City of Boulder Business Bulletin

Welcome to the City of Boulder Business Bulletin
Supporting businesses with timely updates, resources and opportunities

Stay up to date on the latest news, resources and opportunities for Boulder businesses. The Business Bulletin shares updates on city initiatives, funding opportunities, infrastructure projects and business resources designed to support a strong local economy and help businesses succeed.

Visit our newsletter archive to explore past editions and stay up to date on what’s happening across the city.

2121 Broadway

This evening, Aug. 20, City Council will review the final terms of a proposed sale agreement for the city-owned surface parking lot at 2121 Broadway. The proposed agreement would advance plans for a new downtown hotel and mixed-use development.

Downtown Development Authority

On Aug. 6, City Council reached a 4-4 vote on whether to refer the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to the November 2026 ballot. Information about any future action, if applicable, will be available on the DDA project page.

Civic Area East Bookend Development Partnership

On Aug. 13, City Council reviewed a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Civic Area Development Partnership. The RFP is expected to be released later this month.

As part of the process, potential developers will be asked to prioritize arts and cultural organizations and other uses that can serve as centers of activity in the area. Arts and culture organizations, businesses and other local organizations interested in being contacted by potential developers can complete the online interest form.

Stay Connected

Watch upcoming City Council meetings on the city’s YouTube channel and learn more about participating in City Council meetings.

Monday, Aug. 31 | 5 to 7 p.m. | Boulder Chamber - 2440 Pearl St.

Reliable energy and water systems are essential to Boulder’s quality of life and economic future. As our community confronts growing demands, aging infrastructure, climate pressures, electrification, and emerging technologies, how can we ensure these critical resources remain reliable, sustainable and affordable?

Join the Boulder Chamber for a timely conversation exploring the future of Boulder’s energy and water systems. Local leaders and subject-matter experts will discuss:

Featured speakers:

This forum will offer business leaders a clearer understanding of Boulder’s resource outlook, the tradeoffs ahead, and the decisions needed to build a resilient and prosperous future.

The City of Boulder has announced CitySafe, a new keyword-based text notification option that delivers public safety information directly to people's cell phones. The service gives anyone living, working or visiting Boulder another way to opt in to notifications about Boulder Police and Fire-Rescue activity in addition to the city’s social media accounts. The notifications will also be published on the city’s website.

To opt in, text the word CITYSAFE to 888777. Subscribers will begin receiving informational texts about public safety responses in the city. The information that will be shared via CitySafe text is the same kind of information that is currently shared on Boulder Police and Boulder Fire-Rescue social media accounts, such as X or Instagram stories, during incidents in the city.

CitySafe does not replace emergency alerts.

CitySafe is a public information tool, not an emergency alert system. Emergency alerts continue to be issued by city and county dispatch centers during emergencies, and those systems remain the official channel for urgent, life-safety warnings. CitySafe is designed for community members who want more regular public safety information directly from a city communication source. People living, working or visiting Boulder are strongly encouraged to sign up for life-safety emergency alerts.

Construction at the 11th & Spruce Garage is well underway. Critical improvements are being made throughout the facility, including structural repairs, storefront replacements, concrete and traffic coating updates, elevator and stairwell improvements, upgraded lighting and fresh paint.

The project remains on track and on budget, with a phased reopening scheduled to begin in early October.

For regular updates on garage maintenance and construction impacts, visit the city’s construction impacts page.

Small investments can make a big impact on the experience of our commercial districts. Recently, the City of Boulder improved key sections of sidewalk on University Hill ahead of students returning to campus. These improvements create a safer, more accessible and welcoming environment for people visiting local businesses, dining and spending time in the area.

Community members interested in running for Boulder City Council are encouraged to begin preparing for the Nov. 3, 2026 election. Six seats are on the ballot this year, including the Office of Mayor and five council member positions.

The candidate petition period is open Aug. 4 - 24, 2026. To appear on the November ballot, prospective candidates must:

1. Review the qualifications to run for City Council.
2. Complete the online intent-to-run form and take the candidate oath.
3. Gather signatures from 25 to 35 registered electors.

Learn more about the qualifications, petition process and key election dates on the city's website.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) serving Boulder County has several upcoming workshops designed to support the local business community:

See more information about upcoming workshops and register.

Register now for the Contract Opportunities Summit on Oct. 22 at the Boulder JCC. The Contract Opportunities Summit is a focused, half-day event designed to help small businesses understand how to do business with local municipalities across Colorado. The Summit offers a hands-on introduction to public-sector contracting, with a strong emphasis on opportunities in local government.

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