Good Monday morning, Boulder. Enjoying this early taste of spring?
Let’s dive in:
For nearly 70 years, kids have played Little League at Iris Fields in North Boulder. But with Boulder County planning to sell the 17.5-acre property — including the ball fields and county offices — families worry the beloved community space could disappear, Amber Carlson reports for BRL.
The county says the sale is part of a plan to consolidate operations and cut costs. It’s unclear who will buy the land or what they’ll do with it, but no changes are expected this year — so Little League is still on for 2025. Some parents have even launched a GoFundMe to try to buy the fields themselves.
Meanwhile, Boulder City Council took a step toward allowing more housing in East Boulder, voting 8-1 last Thursday to approve new development guidelines. The plan could add up to 5,000 new homes over time — but not without some flexibility for developers. After months of business pushback, the council added changes allowing some to opt out of housing requirements through a site review process. Final approval is still needed, and if it passes, the changes could take effect in April.
Below the Fold:
- Federal jobs and funding cuts: Boulder Chamber and partners assess impact, seek community input.
- Senate District 17 race: Katie Wallace of Longmont announces candidacy after Sonya Jaquez Lewis’ resignation.
- Immigrant legal aid: Colorado nonprofit resumes work after federal stop order rescinded.
- Go Out to Lunch Day: New initiative aims to boost Boulder restaurants.
- Volunteer victim advocates: Boulder police seek caring, empathetic recruits.
- Hands-Only CPR training: Boulder Fire-Rescue launches free monthly sessions.
- ‘Beloved Community’ event: NAACP hosts night of leadership, empowerment.
Enjoy the sunshine!
– The BRL team
North Boulder Little League faces uncertainty as county moves to sell Iris Fields
For nearly 70 years, Iris Fields has been a hub for North Boulder families, but with the county selling the land, its future may depend on zoning rules, city policies and community efforts to preserve it. Continue reading…
Boulder City Council advances new development guidelines to allow more housing in East Boulder
The vote came after a two-month delay, partially due to pushback from the business community over housing requirements in new developments. Continue reading…
Mild days, chilly nights — snow possible Tuesday
Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts — Boulder will see mostly sunny skies with highs near 64 degrees Monday and Tuesday. A slight chance of rain and snow arrives Tuesday night as temperatures drop to around 32.
Boulder Chamber and partners survey impact of Trump layoffs and funding cuts
The Boulder Chamber, in partnership with CO-LABS — a nonprofit representing Boulder’s science and technology sectors — and Workforce Boulder County, is gathering data on the impact of recent federal layoffs and funding freezes.
Boulder is home to more than a dozen federal research labs and about 1,700 federal employees, with an estimated 12,000 additional jobs tied to federal funding. The full extent of the cuts remains unclear. To better understand the effects, the Chamber and its partners are collecting firsthand insights on program cuts, policy changes and funding reductions affecting local businesses, research facilities and government institutions. A new Chamber webpage offers a platform for community input, as well as resources and support services for affected businesses and employees.
Boulder Chamber President John Tayer called the federal policy changes “unprecedented,” noting that federally funded research, government services, and business collaborations in Boulder generate over $2.3 billion in economic activity. “In collaboration with CO-LABS, Workforce Boulder County, and other partners, we’re working to mitigate the impact on our local workforce and the critical research and government functions they support, while providing relief and assistance,” he said.
Dan Powers, executive director of CO-LABS, said federal firings are often compared to private-sector layoffs, but he believes that’s a false equivalency. In the private sector, layoffs typically happen when a company is unprofitable or anticipates financial losses, often due to declining demand for its services.
“However, in the government – in my experience with the federal labs – their projects and the information from the scientists are counted on by American citizens,” Powers said. “There is a demand and a reliance on what those government employees provide.” Read on BRL.
Race for SD 17 heats up following Jaquez Lewis’ resignation
Katie Wallace, a Longmont Democrat, has announced her candidacy for Senate District 17, which includes Longmont, Lafayette and Erie. Wallace previously served as vice chair of the Boulder County Democratic Party and was a policy team member for U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse.
“I am running for state Senate to fight for middle- and working-class Coloradans, take on the climate crisis, and protect our civil liberties and democracy,” she said in a news release last week.
The seat became vacant after Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, a Longmont Democrat, resigned earlier this month amid an ethics probe into her treatment of legislative aides and staffers. Jaquez Lewis said she was stepping down for an opportunity to work for a nonprofit.
A Democratic vacancy committee is expected to select a replacement as soon as next month. Additional candidates are likely to enter the race.
Wallace has received endorsements from several current and former Boulder County legislators, including Rep. Karen McCormick of Longmont, Rep. Kyle Brown of Louisville and Sen. Judy Amabile of Boulder. Read on BRL.
Colorado nonprofit resumes legal aid for immigrant children after federal stop order rescinded
The Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (RMIAN) can continue providing legal help to immigrant children after the Trump administration abruptly reversed a stop-work order. The order had halted legal services for unaccompanied children nationwide. The Colorado Sun broke the story Friday.
RMIAN, which represents about 160 children in Colorado, called the decision a victory, crediting widespread public support. The initial order was part of broader federal moves affecting legal aid for immigrants, including a now-reversed suspension of services for adults. If enforced, the order could have left thousands of children without legal representation in immigration court.
New ‘Go Out to Lunch Day’ aims to boost Boulder restaurants
Got lunch plans? The Downtown Boulder Partnership, Visit Boulder and the Boulder Chamber are launching Go Out to Lunch Day, a new monthly push to get people away from their desks and into local restaurants.
With more people working from home and office vacancies soaring, Boulder’s restaurant industry and sales tax revenue have taken a hit. Fewer workers dining out during the day means less business for local eateries. Organizers say Go Out to Lunch Day is a simple way to help — while also giving coworkers and friends a chance to catch up in person.
The initiative starts today, Feb. 24, and will happen on the last Monday of every month.
“Initiatives like this remind the local community how vital local restaurants are — not only to our economy but also to our community’s culture and sense of place,” said Peter Waters, owner of T/ACO.
Local businesses, workers and residents are encouraged to join in and share their lunch outings using #OutToLunchBoulder on social media.
Boulder Police seeking volunteer victim advocates
The Boulder Police Department is accepting applications for “caring,” “empathetic” volunteer victim advocates to support victims of crimes, accidents and crises. Volunteers must be 21+, commit to one shift per month and complete a 40-hour training from April 15 to May 3. Applications are due March 28. For details, contact victimservices@bouldercolorado.gov or 303-441-4048.
Boulder Fire-Rescue launches monthly Hands-Only CPR trainings
Boulder Fire-Rescue is kicking off a new monthly Hands-Only CPR training program, with the first session set for Feb. 27 at Station 3 on Bluff Street. The free training, open to community members 18 and older, aims to equip more residents with lifesaving skills in case of a cardiac emergency.
Hands-Only CPR can double or triple survival chances for someone in cardiac arrest, and Boulder Fire-Rescue hopes to empower bystanders to act quickly before first responders arrive. “Every second matters,” said EMS Division Chief Jenna Steege. “The more people trained, the more lives we can save together.” Trainings will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m., with class sizes limited to 14 participants. Dates are scheduled through June, and spots are expected to fill quickly.
Tomorrow: ‘Beloved Community’ event to highlight prosperity and opportunity
The NAACP Boulder County Branch will host its Beloved Community event on Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 6-7:30 p.m. at eTown Hall.
The evening will feature speakers Dr. Reiland Rabaka, Annett James, Wanda James, Ann Cooper, and Henry Wright, who will discuss community building, leadership, and empowerment. Live music will be provided by Soul & Special Music Guests.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for music, mingling and light refreshments. The event is open to all, but an RSVP is required. For more information, contact Graham Hill at Blderturtle@icloud.com or 720-231-9357.
☀️ 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 this list, make sure to submit it to our events calendar.
Eye to Eye: Portraits of Pride, Strength, Beauty: Monday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 26, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 27, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 28, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Museum of Boulder, 2205 Broadway. Read More
Paper & Spine Used Bookstore Winter Sale: Monday, Feb. 24, 9 a.m., Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Read More
Songwriting Workshop w/ Caleb Schwing – The Art of Songwriting (4 weeks): Monday, Feb. 24, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl St., Suite V3A. Read More
Folsom Street Safety Improvements Project Business Listening Session: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 5–7 p.m., Boulder Chamber, 2440 Pearl St. Read More
Friendship Goodybag Poetry Open Mic: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 7–9 p.m.; Tuesday, March 25, 7–9 p.m.; Tuesday, April 22, 7–9 p.m.; Tuesday, May 27, 7–9 p.m., Bus Stop Gallery, 4895 Broadway St. Read More
Coal Creek Theater of Louisville presents Becky’s New Car: Friday, Feb. 28, 7:30–9:40 p.m.; Saturday, March 1, 7:30–9:40 p.m.; Sunday, March 2, 2–4 p.m.; more dates through March 15, Coal Creek Theater of Louisville, 801 Grant Ave. Read More
Sweet Honey in the Rock: Friday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m., Macky Auditorium, 1595 Pleasant St. Read More
Oscar Shorts: Live-Action: Saturday, March 1, 3:30–4:30 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read More
Here to Pee: Saturday, March 1, 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 1, 7:30–9 p.m., Junkyard Social Club, 2525 Frontier Ave. Read More
The Grammy Award-Winning Rebirth Brass Band with Juicebox Mardi Gras Party: Saturday, March 1, 8–11 p.m., Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St. Read More