Good Monday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by What’s Up Boulder, happening on Sept. 7 — check it out to learn about current and future city projects and more.
Leading today’s edition: Recently, we covered Boulder’s newly proposed homelessness strategy and its stated goal of ending unsheltered homelessness by 2028. On its face, it’s a massively ambitious undertaking — and highly unlikely given the cost, the city’s financial constraints and broader uncertainty.
But there’s another vital — and potentially controversial depending on how it’s carried out — piece of this strategy that John Herrick reports on today: “diversion.” It’s not new, but the city wants to invest more in it. Under this approach, newcomers are offered short-term help such as motel rooms, rent deposits or bus tickets, while people with long histories of homelessness in Boulder move to the front of the line for scarce subsidized apartments. The fine details are still unclear, and how this will play out on the ground remains to be seen.
Also today: BRL contributor Simon Testa, who writes about the outdoors with data and often through his own Boulder adventures, has his latest: a tribute to Jeff Valliere, who just became the first known person to summit Bear Peak on all 366 calendar days. Worth reading not just for the feat itself, but for its place in the very Boulder practice of “gridding” — an endurance challenge that traces its roots to this community.
More, Below the Fold:
- Naloxone initiative: Boulder firefighters start leaving Narcan kits.
- Waterwise swap: Get up to $750 off lawn removal with Resource Central (sponsored).
- Iris Fields sale: Boulder County lists North Broadway Complex.
- Climate Equity Fund: $2.5M available, apply by Sept. 15.
- Library art: Open call for 2026 exhibitions runs through Aug. 31.
- Things to Do: Whiskey class, painting with cats, dance films, live music, tea tasting + more.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Curious about what’s happening in our city? Come to What’s Up Boulder on Sunday, Sept. 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Scott Carpenter Park to see what’s up! This free, family-friendly event is a chance to talk with city staff from every department, learn about current and future projects, and share what matters most to you. There’ll be music, crafts, free dessert, a dunk tank and even a chance to check out a fire truck and police cruiser up close.
Boulder’s new homelessness plan offers short-term aid to newcomers, housing to those homeless the longest
The city’s new strategy prioritizes people with long histories of homelessness who intend to stay in Boulder, as housing vouchers dwindle and funding falls short. Continue reading…
Boulder athlete becomes first to summit Bear Peak on all 366 days of the year
Jeff Valliere joins a small group of Boulder athletes pursuing the obsessive endurance challenge known as ‘gridding.’ Continue reading…
Stormy — cooler — start to the week
Rain is likely today, with strong thunderstorms expected in the afternoon, possibly severe. Highs will reach only the upper 60s — significantly cooler than early forecasts. Showers and storms continue through midweek, with temperatures remaining in the upper 60s to lower 70s. A raincoat will come in handy.
Boulder Fire-Rescue will now leave Narcan kits after opioid overdose calls
From Jan. 1 to Aug. 18, Boulder Fire-Rescue responded to 121 opioid-related emergencies in the city — roughly one every other day. Officials say this number is likely an undercount. Now, when firefighters and paramedics respond to these calls, they can leave something behind that could help save a life: a naloxone kit.
As part of a new initiative, Boulder Fire-Rescue will start leaving Narcan nasal spray kits behind with patients, callers and bystanders to help reduce fatal overdoses. The kits are provided for free by The Naloxone Project, a Denver-based nonprofit that works with hospitals, emergency medical responders and communities to distribute the drug. Each kit contains a nasal spray dose of 4 mg naloxone (the generic form of Narcan), plus cards in English and Spanish with usage instructions and local resources.
“One of the common issues is that somebody who is experiencing an opioid overdose is highly likely to have that occur again,” said Jenna Steege, chief of Boulder Fire-Rescue’s medical services division. By getting naloxone into the hands of people who can help or administer a dose quickly, she hopes to decrease overdose fatalities.
Boulder County saw 34 deaths from opioid overdoses in 2024, according to state health data. Synthetic opioids such as fentanyl — often combined with other drugs — are a growing concern. Almost two-thirds of Boulder Fire-Rescue’s opioid cases this year involved synthetic products, which often require multiple doses of naloxone. Read more on BRL.
Swap grass for waterwise gardens (sponsored)
Ditch thirsty grass with help from Resource Central, a trusted Boulder-based conservation nonprofit. To help save water, lawn removal services start at 200 square feet, with potential discounts of up to $750 in partnership with the City of Boulder. A friendly crew removes and composts grass, leaving the landscape ready for a waterwise makeover. Complete the low-water transformation with colorful, pollinator-friendly Garden In A Box kits, now on sale for 20% off! Apply for the program or shop for gardens.
Boulder County puts North Broadway Complex, home of Iris Fields, up for sale
Boulder County will begin accepting bids Aug. 25 for its North Broadway Complex at 1333 Iris Ave., a 17.5-acre site that includes county offices, parking lots — and the much-loved Iris baseball fields. Bids are due Sept. 19.
The county says the sale follows its 2024 Space Optimization Study, which recommended consolidating offices into fewer buildings, including a new “Community Hub” on 28th Street. As part of the process, the county will also request a land use change from “Public” to “Residential” under the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update.
The decision puts the future of Iris Fields in question. For nearly 70 years, the fields have been home to North Boulder Little League, where generations of kids ages 5 to 12 have played ball each spring and summer. Parents and league leaders say losing the fields would be a major blow to North Boulder’s sense of community. Some families launched a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised about $1,800 so far, in hopes of preserving the fields or finding a new home for the league.
Bids will be reviewed this fall, with commissioners expected to decide on a buyer in October.
Deadline Sept. 15: $2.5M Climate Equity Fund open for community projects.
Boulder County has launched a new $2.5 million Climate Equity Fund, with applications due by Sept. 15. The grant program is designed to support community-led climate action, particularly in frontline communities most impacted by climate change. Awards will be available in two tiers: $5,000-$50,000 and $55,000-$1 million.
The new fund comes at a pivotal moment. Earlier this summer, the Environmental Protection Agency abruptly ended a national environmental justice grant program, cutting nearly $50 million across the Mountain West, as Boulder Reporting Lab reported. Several Boulder County groups were among those affected.
FLOWS (Foundations for Leaders Organizing for Water and Sustainability), Boulder’s longest-running environmental justice group, lost a $250,000 grant — as well as all of its 2026 funding and more than half for 2025. The Boulder County Climate Justice Collaborative lost more than 90% of its budget, previously earmarked for training and advocacy around coal ash pollution at Xcel Energy’s Valmont Power Station. Read more on BRL.
Boulder library seeks exhibition proposals
The Boulder Public Library is still accepting applications for its 2026 Open Call exhibitions through Aug. 31. Artists and community groups can propose projects for four spaces: the Canyon Gallery, Arapahoe ramp, Reynolds Library and Meadows Library. Exhibitions typically run two to three months. The library prioritizes projects that amplify diverse voices, highlight local issues and engage the community. Honoraria range from $150 to $400 per month depending on the space. Apply here.
☀️ 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.
Restorative Yoga Pop-Up: Monday, Aug. 25, 6:15-7:15 p.m., PR Labs, 2595 Canyon Blvd, Suite 150. Read More
Spirit Hound Whiskey Class: Tuesday, Aug. 26, 6:00-7:30 p.m., William Oliver’s Lafayette, 201 North Public Road, Lafayette. Read More
Waterwise and Ignition Resistant Gardening: Wednesday, Aug. 27, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Avenue. Read More
Silent Film: Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922): Wednesday, Aug. 27, 7:00 p.m., Chautauqua Auditorium, 198 Morning Glory Dr. Read More
Debut Showing of Save the Farm, Save the Future: Thursday, Aug. 28, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read More
Circles Around The Sun: Thursday, Aug. 28 8:00 p.m., The Fox Theater, 1135 13th St. Read More
PiCatsso Paint Night – Paint with Cats!!!: Friday, Aug. 29, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Purrfect Pause Cat Cafe, 5290 Arapahoe Avenue #Unit E. Read More
Rebecca Folsom: Friday, Aug. 29, 6:00-8:30 p.m., Trident Booksellers and Cafe, 940 Pearl St. Read More
22nd Annual Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema Season Premiere: Friday, Aug. 29, 6:30-10:00 p.m., Museum of Boulder at Tebo Center, 2205 Broadway. Additional dates Saturday Aug. 30 and Sunday Aug. 31, same time. Read More
Joel Chadd: Friday, Aug. 29, 7:00 p.m., Stone Cottage Studios, 1928 Pearl St. Read More
STS9: Friday, Aug. 29, 9:00 p.m., Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St. Read More
OURO End of Summer Concerts: Friday, Aug. 29, 9:00 p.m., Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl Suite V3A. Read More
Trident Tea Tasting – 2025 Harvest Taiwan Oolongs: Saturday, Aug. 30, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Trident Booksellers and Cafe, 940 Pearl St. Read More
Tray Wellington: Sunday, Aug. 31, 8:00 p.m., The Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St. Read More