Good Monday morning, Boulder. Before we jump into today’s news, a quick note: We’re hiring. We’re looking for a talented journalist to join our team as Director of Newsletters, and we’re also hiring a Sundance reporter, currently a part-time role that could quickly become full-time. Please spread the word.

Leading today’s edition: Boulder County has rejected all housing innovation grant proposals. Fourteen nonprofits and local governments applied for a share of a new $500,000 fund created by a voter-approved housing tax meant to support innovative housing solutions. In January, the county rejected every proposal, suggesting the ideas were not innovative enough. The decision, which came after staff had initially recommended funding nine projects, frustrated applicants and added to the debate over how the county is using the new housing tax revenue. Brooke Stephenson reports.

Also today: Learn more about Boulder’s draft comprehensive plan, which would eliminate housing density limits and emphasize walkable “15-minute neighborhoods.” Local playwrights also have a new opportunity this month. Colorado writers have until March 16 to submit plays to IGNITE, a new playwriting festival launched by the Boulder nonprofit Fireside Ink. Up to five winning plays will get staged readings at Junkyard Social Club in May as the organization works to grow Boulder’s writing community. McKenzie Watson-Fore reports.

Plus more, Below the Fold:

  • Snowstorm to sunshine: Warm, breezy week ahead.
  • BVCP rewrite: Draft plan would eliminate housing density limits.
  • Wildfire rebates: County offers up to $500 for home mitigation.
  • Rec center closures: Annual maintenance shutdowns scheduled.
  • Baseline Road closure: Bridge project to shut road near Dry Creek.
  • Things to Do: Film screenings, salsa dancing, wine and whiskey tastings, pool night, fishing meetup, laser show, Celtic music + more.

Thanks, as always, for reading,

– The BRL team

Boulder County rejects all proposals for housing innovation grants

Fourteen groups applied for a share of a new $500,000 fund created by a voter-approved sales tax. County officials said the ideas were not innovative enough, frustrating many applicants. Continue reading…

Boulder nonprofit Fireside Ink launches playwriting festival for Colorado writers

Fireside Ink, a Boulder-based nonprofit writing community, is launching a new playwriting festival aimed at supporting Colorado playwrights and building local arts audiences. Continue reading…

After a welcome snowstorm, Boulder shifts back to sunshine and warmth

After last week’s messy spring snowstorm, which dropped about 3.6 inches in Boulder and delivered a welcome shot of moisture across the Front Range, the region is quickly shifting back into spring mode.

Expect mostly sunny skies and breezy conditions Monday, with highs near 67 degrees and gusts up to about 25 mph. Temperatures climb again Tuesday, reaching near 70, before a weak midweek system brings a chance of rain and snow Tuesday night and cooler highs in the low 50s Wednesday.

Boulder’s seasonal snowfall remains well below normal, though the recent moisture should temporarily ease fire concerns as the area heads into another warm, breezy stretch.

Boulder releases draft comprehensive plan that would eliminate housing density limits, emphasize walkable neighborhoods

The city has released a draft of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan that would eliminate numerical housing density limits and replace them with new standards focused on character, scale and housing form. The BVCP is a long-term planning document that guides land-use decisions in Boulder and parts of the county. It is updated roughly every five to 10 years.

Under the draft, density tiers would give way to two broad residential categories — “Neighborhood 1” and “Neighborhood 2.” Neighborhood 1 areas, for example, would be primarily residential with detached single-unit homes and small-scale attached housing. 

The previous plan set numerical limits on how many units could be built per acre. Those limits have contributed to constraints on zoning reforms, though the Boulder City Council has still managed to pass incremental changes in recent years.

The draft comes as the city grapples with a housing shortage, particularly for lower-income residents, that has driven up costs. The draft BVCP acknowledges an “increased need for housing” and points to past planning decisions as contributing to rising housing costs. Read more on BRL.

Wildfire rebates: County offers up to $500 for home mitigation work

Boulder County residents can receive up to $500 in rebates for wildfire mitigation work under a program that opened two months earlier than usual this year because of an unusually warm, dry winter.

The Wildfire Partners rebate program is open to homeowners and renters across Boulder County who complete approved projects to reduce wildfire risk around their homes. Eligible actions include removing flammable juniper shrubs, installing ember-resistant vents, replacing fencing attached to homes with fire-resistant materials, and creating a noncombustible buffer around the first five feet of a house.

County officials say the early launch is meant to encourage residents to prepare sooner as wildfire risk increases.

The rebate application deadline is Oct. 8, with work and reimbursement claims due by Oct. 29. Over the past two years, more than 1,500 residents received $672,600 in rebates through the program.

Boulder announces annual rec center maintenance closures

Boulder Parks & Recreation has announced the annual weeklong maintenance shutdowns for the city’s three recreation centers, starting with the East Boulder Community Center March 14-22. The North Boulder Rec Center is tentatively scheduled to close Aug. 15-23, followed by the South Boulder Recreation Center Aug. 29-Sept. 7.

The annual closures allow crews to complete deep cleaning and routine repairs intended to prevent unexpected shutdowns during the year, according to the city.

The announcement comes as the city considers the future of the aging South Boulder Recreation Center, which officials say is nearing the end of its life and could require a $30 million replacement. Residents, including many children, have recently packed city council meetings to call for a new facility that preserves key amenities such as the pool and gym.

The maintenance schedule also arrives as Boulder Parks & Recreation faces broader financial pressures. Department leaders have warned that service reductions may be needed by 2027 as expenses continue to outpace revenues.

Baseline Road bridge project will close road near Dry Creek

Baseline Road will close between 75th Street and Cherryvale Road starting at 7 a.m. Wednesday as Boulder County begins work to replace a bridge at Dry Creek. The first closure, needed for Xcel Energy utility relocation, is expected to last about one month, weather permitting.

A second closure later this fall — expected to last about two months — will allow crews to install the new bridge.

Detours will route drivers (see map) to South Boulder Road or Arapahoe Road. RTD’s 225 bus will be rerouted, and stops on Baseline between 75th and Cherryvale will be closed during construction. The Dry Creek Trailhead parking lot will also close during both construction phases. More information is available at BoCo.org/baseline.

☀️ Explore events in Boulder and use the self-submission form on our events page to reach thousands in our community — for free! To have your event featured on our Monday to-do list, make sure to submit it to our events calendar.

Cinema Classics with Jeffrey Kash: The Misfits: Monday, Mar. 9, 7-8:30 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read more.

“Hands Up” Film Screening and Director Q&A: Tuesday, Mar. 10, 5-8 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read more. 

Free Salsa Classes with Jesús Muñoz: Tuesday, Mar. 10, 6-7 p.m., Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, 1750 13th St. Alternative dates weekly through April 7. Read more. 

Whisk(e)y Wednesdays at The Toad: Wednesday, Mar. 11, 6-8 p.m., The Hungry Toad, 2543 Broadway. Alternative dates weekly. Read more.

Pool League Night: Wednesday, Mar. 11, 7 p.m., Dillinger’s Bar & Grill, 1202 Centaur Village Drive, Lafayette. Alternative dates weekly. Read more. 

Micky & the Motorcars: Wednesday, Mar. 11, 7 p.m., The Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St. Read more. 

Fireside Fly Fishing Lab: Thursday, Mar. 12, 6-7:30 p.m., Limelight Boulder, 1295 University Ave. Read more. 

The Bow Tides with Alexa Wildish: Thursday, Mar. 12, 7-7:30 p.m., eTown, 1535 Spruce St. Read more. 

Hazel Miller and The Collective: Thursday, Mar. 12, 7:30 p.m., Nissi’s, 1455 Coal Creek Dr., Unit T, Lafayette. Read more. 

Jigitz: Thursday, Mar. 12, 8 p.m., The Fox Theater, 1135 13th St. Read more. 

Laser Beyonce: Thursday, Mar. 12, 8:30-9:30 p.m., Fiske Planetarium, 2414 Regent Dr. Read more. 

Friday Flights: Educational Wine Series: Friday, Mar. 13, 6:30-8 p.m., Bookcliff Vineyards, 1501 Lee Hill Rd. Additional dates: April 10, May 8. Read more. 

Pablo Cruise: Friday, Mar. 13, 8 p.m., Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St. Read more. 

Last Dinosaurs with elmjack: Saturday, Mar. 14, 8 p.m., The Fox Theater, 1135 13th St. Read more.