City of Boulder Business Bulletin

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

The Business Bulletin connects Boulder’s business community with important city updates, funding opportunities, infrastructure projects and other initiatives that support a vibrant local economy. Stay informed about the resources and opportunities available to your business.

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

What is a DDA?

The City of Boulder is exploring the potential creation of a Downtown Development Authority (DDA), a special district authorized under Colorado law that communities may use to support redevelopment, infrastructure improvements and other investments within a designated area.

Why is the City of Boulder exploring the creation of a DDA?

Boulder's existing commercial districts — the Central Area General Improvement District (CAGID) and University Hill General Improvement District (UHGID) — were established more than 50 years ago to support shared parking, infrastructure and maintenance within the city's central commercial areas. While these districts continue to fulfill their original purpose, the needs and conditions of Downtown Boulder and University Hill have evolved over time.

Today, these districts face changing economic conditions and infrastructure needs, including shifts in retail and office markets, aging facilities, increasing expectations for public spaces and maintenance, and the need for coordinated long-term investment strategies.

What is a DDA designed to do?

A DDA is guided by a Plan of Development that establishes priorities for investments, projects and programs within the district. In Boulder, the draft Plan of Development identifies five policy areas for potential future investment across Downtown Boulder, University Hill, the Civic Area and the corridors that connect them.

As outlined in the draft Plan of Development, a DDA could support efforts to:

Explore additional FAQs and learn more on the project webpage.

The City of Boulder is exploring how five downtown parking garages could become mobility hubs, making it easier to connect between driving, transit, biking, walking, rideshare and other travel options. Funded by a grant from the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG), the project will develop concepts for transportation hubs that improve access to downtown while supporting Boulder’s mobility, sustainability and economic vitality goals.

The city invites everyone who lives, works or visits downtown to help shape the future of downtown mobility. Share your feedback on current travel patterns and future mobility hubs by:

Learn more on the project webpage.

The City of Boulder and Midnight Auteur, LLC have reached a tentative agreement for the sale of the surface parking lot at 2121 Broadway in downtown Boulder, advancing a proposal that would bring new economic investment and activity, community space and cultural amenities to the area.

The proposed development includes an approximately 110-room hotel in a central downtown location, supporting the city’s commitment to downtown revitalization and new investment to help strengthen the local economy. The hotel will also increase Boulder’s room capacity in the core downtown to host large-scale events.

The project features ground-level commercial space offered at below-market rates for qualifying local and independent businesses, along with publicly accessible gathering areas and a rooftop designed to support community connection and cultural exchange. The development team, known locally for the development and operation of Denver's award-winning Ramble Hotel, has also committed to incorporating art and cultural events into the project.

The Downtown Management Commission will review the proposed sale agreement on July 14, and City Council will review the final terms of the sale agreement in early August. 

The City of Boulder’s Regulatory Licensing team is updating the application process for Liquor Festival Permits. These changes will take effect on July 18, 2026.

Festival liquor permits will now need to be applied for with the City of Boulder and State of Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division concurrently. The State of Colorado Application and attachments, City of Boulder Application and $150.00 fee will need to be uploaded to the online portal.  

These permits are available to certain license holders: 

Each licensee can hold up to nine Festival Permits per year, each lasting up to 72 hours in length. Additionally, licensees can participate in up to 52 festivals per year. 

You can access the full process and links to required documents on our website at Festival Liquor Permit | City of Boulder. Reach out at 303-441-4192 or licensingonline@bouldercolorado.gov with any questions.  

The downtown area formerly known as Civic Area and Central Park was recently renamed to Boulder Creek Park. As part of the Boulder Creek Park Phase 2 Project (formerly, Civic Area Phase 2), renaming and investments aim to create a more cohesive and vibrant park space in the heart of downtown where all community members feel welcome.

Boulder Creek Park was one of eight proposed names that emerged from a series of teen engagement efforts with students from Boulder High School’s Zonta Club, community partners Growing Up Boulder and RIOS Boulder, as well as engagement with University of Colorado Boulder’s Department of Environmental Design.

To celebrate this renaming community collaboration, the city invites community members, partners and staff to a celebration in Boulder Creek Park on Thursday, July 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. 

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.

Boulder Parks and Recreation recently added perennial plants to raised planters along the Pearl Street Mall. These low-water, native and climate-tolerant plants bring added color and resilience to the downtown landscape while supporting sustainability goals. Don't worry - they're not replacing the tulips and seasonal flower displays that community members and visitors know and love. Instead, they're helping create an even more vibrant and sustainable Pearl Street Mall year-round.

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