Boulder Valley Frequency

Nov. 13, 2026The Town of Nederland needs $2.3 million to patch a hole in its general fund by the end of the year — a hole created by mounting costs and a delayed deal to buy Eldora Mountain Resort.In this special report from The Mountain-Ear, reporter Tyler Hickman speaks with a concerned Nederland resident who built a tool to track the Town’s spending. He’s asking Town officials to stop all spending until they can figure out how to keep the budget from going off a cliff.Visit eldorarecord.org to explore Dallas Masters' Claude-powered database tracking the Eldora costs.Read more: themtnear.com/stories/eldora-pursuit-puts-ned-red,115440Next weekA Boulder-built, ethical alternative to Spotify---------------------------Produced by BVHz in partnership with The Mountain EarIndependent, local journalism for Boulder CountyOur teamJournalist + producer: Shay CastleAudio producer + music: Kelly GarryAdditional support provided by Jeff Rozic and Tyler Hickman*Find bonus content and support us on Patreon

Nov. 11, 2026Boulder County news, in 15-minutes or lessHeadline linksBoulder Bridge House to close by Dec. 31. BRLBoulder will no longer provide advanced notice before removing encampments along Boulder, Goose Creeks. BRLBoulder Start lighting tonightLIVESTREAM: https://business.boulderchamber.com/events-calendar/details/livestream-2026-boulder-star-lighting-ceremony-1573210Pick Longmont’s new city flag!https://longmontcolorado.gov/news/longmont-invites-community-feedback-on-new-official-city-flag/VOTE HERE: https://longmontcityxm.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6yWphtrbi2nfaZ0Front Range CC earns state award for quantum programhttps://blog.frontrange.edu/2026/11/09/frcc-earns-state-innovation-award-for-quantum-work/St. Vrain Valley School District also recognized: https://governorsoffice.colorado.gov/governor/news/celebrating-job-growth-governor-polis-and-oedit-announce-opportunity-now-performance-awardsState champs abound in Boulder CountyNiwot Cross Country - 3rd consecutive title for boys CC; 2nd for girlslhvc.com/story/2026/11/04/sports/niwot-boys-and-girls-cross-country-continue-to-reign-as-state-champions/12757.html Niwot gymnastics three-peat: dailycamera.com/2026/11/06/niwot-gymnastics-4a-state-champions/Lyons softball: lyonsrecorder.org/2026/11/05/high-school-lady-lions-win-state-championship/Sponsor: Boulder BookstoreYung Pueblo w/Connor BreatonJourney: The Year That Changes Everything6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St. $43 (includes signed copy)Tickets + more info: https://boulderbookstore.net/event/2026-11-17/yung-pueblo-journey-connor-beatonFridayEldora deal looks shaky as ski season opens on local mountainOne More ThingBook Santa’s Poet Amy at northpolepoet.comRead more: Poetry in the Park. KGNU---------------------------Produced by BVHz in partnership with The Mountain EarIndependent, local journalism for Boulder CountyOur teamJournalist + producer: Shay CastleAudio producer + music: Kelly GarryAdditional support provided by Jeff Rozic and Tyler Hickman*Find bonus content and support us on Patreon

Nov. 6, 2026We round up election results + headlines from around the countyICYMI: HeadlinesJudge denies parents’ attempt to pause BVSD school closures. Daily CameraBoulder firebomber pleads guilty to federal hate crime charges. The Colorado SunCU ranks 2nd in nation in reported sexual assaults on campus. 9News100+ frat members suspended after fall 2025 hazing incident at CU Boulder. 9News, Daily CameraElection resultsUnofficial results, as of 10:06 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5Boulder County Election Results | Colorado Election ResultsReminder: Several races include results from multiple counties (Longmont, Erie, Front Range Passenger Rail, etc.) In those cases, use the state election resultsNext weekEldora deal looks shaky as opening day approachesOne More ThingAudio Montage of Election Night Speeches "Change" cover of Big Thief by don't hold your breath ---------------------------Produced by BVHz in partnership with The Mountain EarIndependent, local journalism for Boulder CountyOur teamJournalist + producer: Shay CastleAudio producer + music: Kelly GarryAdditional support provided by Jeff Rozic and Tyler Hickman*Find bonus content and support us on Patreon

Nov. 4, 2026Paranormal investigator LeeAnna Jonas says Gilpin County is collecting souls. The many historic buildings throughout Central City and Black Hawk are supposedly haunted, and she spent years trying to communicate with these spirits. On today's special post-Halloween/Day of the Dead episode, Jonas details her chilling encounters with Central City's spirits, and reveals why she thinks this mining town has become famous for its hauntings.Stream Spirit Realm Investigative Project's episode of True Ghost Stories inside the Sauer McShane building here: tubitv.com/tv-shows/200320575/s01-e08-sauer-mcshaneThe SRIP YouTube page is here: youtube.com/user/srip3A Night with the Spirits: A Paranormal Investigation at the Gilpin History Museum7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7228 E. First High Street, Central City. $35Space for this event is limited so advance reservations are required. Call the Gilpin History Museum at 303-582-5283 to purchase tickets (if there is no answer leave a message, calls will be returned in the order they are received).More info: gilpinhistory.org/FridayPost-election breakdown + other Boulder County news---------------------------Produced by BVHz in partnership with The Mountain EarIndependent, local journalism for Boulder CountyOur teamJournalist + producer: Shay CastleAudio producer + music: Kelly GarryAdditional support provided by Jeff Rozic and Tyler Hickman*Find bonus content and support us on Patreon

Oct. 30, 2026Click the links for more informationState + federal level candidatesMore information from The Colorado Sun and CPRRTD District OJack RosenthalTransit advocate (helped write law, lobby for Longmont airport bus)Priorities: Front Range train, Increasing service to events, Growing ridershipAudrey DeBarrosCEO, Commuting solutionsPriorities: Front Range train, Improving reliability, Restoring trust in RTDMore info: BRLBoulder mayor + City Council CandidatesRead | ListenJudgesRead | Additional note: Katherine E. Lum (Court of Appeals) helped overturn the conviction of paramedics who administered lethal dose of ketamine to Elijah McClain, a 19-year-old Black resident of Aurora, in a highly publicized 2019 case. Read moreMore info on judges: The Colorado Sun, The Denver PostAmendments 81-86, Proposition 132 + 136Sponsored by conservative PAC Advance ColoradoLearn more: whoisadvancecolorado.orgDetailed pros + cons from The Colorado Sun + CPRAmendment 87 + Prop NNListen (starts at 8:24)Detailed pros + cons from The Colorado Sun + CPRPropositions 133, 134, 135Sponsored by anti-abortion, anti-trans group Protect Kids ColoradoLearn moreDetailed pros + cons from The Colorado Sun + CPRProposition 137Detailed pros + cons from The Colorado Sun + CPRBoulder County Ballot Issue 1ARead | ListenBoulder County Questions 200 + 201Read | ListenCity of Boulder Ballot Issue 2JRead | Listen (starts at 5:25)City of Boulder Ballot Issue 2KRead | ListenCity of Boulder Ballot Issue 2LWhat does it mean?Should the firefighters union be allowed to collectively bargain (like cops do)?Why you might want to vote for thisGives workers additional protectionsWhy you might not want to vote for thisTakes away flexibility in hiring/firing + pay for government/taxpayersCity of Boulder Ballot Issue 2MWhat does it mean? Should the city be able to borrow more money? What is the limit now, and what would it be raised to?Now: 3% of assessed value of all city property, around $150 millionIf 2M passes: 3% of actual value of all city property, around $1.5 billionImportant note: Future borrowing would still be subject to voter approval — Boulder has to ask voters every time it borrows money, and it also has to ask voters to raise the total debt cap. That’s what 2M is asking.Why you might want to vote for thisOther cities use 3% of actual value; it is allowed under state lawActual value is closer to what the city could sell properties for, making it a better measure to use when securing debtWhy you might not want to vote for thisIt is a huge increase in the debt limit, almost 10XThis is a companion measure to 2K; if you are opposed to that, vote no on this as wellFront Range Passenger Rail District 7AWhat does it mean?Should a new sales tax be charged to pay for additional passenger rail service?How much will it cost?33 cents per $100 on everything you buy in the district + online (except gasoline, food, residential electricity and gas, prescription drugs, and medical supplies)What will the money be used for?A train from Denver to Fort Collins (with stops in Boulder, Longmont and Louisville) is already paid for using FasTracks taxes (paid by Boulder County voters since 2004). That train, expected to begin in 2029, will provide 3 round trips per day.7A would increase the number of daily trips from 3-10 and expand the rail line to Colorado Springs and Pueblo, plus station and local improvements throughout the system and a new Amtrak station in Trinidad.Detailed pros + cons from The Colorado Sun + CPRBallot guides for Longmont (Read | Listen)Louisville (Read | Listen - starts at 3:07)Erie (Read | Listen - starts at 2:49)Niwot (Read | Listen - starts at 7:50)Timberline Fire Protection District (Read)

Oct. 28, 2026Everything you need to know (quickly) to fill out your Louisville ballotsBallot Issue 2B: Historic preservation taxWhat does it mean?Should a 0.125% sales tax funding historic preservation be extended for 10 years? And should the share of the tax going to Louisville’s History Museum be increased from 20% to 30%?How much will it cost?Nothing — you’re already paying it, and have been since 2008. The tax was extended for 10 years in 2017. If the measure fails, you would save 12.5 cents for every $100 purchase made in Louisville or online.What will the money be used for?The tax is expected to generate $900,000 annually. It will fund continued operations of the Louisville Museum, and any city programs or capital projects that “promote and preserve the city’s history and cultural heritage,” according to the ballot language.That could include the restoration of places such as the Austin Neihoff building, the first residence on Main Street, according to the city, or the purchase of a property with two historic rail cars on the eastern gateway of the city. Per the city, past uses of the tax include: Designation of 67 residential and commercial landmarks since 2005Over $3.8M in grants awarded to 40 unique recipientsWhat you might want to vote for thisIt’s not a tax increase; you’re already paying it. The tax provides operational funding for the Longmont History Museum; without the ongoing tax, services would be reduced.It could help the city expand its cultural and historical offerings, by pursuing projects like the ones listed above.Why you might not want to vote for thisAlthough it’s not an increase, the tax does add costs to everything purchased physically and online in LouisvilleDedicating funding in this way leaves less for general city operations (police, fire, IT, administration, etc.)Grants give taxpayer money to owners of historic properties, a small group who also tend to be wealthier. Monies in the general fund could be used to benefit a broader portion of the population.More information + resourceslouisvilleco.gov/departments/city-clerks-office/find-elections-information/2026-ballot-questions/Ballot Question 2C: Expanding Executive Session TopicsWhat does it mean?Should Louisville’s charter be changed to allow city council and Louisvlle’s other advising and government bodies (boards and commissions) to meet privately to discuss all matters allowed under Colorado law, rather than the limited matters allowed under Louisville’s charter currently?What’s an executive session?A meeting closed to the public and attended by city officials, including elected/appointed council and board members, city staff and the city attorney.The topic of the executive session must be released to the public 24 hours in advance. Recordings are kept but released only if a judge rules Colorado open meetings laws were violated (improper notice, discussion of things not allowed under executive session, etc.)Learn more: https://dlg.colorado.gov/open-meetings-requirementsWhat can council and other groups meet in executive session about now?Council: Personnel matters related to dismissal, demotion or reviewWater rights and real property acquisitions and dispositionsPending litigationBoards and commissions: Pending litigationHow would this expand the use of executive sessions?City council: Expansions of the currently allowed topics in addition toSpecialized details of security arrangements or investigationsDetermining positions relative to matters that may be subject to negotiationsConsideration of any document exempt from the Colorado Open Records ActMatters required to be kept confidential by federal or state law or rules and regulationsBoards and commissions: All of the aboveWhat you might want to vote for thisInforming members of public bodies while respecting open meetings laws involves city staff meeting with them individually or in pairs. This is time consuming, inefficient and costly to taxpayers.No records are kept of individual, informal meetings. Executive sessions are recorded, although recordings are only released if a judge rules the open meetings law has been violated. Why you might not want to vote for thisThis greatly expands the amount of council and city business that can be conducted in secret, with no written record and little public notice.Abuse of executive sessions is rampant and well-documented throughout the state.With diminished media capacity, challenges of potential violations are rare.Legal challenges to determine the legality of executive sessions are paid for by the government, meaning taxpayers. If the city violates open meeting laws, you pay for it.Louisville’s charter lays out acceptable uses of executive session. This would default to state law. State lawmakers have repeatedly narrowed the definition of what constitutes an open meeting, making it harder for the public to watch government business.Other considerationsThe League of Women Voters of Boulder County and Protect Your Voice Louisville, a citizen group, are opposed to 2C.More information + resourcesLeague of Women Voters ballot positionsprotectyourvoicelouisville.org/boulderweekly.com/content-archives/voters-guide/executive-session-closed-door-meetings/coloradonewsline.com/2024/03/11/colorado-narrow-open-meetings-law-legislatureBallot Question 2D: Change Timing for Taking OfficeWhat does it mean?Should Louisville’s charter be changed so that newly council members are sworn in after the election results are certified? What you might want to vote for thisIt’s an extremely rare occurrence, but in the case of a recount or close race, this would prevent someone from taking office who may not be the rightful winner.Why you might not want to vote for thisThis gives “lame duck” council members 1-2 weeks longer in office. Ballot Question 2E: Initiative and Referendum SignaturesWhat does it mean?Should Louisville’s charter be changed to require more signatures to place citizen petitions on initiatives and referendums on the ballot? Initiatives are when citizens want to propose a new law, or ordinance.Referendum are when citizens want to overturn an existing law or decision of the city council.How many signatures are required now, and how many will be required if 2E passes?Initiatives now: 5% of registered voters, 810 signaturesInitiatives under 2E: 7.5% or ~1,215, an increase of 50%Referendum now: 2.5%, or ~405Referendum under 2E: 5%, or ~810, an increase of 100% (double)How often are initiatives and referendum petitions used in Louisville?Three in the past four years.2022: A referendum measure successfully overturned the 4-3 vote of city council related to the Red Tail Ridge redevelopment.2025: Two initiatives related to growth and development were defeatedWhat you might want to vote for thisLouisville’s signature requirements are below average when compared to similar and neighboring Colorado cities.Higher thresholds are intended as a gatekeeping mechanism to prevent special interest groups from getting measures on the ballot that are confusing to voters. Why you might not want to vote for thisThis is a significant increase in the number of signatures required.Making direct democracy harde

Oct. 23, 2026Everything you need to know (quickly) to fill out your local Longmont ballotCity of Longmont Ballot Issue 3A: Public safety taxWhat does it mean?Should property + sales taxes be increased to boost the budget + hiring for police + fire?What will it cost? The .33% sales tax would add 33c to a $100 purchase, or $3.30 for every $1,000 purchase made online or physically within the city of Longmont. That includes high-ticket items like cars.The property tax would add roughly $75 per year to a home with an assessed value of $500,000, and $350 for a commercial property of the same value. What will the money be used for? The tax is expected to bring in $16.5 million next year: $10.8 from sales tax and $5.7 from property tax. By 2036, that’s expected to grow to more than $20 million annuallyThe bulk of the money would go toward hiring more police, emergency dispatchers and firefighting staff: 86 positions in total43 full-time employees for the police department31 for fire12 for support staffHowever, that hiring won’t happen all at once. It will be phased in over the next 10 years.Tax money could also be used for public safety equipment, vehicles and facilities, according to the ballot language. The city has the following projects planned: New Fire Station 7 on the southwest side of town, with a new fire engine and all the equipment neededRehabilitation and expansion of Fire Station 4Two fire rescue trucks and equipmentEquipment, uniforms and training needed for each new firefighter and police officerNew storage building for reserve fire apparatus and equipmentPolice vehiclesIf the city brings in more money than it anticipates, it would be allowed to keep the extra instead of returning it to taxpayers, as this measure also asks voters to exempt the tax from TABOR. (Learn more about TABOR + refunds in our Oct. 16 episode)Why you might want to vote for thisPolice + fire have been asking for more money + staffing for years. The last tax increase for public safety was in 2017, when Longmont’s population was under 95,000. The city has added nearly 6,000 residents during that time, and is projected to add 3,000-4,000 more by 2030. Longmont also has a smaller-than average police force for a city of its size, according to FBI statistics.Calls for service have increased 19.5% (police) and 86% (fire) between 2009 and 2025. Overtime is a significant concern and cost for the city, according to officials, contributing to burnout and turnover in the department.Why you might not want to vote for thisIt is a tax increase. It will add costs to homeowners, business owners and on everything you buy in Longmont or online. It’s a substantial increase over today’s staffing and funding. The number of firefighters and police employees will jump by 28% if 3A passes, and the combined public safety budget will nearly double from $22 million to $42 million by 2036. However, that is spread over 10 years, not all at once. There is no cap on how much funding this tax can bring in. If revenue exceeds expectations, the city can keep that money but ONLY use it for police and fire (unless they come back to voters and ask to spend it on other things).More information + resources timescall.com/2026/06/24/longmont-sales-property-tax-ballot-election/https://longmontcolorado.gov/information/ballot-information-november-3-2026-election/City of Longmont Ballot Issue 3B: Open space disposalWhat does it mean?Should Longmont voters have to approve any “disposal” of open space land in the city?What does “disposal” mean?Disposal is a formal process for removing an open space designation from a piece of property.It can be selling that land, but it could also mean switching the designation and ownership of land from open space to something else. That’s because there are restrictions on what open space land can be used for and what structures can be built there.For instance: If the city wants to use open space for another purpose, like building a school or rec center, the open space property would first need to be “disposed” so something can legally be built on it.What’s the disposal process now?Laid out in the city code, any disposal must be approved by city council, with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board making an informal recommendation for or against. Transferring open space between departments requires a majority vote; selling it to an outside entity requires a ⅔ vote of council. Even if 3B passes, city council retains the right to dispose of open space for public roads, utilities, life-safety infrastructure and open space operations. Those will not require voter approval.Why is this on the ballot now?Last year, Longmont considered a land swap of two city properties: Distel and Tull. Distel was zoned open space; Toll for utilities purposes. Longmont proposed making the Toll property open space, and use Distel — currently home to a gravel mining operations — for the construction of a county-owned composting facility. Residents opposed to the swap lobbied city council, who eventually voted unanimously against the deal. This measure would prevent any similar proposals from being considered in the future, as it would have put this land swap to a vote of the people.Why you might want to vote for thisPark lands and property used for water rights already have similar protections under Longmont’s charter. This would put the city’s 2,006 acres of open space in the same category.This would give all voting residents in Longmont a say over what happens with public lands, rather than a small sample who attends city meetings.It would prevent future councils from selling or otherwise getting rid of open space. Why you might not want to vote for thisOpponents point to the Distel-Tull situation as proof the current system works to protect valuable open space: Residents didn’t want the land swap to happen, and city council listened. This limits the city’s flexibility to pursue projects that further Longmont’s sustainability goals, if they involve open space — particularly in partnerships with other governments that might involve the use of city property. There is already a provision in city code that requires land swaps to result in a net gain in open space. More information + resources longmontcolorado.gov/information/ballot-information-november-3-2026-election/bouldercounty.gov/environment/composting/county-composting-facility/boulderreportinglab.org/2025/10/19/longmont-halts-land-swap-discussions-still-open-to-boulder-county-composting-project/City of Longmont Ballot Issues 3C + 3D: Ranked choice voting + Election year re-alignmentWhat does it mean?3C: Should Longmont pick its mayor + city council via multi-winner ranked choice voting, beginning in 2029?3D: Should Longmont’s election cycles be shifted so all at-large candidates are elected at once, and all Ward races are voted on in a separate year?What is ranked choice voting (RCV), and how does it work?Rather than picking one candidate, you can rank them in order of preference (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) Each “round” of voting eliminates the candidate with the fewest first-place votes. Voters who picked that unpopular candidate then get their second choice votes distributed to the remaining candidates. Under RCV, a candidate cannot win until they get 50% or more of the vote. (Unlike now, where the person with the most votes wins — even if it’s less than 50% support.) The process of redistributing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-choice votes continues until a candidate has received majority support.Why you might want to vote for thisMulti-winner RCV results in more representative government bodies. Elsewhere, it has increased repres

How to use ranked-choice votingRank candidates in order of preference (1-6)You do NOT have to rank all candidates; rank as many or as few as you likeDon’t skip any place rankings; any votes after the rank skipped will not be countedMore information + instructions:bouldercolorado.gov/guide/ranked-choice-voting-guideboulderbeat.news/2023/10/20/mayor-election-2023/ (2023 guide)Mayoral candidatesIn the order they appear on your ballotLisa Ann JacobsPriorities: Housing, health care, tenant rights, small businessTaishya Adams*^Priorities:  Partnerships, Affordability, Transparency, Healthy SystemsAaron Brockett^Priorities: housing, homelessness, mental health, climate change + resilience, wildfire prep, cutting red tape for businessesJameson (Jamo) Goldstein* (CU student)Priorities: public works deficit, Flock cameras, bikes, airportGrateful Fred InsteadPriorities: City income tax, lower drinking age, mental health, housing, child care, and basic city services, Bring community events back to the ReservoirAquiles La GravePriorities: governance, safety, economy*Renter ^IncumbentShould Boulder remove Flock cameras?YES: Taishya Adams, Jamo Goldstein, Aquiles La GraveMAYBE/NO: Aaron BrockettDid not respond: Lisa Ann Jacobs, Grateful Fred InsteadEndorsementsBoulder County DSA (Democratic Socialists)Taishya Adams (1st), Aaron Brockett (2nd)Boulder Progressives (Center/left)Aaron BrockettPLAN Boulder (Center/conservative)Aquiles La Grave (1st), Taishya Adams (2nd), Jamo Goldstein (3rd)More information + resourceshttps://www.dailycamera.com/2026/10/15/boulder-mayor-debate-2026/https://boulderreportinglab.org/2026/08/30/meet-the-19-candidates-running-for-boulder-mayor-and-city-council-in-2026/#mayoral-candidateshttps://www.dailycamera.com/2026/10/09/colorado-2026-election-guide/City council candidatesLee GilbertPriority: Transportation, including a revisiting of Baseline bike line designSam FuquaPriorities: Housing, transparency + communication, climate/wildfire + sustainability, transportation, infrastructure, arts + culture, public safetyRyan Schuchard^Priorities: Cost of living, adaptability, cutting red tape, climate action, strengthen + maintain city systemsJamillah Richmond*Priorities: Community-driven governance, housing, wages/employment + business development, climate + environmental justiceBenita DuranPriorities: housing + affordability, economic vitality, open space, public safety, government responsiveness + efficiencyTara Winer^Priorities: Open space, economic vitality, public safety, climate action, sensible growth, transportation, homelessness, housing, arts + cultureRachel Rose Isaacson*Priorities: Wildfire + climate resiliency, economic vitality, good governance + financial stewardship, housingDave MartusPriorities: Fiscal stewardship + governance, wildfire resilience, affordable housing, transportation + mobility, downtown + local economy, land useScott RendlemanPriorities: Strengthening public confidence in city government, climate adaptability, economic vitality, housing access + affordability, public safety, transportationJill Adler Grano**Priorities: Commercial vacancies + small business, housing, budget deficit, public safety + homelessness, climate resilience, arts + culture, local agriculture, manufactured homes, safer streetsRyan JamiesonPriorities: Housing, budget, commercial vacancies, parks + open space, climate + wildfire, Flock + digital surveillanceLynn SegalPriorities: Mitigate CU’s impact on Boulder, municipalization (city-owned electric utility), development fees, divest from Israeli companiesTina Marquis^Priorities: Family housing, homelessness + public safety, wildfire resilience + power shut-offs, outcome-based budgeting, transparent governance + engagement, infrastructure + deferred maintenance, data collection/sharing + surveillance*Renter ^Incumbent**Has previously served on council, but is not a current memberShould Boulder remove Flock cameras?YES: Rachel Rose Isaacson, Lynn Segal, Jamillah Richmond, Jill Grano, Ryan Schuchard, Sam Fuqua, Benita Duran, Dave Martus, Ryan JameisonMAYBE/NO: Tina Marquis, Tara Winer, Scott RendlemanDid not respond: Lee GilbertEndorsementsBoulder County DSA (Democratic Socialists)Jamillah Richmond, Sam Fuqua, Ryan Schuchard, Jill Grano(Neutral on Rachel Rose Isaacson, Tina Marquis)Boulder Progressives (Center/left)Jamillah Richmond, Rachel Rose Isaacson, Jill Grano, Ryan Schuchard, Tina Marquis, Sam FuquaPLAN Boulder (Center/conservative)David Martus, Ryan Jameison, Tina Marquis, Tara Winer, Ryan SchuchardMore information + resourcesboulderreportinglab.org/2026/08/30/meet-the-19-candidates-running-for-boulder-mayor-and-city-council-in-2026/#city-council-candidatesdailycamera.com/2026/08/27/boulder-city-council-candidates-issues/Friday: 15-minute Longmont vote guideNext week: 15-minute Louisville vote guideSponsor: Boulder Bookstore Carter Wilson,When They Find Me6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2 | 1107 Pearl St. Boulder. $5Tickets and more: boulderbookstore.comHeadline linksBoulder firebomber to change plea in federal case. The Colorado SunBoulder County calls it quits on composting facilityErie hires new town manager, to start Jan. 4One More ThingAn Evening With Rainn WilsonWhen: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3Where: Macky Auditorium---------------------------Produced by BVHz in partnership with The Mountain EarIndependent, local journalism for Boulder CountyOur teamJournalist + producer: Shay CastleAudio producer + music: Kelly GarryAdditional support provided by Jeff Rozic and Tyler Hickman*Find bonus content and support us on Patreon

Who should pay for the world we live in? State + local tax measures force question of government funding into the spotlightBoulder County Ballot Issue 1AWhat does it mean?Should Boulder County raise property taxes by up to $30 million to pay for childcare? The spending breaks down into three main categories (more below): Tuition assistance for low- and middle-income familiesAdding spotsTraining + keeping teachersWhat will it cost?$79.31 per year for a home with an assessed value of $500,000$115 for a home worth $725,000 (the county median)$158.62 for a home worth $1 millionCommercial properties will be taxed at the rate 3-4X this amount, per state lawFind your estimated property cost at brighterstartbouldercounty.org/faqWhat will the money be used for? $20 million would be spent on direct tuition assistance or vouchers through CCAP, Colorado’s childcare assistance program, to address the 900-1,200 children on the waitlist.$5 million would help childcare facilities add more spots and teachers, or otherwise grow their businesses$2.5 million will be focused on teachers: helping train and retain them, paying for substitute care and shared workforce expenses between centersWhy you might want to vote for thisChildcare is expensive: Nearly $20,000 per year, per kid, in Boulder County, on average. Federal + state funds to help pay for childcare have dried up. Hundreds of kids are not receiving care that otherwise qualify for assistance.Even with declining family population, there aren’t enough spots for Boulder County’s children. Parents reporting being waitlisted for months before receiving care. When families don’t have care, parents (usually mothers) reduce their hours or leave the workforce altogether. The economic losses due to lack of care are estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars in the state.Why you might not want to vote for thisIt is a tax increase. Though property values (and therefore taxes) are largely declining at the moment, this will cost homeowners more money.Since landlords charge tenants for property taxes in commercial leases, it will also cost small businesses more money. However, the Boulder Chamber has endorsed the measure given the high costs and impacts of childcare on the workforce.More information + resources brighterstartbouldercounty.orgstatic1.squarespace.com/static/69e28e0b1e41522d7004be4f/t/6aaad13d9008280d61311fb8/1789579581171/9-16.pdfcoloradosun.com/colorado-child-care-out-of-reach/denverpost.com/tag/child-care/City of Boulder Issue 2JWhat does it mean?Should Boulder put a tax on homes that are empty more than 6 months per year? How much will it cost?$4,000 to start, and increasing annually with inflation. The maximum tax will be $7,000 per year.What will the money be used for?General operations of the city. The tax is expected to bring in $6 million each year, though the enforcement mechanism for identifying and verifying empty properties has not yet been decided. Why you might want to vote for thisAdvocates say empty homes cost the city money, because the owners are not here living and spending money in the city, yet infrastructure (roads, water, sewer, streetlights, etc. need to be maintained). Sales tax, the city’s main source of revenue, has declined along with the population.The city is facing a budget gap of $6.3 million in 2027. This could close that gap, if the full amount were collected, without adding tax burden to full-time residents.It would be paid by people wealthy enough to own multiple properties but who do not primarily reside in the City of Boulder. Up to 4,000 Boulder homes are estimated to be empty at least 183 days per year. A tax could (theoretically) encourage holders of empty properties to rent them long-term. (Short-term or vacation rentals are only permitted for homeowners who use the property as their primary residence.)Why you might not want to vote for thisIt may not bring in as much money as the city hopes. Again, the enforcement mechanism has not yet been determined. It may end up costing significant staff time to identify and verify vacant properties, along with the standard appeals process. It is a small portion of the city’s overall budget: 1.4%More informationbouldervacancytax.orgVacancy tax proposal, BVHz April 1boulderreportinglab.org/2026/08/06/boulder-city-council-sends-vacancy-tax-and-400-million-bond-to-november-ballot-rejects-downtown-development-authority/Amendment 87https://coloradosun.com/2026/10/02/amendment-87-graduated-income-tax-colorado-voters-guide/Proposition NNcoloradosun.com/2026/10/03/proposition-nn-colorado-tabor-refunds-would-be-diverted-to-k-12-educationProposition 136coloradosun.com/2026/10/02/proposition-136-income-tax-limit-explained-voter-guide/Next week: Ranked choice how-to and Boulder Mayor + City Council---------------------------Produced by BVHz in partnership with The Mountain EarIndependent, local journalism for Boulder CountyOur teamJournalist + producer: Shay CastleAudio producer + music: Kelly GarryAdditional support provided by Jeff Rozic and Tyler Hickman*Find bonus content and support us on Patreon

Oct. 14, 2026Town of Erie Ballot Issue 3EWhat does it mean?Should Erie implement a 3.5% tax on all short-term lodging (hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts, Airbnb, etc.) to help pay for general government operations?What will it cost?Nothing, unless you run a short-term rental or other lodging. In that case, it will cost 3.5% of the total rental rate. What will the money be used for? “General governmental purposes,” according to the ballot language, which could include parks, police, transportation, administration or anything else the town uses money on.Why you might want to vote for thisTaxes like this are paid for by visitors, reducing the burden on residents. The tax is expected to generate up to $150,000 annually, so it won’t add a ton to the budget.Most towns have lodging taxes of some kind. With Sundance coming to Boulder, it is a good time to capitalize on any visitors who may stay in Erie.Why you might not want to vote for thisIt is a new tax, which could slightly increase costs for Airbnb and other short-term rentals.More information + resources erieco.gov/2664/Lodging-TaxTown of Erie Ballot Issue 3FWhat does it mean?Should Erie implement a .501% sales tax and borrow $32.5 million (with total repayment costs of up to $52.6 million) to fund the expansion of the town’s community center? What will it cost?“2.5 cents on a $5 cup of coffee, or $2.50 on a $500 appliance,” according to town officials.What will the money be used for?Proposed improvements include: A new multi-purpose community roomA new full-size gymA new fitness spaceExpanding the Columbine Lounge (for adults 60+)Expanding the Mini Miners/KidStation area, including dedicated space for childcare and public access to the indoor playgroundConverting the existing racquetball courts into dedicated fitness spaceWhy you might want to vote for thisThe community center is well-used: over 800 people, on average, use it each day, and nearly 1,500 people were on program waitlists in 2025. Use of the center has increased greatly since its construction in 2008. According to the town, annual visits climbed from 158,000 in 2008 to 225,000 last year, and program participation more than doubled from 44,000 to 98,000.This project will expand and evolve it to meet community needs. The cost to individuals is low; less than a few cents per dollar.Why you might not want to vote for thisIt is a tax increase, and will cost residents money.The tax is permanent. Once the community center debt is repaid, the town can use the money for whatever it wants. More information + resourceserieco.us/ecc-expansion-and-renovation Erie Town Council CandidatesDistrict 1Andrew SawuschPriorities: Growth management, Sustainable infrastructure & resources, Financial resiliency, Resident-first governance and transparencyBob BraudesPriorities: Workforce housing, Flag policy, Mixed-Use zoning and development, Mineral rights, Business development, Managed growth, Budget transparencyDistrict 2Delaney DreckmanPriorities: Protect Erie’s water future, Prioritize infrastructure before expansion, Preserve our small-town characterBen HemphillPriorities: Transparency and accountability, Environment, Transportation, Sustainability, Growth, Affordability, CollaborationDipak BasnetPriorities: None listedDistrict 3Amy BeckerPriorities: Smart growth, Water resources, Inclusivity, Accountability, Transparency, Affordable housingBrian O'ConnorPriorities: Safeguarding our open space areas, Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP), infill developments, Traffic conflicts and safety, Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), Erie's historic buildings and artifacts, Budget, Erie Municipal Airport, Commercial and Light Industrial Development, Use feesMore information + resourceserieco.gov/1345/2026-Electionyellowscene.com/2026/10/06/council-candidates-differ-on-growth-water-and-oil-and-gas/Headline linksLafayette votes to strip Flock funding from 2027 budget. Colorado Hometown WeeklyKimbal Musk sells The Kitchen to local Boulder restaurateur Bryan Dayton. Daily CameraBoulder County offers $1.3M loan for San Lazaro residents to buy mobile home park. BRLLyons cement plant laying off more than half of staff. Colorado SunFridayTABOR + taxes: Boulder County Childcare Tax 1A, City of Boulder Vacancy Tax 2J, Prop NN and Amendment 187One More Thingimdb.com/title/tt39150234/---------------------------Produced by BVHz in partnership with The Mountain EarIndependent, local journalism for Boulder CountyOur teamJournalist + producer: Shay CastleAudio producer + music: Kelly GarryAdditional support provided by Jeff Rozic and Tyler Hickman*Find bonus content and support us on Patreon