Good Wednesday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by Downtown Boulder Partnership. Don’t miss World Singing Day Boulder on Saturday, Oct. 17, when singers of all ages and abilities are invited to join a community sing-along.

Leading today: Alpine-Balsam has become a flashpoint in Boulder’s election, but many voters may never have heard of it. The city bought the former hospital property for $40 million in 2015. A decade later, the projected cost of turning it into city offices, housing and flood protection stands at $366 million, including interest. Some candidates and political groups have pointed to the price tag to question city spending and oversight, while city officials defend the investment as one that will save money over time. We dug into a decade of decisions to understand how the costs grew, what taxpayers are getting and why the project has become an election issue. John Herrick reports.

Yet to vote? BRL’s voter guide awaits.

Plus more, Below the Fold:

Thanks, as always, for reading,

– The BRL team

Support our Boulder journalism

Music unites people! On Saturday, Oct. 17, the Pearl Street Mall will be filled with song and happiness during World Singing Day Boulder. Starting at 2 p.m., all ages and singing abilities are invited to the 1300 block of the bricks for a joyful community sing-along featuring songs from across the ages. No experience required. Just grab a lyric booklet and help make music together in the heart of Boulder.

How Boulder’s Alpine-Balsam project grew to $366 million and became an election flashpoint

The city’s largest development in recent history has divided candidates over whether it reflects poor financial oversight or a prudent long-term investment. Continue reading…

A much-needed drink for Boulder County

Everyone wanted autumn. Well, here it is. Rain, mountain snow, gray skies, temperatures stuck in the 40s and even the end of the growing season are all on the menu as the Front Range’s most beneficial storm since spring moves through Colorado.

After months of watching drought conditions intensify across Boulder County, a storm capable of delivering meaningful moisture has finally arrived. Rain will continue through Wednesday as a slow-moving upper low drifts toward the Front Range. Deep subtropical moisture combined with persistent upslope flow will keep skies gloomy and conditions damp, with periods of steady rain throughout the day. By the time precipitation tapers Thursday, much of Boulder County is expected to receive around an inch of rain or more, making this one of our most significant precipitation events of the year. Highs today will struggle to reach the mid-40s.

The cool, wet pattern will also bring the season’s first widespread mountain snowfall. Snow levels will lower through the day and especially Wednesday night, with up to a couple of inches possible in foothill communities above about 8,000 feet and up to a foot in the higher mountains along the Divide. Winter travel impacts are expected on major mountain passes.

Rain should gradually diminish Thursday, with even a few breaks of sunshine possible before sunset. Then comes one final reminder that autumn has truly arrived: clearing skies Thursday night will allow temperatures to drop toward or even slightly below freezing, likely bringing an end to the growing season across much of eastern Boulder County. Plan accordingly. 

—BoulderCAST

Environmental films, local filmmakers and 30 years of storytelling (sponsored)

Celebrate the Center for Environmental Journalism’s 30th anniversary with an evening of environmental short films and visiting filmmakers, presented with CU Boulder’s International Film Series. The program features “Reindalen,” “Sound Guardians,” “True-Life Adventures I, II, III” and more. A pre-screening reception begins at 6:30 p.m., with films at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Muenzinger Auditorium. Free and open to the public.

Boulder considers fines up to $6,000 for contractors who violate recycling rules

Boulder is considering new penalties for contractors who fail to comply with its deconstruction ordinance after finding that only about half of completed projects met its requirements.

The ordinance, which took effect in July 2020, requires at least 75% of building materials, by weight, to be reused or recycled rather than sent to landfills. Contractors must also divert at least three types of materials.

Only about half of completed projects have met both requirements, according to an Environmental Advisory Board memo. The analysis found that contractors most likely to violate the rules also received the most permits, driving down overall compliance.

Proposed changes include fines ranging from $1,500 to $6,000 for repeat violations. The city manager could also suspend or revoke contractor licenses, and violations could be prosecuted in municipal court. Other changes would encourage higher-value reuse and recycling of building materials.

The city aims to divert an average of 80% of construction waste from landfills annually by 2030, according to its climate action plan.

City council is scheduled to consider the changes Nov. 16 and Dec. 3. If approved, they would take effect July 1, 2027.

Boulder County proposes another $13.2M in cuts, up to 15 layoffs

Boulder County is proposing $13.2 million in budget cuts for 2027, including the elimination of up to 36 positions, with 10 to 15 layoffs expected, and reductions in spending on vehicles, facilities, maintenance and software. The shortfall stems from costs rising faster than tax revenue.

The proposed reductions follow roughly $13 million in cuts last year, which resulted in the loss of 90 jobs and cuts to social service programs. County officials say they do not anticipate further rounds of cuts in the foreseeable future.

A public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, at 1 p.m., at 1325 Pearl St., with virtual participation available. Registration is required. The county expects to adopt its final budget in December.

Boulder to offer tour of upcoming parks projects Friday

Boulder parks staff will lead a tour of upcoming Parks and Recreation projects on Friday, Oct. 16, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Boulder Bandshell. Stops include the Bandshell, Pearl Street Mall, Barker Park and Tom Watson Park.

Staff will outline plans for each site and answer questions from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The public is welcome to attend but must provide their own transportation. There will be no opportunity for public comment.

Planning to serve alcohol during Sundance? Boulder explains the rules

The City of Boulder is hosting liquor licensing workshops for businesses, nonprofits and Sundance Film Festival partners planning to serve alcohol when the festival arrives in January.

City staff will explain liquor license and permit options, application requirements and the approval process. The virtual workshops run from 3 to 5:30 p.m., with dates available through November.

☀️ 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 in our Thursday Culture Club newsletter, make sure to submit it to our events calendar.


This email was sent to *|EMAIL|*
Unsubscribe from this newsletter — Opt out of all emails from *|LIST:COMPANY|*
*|LIST_ADDRESSLINE_TEXT|**|IF:REWARDS|*

*|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*