Good Wednesday morning, Boulder.
We’re leading today with a mixed update on BVSD enrollment. The district’s student population dropped nearly 1% — less than expected — thanks to a larger kindergarten cohort. But challenges remain. Heatherwood Elementary is still in critical intervention, the only BVSD school at that level, while Whittier and Eisenhower elementaries have entered the advisory phase for the first time, joining six others this year.
Boulder’s high housing costs continue to be a major factor in enrollment declines. A new data dashboard aims to provide insight into the trends, while a proposed state funding change could cost BVSD $4 million. Jenna Sampson reports today.
Also in the news: Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty is running for Colorado attorney general in 2026, John Herrick reports. Dougherty, who launched his campaign this week, pledged to push back against President Trump’s agenda while prioritizing reproductive rights, public safety and environmental protections. He has served as Boulder’s top prosecutor since 2018 and is the first to enter the race.
Much more, Below the Fold:
- U.S. House passes budget: Colorado health leaders warn of severe impacts.
- Police standoff ends in tragedy: A man dies by suicide after hourslong standoff.
- School meals funding shortfall: Lawmakers may ask voters to help cover costs.
- Food tax rebate returns: Boulder’s program reopens with a streamlined process.
- Summer jobs for teens: Youth Corps is hiring 14–17-year-olds for conservation work.
- Business Hall of Fame: Nominations open for influential local leaders.
- Boulder Fashion Week: Runway shows, pop-ups, and local designers take the stage.
And today’s Last Word: a Boulderite’s lighthearted take on why Colorado tops Cincinnati for Sundance. More Friday — thanks for reading.
— The BRL team
BVSD enrollment decline slows, but funding and school closures remain a concern
Four elementary schools avoided critical low-enrollment status, but Whittier and Eisenhower were added to the advisory list for the first time. Long-term enrollment declines and a proposed change to state school funding could lead to tough decisions. Continue reading…
Boulder County DA Michael Dougherty launches bid for Colorado attorney general
After serving as Boulder County’s district attorney since 2018, he now pledges to oppose Trump and “anyone who endangers Colorado.” Continue reading…
Midweek cooldown, warm weekend ahead
A cold front has moved in, bringing a brief chill today with highs in the 40s. But don’t bundle up for long — temps rebound to the 60s by late week, with warm, dry weather sticking around for a beautiful weekend. As the land dries, more trails are reopening, including several at Rabbit Mountain and Hall Mountain that reopened yesterday.
House passes budget, setting stage for Medicaid cuts; Colorado health leaders warn of severe impacts
On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a Republican budget resolution in a 217-215 vote, advancing $4.5 trillion in tax cuts alongside $2 trillion in federal spending reductions over the next decade. The plan paves the way for potential cuts to Medicaid, the federal program that provides healthcare coverage to tens of millions of Americans.
Colorado health care leaders are warning of devastating consequences if federal Medicaid funding is reduced. At a recent press conference, Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne said the public health system could lose up to $1 billion of its $1.5 billion budget, forcing service reductions, staff layoffs and possible facility closures, Colorado Newsline reported. Colorado Hospital Association CEO Jeff Tieman added that 70% of hospitals in the state already operate on thin or negative margins, and further cuts could push many — especially in rural areas — toward closure.
The state budget is already facing a projected $1.2 billion shortfall, largely due to rising Medicaid costs, according to the Colorado Sun. Colorado lawmakers may have limited options to replace reduced federal funding.
Developing story: Man dies by suicide after police standoff in Boulder
A man died by suicide Monday evening after a standoff with Boulder police that lasted more than four hours, authorities said. He was identified Tuesday as 20-year-old Joshua Provenza.
Police said the incident began around 11:36 a.m. when they received a call for a welfare check on a man in crisis who was reportedly armed and had threatened to harm himself and others.
At 1:38 p.m., CU Boulder Police received a report of a man who dropped a gun while walking on campus, then picked it up and ran before driving away. CUPD issued a shelter-in-place order and began searching for him.
Police later connected the two incidents and identified the man, who had an active domestic violence protection order. Officers located his car just after 3 p.m. in South Boulder and immobilized it. He refused to drop his weapon, police said.
SWAT officers attempted to negotiate with him for several hours, but at around 7:15 p.m., he died by suicide, according to police.
This is a developing story. We will publish more details as we are able to confirm them. Read more on BRL.
Colorado lawmakers may ask voters to help fund free school meals
Colorado’s free school meals program is running out of money, and state lawmakers are considering asking voters to help cover the shortfall, Chalkbeat reports.
House Bill 1274, introduced this week, would put two measures on the November ballot to raise more money for the program, which was approved by voters in 2022. The initiative, funded by reducing tax credits for people earning more than $300,000, has cost more than expected as more students participate. Free school meals have been shown to reduce hunger, improve classroom performance and prevent “lunch shaming” for families with unpaid meal debt.
In its first year, the program ran a $56 million deficit, which lawmakers covered. This year, it is projected to fall short by another $27 million. The proposed ballot measures would allow the state to keep $26 million in surplus tax revenue collected for the program rather than refunding it under TABOR rules. It would also further reduce tax deductions for high-income earners, generating an estimated $95 million annually.
A state task force reviewed 27 possible funding solutions in December, but many involved limiting which students receive free meals — something lawmakers have said they want to avoid.
Boulder’s food tax rebate program returns with more streamlined process
Boulder residents with lower incomes can once again apply for the city’s Food Tax Rebate program, which helps offset sales tax paid on food. This year, rebates are set at $106 for individuals and $325 for families.
Changes approved by city council will streamline the process, with applications opening earlier on April 15, to reduce wait times for payments. To qualify, applicants must have lived in Boulder for all of 2024 and be either 62 or older, a person with a disability, or a family with children under 18. Homeless residents can qualify by showing proof of services from a city-recognized homelessness agency.
Applications are due June 30. More details and forms will be available on the city’s website, and applicants from last year will receive one by mail. For in-person appointments, contact program administrator Aixa Creazzola at 303-441-4261.
Boulder County Youth Corps now hiring for summer jobs
Teens ages 14-17 can now apply for summer jobs with the Boulder County Youth Corps. The program runs from June 9 to July 30, with participants working 30 hours per week on conservation and community service projects like trail maintenance, historic preservation and weed removal.
The jobs pay $16 an hour, and this year’s program includes affinity crews for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth, along with a new Community Forest Corps team focused on tree care and climate solutions.
The application deadline is April 4. First-time applicants must submit a reference letter. To apply, visit the Youth Corps webpage. For more information, contact Program Manager Luiz Blanco-Bertolo at lblanco-bertolo@bouldercounty.gov.
Boulder County Business Hall of Fame nominations now open
Know someone who has made a lasting impact on Boulder County’s economy and community? The Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for its Class of 2025 through Feb. 28. Nominees can be business leaders, entrepreneurs or nonprofit executives whose work has created long-term economic, social or cultural benefits. Honorees must have demonstrated ethical leadership and a commitment to improving their community.
Think of someone who fits the bill? Nominate them here.
Boulder Fashion Week returns with local designers, runway shows and pop-up shops
Boulder Fashion Week 2025 is set to showcase local designers and boutiques on March 6 and 8 at The Boulder Broker Inn, at 555 30th Street. Expect runway shows, trendy pop-up shops and the latest styles from Boulder-based designers and boutiques.
“Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or just looking for some style inspiration, this event is perfect for anyone who loves to express themselves through clothing,” organizers say.
The events will run from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets are priced at $23. In addition, the 15th annual “Trash the Runway” event will take place on Feb. 27 at Macky Auditorium. This competition features 33 designers presenting couture made from recycled materials.
Boulder vs. Cincinnati for Sundance? A local weighs in.
In the battle to woo the Sundance Film Festival, The Cincinnati Enquirer has been flooded with takes — including one from Boulder’s own Stuart O’Steen, who made the case for why the festival should pick Colorado over Ohio.
O’Steen didn’t hold back:
- “Boulder and Park City, Utah, have one important thing in common: good January weather.”
- “Boulder is warmer and sunnier than Park City, and way warmer and sunnier than Cincinnati.”
- “The local NFL team has actually won a Super Bowl (three, in fact).”
As for Cincinnati’s chances? O’Steen had a suggestion: “Maybe if you erected some Potemkin mountains.”
The Sundance decision is still up in the air, but O’Steen got Boulder its moment in the sun — literally.
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