Good Monday morning, Boulder.

Thank you to the 152 readers who donated for the first time or increased their support since our match began earlier this month. We’re aiming to raise $50,000 by Dec. 31, and we’re off to an incredible start! For the next 36 days, every dollar you give — up to $1,000 — will be doubled to support local nonprofit journalism in Boulder.

Today, John Herrick reports on a growing rift over taxpayer money for housing programs.

Boulder County’s $16.7 million Affordable and Attainable Housing Tax plan is sparking criticism for using funds to sustain existing programs amid a budget deficit, leaving fewer resources for new initiatives to address the housing crisis. Most funds are allocated to affordable housing development, but critics — including Boulder officials and housing advocates — say the plan fails to address urgent needs such as permanent supportive housing and innovative projects. With eviction rates rising and shelters at capacity, frustration is mounting over transparency gaps and missed opportunities for creative solutions. The county, however, says funding existing programs is essential to keeping residents housed and employed.

In other news: Boulder is set to finalize a 20-year deal with ALLO Communications to provide faster internet to 97% of residents by 2030. The agreement leverages the city’s $20 million fiber network, offers discounts for low-income households, and aims to increase competition in a market dominated by Xfinity and CenturyLink.

And: Boulder adds speed cameras, sees renewed interest in the JonBenét Ramsey case, opens new biking trails, and towns across the county gear up for Thanksgiving Turkey Trots.

Have a great start to your week!

— The BRL team

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Featured stories

Boulder County’s affordable housing tax spending plan frustrates some supporters who helped pass it

Facing a budget deficit, county commissioners approved using part of the new housing revenue for existing programs, leaving fewer resources for new initiatives. Continue reading…

In other news

Cool today with a rain-snow mix and mountain snow expected

Sunny and cool today with a high of 45. Tonight brings a chance of snow, transitioning to a rain-snow mix overnight. Tuesday may start with the mix before clearing to partly sunny skies and a high of 50. Significant mountain snowfall through Thanksgiving could impact travel, so expect delays — and pack your patience.

Boulder nears deal with ALLO Communications to deliver broadband internet

The Boulder City Council on Thursday, Nov. 21, unanimously voted to authorize the city manager to enter into a 20-year contract with ALLO Communications LLC, a Nebraska-based telecommunications company, to use the city’s fiber backbone infrastructure to provide broadband internet to Boulder’s residents and businesses.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in a nearly decade-long effort to bring high-speed internet to the city and closes the door on earlier interest in establishing a city-owned internet utility for the foreseeable future.

Under the proposed contract, ALLO will make broadband service available to 80% of Boulder residents by 2028 and 97% by 2030, with discounts offered to income-qualified customers.

The deal is expected to increase competition among internet providers in Boulder, where residents currently have limited options, primarily Comcast (Xfinity) and Lumen (CenturyLink). The additional competition could help lower costs and improve service. Read more on BRL.

Boulder expands speed camera program to more streets

Boulder is adding more speed cameras to its automated enforcement program, with new corridors set to go live in 2025. Warnings for speeding drivers will begin in January, with citations starting on March 1. The expanded program will include parts of Broadway, Folsom Street, Lookout Road, Pearl Parkway, Spine Road, Table Mesa Drive and Valmont Road. These new locations join existing ones like Iris Avenue, Violet Avenue, Table Mesa Drive/South Boulder Road and Broadway at Pine Street. Signs will be installed to alert drivers, and a full map of camera locations is available on the city’s website.

Sign on Iris Avenue alerting drivers to speed cameras. Courtesy of the City of Boulder

The program is part of Boulder’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate fatal crashes. Speeding, a leading cause of deadly accidents in the city, is the primary target. Officials say the cameras are designed to encourage safer driving, citing studies that show speed cameras effectively reduce speeding and minimize the need for traffic stops, which can pose risks to both drivers and police officers.

Critics, however, argue the program prioritizes revenue over safety. They note that tickets are mailed to vehicle owners, raising concerns about the right to face one’s accuser. In 2022, Boulder collected $2.5 million from speed and red-light camera fines, and officials expect revenues to increase with the added corridors.

Currently, Boulder uses radar vans to monitor about 180 locations and operates around a dozen red-light cameras.

Netflix docuseries revives interest in JonBenét Ramsey murder investigation

The new Netflix docuseries “Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenét Ramsey?” begins streaming today, reexamining the 1996 murder of 6-year-old JonBenét Ramsey nearly 28 years later. Directed by Oscar-nominated director Joe Berlinger, the three-part series delves into the case’s history and highlights advances in forensic technology that could help the case.

John Ramsey, JonBenét’s father, has urged Boulder police to allow outside experts to test key evidence using advanced DNA methods, such as reverse genealogy. “That’s been the flaw for 25 years,” Ramsey said in an interview with NBC News.

The series also scrutinizes early investigative missteps, including crime scene contamination, and criticizes the media focus on the Ramsey family despite a lack of evidence linking them to the crime. Although JonBenét’s parents, John and the late Patsy Ramsey, were cleared in 2008, public suspicion and conspiracy theories have lingered. In interviews about the series, John Ramsey reflects on the personal toll of the case, recalling being told by a law enforcement officer, “They believe you killed your daughter.”

In December 2023, Boulder police announced they had enlisted the Colorado Cold Case Review Team to reassess the investigation. The team has compiled a searchable database of more than 21,000 tips, 1,000 interviews and 2,500 pieces of evidence. Police have said they continue to collaborate with DNA experts and law enforcement partners and that solving the case remains a top priority.

“I can’t bring JonBenét back,” Ramsey said, “but I would like to close this chapter.”

New biking trails open at Boulder Valley Ranch

Boulder Valley Ranch has a new attraction for cyclists: the Cobalt Trail and the revamped Eagle Trail, officially open as of Nov. 22. These trails form a three-mile loop designed for riders of all ages and skill levels.

The Boulder Mountainbike Alliance (BMA) recommends riding the loop counterclockwise, starting with a climb up the Cobalt Trail, leading to a smooth, rolling descent on the Eagle Trail. This route is beginner-friendly and ideal for families, but it can also be part of a longer ride around the ranch. According to BMA, this marks the first new trail open to bikes at Boulder Valley Ranch in 26 years. Work on the Degge and Hidden Valley trails is scheduled to begin in 2025. You can register to volunteer on OSMP projects here.

Boulder Valley Ranch Area Project Map. Courtesy of the City of Boulder

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot events in Boulder County

Here are some Turkey Trot events happening in and around Boulder County on Thanksgiving Day, and after:

  • AdventHealth Avista Louisville Turkey Trot: Starts on Thanksgiving at 9 a.m. at Front Street and Spruce Street in Louisville. This 5K supports Community Food Share and raised more than $55,000 last year. Free refreshments include craft beer, cider (21+, ID required), coffee and hot cocoa.
  • Alpine Bank Boulder Thanksgiving Day 5K: Begins at 9:15 a.m. at Flatiron Park, 2209 Central Ave., in Boulder. Includes a Kids 1K Fun Run at 9 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Harvest of Hope Pantry. Early registrants receive a long-sleeve shirt. Strollers are allowed; dogs are not.
  • Broomfield Turkey Day 5K/10K: Starts at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving at Broomfield County Commons. Offers 5K and 10K options for all fitness levels. A family-friendly way to kick off Thanksgiving.
  • Cara’s 4th Annual Leftover Turket Trot: Starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, at Boulder High’s Recht Field. Offers a 5K fun run and 2K walk. Proceeds support youth scholarships for academics and athletics. Enjoy live music, healthy snacks, a raffle and limited-edition T-shirts.

BRL’s to-do list: What else is happening this week and weekend

☀️ Explore more 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.

Pumpkin Pie Promotion at The Niche Market: Monday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 26, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 27, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., 3701 Canfield St. Read More

GROOVE with Boulder Phil at Dickens Opera House: Monday, Nov. 25, 6:30–8 p.m., 300 Main St, Longmont. Read More

Holiday Pop-Up Shop at Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art: Tuesday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 27, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 30, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., 1750 13th St. Read More

Thanksgiving Eve with The Long Run at Nissi’s: Wednesday, Nov. 27, 7:30 p.m., 1455 Coal Creek Dr., Unit T, Lafayette, CO. Read More

St. Nick on the Bricks at Downtown Boulder Visitor Information Center: Friday, Nov. 29, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 30, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 1303 Pearl St. Read More

Studio 24: Friday Crafternoon (In-Person) at NoBo Corner Library: Friday, Nov. 29, 1–3 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 6, 1–3 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 13, 1–3 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 20, 1–3 p.m., 4600 Broadway. Read More

Fiddler on the Roof at Jesters Dinner Theatre: Friday, Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 1, 2 p.m., 224 Main St, Longmont. Read More

UnLeashed Theatre Co: Matt & Ben at Dairy Arts Center: Friday, Nov. 29, 3–4:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 30, 3–4:30 p.m., 2590 Walnut St. Read More

Leftover Salmon feat. Sam Bush with special guests Mountain Grass Unit – Night 1 at Boulder Theater: Friday, Nov. 29, 8 p.m., 2032 14th St. Read More

The Nutcracker at Macky Auditorium: Saturday, Nov. 30, 1–3 p.m. and 6:30–8:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 1, 1–3 p.m., 1595 Pleasant St. Read More

Get your brand in front of the most engaged people in Boulder. Contact BRL’s publisher, Stacy Feldman, to learn more.