Study Session Memo

City of Boulder City Council Study Session Summary Meeting Date: June 18, 2026 Agenda Title Consideration of a motion to accept the May 28, 2026 Study Session Summary regarding the Downtown Development Authority Formation Analysis and Recommendations.

Staff Contact •

Reegan Brown, Economic Development Strategy Manager, City Manager's Office

Draft Motion Language Staff requests council consideration of this matter and action in the form of the following motion: Motion to accept the May 28, 2026 Study Session Summary regarding the Downtown Development Authority Formation Analysis and Recommendations.

Presentation Summary The presentation was led by Reegan Brown, Economic Development Strategy Manager, supported by Assistant City Manager Mark Woulf and consultants from Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA). Staff described the conditions motivating the DDA, including flattening downtown sales tax revenues since 2020, growing commercial vacancies, aging GID infrastructure, and the need for more responsive economic development tools. Staff presented the draft Plan of Development, the DDA’s required 30-year legal and policy framework, organized around five investment priorities: catalyzing redevelopment at strategic sites; strengthening commercial corridors and supporting small businesses; growing mixed-use

development; investing in signature public spaces; and improving connectivity and accessibility. The proposed financial structure consists of Tax Increment Financing (TIF), a voter-approved mill levy of 3.674 mills structured to replace the existing CAGID rate with no net new tax burden for current CAGID property owners, and integration of existing GID off-street parking assets. Staff noted the formal motion on advancing the DDA to the ballot would occur during the July 23rd and August 6th first and second reading council meetings. A link to the study session memo can be found here.

Questions for Council and Direction Received Staff asked council to weigh in on three questions: • • •

Does council have feedback on the draft Plan of Development and its investment priorities? Does council support the proposed financial structure, including next steps related to governance and transition planning? Does council support staff bringing forward ballot measures for consideration in November 2026?

Council discussion surfaced several themes. Council members raised concerns about ensuring University Hill receives proportional investment and is not simply a revenue source for downtown improvements. Questions were posed about parking asset governance and how alignment with the city’s transportation goals would be maintained once assets transfer to an independent board. Council requested detailed financial analysis showing cumulative impacts on the general fund and on other taxing entities prior to the August 6 meeting. Council also emphasized the need for clear accountability metrics to demonstrate whether DDA investments are generating the intended economic outcomes. Overall, council expressed general support for moving the process forward. All council members who spoke indicated they were comfortable directing staff to continue planning and draft ballot measures, while noting they would need additional financial information before making a final decision at the August 6 meeting.

Next Steps for City Council •

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July 23rd and August 6 Council Meetings: Staff will return with a draft IGA framework and proposed ballot measures for council review and potential referral to a November 2026 TABOR election. Financial Analysis: Staff will prepare detailed projections of general fund and taxing entity impacts, with and without a DDA, for council review prior to July 23rd.

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Ballot Measure Drafting: Staff will draft the three ballot questions—DDA formation, mill levy authorization, and TIF authorization—for council review and approval before going to voters.

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