Good Friday morning, Boulder. BoulderCAST tells us today the heat is ramping up, so it might be a good weekend to find some water.
Leading today’s edition: Speeding tickets by mail could soon hit more Boulder drivers. The city has activated more than a dozen new automated speed cameras, mostly on busy arterial roads where most serious crashes occur, and will begin issuing fines next month. The move follows a change in state law and is part of Boulder’s push to reach its Vision Zero goal. At one early camera site, violations dropped by nearly half, John Herrick reports.
Also: Now that the “Big Beautiful Bill” has been signed into law, how will it affect Boulder? The picture is still coming together, but as Brooke Stephenson reports, local leaders are sounding the alarm. The sweeping Trump administration budget plan shifts Medicaid and SNAP costs to states and tightens eligibility. In Boulder County, where 25,000 people rely on food stamps and more than 40,000 are on Medicaid — including thousands of kids — officials warn it could trigger deep service cuts, strain state budgets and reduce access to essential benefits.
And: City council last night approved two major changes we’ve covered extensively and knew were coming: new open comment rules aimed at easing tensions in council chambers since 2023, and the elimination of parking minimums.
That and more, Below the Fold:
- BoulderCAST: Heat’s back — and the rain isn’t.
- Open comment: Council adopts new rules after months of tense meetings.
- Parking rules: Boulder eliminates minimums for new developments citywide.
- Passenger rail: Boulder County service gains steam with new 2029 plan.
- Switch Together: Solar discount program returns for a limited time.
- 4th of July Road: Closed July 28–29 for maintenance.
- RockyGrass 2025: 53rd annual festival is happening this weekend.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Boulder is set to issue automated speeding tickets at more than a dozen locations
The city has long been prohibited from using speed cameras on its busiest arterials, where most crashes occur. Speeding violations dropped by nearly half at one early location. Continue reading…
‘Big Beautiful Bill’ to bring cuts to Boulder: What’s at risk for Medicaid, SNAP and more
Local leaders warn of lost benefits, rising healthcare costs and deep service cuts as federal budget shifts burden to states. Here’s what to watch for. Continue reading…
Rain chances fade as heat returns this weekend
It’s been a bit of a letdown on the rain front this week in Boulder County. While nearby spots got drenched, we mostly stayed dry. That trend looks set to continue as monsoon moisture backs off today.
There’s still a slight chance of a gusty storm this afternoon or evening — about a 20% shot — as temperatures climb into the upper 80s.
The much-discussed heat dome over the eastern U.S. will drift west toward Colorado this weekend, bringing the sizzling air with it. Any isolated storms will stick to the Mountains, while Boulder stays partly sunny, hot, and dry through Sunday. It’s shaping up to be a great weekend to hit the pool, with highs settling in the low to mid-90s.
Boulder City Council approves new open comment rules after months of heated meetings
The Boulder City Council on July 24 approved new rules for open comment aimed at helping meetings run more smoothly and stay on schedule, following more than a year of disruptions related to the war in Gaza. The council passed the ordinance as an emergency measure, meaning it takes effect immediately. The next in-person open comment session is scheduled for Aug. 7.
Since late 2023, residents have used open comment to protest Israel’s war in Gaza and urge councilmembers to support a ceasefire resolution. At times, comments have included hate speech directed at Jewish councilmembers. In response, councilmembers have sought to balance First Amendment protections with efforts to maintain order, including limiting the size of signs and suspending speakers from in-person council meetings for disruptive behavior. But after the deadly Molotov cocktail attack on Pearl Street targeting those gathered for a Run for Their Lives event in support of hostages held in Gaza, the issue returned to the forefront.
The new rules include starting meetings at 5:30 p.m. (instead of 6 p.m.), capping open comment at 45 minutes and prioritizing speakers who have not spoken at previous meetings. Councilmembers want to make meetings more predictable as recent disruptions have delayed meetings and prompted recesses. (Read more about the changes here.) Read more on BRL.
Councilmembers eliminate parking minimums citywide
The council also voted unanimously to eliminate minimum parking requirements for new developments. The change is intended to reduce the cost of building housing and opening businesses. It’s also part of a broader push to promote alternatives to driving. The new rules take effect at the end of August.
Under current city code, most new residential developments must include at least one off-street parking space per unit. Commercial projects must provide parking based on square footage. These rules have led to nearly twice as many parking spaces as are needed in some areas of the city, according to a recent study.
The ordinance goes beyond a new state law that prohibits Colorado cities from enacting or enforcing parking minimums near bus and train stops as of last month. Boulder is eliminating the requirements citywide. Later this year, councilmembers will consider a transportation demand management policy aimed at encouraging people to walk, bike or take transit instead of driving. Read about the new law here.
Passenger rail inches closer to Boulder County
A long-awaited passenger rail line between Fort Collins and Denver, including service to Boulder and Broomfield counties, is gaining traction, according to the Left Hand Valley Courier. At a recent public forum in Longmont, local officials said the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and the Front Range Passenger Rail District are now working together under a new agreement to launch “starter service” by 2029, the Courier reported.
The plan includes eight stations, from Union Station to Fort Collins, with stops in Boulder and Longmont. Officials say existing state and RTD sales tax revenues could fund the project without new taxes. Negotiations with BNSF Railway, whose tracks would be used, are expected to begin soon. Leaders stressed the importance of getting trains running to build momentum and public support. Read the full story in the Left Hand Valley Courier.
Switch Together solar discount program returns for a limited time
Boulder County’s home solar group-buy program, Switch Together, is back — but only through Sept. 3. Residents can sign up now to access an average 21% discount, or around $5,000 off, the cost of a rooftop solar system, battery storage or EV charger installation.
This is likely the last chance to combine the program’s group discount with the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit, which is set to expire at the end of 2025 under recently passed federal legislation, the county said. Installations must be completed and connected to the grid by then to qualify for the tax credit.
Participation is free and open to all residents of Boulder County and the Town of Erie. Nearly 1,500 households have already joined this year, and more than 500 have signed installation contracts. Learn more and sign up at boco.org/SwitchTogether.
4th of July Road closed for maintenance July 28–29
Boulder County will close 4th of July Road between the Hessie and Fourth of July trailheads from 6:30 a.m. Monday, July 28, to 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 29 for gravel and drainage work. The Hessie Trailhead will remain accessible, but expect possible delays. The closure affects all cars, bikes and pedestrians.
RockyGrass 2025 — the 53rd annual festival — is happening this weekend
The beloved Lyons bluegrass festival is officially sold out for July 25–27, with only a few tent camping passes left. But you can likely still find tickets through various ticket exchanges and other verified resellers.
The lineup features bluegrass royalty, from Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway and The Del McCoury Band on Friday to Sam Bush on Saturday and Rhonda Vincent & The Rage closing out Sunday. The festival’s setting — red cliffs, cottonwoods and the North St. Vrain River flowing past the main stage — has made it a summer highlight for decades.
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