The elections this year in Boulder, Colorado has felt quieter than usual in 2025. Our city government has been making steady progress on their goals, with no major policy controversies. Colorado’s statewide budget has come under significant pressure, and the context of chaos flowing from our federal government seems to be in the forefront of most people’s minds.
In full disclosure, I am very involved in local and statewide politics. I serve on leadership for Boulder Progressives and Better Boulder, and am a co-founder of Colorado Community Research, a Boulder-based polling and political consulting company. Since 2021, I’ve been more involved than ever — working to end discriminatory occupancy limits statewide, running a campaign to move Boulder’s municipal elections to even years, helping pass the city’s library district ballot measure, proposing and supporting a successful effort to set fair wages for city council members, and helping to pass statewide housing reforms. I’ve interviewed or talked with about a dozen candidates running for city council or school board this year as parts of various endorsement processes.
I’ve written a voter guide for every general election in Boulder for the past ten years. I want to start with a thank you to local journalists: news and opinion writers at the Boulder Daily Camera, Boulder Reporting Lab, Richard Valenty, and KGNU Radio. Without their dedication and terrific reporting, guides like this wouldn’t be possible. I’ve also linked to great reporting from Colorado Public Radio, Colorado Sun, Colorado Newsline, Colorado Chalkbeat, The Denver Post and other outlets. Consider subscribing!
You can subscribe to Boulder Reporting Lab and Boulder Daily Camera, which support a number of local journalists and editorials.
You can learn more about the author — Eric Budd — here.
Where’s the Boulder Weekly Voter Guide?
Update 2025-10-30: The Boulder Weekly has published their 2025 voter guide, a few weeks after originally scheduled.
If you’re new to my voter guide this year, welcome! A number of viewers may have previously read the Boulder Weekly’s voter guide. Unfortunately, over the summer, the Boulder Weekly fired nearly all of its staff and is no longer printing the paper or creating new stories on its website. However, they have finally posted a voter guide on their website only (no print edition). You can read more reporting from Corey Hutchins here: Boulder Weekly implodes. ‘The newsroom is gone,’ fired editor says. Paper’s future uncertain. That being said, I am happy to have you! Enjoy.
November 4th, 2025 General Election in Boulder, Colorado
- City of Boulder Offices
- City of Boulder Council Candidates – Lauren Folkerts, Matt Benjamin, Nicole Speer
- BVSD Offices
- Boulder Valley School District Director District B – Nicole Rajpal
- Boulder Valley School District Director District E – Jeffrey Lowe Anderson
- Boulder Valley School District Director District F – Ana Temu Otting
- Colorado Ballot Measures
- Proposition LL / MM – YES / FOR
- Boulder County Ballot Measures
- Boulder County Ballot Issue 1A – YES / FOR
- Boulder County Ballot Issue 1B – YES / FOR
- City of Boulder Ballot Measures
- City of Boulder Ballot Issue 2A / 2B – YES / FOR
City of Boulder Offices
City of Boulder Council Candidates – Lauren Folkerts, Matt Benjamin, Nicole Speer
I am voting Lauren Folkerts, Matt Benjamin, Nicole Speer, and a possible vote for a fourth candidate. Boulder’s city leadership has changed a lot since the 2021 election, when these three candidates were first elected. Boulder’s previous City Councils were famously NIMBY:
Under previous city council’s, Boulder was largely the City of No — no action to address our housing crunch, little change to improve transportation, and a city with a cost of living that continued to rise and push out families and less-privileged people. These are big challenges and I won’t pretend that they could be fixed in just four years. But in so many ways, I believe our city is moving in the right direction to tackle our biggest challenges.
Lauren Folkerts, Matt Benjamin, and Nicole Speer were leaders on the most accomplished city councils in decades:
- Supporting and approving a measure to establish Boulder’s public library district
- Supporting and approving a measure to move Boulder’s local elections to even years
- Supporting and approving a measure to set future council’s pay based on the median city wage
- Supported Colorado’s law to end discriminatory housing occupancy limits statewide in Colorado
- Established Boulder’s first citywide minimum wage
- Established a city program for rebates on e-bikes
- Ended city-mandated parking requirements
- Expanded housing on transit corridors
- Established the Core Arterial Network to improve transportation
- Improved safety for people walking, biking, busing, and driving
- Established a transportation maintenance fee (first proposed in the early 2010s) as a permanent funding mechanism to improve maintenance on roads, bike paths, multi-use paths, and sidewalks
- Expanded housing options for townhomes, duplexes, and Accessory Dwelling Units
What are the biggest challenges that the next city council will face?
Every city council has known challenges and unknown challenges. Here are a few things that the next city council will certainly be grappling with:
- Additional focus to allow more Middle Income Housing to be built in Boulder
- Reduced city budget for social services
- Reduced funding for homelessness services (ARPA)
- Continued reduction in sales tax revenue and impacts from federal spending cuts
- Potential loss of federal transportation funding
- Continued demographic shift to older and wealthier populations
- Continued steep drops in school enrollment:
What organizational endorsements do these Boulder City Council Candidates have?
Should you vote for a fourth candidate, and who might you consider?
I’m undecided on voting for a fourth candidate, so I’ll outline how I’m thinking about things. Of the other candidates in the race, I can put them into two categories:
Candidates backed by conservative-leaning groups:
- Mark Wallach
- Jennifer Robins
- Rob Kaplan
Candidates with limited group backing and fundraising:
- Rachel Rose Isaacson
- Maxwell Lord
- Montserrat Palacios
- Rob Smoke
- Aaron Stone
Mark Wallach
Mark Wallach is an incumbent city council member first elected in 2019. Mark has relatively strong support in the community from more conservative circles, and will likely be re-elected in 2025. From a policy perspective, he has opposed nearly all of the accomplishments of the current council I listed above, along with some other notable positions:
- Opposed a measure to establish Boulder’s public library district
- Opposed a measure to move Boulder’s local elections to even years
- Opposed a measure to set future council’s pay based on the median city wage
- Opposed supporting the groundbreaking statewide housing bill in 2023 and elements in 2024
- Opposed Colorado’s law to end discriminatory housing occupancy limits statewide
- Opposed Boulder’s transportation maintenance fee to improve our city streets, paths, and sidewalks
- Opposed allowing duplexes on transit corridors
Many people in the community appreciate Mark’s willingness to dig into details around policy and budgets, which I believe he will continue to do well if re-elected. It’s difficult for me to vote for someone who has been so oppositional to many of the important changes I have supported or worked on directly.
Jennifer Robins
Jenny Robins is a candidate who ran previously in 2023. I have appreciated that Jenny has considered running again, and got the opportunity to interview her several times during the election cycle, which was helpful. I think Jenny is a solid candidate, although generally her positions in general are a bit more conservative that what Boulder needs. We need transformational thinking to keep making progress on our housing challenges. We need to continue to move away from a transportation system that favors private car usage. We need to be aggressive on worker protections and increasing wages. We need to push forward on our progress to make Boulder a more inclusive community. I think Jenny is capable and qualified for the job, but I am looking for candidates wanting to make systemic change.
Rob Kaplan
Rob Kaplan is a first-time candidate and I’ve had the opportunity to talk with him for several hours total on several occasions during the election cycle. Rob is a relative newcomer to local politics, and I have appreciated him diving in — meeting with as many people as possible, learning, and wrestling with new ideas. Based on his experience and my interactions, I get the sense that Rob is practical and cautious, but wanting to listen and open to being persuaded.
While Rob is not quite as progressive as typical candidates I support, he’s taken some positive positions that resonate with me. In fact, he hasn’t been endorsed by Boulder Elevated, perhaps because they think he is *too* progressive. Rob’s experience as a firefighter and a blue collar worker in the city, as well as his current experience as a father of a student in CU would be very relevant to a member of Boulder City Council. I appreciate his approach and his demeanor, which will be some of his strongest assets if he gets elected.
Rachel Rose Isaacson
Rachel Rose Isaacson is a candidate that brings a different perspective from all of the candidates I’ve discussed so far. She is younger and has a lot of energy to center the needs of a younger generation in Boulder — representation that is strongly needed on city council. I think Rachel has a lot of potential, although I have struggled to get a sense that she is ready to lead on tackling Boulder’s biggest challenges. In conversations about housing, transportation, the budget, and other areas, I think Rachel needs more focus on what policy changes she would lead on to make the change she hopes to see. I think a strong combination of honing this vision and working to learn how to effect change in a city government would help Rachel become a stronger candidate.
Maxwell Lord
Maxwell Lord is an interesting candidate. He’s also one of the younger candidates running, which I appreciate. It’s very difficult to start from a limited level of involvement to become an effective candidate quickly. From my perspective, Max has not been particularly supportive of the city’s direction on housing policy or transportation, although I did not find his critiques very compelling. In general I think I’m aligned with Max’s values, but I think he needs more clarity on the kind of change he wants to see and to figure out how to effect that change.
So how do you decide if you want to vote for a fourth candidate?
Based on what I’ve outlined so far, I strongly support Lauren Folkerts, Matt Benjamin, Nicole Speer for the work they have done and will continue to do. Mark Wallach, the fourth incumbent, will likely be re-elected, as the other candidates in the race are unlikely to have higher levels of support than Wallach. My challenge in voting for a fourth candidate is that it may displace one or more of the three candidates that I would most like to win. But maybe you see things differently. Good luck!
Additional Reading
All Candidate Profiles – Richard Valenty
All Candidate Profiles – Boulder Daily Camera (Voter Guide)
Where Boulder City Council candidates stand on key issues – Boulder Daily Camera
BVSD Offices
Boulder Valley School District Director District B – Nicole Rajpal (unopposed)
Nicole Rajpal is running unopposed.
Additional Reading
Boulder Valley school board District B: Nicole Rajpal – Boulder Daily Camera
BVSD Candidates: Nicole Rajpal – Boulder Reporting Lab
Boulder Valley School District Director District E – Jeffrey Lowe Anderson
I am voting for Jeffrey Lowe Anderson. As the one contested BVSD school district race, I found the race to be challenging to make a decision — both candidates have significant qualities that make either a decent choice to vote for. I will outline the main criteria I looked at:
Participation at the BVSD forum:
The BVSD forum put on by the League of Women Voters Boulder County is a really helpful resource for policy questions and understanding more about the candidates. You can watch the forum here:
BVSD School Board Candidates Respond to Questions from Rocky Mountain Equality
Rocky Mountain Equality is a long-time LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. They have a helpful questionnaire for candidates in the 2025 school board elections.
Position on state issues LL and MM (Colorado school meals):
Both candidates strongly support LL and MM, which is a terrific program that provides meals for all kids in BVSD public schools.
Endorsements:
I think the endorsements are significant in this race. Both candidates are endorsed by Rocky Mountain Equality. While Deann Bucher has been endorsed by BVEA / CEA (teachers’ union — for context, Deann is a longtime teacher in BVSD — she retired from the district in 2020 and is currently teaching part-time at a private school), I don’t see any other publicly listed endorsements for her candidacy as of October 12th. While Jeffrey Anderson has not been endorsed by the teachers’ union, he has been endorsed by a number of current and former school board members, a few other notable elected officials, and several notable community members.
“BVSD has made incredible strides in equity, transparency, and accountability over the past several years. This is due in large part to the leadership and vision of our Superintendent, Dr. Rob Anderson. In the race for District E, it is most port to me to select a candidate who supports our superintendent’s vision and who puts a premium on the importance of public education, that candidate is Jeff Anderson. I believe he is best-suited to navigate through this difficult time when our public schools are under enormous threat from the federal government, and to ensure that we stay the course on the important work that is underway.” -Lisa Sweeney-Miran, Former Boulder Valley School District Board of Education Vice-President
(Full disclosure — Lisa is my wife and a member of Boulder Progressives’ Executive Team)
Additional Reading
Boulder Valley school board District E seat: Jeffrey Anderson – Boulder Daily Camera
BVSD Candidates: Jeffrey Anderson – Boulder Reporting Lab
Boulder Valley school board District E: Deann Bucher – Boulder Daily Camera
BVSD Candidates: Deann Bucher – Boulder Reporting Lab
Boulder Valley School District Director District F – Ana Temu Otting (unopposed)
I am voting for Ana Temu Otting. I have been impressed with Ana in the forums and responses I’ve seen this year. I think she will have a positive impact for many reasons, and adding a bilingual woman of color to the BVSD board will be a good outcome here.
Additional Reading
Boulder Valley school board District F: Ana Temu Otting – Boulder Daily Camera
BVSD Candidates: Ana Temu Otting – Boulder Reporting Lab
Colorado Ballot Measures
Proposition LL / MM – YES / FOR
Proposition LL: Without raising taxes, may the state keep and spend all revenue generated by the 2022 voter-approved state tax deduction limits on individuals with incomes of $300,000 or more and maintain these deduction limits in order to continue funding the healthy school meals for all program, which pays for public schools to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students in kindergarten through twelfth grade?
Proposition MM: SHALL STATE TAXES BE INCREASED BY $95 MILLION ANNUALLY BY A CHANGE TO THE COLORADO REVISED STATUTES TO SUPPORT ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOOD FOR COLORADO KIDS AND FAMILIES, INCLUDING THE HEALTHY SCHOOL MEALS FOR ALL PROGRAM, AND, IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, INCREASING STATE TAXABLE INCOME ONLY FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE A FEDERAL TAXABLE INCOME OF $300,000 OR MORE BY LIMITING ITEMIZED OR STANDARD STATE INCOME TAX DEDUCTIONS TO $1,000 FOR SINGLE TAX RETURN FILERS AND $2,000 FOR JOINT TAX RETURN FILERS FOR THE PURPOSES OF FULLY FUNDING THE HEALTHY SCHOOL MEALS FOR ALL PROGRAM TO CONTINUE PAYING FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO OFFER FREE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH TO ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS WHILE ALSO INCREASING WAGES FOR EMPLOYEES WHO PREPARE AND SERVE SCHOOL MEALS, HELPING SCHOOLS USE BASIC, NUTRITIOUS INGREDIENTS, INSTEAD OF PROCESSED PRODUCTS, AND ENSURING THAT COLORADO GROWN AND RAISED PRODUCTS ARE PART OF SCHOOL MEALS; SUPPORTING THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) THAT HELPS LOW-INCOME COLORADO FAMILIES AFFORD GROCERIES; AND ALLOWING THE STATE TO RETAIN AND SPEND AS A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE ALL ADDITIONAL TAX REVENUE GENERATED BY THESE TAX DEDUCTION CHANGES?
YES / FOR. Proposition LL is a measure that would retain funds from the original Proposition FF to provide healthy school meals, originally passed by voters in 2022. Proposition MM is a measure that will expand the original program to fully cover the goals of the original program, which includes funding for higher-than-expected participation, increasing wages for food workers, and accounting for inflation experienced in the past several years.
There’s not much new to say about Proposition LL and MM, so I’ll summarize my position and give a few highlights:
- The progressive nature of revenue here is more important than ever with federal tax cuts and inequality rising. Colorado needs to move to more progressive income taxes (like a proposed 2026 progressive income taxation measure) and Massachusetts’ 4% surtax on taxable income over $1 million.
- The original idea behind Proposition FF — reducing tax reductions for high-income households, and providing free meals for all public school students — has been and is still one of the most progressive statewide ballot issues in recent memory.
- “Research shows what we’re seeing firsthand: students who have consistent access to healthy meals perform better academically, have improved attendance, and experience fewer health issues. Receiving a school lunch reduces poor health by at least 29% and is linked with fewer visits to the school nurse & reductions in behavioral problems. These benefits don’t just help kids today; they prepare them for brighter futures.” – Healthy School Meals for All: A Smart Investment in Colorado’s Kids
On the revenue side, here is how tax deductions would change for high-earners in Colorado to fund healthy school lunches for kids:
Additional Reading
Colorado Blue Book 2025 – Proposition LL / MM
Colorado election 2025: Voters to decide two ballot measures on free school meals – GJ Sentinel
Boulder County Ballot Measures
Boulder County Ballot Issue 1A – YES / FOR
OPEN SPACE SALES AND USE TAX EXTENSION AND REVENUE CHANGE
WITH NO INCREASE IN ANY COUNTY TAX, SHALL THE COUNTY’S EXISTING 0.15% OPEN SPACE SALES AND USE TAX BE EXTENDED IN PERPETUITY FOR THE PURPOSES OF ACQUIRING, IMPROVING, MANAGING, AND MAINTAINING OPEN SPACE LANDS AND OTHER OPEN SPACE PROPERTY INTERESTS, INCLUDING AGRICULTURAL OPEN SPACE; AND SHALL THE REVENUES AND THE EARNINGS ON THE INVESTMENT OF THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH TAX CONSTITUTE A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE; ALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ RESOLUTION NO. 2025-036?
Yes / For the Measure. Boulder County and the City of Boulder have long had a commitment to preserving natural landscapes, wildlife habitats, and outdoor recreation areas that has shaped both our quality of life and our local identity.
That said, we’ve now reached a point where much of the open space that made sense to acquire has already been acquired. The challenge now is no longer one of expansion, but of managing the amenity that we have. We are increasingly in maintenance mode — managing what we already own, making strategic purchases and trail connections where it makes sense, rather than pursuing large-scale additions.
In general, I think a permanent extension of the open-space sales tax makes sense, but I believe it’s time for Boulder County and the City of Boulder to rethink how we use dedicated open-space taxes. Instead of reflexively renewing them as-is, we should explore shifting or diversifying their purposes — to include broader public and environmental needs, such as climate resilience, wildfire mitigation, or shared public realm improvements as part of the focus on how the funds are spent.
We’ve already seen this evolution in the City of Boulder’s proposed Public Realm Tax in 2025 (which was unfortunately deferred to a future year). I would like to see more leadership and courage from Boulder County officials willing to reimagine open space funding for the next generation, not just renew what’s been done before.
I will vote Yes on Issue 1A, but with the clear hope that future measures will better reflect a more balanced, forward-looking vision for Boulder County’s natural and public spaces.
Additional Reading
Boulder County RESOLUTION NO. 2025-037 – Open Space Sales and Use Tax Extension and Revenue Change
Boulder County Ballot Issue 1A: Open Space Tax Extension – Richard Valenty
Boulder County Ballot Issue 1B – YES / FOR
MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SALES AND USE TAX AND REVENUE CHANGE
SHALL BOULDER COUNTY TAXES BE INCREASED $15 MILLION ANNUALLY (FIRST FULL FISCAL YEAR DOLLAR INCREASE IN 2026) BY IMPOSING AN ADDITIONAL SALES AND USE TAX FOR THREE YEARS OF 0.15% FOR THE PURPOSE OF ADDRESSING UNMET NEEDS OF YOUTH, ADULTS, FAMILIES, UNHOUSED INDIVIDUALS, AND OLDER ADULTS IN BOULDER COUNTY WITH OR AT RISK OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS BY PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS SERVICES; SUICIDE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION; MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION, TREATMENT, AND RECOVERY; TREATMENT SERVICES FOR UNHOUSED INDIVIDUALS; AND ASSISTANCE FINDING APPROPRIATE SERVICES THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS, GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES, AND OTHER OPTIONS; AND SHALL THE REVENUES AND THE EARNINGS ON THE INVESTMENT OF THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH TAX, REGARDLESS OF AMOUNT, CONSTITUTE A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE; ALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ RESOLUTION NO. 2025-038?
Yes / For the Measure. Local elected officials across Boulder County have looked for a permanent mechanism to support mental health services for several years. Across our community — among youth, adults, families, and unhoused individuals — the demand for accessible, effective mental health services far outpaces current resources. The pandemic deepened existing gaps, and while temporary federal support helped fill them, that support is now disappearing. Boulder County Issue 1B proposes a three-year funding mechanism to continue and lightly expand existing services while building support for a more permanent plan.
Starting in 2023, Boulder County used American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to strengthen local mental health and social resilience programs. Those funds were awarded to schools, community nonprofits, and outreach programs as awarded as community equitable access grants:
- El Centro AMISTAD
- Boulder Valley School District
- Emergency Family Assistance Association (EFAA)
- OUR Center
- OUT Boulder County
- Rise Against Suicide
- St. Vrain Valley Schools
- Sister Carmen Community Center
- TGTHR
Ballot Issue 1B offers one path forward by creating a dedicated funding stream for mental and behavioral health services.
Here is an excerpt from a quote from State Senator Judy Amabile (SD18), writing in light support of the measure:
It is clear that the county needs this revenue to sustain mental health programs already in place. But it is unclear how much money will be available for new programs. The resolution does not specifically address a critical gap in our system: residential and long-term treatment for people with severe mental illness and addiction. Without that infrastructure, our community will continue to see homelessness, overcrowded jails, overburdened emergency rooms, and needless suffering in our streets.
Additional Reading
Boulder County Ballot Issue 1B: Mental/Behavioral Health Tax – Richard Valenty
Bob Yates: Boulder County needs a mental health tax – Boulder Reporting Lab
City of Boulder Ballot Measures
City of Boulder Ballot Issue 2A / 2B – YES / FOR
Issue 2A: COMMUNITY, CULTURE, RESILIENCE, AND SAFETY (CCRS) TAX EXTENSION (TABOR)
WITHOUT RAISING ADDITIONAL TAXES, SHALL THE EXISTING COMMUNITY, CULTURE, RESILIENCE, AND SAFETY SALES AND USE TAX OF 0.3 PERCENT, INITIALLY SCHEDULED TO EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 2036, BE EXTENDED IN PERPETUITY, AS A VOTER APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE, WITH THE REVENUE FROM SUCH TAX EXTENSION AND ALL EARNINGS THEREON, STARTING JANUARY 1, 2026, TO BE USED TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN CITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
ROADS, PATHS, BIKE LANES, TRAILS, AND SIDEWALK ENHANCEMENTS; RECREATION CENTER RENOVATIONS AND REPLACEMENTS; SNOW AND ICE RESPONSE; PARKS AND PLAYGROUND REFURBISHMENTS; FIRE AND POLICE STATION RENOVATIONS AND REPLACEMENTS; CRITICAL BRIDGE REPLACEMENTS; AND OPEN SPACE TRAIL AND TRAILHEAD IMPROVEMENTS;
AND USE UP TO 10 PERCENT OF SUCH TAX REVENUE TO FUND A GRANT POOL FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION PROJECTS THAT SERVE THE PEOPLE OF BOULDER AND RELATED COSTS INCLUDING GRANT PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION COSTS IN COMPLIANCE WITH TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND TIMING ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL;
AND IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, SHALL THE TAX REVENUES AND ANY EARNINGS FROM THE REVENUES CONSTITUTE A VOTER APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE AND AN EXCEPTION TO THE REVENUE AND SPENDING LIMITS OF ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION?Issue 2B: COMMUNITY, CULTURE, RESILIENCE, AND SAFETY (CCRS) TAX DEBT AUTHORIZATION (TABOR)
SHALL CITY OF BOULDER DEBT BE INCREASED UP TO $262,000,000 (PRINCIPAL AMOUNT) WITH A MAXIMUM REPAYMENT COST OF UP TO $350,000,000 (SUCH AMOUNT BEING THE TOTAL PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST THAT COULD BE PAYABLE OVER THE MAXIMUM LIFE OF THE DEBT) TO BE PAYABLE SOLELY FROM THE EXTENSION OF THE COMMUNITY, CULTURE, RESILIENCE AND SAFETY SALES AND USE TAX OF 0.3 CENTS, IF SEPARATELY APPROVED;
WITH SUCH DEBT TO BE SOLD AT SUCH TIME AND IN SUCH MANNER AND TO CONTAIN SUCH TERMS, NOT INCONSISTENT HEREWITH, AS THE CITY COUNCIL MAY DETERMINE, AND THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH DEBT AND EARNINGS THEREON BEING USED TO FUND CITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND NON-PROFIT PROJECTS THAT SERVE THE CITIZENS OF BOULDER
PAYABLE FROM SUCH SALES AND USE TAX EXTENSION INCLUDING, AMONG OTHER THINGS:
ROADS, PATHS, BIKE LANES, TRAILS, AND SIDEWALK ENHANCEMENTS; RECREATION CENTER RENOVATIONS AND REPLACEMENTS; SNOW AND ICE RESPONSE; PARKS AND PLAYGROUND REFURBISHMENTS; FIRE AND POLICE STATION RENOVATIONS AND REPLACEMENTS; CRITICAL BRIDGE REPLACEMENTS; AND OPEN SPACE TRAIL AND TRAILHEAD IMPROVEMENTS;
AND IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, SHALL ANY EARNINGS FROM THE INVESTMENT OF THE PROCEEDS OF SUCH DEBTS CONSTITUTE A VOTER APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE AND AN EXCEPTION TO THE REVENUE AND SPENDING LIMITS OF ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION?
Yes / For the Measure. Ballot Issues 2A and 2B are a permanent extension and bond of an existing capital improvements tax that continues Boulder’s investments in the infrastructure and culture. Originally approved by voters in 2014 and renewed in 2017 and 2021, the tax has funded numerous important projects in our community. Funds have helped renovate fire and police stations, improve roads and bike paths, and maintain public spaces across the city. Here are some examples of projects identified from 2026 to 2032 that the city intends to complete upon passage of the CCRS tax extension:
- East Boulder Community Center Deep Retrofit and Renovations (2027)
- Fire Stations 2 & 4 Replacements (2032)
- Civic Area Phase II (2027)
- Pearl Street Revitalization (2027)
- Streetlight Acquisition (Ongoing)
Additionally, up to 10% of tax revenue has gone to local nonprofits for essential capital projects. A few examples of previously funded projects:
- Solar panel installations at the Boulder Jewish Community Center
- Renovations at TGTHR’s Source Drop-In Center and Shelter
- Renovations at Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence
- Renovations at Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center
- Renovations at the Museum of Boulder
As Boulder has many on-going capital project needs, renewing this tax in perpetuity makes sense for our community.
Additional Reading
City of Boulder Ballot Issue 2A: CCRS Tax Extension – Richard Valenty
City of Boulder Ballot Issue 2B: CCRS Debt Authorization – Richard Valenty
Thank you
Please share with anyone to whom this guide might be helpful. Please visit the Boulder Colorado Voter Guide FAQ for more information about this year’s guide.
A reminder that ballots must be mailed no later than October 27th and ballots may be dropped off by 7pm on Election Day, Tuesday November 4th, 2025.
If you’re not a registered voter or you need to update your registration, you can register online now at Go Vote Colorado! (all you need is an updated Colorado driver’s license). If you register now, you will receive a ballot in the mail. Otherwise, you can register and vote through election day.
Questions, comments, or otherwise can be emailed to me Eric Budd at ericbudd@gmail.com or on social media through Bluesky at @ericmbudd.com.
Learn more about Eric Budd.
Lastly, here is one (or more as I add them) other voter guide I find helpful this year:
Effective Discontent — Eric Budd 