Good Friday morning, BRL readers.
This weekend will be a somber one for so many, as the city marks four years since the King Soopers tragedy. Details on Saturday’s public remembrance ceremony below.
Leading the news…
Boulder could be at risk of losing more than $55 million in federal funding if the Trump administration moves to cut previously awarded funds, according to a new city analysis. The funding — part of $91 million in total federal awards — supports programs such as affordable housing, policing, transportation safety and social services. The limbo comes as the city manages a leaner $590 million budget for 2025, already strained by rising costs and the expiration of pandemic-era funding. Officials say they’re watching closely – but uncertainty looms.
Also today: A Snapchat threat at Summit Middle School sparked anxiety this week, with some parents frustrated by limited communication from officials. Boulder police deemed the threat “not credible,” but additional security was added on campus. The incident has renewed debate over how BVSD responds to school threats, Jenna Sampson reports.
And in case you missed it: U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse is hosting an in-person townhall at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow, March 22, at Monarch High in Louisville.
Below the Fold:
- Remembrance ceremony: City marks four years since King Soopers shooting.
- Shelter capacity: All Roads cuts beds amid funding cut.
- KC Becker: Former House Speaker leads Colorado solar group.
- Parks & Rec jobs: Boulder hiring 200 summer workers.
- Energy bills: Xcel rates to rise April 1.
- Traffic upgrades: City enhances safety at eight intersections.
- Creek Festival: Boulder’s signature event returns Memorial Day weekend.
Thank you, as always, for reading,
– Brooke, reporter
Boulder faces uncertainty over $55M in federal funding amid Trump’s cuts
The funds in limbo amount to nearly 10% of the city’s total budget, adding uncertainty as Boulder grapples with rising costs and shrinking revenues. Continue reading…
Threat at Boulder’s Summit Middle sparks parent concerns over transparency, safety protocols
Frustrated by limited details and a lack of clear action after a Snapchat threat, some want to see stricter policies for handling threats. Continue reading…
Boulder weekend: Breezy 50s; warming to 60s Sunday
As we head into the weekend, we can anticipate a warming trend. Today and tomorrow, temperatures are expected to hover in the 50s, with Saturday bringing gusty winds reaching up to 40 mph. By Sunday, the winds should subside, and temperatures are forecast to climb into the 60s — a prelude to next week’s highs potentially soaring into the mid-70s.
Day of Remembrance for King Soopers shooting to be held Saturday
The City of Boulder will host a Day of Remembrance on Saturday, March 22, to honor the 10 lives lost in the 2021 mass shooting at the Table Mesa King Soopers. The event includes a moment of silence and will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Museum of Boulder (doors open at 1:30 p.m.). It is free and open to the public.
Mayor Aaron Brockett called the anniversary “a day for reflection in Boulder” and a time to support those still grieving.
For community members seeking support, the Boulder Strong Resource Center at 2935 Baseline Road offers services for those impacted by the tragedy.
All Roads to reduce shelter capacity, citing cuts in local funding
All Roads, Boulder’s largest shelter, announced Thursday that it will reduce its overnight bed capacity from 180 to 160, effective April 21.
The decision follows Boulder County’s cuts to a grant program that supports local safety-net providers, driven in part by a reduction in federal funding. All Roads, one of the program’s largest recipients, saw its grant funding drop by about 30%, from $900,000 to $653,500.
As part of an agreement with the City of Boulder, the shelter had expanded its capacity to 180 beds in early 2024.
“However, reductions in local government support since then have made it impossible to maintain the staffing necessary for that level of service,” the organization said in a statement. “Restoring full capacity before next winter will depend on increased fundraising and new revenue sources.” Read more on BRL.
KC Becker to lead Colorado Solar and Storage Association
Boulder resident and former Colorado House Speaker KC Becker has been named CEO of the Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA). Becker, who recently stepped down as the EPA’s Region 8 administrator, brings years of experience in climate policy and environmental regulation to the role.
At the EPA, she led efforts to strengthen air and water protections, enforce emissions regulations and expand clean energy initiatives, including grants for solar projects. She said she aims to position Colorado as a top-five solar energy state while pushing policies that accelerate the shift to renewables — at a time when the Trump administration is prioritizing fossil fuel development, rolling back environmental regulations and cutting climate research.
“This is a pivotal moment to leverage my experience in building a climate-safe future for our communities,” Becker said. She succeeds Mike Kruger as COSSA’s CEO.
Boulder Parks and Rec hiring 200 summer workers
Boulder Parks and Recreation is hiring for about 200 summer positions, open to anyone 15 and older. Jobs include camp counselors, parks maintenance, recreation center cashiers, and lifeguards. Pay ranges from $16 to $18 an hour, and employees get a free rec center pass. See the full list of open positions here.
Your energy bill may rise a few dollars April 1 — here’s why
Xcel Energy customers may see short-term price increases in their electric and natural gas bills starting April 1, as natural gas prices continue to climb, CPR reports. The increases are tied to Xcel’s routine “Gas Cost Adjustment,” which passes fluctuations in the market price of natural gas directly to customers.
In an adjustment announced last week, Xcel estimated that residential customers will see an average monthly increase of $2.64 in their gas bills and $2.56 in their electric bills. Small businesses could see higher increases, with gas bills rising by $14.07 and electric bills by $5.15. If approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, the new rates would remain in effect for three months. The U.S. Energy Information Administration has suggested that gas prices will be significantly higher in 2025 and 2026 compared to 2024.
Boulder kicks off traffic signal upgrades at eight intersections
The City of Boulder is launching a yearlong series of safety upgrades at eight busy intersections as part of its Vision Zero goal to eliminate serious traffic injuries and fatalities. The work focuses on installing new traffic signal equipment that allows for more responsive left-turn signals based on traffic conditions.
Construction begins next week at Broadway and Regent Drive/20th Street, timed to coincide with spring break (March 24–28) to minimize disruptions. Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians can expect detours and a northbound lane closure on Broadway during the work.
Improvements are also scheduled at intersections including Arapahoe and 15th, Pearl and 26th, and 30th and Aurora. The city says left-turn crashes are among the most common in Boulder, and signal upgrades aim to reduce those collisions.
Boulder Creek Festival returns Memorial Day weekend
Boulder’s biggest community event is back. The 36th annual Boulder Creek Festival returns May 23-26, bringing live music, local vendors, food trucks and family-friendly activities to downtown Boulder over Memorial Day weekend.
The festival kicks off Friday night with a free concert from Steely Dead, followed by Magic Beans on Saturday. More than 30 bands will perform throughout the weekend. Attendees can also browse a farmers market-style shopping experience featuring 200+ artisans and local businesses, enjoy food from 30+ food trucks and vendors, and sip craft brews at Creekside Beer Fest.
More events and activities will be announced in the coming months
☀️ 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.