Good Wednesday morning, Boulder.
Boulder County Public Health is bracing for potential Trump administration funding cuts that could ripple through everything from immunizations to Medicaid support. Most recently, the state was forced to temporarily freeze $267,000 in federal funds for local disease tracking and vaccination programs — but a judge has stepped in to pause that, at least until an April 16 court hearing. Brooke Stephenson reports.
The agency’s director told BRL they’re preparing for worst-case scenarios. About $5 million — a quarter of their budget — comes from federal sources. And there’s growing worry about potential Medicaid cuts that could put even more pressure on the already stretched public health system.
More, Below the Fold:
- Fire danger: Red Flag Warning today, near 80 by Friday.
- Sundance boost: New state law gives $34M tax credit for festival’s move.
- Colorado poll: Voters worry about housing, trust Dems more than GOP.
- Federal cuts: Boulder office on list as feds plan lease terminations.
- Event grants: Boulder opens apps for 2025 community funding.
- Heads up: Spring trail closures at Pella, Hall, Caribou.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
— The BRL team
Boulder County may lose $267K in vaccine and disease tracking funds due to Trump health cuts
About a quarter of Boulder County Public Health’s $20 million budget — roughly $5 million — comes from federal funds now at risk. Continue reading…
Red Flag Warning today — near 80 by Friday under sunny skies
Today’s forecast? Sunny and breezy, with highs near 67 — but heads up: We’re under a Red Flag Warning, meaning critical fire conditions. No open burning today. Tonight will be mostly clear and cooler, dipping into the high 30s with gusts up to 33 mph.
By Thursday, winds settle down and temps stay mild, hovering in the mid-60s under bluebird skies. And by Friday, we’re looking at a warm, mostly sunny day near 80.
Polis signs $34M tax credit to support Sundance’s move to Boulder
Gov. Jared Polis on Tuesday signed into law a bill that is expected to provide the Sundance Film Festival with a $34 million refundable state income tax credit following its planned move to Boulder in 2027.
The tax break was part of Colorado’s successful bid to host the country’s largest independent film festival. Sundance is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors to the area each winter, boosting revenue for local businesses and raising Boulder’s profile as a destination for international arts and culture.
“Colorado is the best state for film and television artists, and I am thrilled today to sign this bipartisan law to support our growing film industry in Colorado that is captivating audiences, supporting hard-working Coloradans, and strengthening our tourism and economy,” Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement.
It remains unclear what Sundance’s arrival will mean for the Boulder International Film Festival, which has operated for about two decades and typically takes place in March, shortly after Sundance.
The new law also creates a $500,000 annual tax credit for smaller film festivals in Colorado, available from tax years 2027 through 2036. Read on BRL.
Do your views match your fellow Coloradans?
A new statewide survey from the nonpartisan Colorado Polling Institute offers a snapshot of the top issues on voters’ minds — and how they feel about key political figures heading into the 2026 election cycle.
The poll of 615 likely voters, conducted March 27–31, found that housing affordability remains the No. 1 concern, with more than two-thirds calling it a “very big problem.” Other leading issues include education, homelessness, immigration and the cost of living — all of which shifted in importance compared to 2024.
On the economy, voters are more optimistic about Colorado than the U.S. overall, but a majority expect both to either get worse or stay the same in the coming year.
When it comes to favorability, Democratic leaders are polling in positive territory, while Republican figures face more skepticism:
- Gov. Jared Polis: 51% favorable / 40% unfavorable
- Sen. John Hickenlooper: 49% favorable / 36% unfavorable
- Sen. Michael Bennet: 45% favorable / 31% unfavorable
- Secretary of State Jena Griswold: 30% favorable / 23% unfavorable / 47% don’t know
- Rep. Joe Neguse: 27% favorable / 13% unfavorable / 60% don’t know
- Attorney General Phil Weiser: 22% favorable / 18% unfavorable / 60% don’t know
- Rep. Gabe Evans: 18% favorable / 23% unfavorable / 59% don’t know
- Rep. Lauren Boebert: 25% favorable / 59% unfavorable
The poll also found rising trust in Colorado institutions: Trust in Colorado journalists rose by 9 points since last year, with state and local governments also seeing a boost.
Boulder lease among nearly 20 at risk as lawmakers warn of federal office closures
Boulder is among the Colorado communities that could be affected by a sweeping plan from the Trump administration’s DOGE to terminate nearly 20 federal office leases across the state — including facilities critical to wildfire response and public land management.
U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse and Sens. Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper are pressing federal officials for answers, warning that the closures could seriously undermine Colorado’s wildfire preparedness heading into summer.
Among the facilities listed for termination is the Supervisor’s Office for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in Fort Collins, which supports emergency wildfire operations, dispatch and research. Also on the list are U.S. Geological Survey offices in Boulder.
“These agencies play an integral role in wildfire resilience, drought response, and the safety of our communities,” the lawmakers wrote in a letter to the General Services Administration. They’re calling for transparency around how the decisions were made, the timeline for lease terminations, and the future of employees based at these offices.
Boulder opens applications for community event funding
Starting this week, the City of Boulder is accepting applications for its Human Relations Fund to support community events happening between June and December 2025.
The city plans to award about $60,500 to local organizations through a competitive process. The fund supports events that raise awareness of civil and human rights issues, foster civic participation, and bring together Boulder’s diverse communities.
Applications are open now and will be accepted on a rolling basis through Sept. 29.
Beer, bands and art: Boulder Creek Fest is back Memorial Day weekend
Reminder: Tickets are on sale for Creekside Beer Fest, happening May 24-25 with unlimited tastings from 20+ mostly local breweries and a new Roots Music Project showcase featuring live music during each session.
The larger, free Boulder Creek Festival will also feature more than 30 bands, family-friendly performances and activities, over 200 vendors and a live Street Wise Art Battle where attendees can vote for their favorite artists.
Heads up: Trail closures at Pella Crossing, Hall Ranch and Caribou Ranch
The Marlatt Trails at Pella Crossing will be closed this Thursday and Friday (April 11–12) for ditch work.
From April 14 to May 5, a section of the Nelson Loop at Hall Ranch will be closed for bridge maintenance.
Caribou Ranch Open Space is closed until July 1 to protect spring migratory birds and elk during calving and rearing season.
☀️ 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 Monday’s to-do list, make sure to submit it to our events calendar.