City of Boulder Business Bulletin |
Welcome to the City of Boulder Business Bulletin
Supporting businesses with timely updates, resources and opportunities
Each issue features updates on economic initiatives, funding opportunities, policy changes, and local projects that may affect your business - along with timely alerts when action is needed.
We’re here to support your success and strengthen Boulder’s business community. Visit our newsletter archive to catch up on past editions and stay informed about the latest business news and resources.
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| City Restructures to Strengthen Culture, Business & Economic Development |
Beginning January 2026, the City of Boulder will establish a new Office of Cultural and Economic Development (OCED) within the City Manager’s Office. This new office will bring together Arts & Culture, Business Support and Economic Development under one unified leadership structure.
The reorganization will streamline city services, enhance coordination across departments and better align efforts with Boulder’s Economic Development Strategy. By integrating these key areas, the city aims to provide more effective support for businesses, creative professionals and cultural initiatives that drive Boulder’s local economy.
Assistant City Manager Mark Woulf will oversee the new office, which is expected to evolve into a standalone department over time. The change will include restructuring the current Community Vitality Department, with staff and functions transitioning to the new office and other city departments to ensure that specialized expertise is maintained and strengthened.
This strategic move builds on models that have proven successful in peer cities, positioning Boulder as a hub for innovation, creativity and collaboration.
What This Means for Boulder’s Business Community:
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A Clear Mission: The new structure reinforces the city’s commitment to economic development and recognizes the creative community as both a key partner and a driver of Boulder’s vibrancy and prosperity.
- Greater Synergy: Combining cultural and economic development functions under one umbrella will foster collaboration and allow for more strategic, focused initiatives.
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A Path Forward for Business Districts: This framework creates a clear foundation for the future of Boulder’s business districts and potential new partnerships, including exploration of a Downtown Development Authority (DDA).
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Focus Areas of the New Office:
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Arts & Culture: Recognizing the creative community’s vital role in Boulder’s economy, this area will continue managing the Cultural Grants Program and Public Art Program while developing the Boulder Arts Blueprint.
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Business Support: Serving as the city’s main point of contact for businesses, this area will help local enterprises start, grow and thrive. This workgroup will also house the Boulder County Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
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Economic Development: Focusing on long-term strategies that shape Boulder’s economic landscape, this area will explore redevelopment opportunities and manage special districts and future planning, including the potential new DDA.
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The creation of the Office of Cultural and Economic Development marks an important step toward a more integrated, dynamic approach to supporting Boulder’s economy and creative vitality.
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Commercial Areas Maintenance Improvements |
City maintenance teams work year-round to keep our commercial districts safe, functional and welcoming. The before-and-after photos below showcase recent improvements designed to enhance the visitor experience and reflect the city’s ongoing commitment to maintaining Boulder’s vibrant business areas.
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To ensure consistency across all city facilities, No Overnight Parking was implemented in Civic Area parking lots in mid-July. The decision followed several weeks of data collection that showed minimal overnight use. This change also helps streamline special event operations by reducing the need for temporary signage and vehicle towing. Updated signage has been installed to reflect the new policy.
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Maintaining Safe and Welcoming Public Spaces |
We share the community’s commitment to keeping public spaces safe, clean and welcoming. Despite ongoing challenges, the city continues to actively manage these areas through a coordinated, adaptive approach.
Much of this work happens early in the morning or late at night, making it less visible. While many efforts are focused along the Boulder Creek corridor, challenges exist citywide and we are responding accordingly.
Current Strategies in Place:
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- Daily patrols by Boulder Police and City Rangers
- Multiple weekly clean-ups by the Safe and Managed Public Spaces (SAMPS) team
- “No Overnight Parking” signs and enforcement in downtown lots
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Cameras in key areas to support operations and response
- Fencing projects to restore and protect park spaces
- Civic space activations to promote positive, community-centered use
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We also continue outreach efforts to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with shelter, housing, and services. While illegal camping is addressed, we remain focused on supporting long-term stability for those in need.
Our Goals:
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- Keep public spaces clean and safe for everyone
- Connect individuals with shelter and support services
- Distinguish clearly between homelessness and criminal activity - being unhoused is not a crime, but criminal behavior is
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This work is ongoing and evolves with changing conditions. We continue to monitor data and community input to guide decisions.
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The City of Boulder and Boulder County are updating the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, which shapes the community’s long-term approach to housing, climate action, land use, and the local economy. So far, community feedback has helped identify shared goals and priorities. Now, the city and county are seeking input to help guide key policy and land use decisions. Share your thoughts online by tomorrow, Oct. 17, to help shape Boulder’s future.
- Attend the Boulder Chamber Economic Summit on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 7:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Hear from CEOs, innovators and economic leaders shaping tomorrow’s markets. Learn more and register.
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Interested in participating in our Outdoor Dining Program? Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply.
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| Resources and Opportunities |
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