Good morning, Boulder. It’s that time again — voting time. As your ballots arrive this week (or already have), we’ll be publishing stories to help you navigate the local election and stay as informed as possible.
Today’s lead story covers a statewide ballot measure. You may recall Boulder used ranked-choice voting for the first time in 2023 to elect our current mayor, making it one of the first municipalities in Colorado to do so. Some local political advocates have led the charge for this reform elsewhere, but not all support the statewide measure you’ll be voting on. John Herrick interviews them and those who do support it to explain why.
Also, it’s Indigenous Peoples Day, and you can still catch free music performances by Indigenous artists at Roots Music Project this evening.
In other news: Boulder County commissioners will host a townhall on the proposed $644.4 million 2025 budget, the county ranks fifth in the state for non-motorist traffic crashes, Louisville unveils a Marshall Fire pet memorial, an e-bike lottery update, and more.
Have a wonderful day, and thanks for reading,
— The BRL team
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Featured stories
Prop 131: Ranked-choice voting on Colorado’s 2024 ballot, but some who backed Boulder’s shift oppose expanding it statewide
Proposition 131 would eliminate partisan primaries and implement ranked-choice voting for many state and federal elections. While it reduces the influence of political parties, it could result in more voters deciding key elections in Boulder County. Continue reading…
ICYMI: Boulder approves $15.57 minimum wage for 2025 — lower than 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
Unofficial ‘Summer in October’ continues
It’s day 13 of Boulder’s above-average temperatures, according to NWS Boulder, with sunny skies and a high near 79 today. Tonight, we’ll dip into the 40s. By Tuesday, expect more sunshine and a high near 76, with a few gusts up to 15 mph — enough to raise wildfire concerns yet again.
Boulder County sees fifth-most traffic crashes with non-motorists in the state over past 15 years
The Colorado State Patrol is looking into a disproportionate number of pedestrian crashes in areas with tourism or seasonal traffic.
Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, said their data shows that counties with seasonal and tourist traffic, like Larimer and Montrose, saw frequent pedestrian crashes. Pedestrian-involved crashes increase in the summer and peak in autumn months, according to Packard. While he didn’t mention Boulder County, Boulder, which is about the same size as Larimer, saw more pedestrian crashes than Larimer in 2023 and over the past 15 years.
Last month, Boulder saw its fourth fatal traffic death this year. The City of Boulder has been trying to eliminate serious crashes by 2030 as part of its Vision Zero Action Plan. Read on BRL.
Boulder County commissioners to hold townhall on proposed 2025 budget
Boulder County commissioners will host an in-person townhall on the proposed 2025 budget on Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the East Boulder Community Center. A final vote on the budget is expected in December.
This year’s county budget discussions have focused on rising costs, flat revenues and reduced state and federal funding. County officials have recommended a $644.4 million budget for 2025, though commissioners may still adjust it. The 2024 budget was approximately $653 million.
For City of Boulder residents, the budget talks have drawn increased attention due to proposed cuts to safety net services for people living in the city. County officials cite declining state and federal contributions and overall budget constraints as reasons for the reductions.
The proposed budget includes $3.7 million to help operate a new alternative sentencing facility for people sentenced to work release or community corrections. Additionally, $5.4 million is allocated for the Sheriff’s Office to support staffing a new 60-bed module at the jail. These initiatives would be funded through the county’s general fund, limiting available resources for other priorities, such as the county’s affordable housing program. Read on BRL.
Marshall Fire pet memorial statue to be unveiled in Louisville
The City of Louisville and Louisville Rising are hosting an event to unveil the Marshall Fire Pet Memorial Statue at the Louisville Arboretum. The statue, designed by firefighter and artist Michael Garman, honors the pets lost in the Marshall Fire on Dec. 30, 2021. The event will provide a space for reflection, and attendees can also participate in a craft to contribute to the memorial.
The fire, which destroyed more than 1,000 homes, also claimed the lives of many beloved pets. Search and rescue teams, including those with Justice Takes Flight, whose work we documented, have helped families locate the remains of pets lost in the fire. As Garrett Wilson told us while searching for his dogs Fudge and Riley, “They didn’t deserve this,” echoing the grief felt by many in the community. The memorial aims to offer some healing and closure for those who experienced such loss.
City of Boulder sees huge demand for e-bike vouchers
Nearly 1,600 community members entered this year’s random selection process for Boulder’s e-bike vouchers. There is only a limited number of vouchers available, and this year, eligibility was restricted to residents earning up to 80% of the area median income, or $72,350 for an individual. “We recognize there is a strong interest and need in our community for support toward cleaner, greener travel options,” the city said.
The vouchers are for up to $2,100 for standard e-bikes and up to $2,700 for cargo and adaptive e-bikes, the latter designed for people with mobility needs. The program aims to reduce car usage, lower emissions and promote income equity. Last year, demand also far exceeded supply, with over 1,200 applications for just 200 vouchers.
Detour planned for Cradleboard Trail to protect bald eagles
Starting Wednesday, Oct. 15, a detour will be in place along a section of the Cradleboard Trail at Rock Creek Farm to protect territorial bald eagles during breeding season. The Stearns Lake bald eagle pair lost their nest when lightning struck the tree in August, and the park is closing part of the trail in case the eagles choose the nearest tree, which is next to the trail. If the eagles settle elsewhere, the trail will be reopened. Updates can be found on the Boulder County Parks & Recreation website.
BRL’s to-do list: What else is happening this week and weekend
☀️ Explore more events in Boulder and use the self-submission form on our events page to reach thousands in our community! For free.
Indigenous Peoples Day with Cary Morin and La Paloma at Roots Music Project: Monday, Oct. 14, 7-9 p.m., 4747 Pearl, Suite V3A. Free show. Read More
Empower Hour: Exposing CO Oil & Gas Industry’s Free Pass to Pollute (Virtual): Tuesday, Oct. 15, 6-7 p.m. Read More
Colorado Poets Center Poetry Reading & Open Mic at Boulder Book Store: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 6:30 p.m., 1107 Pearl St. Read More
Iris Global Health Film Festival at eTown: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; also Friday, Oct. 18, and Saturday, Oct. 19, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., 1535 Spruce St. Read More
Paper & Spine Used Book Store Autumn Pop-Up Sale at Boulder Public Library: Wednesday, Oct. 16 through Saturday, Oct. 19, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Read More
Boulder Community Grief Circle at Myco Cafe: Thursday, Oct. 17, 5-7 p.m., 1629 28th St. Read More
Carrie the Musical at The Spark: Friday, Oct. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 20, 7-9:15 p.m., 4847 Pearl St. Read More
Rocky Horror Picture Show Night at The Louisville Underground: Friday, Oct. 18, 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m., 640 Main St, Louisville. Read More
Sapphic Spark Speed Dating at OZO Coffee (East Pearl): Saturday, Oct. 19, 9-10:30 a.m., 1521 Pearl St. Read More
Halloween Dance Class on the Rooftop with Boulder Parks and Rec at the Museum of Boulder: Saturday, Oct. 19, 10-11 a.m., 2205 Broadway. Read More
Outback Presents Nikki Glaser: The Good Girl Tour at Boulder Theater: Saturday, Oct. 19, 7-10 p.m., 2032 14th St. Read More
Jeff and Paige at Friends School (Elementary): Sunday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m., 5465 Pennsylvania Ave. Read More
Andy Grammer at Boulder Theater: Sunday, Oct. 20, 8 p.m., 2032 14th St. Read More
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