Regular Meeting

August 20, 2026 · 2:28:06 of video

Council votes 7-1 to sell the downtown Spruce Street parking lot for a boutique hotel, over church objections.

Boulder City Council met on August 20, 2026, with all eight members present. Council approved a large consent agenda, including bond support for affordable housing at Harvest34, and adopted eminent domain authority for the North and South 30th Street safety projects, all unanimously. Acting as the Downtown Commercial District (KGID) board, council voted 7-1, with Taishya Adams opposed, to approve a $5.8 million sale of the Spruce Street parking lot to developer MA-LR Boulder LLC for a boutique hotel. Nineteen public speakers addressed the sale, most from First Congregational Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, and nearby businesses opposing the loss of 59 parking spaces, while several other residents spoke in favor of the project. Open comment also raised a state hunting rights ballot measure, calls for city divestment over Gaza, and a request to pause high-density housing permits in wildfire-prone neighborhoods.

Summarized by a language model from the meeting transcript.

7 votes, 1 not unanimous
22 agenda items
22 public comment speakers

Votes

Motion	Result	AB	TW	TA	MB	RK	TM	RS	NS
Agenda amendment · Amend the agenda to remove item 3D (Cherryvale/McSorley annexation) and add item 3J (child care mill levy and state ballot resolutions). unofficial at 0:06:16	passed 8-0
3A-3C,3E-3J · Approve the consent agenda, items 3A through 3C and 3E through 3J. unofficial at 0:45:48	passed 8-0	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Suspend council rule 4A6 to allow three public hearings in one meeting. unofficial at 0:47:07	passed 8-0
5A · Adopt Ordinance 8771, authorizing acquisition of property interests for the North 30th Street project by negotiation or eminent domain. Second reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance 8771 authorizing and approving acquisition of property interests for the North 30th Street Project by negotiation and purchase or through the power of eminent domain; and setting forth related details Staff Time: 15 Min Council Time: 15 Min unofficial at 0:58:53	passed 8-0	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
5B · Adopt Ordinance 8772, authorizing acquisition of property interests for the South 30th Street Multimodal Improvements Project by negotiation or eminent domain. Second reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance 8772 authorizing and approving acquisition of property interests for the South 30th Street Multimodal Improvements Project by negotiation and purchase or through the power of eminent domain; and setting forth related details Staff Time: 15 Min Council Time: 15 Min unofficial at 1:06:55	passed 8-0	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
5C · Recess as Boulder City Council and convene as the City of Boulder Downtown Commercial District (KGID) Board of Directors. Consideration of a motion to adjourn as the Boulder City Council and convene as the City of Boulder Downtown Commercial District (formerly known as the Central Area General Improvement District) (CAGID) Board of Directors; and Consideration of a motion to approve a purchase agreement between CAGID and MA-LR Boulder, LLC, for the disposal of CAGID-owned real property located at 2121 Broadway and authorize the city manager, acting as the General Manager of CAGID, to execute the purchase agreement and all associated documents; and Consideration of a motion to adjourn as the City of Boulder Downtown Commercial District (formerly known as the Central Area General Improvement District) (CAGID) Board of Directors and reconvene as the Boulder City Council Staff Time: 15 Min Council Time: 75 Min unofficial at 1:08:03	passed 8-0
5C · Approve the purchase agreement between KGID and MA-LR Boulder LLC for the sale of KGID-owned property at 2121 Broadway, and authorize the city manager to execute it. Consideration of a motion to adjourn as the Boulder City Council and convene as the City of Boulder Downtown Commercial District (formerly known as the Central Area General Improvement District) (CAGID) Board of Directors; and Consideration of a motion to approve a purchase agreement between CAGID and MA-LR Boulder, LLC, for the disposal of CAGID-owned real property located at 2121 Broadway and authorize the city manager, acting as the General Manager of CAGID, to execute the purchase agreement and all associated documents; and Consideration of a motion to adjourn as the City of Boulder Downtown Commercial District (formerly known as the Central Area General Improvement District) (CAGID) Board of Directors and reconvene as the Boulder City Council Staff Time: 15 Min Council Time: 75 Min unofficial at 2:24:50	passed 7-1	Y	Y	N	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y

Agenda

Call to Order and Roll Call

1Call to Order and Roll Call▶ 0:05:12
Roll call confirmed all eight council members present and a quorum.

Open Comment

2Open Comment▶ 0:05:54
Six signed-up speakers addressed a state hunting rights ballot measure, Gaza divestment, wildfire evacuation concerns tied to high-density housing, and objections to rising city taxes.

Consent Agenda

3A
Consideration of a motion to adopt Resolution 1382 authorizing the city to execute an assignment of the 2026 City of Boulder Private Activity Bonds in the amount of $7,333,256 to be used by the Housing Authority of the City of Boulder, d/b/a Boulder Housing Partners (BHP), to finance the construction of permanently affordable rental housing in Boulder; and authorizing the city manager to execute and deliver the assignment and other documents in connection therewith
▶ 0:35:33
- Agenda Memo text
- Attachment A - Resolution 1382 text
3B
Consideration of a motion to approve Resolution 1385 authorizing the execution of a public approval certificate allowing the Housing Authority of the City of Boulder, d/b/a Boulder Housing Partners, to issue multifamily housing revenue bonds for the purpose of financing the Harvest34 project
5 documents
3C
Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only Ordinance 8757 amending Title 4, “Licenses and Permits,” B.R.C. 1981, allowing for Pedal-Cab Agency and Driver Licenses -- and establishing related fees; and setting forth related details
- Agenda Memo text
- Attachment A - Proposed Ordinance 8757 text
3D
REMOVED: Consideration of the following items related to a petition to annex a property at 1275 Cherryvale Rd. and a property at 5995 McSorley Ln. with an initial zoning designation of Residential – Rural 2 (RR-2) (LUR2025-00049): Consideration of a motion to adopt Resolution 1383 finding the annexation petition to annex approximately 5.43 acres of land in compliance with state statutes and establishing October 1, 2026, as the date for a public hearing AND Introduction, first reading and consideration of a motion to order published by title only Ordinance 8764, annexing to the City of Boulder approximately 5.43 acres of land with an initial zoning designation of Residential – Rural 2 (RR-2) as described in Chapter 9-5, “Modular Zone System,” B.R.C. 1981; amending the Zoning District Map forming a part of said Chapter to include said land in the above-mentioned zoning district; and setting forth related details
▶ about 0:04:56
This annexation item, covering a petition to annex land on Cherryvale Road and McSorley Lane, was removed from the agenda by the opening motion.
9 documents
3E
Introduction, first reading and consideration of a motion to order published by title only Ordinance 8765 designating the property at 1004 Lincoln Pl., City of Boulder, Colorado, to be known as the Beard–Stoyva House, as an individual landmark under Chapter 9-11, “Historic Preservation,” B.R.C. 1981; and setting forth related details
- Quasi Judicial Memo text
- Attachment A - Ordinance 8765 Designating 1004 Lincoln Pl text
3F
Introduction, first reading and consideration of a motion to order published by title only Ordinance 8766 designating the property at 844-850 12th St., City of Boulder, Colorado, to be known as the Heilman–Bedell–Stepanek Property, as an individual landmark under Chapter 9-11, “Historic Preservation,” B.R.C. 1981; and setting forth related details
- Quasi Judicial Memo text
- Attachment A - Ordinance 8766 Designating 844-850 12th St text
3G
Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only Ordinance 8773 amending Chapter 4-2, “Beverages License,” allowing for Spiritous Liquor Manufacturer’s Expanded Alcohol Beverage Permits and Sections 3-7-2, ”Imposition and Rate of Tax,” and 4-20-2, “Alcohol and Fermented Malt Beverage License and Application Fees,” B.R.C. 1981, adding the related tax and fee; and setting forth related details
- Agenda Memo text
- Attachment A - Proposed Ordinance 8773 text
3H
Second reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance 8753 vacating and authorizing the City Manager to execute a deed of vacation for a portion of an access easement generally located at 900 Walnut St. (LUR2025-00052)
3I
Third reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance 8758 submitting to the electors of the city of Boulder at the Regular Municipal Coordinated Election to be held on Tuesday November 3, 2026, the question of authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds for the purpose of financing community recreation, safety infrastructure, and other capital projects; specifying the form of the ballot and other election procedures; and setting forth related details
- Agenda Memo text
- Attachment A - Proposed Ordinance 8758 text
3J
Consideration of a motion to adopt Resolution 1388 in support of the Boulder County Early Childhood Care and Education Mill Levy Increase and Voter-Approved Revenue Change and Resolution 1389 indicating the City of Boulder’s position on select 2026 state ballot measures; and setting forth related details
- Agenda Memo (2) text

Call-up Check-In

4AConsideration of a Landmark Alteration Certificate application to relocate an accessory building at 1733 Canyon Blvd., an individual landmark (the Woodward–Baird House / Little Gray House).▶ 0:47:00
A landmark alteration certificate to relocate an accessory building at 1733 Canyon Blvd. was not called up for discussion.
- Call-Up Agenda Memo text

Public Hearings

5A
Second reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance 8771 authorizing and approving acquisition of property interests for the North 30th Street Project by negotiation and purchase or through the power of eminent domain; and setting forth related details
Time on the agenda: staff 15 min · council 15 min
▶ 0:49:43
Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 8771, granting eminent domain authority for right-of-way easements on the North 30th Street safety project, a $9.3 million project funded mainly by a federal grant.
passed 8-0 unofficial Adopt Ordinance 8771, authorizing acquisition of property interests for the North 30th Street project by negotiation or eminent domain.
- Agenda Memo text
- Attachment A - Proposed Ordinance 8771 text
5B
Second reading and consideration of a motion to adopt Ordinance 8772 authorizing and approving acquisition of property interests for the South 30th Street Multimodal Improvements Project by negotiation and purchase or through the power of eminent domain; and setting forth related details
Time on the agenda: staff 15 min · council 15 min
▶ 0:59:15
Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 8772, granting the same authority for the South 30th Street Multimodal Improvements Project, a $3.67 million project.
passed 8-0 unofficial Adopt Ordinance 8772, authorizing acquisition of property interests for the South 30th Street Multimodal Improvements Project by negotiation or eminent domain.
- Agenda Memo text
- Attachment A - Proposed Ordinance 8772 text
5C
1. Consideration of a motion to adjourn as the Boulder City Council and convene as the City of Boulder Downtown Commercial District (formerly known as the Central Area General Improvement District) (CAGID) Board of Directors
2. Consideration of a motion to approve a purchase agreement between CAGID and MA-LR Boulder, LLC, for the disposal of CAGID-owned real property located at 2121 Broadway and authorize the city manager, acting as the General Manager of CAGID, to execute the purchase agreement and all associated documents
3. Consideration of a motion to adjourn as the City of Boulder Downtown Commercial District (formerly known as the Central Area General Improvement District) (CAGID) Board of Directors and reconvene as the Boulder City Council
Time on the agenda: staff 15 min · council 75 min
▶ 1:08:00
Council convened as the KGID board and voted 7-1 to approve the $5.8 million sale of the Spruce Street parking lot to MA-LR Boulder LLC for a boutique hotel, after extensive public testimony for and against the loss of 59 parking spaces used by downtown churches and businesses.
passed 8-0 unofficial Recess as Boulder City Council and convene as the City of Boulder Downtown Commercial District (KGID) Board of Directors.
passed 7-1 unofficial Approve the purchase agreement between KGID and MA-LR Boulder LLC for the sale of KGID-owned property at 2121 Broadway, and authorize the city manager to execute it.
6 documents

Matters from the City Manager

Matters from the City Attorney

Matters from the Mayor and City Council

Discussion Items

Debrief

Adjournment

3 votes are not tied to an agenda item; see the table above.

Public comment

Opposition to Initiative 302, the state hunting rights constitutional amendment · 1 speakers
A speaker representing Science for Colorado Wildlife asked council to oppose the measure, arguing it would legalize traps, baiting, and other banned hunting methods under the term traditional methods.
Gaza divestment and Israel-related city investments · 3 speakers
Speakers urged council to divest from companies tied to Israel, citing shelter conditions in Gaza and naming Caterpillar as a target, and criticized council for ending PowerPoint use and video during open comment.
Pause on high-density housing permits in wildfire zones · 1 speakers
A Flatirons neighborhood resident described a 12-bathroom student rental proposal on his street and asked for a pause on Ordinance 8666 projects in the wildland-urban interface until evacuation impacts are studied.
Rising city taxes and household budget strain · 1 speakers
A speaker listed the library district, transportation fee, bond, debt limit, and child care mill levy items adding up to about $1,300 a year in new taxes and asked council to weigh that burden.
Opposition to the Spruce Street parking lot sale · 11 speakers
Church leaders, congregants, and business owners near the lot said losing 59 spaces would harm accessibility for elderly and disabled visitors, downtown retailers, and church and nonprofit operations, and asked council to slow down or renegotiate the deal.
Support for the Spruce Street hotel project · 5 speakers
Several residents and the developer argued a boutique hotel would add downtown vibrancy, tourism revenue, and walkability, and said the parking study showed adequate capacity in nearby garages.

Conversations by topic

November 2026 ballot

CityAug 20, Regular Meeting at 0:36:37

Tara Winer said she would vote yes on Ordinance 8758, the $400 million-plus bond ballot measure, but objected to the vague phrase and other capital projects. She said community trust is low and called for more budget transparency and an independent city auditor.

“It's their money, not our money.”

CityAug 20, Regular Meeting at 0:42:17

Tina Marquis reviewed the stack of taxes likely on the November ballot, including Proposition NN, a graduated income tax, a vacant home tax, an early childhood tax, and the county sales tax, alongside the city bond. She said she confirmed the other measures are unlikely to hurt the graduated income tax's chances and said she supports the bond despite low odds of passage.

City budget and finances

CityAug 20, Regular Meeting at 0:40:03

City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde said staff already has an auditor hired last year and is working with CFO Christa Morrison on a community advisory panel to oversee capital projects going forward. Mayor Brockett noted council members have publicized facilities budget information through a podcast.

Housing and land use

CityAug 20, Regular Meeting at 0:44:47

Tina Marquis asked staff to confirm that Boulder Housing Partners funds flowing to Alpine Balsam are for housing, not the separate Western City Campus building. Staff confirmed no affordable housing funds go toward the city campus, though the two projects share the same 8.8-acre site and some infrastructure costs.

Wildfire and Xcel

CityAug 20, Regular Meeting at 0:15:36

Resident Walt Morgan described a proposed 12-bathroom, 20-renter student rental on his street with no parking, and asked council to pause high-density permits under Ordinance 8666 in the wildland-urban interface overlay zone until evacuation impacts are understood. He said he collected over 100 signatures on a letter to the city.

CityAug 20, Regular Meeting at 0:22:39

City staff told Walt Morgan and council that an August 27 meeting will cover wildfire mitigation, home hardening, and a first look at coordination with Xcel Energy on public safety power shutoffs.

Antisemitism, Israel, and Gaza

CityAug 20, Regular Meeting at 0:11:13

Three public commenters, Laura Gonzalez, Evan Rabbitz, and Rob Smoke, urged the city to divest from companies tied to Israel, citing shelter conditions in Gaza and naming Caterpillar as a target. Rob Smoke also described recent primary election losses for AIPAC-backed candidates.

Automatic license plate readers (ALPR)

CityAug 20, Regular Meeting at 0:24:36

Taishya Adams asked whether the pause on automatic license plate readers means the city stopped using them. Staff clarified the pause applies only to a new RFP contract; cameras remain in month-to-month use with the current provider while staff prepares a public engagement plan and new guardrails.

Transportation and parking

CityAug 20, Regular Meeting at 0:47:56

Staff presented paired requests for eminent domain authority on the North and South 30th Street corridor safety projects, covering bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and bus upgrades, funded mainly by federal grants. Staff said most acquisitions are small easements settled by negotiation, with eminent domain used only as a backstop to protect grant deadlines.

Downtown and the economy

CityAug 20, Regular Meeting at 1:08:03

Assistant City Manager Mark Wolf presented the unsolicited $5.8 million offer from developer MA-LR Boulder LLC to build a boutique hotel on the KGID-owned Spruce Street lot, above the appraised market value. The deal includes six 30-year community benefit covenants covering affordable commercial space, public art, public event space, workforce diversity goals, and energy performance 10 percent above code.

CityAug 20, Regular Meeting at 1:18:32

A parking study by Fox Tuttle found the 59 lost Spruce Street spaces could be absorbed by nearby garages, leaving about 180 spare spaces at peak demand even with a 110-room hotel. Council members Tina Marquis and Taishya Adams pressed staff on protecting First Congregational Church access and using the underused Trinity lot as an alternative.

CityAug 20, Regular Meeting at 1:27:26

Nineteen public speakers addressed the Spruce lot sale. About eleven opposed it, mostly tied to First Congregational Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, and the Museum of Boulder, citing lost accessible parking for elderly and disabled visitors and small business customers, while four residents and the developer spoke in favor, citing walkability and downtown vibrancy.

CityAug 20, Regular Meeting at 2:05:44

Council member Nicole Speer, a First Congregational Church member, gave an emotional response acknowledging the pain of the parking loss to her own congregation while explaining her yes vote. Taishya Adams cited water supply and energy concerns, including that the 2025 severe water scenarios were not part of the project's estimates, as her reason for voting no.