Regular Meeting

October 1, 2026 · 3:44:51 of video

Council passed the 2027 budget 7-1 after rejecting any wildfire money hold until the October 22 study session.

Boulder City Council met October 1, 2026. Council added a Front Range Passenger Rail item, heard about 19 open comment speakers, and approved the consent agenda unanimously. It chose not to call up the Naropa site review. The main business was first reading of the 2027 budget ($552.6M total). Council Members Benjamin and Kaplan proposed holding money for wildfire work. Straw polls found no majority for either hold, so the budget went forward unchanged and wildfire funding will return after the October 22 study session. Ordinances 8777 and 8780 passed 7-1 with Council Member Adams opposed, and 8778 and 8779 passed unanimously. Council also gave unanimous direction to draft a resolution supporting the Front Range Passenger Rail sales tax measure.

Summarized by a language model from the meeting transcript.

6 votes, 2 not unanimous
18 agenda items
25 public comment speakers

Votes

Motion	Result	AB	TW	TA	MB	RK	TM	RS	NS
1 · Amend the agenda to add item 8A, Front Range Passenger Rail sales tax measure discussion. Call to Order and Roll Call unofficial at 0:05:28confidence medium	passed 8-0
3 · Approve consent agenda items 3A through 3H. unofficial at 1:06:31	passed 8-0	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
5A · Order published by title only Ordinance 8777 adopting the City of Boulder budget for fiscal year 2027 (first reading). Consideration of the following items relating to the 2027 Budget: 1. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8777 adopting a budget for the City of Boulder, Colorado, for fiscal year 2027; and setting forth related details; 2. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8778 establishing the City of Boulder property tax mill levies for 2026; providing that said levy be certified to the Boulder County Assessor; and setting forth related details; 3. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8779 appropriating money to defray expenses and liabilities of the City of Boulder, Colorado, for the 2027 fiscal year of the City of Boulder; and setting forth related details; and 4. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8780 amending Title 2, ”Government Organization,” Title 3, ”Revenue and Taxation,” Title 4, ”Licenses and Permits,” Title 5, ”General Offenses,” Title 6, ”Health, Safety, and Sanitation,” Title 7, ”Vehicles, Pedestrians, and Parking,” and Title 8, ”Parks, Open Spaces, Streets, and Public Ways,” B.R.C. 1981, changing certain fees and taxes; and setting forth related details Staff Time: 20 Min Council Time: 100 Min unofficial at 3:39:00	passed 7-1	Y	Y	N	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
5A · Order published by title only Ordinance 8778 establishing 2026 property tax mill levies (first reading). Consideration of the following items relating to the 2027 Budget: 1. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8777 adopting a budget for the City of Boulder, Colorado, for fiscal year 2027; and setting forth related details; 2. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8778 establishing the City of Boulder property tax mill levies for 2026; providing that said levy be certified to the Boulder County Assessor; and setting forth related details; 3. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8779 appropriating money to defray expenses and liabilities of the City of Boulder, Colorado, for the 2027 fiscal year of the City of Boulder; and setting forth related details; and 4. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8780 amending Title 2, ”Government Organization,” Title 3, ”Revenue and Taxation,” Title 4, ”Licenses and Permits,” Title 5, ”General Offenses,” Title 6, ”Health, Safety, and Sanitation,” Title 7, ”Vehicles, Pedestrians, and Parking,” and Title 8, ”Parks, Open Spaces, Streets, and Public Ways,” B.R.C. 1981, changing certain fees and taxes; and setting forth related details Staff Time: 20 Min Council Time: 100 Min unofficial at 3:39:46	passed 8-0	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
5A · Order published by title only Ordinance 8779 appropriating money for the 2027 fiscal year (first reading). Consideration of the following items relating to the 2027 Budget: 1. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8777 adopting a budget for the City of Boulder, Colorado, for fiscal year 2027; and setting forth related details; 2. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8778 establishing the City of Boulder property tax mill levies for 2026; providing that said levy be certified to the Boulder County Assessor; and setting forth related details; 3. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8779 appropriating money to defray expenses and liabilities of the City of Boulder, Colorado, for the 2027 fiscal year of the City of Boulder; and setting forth related details; and 4. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8780 amending Title 2, ”Government Organization,” Title 3, ”Revenue and Taxation,” Title 4, ”Licenses and Permits,” Title 5, ”General Offenses,” Title 6, ”Health, Safety, and Sanitation,” Title 7, ”Vehicles, Pedestrians, and Parking,” and Title 8, ”Parks, Open Spaces, Streets, and Public Ways,” B.R.C. 1981, changing certain fees and taxes; and setting forth related details Staff Time: 20 Min Council Time: 100 Min unofficial at 3:40:47	passed 8-0	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
5A · Order published by title only Ordinance 8780 changing certain fees and taxes across several B.R.C. titles (first reading). Consideration of the following items relating to the 2027 Budget: 1. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8777 adopting a budget for the City of Boulder, Colorado, for fiscal year 2027; and setting forth related details; 2. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8778 establishing the City of Boulder property tax mill levies for 2026; providing that said levy be certified to the Boulder County Assessor; and setting forth related details; 3. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8779 appropriating money to defray expenses and liabilities of the City of Boulder, Colorado, for the 2027 fiscal year of the City of Boulder; and setting forth related details; and 4. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8780 amending Title 2, ”Government Organization,” Title 3, ”Revenue and Taxation,” Title 4, ”Licenses and Permits,” Title 5, ”General Offenses,” Title 6, ”Health, Safety, and Sanitation,” Title 7, ”Vehicles, Pedestrians, and Parking,” and Title 8, ”Parks, Open Spaces, Streets, and Public Ways,” B.R.C. 1981, changing certain fees and taxes; and setting forth related details Staff Time: 20 Min Council Time: 100 Min unofficial at 3:41:55	passed 7-1	Y	Y	N	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y

Agenda

Call to Order and Roll Call

1Call to Order and Roll Call▶ 0:05:20
Quorum was established with all eight members present. Council voted to add item 8A on Front Range Passenger Rail.
passed 8-0 unofficial Amend the agenda to add item 8A, Front Range Passenger Rail sales tax measure discussion.

Open Comment

2Open Comment▶ 0:06:20
About 19 speakers addressed council on elections, tenant unions, the Boulderthon, small cell towers, the Valmont Butte site, CU South construction, Gunbarrel parks, Israel and Gaza divestment, and Spruce Pool. The city manager and utilities staff responded, and the mayor condemned a speaker's remarks as antisemitic.

Consent Agenda

3AConsideration of a motion to accept the August 27, 2026 Study Session Summary regarding the 2026 Wildfire Resilience Council Priority Project▶ 1:05:51
- Study Session Memo text
3BConsideration of a motion to accept the September 10, 2026, Study Session Summary regarding the 2027 Recommended Budget for City of Boulder
- Study Session Memo text
- Attachment A - 2026 Fund Our Future Engagement Results
3C
Consideration of a motion to approve conveyance of approximately 1.0 acre of City of Boulder property managed as open space located at 0 North Foothills Highway as part of a land exchange with Canal Avenue Park, LLC pursuant to the disposal procedures of Article XII, Sections 175 and 177 of the City of Boulder Charter
4 documents
3D
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 November 12, 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.
13 documents
3E
Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only Ordinance 8774, rezoning approximately 3.72 acres of land located at 2106 and 2130 Arapahoe Avenue, an adjacent 0.03-acre portion of Marine Street, and a portion of adjacent Arapahoe Avenue Right-of-Way from the Public (P) to the Residential – High 5 (RH-5) zoning district; a portion of adjacent Arapahoe Avenue Right-of-Way from the Residential – High 2 (RH-2) to the Residential – High 5 (RH-5) zoning district; and a portion of adjacent Arapahoe Avenue Right-of-Way from the Residential - Mixed 1 (RMX-1) to the Residential – High 5 (RH-5) zoning district as described in Chapter 9-5, “Modular Zone System,” B.R.C., 1981, and setting forth related details. Reviewed under Case number LUR2025-00034.
4 documents
3F
Introduction, first reading and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8775 vacating and authorizing the City Manager to execute a deed of vacation for a portion of the Marine Street right-of-way generally located adjacent to 2130 Arapahoe Ave. (LUR2026-00023).
3G
Introduction, first reading and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8783 vacating and authorizing the City Manager to execute a deed of vacation for a portion of the Bernoulli Boulevard right-of-way generally located adjacent to 3200 Airport Rd. (LUR2026-00027).
3H
Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only Ordinance 8784 adopting the 2025 major 10-year update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan and setting forth related details
- Agenda Memo text
- Attachment A - Proposed Ordinance 8784 with Exhibit A text

Call-up Check-In

4A
Consideration of a Site Review application for a proposal to redevelop the Naropa campus at 2106 and 2130 Arapahoe Ave. with approximately 135 residential units in a variety of two to six-bedroom layouts located within two new buildings and the historic Lincoln Hall building. The Site Review proposal includes a request for a Height Modification to allow for the buildings to reach four stories and 55 feet in height. Reviewed under application LUR2026-00003.
▶ 1:06:40
Council did not call up the Naropa campus Site Review for about 135 residential units. Tara Winer asked about shadows and setbacks on Marine Street, and the applicant said setbacks exceed 40 to 50 feet.
4 documents

Public Hearings

5A
Consideration of the following items relating to the 2027 Budget: 1. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8777 adopting a budget for the City of Boulder, Colorado, for fiscal year 2027; and setting forth related details; 2. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8778 establishing the City of Boulder property tax mill levies for 2026; providing that said levy be certified to the Boulder County Assessor; and setting forth related details; 3. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8779 appropriating money to defray expenses and liabilities of the City of Boulder, Colorado, for the 2027 fiscal year of the City of Boulder; and setting forth related details; and 4. Introduction, first reading, and consideration of a motion to order published by title only, Ordinance 8780 amending Title 2, ”Government Organization,” Title 3, ”Revenue and Taxation,” Title 4, ”Licenses and Permits,” Title 5, ”General Offenses,” Title 6, ”Health, Safety, and Sanitation,” Title 7, ”Vehicles, Pedestrians, and Parking,” and Title 8, ”Parks, Open Spaces, Streets, and Public Ways,” B.R.C. 1981, changing certain fees and taxes; and setting forth related details
Time on the agenda: staff 20 min · council 100 min
▶ 1:11:01
Staff presented the $552.6M 2027 budget and ten speakers testified, mostly on Spruce Pool, wildfire and the East Boulder Rec Center. Council debated wildfire funding holds, which got no majority. Ordinances 8777 and 8780 passed 7-1 and 8778 and 8779 passed 8-0.
passed 7-1 unofficial Order published by title only Ordinance 8777 adopting the City of Boulder budget for fiscal year 2027 (first reading).
passed 8-0 unofficial Order published by title only Ordinance 8778 establishing 2026 property tax mill levies (first reading).
passed 8-0 unofficial Order published by title only Ordinance 8779 appropriating money for the 2027 fiscal year (first reading).
passed 7-1 unofficial Order published by title only Ordinance 8780 changing certain fees and taxes across several B.R.C. titles (first reading).
5 documents

Matters from the City Manager

Matters from the City Attorney

Matters from the Mayor and City Council

8AFront Range Passenger Rail sales tax measure discussion▶ 3:40:00
Council unanimously agreed by straw poll to support the Front Range Passenger Rail sales tax measure and directed staff to prepare a resolution for the next business meeting.

Discussion Items

Debrief

Adjournment

1 vote is not tied to an agenda item; see the table above.

Public comment

CU South flood project and closure · 4 speakers
Residents criticized the lack of notice for the site closure, the gas line hit during fence work, wetlands loss, cost growth to $76M, and the lack of a cost-benefit analysis. One speaker disputed that voters approved the dam.
Israel, Gaza, and city investments · 4 speakers
Speakers demanded divestment from companies tied to Israel and a resolution against apartheid. One speaker used language the mayor and a council member condemned as antisemitic.
Spruce Pool and parks budget · 3 speakers
Speakers asked council to keep Spruce Pool open beyond 2027, said the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board rejected the cuts, and proposed a senior pass.
Gunbarrel parks and safety · 2 speakers
Gunbarrel United members asked for developed park space and safer sidewalk crossings on Lookout Road. Staff noted most of Gunbarrel is outside city limits.
Hogan-Pancost botanic garden vs. tennis courts · 2 speakers
A project coordinator asked for a study of Sand Creek-related history and reallocation of $1M for tennis courts. She also questioned the East Boulder Rec Center repair cost and the $400M bond.
Growth, density and development · 3 speakers
Speakers objected to development, density and CU enrollment growth, and argued that new building adds wildfire fuel.
Local services and neighborhood concerns · 4 speakers
Speakers raised small cell towers built without notice, the Boulderthon road closures, the Valmont Butte hazardous site, and a proposed tenants union for Boulder Housing Partners residents.
Election integrity and council conduct · 2 speakers
One speaker urged a letter to the president on election interference. Another objected to limits on applause.
Business community on the budget · 1 speakers
The Boulder Chamber supported law enforcement and Day Services Center funding, asked about planning staffing, and asked to restore the tax rebate program.

Conversations by topic

City budget and finances

CityOct 1, Regular Meeting at 1:12:03

The city manager and budget officer presented the 2027 recommended budget: $552.6M total, $417.2M operating (2.35% growth), $135.4M capital. It balances a projected $6.3M general fund gap. Sales and use tax is forecast up 3.3% and property tax up 6%. The marijuana tax rises from 3.5% to 5.5%, and utility fees rise 5% for water and 7% each for wastewater and stormwater.

CityOct 1, Regular Meeting at 1:37:02

Council members asked about Sundance revenue and costs, none of which are budgeted. Staff said they would review after the January festival and bring adjustments in the first ATB. Staff also said the new Office of Customer Experience starts with 2.0 FTE realigned from communications and is expected to grow to about 17 staff.

CityOct 1, Regular Meeting at 2:12:33

Staff said 68% of city revenues are restricted, and 56% of sales and use tax is dedicated, against a Front Range peer average of 31%. Nicole Speer asked how undedicating funds could change outcomes. The mayor noted the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board did not recommend the budget because of service cuts, and the parks director said the board considers the department underfunded.

CityOct 1, Regular Meeting at 3:29:32

Members criticized the budget process. Matt Benjamin called it busted because trade-offs were first discussed at first reading, and urged a two-year budget. Tina Marquis and Taishya Adams also backed a longer budget cycle. Adams said she would vote no because the process lacked council direction and sufficient engagement, and that the capital plan does not model severe water scenarios.

CityOct 1, Regular Meeting at 2:17:48

Public hearing speakers included Spruce Pool advocates who asked to keep the pool open past 2027 and proposed a senior pass. A Boulder Chamber speaker thanked council for law enforcement funding and asked for ongoing Day Services Center funding, planning department capacity and the tax rebate program. Council member Marquis (the mayor, speaking later) said one-time Spruce Pool funding does not mean closure in 2028. Staff said the pool is funded through 2027 and will return to council for 2028.

Wildfire and Xcel

CityOct 1, Regular Meeting at 1:14:16

The city manager said the final 2026 Wildfire Resilience Council priority study session is October 22. The 2027 budget has $10.9M in wildfire funding, up about $1.6M, including $300K one-time. Staff are pursuing over $10M in grants. OSMP's director said full acceleration of the 10 priority program areas would cost about $6.5M to $10.5M.

CityOct 1, Regular Meeting at 1:52:14

Rob Kaplan asked to hold about $600,000 for fuels mitigation crews, equipment and burn plans. Staff said a holdback needs an identified source (CIP realignment, fund balance or reserves) and that amounts above $1 million would mean staff cuts in the open space fund. Staff also confirmed ATB adjustments in December could fund wildfire work.

CityOct 1, Regular Meeting at 2:44:06

Matt Benjamin proposed holding $4M, then revised it to about $2.5M, from OSMP capital projects such as the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage. OSMP's director said the three open-space-related program areas would need only $1.5M to $2.2M in enhancements over four years. Nicole Speer opposed using open space funds because voters have objected to that.

CityOct 1, Regular Meeting at 3:15:28

Straw polls on the wildfire holds were inconclusive. Benjamin's $2.5M hold drew three hands and Kaplan's $600K realignment drew four, with no majority for waiting until October 22 either. The mayor and Ryan Schuchard preferred to wait for staff analysis and trade-off options. Staff plan to bring options through an ATB after October 22.

Public safety

CityOct 1, Regular Meeting at 2:49:00

Taishya Adams proposed shifting part of police overtime to mental health partners. After housing staff explained the CARE program was retooled because it averaged under one response a day, with a soft relaunch by end of 2026 and fuller dispatch by mid-2027, she withdrew the amendment. The budget adds three police lieutenants for $552K.

Housing and land use

CityOct 1, Regular Meeting at 1:06:40

Tara Winer asked about shadow and setbacks on Marine Street from the Naropa redevelopment (135 units). The applicant said the building is at least 40 to 50 feet from the west property line. Council did not call it up.

Open space, water, and drought

CityOct 1, Regular Meeting at 0:46:44

Utilities staff responded to CU South complaints. The site closes Monday with a fence, and notices went out from late August. Cost rose from about $61M to $76M because of cash-funding after litigation, a five-year schedule adds $10M, and the $9 monthly utility bill increase claim was said to be inaccurate. Ryan Schuchard noted two community votes backed the flood mitigation.

Fort Chambers and Sand Creek

CityOct 1, Regular Meeting at 2:41:03

Taishya Adams asked about tribal consultation after a public comment about a proposed indigenous botanic garden at Hogan-Pancost in place of tennis courts. The parks director said staff consulted tribal partners and the state archaeologist and found no evidence of significance. Adams said consultation should be council to tribe and not left to staff.

Transportation and parking

CityOct 1, Regular Meeting at 3:41:55

Under item 8A, the mayor proposed a position of support for the Front Range Passenger Rail sales tax measure, which would fund train service from Fort Collins through Boulder and Denver to Pueblo. A straw poll was unanimous, 8-0, directing staff to draft a support resolution.