Good Monday morning, Boulder.
Before today’s news, a quick (and exciting!) note from us.
As you likely know, Boulder Reporting Lab is a nonprofit newsroom. And starting right now, your gift to BRL is doubled. Thanks to NewsMatch, a national campaign supporting nonprofit newsrooms like ours, gifts up to $1,000 are matched dollar for dollar through Dec. 31. That includes the full first-year value of new monthly gifts, so $15 a month becomes $360 for BRL.
On Dec. 1, we turn five. It’s pretty amazing what you’ve helped build: thousands of stories, a newsroom that’s grown as more of you have read and supported it, and journalism that’s free for everyone.
We’re nowhere near done. We want to bring our reporting to more communities across Boulder County and dig deeper into the issues shaping our lives, from local budgets and housing to elections and Sundance’s arrival. At a time when it’s harder than ever to know what’s true, we’re in the business of finding out and making sure you know, too.
Next week, we’re kicking off Five to Forever, our year-end campaign to make sure BRL is here for Boulder for good. But if BRL matters to you, why wait? Make a gift today and it’ll go twice as far.
Once you give, we’ll take you off our year-end fundraising emails, and you’ll still get all the news you count on. And to the many of you who have already supported BRL, thank you!
Now, the news.
First, a reminder that tomorrow is Election Day. We’ll be working late into the night to bring you local election results as they come in. We’ll have live updates on our website and in your inbox, so make sure your Boulder friends and neighbors are signed up for this newsletter, too.
Boulder is also reeling from a tragic weekend. A 19-year-old CU Boulder student was killed and another critically injured in a shooting at a University Hill house party late Saturday night. Police are searching for those responsible and have released photos and video in hopes of identifying people who may have information about the shooting. We’ll continue updating our coverage as we learn more.
Also today: Open enrollment for Boulder Valley schools began Nov. 1, and families face some big decisions. Four elementary schools will close next fall, while others will change grades, buildings or attendance boundaries. For some families, that means finding a new school. To help, Jenna Sampson has put together a new interactive guide, which lets families explore 29 elementary schools, compare up to three side by side and weigh everything from academics and enrollment to programs and building capacity.
Plus more, Below the Fold:
- Weather: Rain today, sunshine for Election Day.
- Ballot still blank? Everything you need before Tuesday.
- San Lazaro: Housing board urges city support for mobile home residents.
- Affordable housing: Boulder considers faster development reviews.
- Election Day logistics: Where to vote and when to drop off your ballot.
- Mountain rescue: Injured hiker airlifted near Nederland after an eight-hour operation.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Choosing a Boulder Valley elementary school for 2027? Explore 29 options with our interactive guide
With four schools closing and others changing grades or buildings next fall, Boulder Valley families face new choices. Our interactive guide helps families find nearby schools and compare enrollment, academic performance, programs and more. Continue reading…
CU Boulder student killed, another critically injured in shooting at University Hill house party
Police say a group tried to force its way into the home shortly before the shooting. Investigators are seeking the public’s help identifying people captured on video. Continue reading…
A soggy start, then sunshine for Election Day
Keep the umbrella handy today. Boulder faces a 60% chance of showers, mainly before 11 a.m., with cloudy skies and a high near 54. Expect a low around 39 tonight, with a slight chance of more rain.
The good news for Election Day? Sunshine and a high near 58 on Tuesday. Wednesday stays mostly sunny, with a high near 57.
Haven’t voted yet? We’ve got you covered
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and there’s still time to make an informed choice. BRL’s 2026 Voter Guide has everything you need:
- Meet the candidates: Profiles of the six mayoral candidates and 13 city council hopefuls.
- Compare candidates on the issues: See where they stand on housing, homelessness, city spending, wildfire preparedness and more.
- Follow the endorsements: See which candidates have the backing of Boulder’s political groups.
- Understand the ballot measures: What a yes or no vote means for local taxes, city borrowing, childcare funding and county representation.
- Watch the mayoral debate: Hear five candidates discuss their priorities in BRL and KGNU’s debate.
- Follow the money and the latest election news: See who’s raising and spending the most in Boulder’s city races and county ballot measure campaigns, plus the latest reporting on candidates, campaign controversies and the issues shaping Tuesday’s election.
- Make a plan to vote: Find voting centers and ballot drop boxes.
You can register and vote in person through Election Day.
Boulder Housing Advisory Board sends letter in support of San Lazaro
The City of Boulder Housing Advisory Board voted 5-1 on Oct. 28 to send a letter to city council calling for support of the San Lazaro mobile home community.
San Lazaro sits just outside the city’s eastern limits near Valmont. The park was listed for sale in the spring, and an undisclosed buyer has offered to purchase the park for $42.5 million. Residents, fearing a new owner could raise rents and dismantle a close community, are racing to produce a counteroffer by Dec. 8. Boulder County has offered $11 million, hoping the commitment will unlock more funding opportunities. The City of Boulder has offered a $1.3 million loan, with the condition that San Lazaro pursues annexation, a process that may cost the community several million more.
The board wanted to “voice our support for the residents and for a collaborative effort among the City, Boulder County, the State, and other partners to assist this vital community,” the letter read.
The letter acknowledged that mobile home parks remain a critical piece of affordable housing in the Boulder area. “Preserving deeply affordable housing options is essential to maintaining a community where people across a range of incomes can live and work.”
The letter refrains from making specific policy recommendations but encourages the city to do what it can to preserve San Lazaro.
Potential changes to Boulder’s land-use code from state affordable housing legislation
The City of Boulder is working to implement an expedited review process for affordable housing projects. The proposed process would require a final decision on projects within 90 days. The proposed code change is driven by Proposition 123, passed in 2022, which established a state affordable housing fund. To remain eligible for funding, Boulder must implement the expedited review by Dec. 31, 2026. City council’s second reading is scheduled for Nov. 19.
Boulder’s Land Use Code must also address higher-density housing along transportation corridors and make local zoning laws for affordable housing more flexible. Both items are undergoing staff analysis.
County offices closed for Election Day
Most Boulder County government offices will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 3 for Election Day. The Elections Division will remain open, along with voting centers across the county from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. All ballots must be received by 7 p.m. Tuesday to count. Find your nearest voting center or ballot drop box online.
Injured hiker rescued near Nederland after eight-hour operation
A 38-year-old hiker was airlifted from steep terrain near Diamond Lake west of Nederland early Sunday after a fall left him with multiple injuries, including suspected leg fractures.
The rescue began around 4:18 p.m. Saturday and involved Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, Nederland Fire Protection District, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies.
During an initial rescue attempt, a Colorado National Guard helicopter made a precautionary landing near the Fourth of July Trailhead. A second National Guard helicopter successfully hoisted the injured hiker from the mountainside at 12:21 a.m. Sunday. He was taken by ambulance to a Boulder hospital.
The Fourth of July Trailhead and surrounding area will remain closed while crews recover the helicopter.
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