It’s Friday, April 5, 2024.

It’s Friday, Boulder, and windy. We’ve got news, and today it’s city council priorities.

Over the past two days at their retreat, councilmembers set their agenda, focusing on increasing the housing supply, enhancing wildfire resilience and spurring downtown economic development — all under the looming shadows of budget constraints and a static sales tax revenue forecast. Key initiatives include updating the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan to allow more housing and addressing downtown’s high office vacancy rates by facilitating the conversion of office spaces.

The council also plans to review current homelessness programs rather than introduce new ones and is considering a ballot measure to raise councilmembers’ pay.

Also, though we narrowly escaped a Red Flag Warning, most of eastern Colorado didn’t. So if you know someone who has planned a bonfire on the plains, best to tell them to choose a safer activity.

Have a wonderful weekend.

— Tim, reporter

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In other news

We’re in for a windy weekend

Breezes start today ahead of a cold front that will arrive tomorrow. Temps will drop from the 70s to the 40s with some rain showers to boot. Gusts could get up to 50 mph, so if you use an umbrella to shelter from the rain, be prepared for it to turn inside out.

Somehow we dodged a Red Flag Warning that is affecting much of Eastern Colorado’s plains. Maybe our moisture is just right. We will enjoy a high wind watch, however, starting Saturday, with “very strong and potentially damaging winds” possible. Per the National Weather Service Boulder: “This weekend’s wind storm will not be like our typical wind storm. We are expecting winds to reach 100 mph in the foothills!” At BRL, we’ll stay vigilant for any fire outbreaks to keep you informed.

Prescribed burns abound

Yesterday, residents of east Boulder might have seen smoke from a controlled burn near 75th and Valmont. Conducted by Boulder Fire-Rescue with help from several agencies, the burn was carried out to clean ditches in preparation for the irrigation season.

Boulder County also conducted a burn at Josephine Roche Open Space in Lafayette over the last few days for the same purpose. Such burns clear debris out of ditches that winter winds blow into them. Boulder Reporting Lab accompanied Boulder County Sheriff staff at such a burn last year, observing this important work.

A new, familiar judge in town, pending vote

The Boulder City Council will vote on April 11 on whether to appoint Judge Jeffrey Cahn as the city’s new municipal judge. The selection of Cahn, who has 21 years experience as an associate judge in Boulder and has a Stanford undergrad degree and CU Boulder law degree, follows a national search. The municipal judge position reports to city council.

“It was important to us to identify a judge who would be aligned with Boulder’s values, especially as they relate to the criminal justice system,” said Mayor Pro Tem Nicole Speer, who serves alongside Councilmember Ryan Schuchard on the council employee evaluation committee. “Judge Cahn has shown a clear commitment to collaboration and compassionate problem-solving in the municipal court system.”

The Boulder Municipal Court, distinct from state judicial districts, tackles city code violations. Last summer, Judge Linda Cooke retired from the role after 22 years. Cooke played a key role in launching Boulder’s Community Court program, recognized for reducing the number of homeless people sent to Boulder County Jail.

Get your art on a wall

Street Wise Arts is seeking wall submissions for its 2024 festival. Boulder residents interested in having a mural on their property should apply. For this year’s festival, Street Wise is particularly looking for outdoor walls in East Boulder that are high-visibility and have few or no obstructions — it’s hard to paint a mural on a wall overwhelmed with windows. Walls in any local area can be submitted, especially if those walls are close together and can accommodate pop-up events. The submission deadline is May 31.

Meet some of the current murals downtown and the artists who made them.

New county housing and homelessness department

Boulder County commissioners are forming a new Housing Department to consolidate housing and homelessness efforts, bringing together teams currently split between the Housing and Human Services and Community Services departments. This reorganization will allow Housing and Human Services to focus solely on human services. The commissioners will also begin a selection process to decide who will lead the new department. The idea is that with more centralization, the housing crisis in Boulder County can be more astutely addressed.

“Accessible, affordable, and stable housing is the foundation for community health and well-being,” said Commissioner Marta Loachamin, adding that commissioners are working on “creating a structure that reflects our commitment to this topic and puts housing front and center.”

Boards and commissions applications extended

The City of Boulder has extended the application deadline for some of its boards and commissions that did not receive enough applicants. So if you were thinking about serving on the Boulder Junction Board, Beverage Licensing Authority, Downtown Management Commissions, or others, you now have until April 19 to apply.

Colorado Sen. Faith Winter of Broomfield seeks treatment for alcohol abuse

Assistant Senate Majority Leader Faith Winter, a prominent Colorado Democrat, is undergoing treatment for alcohol abuse following an incident where she appeared intoxicated at a public hearing in Northglenn, the Colorado Sun reported. Winter, representing Broomfield, expressed regret over her actions. “I made a mistake and I’m truly sorry for any inconvenience or discomfort I caused. I take full responsibility for my actions and I am committed to making things right,” she said. “I am now under the care of medical professionals and receiving treatment for my substance abuse disorder.”

Amid concerns from colleagues about her drinking, Winter is stepping down as chair of the state Senate Transportation and Energy Committee to focus on her health. This development comes as the state legislature’s session nears its end.

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📋 City council sets two-year agenda

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