Organizers drop bid to close West Pearl to cars, citing economic uncertainty

Organizers of a proposed ballot initiative to close West Pearl Street to most vehicle traffic announced on May 1 that they are suspending their campaign, citing growing economic uncertainty.

The measure aimed to revive the open-street atmosphere that emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the city closed sections of West Pearl to cars and allowed restaurants to expand outdoor dining into the roadway.

The decision to withdraw the measure sidesteps what was shaping up to be a contentious issue in Boulder’s 2025 local election. The proposal had generated strong opposition from many business owners who argued the street closure would reduce revenue.

Emerging economic conditions also played a role, according to organizers. Since the initiative was announced in February, a global trade war started by the Trump administration has prompted fears of a recession. City officials said the proposal could reduce parking revenue and would require new investments. Most councilmembers opposed the initiative.

“This shifting landscape has led us to a difficult but clear conclusion: 2025 is not the year for this initiative,” organizers said in a statement on Thursday. “Too much is uncertain both nationally and locally, and there are both big risks and big opportunities for changes downtown.”

Looking ahead, organizers said they’re optimistic about Boulder’s planned hosting of the Sundance Film Festival in 2027, which they say will likely require more pedestrian space downtown. The festival is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors.

“Festival organizers and attendees alike will demand more pedestrian space downtown, both because it makes for a safer, more pleasant experience, and because motor vehicles are simply too space-inefficient to handle the throngs the festival will bring to the city,” they said.

Petitioners had until May 28 to collect signatures to qualify for the ballot.