This week, Boulder City Council is expected to approve a new agreement with the Sundance Film Festival that details municipal benefits tied to the festival’s move to Boulder.
In the spring, a coalition including the city, Visit Boulder, the Boulder Chamber and CU Boulder offered Sundance $34 million in incentives over the next 10 years, during which time Sundance has committed to hosting the festival in Boulder. That deal was on top of a separate $34 million tax credit from the state.
This new agreement between the city, Sundance and Boulder’s Downtown Commercial District provides additional detail about the city’s incentive package. Sundance will be allowed to occupy, at no cost, certain city properties that could be used to sell merchandise, food, tickets and other items. The festival will also lease office space at 1500 Pearl St. for administrative purposes. Aside from the office space, the agreement does not yet specify which city properties the festival will use.
The city has also agreed to pass an ordinance allowing Boulder to issue a blanket license to the festival covering multiple permits, including building permits and temporary beer and liquor licenses, with an estimated value of $200,000 annually. In September, the city council also approved a new short-term “festival lodging” license with looser rules to expand rental options during major events like Sundance.
Each year, Boulder will also provide Sundance with:
- $150,000 worth of renewable energy credits to offset festival emissions
- $355,000 worth of free HOP bus transportation and 5,000 e-bike passes
- $75,000 to support city staff assisting with permitting, event setup, street closures and trash removal
- $200,000 worth of public safety staffing, including police, traffic control, and fire and EMS coverage
- $500,000 worth of free parking in designated areas and assistance with street closures
- Up to $250,000 from additional city tax revenue generated during January and February while the festival is underway
The city has also agreed to install Sundance signage and provide a full-time city representative to serve as a liaison to the festival.
In return, Sundance has agreed to offer specialized ticket sales for Colorado residents, include the city in promotional materials, and coordinate with the Boulder Chamber on business support.
Supplemental annual plans with additional detail will be reviewed by the city by April 1 and are expected to receive final approval by Sept. 1.
According to Sundance’s most recent economic impact report, the 2024 festival in Park City, Utah, generated $132 million in economic activity for the state. The city anticipates that Sundance’s economic impact in Boulder will “equal or exceed” the value of Boulder’s annual contributions.