City of Boulder Business Bulletin

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

The Business Bulletin delivers timely updates on city initiatives, funding opportunities, infrastructure projects, and other news that impacts Boulder’s business community. We’re committed to supporting a strong, resilient local economy and helping businesses stay informed and connected.

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

The City of Boulder is exploring the creation of a Downtown Development Authority (DDA), a special district that could provide long-term funding to support public space improvements, business services and community programs in Boulder’s central business areas.

Upcoming information sessions on Jan. 22 and Jan. 23, with a virtual option on Jan. 26, will explain how DDAs work in Colorado, walk through the formation process, and share potential focus areas. Participants will also have an opportunity to provide feedback through an interactive activity.

Who Should Attend: The preliminary DDA study area includes Downtown Boulder, Alpine-Balsam, University Hill, and the Broadway corridor connecting these areas. Business owners, property owners and residents within the study area are encouraged to participate.

In-Person Sessions (held at Room N101 at Penfield Tate II, 1777 Broadway, Boulder, CO):

Virtual Session (Zoom):

Please RSVP.

Following the late December high wind event and the associated Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) implemented by Xcel Energy, the City of Boulder is working with the Boulder Chamber and other business response partners to better understand the impacts to local businesses and their workforces. We invite you to share your experience by completing the survey linked below.

We are relieved that the extreme and unprecedented wind event on Dec. 17 - 20 did not lead to a catastrophic fire in our community. However, the city acknowledges the impact Xcel Energy’s PSPS had on our community, in particular our business community. We are especially disappointed in Xcel’s efforts to plan, communicate and execute the PSPS, as many of the issues that impacted businesses were preventable. From the moment the city learned of the PSPS, the city, along with our partners at Downtown Boulder Partnership and the Boulder Chamber, advocated successfully with Xcel to reduce the area of the PSPS within Boulder. While this helped mitigate the overall impact, the difficulty in receiving timely and accurate information from Xcel increased the impact on our business community. We will continue to advocate with our partners for better planning and communication from Xcel, while also reviewing the city’s response and communication efforts to identify ways we can improve as well.

On Thursday, Jan. 22, Boulder City Council will discuss a draft letter to Xcel Energy that outlines expectations for clearer, more timely communication and stronger coordination during future high wind and PSPS events. The discussion builds on lessons learned from the December event and reflects the city’s commitment to transparency, partnership and continuous improvement in how we work across partners to serve community members and businesses during emergencies.

If you haven't already, we encourage you to complete the survey to the fullest extent possible by the end of the day tomorrow, Jan. 9. Your insights are critical to shaping effective business support efforts and strengthening Boulder’s ability to respond to future events.

Join the City of Boulder, the Boulder Chamber and local partners for a free Employee Ownership Lunch & Learn designed for business owners, leaders and HR professionals. Discover the benefits of employee ownership, explore common ownership models like ESOPs and cooperatives, and hear from expert panelists including Boulder-area business leaders and advisors about real-world transitions and state-level resources. This session blends short presentations with Q&A and networking over lunch.

Learn how employee ownership can boost engagement, support succession planning and strengthen long-term resilience. 

Date: Thursday, Jan. 22 from 12 to 2 p.m.

Location: Boulder Chamber, 2440 Pearl Street

The City of Boulder is seeking community members to serve on its boards and commissions. These advisory groups help guide city policy and inform City Council decisions. Meetings are offered in a hybrid format, and members receive an EcoPass for unlimited rides on RTD buses and trains.

This year, the city is recruiting new members for the Boulder Urban Renewal Authority (BURA), which supports targeted investment and revitalization efforts that strengthen Boulder’s economy. BURA reviews urban renewal studies, plans, and projects; advises on the use of urban renewal tools; and provides input to the City Manager on redevelopment matters.

BURA is expanding to ten mayor appointed commissioners with City Council approval, along with three representatives from local taxing authorities. Most appointments are for five-year terms, with several new seats offering shorter initial terms of one to four years.

Applications are open through Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. Visit the city’s Boards and Commissions webpage for eligibility requirements, open positions and application details.

New parking rates in the City of Boulder are in effect as of Jan. 2, 2026. 

On-Street Parking

BoulderPark Garages

*Additional $0.99 fee applies to all garage transactions

BoulderPark Garage Permits

Trinity Garage Permit

Surface Lot Permits

Surface lot permits are available in all CAGID lots and the lot in University Hill General Improvement District (UHGID). All employees within CAGID and UHGID are eligible to apply for respective permits through the city's online platform.  

Learn more about parking and access options in Boulder by visiting the city's webpage.

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