🗳️ Boulder voted. Here's what happened.

Good Wednesday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by the Institute of Behavioral Science at CU Boulder. Check out its upcoming talk on healthy aging in a changing climate on Nov. 17.

Election Night is behind us. More than 60% of ballots have been counted, and we now have a clear picture of where things stand.

Mayor Aaron Brockett won reelection after a contentious campaign that saw political newcomer Aquiles La Grave challenge his record and the direction of the city. Three incumbent councilmembers and former councilmember Jill Grano are headed for victory. The fifth council seat remains too close to call, with more ballots left to count.

The results suggest little change to the political makeup of Boulder City Council. Candidates endorsed by Boulder Progressives are set to retain the majority they’ve held for years.

Meanwhile, Boulder’s $400 million bond proposal is headed for defeat. Voters also approved a tax on vacant homes, collective bargaining rights for firefighters, new childcare funding and an expansion of the Board of County Commissioners. In Niwot, voters rejected a proposal to incorporate the community.

The results are still unofficial, and counting continues. Below, find the latest vote totals, charts and reporting on what happened and what it means for Boulder. We’ll have more in the days ahead.

Plus more, Below the Fold:

BoulderCAST: A few showers possible, but no snow in sight.
Data centers on notice: County weighs new limits on data and detention facilities.
Fighting fire with fire: Prescribed burns planned near Eldorado Springs.
Neighborly help: Volunteers needed to shovel snow for seniors.

Thanks, as always, for reading,

– The BRL team

Support our Boulder journalism

From wildfires to extreme heat, climate-related disasters pose different risks throughout our lives. Join CU Boulder Institute of Behavioral Science Director Dr. Lori Hunter as she explores why older adults are especially vulnerable, how childhood disasters can affect cognitive health later in life, and how understanding these risks can help us make informed decisions as we grow older. The event takes place Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 6 to 7 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. RSVP required.

Boulder’s $400 million bond measure trails as most other ballot measures look set to pass

Boulder voters back a tax on vacant homes, an expansion of the county commission and other measures. A proposal to incorporate Niwot appears headed for defeat. Continue reading…

Boulder Mayor Aaron Brockett wins reelection

Brockett won a decisive victory over Aquiles La Grave and Councilmember Taishya Adams after a contentious campaign. Continue reading…

Boulder council election results: Three incumbents, former councilmember lead; fifth seat too close to call

Thirteen candidates competed for five seats in Boulder’s first even-year council election, with little change expected in the council’s political makeup. Continue reading…

Boulder election results 2026: Live updates on mayor, city council and ballot measures

Follow live vote totals in Boulder’s mayoral and city council races, city and county ballot measures, and key Colorado contests. Continue reading…

Quiet days ahead, and still no snow in sight

After a frosty start, clouds will increase across Boulder today as a weak Pacific system slides through southern Colorado. This storm is following a similar track to the one that brought rain earlier this week, but it’s far weaker and drier. Most of the precipitation will stay south of Boulder, though a few spotty showers can’t be ruled out late this afternoon or evening. There’s a better chance south of Denver.

The bigger story is what follows. Once this system exits tonight, Colorado settles into an extended stretch of quiet weather. High pressure building across the West will steer storms away from the Front Range through at least early next week, leading to several days of sunshine-filled autumn weather.

Expect plenty of sun Thursday and Friday with highs in the 50s and frosty mornings. Temperatures then climb back into the 60s this weekend and should remain above normal into next week. With no meaningful storms on the horizon, Boulder is once again entering the conversation for one of its latest first snowfalls on record. For now, last year’s Nov. 29 record remains safe, but it’s getting a little too close for comfort.

— BoulderCAST

Boulder County weighs restrictions on data centers and detention facilities

Boulder County will hold a public hearing Nov. 10 on proposed land use code changes that would restrict where data centers and detention facilities can operate in unincorporated areas. The proposed amendments follow a temporary moratorium county commissioners enacted in June.

Under the proposal, data centers with an information technology energy load of 75 kilowatts or less would be allowed only in light or general industrial zones and would require a limited impact special review. Larger data centers would be prohibited.

The amendments would also establish a definition for detention centers, covering facilities where people are held in custody, including jails, prisons and correctional facilities, whether publicly or privately owned.

The hearing begins at 1 p.m. at the Boulder County Courthouse, with an online option. Residents can register to speak in person or virtually. Written comments are due Nov. 9.

Boulder plans prescribed burns near Eldorado Springs

The City of Boulder plans to conduct prescribed burns this month on open space south of Eldorado Springs Drive and west of Highway 93.

The controlled burns are intended to reduce vegetation that could fuel wildfires, restore ecosystems and control invasive plants. They will take place only when weather conditions and staffing allow, under the supervision of trained crews. The city says residents who see smoke from the burns should not call 911.

Prescribed burning is one of the city’s 10 priority wildfire mitigation measures. City staff have proposed a goal of completing burn plans for 50% of city-owned land in priority wildfire risk areas by the end of 2030.

Volunteer to help your senior neighbors shovel snow

Local nonprofit Cultivate is looking for volunteers for its SnowBusters program, which helps older adults clear snow from their walkways. The organization serves seniors in Boulder, Broomfield and Weld counties. Volunteers help keep paths safe and accessible while protecting residents from potential snow-removal fines, according to the Mobility for All newsletter. Sign up to volunteer or enroll.

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🗳️ Boulder voted. Here’s what happened.