Development News for Boulder, Colorado
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May 28, 2026 City of Boulder City Council Special Meeting and Study Session
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Boulder City Council Approves Ordinance for Arapaho Avenue Safety Improvement Project Property Acquisition
The Boulder City Council held a public hearing for the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 8749, concerning the acquisition of property interests for the Arapaho Avenue safety improvement project. Director of Transportation and Mobility, Bl Bailey, emphasized that the request is crucial for maintaining the project schedule and securing federal funding. Deputy Director Valerie Watson, Senior Manager Garrett Slater, and Project Manager Brian Wiltshshire were available for questions. Slater presented the project background, starting in 2014 with the Transportation Master Plan, reinforcing Vision Zero safety goals, and involving partnerships with CDOT, FHWA, RTD, and DRCOG. The project aims to improve the East Arapaho corridor (CO 7) by enhancing bicycle lanes, intersection safety, pedestrian facilities, and bus upgrades, making it a multimodal corridor. The budget is $12 million, with $9.66 million from federal grants and $2.4 million in city funds. Right-of-way acquisition involves 14 properties, requesting an average of 700 sq ft of temporary easements (construction) and permanent easements or right-of-way for small slivers of landscaping or frontage. The process follows the Federal Uniform Act, ensuring fair market value appraisals and property owner rights, with negotiation as the primary method, mediation and court as rare alternatives. The schedule aims for construction to begin in late 2027 or 2028, with all federal funds spent by 2030. Council members expressed support, acknowledging the importance of maintaining the schedule and grant requirements. While eminent domain authority is sought, staff anticipates successful negotiations.
Boulder City Council Endorses Council Member Matt Benjamin for Colorado Municipal League Executive Board
The Boulder City Council discussed and voted on adding item 2A to the consent agenda for the endorsement of Council Member Matt Benjamin's nomination to the Colorado Municipal League Executive Board. The motion to amend the agenda passed with 8 'ayes' and 0 'nays,' with Council Member Benjamin recusing himself from the vote. Benjamin provided background on the Colorado Municipal League and his role as policy chair in 2024, highlighting the executive board's role in policy recommendations for state legislation. The council then moved to the consent agenda to formally confirm their endorsement.
Boulder Considers Downtown Development Authority to Revitalize Core Areas
The Boulder City Council discussed the potential creation of a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to reinvest in and revitalize the downtown core, including University Hill, over the next 30+ years. The council is being asked for direction on whether to continue detailed planning and draft ballot measures for a potential November 2026 ballot. The DDA aims to address current challenges such as flattening revenues, commercial vacancies, aging infrastructure from existing Improvement Districts (KID and EUGID), and evolving public expectations. The plan of development outlines priorities including catalyzing redevelopment at strategic sites, supporting commercial corridors and businesses, promoting mixed-use development with housing and amenities, investing in public spaces, and improving district connectivity. The financial structure involves Tax Increment Financing (TIFF), a proposed mill levy of 3.67 mills (replacing existing levies without a net new burden for current KID property owners), and integration of parking assets. TIFF is seen as a long-term engine, while the mill levy provides stable near-term revenue. Parking asset revenues are intended to be self-sustaining but can support redevelopment. Council retains oversight through board appointments, budget approval, and review of the intergovernmental agreement. Three ballot questions are anticipated: DDA formation, mill levy authorization, and TIFF authorization.
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