was positioning Boulder as a regional destination (29%).
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Figure 3: Perceived Importance of Comprehensive Plan Objectives
The Plan provides a framework for working toward objectives expressed by community member goals. How important to you, if at all, is it that each of the following objectives are addressed by the Plan? Protect and enhance the natural environment
48%
Promote a strong and diverse local economy
35%
28%
83%
48%
76%
Preserve existing quality of life
35%
39%
74%
Enhance adaptability to climate change
37%
36%
73%
Enhance parks, recreation and open spaces
29%
Increase the affordability of housing
39%
39%
68%
28%
67%
Strengthen hazard resilience
31%
36%
67%
Support Boulder's role as a technology and science hub
30%
36%
66%
Enhance public safety
35%
28%
63%
Easy and safe access to a range of mobility choices
26%
37%
63%
Support vibrant local arts and culture
22%
40%
62%
Ensure fairness and equal opportunity
23%
38%
61%
Foster a welcoming and inclusive community
26%
33%
59%
Enhance support for all ages and stages of life
21%
Increase the variety of housing options
22%
Position Boulder as a regional destination
9%
Essential
36% 26%
20%
29%
Very important
11
57% 48%
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Housing Preferences When asked about the future of housing in the Boulder Valley, about three-fourths of respondents supported focusing on increasing housing that is more affordable, allowing moderate-density housing types in more areas, encouraging the use of underutilized sites within the city before developing areas outside the city boundary, and promoting mixed-use buildings (combining commercial and residential uses) in more areas. Initiatives that received comparatively less support included promoting low-density housing types such as detached homes and duplexes, supporting higher-density housing types such as apartments or condominiums in more areas, and expanding the city into the Planning Reserve to allow for new housing. These initiatives were supported by between 5 and 6 out of 10 community members. Figure 4: Levels of Support for Housing Initiatives in Boulder Valley
How strongly do you agree or disagree with each of the following related to the future of housing in the Boulder Valley? Focus on increasing housing that is more affordable
52%
Support moderate-density housing types, like 3- to 6-unit buildings, in more areas
26%
33%
Encourage use of less utilized areas in the city before developing areas outside the city boundary
45%
50%
Encourage mixed-use buildings (often commercial and housing in one building) in more areas
33%
Support low-density housing types like detached homes and duplexes
26%
33%
Support higher-density housing types, like apartments or condominiums, in more areas
28%
28%
Expand the city into the Planning Reserve (see map) to allow for new housing
17%
37%
Strongly agree
Somewhat agree
12
78%
27%
41%
78%
77%
74%
59%
56%
54%
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Respondents were asked to identify which areas in the Boulder Valley, if any, should be considered for additional housing. Overall, preferences were distributed across all areas, but East Boulder, Gunbarrel, and Southeast Boulder were each selected by the most people (about 30% of respondents). Other areas chosen by at least 20% of respondents included South Boulder, North Boulder, and the Planning Reserve. Each of the remaining areas were selected by 15% and 20% of respondents: Central Boulder, Palo Park, Crossroads, the unincorporated Boulder County neighborhoods, University Hill, and the University of Colorado. Figure 5: Resident Preferences for Potential Housing Locations
Which areas in the Boulder Valley, if any, do you think should be considered for more housing? (Select all that apply) East Boulder
31%
Gunbarrel
30%
Southeast Boulder
28%
South Boulder
24%
North Boulder
22%
Planning Reserve north of the City of Boulder
21%
Central Boulder
18%
Crossroads
18%
Palo Park
17%
Unincorporated Boulder County neighborhoods
16%
University Hill
15%
University of Colorado
15%
All of the above
15%
None of the above
15%
No preference
17%
* Note: Respondents could select more than one option; percentages may exceed 100%.
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Regarding strategies for accommodating new housing and businesses, about 4 in 10 community members preferred focusing on growth within existing city limits. Roughly 2 in 10 supported extending city boundaries into the Planning Reserve on the north side of Boulder to allow for additional development, with about 3 in 10 favoring a combination of both approaches. Only about 1 in 10 preferred not adding any new housing or business uses. These results suggest that while a significant portion of community members support growth, there is a slight preference for managing it within existing boundaries while also considering expanding into the Planning Reserve. Figure 6: Preferred Strategies for Accommodating New Housing and Businesses
If the City or County decides to support new housing and business uses, which do you prefer? Expand city boundaries into the Planning Reserve on the north side of Boulder to accommodate new housing and businesses, 16%
Both of the above options should be pursued, 32%
Don’t add any new housing and business uses, 13%
Focus new housing and businesses within existing city limits, 39%
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
The survey also asked community members whether they would support or oppose allowing different types of housing in Boulder Valley’s low-density neighborhoods. All four housing types included in the survey received majority support, indicating broad openness to a range of housing options. Approximately 8 in 10 respondents supported both duplexes and cottage courts in lowdensity neighborhoods, while about 7 in 10 supported multiplexes and townhouses, as well as housing types with two or more units dispersed throughout low-density neighborhoods. Housing types with two or more units but restricted to specific locations—such as near transit stops—received support from 6 in 10 community members. Finally, 6 in 10 community members supported single unit detached homes and accessory dwelling units only. Figure 7: Levels of Support for Different Housing Types
Low-density neighborhoods made up of single-unit detached houses currently cover a majority of developed land in the Boulder Valley, consistent with current regulations. Would you support or oppose allowing the following options related to different housing types in these low-density neighborhoods? Duplexes (a building with two dwellings)
33%
Cottage court (a cluster of 3 to 8 small, detached homes arranged around a shared courtyard space)
49%
44%
82%
35%
79%
Multiplexes and Townhouses (a building with 3 to 6 units)
36%
34%
70%
Housing types with two or more units allowed throughout low-density neighborhoods
35%
33%
68%
Housing types with two or more units only allowed in specific locations in low-density neighborhoods, such as near transit stops Single unit detached homes and accessory dwelling units only
25%
32%
Strongly support
36%
26%
Somewhat support
15
61%
58%
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
When asked about building heights in the City of Boulder, a majority of respondents —6 in 10— preferred keeping the current height limits unchanged. About 2 in 10 respondents supported allowing buildings of 6 or 7 stories, but only in specific areas, to enable more housing units. Fewer than 1 in 10 community members favored more extensive changes, such as allowing 55-foot buildings in additional areas without special conditions, permitting 6 or 7 story buildings citywide, or allowing taller buildings with varied rooflines and architectural features while maintaining the same number of housing units. Figure 8: Resident Preferences on Building Heights
Taller multi-unit buildings generally use land and resources more efficiently, but can also impact the skyline, scenic views, and the experience of a place on the ground. Building height in the City of Boulder is limited to 55 feet (about 4 or 5 stories) and is restricted to even lower in some areas unless new development meets special conditions. Regarding building heights in the city, which do you prefer? Allow buildings in more areas of the city to be up to 55 feet tall without meeting special conditions, 8%
Allow buildings to be up to 6 or 7 stories only in specific areas to allow more housing units, 22%
Allow buildings to be up to 6 or 7 stories everywhere to allow more housing units, 7% Allow buildings to be taller than 55 feet but only for varied rooflines and architectural features keeping the number of housing units the same, 5%
Keep building heights the same as they are today, 57%
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Commercial Preferences Community members were also asked about their thoughts on the potential introduction of neighborhood-serving businesses in residential areas. More than half of respondents supported allowing small businesses—such as corner cafés, daycares, salons, healthcare offices, or small shops—throughout all residential neighborhoods, indicating broad openness to integrating specific commercial uses into residential areas. About one-third preferred limiting these businesses to specific locations, such as near transit stops, suggesting support for a more targeted approach in some parts of the community. Only 1 in 10 respondents favored keeping residential areas exclusively for housing. These results suggest that community members generally see value in accessible neighborhood services. Figure 9: Preferences for Allowing Small Businesses in Residential Areas
If the City or County decides to support new neighborhood-serving businesses in residential areas, which do you prefer?
Allow small businesses only in very specific locations within residential neighborhoods, such as near transit stops, 34%
Allow small businesses (such as corner cafes, daycares, salons, healthcare offices or small shops) in all areas of residential neighborhoods, 55%
Don’t allow small businesses in traditionally residential-only areas, 11%
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
When asked how to address commercial vacancies in the Boulder Valley, more than half of respondents supported converting office spaces into residential uses. Around four in ten favored making it more difficult for property owners to keep units vacant for extended periods, a similar share to those who suggested offering incentives for property owners to lease space at lower rates. About one-third supported allowing a broader range of uses to attract different types of businesses, such as storage facilities, event spaces, or service providers. Just 1 in 20 respondents suggested doing nothing regarding the commercial vacancies. Figure 10: Approaches to Addressing Commercial Vacancies
Which of the following would you be most interested in exploring to address commercial vacancies? (Select your top two) Change office spaces into residential uses
56%
Make it harder for property owners to leave units vacant for extended periods of time
42%
Create incentives for commercial property owners to lease space at lower rates
39%
Allow more uses to encourage other types of businesses (e.g., storage, event spaces, services) Don't do anything
34%
5%
* Note: Respondents could select more than one option; percentages may exceed 100%.
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Water Conservation and Support for All Generations Community members were also asked to select up to two measures they would support as part of the Boulder Valley’s efforts to conserve water in response to climate change. The most preferred options were restricting outdoor water use to specific times and requiring lawn replacement with low-water landscaping, each selected by nearly half of respondents. Meanwhile, about 3 in 10 community members supported requiring low-flow indoor water fixtures and restricting outdoor water use only during times of drought. Figure 11: Water Conservation Measures
As part of the Boulder Valley’s response to conserve water in relation to climate change, which of the following would you support? (Select your top two) Restrict outdoor water use to specific times
51%
Require lawn replacement with landscaping that needs minimal water
48%
Require low-flow indoor water fixtures
32%
Restrict outdoor water use only during times of drought
31%
None of the above
10%
* Note: Respondents could select more than one option; percentages may exceed 100%.
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
In the final section of the survey, respondents were asked which options the City and County should prioritize to support the community’s aging population. The top two priorities were enabling older adults to travel safely and independently throughout the city (52%) and increasing the availability of housing that is affordable to people on fixed incomes (48%). Secondary priorities included expanding housing choices attractive to older adults (28%) and ensuring an adequate workforce to provide healthcare services (23%). Fewer respondents emphasized increasing opportunities for social interaction (18%) or maintaining a sufficient workforce to support entertainment, dining, shopping, and other services (12%). Figure 12: Support for Older Adults
Overall, the Boulder Valley’s population is aging, and the fastest growing demographic is older adults (65 and over). Which of these options would you like to see the City and County prioritize regarding the community’s aging population? (Select your top two) Ability to travel around the city safely and independently
52%
Availability of housing that is affordable to people on fixed incomes
48%
Availability of housing choices attractive to older adults (e.g., single-level living, smaller units, etc.)
28%
Size of workforce population to provide healthcare services
23%
Number of activities and opportunities for social interactions Size of workforce population to provide entertainment, dining, shopping and other… None of the above
18% 12% 6%
* Note: Respondents could select more than one option; percentages may exceed 100%.
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Respondents were also asked which options the City and County should prioritize to support the community’s younger population. The top two priorities were promoting safety in public spaces (55%) and increasing the availability of places for young people to gather and socialize (48%). Secondary priorities included supporting mental health and well-being (35%) and expanding opportunities for youth-focused activities, programs, and services (34%). Fewer respondents highlighted the importance of increasing access to volunteer and leadership opportunities (19%). Figure 13: Support for Younger Community Members
The younger generations in our community will live with the decisions we make in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan for many years. What we do now to create a healthy and thriving future for them is very important. Which of these options would you like to see the City and County prioritize regarding the community’s younger population? (Select your top two) Safety in public spaces
55%
Availability of places to gather and socialize
48%
Supporting mental health and wellbeing
35%
Opportunities for youth-focused activities, programs and services
34%
Access to volunteer and leadership opportunities
19%
None of the above 3% * Note: Respondents could select more than one option; percentages may exceed 100%.
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Appendix A: Respondent Characteristics The following tables summarize the demographic characteristics of the 2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Statistically Valid Survey respondents. Table 1: Question D1
How many years have you lived in the Boulder Valley?
Percent
Number
5 years or less
38%
N=247
6-10 years
13%
N=87
11-20 years
15%
N=99
More than 20 years
34%
N=223
Total
100%
N=656
Percent
Number
Working full time for pay
58%
N=378
Working part time for pay
14%
N=91
Unemployed, looking for paid work
6%
N=36
Not retired, not looking for paid work
3%
N=20
Fully retired
19%
N=123
Total
100%
N=648
Percent
Number
Yes, outside the home
58%
N=269
Yes, from home
38%
N=177
No
3%
N=22
Total
100%
N=468
Table 2: Question D2
What is your employment status?
Table 3: Question D3
Do you work in the Boulder Valley area?
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 4: Question D4
Are you a student at CU Boulder or any other college or university?
Percent
Number
Yes, an undergraduate student
13%
N=69
Yes, a graduate student
12%
N=64
No
75%
N=390
Total
100%
N=523
Which best describes the building you live in?
Percent
Number
Single-unit house detached from any other houses
42%
N=272
Building with two or more homes (duplex, townhome, apartments or condominium)
57%
N=373
Manufactured home
0%
N=2
Other
1%
N=7
Total
100%
N=654
Percent
Number
Own
51%
N=336
Rent
47%
N=307
Other
1%
N=9
I prefer not to say
1%
N=5
Total
100%
N=657
Table 5: Question D5
Table 6: Question D6
Do you own or rent your home?
23
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 7: Question D7
Income
Percent
Number
Less than $50,000
25%
N=138
$50,000-$99,999
20%
N=113
$100,000-$149,999
18%
N=100
$150,000 or more
37%
N=211
Total
100%
N=562
Percent
Number
18-24
14%
N=88
25-34
29%
N=190
35-54
27%
N=179
55-56
7%
N=45
65+
20%
N=131
I prefer not to say
3%
N=18
Total
100%
N=652
Table 8: Question D8
What is your age range?
24
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 9: Question D9
Which race(s) and/or ethnic group(s) do you most identify with? Select all that apply.
Percent
Number
American Indian or Alaskan Native
1%
N=5
Asian
4%
N=25
Black or African American
1%
N=7
Latine/Latinx/Hispanic
6%
N=41
Middle Eastern or North African
0%
N=2
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
0%
N=1
White
83%
N=538
Other
1%
N=4
I prefer not to say
11%
N=73
Percent
Number
Woman
45%
N=292
Man
46%
N=298
Non-binary/Genderqueer
2%
N=10
I prefer not to say
7%
N=44
I prefer to self-describe
0%
N=2
Total
100%
N=646
Total may exceed 100% as respondents
Table 10: Question D10
What is your gender?
25
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 11: Question D11
Are you a member of the LGBTQ+ community?
Percent
Number
Yes
16%
N=105
No
75%
N=482
I prefer not to say
9%
N=56
Total
100%
N=644
No
Total
Table 12: Question D12
Yes Do you have any of the following disabilities?
%
Are you deaf or do you have serious difficulty hearing?
3%
N=17 97% N=619 100%
N=636
Are you blind or do you have serious difficulty seeing even when wearing glasses?
1%
N=4
99% N=632 100%
N=636
Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, do you have serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions?
4%
N=25 96% N=607 100%
N=632
Do you have serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs?
3%
N=20 97% N=617 100%
N=637
Do you have difficulty dressing or bathing?
1%
N=4
99% N=633 100%
N=637
Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, do you have difficulty doing errands alone such as visiting a doctor's office or shopping?
2%
N=12 98% N=623 100%
N=635
26
N
%
N
%
N
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Appendix B: Complete Set of Probability Survey Responses The following pages contain a complete set of responses to each question on the survey. For questions that included a “don’t know” or “no opinion” response option, two tables for that question are provided: the first excludes the “don’t know” or “no opinion” responses and the second includes those response options. Table 13: Question #1
Before receiving this survey, how familiar were you with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (The Plan)?
Percent Number
I’ve never heard of it/know nothing about it
42%
N=282
I don’t know much about it
31%
N=203
I know some things about it
20%
N=130
I know quite a bit about it
5%
N=36
I’m very familiar with it (e.g., understand its purpose, scope, objectives, etc.)
2%
N=14
Total
100%
N=665
27
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 14: Question #2
The Plan provides a framework for addressing potential issues facing the Boulder Valley. How concerned, if at all, are you about the following current or potential issues facing the Boulder Valley?
Very concerned
Somewhat concerned
Not at all concerned
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
Decline of natural environment
55%
N=358
35%
N=229
11%
N=69
100%
N=656
Support for aging population
21%
N=136
47%
N=313
32%
N=213
100%
N=661
Support for youth population
33%
N=215
49%
N=323
19%
N=123
100%
N=661
Cost of living
64%
N=419
30%
N=196
6%
N=42
100%
N=657
Cost of housing
64%
N=425
28%
N=183
8%
N=55
100%
N=663
Lack of housing types/choices
37%
N=244
37%
N=241
26%
N=175
100%
N=660
Poor/ aging infrastructure
26%
N=173
52%
N=341
21%
N=138
100%
N=652
Excessive growth and development
40%
N=263
36%
N=240
24%
N=161
100%
N=665
Tourism impact
11%
N=75
39%
N=255
50%
N=330
100%
N=660
Hazard preparation and resiliency (e.g., fire and flood mitigation)
44%
N=292
47%
N=309
9%
N=61
100%
N=662
Economic health of local businesses
44%
N=291
43%
N=285
12%
N=80
100%
N=656
Availability of resources (e.g., water and energy)
39%
N=257
45%
N=295
17%
N=110
100%
N=662
Crime prevention and safety
41%
N=271
40%
N=266
19%
N=127
100%
N=665
Safety of pedestrians and bicyclists
49%
N=321
39%
N=257
13%
N=84
100%
N=662
Other
42%
N=122
9%
N=26
49%
N=142
100%
N=290
Total
Respondents were given an opportunity to write-in an "other" response. Please see Appendix C: Verbatim Responses to Open-ended Questions from Probability Survey for the verbatim responses.
28
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 15: Question #3
The Plan provides a framework for working toward objectives expressed by community member goals. How important to you, if at all, is it that each of the following objectives are addressed by the Plan?
Essential
Very important
Somewhat important
Not important
%
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
Enhance parks, recreation and open spaces
29% N=188
39%
N=255
29%
N=188
4%
N=27
100%
N=658
Ensure fairness and equal opportunity
23% N=154
38%
N=247
25%
N=166
14%
N=91
100%
N=657
Protect and enhance the natural environment
48% N=317
35%
N=234
15%
N=99
2%
N=15
100%
N=665
Increase the variety of housing options
22% N=148
26%
N=172
31%
N=207
20%
N=133
100%
N=660
Increase the affordability of housing
39% N=261
28%
N=186
21%
N=139
12%
N=77
100%
N=664
Enhance adaptability to climate change
37% N=247
36%
N=235
17%
N=116
10%
N=63
100%
N=661
Foster a welcoming and inclusive community
26% N=172
33%
N=220
30%
N=199
11%
N=70
100%
N=662
Enhance support for all ages and stages of life
21% N=139
36%
N=241
35%
N=229
8%
N=53
100%
N=662
Preserve existing quality of life
35% N=231
39%
N=259
20%
N=132
6%
N=39
100%
N=661
Support vibrant local arts and culture
22% N=148
40%
N=263
29%
N=195
9%
N=57
100%
N=663
Promote a strong and diverse local economy
28% N=184
48%
N=315
20%
N=128
5%
N=30
100%
N=658
Support Boulder's role as a technology and science hub
30% N=199
36%
N=238
24%
N=161
10%
N=65
100%
N=663
Position Boulder as a regional destination
9%
N=62
20%
N=130
38%
N=253
33%
N=219
100%
N=664
Easy and safe access to a range of mobility choices
26% N=172
37%
N=241
31%
N=203
6%
N=40
100%
N=656
Enhance public safety
35% N=232
28%
N=186
28%
N=184
9%
N=62
100%
N=664
Strengthen hazard resilience
31% N=204
36%
N=236
28%
N=182
5%
N=32
100%
N=653
Other
24%
7%
N=12
6%
N=11
62%
N=110
100%
N=176
N
N=43
Total
Respondents were given an opportunity to write-in an "other" response. Please see Appendix C: Verbatim Responses to Open-ended Questions from Probability Survey for the verbatim responses.
29
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 16: Question #4
Which areas in the Boulder Valley (see map), if any, do you think should be considered for more housing? (Select all that apply)
Percent Number
Central Boulder
18%
N=122
Crossroads
18%
N=115
East Boulder
31%
N=206
Gunbarrel
30%
N=195
North Boulder
22%
N=147
Palo Park
17%
N=112
Southeast Boulder
28%
N=185
South Boulder
24%
N=156
University of Colorado
15%
N=100
University Hill
15%
N=98
Planning Reserve north of the City of Boulder
21%
N=139
Unincorporated Boulder County neighborhoods
16%
N=103
None of the above
15%
N=101
All of the above
15%
N=102
No preference
17%
N=114
Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one answer.
30
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 17: Question #5 with don't know responses
How strongly do you agree or disagree with each of the following related to the future of housing in the Boulder Valley? The Plan should…
Strongly agree
Somewhat agree
Somewhat disagree
Strongly disagree
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
Support low-density housing types like detached homes and duplexes
25%
N=167
32%
N=210
23%
N=153
16%
N=102
3%
N=22 100%
N=654
Support moderate-density housing types, like 3- to 6-unit buildings, in more areas
32%
N=213
44%
N=287
11%
N=73
10%
N=64
3%
N=19 100%
N=656
Support higher-density housing types, like apartments or condominiums, in more areas
28%
N=181
27%
N=176
18%
N=118
25%
N=162
3%
N=17 100%
N=654
Encourage mixed-use buildings (often commercial and housing in one building) in more areas
39%
N=253
31%
N=201
13%
N=87
12%
N=76
5%
N=34 100%
N=652
Focus on increasing housing that is more affordable
51%
N=335
26%
N=169
10%
N=66
11%
N=74
1%
N=7
100%
N=653
Encourage use of less utilized areas in the city before developing areas outside the city boundary
47%
N=309
25%
N=167
10%
N=64
12%
N=78
6%
N=40 100%
N=658
Expand the city into the Planning Reserve (see map) to allow for new housing
15%
N=96
33%
N=212
14%
N=91
26%
N=172
12% N=82 100%
N=653
31
Don't know
N
Total
%
N
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 18: Question #5 without don't know responses
How strongly do you agree or disagree with each of the following related to the future of housing in the Boulder Valley? The Plan should…
Strongly agree
Somewhat agree
Somewhat disagree
Strongly disagree
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
Support low-density housing types like detached homes and duplexes
26%
N=167
33%
N=210
24%
N=153
16%
N=102
100%
N=633
Support moderate-density housing types, like 3- to 6-unit buildings, in more areas
33%
N=213
45%
N=287
12%
N=73
10%
N=64
100%
N=637
Support higher-density housing types, like apartments or condominiums, in more areas
28%
N=181
28%
N=176
18%
N=118
25%
N=162
100%
N=637
Encourage mixed-use buildings (often commercial and housing in one building) in more areas
41%
N=253
33%
N=201
14%
N=87
12%
N=76
100%
N=618
Focus on increasing housing that is more affordable
52%
N=335
26%
N=169
10%
N=66
11%
N=74
100%
N=645
Encourage use of less utilized areas in the city before developing areas outside the city boundary
50%
N=309
27%
N=167
10%
N=64
13%
N=78
100%
N=618
Expand the city into the Planning Reserve (see map) to allow for new housing
17%
N=96
37%
N=212
16%
N=91
30%
N=172
100%
N=571
32
Total
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 19: Question #6 with don't know responses
Low-density neighborhoods made up of single-unit detached houses currently cover a majority of developed land in the Boulder Valley, consistent with current regulations. Would you support or oppose allowing the following options related to different housing types in these low-density neighborhoods?
Strongly support
Somewhat support
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
Single unit detached homes and accessory dwelling units only
30%
N=196
25%
N=158
20%
N=131
20%
N=129
5%
N=30
100%
N=644
Duplexes (a building with two dwellings)
32%
N=206
47%
N=306
9%
N=59
9%
N=55
3%
N=19
100%
N=644
Multiplexes and Townhouses (a building with 3 to 6 units)
34%
N=222
33%
N=213
14%
N=92
15%
N=99
3%
N=21
100%
N=648
Cottage court (a cluster of 3 to 8 small, detached homes arranged around a shared courtyard space)
42%
N=277
33%
N=216
10%
N=63
10%
N=68
4%
N=28
100%
N=652
Housing types with two or more units allowed throughout low-density neighborhoods
33%
N=216
31%
N=203
15%
N=98
16%
N=104
5%
N=33
100%
N=654
Housing types with two or more units only allowed in specific locations in low-density neighborhoods, such as near transit stops
23%
N=147
33%
N=215
18%
N=119
18%
N=116
8%
N=53
100%
N=651
33
Don't know
Total
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 20: Question #6 without don't know responses
Low-density neighborhoods made up of single-unit detached houses currently cover a majority of developed land in the Boulder Valley, consistent with current regulations. Would you support or oppose allowing the following options related to different housing types in these low-density neighborhoods?
Strongly support
Somewhat support
Somewhat oppose
Strongly oppose
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
Single unit detached homes and accessory dwelling units only
32%
N=196
26%
N=158
21%
N=131
21%
N=129
100%
N=614
Duplexes (a building with two dwellings)
33%
N=206
49%
N=306
9%
N=59
9%
N=55
100%
N=625
Multiplexes and Townhouses (a building with 3 to 6 units)
36%
N=222
34%
N=213
15%
N=92
16%
N=99
100%
N=626
Cottage court (a cluster of 3 to 8 small, detached homes arranged around a shared courtyard space)
44%
N=277
35%
N=216
10%
N=63
11%
N=68
100%
N=624
Housing types with two or more units allowed throughout low-density neighborhoods
35%
N=216
33%
N=203
16%
N=98
17%
N=104
100%
N=621
Housing types with two or more units only allowed in specific locations in low-density neighborhoods, such as near transit stops
25%
N=147
36%
N=215
20%
N=119
19%
N=116
100%
N=598
34
Total
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 21: Question #7 without don't know responses
Taller multi-unit buildings generally use land and resources more efficiently, but can also impact the skyline, scenic views, and the experience of a place on the ground. Building height in the City of Boulder is limited to 55 feet (about 4 or 5 stories) and is restricted to even lower in some areas unless new development meets special conditions. Regarding building heights in the city, which do you prefer?
Percent Number
Keep building heights the same as they are today
57%
N=369
Allow buildings in more areas of the city to be up to 55 feet tall without meeting special conditions
8%
N=54
Allow buildings to be taller than 55 feet but only for varied rooflines and architectural features keeping the number of
5%
N=33
Allow buildings to be up to 6 or 7 stories only in specific areas to allow more housing units
22%
N=142
Allow buildings to be up to 6 or 7 stories everywhere to allow more housing units
7%
N=45
Total
100%
N=643
Table 22: Question 7 with don't know responses
Taller multi-unit buildings generally use land and resources more efficiently, but can also impact the skyline, scenic views, and the experience of a place on the ground. Building height in the City of Boulder is limited to 55 feet (about 4 or 5 stories) and is restricted to even lower in some areas unless new development meets special conditions. Regarding building heights in the city, which do you prefer?
Percent Number
Keep building heights the same as they are today
56%
N=369
Allow buildings in more areas of the city to be up to 55 feet tall without meeting special conditions
8%
N=54
Allow buildings to be taller than 55 feet but only for varied rooflines and architectural features keeping the number of
5%
N=33
Allow buildings to be up to 6 or 7 stories only in specific areas to allow more housing units
21%
N=142
Allow buildings to be up to 6 or 7 stories everywhere to allow more housing units
7%
N=45
I’m not sure / no opinion
3%
N=19
Total
100%
N=662
35
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 23: Question #8 without don't know responses
If the City or County decides to support new housing and business uses, which do you prefer?
Percent Number
Don’t add any new housing and business uses
13%
N=81
Focus new housing and businesses within existing city limits
39%
N=240
Expand city boundaries into the Planning Reserve on the north side of Boulder to accommodate new housing and businesses
16%
N=96
Both of the above options should be pursued
32%
N=192
Total
100%
N=609
Table 24: Question #8 with don't know responses
If the City or County decides to support new housing and business uses, which do you prefer?
Percent Number
Don’t add any new housing and business uses
12%
N=81
Focus new housing and businesses within existing city limits
36%
N=240
Expand city boundaries into the Planning Reserve on the north side of Boulder to accommodate new housing and businesses
15%
N=96
Both of the above options should be pursued
29%
N=192
I’m not sure / no opinion
8%
N=52
Total
100%
N=661
36
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 25: Question #9 without don't know responses
If the City or County decides to support new neighborhood-serving businesses in residential areas, which do you prefer?
Percent Number
Allow small businesses (such as corner cafes, daycares, salons, healthcare offices or small shops) in all areas of resid
55%
N=357
Allow small businesses only in very specific locations within residential neighborhoods, such as near transit stops
34%
N=221
Don’t allow small businesses in traditionally residential-only areas
11%
N=72
Total
100%
N=649
Table 26: Question #9 with don't know responses
If the City or County decides to support new neighborhood-serving businesses in residential areas, which do you prefer?
Percent Number
Allow small businesses (such as corner cafes, daycares, salons, healthcare offices or small shops) in all areas of resid
54%
N=357
Allow small businesses only in very specific locations within residential neighborhoods, such as near transit stops
33%
N=221
Don’t allow small businesses in traditionally residential-only areas
11%
N=72
I’m not sure / no opinion
2%
N=15
Total
100%
N=664
37
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 27: Question #10 without don't know responses
Which of the following would you be most interested in exploring to address commercial vacancies? (Select your top two)
Percent Number
Change office spaces into residential uses
56%
N=360
Allow more uses to encourage other types of businesses (e.g., storage, event spaces, services)
34%
N=217
Create incentives for commercial property owners to lease space at lower rates
39%
N=253
Make it harder for property owners to leave units vacant for extended periods of time
42%
N=270
Don't do anything
5%
N=31
Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one answer.
Table 28: Question #10 with don't know responses
Which of the following would you be most interested in exploring to address commercial vacancies? (Select your top two)
Percent Number
Change office spaces into residential uses
54%
N=360
Allow more uses to encourage other types of businesses (e.g., storage, event spaces, services)
33%
N=217
Create incentives for commercial property owners to lease space at lower rates
38%
N=253
Make it harder for property owners to leave units vacant for extended periods of time
41%
N=270
Don't do anything
5%
N=31
I'm not sure / no opinion
4%
N=26
Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one answer.
38
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 29: Question #11 without don't know responses
As part of the Boulder Valley’s response to conserve water in relation to climate change, which of the following would you support? (Select your top two)
Percent Number
Require low-flow indoor water fixtures
32%
N=201
Restrict outdoor water use to specific times
51%
N=323
Restrict outdoor water use only during times of drought
31%
N=199
Require lawn replacement with landscaping that needs minimal water
48%
N=304
None of the above
10%
N=62
Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one answer.
Table 30: Question #11 with don't know responses
As part of the Boulder Valley’s response to conserve water in relation to climate change, which of the following would you support? (Select your top two)
Percent Number
Require low-flow indoor water fixtures
30%
N=201
Restrict outdoor water use to specific times
49%
N=323
Restrict outdoor water use only during times of drought
30%
N=199
Require lawn replacement with landscaping that needs minimal water
46%
N=304
None of the above
9%
N=62
I'm not sure / no opinion
5%
N=36
Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one answer.
39
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 31: Question #12 without don't know responses
Overall, the Boulder Valley’s population is aging, and the fastest growing demographic is older adults (65 and over). Which of these options would you like to see the City and County prioritize regarding the community’s aging population? (Select your top two)
Percent Number
Availability of housing choices attractive to older adults (e.g., single-level living, smaller units, etc.)
28%
N=170
Availability of housing that is affordable to people on fixed incomes
48%
N=295
Size of workforce population to provide healthcare services
23%
N=139
Size of workforce population to provide entertainment, dining, shopping and other services
12%
N=72
Number of activities and opportunities for social interactions
18%
N=109
Ability to travel around the city safely and independently
52%
N=314
Percent
Number
None of the above Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one answer.
Table 32: Question #12 with don't know responses
Overall, the Boulder Valley’s population is aging, and the fastest growing demographic is older adults (65 and over). Which of these options would you like to see the City and County prioritize regarding the community’s aging population? (Select your top two)
Percent Number
Availability of housing choices attractive to older adults (e.g., single-level living, smaller units, etc.)
26%
N=170
Availability of housing that is affordable to people on fixed incomes
44%
N=295
Size of workforce population to provide healthcare services
21%
N=139
Size of workforce population to provide entertainment, dining, shopping and other services
11%
N=72
Number of activities and opportunities for social interactions
16%
N=109
Ability to travel around the city safely and independently
47%
N=314
None of the above
6%
N=38
I'm not sure / no opinion
8%
N=56
Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one answer.
40
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 33: Question #13 without don't know responses
The younger generations in our community will live with the decisions we make in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan for many years. What we do now to create a healthy and thriving future for them is very important. Which of these options would you like to see the City and County prioritize regarding the community’s younger population? (Select your top two)
Percent Number
Availability of places to gather and socialize
48%
N=310
Supporting mental health and wellbeing
35%
N=229
Safety in public spaces
55%
N=357
Opportunities for youth-focused activities, programs and services
34%
N=222
Access to volunteer and leadership opportunities
19%
N=122
None of the above
3%
N=17
Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one answer.
Table 34: Question #13 with don't know responses
The younger generations in our community will live with the decisions we make in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan for many years. What we do now to create a healthy and thriving future for them is very important. Which of these options would you like to see the City and County prioritize regarding the community’s younger population? (Select your top two)
Percent Number
Availability of places to gather and socialize
47%
N=310
Supporting mental health and wellbeing
34%
N=229
Safety in public spaces
54%
N=357
Opportunities for youth-focused activities, programs and services
33%
N=222
Access to volunteer and leadership opportunities
18%
N=122
None of the above
2%
N=17
I'm not sure / no opinion
2%
N=16
Total may exceed 100% as respondents could select more than one answer.
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 35: Question #25
If you have participated in any engagement activities related to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update, do you feel heard in this process?
Percent Number
This is the first time I have heard about or participated in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan process
66%
N=421
Yes, I strongly agree that the city and county are hearing all of my input
2%
N=14
Yes, I agree that the city and county are hearing most of my input
7%
N=46
Neutral
14%
N=88
No, I disagree and think you are hearing only some of my input
6%
N=38
No, I strongly disagree and don't feel heard at all
5%
N=31
Total
100%
N=639
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Appendix C: Verbatim Responses to Open-ended Questions from Probability Survey Following are verbatim responses to the open-ended question on the survey. Because these responses were written by survey participants, they are presented here in verbatim form, including any typographical, grammar or other mistakes. The responses are presented in alphabetical order.
Question 2: The Plan provides a framework for addressing potential issues facing the Boulder Valley. How concerned, if at all, are you about the following current or potential issues facing the Boulder Valley? (Other issues) •
•
• • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • •
•
1) BVSD ignorance to car dependent neighborhoods and full-time working parents. 2) Lack of affordable' amenities. I grew up in Boulder and I am watching our pools, affordable Hang out spaces and recreation become obsolete. 3) gunbarrel is a missed opportunity.. It's hard to live out here with multiple kids with the schools being so far and now BVSD moving us to schools that are even further out of the way. We are thrilled about the Libary, but there could be more thought put into the empty office buildings to build an area like North Boulder, where Bellota Spruce coffee and NOBO library are to attract more businesses and people wanting to live out here (not ugly office park cheap buildings, but nice brick buildings reminiscent of Pearl Street). Pipe dream, I know! We also don't need to smother the Earth with more concrete. There are lots of empty buildings that could be repurposed. Affordability of commercial real estate and the movement of businesses out of Boulder. There are a limited number of companies that monopolize the commercial real estate market in town and do not lower their rental prices, despite MANY units going unrented. Do they get some sort of tax benefit or write-off? There should be some sort of tracking of these units. Additionally, many industrial units were taken over by pot growing which drove up the prices of these units. On top of that, the city passed rules limiting the parking of trailers on city streets (some of which are used for landscaping and other legitimate, useful businesses) but provided no alternate parking. These businesses now need to pay for storage which is expensive or unavailable in town, contributing to higher prices and a higher carbon footprint, just so people don't have to "look" at trailers as an eye sore. It is unfortunate that the wealthy who are making these changes do not see the trickle down effect. AFFORDABLE SMALL BUSINESS RENT AIR PLANE NOISE AIR QUALITY Availability of public transit inside the city and to denver BIKE THEFT BLOCKING OFF ROADS TO CARS BOULDER BEING THE QUANTUM HUB GLOBALLY Boulder schools and BVSD failing us all on so many levels - all they've done is take away more and more services for the kids over the years, and parents have to pay for everything now. It's ridiculous and it's sad for Boulder. It used to be a great place to raise your kids. CHANGE OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL FOCUSED ON CITY CITY OWNED FIBER INTERNET LIKE NEXT LIGHT IN LONG MOUNT City swimming pools- availability and quality. City's approach to preventing homelessness and managing its unhoused population Climate Change Community feel Concerned over the increased use of motorized vehicles by minors (ebikes, etc.); bike/road rules not followed properly; travel too fast putting themselves and others at risk; would like to see a permit process put in place. Congestion, Noise especially motorcycle racing late at night
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
COST OF HOME INSURANCE COUNCIL'S PROPENSITY FOR TAXATION CU ADDING STUDENTS/VERY LARGE BUILDINGS, ECONOMIC HEALTH OF SMALL, LOCAL BUSINESS, CREATE LIGHT RAIL FROM BOULDER TO DENVER/BOULDER, DIA CU's power needs to be curtailed -- see the CU South proposed development DENSITY DRUGS/UNHOUSED EMPLOYMENT EMTY OFFICE BUILDINGS EXCEEDING TOO RAPID DEVELOPMENT EXCESS GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT Excessive dwellings proposed without sufficient parking provided for!! Excessive growth without infrastructure and resources to support the levels of growth, and the growths impact to quality of life. And the lifting of parking requirements for new builds is naive, and aspirational, not realistic Excessive spending and road obstruction for bicycles EXORBITANT TAXES & OVER-REGULATION FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY Fix roads get bikes off side walks quit narrowing roads, enforce current laws like speeding, distracted driving etc. To make things safer for bikes and peds FLIGHT SCHOOL PROP PLANES FROM AMMA Fully Electric bikes on bike paths Governance GOVERNMENT TRYING TO DO TOO CIRCLE GROWTH OF CV INFLUENCE IT HAS ON CITY HEALTHCARE High sales tax and property tax hurting local businesses and elderly community members. Homeless and unhoused disturbing the peace and creating hostile areas that used to be gems of the city HOMELESS CRIME + SLIGHT HOMELESS GROWTH Homeless in our public areas HOMELESS NESS/POVERTY HOMELESS PEOPLE HOMELESS PEOPLE Homeless people living in communal areas; tons of people living in vans that they park on the streets Homeless populatio HOMELESS POPULATION HOMELESS POPULATION HOMELESSNESS Homelessness and vagrancy HOMELESSNESS MANAGEMENT HOMOGENIZATION AND LOSS OF IDENTITY HOUSING & MENTAL HEALTH, FENTANYL, DRUGS SUPPORT I am very concerned about the overall cost of living in Boulder. I am very concerned about water and its miss use and miss management by states other than Colorado. I walk to work and every single day at least 1 car blows throw the sidewalk as if I'm not there (Pearl and 21st) I'm concerned about the seeming lack of resources for our unhoused populations. I'm very concerned by the lack of parking in Boulder. Ignore illicit drugs being done openly in public spaces by the unhoused
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey •
• •
• •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Impact of the continued significant increase in airplane traffic, largely from RMMA, but also how the Boulder, Longmont and other small airports in Boulder County relate to this traffic. The airplane noise is having a significant negative impact on a large subsection of Boulder communities. INCREASED TRANSIENT POPULATION IN PUBLIC PLACES CAUSING CRIME Infrastructure safety and convenience. Most road crossings in Boulder are not cyclist/pedestrian friendly, with long wait times at walk signs and drivers often not respecting traffic signals which can be unsafe. As someone who lives and works in Boulder, having walking bridges or underpasses makes for a faster and safer commute. This can also benefit drivers, who would have a lower risk of collisions with bikes or people walking. In terms of safety, managing the issue of aging or damaged infrastructure would also go a long way. Many roads in Boulder have significant damage and potholes, which can damage cars and cause injuries to cyclists and pedestrians. In addition, smoother sidewalks, especially in older neighborhoods, can make a huge difference. Finally, Boulder has an amazing network of multi use paths and for any commute that isn't in a car I am more likely to use them than painted bike lanes or sidewalks near busy roads. In the future I think the entire community would benefit from this network expanding and becoming more connected. Having this type of infrastructure is key to making Boulder into a more sustainable and less car dependent city. JEWISH PERSON SAFETY Just to touch again on the growth of Boulder. I've lived here for 40 years and I don't recognize Boulder anymore! Yes I was part of the migration to Boulder from the Midwest in the mid 80's but I did not buy a quaint and charming one story house, tear it down and build a three-story monster house. I do not drive or never have a loud muffled car and drag race with others late into the evening. I recycle and compost daily. I've, since the beginning, taking on low paying jobs one being helping parents raise their children in preschools settings, which is impossible to live on that salary in this town. The traffic is out of control starting at 3:00, the building of multistory level buildings is out of control which adds to the aforementioned traffic issues. I thought there was a four story maximum for height you can build, but that has since gone away. I feel like city council or Building committees have allowed way too much. K-12 EDUCATION KEEPING OFF LEASH SPACES lack of good traffic control - too much speeding LACK OF LIGHT RAIL BOULDER BUILD LIGHT FROM DENVER TO BOULDER TO LONGMONT LACK OF PLANNING FOR THE PRAIRIE DOG POPULATION LACK OF PLOWING SNOW LACK OF POLITICAL RESPONSE BUSINESS TO CITIZENS CONCERNS LACK OF RESIDENTIAL PARKING LESS TRAFFIC LIMIT THE CAR TRANSIT Limit the population. There are too many people here!!! LOANS ARE THE WORST LOOSING SENSE OF COMMUNITY MAINTENANCE OF LIKING TAXES mass transit MEGA MANSIONS Narrowing of traffic flow on main street NO DEVELOPMENT OF MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS CU SOUTH EXPANSION/DEVELOPMENT noise - from foothills pkw to tow planes and airport noise, it's an extremely noisy environment Noise from +300,000/year Prop plane flyovers from RMMA flight schools Open space preservation Our wildlife and the impact we have on our beautiful critters and keeping them safe as well. OVER BUILDING IN BOULDER OVER DEVELOPMENT/INFILL P DOGS DESTROYING ALL OUR GRASSLANDS PARKING
45
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey • •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • •
• • • •
•
•
•
PARKING CONCESSION ON LEHIGH AND CRAGMOOR STREETS DUE TO LACK OF DEDICATED PARKING LOT FOR TRAIL ACCESS Parking everywhere in Boulder is inadequate or free! We have repeatedly attempted to get the COB involved, to no avail.It clearly adversely affects our life and well being, but no one cares! The powers that be in this city, assume no one will have a vehicle in Boulder, which is a total joke. Even CU students have multiple vehicles per address. PRAIRIE DOGS & NOXIOUS WEEDS ARE RUINING OUR AGRICULTURE LANDS PRESERVING OPEN SPACE + PROTECTING Proliferation of homeless in public spaces and limited public rec opportunities relative to other communities (eg, limited year round pools etc) PROPERTY TAXES RESIDENT COMMISSION Public school system educating for a changing world Public Transportation Rabidly increasing taxes and minimal improvements. Too much money spent in the wrong places. REDUCE AMOUNT OF CONSTRUCTION WITH CODE EXCEPTIONS Rental properties ROAD REPAIR Road safety and speeding in residential areas ROAD TRAFFIC CONGESTION SAFETY + INFRASTRUCTURE DO TO OVER POPULATION SAFETY OF MIXED USE SIDEWALKS EBIKES WILL SOON WALKERS NOT SAFE TO WALK ON SIDE WALKS ANY MORE SHERIFF & POLICE BUT OFFENDERS IN TIMBER RIDGE APT KEEP GOOD PEOPLE SAFE FROM VIOLENT PEOPLE Short-term Rental Regulations and EnforcementThis includes the city's regulations and permitting process for short-term rentals, how residents can report complaints or issues, and the extent of city monitoring to ensure these rentals operate safely, follow parking Laws, and do not disrupt neighborhoods or the surrounding community. SOUND OF LIGHT ABETMENT Space and development areas being wasted on 'cookie cutter' complexes that make Boulder feel like any other city/town and are very poorly built. Streamflow conservation Taxes - especially for people with houses over $2million, and then those with very expensive houses that are unoccupied. They need to be placed on a higher tax bracket. As a small business owners needing a shop - commercial properties are very expensive with low residential taxes being one of the biggest factors casing this TERRIBLE ROADS The city's homeless policy is dangerous. It invites interlopers from outside of Boulder who are seeking assistance and handouts. I'm all for supporting Boulder's homeless population, but not outsiders. THE COUNTY REFUSES TO PAVE OUR ROAD (PRADO DRIVE) & EXPLICITLY TOLD US SO The growing homeless population. To be clear I do not dislike the homeless, rather I believe we need to up the resources available to these populations to get them off the street and into more suitable living conditions. The incremental scaling of costs across every household need, without any indication of an acknowledgement of such and a plan to limit this reality: Taxes, Insurances, Medical Visits. Vaccinations, Prescriptions, Food, Utilities, Material Goods, etc.. The unhoused takeover of the Boulder Creek. What should be Boulder's crown jewel has become "dirty nature". Dirty nature is, in my mind, worse than no nature. I'd literally rather go anywhere else. And the fact that this is happening next to Boulder High and the Library and its playground is an abomination. The area just feels unsafe. You have no idea what people who are on drugs and who are mentally unwell/schizophrenic are going to do at any given moment. I've been in boulder for 37 years and it wasn't close to this bad in the past. TONS OF HOMES STILL BEING BUILT, WHERE IS THE WATER GOING TO COME FROM?
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • •
TOO DENSE TOO MANY HOMELESS TAKING OVER OUR PARKS & PUBLIC SPARES TOO MUCH DENSIFICATION TOO MUCH NEW HOUSING TOO MUCH OF CITY STREETS DOMINATED BY CONFUSING DANGEROUS BIKE LANES TOO WELCOMING TO BE HOMELESS Traffc traffic TRAFFIC/SPEEDING ASSHOLE DRIVERS Transparency in city and county decisions about changes to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure Transparency in government. working towards sustainabilty transportation (traffic) UN HOUSED ON CLERK PATH Unequal distribution of impacts from CU, loss of open space, and a decline in what makes Boulder special. We need to maintain that, even if it means housing is harder to find. Not everywhere needs to be Denver, or dense. It seems South Boulder is being sacrificed in many ways, having lived on both sides of town. Unhoused population- concerned for and by them. VOLUME OF VEHICLES ON ROAD LACK OF AFFORDABLE PUBLIC TRANSIT Wasteful City budgeting and spending. WASTEFUL SPENDING BY GOVT WILDLIFE MITIGATION IN NORTH BOULDER (BEARS) YOUTH ON E-BIKES IN TRAFFIC LANES.
Question 3: The Plan provides a framework for addressing potential issues facing the Boulder Valley. How concerned, if at all, are you about the following current or potential issues facing the Boulder Valley? (Other issues) • • • • • • • • • • •
• •
ADD FAR MORE CHILDREN'S PLAY GROUND SO THAT KIDS CAN INTERACT WITH OTHERS RATHER THAN PLAY ALONE EACH IN HIS OWN BACKYARD AND-SHELTER IT FROM HOT SUN Address homeless issues Address mental health and homelessness Address Noise from +300,000/year Prop plane flyovers from RMMA flight schools ADDRESS ON HOUSED, MENTAL HEALTH ADDICTION SUPPORT ENHANCE LAW ENFORCEMENT Address the issues related to the impact of the increased airplane traffic. Utilization of the airspace over Boulder County needs to be in the hands of Boulder residents/citizens and not dictated by others. Addressing homeless population and people living out of vans in residential neighborhoods AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR CITY EMPLOYEES Ban gasoline leaf blowers! Also, stop building condos everywhere! Boulder will remain expensive, there is only so much space. increasing density and trying to make it affordable will ruin our city. BEGIN CONTENTION OF LIGHT RAIL BOULDER-DIA-DENVER, SUPPORT THE WORKING PEOPLE OF THIS CITY SO THAT THEY CAN LIVE HERE AND BIKE TO WORK! MAKE RENTS FEASIBLE AND AFFORDABLE LE, TAX THE WEALTHY. THANK YOU! Boulder has grown beyond its "carrying capacity, " which was originally planned for and that meant growth would be managed. That is clearly not happening today. We have lost our identity and our purpose. Boulder schools and supporting our kids futuresWHY DOESN'T THIS SURVEY ASK HOW MANY KIDS YOU HAVE OR IF YOUR KIDS ARE IN BOULDER SCHOOLS ?!?!?! I am disappointed that is entirely left off of this survey especially when so much planning and decisions are going on right now with regard to school zones and boundary change considerations and attempts to re-zone schools by the school board which is breaking up entire communities. That affects housing and planning and affordability why is that not in this survey? Are we not planning for our children, only for the older population taking over our city??
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • •
• • •
Build more housing so fewer people need to commute to town CONTINUE THE ALREADY COMMUNITY SOLAR GARDENS TO PROVIDE ENERGY TO EVERYONE AT A LOW COST DEMS SUCK DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE 100'S OF LOW FLYING PROPELLER PLANES THAT WAKE PEOPLE UP AT DAWN EVERY DAY. EASIER PARKING BOULDER HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN EXPENSIVE PLACE TO LIVE, RIGHT FROM ITS INCEPTION DONE CHECK OUT "NIWOTS CURSE" EFFECTIVE ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS, PRIMARILY IN PUBLIC SPACES Ensure the safety and protection in our boulder valley plan FIX THE ROADS Flood safety. Traffic remediation. Removing stupid bollards from our roads. Regional composting. Develop housing, not behemoths. GET RID OF HOMELESS Getting rid of homeless and the littering and junk they leave behind HOMELESSNESS HOMELESSNESS IMPROVE AIR QUALITY Improve infrastructure including roads and access IMPROVE SAFETY FOR WALKING + BICYCLING + SCOOTERING Increase ADU permits, including unincorporated Boulder County. This supports the aging population and supports young working families so they can have family members close by to help with children Increase parking accessibility KEEP FARM LAND OPENING KEEP OPEN SPACES. NEW BUILDS IN EXISTING URBAN AREAS KEEP THIS BASE THE FIELDS KEEPING OFF LEASH SPACES LESS TRAFFIC Limit new construction; the city has so much traffic and the new construction is unaffordable for the majority of people. Limit the number of 'cookie cutter' complexes that are hideous, unoriginal, and poorly built. Focus more on building nice, diverse neighborhoods or apartments. MAINTAIN SMALL COMMUNITY VIBE (NOT BE A CITYSCAPE) maintaining public paths and playgrounds so that they are safe, clean and usable for their intended purposes. MAKE ROADS SAFE FAR CYDISTS-PATHOLES & CRUMBLING WORKS EVERYWHERE MAKE THE BUS SERVICE IN BOULDER COUNTY FREE OF CHARGE MANAGE NOISE FROM PROP PLANES MORE COHOUSING & COOPS Not sure what is mean by be an inclusive environment' for a city. If it means that by saying yes to building housing for the homeless people suffering from drug addiction in mental illness, then no. if it means welcoming diversity, immigrants, and social mobility for all classes, yes. OVER BUILT OVER POPULATION/TRAFFIC PARKING CONGESTION ON LEHIGH + CRAGMOOR STREETS AND CITY'S FAILURE TO CONSTRUCT/PROVIDE DEDICATED PARKING LOT FOR TRAIL ACCESS (LIKE EVER OTHER TRAIL HEAD ALREADY 2 HRS) PLEASE LEAVE SEVERAL ROADS THAT GO E/W TO CARS WE NEED TO GET TO WORK, TO SCHOOL, TO APPTS ON TIME, BIKES HAVE LOTS ON OPTIONS PRESERVE SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING (FEWER\UNRELATED OCCUPANTS). WRITE A SURVEY THAT IS NOT SKEWED Preserve views. I don't know whose idea it was to let people build 3+ stories with under building parking everywhere, but you can't even see the foothills from many places in Boulder anymore. That and CU needs to be reined in. They seem to get whatever they want. They exist in Boulder, not the other way around. The
48
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
• • • • • • • • •
•
• • • • • • • • • •
amount of noise they make at Prentup Field is just one example of the impunity they seem to have these days and the Police won't do a thing about it, instead referring it to the "CU Police" who of course won't do anything about it. PUT RESTRICTIONS ON SCRAPE OFFS OF NEW HOUSE SIZE REDUCE CRIME Reform governance RETURN GRASSLANDS TO GRASSLAND SAFETY OF PEDESTRIAN + CYCLIST. AFFORDABLE RENT FOR SMALL BUSINESS STOP BUILDING STOP BUILDING STOP BUILDING APARTMENT Stop building condos and apartment buildings. No more beehive communities! Boulder Valley is overpopulating at a nauseating rate! Businesses are failing right and left. Many commercial properties are vacant. Focus on homelessness and food insecurity for the people who already live here before continuing to over-build and ruining the land we are supposed to be stewards of! Stop building units without ample storage or parking. Stop building only multi-units for rent. People would like to own things and reduce turn-over. Additionally, please consider smaller units for singles and young people who would like to enter the market... we are pricing out younger populations and families STOP DENSIFYING Stop densifying, you cannot build your way to affordability stop destroying the quality of life in boulder by increasing housing density (and traffic). when will we "have enough" housing? we have enough now. STRENGTH HISTORIC PRESERVATION SUPPORT BUS & ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION Support those unhoused due to economic constraints while cleaning up or bike paths and public spaces. The parks, recreation and open space are already great! not sure how to enhance TOO MUCH IMPORTANCE FOR BIKES OVER CARS MAKING TRAFFIC EVEN WORSE REDUCING IRIS TO Z LANES IS A DISASTER!! WATER COST WE ALREADY HAVE BEAUTIFUL PARKS & OPEN SPACES. USE THE MONEY FOR REC CENTERS + PUBLIC SAFETY (HELP PATROL OUR VIOLENT HOMELESS POPULATION).
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Appendix D: Selected Survey Questions by Respondent Characteristics The subgroup comparison tables contain the cross tabulations of selected survey questions by respondent characteristics. Chi-square or ANOVA tests of significance were applied to these breakdowns of survey questions. A “p-value” of 0.05 or less indicates that there is less than a 5% probability that differences observed between groups are due to chance; or in other words, a greater than 95% probability that the differences observed in the selected categories of the sample represent “real” differences among those populations. For each pair of subgroups that has a statistically significant difference, an upper-case letter denoting significance is shown in the category with the larger column proportion. The letter denotes the category with the smaller column proportion from which it is statistically different. Differences were marked as statistically significant if the probability that the differences were due to chance alone were less than 5%. Categories were not used in comparisons when a column proportion was equal to zero or one. Items that have no upper-case letter denotation in their column and that are also not referred to in any other column were not statistically different. For example, in Table 36, 65% of respondents aged 18–34 (Column A) reported that they had never heard of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan. This percentage was statistically higher than those of respondents aged 35–54 (Column B) and 55 and older (Column C), as indicated by the letters “B C” in Column A.
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2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Comparisons by Gender and Age Table 36: Question #1 by Gender and Age
Gender
Age
Woman
Man
18-34 years
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
I’ve never heard of it/know nothing about it
47%
40%
65% BC
36% C
17%
I don’t know much about it
30%
31%
20%
41% A
37% A
I know some things about it
17%
21%
9%
22% A
33% A
I know quite a bit about it
5%
5%
5%
1%
10% B
I’m very familiar with it (e.g., understand its purpose, scope, objectives, etc.)
1%
3%
1%
0%
4% B
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Before receiving this survey, how familiar were you with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (The Plan)?
51
35-54 years
55 years or older
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 37: Question #2 by Gender and Age
Gender
Age
Woman
Man
18-34 years
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
Decline of natural environment
93% B
88%
88%
88%
93%
Support for aging population
75% B
57%
48%
72% A
91% AB
Support for youth population
86% B
79%
78%
85%
84%
Cost of living
96%
92%
97% BC
91%
90%
Cost of housing
94%
91%
98% BC
90%
85%
Lack of housing types/choices
81% B
69%
82% BC
70%
68%
Poor/ aging infrastructure
73%
83% A
71%
79%
90% AB
Excessive growth and development
79% B
72%
66%
73%
93% AB
Tourism impact
53%
46%
44%
48%
61% AB
Hazard preparation and resiliency (e.g., fire and flood mitigation)
93%
90%
93%
90%
89%
Availability of resources (e.g., water and energy)
89% B
77%
79%
86%
87%
Economic health of local businesses
86%
89%
84%
93% A
89%
The Plan provides a framework for addressing potential issues facing the Boulder Valley. How concerned, if at all, are you about the following current or potential issues facing the Boulder Valley?
52
35-54 years
55 years or older
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Gender
Age
Woman
Man
18-34 years
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
Availability of resources (e.g., water and energy)
89% B
77%
79%
86%
87%
Crime prevention and safety
80%
81%
76%
81%
88% A
Safety of pedestrians and bicyclists
90%
87%
88%
90%
85%
Other
64% B
40%
36%
57% A
78% AB
The Plan provides a framework for addressing potential issues facing the Boulder Valley. How concerned, if at all, are you about the following current or potential issues facing the Boulder Valley?
35-54 years
55 years or older
Table 38: Question #3 by Gender and Age
The Plan provides a framework for working toward objectives expressed by community member goals. How important to you, if at all, is it that each of the following objectives are addressed by the Plan?
Gender
Age
Woman
Man
18-34 years
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
Enhance parks, recreation and open spaces
65%
71%
63%
73%
69%
Ensure fairness and equal opportunity
70% B
54%
67% C
60%
53%
Protect and enhance the natural environment
87%
81%
86%
81%
81%
Increase the variety of housing options
52%
50%
57% C
48%
39%
Increase the affordability of housing
75% B
65%
82% BC
63%
52%
Enhance adaptability to climate change
81% B
70%
80% C
71%
67%
53
35-54 years
55 years or older
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
The Plan provides a framework for working toward objectives expressed by community member goals. How important to you, if at all, is it that each of the following objectives are addressed by the Plan?
Gender
Age
Woman
Man
18-34 years
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
Foster a welcoming and inclusive community
66% B
55%
59%
70% C
52%
Enhance support for all ages and stages of life
64% B
52%
49%
61%
65% A
Preserve existing quality of life
73%
73%
65%
74%
86% AB
Support vibrant local arts and culture
68% B
60%
62%
70% C
54%
Promote a strong and diverse local economy
78%
77%
77%
81%
73%
Support Boulder's role as a technology and science hub
61%
74% A
66%
65%
69%
Position Boulder as a regional destination
23%
38% A
32%
30%
25%
Easy and safe access to a range of mobility choices
61%
66%
73% BC
58%
54%
Enhance public safety
64%
61%
59%
58%
73% AB
Strengthen hazard resilience
73% B
63%
70%
68%
63%
Other
48% B
19%
16%
43% A
54% A
54
35-54 years
55 years or older
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 39: Question #4 by Gender and Age
Gender
Age
Woman
Man
18-34 years
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
Central Boulder
18%
20%
28% BC
14%
8%
Crossroads
19%
18%
23% C
16%
12%
East Boulder
33%
32%
33%
32%
29%
Gunbarrel
32%
30%
31%
36% C
22%
North Boulder
24%
23%
28% C
21%
17%
Palo Park
19%
18%
18%
21%
14%
Southeast Boulder
29%
29%
34% C
26%
22%
South Boulder
26%
23%
32% BC
21%
15%
University of Colorado
13%
19% A
22% BC
12%
7%
University Hill
11%
20% A
23% BC
12%
7%
Planning Reserve north of the City of Boulder
26%
19%
25%
16%
22%
Unincorporated Boulder County neighborhoods
20% B
14%
19%
13%
13%
Which areas in the Boulder Valley (see map), if any, do you think should be considered for more housing? (Select all that apply)
55
35-54 years
55 years or older
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Gender
Age
Woman
Man
18-34 years
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
None of the above
12%
12%
5%
14% A
30% AB
All of the above
16%
17%
18% C
20% C
8%
No preference
18%
18%
23% C
17%
10%
Which areas in the Boulder Valley (see map), if any, do you think should be considered for more housing? (Select all that apply)
56
35-54 years
55 years or older
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 40: Question #5 by Gender and Age
Gender
Age
Man
18-34 years
35-54 years
55 years or older
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
Support low-density housing types like detached homes and duplexes
63%
56%
52%
63%
68% A
Support moderate-density housing types, like 3- to 6-unit buildings, in more areas
81%
84%
92% BC
80% C
60%
Support higher-density housing types, like apartments or condominiums, in more areas
56%
63%
74% BC
54% C
33%
Encourage mixed-use buildings (often commercial and housing in one building) in more areas
74%
79%
86% BC
72% C
58%
Focus on increasing housing that is more affordable
84%
79%
91% BC
77% C
63%
Encourage use of less utilized areas in the city before developing areas outside the city boundary
80%
79%
88% BC
75%
65%
Expand the city into the Planning Reserve (see map) to allow for new housing
57%
54%
62% C
51%
46%
How strongly do you agree or disagree with each of the following related to the future of housing in the Boulder Valley? The Plan should…
Woman
57
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 41: Question #6 by Gender and Age
Low-density neighborhoods made up of single-unit detached houses currently cover a majority of developed land in the Boulder Valley, consistent with current regulations. Would you support or oppose allowing the following options related to different housing types in these low-density neighborhoods?
Gender
Age
Woman
Man
18-34 years
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
Single unit detached homes and accessory dwelling units only
59%
53%
43%
66% A
71% A
Duplexes (a building with two dwellings)
84%
84%
90% C
82%
74%
Multiplexes and Townhouses (a building with 3 to 6 units)
71%
74%
87% BC
68% C
48%
Cottage court (a cluster of 3 to 8 small, detached homes arranged around a shared courtyard space)
84%
79%
86% C
82% C
69%
Housing types with two or more units allowed throughout low-density neighborhoods
68%
73%
83% BC
70% C
46%
Housing types with two or more units only allowed in specific locations in low-density neighborhoods, such as near transit stops
69% B
57%
64%
65%
55%
58
35-54 years
55 years or older
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 42: Question #7 by Gender and Age
Taller multi-unit buildings generally use land and resources more efficiently, but can also impact the skyline, scenic views, and the experience of a place on the ground. Building height in the City of Boulder is limited to 55 feet (about 4 or 5 stories) and is restricted to even lower in some areas unless new development meets special conditions. Regarding building heights in the city, which do you prefer?
Gender
Age
Woman
Man
18-34 years
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
Keep building heights the same as they are today
65% B
46%
37%
62% A
78% AB
Allow buildings in more areas of the city to be up to 55 feet tall without meeting special conditions
5%
10% A
12% B
5%
8%
Allow buildings to be taller than 55 feet but only for varied rooflines and architectural features keeping the number of
2%
8% A
8% B
1%
5%
Allow buildings to be up to 6 or 7 stories only in specific areas to allow more housing units
21%
27%
29% C
27% C
8%
Allow buildings to be up to 6 or 7 stories everywhere to allow more housing units
7%
9%
13% BC
4%
1%
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
59
35-54 years
55 years or older
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 43: Question #8 by Gender and Age
Gender
Age
Woman
Man
18-34 years
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
Don’t add any new housing and business uses
12%
9%
3%
10% A
28% AB
Focus new housing and businesses within existing city limits
33%
46% A
46% C
38%
33%
Expand city boundaries into the Planning Reserve on the north side of Boulder to accommodate new housing and businesses
18%
14%
7%
21% A
22% A
Both of the above options should be pursued
37%
30%
44% BC
31% C
17%
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
If the City or County decides to support new housing and business uses, which do you prefer?
35-54 years
55 years or older
Table 44: Question #9 by Gender and Age
Gender
Age
If the City or County decides to support new neighborhood-serving businesses in residential areas, which do you prefer?
Woman
Man
18-34 years
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
Allow small businesses (such as corner cafes, daycares, salons, healthcare offices or small shops) in all areas of resid
54%
61%
72% BC
60% C
27%
Allow small businesses only in very specific locations within residential neighborhoods, such as near transit stops
38%
32%
27%
33%
44% A
Don’t allow small businesses in traditionally residential-only areas
9%
7%
1%
7% A
29% AB
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
60
35-54 years
55 years or older
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 45: Question #10 by Gender and Age
Gender
Age
Woman
Man
18-34 years
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
Change office spaces into residential uses
58%
52%
56%
49%
58%
Allow more uses to encourage other types of businesses (e.g., storage, event spaces, services)
31%
36%
28%
38%
34%
Create incentives for commercial property owners to lease space at lower rates
44% B
35%
37%
42%
37%
Make it harder for property owners to leave units vacant for extended periods of time
38%
44%
53% BC
40% C
25%
Don't do anything
2%
3%
1%
2%
10% AB
I'm not sure / no opinion
2%
6% A
5%
3%
3%
Which of the following would you be most interested in exploring to address commercial vacancies? (Select your top two)
61
35-54 years
55 years or older
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 46: Question #11 by Gender and Age
Gender
Age
Woman
Man
18-34 years
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
Require low-flow indoor water fixtures
35%
28%
31%
31%
29%
Restrict outdoor water use to specific times
53%
47%
46%
52%
49%
Restrict outdoor water use only during times of drought
26%
32%
29%
26%
35%
Require lawn replacement with landscaping that needs minimal water
46%
49%
64% BC
37%
29%
None of the above
5%
10% A
6%
8%
15% A
I'm not sure / no opinion
6%
4%
4%
10% A
4%
As part of the Boulder Valley’s response to conserve water in relation to climate change, which of the following would you support? (Select your top two)
62
35-54 years
55 years or older
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 47: Question #12 by Gender and Age
Gender
Overall, the Boulder Valley’s population is aging, and the fastest growing demographic is older adults (65 and over). Which of these options would you like to see the City and County prioritize regarding the community’s aging population? (Select your top two)
Woman
Age
Man
18-34 years
35-54 years
55 years or older
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
Availability of housing choices attractive to older adults (e.g., single-level living, smaller units, etc.)
29% B
21%
13%
27% A
43% AB
Availability of housing that is affordable to people on fixed incomes
50% B
41%
46%
44%
43%
Size of workforce population to provide healthcare services
25%
19%
18%
23%
23%
Size of workforce population to provide entertainment, dining, shopping and other services
7%
17% A
15% C
10%
6%
Number of activities and opportunities for social interactions
15%
18%
13%
20%
18%
Ability to travel around the city safely and independently
48%
46%
48%
43%
48%
None of the above
3%
5%
6%
2%
8% B
I'm not sure / no opinion
7%
12% A
14% BC
7%
2%
63
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 48: Question #13 by Gender and Age
The younger generations in our community will live with the decisions we make in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan for many years. What we do now to create a healthy and thriving future for them is very important. Which of these options would you like to see the City and County prioritize regarding the community’s younger population? (Select your top two)
Gender
Age
Woman
Man
18-34 years
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
Availability of places to gather and socialize
45%
50%
60% C
50% C
27%
Supporting mental health and wellbeing
45% B
25%
26%
36%
45% A
Safety in public spaces
54%
53%
55%
52%
54%
Opportunities for youth-focused activities, programs and services
33%
36%
28%
36%
39% A
Access to volunteer and leadership opportunities
20%
17%
13%
17%
27% A
None of the above
1%
3%
2%
3%
2%
I'm not sure / no opinion
2%
2%
3%
2%
2%
64
35-54 years
55 years or older
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Comparisons by Race/ethnicity and Income Table 49: Question #1 by Race/ethnicity and Income Bracket
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
Before receiving this survey, how familiar were you with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (The Plan)?
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
I’ve never heard of it/know nothing about it
43%
57% A
54% D
44%
44%
37%
I don’t know much about it
31% B
18%
24%
25%
22%
42% ABC
I know some things about it
20%
16%
11%
24% A
28% A
17%
I know quite a bit about it
4%
8%
8%
6%
4%
3%
I’m very familiar with it (e.g., understand its purpose, scope, objectives, etc.)
2%
2%
3%
1%
2%
1%
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
Table 50: Question #2 by Race/ethnicity and Income Bracket
The Plan provides a framework for addressing potential issues facing the Boulder Valley. How concerned, if at all, are you about the following current or potential issues facing the Boulder Valley? Decline of natural environment
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
91%
87%
85%
94%
96% A
90%
65
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
The Plan provides a framework for addressing potential issues facing the Boulder Valley. How concerned, if at all, are you about the following current or potential issues facing the Boulder Valley?
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Support for aging population
66%
69%
63%
70%
79% D
61%
Support for youth population
84% B
65%
80%
84%
87%
83%
Cost of living
93%
99% A
97% D
97% D
96%
89%
Cost of housing
93%
99%
99% D
96% D
97% D
87%
Lack of housing types/choices
78% B
65%
79%
89% CD
73%
69%
Poor/ aging infrastructure
77%
82%
77%
81%
84%
75%
Excessive growth and development
75%
71%
66%
80%
83% A
71%
Tourism impact
49%
51%
44%
59% D
57%
43%
Hazard preparation and resiliency (e.g., fire and flood mitigation)
93% B
79%
87%
91%
91%
95%
Availability of resources (e.g., water and energy)
84%
76%
70%
90% A
83%
88% A
Economic health of local businesses
89%
83%
83%
88%
92%
89%
Availability of resources (e.g., water and energy)
84%
76%
70%
90% A
83%
88% A
Crime prevention and safety
78%
88%
80%
77%
78%
82%
66
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
The Plan provides a framework for addressing potential issues facing the Boulder Valley. How concerned, if at all, are you about the following current or potential issues facing the Boulder Valley?
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Safety of pedestrians and bicyclists
89%
90%
87%
87%
80%
93% C
Other
46%
60%
32%
58% A
58% A
50%
Table 51: Question #3 by Race/ethnicity and Income Bracket
The Plan provides a framework for working toward objectives expressed by community member goals. How important to you, if at all, is it that each of the following objectives are addressed by the Plan?
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Enhance parks, recreation and open spaces
67%
83% A
67%
63%
69%
73%
Ensure fairness and equal opportunity
64%
63%
73% D
66%
57%
55%
Protect and enhance the natural environment
84%
93%
86%
83%
83%
82%
Increase the variety of housing options
53% B
41%
56%
62% D
52%
45%
Increase the affordability of housing
72%
69%
82% D
82% D
70%
59%
Enhance adaptability to climate change
76%
83%
76%
65%
81% B
76%
Foster a welcoming and inclusive community
63%
66%
57%
60%
66%
62%
67
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
The Plan provides a framework for working toward objectives expressed by community member goals. How important to you, if at all, is it that each of the following objectives are addressed by the Plan?
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Enhance support for all ages and stages of life
55%
79% A
56%
48%
69% B
56%
Preserve existing quality of life
70%
89% A
70%
75%
74%
73%
Support vibrant local arts and culture
65%
65%
66%
61%
61%
66%
Promote a strong and diverse local economy
76%
89% A
79%
71%
77%
80%
Support Boulder's role as a technology and science hub
67%
61%
59%
55%
68%
79% AB
Position Boulder as a regional destination
30%
36%
29%
20%
27%
38% B
Easy and safe access to a range of mobility choices
63%
80% A
79% BD
56%
65%
63%
Enhance public safety
59%
78% A
63%
57%
57%
63%
Strengthen hazard resilience
68%
63%
61%
70%
65%
72%
Other
28%
40%
9%
34%
28%
37% A
68
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 52: Question #4 by Race/ethnicity and Income Bracket
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Central Boulder
20% B
9%
26%
19%
20%
17%
Crossroads
20% B
9%
20%
19%
17%
20%
East Boulder
33%
31%
24%
40% A
33%
38% A
Gunbarrel
33% B
19%
20%
34%
33%
37% A
North Boulder
25% B
12%
18%
21%
24%
25%
Palo Park
20% B
6%
13%
18%
20%
21%
Southeast Boulder
30%
32%
32%
33%
24%
29%
South Boulder
26%
22%
27%
24%
27%
24%
University of Colorado
17% B
7%
23% D
16%
14%
12%
University Hill
17% B
7%
19%
17%
13%
14%
Planning Reserve north of the City of Boulder
24% B
13%
14%
36% AC
18%
23%
Which areas in the Boulder Valley (see map), if any, do you think should be considered for more housing? (Select all that apply)
69
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Unincorporated Boulder County neighborhoods
16%
29% A
13%
30% ACD
10%
13%
None of the above
10%
18% A
8%
11%
16%
12%
All of the above
17%
11%
15%
18%
13%
21%
No preference
18%
24%
26% D
20%
16%
12%
Which areas in the Boulder Valley (see map), if any, do you think should be considered for more housing? (Select all that apply)
70
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 53: Question #5 by Race/ethnicity and Income Bracket
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Support low-density housing types like detached homes and duplexes
58%
60%
47%
68% A
61%
62% A
Support moderate-density housing types, like 3- to 6-unit buildings, in more areas
85% B
75%
86%
89%
79%
82%
Support higher-density housing types, like apartments or condominiums, in more areas
62%
57%
69%
57%
60%
57%
Encourage mixed-use buildings (often commercial and housing in one building) in more areas
77%
82%
71%
80%
79%
76%
Focus on increasing housing that is more affordable
83%
88%
94% D
89% D
82% D
69%
Encourage use of less utilized areas in the city before developing areas outside the city boundary
81%
75%
83%
76%
83%
77%
Expand the city into the Planning Reserve (see map) to allow for new housing
56%
59%
60%
60%
53%
53%
How strongly do you agree or disagree with each of the following related to the future of housing in the Boulder Valley? The Plan should…
71
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 54: Question #6 by Race/ethnicity and Income Bracket
Low-density neighborhoods made up of singleunit detached houses currently cover a majority of developed land in the Boulder Valley, consistent with current regulations. Would you support or oppose allowing the following options related to different housing types in these lowdensity neighborhoods?
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Single unit detached homes and accessory dwelling units only
57%
45%
41%
60% A
62% A
61% A
Duplexes (a building with two dwellings)
87% B
69%
83%
89%
87%
82%
Multiplexes and Townhouses (a building with 3 to 6 units)
75%
67%
84% CD
79%
67%
67%
Cottage court (a cluster of 3 to 8 small, detached homes arranged around a shared courtyard space)
82%
76%
85%
80%
86%
81%
Housing types with two or more units allowed throughout low-density neighborhoods
72%
71%
79%
72%
69%
66%
Housing types with two or more units only allowed in specific locations in low-density neighborhoods, such as near transit stops
63%
64%
64%
67%
55%
65%
72
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 55: Question #7 by Race/ethnicity and Income Bracket
Taller multi-unit buildings generally use land and resources more efficiently, but can also impact the skyline, scenic views, and the experience of a place on the ground. Building height in the City of Boulder is limited to 55 feet (about 4 or 5 stories) and is restricted to even lower in some areas unless new development meets special conditions. Regarding building heights in the city, which do you prefer?
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Keep building heights the same as they are today
55%
45%
41%
55%
59%
59% A
Allow buildings in more areas of the city to be up to 55 feet tall without meeting special conditions
8%
11%
13%
14%
3%
8%
Allow buildings to be taller than 55 feet but only for varied rooflines and architectural features keeping the number of
4%
16% A
7%
4%
7%
4%
Allow buildings to be up to 6 or 7 stories only in specific areas to allow more housing units
25%
17%
24%
18%
28%
23%
Allow buildings to be up to 6 or 7 stories everywhere to allow more housing units
7%
12%
15% CD
9%
3%
6%
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
73
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 56: Question #8 by Race/ethnicity and Income Bracket
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
If the City or County decides to support new housing and business uses, which do you prefer?
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Don’t add any new housing and business uses
9%
13%
9%
11%
12%
7%
Focus new housing and businesses within existing city limits
41%
42%
38%
40%
41%
43%
Expand city boundaries into the Planning Reserve on the north side of Boulder to accommodate new housing and businesses
15%
19%
10%
20%
14%
16%
Both of the above options should be pursued
35%
27%
42%
30%
33%
34%
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
74
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 57: Question #9 by Race/ethnicity and Income Bracket
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
If the City or County decides to support new neighborhood-serving businesses in residential areas, which do you prefer?
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Allow small businesses (such as corner cafes, daycares, salons, healthcare offices or small shops) in all areas of resid
59%
63%
61%
53%
59%
61%
Allow small businesses only in very specific locations within residential neighborhoods, such as near transit stops
34%
34%
34%
40%
34%
32%
Don’t allow small businesses in traditionally residential-only areas
7%
3%
4%
7%
7%
8%
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
75
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 58: Question #10 by Race/ethnicity and Income Bracket
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Change office spaces into residential uses
55%
54%
56%
56%
48%
54%
Allow more uses to encourage other types of businesses (e.g., storage, event spaces, services)
32%
32%
26%
30%
33%
41% A
Create incentives for commercial property owners to lease space at lower rates
42% B
27%
39%
45%
40%
34%
Make it harder for property owners to leave units vacant for extended periods of time
44% B
28%
44%
44%
39%
44%
Don't do anything
3%
3%
1%
4%
2%
5%
I'm not sure / no opinion
3%
17% A
8% D
2%
6%
1%
Which of the following would you be most interested in exploring to address commercial vacancies? (Select your top two)
76
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 59: Question #11 by Race/ethnicity and Income Bracket
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Require low-flow indoor water fixtures
33%
31%
23%
33%
36%
34%
Restrict outdoor water use to specific times
50%
44%
51%
38%
56%
52%
Restrict outdoor water use only during times of drought
29%
33%
26%
29%
21%
36% C
Require lawn replacement with landscaping that needs minimal water
48%
57%
62% D
50%
51%
38%
None of the above
7%
7%
6%
10%
5%
7%
I'm not sure / no opinion
5%
4%
5%
5%
7%
4%
As part of the Boulder Valley’s response to conserve water in relation to climate change, which of the following would you support? (Select your top two)
77
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 60: Question #12 by Race/ethnicity and Income Bracket
Overall, the Boulder Valley’s population is aging, and the fastest growing demographic is older adults (65 and over). Which of these options would you like to see the City and County prioritize regarding the community’s aging population? (Select your top two)
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Availability of housing choices attractive to older adults (e.g., single-level living, smaller units, etc.)
25%
18%
20%
25%
25%
26%
Availability of housing that is affordable to people on fixed incomes
47%
37%
61% D
48% D
59% D
30%
Size of workforce population to provide healthcare services
23%
13%
18%
17%
19%
24%
Size of workforce population to provide entertainment, dining, shopping and other services
10%
28% A
17% B
4%
13%
12%
Number of activities and opportunities for social interactions
16%
18%
14%
13%
15%
21%
Ability to travel around the city safely and independently
47%
47%
40%
55%
54%
45%
None of the above
4%
3%
1%
9% A
2%
6%
I'm not sure / no opinion
9%
10%
10%
6%
6%
11%
78
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 61: Question #13 by Race/ethnicity and Income Bracket
The younger generations in our community will live with the decisions we make in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan for many years. What we do now to create a healthy and thriving future for them is very important. Which of these options would you like to see the City and County prioritize regarding the community’s younger population? (Select your top two)
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Availability of places to gather and socialize
50%
41%
53%
39%
49%
54%
Supporting mental health and wellbeing
36%
24%
31%
44%
30%
31%
Safety in public spaces
51%
63%
46%
52%
42%
63% AC
Opportunities for youth-focused activities, programs and services
35%
28%
38%
32%
46% D
29%
Access to volunteer and leadership opportunities
16%
25%
20%
22%
22%
13%
None of the above
2%
0%
0%
2%
2%
4%
I'm not sure / no opinion
3%
2%
2%
2%
3%
2%
79
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 62: Question #25 by Race/ethnicity and Income Bracket
Race/ethnicity
Income Bracket
If you have participated in any engagement activities related to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update, do you feel heard in this process?
White alone, not Hispanic
Hispanic and/or other race
Less than $50,000
$50,000$99,999
$100,000$149,999
$150,000 or more
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
This is the first time I have heard about or participated in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan process
71% B
48%
69%
64%
69%
67%
Yes, I strongly agree that the city and county are hearing all of my input
2%
4%
0%
2%
3%
4%
Yes, I agree that the city and county are hearing most of my input
7%
18% A
9%
8%
11%
6%
Neutral
12%
18%
16%
14%
9%
13%
No, I disagree and think you are hearing only some of my input
6%
4%
3%
4%
5%
8%
No, I strongly disagree and don't feel heard at all
2%
9% A
2%
8% D
3%
1%
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
80
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Comparisons by Tenure and Housing Type Table 63: Question #1 by Tenure and Housing Unit Type
Tenure
Housing type
Before receiving this survey, how familiar were you with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (The Plan)?
Own
Rent
Single family, detached
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
I’ve never heard of it/know nothing about it
24%
64% A
25%
55% A
I don’t know much about it
40% B
19%
36% B
27%
I know some things about it
28% B
11%
31% B
11%
I know quite a bit about it
6%
5%
5%
5%
I’m very familiar with it (e.g., understand its purpose, scope, objectives, etc.)
3%
1%
3%
1%
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
81
Other
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 64: Question #2 by Tenure and Housing Unit Type
Tenure
Housing type Rent
Single family, detached
Other
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
Decline of natural environment
89%
89%
90%
89%
Support for aging population
79% B
55%
77% B
61%
Support for youth population
87% B
76%
84%
79%
Cost of living
90%
97% A
89%
97% A
Cost of housing
87%
98% A
84%
98% A
Lack of housing types/choices
67%
82% A
62%
83% A
Poor/ aging infrastructure
84% B
73%
84% B
74%
Excessive growth and development
84% B
66%
82% B
71%
Tourism impact
54%
46%
52%
49%
Hazard preparation and resiliency (e.g., fire and flood mitigation)
90%
92%
89%
93%
Availability of resources (e.g., water and energy)
87% B
80%
85%
82%
Economic health of local businesses
90%
86%
91% B
86%
Availability of resources (e.g., water and energy)
87% B
80%
85%
82%
The Plan provides a framework for addressing potential issues facing the Boulder Valley. How concerned, if at all, are you about the following current or potential issues facing the Boulder Valley?
Own
82
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Tenure
Housing type Rent
Single family, detached
Other
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
Crime prevention and safety
84%
78%
87% B
77%
Safety of pedestrians and bicyclists
89%
86%
89%
87%
Other
60% B
42%
66% B
42%
The Plan provides a framework for addressing potential issues facing the Boulder Valley. How concerned, if at all, are you about the following current or potential issues facing the Boulder Valley?
Own
Table 65: Question #3 by Tenure and Housing Unit Type
Tenure
The Plan provides a framework for working toward objectives expressed by community member goals. How important to you, if at all, is it that each of the following objectives are addressed by the Plan?
Own
Housing type Rent
Single family, detached
Other
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
Enhance parks, recreation and open spaces
68%
66%
73% B
62%
Ensure fairness and equal opportunity
52%
70% A
49%
69% A
Protect and enhance the natural environment
81%
84%
80%
85%
Increase the variety of housing options
40%
59% A
38%
57% A
Increase the affordability of housing
54%
82% A
50%
81% A
Enhance adaptability to climate change
67%
81% A
66%
78% A
Foster a welcoming and inclusive community
59%
60%
57%
62%
83
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
The Plan provides a framework for working toward objectives expressed by community member goals. How important to you, if at all, is it that each of the following objectives are addressed by the Plan?
Tenure
Housing type
Own
Rent
Single family, detached
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
Enhance support for all ages and stages of life
63% B
51%
61%
54%
Preserve existing quality of life
82% B
65%
83% B
67%
Support vibrant local arts and culture
62%
62%
59%
64%
Promote a strong and diverse local economy
77%
75%
81% B
74%
Support Boulder's role as a technology and science hub
68%
65%
72% B
62%
Position Boulder as a regional destination
31%
28%
35% B
25%
Easy and safe access to a range of mobility choices
55%
73% A
57%
68% A
Enhance public safety
65%
60%
67%
60%
Strengthen hazard resilience
66%
68%
66%
68%
Other
47% B
16%
50% B
21%
84
Other
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 66: Question #4 by Tenure and Housing Unit Type
Tenure
Housing type
Which areas in the Boulder Valley (see map), if any, do you think should be considered for more housing? (Select all that apply)
Own
Rent
Single family, detached
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
Central Boulder
12%
25% A
12%
23% A
Crossroads
16%
19%
13%
21% A
East Boulder
35%
28%
30%
33%
Gunbarrel
34% B
26%
32%
29%
North Boulder
21%
25%
18%
26% A
Palo Park
21% B
14%
16%
18%
Southeast Boulder
28%
30%
25%
31%
South Boulder
20%
29% A
18%
29% A
University of Colorado
12%
19% A
10%
19% A
University Hill
12%
19% A
10%
18% A
Planning Reserve north of the City of Boulder
21%
21%
20%
22%
Unincorporated Boulder County neighborhoods
16%
16%
14%
17%
None of the above
23% B
6%
23% B
8%
85
Other
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Tenure
Housing type
Which areas in the Boulder Valley (see map), if any, do you think should be considered for more housing? (Select all that apply)
Own
Rent
Single family, detached
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
All of the above
11%
20% A
12%
19% A
No preference
11%
24% A
13%
21% A
Other
Table 67: Question #5 by Tenure and Housing Unit Type
Tenure
Housing type Rent
Single family, detached
Other
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
Support low-density housing types like detached homes and duplexes
63%
56%
71% B
52%
Support moderate-density housing types, like 3- to 6-unit buildings, in more areas
70%
89% A
69%
87% A
Support higher-density housing types, like apartments or condominiums, in more areas
41%
74% A
43%
66% A
Encourage mixed-use buildings (often commercial and housing in one building) in more areas
69%
80% A
68%
78% A
Focus on increasing housing that is more affordable
68%
90% A
66%
88% A
Encourage use of less utilized areas in the city before developing areas outside the city boundary
69%
86% A
69%
83% A
Expand the city into the Planning Reserve (see map) to allow for new housing
45%
64% A
49%
58% A
How strongly do you agree or disagree with each of the following related to the future of housing in the Boulder Valley? The Plan should…
Own
86
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 68: Question #6 by Tenure and Housing Unit Type
Low-density neighborhoods made up of single-unit detached houses currently cover a majority of developed land in the Boulder Valley, consistent with current regulations. Would you support or oppose allowing the following options related to different housing types in these lowdensity neighborhoods?
Tenure
Housing type
Own
Rent
Single family, detached
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
Single unit detached homes and accessory dwelling units only
71% B
44%
73% B
46%
Duplexes (a building with two dwellings)
78%
88% A
78%
87% A
Multiplexes and Townhouses (a building with 3 to 6 units)
55%
87% A
51%
84% A
Cottage court (a cluster of 3 to 8 small, detached homes arranged around a shared courtyard space)
71%
87% A
71%
85% A
Housing types with two or more units allowed throughout low-density neighborhoods
55%
83% A
50%
82% A
Housing types with two or more units only allowed in specific locations in lowdensity neighborhoods, such as near transit stops
58%
64%
55%
66% A
87
Other
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 69: Question #7 by Tenure and Housing Unit Type
Taller multi-unit buildings generally use land and resources more efficiently, but can also impact the skyline, scenic views, and the experience of a place on the ground. Building height in the City of Boulder is limited to 55 feet (about 4 or 5 stories) and is restricted to even lower in some areas unless new development meets special conditions. Regarding building heights in the city, which do you prefer?
Tenure
Housing type
Own
Rent
Single family, detached
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
Keep building heights the same as they are today
70% B
42%
64% B
51%
Allow buildings in more areas of the city to be up to 55 feet tall without meeting special conditions
6%
12% A
8%
9%
Allow buildings to be taller than 55 feet but only for varied rooflines and architectural features keeping the number of
6%
5%
8% B
3%
Allow buildings to be up to 6 or 7 stories only in specific areas to allow more housing units
16%
30% A
18%
25% A
Allow buildings to be up to 6 or 7 stories everywhere to allow more housing units
3%
12% A
2%
11% A
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
88
Other
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 70: Question #8 by Tenure and Housing Unit Type
Tenure
Housing type
If the City or County decides to support new housing and business uses, which do you prefer?
Own
Rent
Single family, detached
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
Don’t add any new housing and business uses
18% B
6%
18% B
9%
Focus new housing and businesses within existing city limits
41%
39%
38%
41%
Expand city boundaries into the Planning Reserve on the north side of Boulder to accommodate new housing and businesses
20% B
11%
22% B
11%
Both of the above options should be pursued
21%
44% A
23%
39% A
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
Other
Table 71: Question #9 by Tenure and Housing Unit Type
Tenure
Housing type
If the City or County decides to support new neighborhood-serving businesses in residential areas, which do you prefer?
Own
Rent
Single family, detached
Other
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
Allow small businesses (such as corner cafes, daycares, salons, healthcare offices or small shops) in all areas of resid
45%
68% A
44%
64% A
Allow small businesses only in very specific locations within residential neighborhoods, such as near transit stops
38% B
30%
38%
31%
Don’t allow small businesses in traditionally residential-only areas
17% B
3%
18% B
5%
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
89
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 72: Question #10 by Tenure and Housing Unit Type
Tenure
Housing type
Which of the following would you be most interested in exploring to address commercial vacancies? (Select your top two)
Own
Rent
Single family, detached
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
Change office spaces into residential uses
54%
55%
49%
58% A
Allow more uses to encourage other types of businesses (e.g., storage, event spaces, services)
34%
31%
36%
30%
Create incentives for commercial property owners to lease space at lower rates
40%
36%
40%
37%
Make it harder for property owners to leave units vacant for extended periods of time
34%
49% A
33%
47% A
Don't do anything
7% B
2%
7% B
3%
I'm not sure / no opinion
4%
4%
4%
4%
90
Other
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 73: Question #11 by Tenure and Housing Unit Type
Tenure
Housing type
Rent
Single family, detached
Other
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
Require low-flow indoor water fixtures
32%
28%
31%
29%
Restrict outdoor water use to specific times
48%
50%
46%
51%
Restrict outdoor water use only during times of drought
30%
31%
33%
28%
Require lawn replacement with landscaping that needs minimal water
35%
58% A
29%
59% A
None of the above
12% B
6%
14% B
5%
I'm not sure / no opinion
7%
4%
5%
6%
As part of the Boulder Valley’s response to conserve water in relation to climate change, which of the following would you support? (Select your top two)
Own
91
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 74: Question #12 by Tenure and Housing Unit Type
Tenure
Overall, the Boulder Valley’s population is aging, and the fastest growing demographic is older adults (65 and over). Which of these options would you like to see the City and County prioritize regarding the community’s aging population? (Select your top two)
Own
Housing type
Rent
Single family, detached
Other
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
Availability of housing choices attractive to older adults (e.g., single-level living, smaller units, etc.)
35% B
15%
38% B
16%
Availability of housing that is affordable to people on fixed incomes
36%
53% A
35%
52% A
Size of workforce population to provide healthcare services
22%
20%
23%
19%
Size of workforce population to provide entertainment, dining, shopping and other services
9%
13%
10%
12%
Number of activities and opportunities for social interactions
20% B
13%
20% B
13%
Ability to travel around the city safely and independently
46%
47%
42%
51% A
None of the above
7%
5%
6%
6%
I'm not sure / no opinion
6%
11% A
7%
10%
92
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 75: Question #13 by Tenure and Housing Unit Type
The younger generations in our community will live with the decisions we make in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan for many years. What we do now to create a healthy and thriving future for them is very important. Which of these options would you like to see the City and County prioritize regarding the community’s younger population? (Select your top two)
Tenure Own
Housing type
Rent
Single family, detached
Other
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
Availability of places to gather and socialize
40%
56% A
42%
51% A
Supporting mental health and wellbeing
38% B
28%
35%
34%
Safety in public spaces
56%
51%
59% B
49%
Opportunities for youth-focused activities, programs and services
37%
30%
35%
32%
Access to volunteer and leadership opportunities
21%
15%
19%
18%
None of the above
1%
4%
2%
3%
I'm not sure / no opinion
2%
3%
4%
2%
93
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 76: Question #25 by Tenure and Housing Unit Type
Tenure
Housing type
If you have participated in any engagement activities related to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update, do you feel heard in this process?
Own
Rent
Single family, detached
(A)
(B)
(A)
(B)
This is the first time I have heard about or participated in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan process
55%
78% A
53%
75% A
Yes, I strongly agree that the city and county are hearing all of my input
4% B
1%
4% B
1%
Yes, I agree that the city and county are hearing most of my input
7%
6%
8%
7%
Neutral
18% B
10%
16%
12%
No, I disagree and think you are hearing only some of my input
9% B
3%
12% B
2%
No, I strongly disagree and don't feel heard at all
7% B
3%
7% B
3%
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
94
Other
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
Comparisons by Planning Area Figure 14: Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Areas
95
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 77: Question #1 by Planning Area
Before receiving this survey, how familiar were you with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (The Plan)?
Planning Area 1
Planning Area 2
Planning Area 3
Overall
(A)
(B)
(C)
(A)
I’ve never heard of it/know nothing about it
45% C
36%
20%
42%
I don’t know much about it
30%
35%
38%
31%
I know some things about it
19%
23%
23%
20%
I know quite a bit about it
5%
3%
15%
5%
I’m very familiar with it (e.g., understand its purpose, scope, objectives, etc.)
2%
3%
5%
2%
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
Table 78: Question #2 by Planning Area
The Plan provides a framework for addressing potential issues facing the Boulder Valley. How concerned, if at all, are you about the following current or potential issues facing the Boulder Valley?
Planning Area 1
Planning Area 2
Planning Area 3
Overall
(A)
(B)
(C)
(A)
Decline of natural environment
90%
91%
80%
89%
Support for aging population
66%
72%
76%
68%
Support for youth population
81%
87%
73%
81%
Cost of living
94% C
97% C
70%
94%
Cost of housing
93% C
95% C
60%
92%
Lack of housing types/choices
75% C
71%
49%
74%
Poor/ aging infrastructure
79%
76%
81%
79%
Excessive growth and development
74%
83%
80%
76%
Tourism impact
49%
61%
44%
50%
Hazard preparation and resiliency (e.g., fire and flood mitigation)
93% B
81%
81%
91%
Availability of resources (e.g., water and energy)
83%
83%
86%
83%
Economic health of local businesses
88%
86%
92%
88%
Availability of resources (e.g., water and energy)
83%
83%
86%
83%
Crime prevention and safety
81%
78%
93%
81%
96
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
The Plan provides a framework for addressing potential issues facing the Boulder Valley. How concerned, if at all, are you about the following current or potential issues facing the Boulder Valley?
Planning Area 1
Planning Area 2
Planning Area 3
Overall
(A)
(B)
(C)
(A)
Safety of pedestrians and bicyclists
89% C
81%
68%
87%
Other
49%
60%
57%
51%
Table 79: Question #3 by Planning Area
The Plan provides a framework for working toward objectives expressed by community member goals. How important to you, if at all, is it that each of the following objectives are addressed by the Plan?
Planning Area 1
Planning Area 2
Planning Area 3
Overall
(A)
(B)
(C)
(A)
Enhance parks, recreation and open spaces
67%
74%
56%
67%
Ensure fairness and equal opportunity
62% C
64%
38%
61%
Protect and enhance the natural environment
83% C
88% C
63%
83%
Increase the variety of housing options
49%
52% C
21%
49%
Increase the affordability of housing
69% C
72% C
22%
67%
Enhance adaptability to climate change
75% C
75% C
31%
73%
Foster a welcoming and inclusive community
59%
70% C
37%
59%
Enhance support for all ages and stages of life
57%
64%
53%
57%
Preserve existing quality of life
73%
80%
66%
74%
Support vibrant local arts and culture
62%
70%
45%
62%
Promote a strong and diverse local economy
76%
86% C
58%
76%
Support Boulder's role as a technology and science hub
67%
65%
56%
66%
Position Boulder as a regional destination
30%
26%
25%
29%
Easy and safe access to a range of mobility choices
64% C
64% C
37%
63%
Enhance public safety
64%
62%
59%
63%
97
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey
The Plan provides a framework for working toward objectives expressed by community member goals. How important to you, if at all, is it that each of the following objectives are addressed by the Plan?
Planning Area 1
Planning Area 2
Planning Area 3
Overall
(A)
(B)
(C)
(A)
Strengthen hazard resilience
68%
66%
50%
67%
Other
29%
42%
53%
31%
Table 80: Question #4 by Planning Area
Which areas in the Boulder Valley (see map), if any, do you think should be considered for more housing? (Select all that apply)
Planning Area 1
Planning Area 2
Planning Area 3
Overall
(A)
(B)
(C)
(A)
Central Boulder
19%
17%
14%
18%
Crossroads
19%
15%
5%
18%
East Boulder
33%
22%
22%
31%
Gunbarrel
31%
27%
23%
30%
North Boulder
22%
20%
29%
22%
Palo Park
17%
13%
17%
17%
Southeast Boulder
29%
23%
9%
28%
South Boulder
25%
18%
19%
24%
University of Colorado
16%
11%
3%
15%
University Hill
16%
7%
12%
15%
Planning Reserve north of the City of Boulder
20%
24%
21%
21%
Unincorporated Boulder County neighborhoods
16%
16%
3%
16%
None of the above
14%
19%
40% A
15%
All of the above
17%
9%
4%
15%
No preference
19%
12%
8%
17%
98
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 81: Question #5 by Planning Area
How strongly do you agree or disagree with each of the following related to the future of housing in the Boulder Valley? The Plan should…
Planning Area 1
Planning Area 2
Planning Area 3
Overall
(A)
(B)
(C)
(A)
Support low-density housing types like detached homes and duplexes
58%
68%
69%
60%
Support moderate-density housing types, like 3- to 6-unit buildings, in more areas
81% C
74% C
39%
78%
Support higher-density housing types, like apartments or condominiums, in more areas
60% BC
41%
25%
56%
Encourage mixed-use buildings (often commercial and housing in one building) in more areas
75%
63%
57%
74%
Focus on increasing housing that is more affordable
80% C
79% C
37%
78%
Encourage use of less utilized areas in the city before developing areas outside the city boundary
78%
79%
66%
77%
Expand the city into the Planning Reserve (see map) to allow for new housing
55%
54%
34%
54%
99
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 82: Question #6 by Planning Area
Low-density neighborhoods made up of single-unit detached houses currently cover a majority of developed land in the Boulder Valley, consistent with current regulations. Would you support or oppose allowing the following options related to different housing types in these low-density neighborhoods?
Planning Area 1
Planning Area 2
Planning Area 3
Overall
(A)
(B)
(C)
(A)
Single unit detached homes and accessory dwelling units only
55%
62%
85% A
58%
Duplexes (a building with two dwellings)
83%
81%
72%
82%
Multiplexes and Townhouses (a building with 3 to 6 units)
72% C
68% C
31%
70%
Cottage court (a cluster of 3 to 8 small, detached homes arranged around a shared courtyard space)
79%
87% C
63%
79%
Housing types with two or more units allowed throughout low-density neighborhoods
69% C
64%
44%
67%
Housing types with two or more units only allowed in specific locations in low-density neighborhoods, such as near transit stops
62%
58%
47%
61%
100
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 83: Question #7 by Planning Area
Taller multi-unit buildings generally use land and resources more efficiently, but can also impact the skyline, scenic views, and the experience of a place on the ground. Building height in the City of Boulder is limited to 55 feet (about 4 or 5 stories) and is restricted to even lower in some areas unless new development meets special conditions. Regarding building heights in the city, which do you prefer?
Planning Area 1
Planning Area 2
Planning Area 3
Overall
(A)
(B)
(C)
(A)
Keep building heights the same as they are today
55%
61%
80% A
57%
Allow buildings in more areas of the city to be up to 55 feet tall without meeting special conditions
8%
13%
5%
8%
Allow buildings to be taller than 55 feet but only for varied rooflines and architectural features keeping the number of
5%
5%
0%
5%
Allow buildings to be up to 6 or 7 stories only in specific areas to allow more housing units
23%
19%
14%
22%
Allow buildings to be up to 6 or 7 stories everywhere to allow more housing units
8% B
1%
0%
7%
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
101
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 84: Question #8 by Planning Area
If the City or County decides to support new housing and business uses, which do you prefer?
Planning Area 1
Planning Area 2
Planning Area 3
Overall
(A)
(B)
(C)
(A)
Don’t add any new housing and business uses
12%
18%
20%
13%
Focus new housing and businesses within existing city limits
40%
36%
50%
39%
Expand city boundaries into the Planning Reserve on the north side of Boulder to accommodate new housing and businesses
14%
20%
25%
16%
Both of the above options should be pursued
34% C
26%
6%
32%
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
Table 85: Question #9 by Planning Area
If the City or County decides to support new neighborhood-serving businesses in residential areas, which do you prefer?
Planning Area 1
Planning Area 2
Planning Area 3
Overall
(A)
(B)
(C)
(A)
Allow small businesses (such as corner cafes, daycares, salons, healthcare offices or small shops) in all areas of resid
57%
47%
49%
55%
Allow small businesses only in very specific locations within residential neighborhoods, such as near transit stops
34%
35%
28%
34%
Don’t allow small businesses in traditionally residential-only areas
10%
18% A
24%
11%
Total
100%
100%
100%
100%
102
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 86: Question #10 by Planning Area
Which of the following would you be most interested in exploring to address commercial vacancies? (Select your top two)
Planning Area 1
Planning Area 2
Planning Area 3
Overall
(A)
(B)
(C)
(A)
Change office spaces into residential uses
53%
65%
42%
54%
Allow more uses to encourage other types of businesses (e.g., storage, event spaces, services)
33%
24%
42%
33%
Create incentives for commercial property owners to lease space at lower rates
38%
44%
23%
38%
Make it harder for property owners to leave units vacant for extended periods of time
42%
39%
25%
41%
Don't do anything
4%
4%
14% A
5%
I'm not sure / no opinion
4%
4%
2%
4%
Table 87: Question #11 by Planning Area
As part of the Boulder Valley’s response to conserve water in relation to climate change, which of the following would you support? (Select your top two)
Planning Area 1
Planning Area 2
Planning Area 3
Overall
(A)
(B)
(C)
(A)
Require low-flow indoor water fixtures
31%
30%
18%
30%
Restrict outdoor water use to specific times
49%
46%
38%
49%
Restrict outdoor water use only during times of drought
30%
28%
33%
30%
Require lawn replacement with landscaping that needs minimal water
48% C
39%
18%
46%
None of the above
8%
11%
32% AB
9%
I'm not sure / no opinion
5%
7%
2%
5%
103
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 88: Question #12 by Planning Area
Overall, the Boulder Valley’s population is aging, and the fastest growing demographic is older adults (65 and over). Which of these options would you like to see the City and County prioritize regarding the community’s aging population? (Select your top two)
Planning Area 1
Planning Area 2
Planning Area 3
Overall
(A)
(B)
(C)
(A)
Availability of housing choices attractive to older adults (e.g., single-level living, smaller units, etc.)
24%
31%
36%
26%
Availability of housing that is affordable to people on fixed incomes
44%
47%
46%
44%
Size of workforce population to provide healthcare services
20%
24%
20%
21%
Size of workforce population to provide entertainment, dining, shopping and other services
12%
4%
7%
11%
Number of activities and opportunities for social interactions
16%
17%
29%
16%
Ability to travel around the city safely and independently
48% C
50% C
23%
47%
None of the above
6%
3%
14%
6%
I'm not sure / no opinion
9%
9%
1%
8%
104
2025 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update Statistically Valid Survey Table 89: Question #13 by Planning Area
The younger generations in our community will live with the decisions we make in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan for many years. What we do now to create a healthy and thriving future for them is very important. Which of these options would you like to see the City and County prioritize regarding the community’s younger population? (Select your top two)
Planning Area 1
Planning Area 2
Planning Area 3
Overall
(A)
(B)
(C)
(A)
Availability of places to gather and socialize
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