Good Monday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by Bank of Colorado, a family-owned community bank serving Coloradans since 1978, with 45 locations statewide. Learn more.
Leading today: A wildfire-vulnerable neighborhood on Boulder’s western edge is one step closer to joining the city. Boulder City Council voted last week to advance the annexation of 36 homes near Wonderland Lake, a move that would bring city water, fire hydrants and road upgrades to an area residents say lacks adequate fire protection as wildfire risk grows. Supporters say the improvements could strengthen the city’s ability to respond to wildfires approaching from the west. Brooke Stephenson reports.
Also today: Boulder is asking the Colorado Supreme Court to review a ruling that barred agencies from charging fees for police body-camera footage tied to misconduct complaints. The city argues the decision could impose significant costs on law enforcement agencies statewide, while transparency advocates call it a victory for public access. John Herrick reports.
And in BRL Opinion: Boulder City Councilmembers Matt Benjamin and Tina Marquis argue that Boulder residents should direct their frustrations at elected officials, not city employees. Citing recent disputes over downtown, rec centers and a longtime business closure, they argue a small but vocal group has crossed the line from civic engagement to harassment.
Plus more, Below the Fold:
- Forecast: Storm chances return.
- Data centers: Moratorium heads to hearing.
- Wildfire: Xcel launches tree-trimming campaign.
- Cooling: County tests heat-reflecting paint.
- Elections: Go behind the scenes of ballot counting.
- Culture Club: Event listings find a new home.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Bank of Colorado is a family-owned, community focused bank that has been serving the needs of Coloradans since 1978. Throughout our 45 locations across the state, our values of honesty, integrity and clarity guide our every decision. We’re deeply rooted in Colorado’s history and fully invested in its future. Strong, Stable & Local Community Banking – reach out today to experience the best service in banking 303-476-7282.
Boulder moves to annex wildfire-vulnerable neighborhood southwest of Wonderland Lake
Property owners will vote later this year on joining the city, a move that would bring city water, fire hydrants and road upgrades to an area repeatedly threatened by wildfire. Continue reading…
Boulder asks Colorado Supreme Court to review ruling on police body camera fees
The city argues the appeals court was wrong to prohibit fees for blurring video before release, imposing “enormous ongoing costs” on law enforcement agencies statewide. Continue reading…
Rain chances return to Boulder this week
Monday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 88 and a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Skies clear overnight as temperatures fall to around 59.
Tuesday cools slightly, with a high near 83 and a chance of afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Similar conditions are expected through midweek, with highs in the low to mid-80s and daily opportunities for scattered storms. The odds of significant rainfall remain uncertain, but Boulder could see a welcome stretch of moisture this week.
Data centers on pause as Boulder County rewrites the rules
Boulder County residents will have a chance to weigh in on July 2 on a temporary moratorium on new data centers and detention facilities in unincorporated areas of the county.
County commissioners voted unanimously June 2 to halt applications for the facilities for six months while staff updates the county’s Land Use Code. Officials cited concerns about potential impacts on water and energy use, noise and public safety.
The public hearing begins at 1:30 p.m. July 2. Residents can participate in person at the Boulder County Courthouse, by phone or via Zoom. Registration is required to speak, and written comments may also be submitted.
Boulder County is not alone. Communities across the Front Range have debated how to regulate data centers because of their large demands on water and electricity. Earlier this month, Longmont approved restrictions on new “hyperscale” data centers, joining other local governments that have moved to limit or more closely regulate the facilities.
Xcel to begin tree-trimming work in Boulder as part of wildfire plan
Xcel Energy will begin pruning and removing trees across Boulder this month as part of its wildfire mitigation efforts, according to city officials.
The work will take place along public streets and on some private properties near electric lines. Xcel said property owners will be notified before any work begins. Trees identified for removal are either in poor condition or located in places that pose risks to power infrastructure.
The work is part of Xcel’s broader wildfire mitigation program, launched after recent wildfire threats and public safety power shutoffs. Other elements of the plan include infrastructure upgrades, selective undergrounding of power lines and changes to the electric grid.
Boulder County tests paint designed to beat the heat
As summer heat arrives, Boulder County is testing an unusual technology atop a North Boulder apartment complex: a specialized coating designed to reflect heat away from buildings and radiate it back into space.
The product, called CryoPaint, is intended to outperform traditional white roofs, which are already used to keep buildings cooler. Throughout the summer, Boulder County, RMI and Boulder Housing Partners will monitor temperatures and resident comfort to see how well the technology works in real-world conditions.
The pilot comes as Boulder prepares for a hotter future. Climate projections show the city could see nearly 30 days above 95 degrees each year by the end of the decade. Officials are also exploring other cooling strategies, including heat pumps, energy-efficiency upgrades and expanding the urban tree canopy.
📚 Boulder built its own climate models. Here’s what they say about the next 25 years.
Want to see how Boulder County counts ballots?
Boulder County residents can get a behind-the-scenes look at the election process next week, with public tours of the Ballot Processing Center ahead of the June 30 primary.
County Clerk and Recorder Molly Fitzpatrick will lead the tours, which cover signature verification, ballot resolution and other safeguards designed to ensure election integrity. Tours are scheduled between noon and 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 29, at the Ballot Processing Center, 1750 33rd St. in Boulder.
Residents can also join an “Election Night and Beyond” webinar on Wednesday. Fitzpatrick will explain how different types of ballots are processed and answer questions from the public.
Need help preparing your ballot? Read BRL’s primary election coverage and candidate questionnaires for Boulder County treasurer and CU Regent races.
What happened to the event listings?
If you scrolled down looking for our weekly Monday events roundup, don’t worry. It hasn’t disappeared — it’s just moving to a new home.
Starting this week, our weekly events roundup is moving to Culture Club, BRL’s new arts, culture and events newsletter. Arriving on Thursdays, it will help you discover what’s happening around Boulder, from concerts and exhibits to outdoors events, festivals and community gatherings. If you already receive BRL Today and open it regularly, you’ll automatically receive Culture Club as well.
Commentaries are opinion pieces from community members and newsmakers. They reflect the views of the authors, not BRL. Want to submit one? Here’s how.
Matt Benjamin and Tina Marquis: Our Boulder community deserves better. So do our city staff.
If you’re frustrated with the direction of our city, direct that frustration at the nine people you elected, not the staff carrying out our decisions. Continue reading…
☀️ Explore events in Boulder and use the self-submission form on our events page to reach thousands in our community, for free. Want your event featured in Culture Club, our new arts, culture and events newsletter? Be sure to submit it to our events calendar.