Good Friday morning, Boulder. Today’s edition of BRL Today is sponsored by EFAA. Head to Friend Fest at The Rayback on Sunday, April 26, supporting EFAA’s mission of helping Boulder County families meet basic needs.
Leading today: Boulder City Council has voted to allow metro districts for the first time, opening the door to a powerful financing tool that can fund major development projects without broad taxpayer costs. At least one East Boulder project is already exploring the tool. Officials say the move could support business growth and large-scale infrastructure, while new guardrails aim to limit debt risks that in other Colorado communities have left future property owners with high tax burdens. John Herrick reports.
Also today: Furloughs were canceled for 42 researchers at Boulder’s NOAA Global Monitoring Lab after more than $4 million in delayed federal funding was released. Brooke Stephenson reports.
And in BRL Opinion: Boulder has 75 city buildings in need of investment, including 15 in critical condition. Councilmembers Mark Wallach and Ryan Schuchard argue the city must stop deferring maintenance, prioritize infrastructure in the budget and consider new revenue, including taxes, to close a $400 million funding gap.
Plus more, Below the Fold:
- BoulderCAST: Snow this morning, hard freeze tonight.
- Lot splitting: State bill boosts housing; Boulder seeks exemptions.
- Vinnytsia: Boulder formalizes Ukraine sister city ties.
- Green spaces: $100K to turn “grey” areas green.
- Eldo rescue: Three climbers stranded, assisted out.
- Dark Horse: Boulder icon reopening in Louisville.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Since 1918, Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA) has served as Boulder’s community safety net, helping thousands of families and individuals navigate through times of need. This past year, EFAA provided support to 8,000 Boulder residents with food, financial assistance, and other essential resources. Join us for Friend Fest at The Rayback on Sunday, April 26 from 3-6pm. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon for adults and children alike, while supporting EFAA’s mission. Learn More.
Boulder City Council allows metro districts, opening door to a powerful development finance tool with a troubled past
A four-block East Boulder project with a 2,500-seat venue is likely to be among the first to explore the new financing tool as the city prepares for Sundance. Continue reading…
Furloughs canceled at Boulder NOAA Global Monitoring Lab after $4 million in federal funding released
The reversal follows a weekslong funding lapse that had put 42 researchers at risk of going without pay, threatening work on vital atmospheric and climate science. Continue reading…
Mark Wallach and Ryan Schuchard: We must fix Boulder’s aging infrastructure
All 75 of Boulder’s city-owned buildings require investment, with 15 in critical condition. Meeting these infrastructure needs will require new revenue, hard choices, and better budgeting. Continue reading…
Winter is back! Wet snow this morning, a hard freeze tonight
A sharp cold front pushed through overnight, and Boulder is waking up to a much colder, unsettled start to Friday. Temperatures will hover in the 30s today as a fast-moving wave of energy swings across Colorado, helping snow develop around sunrise before continuing for a few hours. Expect a quick burst of moderate snow early, followed by lighter, more sporadic snow showers after noon. Roads in town should stay mainly wet, but the Foothills could see brief slushy spots during heavier bursts. Accumulations remain modest, under 2 inches in Boulder and up to 5 inches in the Foothills.
Snow will wane during the afternoon or early evening as downslope winds and drier air arrive. Clearing tonight will set the stage for a widespread hard freeze, with lows in the low to mid‑20s. Be sure to disconnect hoses, drain exposed pipes, and protect your sensitive plants.
The weekend turns brighter but stays cool Saturday with highs in the 50s followed by another light freeze Saturday night. By Sunday, warmer air returns and Boulder will zoom into the 70s again, kicking off another round of springtime warmth that will carry through much of next week.
State bill to allow lot splitting advances as Boulder seeks exemptions
The Boulder City Council on Thursday directed city lobbyists to seek amendments to a bill that would require cities in Colorado to allow homeowners to split a single residential lot into two lots. Supporters of the bill seek to increase housing density and expand the supply of smaller homes.
Under the bill, HB26-1308, neither new lot could be smaller than 1,200 square feet, and the smaller lot must be at least 30% of the original lot’s size. Even so, the change would allow homes on lots smaller than the 7,000-square-foot minimum in Boulder’s low-density residential zones. In early 2025, Boulder City Council eased lot size restrictions to make it easier to build duplexes or triplexes, particularly near bus lines.
The council is seeking amendments to exempt properties in wildfire-prone areas and flood zones. Councilmembers also want a broader exemption for Boulder as a whole, citing the city’s existing policies that already allow greater density near transit corridors. Read on BRL.
Boulder to formalize sister city partnership with Ukrainian city Vinnytsia
Boulder will officially establish a sister city relationship with Vinnytsia, Ukraine on April 22, marking a long-term partnership focused on recovery, resilience and cultural exchange as the war in Ukraine continues.
The agreement will be signed during a 9 a.m. virtual ceremony connecting Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett with Vinnytsia Mayor Serhii Morhunov. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and other local and Ukrainian officials are also expected to speak.
Organizers say the partnership builds on existing collaboration between residents of both cities, including work on trauma healing and mental health. Future efforts are expected to expand into education, energy efficiency and civic initiatives.
The event is open to the public via Zoom.
Three Boulder County projects win $100K to turn ‘grey’ spaces green
Boulder County has awarded $100,000 to three projects that will convert underused urban areas into green infrastructure aimed at cooling neighborhoods, improving air quality and boosting biodiversity.
Funding will go to the City of Boulder, PLAY Boulder Foundation and an East Boulder commercial project. Plans include a two-acre food forest near 55th and Valmont, native gardens at the San Lazaro Mobile Home Community and a green roof paired with solar panels.
The projects were selected for reducing impervious surfaces, benefiting underserved communities and advancing climate resilience. The program is funded by the county’s Sustainability Tax, with a second grant round opening July 20.
Three climbers rescued after getting stranded overnight on Eldorado Canyon route
Rescue teams assisted three climbers who became stranded Sunday night on the Naked Edge route in Eldorado Canyon State Park, according to the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office.
The climbers lost their route after delays with pace and rope management, and were without headlamps as darkness fell. One climber was positioned higher on the route, while two remained below.
The all-volunteer Rocky Mountain Rescue Group led the response, with Boulder Emergency Squad providing drone support. Rescuers reached the climbers, provided warming supplies and helped them complete the final section of the climb. All three returned safely to the trailhead early Monday morning.
The Dark Horse, coming soon to Louisville
The Dark Horse will reopen in Louisville, the bar announced on social media Wednesday. The new location will be in a building near U.S. 36 and McCaslin Boulevard, while keeping “the same name, the same charm and hopefully most of the same staff,” said Chris Verrips, director of operations.
While some iconic items were sold at auction, team members held onto several pieces that will reappear. The post added that the bathroom doors “are coming with us.”
After 51 years, the Boulder location closed on March 14 as redevelopment plans for a mixed-use project move forward.
☀️ 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.