Good Friday morning, Boulder.
City staff have proposed two tax measures for the November 2025 ballot that could raise $22 million a year to help tackle Boulder’s $380 million backlog of aging infrastructure. But a full rebuild of the deteriorating South Boulder Rec Center — a project many residents have pushed for — isn’t part of the plan.
After pushback from South Boulder residents, short-term repairs are moving ahead. A full replacement could still land on the 2026 ballot, depending on community support.
City council will decide later this year whether to send the tax measures to voters. Some councilmembers have voiced concerns about raising taxes during a time of significant economic uncertainty and shifting federal policy under the Trump administration.
Brooke Stephenson breaks down what’s being proposed, what it could cost and what it means for Boulder’s public spaces.
More, Below the Fold:
- Farmers market season: Kicks off Saturday in Boulder and Longmont.
- CU regent probe: Boulder representative under investigation over pay concerns.
- New CFO hired: Krista Morrison steps in amid budget strain and federal uncertainty.
- Group solar deal: Boulder County relaunches program with rooftop and EV discounts.
- Frasca finalist: Boulder restaurant earns top James Beard nod.
- Wildfire chipping: Free countywide program returns ahead of fire season.
- Robbery suspect: Police seek identification after Circle K incident on Arapahoe.
Thanks, as always, for reading.
Love,
The BRL Team
Boulder proposes new taxes for infrastructure — but not the rec center many want
Boulder is considering two ballot measures for the November 2025 election that could help address $380 in overdue capital projects – but wouldn’t fund a replacement for the failing South Boulder Recreation Center. Continue reading…
Shoulder season at its finest
We’re not done with snow just yet. BoulderCast says the Front Range can expect a gloomy mix of rain and snow today — with more snow than rain likely in Boulder, and even more in the mountains for anyone heading to the slopes.
The weekend should bring clearing skies and a steady warm-up: highs in the mid-40s Saturday, upper 50s Sunday and possibly reaching 80 by next weekend.
Farmers market season kicks off Saturday in Boulder and Longmont
The Boulder and Longmont Farmers Markets return this Saturday, April 5, bringing fresh produce, local goods and spring vibes to downtown Boulder and the Boulder County Fairgrounds. The first 25 shoppers to visit the info booth at either market will score a free tote bag, while supplies last.
New this year: Boulder shoppers can take advantage of a free bike valet service, and Longmont visitors can ride to the market free all April with the city’s new RIDE Longmont service. Full vendor list here.
🛍️ Boulder: Saturdays, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. | Longmont: Saturdays, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Boulder’s CU regent under review over pay allegations amid board controversy
Boulder’s representative on the CU Board of Regents, Callie Rennison, is now part of an independent investigation. Rennison, who serves as chair of the board, is facing scrutiny over whether she received full-time pay while working part-time at CU Denver.
The inquiry was originally launched to examine fellow Regent Wanda James, who publicly criticized a CU Anschutz anti-marijuana campaign she viewed as racially insensitive. (James owns a cannabis dispensary.) In the wake of that, former CU faculty and others raised concerns about Rennison’s compensation and leadership. The board has since expanded the scope of the investigation to include those issues ahead of its April 10-11 meeting. CPR has the full story.
Boulder hires new CFO amid budget headwinds
City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde on Wednesday announced that Krista Morrison will become Boulder’s new chief financial officer, effective April 28. Morrison currently oversees a $2.3 billion budget as budget officer for Kansas City, Missouri — roughly four times the size of Boulder’s — in a city with about four times the population.
She’ll be stepping into a leaner fiscal environment. Boulder’s budget has been squeezed by rising costs and the loss of federal pandemic-era relief. Uncertainty around state and federal funding has city leaders anticipating more financial challenges ahead — though the upcoming Sundance Film Festival is expected to substantially boost local revenue.
Morrison, who brings 24 years of public sector financial experience, was selected after a national search. She’ll replace Kara Skinner, who left the role in November.
“I’m excited to join such a wonderful community and team,” Morrison said. “In local government, the decisions we make about how we allocate resources matter.”
Boulder County relaunches group solar deal with discounts, EV chargers
Boulder County residents — and for the first time, all Erie residents — can now sign up for Switch Together, the county’s group solar purchasing program. The initiative, formerly known as the Boulder County Solar Co-op, helps homeowners access bulk discounts on rooftop solar, battery storage and EV chargers.
The program is free to join and comes with no obligation to purchase. More than 300 households have already gone solar through the effort since it launched in 2023.
Switch Together is run in partnership with local governments, Solar United Neighbors (SUN) and iChoosr, a global group-buying specialist. Last year’s “reverse auction” secured an average $5,135 discount per household.
As we reported, the program broke all kinds of records,” with SUN calling Boulder’s cohort the largest and fastest-growing in the state.
The deadline to sign up is June 18. Educational events begin April 17 in Lafayette.
Frasca Food and Wine earns James Beard nomination, alongside other Colorado standouts
Boulder’s Frasca Food and Wine has been named a finalist for Outstanding Restaurant in the 2025 James Beard Awards — one of the most prestigious honors in the culinary world. The restaurant earned a Michelin star in 2023. The awards, celebrating their 35th anniversary, will be announced on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Other Colorado finalists include:
- Josh Niernberg of Bin 707 in Grand Junction, nominated for Outstanding Chef
- Carolyn Nugent and Alen Ramos of Poulette Bakeshop in Parker, nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
- McLain Hedges and Mary Allison Wright of Yacht Club in Denver, nominated for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service
- Penelope Wong of Yuan Wonton in Denver, nominated for Best Chef: Mountain
- Alma Fonda Fina in Denver, nominated for Best New Restaurant
Alma Fonda Fina has a Boulder connection through Chef Johnny Curiel, who also owns Cozobi Fonda Fina in downtown Boulder on Walnut Street, a fairly new Mexican eatery in the space briefly occupied by Masas & Agaves.
Free wildfire chipping returns countywide
Boulder County has opened applications for its free countywide chipping program, aimed at helping residents clear high-risk vegetation and reduce wildfire danger ahead of the 2025 fire season.
Run by Wildfire Partners and funded by the county’s Wildfire Mitigation Sales Tax, the program helps homeowners get rid of slash — branches, brush and other woody debris — through community-organized chipping events. Groups of at least five neighbors can apply to host a chipping day, with services provided by county-approved contractors.
Participation has more than doubled since 2023. This year, the county expects over 1,600 homes to take part. Apply here.
Boulder Police seek help identifying suspect in armed robbery
Boulder police are asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect in an armed robbery at the Circle K on 1704 Arapahoe Avenue.
The incident occurred Saturday, March 29, when a man entered the store, held a knife or boxcutter to the clerk’s throat and stole money from the register.
The suspect is described as a white male wearing a gray shirt, black jeans, gray hat and black sneakers. Watch the surveillance video here.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Taylor Hickam at 303-441-1936 or HickamT@bouldercolorado.gov (Case No. 25-02831).
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