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

Thank you for joining us for the second edition of the City of Boulder’s business community newsletter. We’re glad to have you with us as we continue building this resource to keep you informed and connected.

Every two weeks, we’ll share updates on economic initiatives, funding opportunities, policy changes, infrastructure work that may affect your operations, upcoming events, and more. We’ll also send special alerts when there’s time-sensitive information you need to know.

Our goal is to support your success and strengthen Boulder’s business community. If you know other business owners or colleagues who would benefit, please encourage them to sign up and stay connected.

The City of Boulder oversees three key commercial districts: the Central Area General Improvement District (CAGID), University Hill General Improvement District (UHGID), and Boulder Junction Access District (BJAD). Revenue collected in these districts directly funds the maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, and enhancements that keep our community spaces safe, vibrant, and welcoming.

Our maintenance teams work year-round to care for these areas - investing in projects that improve safety, functionality and the overall visitor experience. Below, you’ll see before-and-after photos that highlight the impact of this work. These improvements reflect not only district funding, but also the dedication of staff whose efforts help ensure Boulder’s commercial areas remain thriving destinations for businesses, community members and visitors.

The 1100 Spruce garage is the most heavily used parking facility downtown. Earlier this year, the landscaping around the garage had become overgrown and was beginning to block sight lines. The Community Vitality maintenance team stepped in to refresh this prominent corner, trimming back brush and replanting with drought-resistant plants to create a safer and more welcoming streetscape.

Each year, the Community Vitality Department restripes parking facilities to keep stalls clearly marked, support safe parking, and maintain a clean, welcoming appearance. To complete this work, garages are typically closed for one day. Most recently, the Randolph Garage was restriped (pictured above). We recognize that temporary closures can be an inconvenience, but this maintenance is an important investment in keeping our facilities safe and accessible.

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, the Regional Transportation District (RTD) resumed service at the Boulder Junction Depot Square Station for the first time since 2020. The station now offers routes throughout Boulder, as well as direct connections to downtown Denver and Denver International Airport.

In partnership with RTD and CU Boulder, the City of Boulder is also expanding the local HOP bus route. The updated route provides direct service to Boulder Junction and connects with RTD routes at the Depot Square Station.

New HOP stops have been added along Pearl Parkway between 30th Street and Junction Place, Junction Place/32nd Street between Pearl Parkway and Walnut, and Walnut Street between 32nd and 30th streets.

Whether you drive or take transit, the City of Boulder offers several programs to support employees in our General Improvement Districts. From convenient garage permits to discounted parking options and free regional transit, there are resources to make your commute easier.

If you work in the Central Area General Improvement District (CAGID), you are eligible to purchase a monthly permit in our BoulderPark garages. Permits cost $170/month, are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, with most availability in the 10th & Walnut and 14th & Walnut garages. To purchase, contact our local Metropolis staff by email at denver-area@metropolis.io or their 24/7 hotline at 856-485-9703.

Other parking and access options available to CAGID employees include:

Learn more about parking and access resources for CAGID employees.

University Hill Parking: Monthly parking permits are now available for the 14th Street lot on University Hill. For $75 per month, permits allow parking without time restrictions and can be purchased online at Boulder.AimsParking.com or by appointment in our office. Both individuals and businesses may purchase permits, with a limit of two per business. Please note that permits are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, may be shared but only one vehicle per permit can park at a time, and do not guarantee a parking space. Hourly paid parking remains available at $2/hour for up to four hours in this lot.

Finally, all CAGID, UHGID and BJAD employees are eligible for a free EcoPass, which provides unlimited access to regional, express, and local bus routes, as well as light rail service across the Denver and Boulder regions. Learn more about receiving your free EcoPass. 

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