Happy Friday, Boulder. Let’s get to the headlines:
One of the most divisive policy debates this current Boulder City Council has faced is how much to raise Boulder’s minimum wage to help workers manage the rising cost of living. In a narrow 5-4 vote last night, councilmembers approved a city minimum wage of $15.57 for 2025 — 8% higher than Colorado’s current minimum of $14.42 but still short of matching other local minimum wages in the region, including those in Boulder County and Denver. Additional increases of 8% are planned for 2026 and 2027.
The decision is a setback for local organizers and safety net service providers who had advocated for a higher, 15% increase for 2025. The vote followed a long, heated public hearing. Opponents argued that a larger wage hike could hurt small businesses, especially restaurants already struggling to stay afloat. A final vote is scheduled for next month.
In other news, Boulder kicks off Indigenous Peoples Day events tomorrow, Louisville unveils the first all-electric waste fleet, and mid-October trail repairs begin at South Boulder Creek and Boulder Canyon.
Have a lovely weekend, and thanks as always for reading.
— Brooke, reporter
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Featured stories
Boulder City Council approves $15.57 minimum wage for 2025, below Denver and Boulder County
The policy debate has become one of the most contentious of the current council’s term as councilmembers seek to address the city’s high cost of living without burdening small businesses. Continue reading…
In other news
Milder temps ahead
Fall is finally (kind of) here — at least at night. It will be a bit smoky earlier today as wildfire smoke wafts in, but expect sunshine and a comfortable mid-70s. Tonight’s low is a cool 50 degrees — perfect for a sweater. Saturday warms up to 80, but Sunday cools down to the low 70s, bringing cozy fall vibes through the week.
Boulder celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day with events Oct. 12–14
Indigenous Peoples Day is Monday, Oct. 14, a day recognized for decades in various forms to celebrate Native American history and culture while acknowledging ongoing challenges. In 2021, President Biden issued the first official proclamation, stating the day honors “America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal Nations that continue to thrive today.” Native communities across the country will commemorate the occasion with ceremonies, dances, rallies and more. The City of Boulder will host events from Oct. 12–14, funded by the Housing and Human Services Department and the Office of Arts and Culture, with all events free and open to the public.
The celebrations will feature educational workshops, art, music, panel discussions and cultural performances. Highlights include:
Oct. 12, 10:30 a.m.: Solidarity Economy, Degrowth, and Climate Justice at Boulder Public Library
Oct. 13, 12 p.m.: Mi Chantli Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration: Tiahui (say chi a whee): A Weekend of Danza, Bookmaking, and Indigenous Language Workshops
Oct. 13, 12:30 p.m.: Indigenous Peoples Day event at Dairy Arts Center sponsored by Right Relationship Boulder and Creative Nations. Schedule here.
Oct. 13, 3 p.m.: Celebration and movie screening at Equality Center of the Rocky Mountains
Oct. 14, 6 p.m.: Music performances by Indigenous artists at Roots Music Project
Boulder has celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day annually since adopting its Indigenous Peoples Day Resolution in 2016.
Louisville launches nation’s first all-electric waste collection fleet
The City of Louisville, in partnership with Republic Services, has launched the nation’s first all-electric recycling and waste collection fleet. The fleet includes three McNeilus Volterra ZSL trucks and a Peterbilt 520EV rear-loader, all equipped with 360-degree cameras and automated braking systems. A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Main Street marked the fleet’s debut last week. The initiative aims to reduce emissions and support the city’s sustainability goals, with full operation expected by the end of 2024.
Boulder County offers $100K in grants for circular economy projects
Boulder County is offering grants to local groups, businesses and governments implementing waste reduction measures under its Circular Economy Funding Program. Eligible projects include recycling and compost initiatives, waste-to-product programs, zero-waste education and sustainable packaging redesigns. Applications are due by Oct. 18.
The program allocates $25,000 for smaller projects ($1,000–$15,000) and $75,000 for larger ones ($30,000–$75,000). Matching funds are not required. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, school districts and private companies operating within Boulder County.
Trail repairs begin Monday at South Boulder Creek
Starting Monday, Oct. 14, Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) will begin repair work on the South Boulder Creek Trail. The trail will stay open, but visitors might experience some brief delays. The repairs will focus on improving accessibility, with crews working on the trail surface, clearing vegetation and adding new retaining walls. OSMP encourages people to check out their trail guide for accessibility info and visit OSMPTrails.org for the latest on trail conditions and closures.
Boulder Canyon Trail section closes weekdays for repairs
Starting Tuesday, Oct. 15, a large section of the Boulder Canyon Trail will be closed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays due to erosion that has narrowed a portion of the trail. Repairs are necessary to widen it again and add a support structure to prevent future erosion. The trail is expected to open again Nov. 4.
BRL’s to-do list: What else is happening
☀️ Explore more events in Boulder and use the self-submission form on our events page to reach thousands in our community! For free.
Augustus with special guests Boot Gun & Elliott Dobbs at Roots Music Project: Friday, Oct. 11, 8 p.m., 4747 Pearl, Suite V3A. Read More
Blues & Classic Rock with Wandering Roads Live at BOCO Cider: Friday, Oct. 11, 6 p.m., 1501 Lee Hill Dr., Unit 14. Read More
(CO)here Kickoff Party at The Riverside: Friday, Oct. 11, 5:30 p.m., 1724 Broadway. Read More
Country Night at the Colorado Club: Friday, Oct. 11, 10 p.m., 1043 Pearl St. Read More
Music for Mushrooms Film Screening at the Dairy Arts Center: Friday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m., 2590 Walnut St. Read More
Reed Foehl at Chautauqua Community House: Friday, Oct. 11, 8 p.m., 900 Baseline Road. Read More
Gabriel Santiago & Peter John Stoltzman Music & Gonzalo Teppa at Muse Performance Space: Saturday, Oct. 12, 7 p.m., 200 E. South Boulder Rd. Read More
Louisville Farmers Market 2024 Opening Day and Sweet 16 Season: Saturday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m., 824 Front St. Read More
Boulder Ecstatic Dance presents League of Sound Disciples at Avalon Ballroom: Sunday, Oct. 13, 6:45 p.m., 6185 Arapahoe Rd. Read More
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