Good Monday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by the NoBo Art District — check out pARTy for the ARTs, a fundraiser celebrating the NoBo Art District with music and more on Nov. 22.
Before you dive into today’s newsletter, we want to let you know that starting tomorrow you’ll be hearing more from us. That’s because we’re launching our biggest fundraising campaign yet, with a goal of raising $200,000 by Dec. 31. Thanks to you, BRL has become Boulder’s go-to source for local, independent news, built from scratch by this community and for this community.
Now we’re building on that momentum. Every dollar you give will be matched, doubling your impact and powering the newsroom Boulder built. Four years ago, BRL was just an idea. Today, it’s a trusted source for tens of thousands of readers. And together, we can keep it growing for years to come. Thank you for helping us get here, and for being part of what’s next.
Leading today’s edition: Boulder has implemented a new policy blocking the Police Oversight Panel from reviewing misconduct investigations deemed “unfounded” or “exonerated.” Panel members say the shift cuts them off from key records, weakens their independence and undermines the community-oversight model created after past policing failures. They’re now seeking independent legal counsel to review the city’s interpretation of the ordinance, the latest flashpoint in long-running tensions with city officials.
Also today: The city has announced it will not appeal the dismissal of its lawsuit against the FAA, effectively pausing its legal effort to determine whether Boulder can eventually close its municipal airport. BRL has published op-eds from both sides — those urging the city to appeal and those supporting its decision not to — plus much reporting and context. And finally, John Lehndorff’s Nibbles is going newsletter only starting tomorrow. If you’re subscribed, look for it around lunchtime on Tuesdays.
Plus, more, Below the Fold:
- Grass fire: Spark from mower ignites 10-acre blaze near U.S. 36.
- Betasso link: County buys key parcel for future trail connection.
- Policy agenda: Boulder previews 2026 state + federal priorities.
- Flagstaff: Gates installed at Panorama Point to curb nighttime issues.
- BIFF 2026: Festival passes + ticket packs now on sale.
- Things to do: Drag theater, DIY ornaments, Nepali film, AC/DC vs. Ozzy showdown, jigsaw contest, Pearl Street holiday kickoff + more
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Celebrate Creativity at pARTy for the ARTs! Join us for an unforgettable night celebrating NoBo Art District — Colorado’s newest Certified Creative District! Enjoy live music by Halle Tomlinson and the Ian Arras Organ Trio, a pop-up gallery, food & drinks, and a vibrant silent auction. Your support helps fuel NoBo’s 2026 programming and our $10K community challenge. Saturday, Nov 22 | 5-9 PM, Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl St, Boulder.
Boulder limits Police Oversight Panel’s access to misconduct cases, prompting backlash
City officials say the change lets them focus on serious allegations. Panel members say it undercuts the group’s core oversight role. Continue reading…
Boulder drops lawsuit against FAA following unfavorable federal court ruling
The decision likely means the Boulder Municipal Airport will continue operating for the foreseeable future, though its long-term fate remains uncertain. Continue reading…
Another heat record broken
Boulder set a new record high for Nov. 14 on Friday, reaching 78, breaking the previous record of 77 set in 1990, according to BoulderCAST. It marked the third daily record high this month and also capped off a new all-time November heat record. So far, six of November’s first 14 days have topped 70, a striking start to the month.
But that unseasonable warmth may finally be giving way.
Today (Monday) is expected to be mostly sunny and windy, with a high near 56. Winds could gust up to 50 mph before easing in the afternoon. If snow doesn’t fall, Boulder will officially break its record for the latest first snowfall on record.
Spark from mower ignites 10-acre grass fire
A spark from heavy mowing equipment ignited a grass fire on City of Boulder Open Space land Monday afternoon, burning about 10 acres near Cherryvale Road and U.S. 36 before it was quickly contained.
The fire was reported just before 3 p.m. Crews from multiple agencies responded, and Cherryvale Road was temporarily closed between South Boulder Road and Marshall Road. No injuries, evacuations or structure damage were reported.
Betasso connection inches closer with new county land deal
Boulder County commissioners approved a $1.5 million purchase of 6.6 acres on the east side of Boulder Canyon Drive last week. The land could eventually provide a trail connection to Betasso Preserve, a popular mountain biking and hiking area.
Currently, bikers trying to reach Betasso Preserve need to ride Boulder Canyon Road past the point where the trail ends to reach the Betasso Link Trail, or connect via nearby roads like Four Mile Canyon or Sunshine Canyon Drive.
The decision comes after a unanimous Oct. 23 recommendation for the acquisition from the county’s Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee.
“This is huge for the cycling community that likes to ride to Betasso and would like to do that without getting on a road open to cars!” the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance wrote following the vote.
According to the group, the county has been interested in a safer trail connection between the Betasso Link and Boulder Canyon trails since 2010, and initially planned to extend the canyon trail to achieve that. However, budget limitations stalled that effort. Read more on BRL.
Boulder previews 2026 policy agenda amid homelessness and state budget strains
City council reviewed Boulder’s draft 2026 Policy Statement last week, outlining the city’s top regional, state and federal priorities for the year ahead.
Regional & state priorities
As in 2025, reducing homelessness and strengthening mental health and safety-net services remain the top focus. The city is again urging the state to fund local homelessness prevention efforts. New this year is a request for the state to protect essential funding amid a projected $1 billion state budget shortfall, a gap that grew after the “Big Beautiful Bill” cut federal taxes. Colorado’s taxes are based on federal taxable income, and so state revenues fell alongside federal tax cuts. “If a bill comes forward with a new program of any kind that requires general fund expenditure, it is almost for sure not going to pass,” said Will Coyne, the city’s public affairs consultant.
City staff are also prioritizing lowering the cost of clean energy upgrades and are seeking revisions to Colorado’s new AI consumer-protection law, warning that Senate Bill 205 could hinder the city’s current use of AI and increase liability.
Federal priorities
Staff proposed five federal positions for 2026, including:
- Supporting the city’s annual congressionally directed spending requests.
- Backing Northwest Area Mobility efforts, including the CO 7 corridor and Northwest Rail.
- Advocating for reauthorization of the federal Surface Transportation Bill and for federal transportation dollars to flow directly to cities. (New in 2026.)
- Increasing funding for state revolving funds that provide low-interest loans for drinking-water and wastewater projects. (New in 2026.)
- Continued funding and protection for Boulder’s federal labs, which face proposed and ongoing budget cuts. (New in 2026.)
Boulder installs gates at Panorama Point to curb nighttime problems
City contractors this week installed and activated permanent gates at the Panorama Point parking lot on Flagstaff Road, formally closing the area at night under a parking ban first adopted in 2021. The city began using the gates on Nov. 14.
City staff say drivers have repeatedly ignored the 9 p.m.-5 a.m. restriction and that vandalism, impaired driving and illegal fires on Flagstaff are far more likely at night. Visitors continue to break the rules regardless of how frequently rangers patrol the area, according to staff.
In October, Lisa Goncalo, the city’s recreation stewardship senior program manager, said officials will monitor the gates for a year before deciding whether any adjustments are needed.
Panorama Point will remain open at all hours for people arriving by foot or bike.
BIFF 2026 passes and tickets now on sale
Tickets for the 2026 Boulder International Film Festival are now available, with four festival passes on offer: Early Bird ($475), Red Carpet ($2,500 for two), Adventure Film Program ($195) and BIFF Longmont ($195). Ticket packs are also available in bundles of two ($35), four ($70) and six ($105) films.
The 2026 festival will run April 9-12, a shift from BIFF’s usual March slot, as organizers adjust their schedule ahead of Sundance’s planned arrival in Boulder in 2027. BIFF broke attendance records in 2025 and has grown steadily since its launch in 2005.
“It’s a very exciting time for the arts in Colorado in general, and especially for the city and the film industry in Boulder,” Co-Founder and Executive Director Robin Beeck said in a press release.
☀️ 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.
Collage Club: Monday, Nov. 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m., CROWD on PEARL, 1711 Pearl Street Suite 101. Additional dates every two weeks. Read More
Drag Queen Magic: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m., eTown, 1535 Spruce Street. Read More
Holiday Ornament Painting: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2:00-4:00 p.m., pARTiculars Art Gallery and Teaching Studio, 401 South Public Road, Lafayette. Read More
Fall Formal: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Yellow Barn Farm, 9417 N Foothills Hwy, Longmont. Read More
Holiday Music Concert Series: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 6:00-9:00 p.m., The Stable Bar & Grill, 1 Superior Drive, Superior. Read More
Music for the Soul: Ceremonial Concert & Cacao: Thursday, Nov. 20, 6:30-9:30 p.m., The StarHouse, 3476 Sunshine Canyon Dr. Read More
The Back Alley & Surf Hat: Thursday, Nov. 20, 7:00 p.m., The Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St. Read More
Inherit the Wind: Friday, Nov. 21, 2:30-4:30 p.m. and 7:30-9:30 p.m., The Nomad Playhouse, 1410 Quince Ave. Additional dates and times Nov. 22 and 23. Read More
AC/DC vs OZZY, a Rock N Roll Showdown: Friday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m., Nissi’s, 1455 Coal Creek Dr., Unit T, Lafayette. Read More
Taylor Scott: Friday, Nov. 21, 8:00 p.m., Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St. Read More
Hypothetically Speaking Short Play Festival: Saturday, Nov. 22, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Center for Musical Arts, 200 E Baseline Road, Lafayette. Additional date: Sunday, Nov. 23, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Read More
Switch on the Holidays: Sunday, Nov. 23, 2:00-7:30 p.m., Pearl Street Mall, 1108 Pearl Street. Read More
Puzzle Competition: Sunday, Nov. 23, 2:00-4:00 p.m., The Wheel House, 101 2nd Avenue #Suite B, Niwot. Read More
8th ATA Everest Global Nepali Film Award 2025: Sunday, Nov. 23, 5:00 p.m., Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St. Read More