It’s Wednesday, August 21, 2024.
Hello there, Boulder, and a happy hump day.
Today, we’re reporting on a potential county moratorium on large homes aimed at curbing rising housing costs. Boulder County first saw a significant rise in home sizes in the 1980s, and it appears we’re now witnessing — or perhaps just beginning — another surge.
Current county code permits homes to be 125% larger than the median size in a neighborhood, but special permits have gradually increased this limit. This trend has accelerated since the Marshall Fire, which led to entire neighborhoods rebuilding, sometimes with larger homes than before. These larger homes not only reduce housing affordability in a county where prices are already out of reach for many but also raise property taxes for neighbors because of the way the county assesses property values.
County Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann also cited environmental concerns. Larger homes require more materials to build and consume more energy to heat and cool.
Plus: Boulder County seeks input on a trail plan, starts 2025 budget talks, confirms its first West Nile case and sees the Waltons listing Caribou Ranch, while Lafayette is named a top retirement town.
Have a tremendous day.
— Tim, reporter
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Boulder County weighs moratorium on larger homes to tackle housing costs and environmental impact
The proposed moratorium aims to curb the construction of oversized homes that drive up property taxes and strain resources, while the county explores additional regulations. It could ripple through the residential construction industry. Continue reading…
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In other news
90s heat peaks today; cooler temps tomorrow
As of now, today is the last day in the forecast expected to reach the 90s. Will that hold? Probably not, but we’re still trending in the right direction. Today’s high will be 92, with tomorrow’s temperature 10 degrees cooler.
Goltra Fire burning near Lookout Mountain, Golden
A fire ignited around 4 p.m. Tuesday on terrain north of Highway 6 near Tunnel 1, just west of Golden, likely sparked by lightning. The Goltra Fire was at roughly 10 acres Tuesday night but “grew significantly” overnight, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said early Wednesday. Highway 6 is closed in both directions from Highway 58 to Highway 119. No evacuations have been ordered, and no structures are threatened. Follow updates from Jefferson County on X and Facebook.
First West Nile case of 2024 confirmed in Boulder County
Boulder County has confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus in 2024. The individual, a Longmont resident, is recovering in the hospital. Public health officials urge residents to take precautions, including using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and avoiding outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. The county continues to monitor mosquito populations and advises the public to eliminate standing water around homes to reduce breeding grounds.
County launches 2025 budget process
Boulder County has kicked off its 2025 budget planning process, focusing on three priorities: economic security and social stability, climate action and environmental stewardship, and good governance. The budget, to be finalized in December, aims to meet community needs while addressing the county’s financial challenges.
Residents are encouraged to participate by sharing feedback online, in-person or by phone during public hearings and meetings. Opportunities for input include a townhall on Sept. 24 at Vista Ridge Community Center in Erie and a public hearing on Oct. 22, where the recommended budget will be presented.
The 2024 budget totaled $653 million and included additional spending on public employee pay, electric vehicle purchases, 2024 presidential election expenses, an affordable housing program and support for two homeless shelters, including the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless. Controversially, commissioners cut the public health budget by $1.56 million, or 18%, from $8.56 million. The cuts were expected to impact health programs and staffing as the agency recovered from the Covid-19 emergency.
Weigh in on Boulder to Erie trail plan, 5 years in the making
Boulder County is hosting an open house on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 5-7 p.m. at the Via Mobility Services Boulder Facility to get feedback on the draft plan for the Boulder to Erie Regional Trail (BERT). This soft-surface, multi-use trail will connect Boulder and Erie. One of the challenges is determining how the trail will cross Highway 287. Potential options have included an underpass within the RTD rail corridor, using the existing 287 bridge over Boulder Creek or crossing at the Isabelle signal.
The planning process, which started in 2019, is now in its final stages. The county is asking for public input on the draft plan and preferred trail route. For more info, visit boco.org/BERT.
Kent Thiry pushes ranked-choice voting in Colorado
Kent Thiry, a multimillionaire and former CEO of DaVita, is investing heavily in reshaping Colorado’s electoral system. Through initiatives like Initiative 310, Thiry aims to eliminate party-based primary elections and implement ranked-choice voting in general elections, Colorado Public Radio reported this week.
“There aren’t many great democracies that have survived more than a couple hundred years. To survive, you have to modernize and reflect society,” Thiry said.
Ranked-choice voting, also known as Instant Runoff Voting, was recently used in Boulder to elect Aaron Brockett as the city’s first directly elected mayor. The system is designed to ensure that the winner has broad voter support, unlike the traditional plurality system, where a candidate can win with a small percentage of votes. Ranked-choice voting also reduces the impact of “spoiler” candidates and has tended to favor more moderate contenders.
Thiry’s efforts are part of a broader campaign that extends beyond Colorado, with similar initiatives in Nevada, Idaho, Oregon and Montana. Critics argue that these changes could give more power to wealthy donors at the expense of grassroots movements. There are also concerns that adding complexity to the voting process could increase mistrust in elections.
“We run the best elections in the country,” said Molly Fitzpatrick, Boulder County’s clerk and recorder, told CPR. “That’s why we need him to take these concerns seriously.”
Colorado officials are currently reviewing signatures for Initiative 310 to determine if it will appear on the ballot this fall.
Venus de Miles bike ride celebrates 17 years
Venus de Miles, Colorado’s first all-women’s bike ride, returns for its 17th year on Saturday, Aug. 24, at Bohn Park in Lyons. Riders can choose from three scenic routes — 30, 48 or 64 miles — each supported with snacks and mechanics. After the ride, participants can relax at the Finish Festival with spa treatments, food, music and more.
The event supports Greenhouse Scholars, a nonprofit focused on community change through education. To join the ride, register here. Sign up to volunteer here.
Waltons list historic Caribou Ranch for $48.5M
The Walton family, owners of Walmart, is selling Caribou Ranch, a 1,700-acre property near Nederland, Colorado, for $48.5 million, BizWest reported. The ranch, famous for hosting musicians like the Beach Boys, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Elton John, was originally built in 1972 by record producer James William Guercio. The property, rich in wildlife and historic buildings, was purchased by the Waltons a decade ago for $32.5 million. Caribou Ranch is now listed by Hall and Hall, a Mountain West real estate brokerage.
Boulder offers back-to-school resources for students
As Boulder students and families launch into the new school year, the City of Boulder is reminding residents and visitors of the resources available. Highlights include free youth bus fare across Boulder and Denver, student discounts at various restaurants and businesses with transit passes, and a range of recreational activities such as golf, biking and swimming.
Lafayette named top affordable town for retirees
Lafayette has been named one of Colorado’s top budget-friendly towns for retirees by WorldAtlas. Once an agricultural and coal mining hub, Lafayette is now recognized for its growing arts scene and charming downtown. According to WorldAtlas, the town offers retirees an affordable yet high-quality lifestyle, with access to walking and biking paths and parks. Erie also made the list, while Boulder did not.
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