💵 Boulder backs off tipped-wage change after yearlong fight

Good Friday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by Tara Performing Arts High School, which is offering 35 full and partial scholarships for the 2026-27 school year. Learn more and apply.

Leading today: After more than a year of contentious debate, the Boulder City Council decided Thursday not to slow scheduled wage increases for tipped workers. The outcome was more decisive than expected: Councilmembers Rob Kaplan and Tara Winer, who had previously signaled support for changing the tip credit, joined Mayor Aaron Brockett and Councilmember Tina Marquis in backing away from the proposal.

Tipped workers’ base wage will rise by $1.35 next year and track inflation after that. Restaurant owners had argued that rising labor costs were threatening already-thin margins, while workers said they could not afford to fall further behind in one of the nation’s most expensive cities. The council may revisit the issue next year and expressed interest in finding other ways to help struggling restaurants. Brooke Stephenson reports.

Also today: In a surprising development, ALLO Communications says it will not build the citywide fiber network it agreed to construct in Boulder. The city will seek a new partner and explore its legal options. Por Jaijongkit reports.

Correction: In Wednesday’s edition of BRL Today, a news item about a wildfire grazing project at Shanahan Ridge incorrectly identified The Watershed Center as the Watershed Collective. We regret the error.

Plus more, Below the Fold:

BoulderCAST: Smoke now, triple-digit heat ahead.
Open space: Council weighs wildfire mitigation ordinance.
Bridge work: South Boulder Creek replacement starts Aug. 11.
Culture cash: County awards $1.3 million.
Scam alert: Impersonation and vehicle fraud are rising.

Thanks, as always, for reading,

– The BRL team

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Tara Performing Arts High School inspires self-discovery and resilience through rigorous academics, educational travel and immersion in the performing arts. The school is now offering 35 full and partial scholarships for the 2026-27 school year! Learn more and apply at tarahighschool.org.

Boulder City Council backs off tipped-wage change after yearlong fight

Restaurant owners wanted the city to widen the gap between the minimum wage and what they must pay tipped workers. Labor advocates urged the council to leave scheduled increases intact. Continue reading…

ALLO pulls out of Boulder’s citywide fiber project, forcing city to find new partner

The company cited rising costs and increased competition. The city is reviewing its legal options under the contract. Continue reading…

Triple-digit heat on the horizon again for Boulder

Monsoon moisture continues to fade, but enough will remain to squeeze out a few gusty storms this afternoon and evening with highs reaching the mid- to upper 80s. The winds have shifted, and you may have already noticed the unfortunate return of wildfire smoke, largely from the Pacific Northwest. Smoke will be a mainstay in Boulder County for the foreseeable future.

Tonight, temperatures will drop into the lower 60s.

The atmosphere will dry out even further tomorrow, effectively shutting down storm chances. We’ll break into the low to middle 90s with a fair amount of sun.

Then, Sunday and Monday look hot enough to challenge daily records in Boulder, with highs near 100 as a strong Southwest U.S. ridge expands, offering little hope for rain.

As of now, a cold front appears on track for Monday evening, perhaps offering a brief cooldown into the 80s by Tuesday. But all signs point to the heat rebuilding quickly thereafter.

Guidance continues to hint at another monsoon push during the second week of August, but there’s little chance it will be enough to meaningfully chip away at our entrenched severe drought.

— BoulderCAST

Boulder weighs ordinance clarifying wildfire mitigation authority on open space

The Boulder City Council is leaning toward adopting an ordinance explicitly affirming that the city may conduct wildfire mitigation on open space. Before proceeding, councilmembers unanimously agreed to hold an executive session to receive legal guidance.

City officials say wildfire mitigation is already permitted under the city charter, and an ordinance would clarify that existing authority. The city began such work in the mid-1970s and has treated more than 3,000 acres since adopting a forest management plan in 1996. Efforts ramped up after the 2021 Marshall Fire through grazing, mowing, vegetation removal, risk modeling and other methods.

The council considered asking voters to add wildfire mitigation to the charter’s list of open space purposes. But city staff warned that a ballot measure could create the false impression that the work is not currently allowed. If the measure failed, staff said, it could also cast doubt on future mitigation projects. Read more on BRL.

Boulder to replace aging South Boulder Creek pedestrian bridge

Boulder will replace the deteriorating wooden pedestrian bridge over South Boulder Creek at Arapahoe Avenue. Construction begins Aug. 11 and is expected to last two months, with work occurring primarily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Drivers should expect flaggers, lane closures and two overnight closures of westbound Arapahoe. The South Boulder Creek Trail underpass will generally remain open, with temporary closures when work creates safety risks. The westbound bus stop at Arapahoe and Cherryvale Road will close during construction; riders should use the stop at Arapahoe and Old Tale Road.

The new bridge will feature a concrete deck designed to improve safety and reduce noise.

Boulder County awards $1.3 million to arts, science and cultural groups

Boulder County commissioners approved $1.3 million in grants for 69 nonprofits and 30 projects. Recipients include the Boulder Metalsmithing Association, Local Theater Company, Ocean First Institute and the Society for Creative Aging, with additional support going to projects involving quilting, wildlife and dance.

The money comes from the county’s share of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, which is funded by a regional sales tax of one cent for every $10 spent. A volunteer cultural council helps distribute Boulder County’s share and is seeking new members. Applications close today.

County warns of rise in impersonation and vehicle scams

The Boulder County District Attorney’s Office is warning residents about an increase in impersonation scams, including schemes in which callers pose as law enforcement officers and demand immediate payment for a supposed jury-duty warrant.

Warning signs include unexpected messages conveying urgency or authority, demands for payment by gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency, requests for personal information and threats of arrest, deportation or account closure.

The county is also reporting more motor vehicle fraud, including title fraud, odometer tampering, fake dealerships, emissions fraud and license plate theft. Residents can report suspected scams or seek guidance from the Community Protection Division at 303-441-3700.

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