HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.24.24 DMC MinutesCITY OF BOULDER
BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING MINUTES
Name of Board/Commission: Downtown Management Commission
Date of Meeting: September 24, 2024
Contact Information Preparing Summary: Lisa Wuycheck (303) 441-324
Board Members Present: Erica Dahl, Justin Kalvin, Don Poe (Chair), Stephanie Trees (Vice-Chair),
Andy Nathan
Board Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Cris Jones, Director of Community Vitality (CV)
Matt Chasansky, CV Senior Manager of Cultural Vibrancy & District Vitality
Kristine Edwards, CV Operations and Maintenance Senior Manager
Samantha Bromberg, CV Senior Project Manager
Reegan Brown, CV Senior Project Manager
Lane Landrith, CV District Vitality Specialist
Lisa Wuycheck, CV Executive Assistant
Luca Capaldi, CV Intern
Guests Present:
Bettina Swigger, Downtown Boulder Partnership CEO
Type of Meeting: Hybrid
The DMC meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. A quorum was present for the conduct of business.
Agenda Item 1: Roll Call
Lisa Wuycheck, CV Executive Assistant, took roll call; all commissioners were present.
Agenda Item 2: Procedural Items
A. Approval of the July 2024 Meeting Minutes
Poe motioned to approve the meeting minutes as presented in the packet. Second by Kalvin. The
motion passed unanimously.
B. Elections – Chair and Vice-Chair
Nathan motioned to elect Don Poe as the chair and Stephanie Trees as the vice-chair. Second by
Kalvin. The motion passed unanimously.
C. Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP) Board of Directors – DMC ex-officio representative.
Poe motioned to elect Stephanie Trees as the DMC ex-officio representative for the DBP Board of
Directors. Second by Kalvin. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 3: Public Participation
There were no members of the public present.
Agenda Item 4: Consent Agenda
Consent Agenda – Topics will not be discussed unless there are questions posed by the Commission.
Please reference the consent agenda memo.
Poe asked for clarification on the Spruce Garage Public Art Project. Senior Manager of Cultural
Vibrancy and District Vitality Matt Chasansky confirmed the project will take three years and
Community Vitality Director Jones added that structural repairs are being made to the garage.
Trees asked who oversees the Roots Music Project. Senior Project Manager Reegan Brown confirmed
she is overseeing the project. Trees recommended more outreach to the community for public events.
Brown replied staff will focus outreach efforts for future projects and may collaborate with community
partners.
Agenda Item 5: Fund Financials
Fund Financials – The fund will not be discussed unless there are questions posed by the Commission.
Please reference the packet attachment.
Poe asked for clarification on which area is considered ‘Downtown’ and which area is ‘Pearl Street’.
Jones explained ‘Downtown’ is a geographic area that comprises the entire district while ‘Pearl Street’
is specifically the area of the Pearl Street Mall.
Trees requested separate financial reports for sales tax revenue from the west area of Downtown, the
Pearl Street Mall, and the east area of Downtown.
Trees asked for clarification on the rise of the use of funds for ‘Economic Vitality and District
Management’ this year and subsequent decline over time. Jones explained the actuals are budgeted
expenses for personnel. He commented that when there are vacancies and funds aren’t spent, the
recommended budget in that area will decrease. Jones added EcoPass rescources were shifted to other
funds since RTD’s fares have decreased.
Trees inquired about the recommended decrease in funding for ‘Community Vitality Customer
Service’. Jones clarified there is a decrease in credit card fees due to contracting with Metropolis.
Agenda Item 6: Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP) Update
Bettina Swigger, Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP) CEO updated the commissioner on current
DBP topics.
• Monthly pedestrian counts downtown
• Pearl Street Arts Fest (July 19-21)
• Bands on the Bricks
• Fall Fest (September 14-16)
• DBP Partnerships
• Tebo Train statistics
• Downtown Ambassador Program
• East End Sip & Stroll (September 24)
• World Singing Day (October 19)
• Munchkin Masquerade (October 31)
Swigger confirmed DBP staff will survey the participating retailers of the East End Sip & Stroll to
determine its success.
Swigger encouraged the commissioners attend the town hall on October 10.
Nathan asked about the attendance rates of the downtown CU Stampedes. Swigger replied the first
stampede was on a Thursday, so attendance was lower, but she verified Fridays stampedes have had
high turnouts.
Agenda Item 7: Matters from Staff
A. City Manager’s Office (CMO) Recommended Update
Community Vitality (CV) Director Cris Jones updated the commission on a summary of the changes
made to the CV staff budget requests reflected in the 2025 City Manager's Recommended Budget.
Jones reviewed the following changes to staff requests in the City Manager Office’s (CMO)
recommended budget.
• Staff suggested a one-time shift of EcoPass savings to support maintenance operations. The
City Manager’s Office (CMO) recommended an ongoing permanent shift to maintenance
operations in the Commercial Areas General Improvement District (CAGID).
• Staff proposed a one-time decrease in the general fund transfer to CAGID associated with
savings from credit card processing fees. The CMO recommended an ongoing decrease.
• Staff recommended ongoing enhancements to the Ambassador Program and to the Outdoor
Dining Program. The CMO recommended one-time requests for both programs in the 2025
budget.
• Staff recommended ongoing funding for certain Arts & Culture programs, and the CMO
recommended one-time funding in the 2025 budget.
DMC Responses:
Poe inquired about the CMO recommended security enhancements in the garages. Jones replied these
enhancements consist of cameras and lighting.
Trees asked about the cadence of power washing in the garages. Senior Manager of Operations and
Maintenance Kristine Edwards answered that the maintenance teams spot-washes the garages on a
weekly basis, and she hopes to add annual power washing to the maintenance schedule.
B. Civic Use Building Commercial Area General Improvement District (CAGID) Easement &
Improvements
The purpose of this item is to provide information to the Downtown Management Commission
(DMC) regarding a proposed Site Review Amendment for a development at 900 Walnut Street and
its proposed impacts to CAGID owned property.
Cris Jones highlighted three elements of the project for DMC’s consideration.
1. A proposed adjustment to the easement along the pedestrian corridor between Canyon and
Walnut.
2. Increased use of the civic pad leading to more vertical movement in the St. Julien Garage, for
which CAGID is responsible for maintaining the stairs and elevators.
3. Several other capital projects including repairs to the concrete between the 1st and second
levels of underground parking in the garage.
DMC Responses:
Poe inquired about what happens when the 35-year term concludes and the duration of the price
reduction. Jones responded that he would research the matter and report back to the commissioners.
Pole asked whether a ramp for bikes would be included in the easement area, and Jones confirmed it
would.
The Commissioners requested details about the agreement for civic use in the redevelopment of the
St. Julien property. Trees asked for clarification on how the proposed rates are deemed affordable
and whether there is an established framework for this.
Poe requested information regarding the Lime Scooter plans for the development. Jones responded
that the staff would consult with Transportation and Mobility for further details on the plan.
C. CAGID Parking Product Analysis
Jones explained staff has been working to identify ways to better serve both existing and future
customers in the parking garages. He continued that Samantha Bromberg has been determinng key
issues that need to be addressed and to develop strategies for improvement. Jones explained the focus
is not only on solving current problems but also on optimizing available space for parking and access
needs. Additionally, he conveyed the team is considering how to maintain revenue streams to support
ongoing operations.
Jones expressed that staff is continuing working on capital projects to bring all garages to a state of
good repair. He commented that the 1100 Spruce Garage is expected to be addressed next year,
followed by the St. Julien Garage. Jones discussed how, as the staff makes these capital improvements,
they are also considering how to enhance operations and product offerings to better reflect current
needs, rather than those from the pre-COVID era.
CV Senior Project Manager, Samantha Brown, presented a map of the CAGID-owned parking lots and
garages located downtown. She reviewed current parking products including permits, special rates, and
passes.
Bromberg detailed preliminary market research indicating the city’s $165 permit pricing is
considerably lower than the $200-230 market rate. She continued that, for hourly pricing, the city is
also below market rates, but the difference is not as pronounced as with the permit pricing.
Bromberg explained that several static wayfinding signs were installed throughout the downtown area.
She explained, since the installation of these signs which occurred some time ago, their condition
indicates a lack of recent maintenance. Additionally, she added that traffic patterns may have shifted
since their installation, warranting a review of utilization trends.
She presented charts detailing the utilization of the 1100 Spruce Garage and the RTD Garage over the
past three months. The charts indicated more activity over the weekends.
Bromberg summarized the parking product challenges highlighting the discrepancy between parking
availability and demand as travel patterns have changed. She explained the demand for parking in the
garages peaks when parking is free, but this demand is not consistent across all the facilities over time.
She added that some parking lots experience extremely long waitlists, while others remain
underutilized. Additionally, she reported staff has received requests for residential permits for CAGID
residents, which has not been something considered in the past.
Bromberg stated a significant challenge faced by staff is public perception. She explained there is a
widespread belief that parking in Boulder is difficult. She continued that many people acknowledge
this perception and express a desire for improvements.
Additionally, she conveyed the public’s concerns regarding safety in the garages, which further
impacts perception. Jones commented that staff has not identified significant trends in criminal activity
in the garages.
Bromberg detailed the challenge area focusing on climate initiatives, which align with city policy. She
confirmed staff are exploring ways to contribute to the city’s climate initiatives by supporting
multimodal travel both to and within the downtown district.
Bromberg reviewed the following objectives.
• Support various modes of transportation to downtown.
• Manage parking demand throughout the district.
• Maintain safe, accessible, and well-utilized district assets.
• Create a consistent parking experience across Boulder.
• Promote the “park once” philosophy and bolster the downtown economy.
Bromberg explained several options to achieve the objectives, including short-term, medium-term, and
long-term strategies for exploration. She asked the DMC for feedback on these options to better
understand their preferences.
She explained the following options to achieve staff’s objectives.
• To support multimodal transportation to downtown, one possibility is to offer additional
benefits for CAGID employees, focusing specifically on their needs.
• To manage parking demand across the district, staff could update our wayfinding signage,
which has become somewhat outdated.
• Staff may implement creative marketing strategies aimed at educating the community about
available parking resources. Pricing adjustments could also be considered to help balance
supply and demand across our assets.
• To maintain safe, accessible, and activated district assets, staff plans to implement safety
improvements in the garages, which will contribute to this goal.
• Staff should identify customer needs that are currently unmet by the parking assets. For
example, exploring options for residential parking permits could activate the garages during
different times of the day, potentially improving perceptions of safety.
• Regarding a consistent parking experience across Boulder, the city currently has paid parking
on the street from Monday to Saturday, with different rules for garages on Saturdays and
Sundays. Staff should consider ways to create a more uniform parking experience regardless of
location.
• To support the "park once" philosophy, staff recognizes that while driving is still necessary for
some, they want to encourage drivers to park once and utilize other modes of transportation as
needed.
• In terms of supporting the downtown economy, staff should explore initiatives that promote
small businesses, such as our affordable commercial program targeted at property owners and
small businesses.
As for the staff recommendations, Bromberg explained the short-term options could be implemented
sooner than others. She added that most of the other options discussed can be incorporated into the
2025 to 2027 work plans, depending on the input from the DMC.
She advised that since the current pricing is slightly below market rates, staff recommend exploring
increases in the pricing for downtown garages and surface lots, while not adjusting the Trinity Garage
pricing at this time, as it is currently undergoing transition.
Bromberg presented gradual price increases over the next few years to align more closely with market
rates and address some supply and demand challenges. She stated that even if prices increase, staff
don’t expect to see a significant decrease in demand. She explained this is largely because there are
limited alternative options available for parking.
DMC Responses:
Poe recommended raising prices to match the market rate. Bromberg detailed her recommendation to
increase prices over three years every year.
Trees expressed she doesn’t believe customers in Boulder are less price-sensitive and more focused on
cleanliness and convenience. She added that changing prices to recoup lost revenue may affect
downtown businesses by making them less viable.
Jones explained the challenge of balancing the need to make sure the city is not undercutting market
while also not creating an unplanned, significant financial burden to customers.
Edwards commented that feedback she’s received from business owners indicates the perception that a
lack of free parking impacts their businesses.
Jones reminded the commissioners that the decisions made regarding parking for short-term visitors on
weekdays can significantly impact businesses that pay for employee permits from Monday through
Friday. He stated that larger initiatives will aim at encouraging locals to visit downtown more
frequently, focusing on strategies to attract weekday workers back to the office. Jones explained
encouraging more people to use the garages for parking is essential to this effort.
Trees expressed she would support marketing for pricing changes that would generate revenue to help
maintain the garages.
Swigger emphasized she believes Boulder offers one of the most user-friendly parking experiences, not
only in this state but also in others. She continued that she believes it would be a significant mistake to
eliminate free street parking on weekends, as it communicates to the community that Boulder
welcomes visitors. She added that she strongly recommends maintaining free weekend parking. Nathan
agreed saying it should be an easy process for people to come downtown.
Bromberg said, based on the feedback she receives from the DMC, staff will develop a more formal
project schedule, which will be presented at the November meeting. This will allow the commissioners
to see how the areas of interest are addressed over time. If the proposed pricing changes for permits
receive approval from staff, we can implement them as early as 2025.
She explained most permit holders generally expect to see gradual price increases year over year, and
she does not anticipate any significant concerns regarding the proposed changes, as they are relatively
modest.
Questions for the DMC:
1. Does the DMC have questions for staff about the existing conditions?
2. Does the DMC have any feedback on the identified objectives for CAGID parking assets? Are
there any changes the DMC would like to suggest?
3. Does the DMC have any feedback on the recommended mechanisms to meet the objectives?
Jones expressed that staff received valuable feedback from the commissioners during the meeting.
Kalvin suggested additional wayfinding for the garages.
Poe suggested signage to indicate the Randolph Garage is not an RTD garage.
D. Commercial Areas Update – Connections and Analysis
CV Senior Manager of Cultural Vibrancy and District Vitality Matthew Chasansky provided updates
on the City Council agenda item ‘Commercial Areas Update – Connections and Analysis.’
Chasansky reminded the DMC that staff has provided them with several updates on the Improvement
District analysis, which outlines the vision and the mechanisms for achieving it within general
improvement districts. He explained, following discussions with City Council last week, staff made
some adjustments to the scope of this analysis.
Chasansky reviewed the following adjustments to the analysis.
• Staff divided the district analysis into short-term and long-term components. In the short term,
staff will focus on identifying immediate changes that can enhance efficiency and governance
for general improvement districts, including KG. The goal is to have recommendations ready
by next May.
• For the long-term visioning, originally part of the scope, staff is now referring to this as the
Boulder Commercial Areas Blueprint. This strategic document will be informed by the
upcoming Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update, which begins next month. Staff aimsto
leverage this update to address questions about commercial areas, connections, quality of life,
governance, and efficiency on a larger scale.
From this comprehensive plan, Chasansky explained staff will conduct specific analyses and engage
with the community to identify priorities and long-term vision for downtown. He added that staff will
also explore the governance tools and improvement district mechanisms needed to achieve these goals.
Chasansky will provide updates at each meeting.
E. Affordable Commercial Pilot Program Update
CV Senior Project Manager Reegan Brown updated the commission that, las week, staff launched a
pilot program for the Affordable Commercial Grant aimed at addressing the gap in the market for more
affordable commercial spaces and increasing opportunities for small local businesses to thrive in our
commercial areas.
Brown summarized the key details of the program.
• Grants are available for commercial property owners to renovate, expand, or improve existing
vacant commercial spaces. The requirement is for owners to lease the repurposed spaces to
multiple tenants at below-market rates.
• The total funding available for this grant program is approximately $850,000, which includes
both American Rescue Plan Act funds and CAGID funding, with a focus on downtown
locations due to the use of CAGID funds.
• The grants will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis, meaning the city will reimburse
expenses incurred rather than providing upfront funding.
• Awards can be granted up to $300,000, and higher amounts may be considered if a proposal
exceptionally meets or exceeds our established criteria. Proposals for smaller amounts are also
welcome.
• The application was released on September 9, with a deadline of October 7. Brown will
convene a review panel to score the applications from October 8 to 22, with decisions
announced at the end of October.
• The city will enter into agreements with grantees throughout November. It is important to note
that American Rescue Plan Act funds must be encumbered by the end of this year and spent by
December 2026.
• Eligible projects may include capital expenditures and initiatives designed to provide rent
subsidies to tenants.
• Projects must be structured to ensure long-term affordability for multiple tenants and must be
located within the city limits of Boulder.
• Eligible applicants include commercial property owners, property managers, or business
ventures with legal authority to execute a commercial lease.
• Projects must involve multiple tenants, such as shared retail or office facilities or incubator
spaces. Any capital projects that enhance the tenant space are also eligible.
• Applications will be evaluated based on local small business focus, impact, feasibility,
affordability, and the presence of a clear implementation plan.
• Longevity measures will also be assessed to ensure sustained program impact.
• Grantees will be required to submit quarterly reports, a final report, and an annual affordability
compliance report detailing lease rates and tenant profiles for the previous year.
Brown confirmed the application link is available on the city’s website.
Affordable Commercial Grant Pilot Program | City of Boulder (bouldercolorado.gov)
Brown asked for commissioner volunteers for the review panel. Kalvin and Dahl agreed to serve on the
panel.
Brown will report back to the DMC with data on the applications after the deadline.
F. Commutifi Pilot Program Update
Brown provided the commissioners with an update on the Boulder Clean Commute Program. She
explained the program is part of the Travel Demand Management (TDM) initiative launched earlier
this year in the CAGID and Boulder Junction areas. She stated the program aims to encourage
companies to support and promote sustainable commuting practices among their employees through a
financial incentive matching program.
Brown reviewed the following incentives for employers.
• The city will match funds provided by employers for employees who utilize sustainable
commuting methods.
• Additionally, employers are eligible to apply for a state tax credit that offers a 50% tax credit
on expenditures related to sustainable transportation initiatives for their staff.
Brown commented that a quarterly report from Commutifi was included in the meeting packet which
covered the second quarter. She added that although the report is somewhat outdated, there has been an
increase in engagement since its release.
Brown reported there are approximately 22 employers participating in the program, with around 17 of
those based in CAGID. Collectively, 1,200 sustainable trips have been logged by 40 employer users.
She explained that while some engagement has been observed, the program aims to increase
participation further. Brown stated that this initiative is still in its pilot phase, and efforts will be made
to enhance outreach and awareness of the program throughout the remainder of the year.
Brown said staff has a strong desire to see the Boulder Clean Commute Program continue its efforts.
She explained that, in the recommended budget for 2025, additional funding has been allocated to
support this initiative. She noted that official approval from the City Council for the proposed budget
will take place on October 17.
DMC Responses:
Trees advised it will take a big effort to encourage people to change their behavior.
Poe asked if the program pays people to do what they’re already doing.
Trees commented that, from her experience, financial incentives are not an effective catalyst for
behavioral changes.
Brown replied that understanding the demographics and behaviors of individuals utilizing the Boulder
Clean Commute Program is crucial. Browne expressed a desire to explore these aspects further during
the upcoming survey work and outreach efforts.
Brown emphasized the importance of determining whether participants were already biking or walking
to work prior to joining the program or if the financial incentive has prompted a change in their
commuting behavior.
Agenda Item 9: Matters from Commissioners
There were no matters from the commissioners to discuss.
Agenda Item 10: Next Commission Meeting
Next Commission Meeting: 4 p.m., Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
Agenda Item 11: Adjourn DMC Meeting
There being no further business to come before the commission at this time, Trees adjourned at 6:21
p.m.
Approved on: November 12, 2024
Attested: Approved by:
___________________ _____________________
Lisa Wuycheck Don Poe
Executive Assistant DMC Chair
Date: ______________ Date: _________________
/s/ Lisa Wuycheck
April 16, 2025
Don Poe (Apr 16, 2025 14:10 MDT)
Don Poe
Apr 16, 2025
09.24.24 Meeting Minutes - APPROVED
Final Audit Report 2025-04-16
Created:2025-04-16
By:Ellie Kennedy (kennedyl@bouldercolorado.gov)
Status:Signed
Transaction ID:CBJCHBCAABAAIbZ1CFmwXTSf4terNvRpUdRr2iBG8O5n
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