City of Boulder Business Bulletin

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Supporting businesses with timely updates, resources and opportunities

Stay connected to the latest news and opportunities for Boulder businesses. The Business Bulletin delivers updates on city initiatives, funding opportunities, infrastructure projects and resources that help strengthen our local economy and support business success.

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The City of Boulder continues to explore the potential creation of a Downtown Development Authority (DDA), a special district that could provide a dedicated funding tool to support redevelopment, economic vibrancy and strategic investments within a defined area of downtown.

To help guide this effort from the beginning, the city convened a community-based Planning Group. The group includes community members representing different parts of the proposed district and provides ongoing input on governance, funding, boundaries and long-term priorities.

Over the past year, the city and Planning Group have worked with stakeholders to refine potential district boundaries and develop a draft Plan of Development that would guide future investments, projects and strategies.

On Aug. 6, City Council will consider whether to place a DDA formation question on the November 2026 ballot. 

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the DDA exploration process.

Who is eligible to vote on a DDA ballot item?

The formation of a DDA would go before eligible voters within the proposed district, including residents, property owners and qualified business tenants.

Why can't all City of Boulder residents vote for a DDA?

Colorado statute dictates that those eligible to vote on the formation of a DDA are limited to property owners, residents, and qualified business owners (including tenants/lessees) within the proposed district boundaries. This is the same model used by every DDA in Colorado. The rationale is that those within the boundary are the ones subject to the mill levy and most directly affected by district governance.

How is a DDA managed?

The DDA would be governed by an independent board of directors appointed by City Council and made up of representatives from within the proposed district. The board would provide oversight and guide implementation of the DDA’s priorities, investments and operations.

City Council would retain appointment authority, approve the Plan of Development and any intergovernmental agreements, and hold at least one seat on the board to help ensure continued alignment with broader city goals and priorities. This structure is intended to balance district-focused leadership with ongoing city oversight and accountability.

How does Tax Increment Financing (TIF) impact other taxing entities?

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) captures only the incremental growth in tax revenue above the base value at the time the district is formed. The base - and its natural appreciation - continues to flow to all existing taxing entities. The DDA captures only the increment generated by new investment and redevelopment it helps catalyze.

The city, BVSD, Boulder County, the Library District, and others continue to receive revenue from the existing base. What they forgo is a share of the increment from new growth - growth that, without the DDA, may not materialize at all.

How would a DDA increase sales tax revenue and help with vacant storefronts downtown?

Investing in transformative projects, programs and infrastructure enables greater attraction of visitors, locals and businesses into the district boundaries, thereby benefitting sales tax increases and potentially mitigating some concern over vacancies. These investments also have the potential to raise surrounding property tax value, benefitting property owners and other taxing entities within the district.

All of the strategies in the draft Plan of Development aim to foster a thriving economy and vibrant district. Implementing these strategies can allow for those within the district and surrounding areas to benefit beyond increased property valuation.

Explore additional FAQs and learn more on the project webpage.

20th/Pearl Streets Signal Project

Signal poles were installed last week, and mast arm installation is scheduled for completion this week. Pending successful completion of this work, all lanes are expected to reopen.

Crews will then move into the final phase of the project, which includes extensive electrical and wiring work next week. The project is expected to be completed shortly thereafter, weather and other construction-related factors permitting.

Upcoming Pavement Management Program Work

The City of Boulder will repave 20th Street between Alpine Avenue and Walnut Street beginning later this July, pending contractor availability and weather.

Why?

This street segment is in need of pavement maintenance in 2026. This work is part of the Pavement Management Program (PMP), which inspects and rates all 300 miles of the city's streets on a three-year interval to understand existing conditions and guide when and where to repair the pavement. 

Work will also take advantage of cost-saving opportunities by incorporating small-scale bicycle, pedestrian and transit facility improvements into annual pavement resurfacing work to help make our streets safer for everyone.

When?

Work is scheduled for daytime hours between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. and is anticipated to last from July 23 - 30. Pavement management typically begins with curb and gutter repair work, and curb access ramp upgrades compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Learn more on the program webpage or the webmap. Construction updates will be posted to Cone Zones. 

Renovations to the 11th & Spruce Garage remain on schedule, with a major construction milestone planned for Wednesday, July 29.

A crane will be used to remove and replace rooftop heating and air conditioning equipment, requiring temporary lane and sidewalk closures from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. One lane of Spruce Street between Broadway and 11th Street and one lane of 11th Street between Spruce Street and Morrison Alley will be closed. Sidewalks adjacent to the 11th & Spruce Garage will also be temporarily closed, with staff on site to help direct pedestrians safely around the work area. Businesses and visitors should expect increased construction activity and traffic in the area during the day. These temporary closures are necessary to safely complete this critical phase of the project.

For regular garage maintenance updates, visit the city's construction impacts page.

The City of Boulder is launching the Resiliency Hub Pilot Program to help nonprofit organizations prepare for extended power outages by installing battery backup systems that can support critical community services.

Through the pilot program, qualifying nonprofits can receive up to $50,000 toward a battery storage system or a battery-plus-solar system, along with support from an energy advisor to help evaluate options and guide organizations through the process.

Interested organizations are invited to attend a conversational workshop on Monday, July 27, to learn more, connect with like-minded organizations, and explore broader community resilience needs with city staff.

Applications are open and must be submitted by Aug. 14, 2026.

Business owners, employees and community members are invited to join the Boulder Police Department for a Pearl Street Mall Walk today, July 23, at 3 p.m. Meet Commander Heath and Sergeant Fitzgerald, supervisor of Community Engagement and Homeless Outreach and Response, ask questions and connect with BPD staff while walking through downtown.

The walk begins at 15th and Pearl streets and concludes at T/aco at Walnut and Broadway. Participants who complete the walk will receive complimentary tacos, chips and salsa, and a beverage courtesy of T/aco.

Upcoming Boulder Police Chief Town Halls will be held in East Boulder on July 29 and North Boulder on Oct. 8.

The City of Boulder’s Office of Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) serving Boulder County, is now accepting applications for the Arts Business Cohort. The free program is designed to provide artists and creatives with the business knowledge, practical tools and professional support needed to build sustainable creative careers.

The Arts Business Cohort includes eight weeks of hands-on learning sessions, direct access to Boulder SBDC advisors, local attorneys, certified public accountants, lenders and experienced creative entrepreneurs, and a peer cohort of 8 to 10 fellow artists for accountability, connection and collaboration. Participants who complete the program will also receive a $1,000 stipend to reinvest in their creative practice or business.

Applications are open for Boulder-based artists working in any discipline, including visual arts, music, theater, writing, dance, craft and interdisciplinary practices. Apply by Aug. 18, 2026.

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.

The City of Boulder and Midnight Auteur, LLC have reached a tentative agreement for the sale of the surface parking lot at 2121 Broadway, advancing plans for a new downtown hotel and mixed-use development.

The proposal includes an approximately 110-room hotel, below-market commercial space for qualifying local and independent businesses, publicly accessible gathering areas and cultural programming. The project is intended to support downtown vitality, expand lodging capacity and create new opportunities for community connection.

City Council will review the final terms of the sale agreement in early August. 

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