🚨 Boulder councilmember resigns in protest over airport vote

Good Friday morning, Boulder.

Leading today: In a stunning turn, Boulder City Councilmember Mark Wallach resigned immediately after the council voted 8-1 late last night to keep Boulder Municipal Airport open indefinitely. The retired lawyer and real estate developer, who had served on the council since 2019, became known over the years for his direct communication, his lengthy, carefully considered Hotline posts and his willingness to stick to his convictions. Wallach, the lone dissenting vote, said he would not participate in “the surrender of our valuable airport land in perpetuity.” John Herrick reports.

Also today: Two cyclists were taken to the hospital after crashing on consecutive days at the same heat-buckled section of the US 36 Bikeway. Questions remain about when Boulder County was warned and why the hazard was not repaired sooner. The crashes also highlight the challenges extreme heat can pose for local infrastructure. Boulder just recorded its longest streak of days at or above 94 degrees, with more near-100-degree heat ahead. Brooke Stephenson reports.

Lastly, BRL is hiring a managing editor. Come help lead our growing newsroom, or help us spread the word.

Plus more, Below the Fold:

BoulderCAST: Hot, dry weather returns, with highs near 100.
Streetlight switch: Boulder completes its 4,400-light LED conversion.
Climate cash: County opens three grant programs.
Medicaid changes: Recipients urged to update contact information.
Heat pump rebates: Xcel tightens contractor requirements Aug. 15.

Thanks, as always, for reading,

– The BRL team

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Boulder City Councilmember Mark Wallach resigns after vote to keep municipal airport open indefinitely

Wallach, who had served on the council since 2019, said, “I will not be a party to the surrender of our valuable airport land in perpetuity.” Continue reading…

Two cyclists taken to the hospital after crashes on heat-buckled US 36 Bikeway in Boulder County

Both women crashed at the same spot on consecutive days. Boulder County warns that more pavement could buckle as extreme heat persists. Continue reading…

Near 100-degree heat returns this weekend amid extreme drought

Despite the monsoon mostly skirting Boulder this week, some leftover moisture is still hanging around today. A stray late-day storm isn’t out of the question, but conditions will become drier, sunnier and warmer. Highs will reach the lower 90s, and the air won’t feel nearly as soupy as it did on previous days.

High pressure will rebuild over the region this weekend, meaning hot weather is coming back in force. Expect highs in the upper 90s from Saturday through Monday, with a decent chance of hitting 100 again. The weekend will bring blazing afternoons, quiet but warm nights and only the faintest chance of spotty storms, primarily over higher terrain.

Early next week, moisture will start drifting back in, bringing better chances of rain, but the outlook still isn’t great. We’ll take every drop we can get at this point, as most of Boulder County has slipped back into Extreme Drought for the first time since the big May snowstorm.

— BoulderCAST

Boulder completes conversion of 4,400 streetlights to LEDs

Boulder completed its yearslong conversion of more than 4,400 streetlights to LEDs in April, according to city staff.

The city began buying the streetlights from Xcel Energy after reentering a franchise agreement with the utility in 2021. It completed the acquisition in 2024 and then converted the lights to LEDs, which use less energy, last longer and notify city staff when they stop working. Their brightness can also be adjusted.

City ownership of the lights is expected to save about $1 million annually in operating and maintenance costs. The project was initially expected to be completed in 2023 but was delayed by inventory work and the complexity of separating the lights from Xcel’s infrastructure.

Boulder County opens three climate grant programs

Boulder County is accepting applications for three grant programs funded by its sustainability tax.

The Soil Health Initiative will distribute about $400,000 to farmers and ranchers for projects that improve soil health. The Sustainable Food and Agriculture Fund will award $50,000 to businesses, nonprofits and government entities working to strengthen local food systems. Applications for both programs are due Aug. 24.

The Grey to Green Fund will award grants of $20,000 to $50,000 for projects that replace pavement and parking lots with rain gardens, microforests and other green spaces. Municipalities, businesses, homeowners associations, nonprofits and schools may apply by Aug. 31.

Medicaid recipients urged to update contact information

Boulder County is urging residents enrolled in Health First Colorado, the state’s Medicaid program, to update their contact information so they receive notices about federal eligibility changes and avoid gaps in coverage.

Beginning in October, certain immigrants, including refugees, will lose eligibility. Green card holders will generally need to have held that status for at least five years to qualify.

New work requirements taking effect in January 2027 are expected to affect about 375,000 Coloradans. New and renewing applicants ages 19 to 64 will generally need to earn at least $580 per month or spend at least 80 hours per month working, volunteering or attending school. Some exemptions apply.

Residents can update their information through Colorado PEAK or by calling Boulder County Human Services at 303-441-1000. The county also recommends checking PEAK accounts regularly for notices.

Xcel changes heat pump rebate rules Aug. 15

Starting Aug. 15, Xcel Energy customers seeking ductless heat pump rebates must use an approved contractor. DIY installations and work by contractors who have not been approved will no longer qualify. The rule also applies to EnergySmart rebates for income-qualified customers.

Xcel’s primary rebate requires replacing a home’s main heating system, though a $500 rebate is available for supplemental heating and cooling in garages and additions.

Separately, Power Ahead Colorado offers a $1,500 rebate, with no income restrictions, for ENERGY STAR-certified cold-climate heat pumps in homes, multifamily buildings and commercial properties. Both ducted and ductless systems qualify, but new construction does not. Free advising is available through Power Ahead Colorado and EnergySmart.

Remembering Beatrice ‘Bea’ Bell, pioneering Broncos cheerleader, political activist and friend to many

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