Good Wednesday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by Bank of Colorado, a family-owned community bank serving Coloradans since 1978 with 45 locations statewide. Learn more.
Leading today: Boulder County says another round of layoffs and budget cuts is coming as officials try to close a structural deficit driven by rising costs and slower revenue growth. Why it matters: Last year’s cuts hit social service programs hard, eliminating jobs tied to healthcare, family support and services for vulnerable residents, and similar impacts could come again. The county workers union is urging alternatives to layoffs and earlier notice for employees. Brooke Stephenson reports.
Also today: Gabe Toth is profiling Nude Foods after its Shark Tank deal fell through, as the zero-waste grocer looks to expand.
And finally, in Local History: A Boulder police officer gunned down on Pearl Street in 1923 remains the city’s longest unsolved homicide. Silvia Pettem revisits a Prohibition-era killing tied to allegations of corruption, illegal liquor bribes and suspects that once included the police chief himself.
Corrections: Monday’s newsletter incorrectly said Bill Bower Park is in North Boulder. It is in South Boulder, on Table Mesa Drive, where visitors can also see the new Bill Bower memorial. Also, John Lehndorff’s Nibbles newsletter yesterday — a must-read edition featuring sushi openings and more — said Wellness Counter would open May 7 at 1117 Pearl St., the former home of High Country and Mork & Mindy’s New York Deli. That grand opening has been delayed due to “a final inspection delay.”
More, Below the Fold:
- BoulderCAST: Rain in town, snow in the Foothills to end April.
- Resource Central: A more waterwise yard starts with a free sprinkler evaluation (sponsored).
- Recovery home: Boulder reopens addiction treatment housing May 1.
- Warrants: Saturday event offers some residents fresh start.
- Koppenberg: Superior bike race returns Sunday after five-year hiatus.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Bank of Colorado is a family-owned, community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Throughout our 45 locations across the state, our values of honesty, integrity and clarity guide our every decision. We’re deeply rooted in Colorado’s history and fully invested in its future. Strong, Stable & Local Community Banking – reach out today to experience the best service in banking 303-476-7282.
Boulder County will lay off more employees and may cut programs to close $13.2 million budget deficit
After 62 layoffs and dozens of severance departures that disrupted social service programs, Boulder County officials say another round of cuts is coming. Continue reading…
After Shark Tank deal fell through, Boulder’s Nude Foods eyes Front Range expansion
The reusable-packaging grocer is exploring new locations while doubling down on community-backed funding. Continue reading…
Boulder’s longest unsolved homicide: Who killed Officer Elmer Cobb?
Political corruption, bootlegging rumors and a collapsed murder case turned a slain Boulder officer’s death into one of the city’s most enduring mysteries. Continue reading…
April finishes soggy with rain in town and snow in the Foothills
We’re easing into Wednesday on a calm note, but that won’t last. A slow‑moving storm is already lining up to push into Colorado later today, kicking off another stretch of unsettled weather that will linger through Friday. The track is still a bit too far south for a classic Front Range soaker, but there’s enough moisture and lift brushing Boulder to keep rain chances very healthy the next few days.
Today will actually be our warmest of the week, with highs in the upper 50s. The morning will be quiet, but expect scattered showers and a couple of thunderstorms to develop and continue through the afternoon and evening. We drop to around 40 tonight with low clouds and a few lingering showers.
The heart of the storm will arrive on Thursday. Most models still project roughly a half‑inch of rain for Boulder, if not a bit more, though we’re a little skeptical given the storm track and weak upslope. Highs will only reach the low to mid 40s with widespread chilly rain developing during the day. A few snowflakes may mix in at times, even down here in town, but little to no accumulation is expected. Neighboring Foothills communities above 7,000 feet could see 3 to 10 inches of wet snow by Friday morning, highest above 8,500 feet south of Nederland toward I-70.
Friday turns drier but stays cool in the 50s before a lovely weekend warm‑up.
Reduce water waste with a free sprinkler check (sponsored)
Get your sprinklers set to be smarter and more waterwise. With a free Slow the Flow sprinkler evaluation from conservation nonprofit Resource Central, you can reduce water waste, boost efficiency, and keep your landscape resilient. Join the interest list today for a chance to schedule your free evaluation this season.
Spots are limited, and this simple step can make a big impact on your outdoor water use.
Boulder set to reopen addiction treatment home for homeless people
The City of Boulder has selected Hazelbrook, a Colorado-based recovery services provider, to operate its recovery home for homeless people with substance use disorders.
The city first opened the 11-bed residential program on Pearl Street in 2023, but it closed in September 2025 after the previous vendor cited challenges with federal funding and a diverging mission with the city. The new provider has been asked to provide services such as therapy, case management and peer recovery support, according to the city’s request for proposals.
Hazelbrook, founded in 2016, will begin accepting clients on May 1, according to the city. The program targets homeless adults with substance use disorders, as well as people transitioning out of incarceration.
The city is providing the facility at essentially no cost. Hazelbrook is expected to pay for operations primarily through Medicaid billing and other insurance reimbursement.
The recovery home has been a central part of the city’s strategy to address substance use among homeless people. More than a dozen homeless people died in 2025 from methamphetamine and fentanyl toxicity, according to autopsy reports. Read more on BRL.
Saturday event offers some Boulder County residents chance to clear warrants without arrest
Boulder County residents with eligible misdemeanor or traffic warrants can resolve them without being arrested at a Fresh Start warrant forgiveness event this Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Boulder County Justice Center, 1777 Sixth St.
Hosted by the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office and other partners, the event allows some people to resolve a case, set a new court date or speak with a public defender. Officials say only certain nonviolent misdemeanor and traffic cases qualify, while more serious charges are excluded.
Concurrent events are also planned in Adams, Broomfield and Jefferson counties, with some warrants across those jurisdictions eligible to be handled virtually.
Koppenberg Bicycle Race returns to Superior after five-year hiatus
One of Boulder County’s spring cycling events is back this weekend. The Koppenberg Bicycle Race returns to Superior on Sunday, May 3, marking its first running in five years.
Cyclists will compete on a 5.5-mile loop that starts and ends on South 76th Street, with races scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The course is famous in local racing circles for its steep 17% climb, rolling terrain and sections of packed dirt road.
Roads along the route will remain open, but traffic impacts are expected during the event. Major intersections, including Sycamore and South 76th streets, will be managed by the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office. Organizers say registration remains open through Friday, with day-of registration also available at a higher price.
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