Good morning, Boulder. It’s a news-heavy Friday, so let’s get to it.
The county is making significant budget cuts to safety net funding, John Herrick reports, citing declining state and federal contributions along with its own budget deficit. This decision will affect several local nonprofits that receive funding through the county’s Community Partnership Grant program, including housing programs like All Roads, which provides emergency shelter, and the Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA), which expects a 20% cut to its grant allocation. EFAA’s executive director, Julie Van Domelen, told the Boulder City Council last night that they saw the highest number of people ever seeking services in the fiscal year that ended in June.
These cuts have also sparked concern among Boulder City Councilmembers, who were counting on county support for safety net programs as they navigate the city’s own financial pressures.
Meanwhile, the city council unanimously gave initial approval to the city manager’s proposed $589.5 million budget for 2025, marking a slight increase over this year’s but leaner than in previous years.
In other news, the crosswalk construction at Iris Avenue and 15th Street, which began in August, is set to finish by Saturday. A district judge also gave a gun rights group suing Boulder over an assault rifle ban until Oct. 15 to prove it has standing to bring the case to federal court, or she will rule for the city, county and the other local governments.
Enjoy the warm fall weekend ahead, but be cautious with matches and embers. Thanks for reading.
— Brooke, reporter
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Boulder County cuts millions in safety net funding as demand for services rises
Nonprofits providing emergency shelter, mental health care and food security, including EFAA and All Roads, face reductions in their grant allocations amid a 2025 county budget deficit. Continue reading…
In other news
Fire weather watch
The National Weather Service has issued a fire weather watch for Saturday. Today, winds and temperatures in the mid-80s are expected. Saturday brings even greater fire risks, with stronger winds and humidity as low as 10%. Combined with the heat, this significantly increases wildfire danger. As a reminder, western Boulder County remains under Stage 1 fire restrictions.
City council initially approves $589.5 million budget for 2025
The Boulder City Council unanimously approved the city manager’s proposed $589.5 million budget for 2025 on Thursday. With rising operational costs and dwindling major revenue sources, the city manager recommended a leaner budget than in previous years.
The budget, a slight increase from last year, allocates new funding for affordable housing, rental assistance, the city’s encampment removal program, arts and culture, wildfire mitigation, streetscape renovations on University Hill and the Alpine-Balsam Western City Campus project, which will redevelop a former hospital site for affordable housing and city office space.
“I don’t support everything here, but I fully support the shift toward using our values and our connections with the community to guide our spending,” Mayor Pro Tem Nicole Speer said.
A final vote on the budget is scheduled for Oct. 17. For more details, see our previous reporting.
Judge denies motion in Boulder assault weapons ban case
On Sept. 30, U.S. District Court Judge Nina Wang denied a motion for summary judgment in a lawsuit filed by Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, the National Association for Gun Rights and five local gun owners against the City of Boulder, Boulder County Commissioners, the City of Louisville and the Town of Superior. The suit challenges the constitutionality of local ordinances banning assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. In 2022, the Boulder City Council unanimously passed some of Colorado’s strictest gun laws.
Judge Wang ruled that the gun rights groups failed to prove they had sufficient standing to sue the local governments. She also stated that their intention to buy assault weapons in the future, as outlined in the suit, was too hypothetical. The plaintiffs have until Oct. 15 to justify why the court should not rule in favor of the municipalities.
Boulder Valley plan update to shape next 20 years kicks off soon
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 1977, undergoes a major update every 10 years to guide land use, development and long-term planning for the Boulder Valley. Starting in 2025, the next update will shape planning for the following 20 years. To kick off the process, the city and county will host an open house on Oct. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut Street.
The event will include a keynote speech by State Demographer Elizabeth Garner, a performance by MOTUS Theater and opportunities for community members to share their thoughts on the region’s future. Spanish translation and activities for all ages will be available.
“Rarely can community members share their biggest dreams on any topic for the future of Boulder and the Boulder Valley,” said Brad Mueller, the city’s planning and development services director. “This kick-off is the earliest chance to come together with the city, county and our community members to really look at where we are today, and where we want to be in the future.”
Safer crosswalk installation at Iris Avenue and 15th Street to finish Oct. 5
Construction to install a safer crosswalk at Iris Avenue and 15th Street began on Aug. 19 as part of a 2019 grant from the Denver Regional Council of Governments. The project is intended to make it easier and safer for cyclists and pedestrians to cross Iris Avenue. It includes the addition of a flashing crosswalk sign, known as a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon.
Work is expected to conclude this weekend, depending on weather and contractor availability, according to the city. The plans to improve the crosswalk on Iris and add crosswalks between Aurora Avenue and Evans Drive and Colorado Avenue east of 33rd Street, are unrelated to the redesign Iris Avenue to add a protected bike lane.
Rocky Mountain Rescue assists stranded climbers on First Flatiron
The Rocky Mountain Rescue Group assisted two climbers off the First Flatiron on Oct. 1 after they became stranded 160 feet up and couldn’t descend safely. A passing climber advised them to call 911. Rescue personnel arrived and provided harnesses, helmets and headlamps before lowering the climbers to the ground.
The group handles about 200 emergency calls a year and never charges for rescues. In a recent post, they urged people not to hesitate to call 911 if in trouble. Founded in 1947 to help locate a missing girl, it’s now one of the busiest rescue organizations in the country, often receiving up to five calls a day during peak season.
Boulder Canyon trail closure postponed
The Boulder Canyon trail was scheduled to close from Monday, Oct. 7, until Oct. 25 to restore the trail to its original width after erosion and to add a support structure to prevent future erosion. However, the closure has been postponed due to a delay in the arrival of necessary materials, according to the county. New closure dates will be announced once confirmed, though the western end of the trail may still close on Monday.
63rd Street waterline project with lane closures to begin Oct. 7
The City of Boulder will begin construction on 63rd Street between CO 119 (Diagonal Highway) and Jay Road on Oct. 7 as part of the 63rd Street Waterline Replacement Project. The project will replace aging infrastructure with more easily maintained waterlines and is expected to take a year. Residents should anticipate lane closures and detours for cyclists and pedestrians. This winter, 63rd Street will be fully closed between Nautilus Drive and Jay Road, with detours in place.
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