Good Monday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by EFAA — check out their FriendFest.
First off: Over the weekend, reporter Rossana Longo-Better and photographer Jeffrey Packard were out covering the “No Kings” protest in South Boulder.
Leading today: You might have picked up from our recent coverage that it’s ballot measure season in Boulder, as we head toward the 2025 municipal election. We’ve covered a potential measure to close part of West Pearl to cars and the opposition organizing against it.
Today, Amber Carlson reports on another proposal that revives a familiar debate: Who should power the city? A group of residents is pushing a ballot measure that would allow Boulder to exit its franchise agreement with Xcel Energy and seek a new electricity provider. The campaign comes nearly five years after voters opted to stick with Xcel rather than pursue a city-run utility. Supporters say this is a chance to modernize Boulder’s energy system and move toward decentralized, renewable sources. Critics say it risks repeating the costly and divisive municipalization battle that voters ended in 2020. The committee has until May 28 to gather enough signatures to make the November ballot.
Also today: Boulder took a step toward tougher building standards last week, giving initial approval to new home hardening rules aimed at reducing wildfire risk. The proposed ordinance would apply only to new construction and major remodels in the city’s wildland-urban interface, banning flammable materials near homes and requiring fire-resistant materials. A final vote is set for May 15.
Below the Fold:
- Spring sun returns: Showers possible this afternoon and Tuesday.
- Airport lawsuit tossed: Court says it’s up to Jefferson County.
- Climate data blackout: NOAA centers go dark amid funding lapse.
- Housing help: Free resource fair Saturday at North Boulder Rec.
- Free trees: Seedling giveaway at Farmers Market Saturday.
- Things to Do: Earth Day, books, brass, comedy, fish fry, art & gear.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
— The BRL team
For over 100 years, EFAA has served as Boulder’s community safety net, helping thousands of families and individuals navigate through times of need. This past year, EFAA provided support to a record 8,571 Boulder residents with food, financial assistance, and other essential resources. Join us at Friend Fest to learn more about EFAA and ways to support our mission — while enjoying a fun-filled afternoon for adults and children alike.
New Boulder ballot push could reopen debate over Xcel deal and city’s energy future
Supporters say the ballot measure would modernize the city’s energy system. Critics warn it could strain ties with the utility and repeat past mistakes. Continue reading…
No plants, no wood fences: Boulder proposes ban on flammable materials within 5 feet of new homes in wildfire zones
The latest code changes aim to slow home-to-home ignition in Boulder’s highest-risk wildfire areas — applying only to new construction and remodels, but expanding the number of affected properties more than threefold. Continue reading…
‘It gives people hope’: Hundreds protest in Boulder against Trump policies in ‘No Kings’ demonstration
Waving signs and sharing stories, Boulder residents and visitors joined a national protest to show solidarity — and signal they’re not giving up. Continue reading…
After a snowy weekend, spring sun returns — with a chance of showers
After a snowy Saturday in Boulder, spring is back — at least for now. Today will be mostly sunny with a high near 70. Winds will be breezy out of the southwest, with gusts up to near 20 mph.
Skies clear out tonight, with lows dipping to around 40. Tuesday brings more spring-like conditions, with a high near 67 and a 30% chance of afternoon showers.
Climate data blackout hits key NOAA websites amid federal funding lapse
Half of NOAA’s Regional Climate Centers — including those serving the High Plains, Midwest, Southeast and South — went offline last week due to a lapse in federal funding. The shutdown has cut off access to vital tools used for wildfire modeling, drought monitoring and climate research.
The Western Regional Climate Center, which serves the fire-prone West, remains online — for now. But it could go dark in June if funding isn’t restored, a scenario that’s increasingly likely. Experts say the loss of these tools could hamper everything from water resource planning to wildfire forecasting — especially in the West, where early warning systems and historical climate data are essential for preparing for longer, more dangerous fire seasons.
The outage comes as the Trump administration proposes nearly $1.7 billion in cuts to NOAA, which would eliminate the agency’s climate, weather and ocean research divisions — with potentially devastating impacts to NOAA’s Boulder-based operations.
Free Housing Resource Fair in Boulder on April 26
The City of Boulder, Boulder Housing Partners and Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA) are hosting a free Housing Resource Fair on Saturday, April 26, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the North Boulder Recreation Center (3170 Broadway).
The event is open to the public and will provide information on affordable housing resources, tenant rights, housing support services and homebuyer programs for lower-income households. Spanish interpretation will be available. No registration is required.
Free tree seedlings at the Farmers Market this Saturday
Boulder Forestry staff, PLAY Boulder Foundation and Cool Boulder will be giving away 350 free tree seedlings and 350 native plants on Saturday, April 26, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Boulder Farmers Market (13th & Arapahoe). The giveaway is first come, first served. Master Gardeners will be there with planting tips, and attendees can sign up for tree care info and volunteer opportunities. The event celebrates Boulder’s 42nd year as a Tree City USA.
☀️ Explore events in Boulder and use the self-submission form on our events page to reach thousands in our community — for free! To have your event featured on this list, make sure to submit it to our events calendar.
Paper & Spine Used Bookstore Annual Children’s Book Sale: Monday, April 21, 9:00 a.m., Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Read More
The Unruly Mystic: John Muir: Monday, April 21, 7:00 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read More
Earth Day Volunteer Event 2025: Tuesday, April 22, 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m., Coal Creek Trail, Lafayette. Read More
Big Round Mama – Earth Day – Marimba Music – Climate – Conversation: Tuesday, April 22, 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m., Nevei Kodesh, 1925 Glenwood Drive. Read More
Trident Community Series: Boulder Police Oversight Panel: Tuesday, April 22, 6:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m., Trident Booksellers & Cafe. Read More
BRASS & BREWS with Boulder Phil’s Brass Quintet at Wild Provisions: Tuesday, April 22, 7:00 p.m., Wild Provisions Beer Project, 2209 Central Avenue. Read More
10th Annual Stand Up for Climate Comedy feat. Chuck Nice & Nat Towsen: Tuesday, April 22, 7:00 p.m., Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St. Read More
NoBo Art District Member Group Show: Thursday, April 24, 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.; Friday, April 25 & Saturday, April 26, 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., Bus Stop Gallery, 4895 Broadway. Read More
Senior Fish-off & Fish Fry: Friday, April 25, 6:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m., Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat, 3893 N. 75th St. Read More
Sanitas Spring Gear Sale: Saturday, April 26 & Sunday, April 27, 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., Sanitas Brewing Company Boulder, 3550 Frontier Ave Ste A. Read More
Stories of Migration & Music with Motus Theater & the Boulder Philharmonic String Quartet: Saturday, April 26, 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m., Boulder Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1241 Ceres Drive, Lafayette. Read More
Jeff and Paige: Sunday, April 27, 4:00 p.m., Pearl Street Pedestrian Mall, 1300 Pearl St. Read More