Most members of Boulder City Council last week opted not to place a property tax measure on the 2025 ballot that would have funded projects in parks, civic buildings and public spaces. The decision followed a June survey of about 400 likely voters that found the proposal lacked majority support.
Councilmembers said they were concerned the property tax measure could jeopardize a more popular sales tax proposal. They are still considering asking voters to approve an extension of the city’s 0.30% Community, Culture, Resilience & Safety (CCRS) sales and use tax, which funds capital projects and received majority support in the poll.
The decision comes as city officials and councilmembers work to reduce the city’s reliance on sales taxes — Boulder’s largest but most volatile revenue stream, which also disproportionately impacts lower-income residents. The proposed property tax would have helped address an estimated $380 million backlog in capital maintenance amid a projected budget shortfall this year.
Voters will elect four councilmembers on Nov. 4. No citizen-led initiatives are expected on the ballot. The next mayoral election is in 2026.