HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.28.25 DMC PacketDOWNTOWN MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
October 28, 2025
4:00-6:00 P.M.
Community Vitality Department, 1500 Pearl Street, Suite #300
(The public will attend via Zoom webinar.)
AGENDA
I.Roll Call Secretary
II.Procedural Items (5 min.)Chair
A.Approval of October 6, 2025 Meeting Minutes
B.Approval of October All CV Commissions Summit Meeting Minutes
C.Approval of 2026 Draft Meeting Schedule
III.Public Participation (0-10 min.)Chair
IV.Consent Agenda – Topics will not be discussed unless there are questions posed by the Commission.
Please reference the consent agenda memo.
V.Q3 Fund Financials Report & Q2 Sales Tax Report (The financial report and sales tax report will not be
discussed unless there are questions posed by the Commission.)
VI.Q3 Visitation Reports (The Placer.ai report will not be discussed unless there are questions posed by the
Commission.)
VII.Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP) Update (20 min.)Bettina Swigger, DBP
VIII.Downtown Area Update (20 min.)Stephen Redfearn, Chief of Police, BPD
IX.Matters from Staff (65 min.)Staff
A.Parking Pricing Update (Bromberg/ Edwards) 20 min.
B.Letter to City Council (Jones) 15 min.
C.Garage Mobility Hub (Bromberg) 30 min.
X.Matters from Commissioners (10 min.)Chair
A.Public Art Project for Sundance (Poe)
XI.Upcoming Meetings Chair
A. DMC Commission Meeting: 4 p.m., Tuesday, January 13, 2025
XII.Adjourn Chair
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Attachments:
-Draft October 6, 2025 Meeting Minutes
-Draft All CV Commissions Summit Meeting Minutes
-2026 Draft Meeting Schedule
-Special District Boards and Commissions Consent Agenda – October/ November 2025
-Q3 2025 Fund Financials Report
- Q2 2025 Sales Tax Report
-Q3 2025 Placer.ai Report
-Downtown Boulder Partnership Presentation
-Second Draft Letter to City Council
Commission Members 2024 Commission Priorities UHCAMC Charter
Commissioner Members 2025 DMC Priorities
Staff Liaison
Cris Jones, Community Vitality Director
jonesc@bouldercolorado.gov
Erica Dahl - Property Owner/Rep
Term ends: 2029
Don Poe, Chair- Property Owner/Rep
Term ends: 2026
Stephanie Trees, Vice Chair – Citizen-at-
Large
Term ends: 2026
Justin Kalvin - Citizen-at-Large
Term ends: 2026
Andy Nathan - Property Owner/Rep
Term ends: 2028
1. Facilitate the perception of safety with support for Boulder's
ambassador program and for mindful policing.
2.Support Economic Vitality by advocating for the activation of
underutilized space (e.g., parking lots), strong encouragement of
affordability efforts, and promotion of helpful code changes.
3.Connect visitors from other areas to the Downtown area by spreading
awareness of marketing efforts and wayfinding.
4.Take opportunities to communicate with other boards and align efforts
to connect the various economic districts.
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CITY OF BOULDER
BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING MINUTES
Name of Board/Commission: Downtown Management Commission
Date of Meeting: October 6, 2025
Contact Information Preparing Summary: Ellie Kennedy, (303) 441-4032
Board Members Present: Justin Kalvin, Don Poe (Chair), Erica Dahl, Andy Nathan, Stephanie Trees
(Vice Chair)
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 Senior Manager of Operations and Maintenance
Elliott LaBonte, CV Senior Manager of Business Services
Reegan Brown, CV Senior Project Manager
Ellie Kennedy, CV Operations Specialist
Melissa Mazany, CV Operations Associate
Chelsea Sullivan, CV Project Analyst
Guests Present:
Bettina Swigger, Downtown Boulder Partnership CEO
Chris Mirto, AIA, LEED AP PEH Architects
Mari Blaser, Associate AIA PEH Architects
Erica Benn, Principal at Razem
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
Ellie Kennedy, CV Operations Specialist took roll call; all commissioners were present.
Agenda Item 2: Procedural Items
A.Approval of the July 2025 Meeting Minutes
Justin Kalvin motioned to approve the meeting minutes as presented in the packet. Second by Erica
Dahl. There was no discussion. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 3: Public Participation
There were no members of the public present.
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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.
-Don Poe asked about the RFP for work that was released for the Commercial Area Blueprint,
and Cris Jones, Director of Community Vitality, answered that the work has been paused due to
focus shifting to the creation of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Reegan Brown,
CV Senior Project Manager, added that she will provide a more robust update.
Agenda Item 5: Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP) Update
Downtown Boulder Partnership CEO Bettina Swigger updated the commissioner on current DBP
topics including:
-Public policy ork and an upcoming forum.
-Marketing updates such as partnering with influencers and scheduling photo shoots.
-Upcoming events and programs in the downtown area.
-A sneak peek at the 2025 Holiday Playbook for downtown businesses.
-Ambassador Program updates such as new statistics and photos of the work they do to clean up
the area.
Poe asked if DBP had received any feedback yet about Boulderthon, and Swigger answered that they
sent out a survey and she can share those results with the commission via email.
Swigger and the commission discussed the high number of events happening every weekend and
DBP’s plans for 2026 scheduling.
Stephanie Trees shared her appreciation that the bouncy castles at the Downtown Fall Festival were
free.
Kalvin asked for more details about the “outreach referrals” statistic from the ambassador update, and
Swigger answered that those are instances where the ambassador needed to direct the community
member to another resource, such as a food share program or connection with a social worker. Kalvin
shared concern that the referral number has been 0 for two months in a row, and Swigger responded
that will pass that concern along to her teammate responsible for referrals.
Agenda Item 6: Matters from Staff
A.Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Update
Reegan Brown updated the commission on the timeline for the DDA project. She requested a liaison
from the commission to serve on planning group committee.
Dahl nominated Kalvin. Poe moved, Andy Nathan seconded, no discussion, motion passed
unanimously.
B.Spruce and St. Julien Update
Chelsea Sullivan, CV Project Analyst, introduced Chris Mirto, AIA, LEED AP PEH Architects,
Mari Blaser, Associate AIA PEH Architects, and Erica Benn, Principal at Razem.
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Kristine Edwards, CV Senior Manager of Operations and Maintenance, shared the background on the
projects wherein her team shifted focus from only emergency maintenance to more proactive upkeep of
the structure.
Sullivan shared updates about the projects including:
-An 1100 Spruce Project overview, including an upcoming town hall meeting.
-An 1100 Spruce Project timeline, including a projected completion date in Fall 2026.
-A St Julien Project overview.
Dahl asked if the entire garage will be closed, and Sullivan answered that they will take a phased
approach to impact as few community members as possible.
-A St Julien Project timeline, including a projected completion date in Fall 2026.
-Wayfinding updates, such as new signage, collaboration with local artists on placemaking, and
additional lighting.
The commission, Benn, and Sullivan discussed the plan designs, including ideas about which design
concept the commissioners preferred and how those concepts would be applied to the garage’s
infrastructure.
Poe brought up a public art mural project he would like to move forward with for Sundance Film
Festival.
C.2026 Budget Recommendations and Approvals
Elliott LaBonte, CV Senior Manager of Business Services updated the commission about key
accomplishments from the past year, including:
-Accomplishments in the downtown area in 2025.
- Definitions of relevant terminology.
-The City Manager’s 2026 recommended budget.
-Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) through 2031.
-A 3-year comparison between 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Poe asked why there aren’t transfers projected for 2026, and LaBonte answered that it is because the
City Manager’s Office is recommending that no funds are transferred from the General Fund to the
CAGID Fund in 2026. Poe and LaBonte discussed changes to the non-personnel category.
Dahl moved to recommend City Council, serving as the board of directors for the Central Area General
Improvement District, adopt the City Manager’s 2026 Recommended Budget appropriating money to
defray expenses and liabilities pertaining to the Central Area General Improvement District fund.
Second by Nathan, there was no discussion, and the motion passed unanimously.
D.Garage Wayfinding
Kristine Edwards updated the commission on the project status and the sign designs they discussed at
the last meeting.
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The commission, Jones, and Edwards discussed the proposed signage design and how it will be
received by the public.
Edwards shared a map of the proposed locations for the new signs.
Jones and Edwards shared a proposed $0.50 increase to garage pricing from in 2026. Poe would like
clearer language around the $0.99 fee.
Kalvin moved to approve the proposed garage pricing updates for 2026. Second by Nathan, there was
no discussion, and the motion passed unanimously.
E.Draft Commissions Summit Agenda Review
Cris Jones updated the commission about the topics on the draft agenda for the October All CV
Commissions Summit meeting.
Poe volunteered to chair the meeting.
Agenda Item 7: Matters from Commissioners
There were no matters from commissioners.
Agenda Item 8: Next Commission Meetings
All CV Commissions Summit Meeting: 3 p.m., Monday, October 20, 2025. The public will be remote.
DMC Commission Meeting: 4 p.m., Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The public will be remote.
Jones brought up the short timeline for creating a Letter to Council, and advised the commission that
they will need to prioritize working on that item to ensure it’s completion by the December 19, 2025
due date.
Agenda Item 9: Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the commission at this time, Poe moved to adjourn the
meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
Approved on:
Attested: Approved by:
___________________ _____________________
Ellie Kennedy Don Poe
Board Secretary DMC Chair
Date: ______________ Date: _________________
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CITY OF BOULDER
BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING MINUTES
Name of Board/Commission: University Hill Commercial Area Management Commission
(UHCAMC), Downtown Management Commission (DMC), Boulder Junction Access District (BJAD) –
Travel Demand Management (TDM) & Parking Joint Commissions
Date of Meeting: October 20, 2025
Contact Information Preparing Summary: Ellie Kennedy, (303) 441-4032
Board Members Present
UHCAMC: Trent Bush, Tell Jones, Danica Powell (Vice Chair), Ted Rockwell (Chair), Dane Anderson
DMC: Justin Kalvin, Andy Nathan, Stephanie Trees (Vice Chair), Erica Dahl, Don Poe (Chair)
BJAD-Parking: Robyn Ronen (Chair), Rebekah Dumouchelle (Vice Chair), Kevin Knapp, Daniel
Aizenman
BJAD-Travel Demand Management: Rebekah Dumouchelle (Chair), Daniel Aizenman
Board Members Absent
UHCAMC:
DMC:
BJAD-Parking:
BJAD-Travel Demand Management: Kevin Crouse (Vice Chair)
Staff Present:
Cris Jones, Director of Community Vitality (CV)
Matt Chasansky, CV Cultural Vibrancy and District Vitality Senior Manager
Elliott LaBonte, CV Senior Manager of Business Services
Kristine Edwards, CV Senior Manager of Operations and Maintenance
Reegan Brown, CV Senior Project Manager
Sam Bromberg, Community Vitality Senior Project Manager
Ellie Kennedy, CV Operations Specialist
Melissa Mazany, CV Operations Associate
Ali Rhodes, Parks and Recreation Director
Mark Woulf, Assistant City Manager
Guests Present:
Type of Meeting: Hybrid
The meeting was called to order at 3:00 p.m.
Agenda Item 1: Introductions
Staff and the members of each commission introduced themselves and shared achievements that they are
proud of from previous years and things they are excited for the coming year. Don Poe volunteered to
Chair the meeting.
Don Poe is proud of the work they’ve done on creating the Downtown Development Authority (DDA),
and he is looking forward to the Vision Plan.
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Mark Woulf, Assistant City Manager, is excited to see a lot of people downtown as a result of the work
done to support the district.
Cris Jones, Director of Community Vitality, is proud of the work he’s done in his position and how Roots
Music Festival turned out the past weekend.
Reegan Brown, CV Senior Project Manager, is excited for the DDA work.
Kristine Edwards, CV Senior Manager of Operations and Maintenance, is proud of keeping the timeline
on track for the upcoming work in the Spruce garage in January 2026, and she is excited for the work to
be completed.
Melissa Mazany, CV Operations Associate, is proud of the team she’s worked with over the past year.
Elliott LaBonte, CV Senior Manager of Business Services, is proud of the work Community Vitality has
completed over the years since its creation.
Ted Rockwell is proud of the work done to make Roots Music Festival happen. He’s excited for the
exploration and creation of the DDA.
Trent Bush is proud of the transformation happening on The Hill in recent years and is looking forward
to expanding on that growth.
Dane Anderson is proud of the work Community Vitality has completed in the community, and he is
excited to see the updates on The Hill completed.
Tell Jones is proud of the work done to support the hotels opening and the ambassador programs, and he
is excited for the DDA.
Stephanie Trees is proud of the Outdoor Dining Pilot Program, the ambassador program, and how
Community Vitality responded during the Covid-19 Pandemic. She is excited for the DDA.
Erica Dahl is proud of the other commissioners and that they volunteer their time for the city. She is
excited to bridge connections between the different districts.
Robyn Ronen is proud of her fellow commissioners for advocating for their community. She is excited to
see the city expand.
Rebekah Dumouchelle is proud of the work to get RTD service returned to the Depot Bus Station. She is
looking forward to the mill levies being lowered.
Justin Kalvin is proud of the ambassador program and providing an alternative to police contact. He is
looking forward to the parking signage project being completed.
Andy Nathan is proud of the changes that have created energy and excitement around the city. He is
excited for Sundance Film Festival (Sundance).
Danica Powell is proud of the Vision Project, and she is looking forward to the DDA and connecting the
districts.
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Agenda Item 2: Economic Development Strategy Update
Woulf shared information including:
- The Economic Vitality Strategy (EVS) focus-areas of Equity, Resilience, Vitality, and
Innovation.
- The 2025-2026 City Council Priorities of Economic Development Plan & Programs.
Enhancements and Commercial Area connections & Blueprint projects.
- Council Feedback on the EVS.
- EVS Implementation around the city in business support, district support, and economic
development.
Poe and Woulf discussed the CHIPS program.
Trees and Woulf discussed the incentive program to bring businesses to second-floor office spaces, and
how that program might be implemented.
Kalvin and Woulf discussed the different methods for redevelopment, such as the DDA and Urban
Renewal projects.
Dahl asked what CHIPS stands for, and LaBonte and Poe answered it is a program to bring
semiconductor chip manufacturing back to the USA. Rockwell, Poe, and LaBonte discussed the history
and relevance of chip manufacturing in Colorado and surrounding states.
Poe asked if council is considering converting unused office space into affordable housing units, and
Woulf stated that they may consider that option. Dumouchelle and Woulf discussed limitations to this
option.
- Gap Identifications and Opportunities in areas such as current resources and limited available
tools for promoting and developing economic activity.
-The purpose and goals of the reorganization of Community Vitality into the Office of Economic
Vitality.
- Cultural and economic development in arts & culture, business support, and economic
development.
Trees asked what programs were cut or downsized to repurpose staff time, and Woulf said that he will
share more details in a later slide, but they are still in the process of work-planning for 2026. The
Commercial Areas Blueprint will be paused. Trees asked if the amount the city will spend on art is
increasing or decreasing, and Woulf answered that it is increasing due to tapping into resources from the
Arts, Culture, & Heritage Tax (2A).
Dumouchelle asked if they are planning on changes to zoning code for businesses, such as the
requirement that food trucks operate outside of a certain distance away from restaurants, and Woulf
answered that they will explore changes like that.
Kalvin asked about the cost of getting the new office up and running compared to the cost of adding
another team to the structure that already exists, and Woulf answered that they will see a net reduction
year over year. He expanded that they have the resources to fund the changes.
-Alignment with best practices in other cities, such as Longmont and Fort Collins.
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-The functions that are moving to other departments, like:
o Special Events to the City Manager’s Office,
o Maintenance to Facilities & Fleet,
o Parking Enforcement to Planning & Development,
o Customer Service to the City Manager’s Office, and
o Parking Management to Transportation & Mobility.
-Organizational Charts of the new functions.
-Next steps of the reorganization process, including:
o Transferring the functions,
o Continued support for critical initiatives,
o Staff and work planning,
o Support for impacted staff members.
Bush asked about where some staff members will move, and Woulf answered that it will be discussed
during the work planning. Cris Jones added that the staff member whom Bush asked about works for a
third party.
Poe brought up the commission research that was done earlier in 2025, and the time spent coordinating
and running the meetings. He brought up rethinking commission structures to be more efficient. Woulf
responded that they will think about this while making sure to stay in line with city code.
Poe added that a lot of staff time is spent going to each CV commission meeting in a monthly cycle and
presenting the same information over and over.
Rockwell brought up streamlining onboarding to help commissioners feel settled in their role within a
month or two of starting their term. Trees brought up the steep learning curve to understand all the
acronyms and how the commissions operate. She suggested the 4 commissions meet together instead of
separately.
Dumouchelle brought up clashing ideas of fewer meetings but also feeling that onboarding takes a long
time due to the lack of meetings. Rockwell clarified that he would like more meetings and to have new
commissioners feel onboarded more quickly.
Poe would like the offboarding to include an exit interview and have space to meet with new
commissioners.
Trees brought up that the packet having presentations in it can be redundant. A packet could be like
homework and not include the full presentations.
Dahl suggested recorded presentations that get sent out instead of live presentations at the meetings.
Kalvin asked if Woulf is confident that the work planning will be completed by the end of the year, and
Woulf answered that he believes everything will be finalized or nearly finalized by the first of next year.
Rockwell asked what changes in format, staff, or support the commissions will see with the
reorganizations in the next three to six months, and Woulf answered that they are still working through
exactly what it will look like. The process for the commissions to make their recommendations to council
will remain the same.
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Agenda Item 3: Civic Area Project Update
Ali Rhodes, Parks and Recreation Director, shared an update about the civic area, including:
- A brief project background with information about the site, scope, and timeline.
-Key drivers for the concept plan such as policy, analysis, and engagement.
-A concept plan overview with maps and artistic renderings of the four zones that each area of
downtown will fall into.
-Next steps for the project, including a timeline that runs into quarter 1 of 2027.
Powell, Rhodes, Woulf, and Rockwell discussed the East Bookend development plans and how they tie
into the Civic Area project.
Dumouchelle, Rockwell, and Rhodes discussed the conversion of 13th street to non-car use only.
Dumouchelle shared her concern that the project will be difficult to complete and pointed to the closure
of West Pearl Street being lifted even though it had community support. Daniel Aizenman stated that he
did not hear support from local businesses for the closure to remain. Dumouchelle clarified that the
support came from community members, not local businesses.
Trees, Rhodes, and Aizenman discussed funding mechanisms for the project, including private donors
and sponsorships.
Dumouchelle and Rhodes discussed the width of the pathways, and the possibility of widening the bike
paths on the Creek Path.
Kalvin, Rhodes, and Woulf discussed the library districts and their possible overlap with the four zones.
Powell, Woulf, Dahl, Dumouchelle, and Rhodes discussed the redevelopment of the Age Well Center
and making sure those services are still available to the public.
Aizenman asked if they have a rough estimate of the cost of the project, and Rhodes answered that if they
incorporate every element of the plans, then around $100 million.
Dahl asked about their engagement plan, and Rhodes answered that it is the next step in the process.
Agenda Item 4: Dinner & Connections Exercise
The commissions took a break for dinner and completed a connections exercise during which they
considered short-term, medium-term, and long-term changes to transportation in the city. The
commissioners then answered questions from the perspective of a fictional community member.
Andy Nathan’s Notes
-A tram or trolley could be a short-term improvement.
- Interpreting the questions as New Resident Noor:
o Delight: Everything is new and fun to experience for the first time. Boulder has better
traffic than other larger cities.
o Barrier: Reluctance to explore due to unknown parking situation.
o Creative Improvement: Offer free parking passes to new residents in a welcome packet
from the city and Boulder County with information about wayfinding and parking in the
area.
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Dane Anderson’s Notes
- Shuttle to Chautauqua from The Hill.
-Shuttle from Downtown to Boulder Falls.
- Better walking paths between Downtown and The Hill.
- Interpreting the questions as New Resident Noor:
o Delight: Loves to explore all the fun options Boulder has to offer.
o Barrier: Where are the good restaurants? Where can someone meet new friends? Where
are the parking garages?
o Creative Improvement: Boulder App that has information about what to do around town,
how to find restaurants, and what parking options there are.
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Danica Powell’s Notes
-Interpreting the questions as Retired Resident Rosa:
o Delight: Loves living in the community they raised their family. Close-knit community
and needs a shuttle or car service for planned outings.
o Barrier: Can’t use a bike due to needing a walker, RTD removed nearby bus stop, no
access to public transit.
o Creative Improvement: Trolley or Micromobility that runs by the hospital, 29th Street
Mall, and Downtown.
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Daniel Aizenman’s Notes
- Free Skip bus service during peak hours.
- Service to cover the last mile into neighborhoods.
-Interpreting the questions as Retired Resident Rosa:
o Delight: They feel like they are a part of the community and have many peers to spend
time with and options for entertainment.
o Barrier: Wishes they hadn’t closed West Pearl. Would like to see senior parking spaces.
Would like to ride the bus, but feels the unhoused population may create risk.
o Creative Improvement: Subsidize the Skip bus line during peak hours and provide senior
parking spaces.
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Don Poe’s Notes
-Service from North Boulder to Denver.
- Close 13th Street from downtown to the North Boulder Rec Center to cars.
-Connect The Hill and Pearl Street.
- Connect Pearl Street to Boulder Junction.
-Service from Central Boulder to South Boulder.
-Interpreting the questions as North Boulder Mom Maria:
o Delight: Enjoys playing in the creek, walking the mall with coffee, and seeing kids play
on the bridge.
o Barrier: Food is expensive downtown. There is a lot of traffic. Short-term free parking is
unclear. The Hill doesn’t have many options for children. The unhoused community may
create risk.
o Creative Improvement: Pop-up events and unique experiences through the parks program.
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Erica Dahl’s Notes
- Reduced parking fees for employees in the downtown area.
- Light-rail train from Boulder to Denver.
- Park ‘n’ Ride options between Boulder and other cities.
-Interpreting the questions as Erica:
o Delight: She gets more value for her money living outside of Boulder.
o Barrier: There is no bus service or Park ‘n’ Ride near her house. Paying for parking
downtown is expensive, and taking the bus in the winter and at night is difficult.
o Creative Improvement: Work with other cities and RTD to improve service between
cities. Offer discounted parking fees for employees in the downtown area.
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Justin Kalvin’s Notes
- Reduced parking fees for employees in the downtown area.
- Affordable housing along bus routes.
- Expand Hop bus service into the late-night hours.
-Interpreting the questions as Downtown Service Worker Jamie:
o Delight: Working in a beautiful, vibrant downtown with access to nature.
o Barrier: Bus schedules don’t accommodate a late-night shift. There aren’t many food
options late at night, either. There are not sufficient pathways to live affordably in
Boulder.
o Creative Improvement: Income-based or restricted housing. Expand service hours for
RTD routes.
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Rebekah Dumouchelle’s Notes
-Interpreting the questions as Event Visitor Vic:
o Delight: Once they are parked, everything is close by and easy to get to.
o Barrier: Bus service stops early in the evening and there is not enough marketing around
bus services. Metro-payment system is difficult to understand. Garage signage is
insufficient.
o Creative Improvement: Low-voltage lighting along bike paths, extended bs hours, special
bus service on event days, and service between Louisville and Baseline.
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Stephanie Trees’ Notes
-Interpreting the questions as Eco-Commuter Eli:
o Delight: Safe and connected bike paths.
o Barrier: 28th street and the downtown area are difficult to bike on due to potholes and
how easy it is to get lost in the area.
o Creative Improvement: Solar-heated bike paths, extended bike paths, readily available
information about route guidance, lights, signs, etc.
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Ted Rockwell’s Notes
-Improve bike access to West Boulder.
- Improve alternative transit options between 15th Street and The Hill.
- Improve bike path near Table Mesa Shopping Center on South Broadway.
-Interpreting the questions as Weekend Tourist Taylor Ted:
o Delight: Easy access to nature, Chautauqua, the mall.
o Barrier: Parking is difficult, needs better public transportation.
o Creative Improvement: Artist co-op or boarding houses that utilize unused, converted
commercial spaces.
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Tell Jones’ Notes
-Interpreting the questions as Weekend Tourist Taylor:
o Delight: There are many parking spaces available, as well as other transportation options
and bike routes.
o Barrier: Information about the area is not centralized or easily available.
o Creative Improvement: An app that centralizes information about parking, transportation,
and bike routes.
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Trent Bush’s Notes
- Add 24-hour bus service along certain routes.
-Interpreting the questions as CU Student Sam:
o Delight: Good availability of Lime Scooters, B-Cycles, and public transit (in the early
hours).
o Barrier: Current options are not useful during inclement weather, winter, and big events.
o Creative Improvement: 24-hour mobility solution that is easy to access and low-cost.
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Agenda Item 5: Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Workshop
Matt Chasansky, CV Cultural Vibrancy and District Vitality Senior Manager, gave an update on the
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan), including:
- The roles of boards and commissions in the Comp Plan update process.
- An overview of the Comp Plan.
-The planning areas.
- The planning framework.
- Updates to the process and project timeline.
-Community engagement, with over 5000 responses.
Woulf, Powell, and Chasansky discussed the diverse pool of respondents.
-A draft of the city’s vision and goals.
-Areas of focus such as climate action and food systems, among others.
- Policy goals such as reducing the number of policies and making sure they are written more
clearly.
-Land use goals such as integrating climate strategies into the land use plan and building resiliency
into the plan.
- New options for land use, like mixed-use buildings, in an effort to create more choices.
- Upcoming milestones in the project in 2025 and 2026.
Chasansky shared these key questions for the commissions to consider:
1) What considerations should we be thinking about to maintain district vibrancy and economic
resilience in light of changing retail and office dynamics?
Trees shared her thoughts about creating an intentional, in-person work culture in the downtown area in a
world that often works remotely now. She would like to encourage entrepreneurship among a more
diverse range of industries within the city.
Rockwell shared his thoughts about food deserts and neighborhoods in the city that do not have fresh
groceries nearby. Mitigating this issue could encourage more people to work remotely.
Poe would like to focus on maintaining vibrancy throughout the year. He is concerned that, with
Sundance coming to Boulder, businesses will be incentivized to make all their money during the film
festival and stay vacant during the rest of the year.
Aizenman would like to focus on filling the second-floor office vacancies in the downtown area. He
believes creating a campus-like environment for the office spaces and encouraging companies world-
wide to station their employees on this campus is the best approach. He would like the city to explore
tenant-attraction strategies.
Nathan believes more incentives will help attract employees to the downtown area. He cited Downtown
Boulder Partnership’s (DBP) program to encourage employees to eat lunch out on the mall on Mondays
as an example to be expanded on.
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Kalvin suggested pivoting and trying to fill the vacancies with other businesses like retail or restaurants.
Dumouchelle shared that the office space should be shared, co-working spaces, and they need to be
affordable for everyone.
Powell agreed that there should be reservable office space available for a very low cost or free to make
the space look full. She brought up concern that many buildings are hitting the 50-year mark and will be
eligible for landmark designation soon, many upgrades and renovations difficult.
Poe shared his difficulty with high property taxes making renting commercial properties in the city
inaccessible. He would like to see a tax relief program.
2) The BVCP team is considering input from the community and City Council for policy that
enhances a night life economy, 15-minute neighborhoods, local businesses, and commercial area
vibrancy. What are the most important needs (infrastructure, land use, policy, or regulatory
changes) that would improve these categories for your districts?
Dumouchelle shared concern that the bus service ends too early in the evening to accommodate a vibrant
nightlife. Community members cannot get home late at night via public transit.
Kalvin added another factor that affects the nightlife in Boulder is housing affordability as people cannot
live in town and therefore must commute from other cities, and he emphasized that there need to be more
public transit options available throughout the night.
Poe stated that the strip mall near his home is taken up mostly by a cooking school, so the shopping and
restaurant options in his 15-minute neighborhood are limited.
Ronen echoed concerns about the limited times for bus services in Boulder, and concerns about South
Boulder not having many options for shopping and restaurants. She also shared concern about the cost of
food in the city being very high and unaffordable.
Aizenman wants to invite autonomous vehicles to the city ahead of Sundance. He shared concerns that
developers will still create parking, regardless of the parking requirements being lifted by Planning &
Development Services, because there is not enough public transit to support new tenants. He suggested
exploring a city-owned transit system.
Powell would like to see the planning and permitting process simplified and made less expensive to
incentivize development in the city. She would like there to be a position at the city that helps community
members plan events and businesses to bring to Boulder.
Trees would like to see the city become more accessible for bikes and she wants to make sure the city
stays connected to nature.
37
Rockwell brought up that if they want to entice talented people to come to Boulder and invigorate the
nightlife, the city will have to either make it more affordable to live here or import these individuals from
other areas. He would like to see commercial spaces turned into co-op or boarding-house spaces.
Dahl shared concerns about the lack of support for small businesses and the lack of public transit options.
3) What challenges and opportunities should the BVCP consider for access to commercial areas to
further reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips and to improve the connection between districts
across the city?
Dumouchelle wants to see neighborhoods become more complete with access to medical services, fresh
groceries, and other services.
Aizenman suggests the Skip bus service be subsidized and made free during rush hour to encourage
ridership. He shared concern about members of the unhoused community creating risk on the buses.
Anderson echoed the suggestion to create more public transit options and have more frequent service
during peak hours and Sundance. He would like to see the bus fleet become all electric and the
cleanliness maintained.
Poe shared concern over the safety of Lime Scooters and electric bicycles (e-bikes) and would like to see
more regulations around those vehicles. Dumouchelle echoed this sentiment and added that there needs
to be more safety education for the vehicles made publicly available, especially for parents. Powell
recommended a license program for e-bikes.
Rockwell would like to explore building light rail going east to expand on the light rail going from
Denver to Boulder.
Ronen agreed with the license program for e-bikes and added that there needs to be more education
around the Lime Scooters.
Rockwell suggested a trolley, tram, gondola, or some other vehicle to transport people at all hours and in
all weather between The Hill and Downtown.
Aizenman shared concern that the Hop routes, clockwise and counter-clockwise, will be confusing for
visitors.
Agenda Item 6: Commission Letters to City Council
Cris Jones reminded the commissioners of their letter to city council and had the commissions break out
into groups to discuss their letters. Each commission will send updated draft letters to staff to be included
in their upcoming commission meeting packets.
38
Agenda Item 7: Adjourn
There being no further business to come before the commission at this time, Poe moved to adjourn the
meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 5:52 p.m.
Approved by UHCAMC on:
Approved by DMC on:
Approved by BJAD – Parking Commission on:
Approved by BJAD – TDM Commission on:
Attested: Approved by:
___________________ _____________________
Ellie Kennedy Rebekah Dumouchelle
Board Secretary BJAD - TDM Chair
Date: ______________ Date: _________________
________________________
Robyn Ronen
BJAD – Parking Chair
Date: _________________
________________________
Ted Rockwell
UHCAMC Chair
Date: _________________
________________________
Don Poe
DMC Chair
Date: _________________
39
2026 Community Vitality Commissions Meeting Schedule DRAFT
COMMISSION JANUARY MARCH MAY JULY SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER
Downtown
Management
Commission
(DMC)
Tuesday,
January 13
4-6 PM
Tuesday,
March 10
4-6 PM
Tuesday,
May 12
4-6 PM
Tuesday,
July 14
4-6 PM
Tuesday,
September 15
4-6 PM
Tuesday,
November 10
4-6 PM
DMC (Downtown Management Commission)
DAHL, ERICA – Property Rep, Seat #4 Term Ends: 2029
KALVIN, JUSTIN – Resident, Seat #2 2027
NATHAN, ANDY - Property Rep, Seat #3 2028
POE, DON (CHAIR) Property Rep, Seat #5 2026
TREES, STEPHANIE (VICE-CHAIR) – Resident, Seat #1 2026
40
City of Boulder
Special District Board Consent Agenda
University Hill Commercial Area Management Commission (UHCAMC) – November 4, 2025
Downtown Management Commission (DMC) – October 28, 2025
Boulder Junction Access District (BJAD) Commissions – November 12, 2025
Updates on Community Vitality work plan programs and projects for city special district boards
and commissions. These updates are for informational purposes only and require no discussion
or votes.
Special District Updates
University Hill General Improvement District (UHGID)
•Work on the median improvements continues, with construction anticipated to be complete
by year-end. Plantings will occur during the Spring 2026 planting season.
•The ash tree on 13th Street in front of the Fox Theatre is slated for removal this fall. Staff are
working with the city’s Forestry team to coordinate the removal and next steps.
•Parking permits for the 14th street surface lot were made available to purchase by UHGID
employees and businesses beginning July 14. Staff will be closely monitoring the lot to
understand utilization and impacts of the permit pilot program.
Central Area General Improvement District (CAGID)
•Staff continue work on improving public parking garages in downtown Boulder in 2025,
which requires periodic partial and full closures of the garages.
•Work continues on the Garage Mobility Hub project, funded in part by a Denver Regional
Council of Governments (DRCOG) grant, to create concept plans for converting CAGID
parking garages into multi-functional mobility hubs.
•Staff continue to facilitate a team across city departments for review of systems and
programs to keep downtown areas clean and well-maintained.
•Roots Music Project launched the Roots Music Festival in Downtown Boulder on October
17-19, sponsored by the Community Vitality Department. The festival brought new energy to
Downtown Boulder, featuring 17 stages, 180+ performances, and over 3,000 ticket buyers,
generating an estimated $1 million in local economic activity.
•Activity permits for the Pearl Street mall have decreased in demand as the seasons change,
with 6 permits issued in October. Staff continue to streamline the application process and
improve the overall experience for vendors.
•Staff are reviewing opportunities to enhance the Mobile Vending Cart (MVC) Program,
including updates to the application process, evaluation of the retail mix, and exploration of
consistent aesthetic guidelines for carts to improve the overall look and feel of the program
by the end of the year.
Boulder Junction Access Districts (BJAD)
•The B-Cycle program in Boulder Junction continues to see strong growth. Year-to-date 2025
registrations are up approximately 50% compared to 2024, with over 400 new registrations
already recorded as of August. Riders have completed more than 10,000 trips so far this year.
41
Combined with the return of bus service to Boulder Junction, this reflects positive
momentum for the district and increased mobility options for residents and employees.
City of Boulder Updates
Boulder Clean Commute Pilot Program – This program will conclude at the end of December
2025, as originally planned. Due to budget considerations, capacity limitations, and broader city
reorganization efforts, the program will not continue beyond the pilot period. Over the course of
the program, staff and partners have gathered valuable data on employee participation rates,
employer engagement, and incentive program effectiveness, which will help inform potential
future iterations if capacity and resources allow.
Curbside Management Plan Implementation Update – Staff continues to implement City
Council’s ordinance, passed in October 2024, to convert traditional loading zones into “Flexible
Loading Zones”.
Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Formation – Work continues on the exploration of
a DDA for Boulder. PUMA and staff are currently refining the study area boundaries based on
Planning Group feedback. Next steps include broader community engagement, conducting a
financial analysis, and assessing impacts to existing districts. Drafting of the Plan of
Development will begin in January 2026. The goal is to bring the DDA proposal to voters on the
November 2026 ballot.
Commercial Areas Blueprint – This project has been placed on hold due to citywide budget
constraints and shifting priorities, as well as overlap with other related efforts such as the
Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Plan of Development. Staff may revisit this initiative
in the future as capacity and need allow.
Outdoor Dining Pilot Program – Community Vitality staff are coordinating with Planning &
Development Services to plan for the next phase of a proposed permanent program. The Pilot
Program is set to end in October 2027.
Boulder Arts Blueprint – Work continues on the Boulder Arts Blueprint, a strategic roadmap
for arts and culture across departments aligned to the update of the Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan. Arts Blueprint website.
Public Art in the Districts
•Progress continues on the 11th and Spruce public art project with artist David Franklin.
Installation is scheduled for Q1 2026.
•The Accessible Signage project to improve city-wide public art signs and interpretation
continues.
•Free public art tours ran through August with nearly 200 residents and visitors joining
docents on a walk through 30 sculptures, murals, and other projects throughout downtown.
Boulder Social Streets Implementation – Further work on this project has been paused due to
budgetary constraints. The engagement and work completed to date has already informed several
key improvements to the special event process and programs.
42
Parking Enforcement - Enforcement is prepared to monitor compliance with the new flexible
loading zones related to the curbside management plan. They are also ready to help support the
Mobility Hub project and the adjustments that may pertain to enforcement.
43
DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL DISTRICT FUND (formerly CAGID) - 2026 FUND FINANCIAL (6400)2024202520252025202620272028202920302031Actuals Adopted Revised YE Projection Recommended Projected Projected Projected Projected ProjectedBeginning Fund Balance20,945,588$ 23,110,042$ 23,110,042$ 23,110,042$ 17,488,761$ 8,620,329$ 4,910,538$ 3,943,032$ 5,519,245$ 7,086,472$ Sources of FundsParking Revenue5,879,626$ 6,299,894$ 6,299,894$ 5,738,378$ 6,601,656$ 6,733,689$ 6,868,363$ 7,005,730$ 7,145,845$ 7,288,762$ Property Tax1,445,004 1,469,800 1,469,800 1,455,930 1,468,757 1,490,788 1,513,150 1,535,847 1,558,885 1,582,268 Leases, Rents & Royalties543,000 504,465 504,465 457,350 468,240 475,264 482,393 489,628 496,973 504,427 Interest & Investment Earnings691,916 502,976 502,976 502,976 648,503 172,407 98,211 78,861 110,385 141,729 Other Revenues567,326 65,559 65,559 61,543 65,559 66,870 68,208 69,572 70,963 72,382 Specific Ownership & Tobacco Tax55,434 65,433 65,433 50,235 65,434 66,743 68,078 69,439 70,828 72,244 Intergovermental Revenues- - - - - - - - - - Grant Revenues- - - - - - - - - - Transfers In968,819 723,753 723,753 723,753 - - - - - - Total Sources of Funds10,151,126$ 9,631,880$ 9,631,880$ 8,990,165$ 9,318,149$ 9,005,761$ 9,098,402$ 9,249,077$ 9,453,879$ 9,661,814$ Uses of FundsAdministration (Economically Vital)1,580,440$ 1,496,934$ 1,556,274$ 1,556,274$ 1,698,627$ 1,749,586$ 1,802,073$ 1,856,136$ 1,911,820$ 1,969,174$ Community Vitality Customer Service402,315 618,542 626,010 607,230 642,120 661,384 681,225 701,662 722,712 744,393 Economic Vitality & District Management1,090,598 2,181,043 2,256,706 2,031,035 972,052 1,001,214 1,031,250 1,062,187 1,094,053 1,126,875 Parking Maintenance1,369,097 1,630,834 1,723,793 1,603,127 2,213,514 2,279,919 2,348,317 2,418,767 2,491,330 2,566,069 Special Events25,000 25,000 10,000 - - - - - - Debt Service- - - - - - - - - - Transfers & Cost Allocation433,085 1,061,882 1,061,882 1,061,882 945,268 973,450 1,003,042 1,034,113 1,066,737 1,100,993 Capital Improvement Program3,111,136 5,550,000 10,605,340 7,741,898 11,715,000 6,050,000 3,200,000 600,000 600,000 6,100,000 Total Uses of Funds7,986,672$ 12,564,235$ 17,855,005$ 14,611,446$ 18,186,581$ 12,715,552$ 10,065,907$ 7,672,864$ 7,886,651$ 13,607,504$ Ending Fund Balance Before Reserves23,110,042$ 20,177,688$ 14,886,918$ 17,488,761$ 8,620,329$ 4,910,538$ 3,943,032$ 5,519,245$ 7,086,472$ 3,140,782$ Operating Reserve1,171,377 922,894 922,894 950,581 950,581 979,099 1,008,471 1,038,726 1,069,887 1,101,984 Sick/Vacation Reserve13,540 13,946 13,946 13,946 14,365 14,23614,634 15,044 15,465 15,898 Total Reserves1,184,917$ 936,840$ 936,840$ 964,527$ 964,946$ 993,335$ 1,023,105$ 1,053,770$ 1,085,352$ 1,117,882$ Ending Fund Balance After Reserves21,925,125$ 19,240,847$ 13,950,077$ 16,524,234$ 7,655,383$ 3,917,203$ 2,919,926$ 4,465,475$ 6,001,120$ 2,022,900$ 44
Sales Tax by Location: 29th Street2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 June YTD 2025 June YTDSales Tax $8,385,093 $5,092,313 $6,142,947 $7,430,059 $7,163,859 $3,400,495 $2,973,737Year-Over-Year Change($3,292,780)$1,050,634 $1,287,112($266,200) ($426,758)Year-Over-Year Growth Rate -39.27% 20.63% 20.95% -3.58% -12.55%Average Annual Growth Rate-3.86%% Change 2019 to 2023-14.56%Sales Tax by Location: Downtown2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 June YTD 2025 June YTDSales Tax $8,800,961 $5,253,717 $7,162,667 $8,584,411 $8,831,332 $4,410,962 $4,650,934Year-Over-Year Change($3,547,244)$1,908,950 $1,421,744 $246,921 $239,972Year-Over-Year Growth Rate -40.31% 36.34% 19.85% 2.88% 5.44%Average Annual Growth Rate0.09%% Change 2019 to 20230.35%Sales Tax by Location: Downtown Extension2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 June YTD 2025 June YTDSales Tax $627,161 $587,564 $156,099 $82,405 $46,983 $30,389 $31,632Year-Over-Year Change($39,597) ($431,465) ($73,694) ($35,422)$1,243Year-Over-Year Growth Rate -6.31% -73.43% -47.21% -42.99% 4.09%Average Annual Growth Rate-47.68%% Change 2019 to 2023-92.51%45
Sales Tax by Location: East Downtown2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 June YTD 2025 June YTDSales Tax $771,337 $642,579 $800,614 $870,361 $826,258 $422,368 $384,796Year-Over-Year Change($128,758)$158,035 $69,747($44,103) ($37,572)Year-Over-Year Growth Rate -16.69% 24.59% 8.71% -5.07% -8.90%Average Annual Growth Rate1.73%% Change 2019 to 20237.12%Sales Tax by Location: Pearl Street Mall2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 June YTD 2025 June YTDSales Tax $3,964,887 $2,351,039 $3,965,943 $4,391,098 $4,620,501 $1,907,567 $2,023,167Year-Over-Year Change($1,613,848)$1,614,904 $425,155 $229,403 $115,600Year-Over-Year Growth Rate -40.70% 68.69% 10.72% 5.22% 6.06%Average Annual Growth Rate3.90%% Change 2019 to 202316.54%46
47
Property Overview
Time Compare
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Property Overview
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Property Overview
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Trade Area
Time Compare
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October 28 2025
Bettina Swigger, CEO
● Public Policy Work
●Pearl Street Mall 50th Anniversary
Logo and Planning
●Marketing Updates
● Upcoming Events & Programs
● Ambassador Program Update
54
Public Policy Committee Update
●Endorsed County Commissioners to compromise
on a three-year term for upcoming Behavioral
Health Tax Initiative; endorsed
● Endorsed CCRS Sales Tax Extension Initiative
DBP City Council Candidate Forum
Thursday, October 9, 8:30 - 10 am
eTown
55
56
https://youtu.be/eO7GtMOSQKU?si=g3Hh5vC7MIM3azzY
57
https://www.instagram.com/p
/DPjMsZoDQit/https://www.instagram.co
m/p/DP2FSNEgWmL/
https://www.instagram.co
m/p/DPhqPcGkT9T/https://www.instagram.
com/p/DPg_qB7EUiv/
58
2025 Downtown Boulder Media Campaign
59
Digital Performance To-Date (4/28 - 10/12)
60
Social Performance To-Date (4/28 - 10/12)
61
62
63
Munchkin Masquerade
Friday, October 31, 2025
3 - 6 pm
All four blocks of the Pearl Street Mall
Downtown Boulder’s annual trick-or-treating
event is back! Munchkin Masquerade will
feature a variety of exhibitors (both for and
non-profit organizations) and a plethora of
downtown business “treat stops” where families
can do free activities and get some tasty treats!
Want to be a treat stop? Contact Tana
(tana@downtownboulder.org).
Switch on the Holidays
Sunday, November 23, 2025
2 - 7 pm
1300 block of the Pearl Street Mall &
Beyond
Free activities, exhibitors, additional
programming, new Downtown Boulder
holiday promotions, the Cookie Crawl, and
more start before 5 pm.
At 5 pm, the official program starts with the
flipping of the switch at approximately 5:20
pm.
St. Nick on the Bricks
Friday, Nov 28 & Saturdays Nov 29,
Dec 6, & Dec 13, 2025
11 am - 2 pm
Snowflake Express Train
Sundays, Nov 30, Dec 7, & Dec 14,
2025
11 am - 2 pm
Lights of December Parade
Saturday, December 13, 2025
6 - 7:30 pm
Parade Route is on the Website
Parade sign-ups are now full. See you there!
64
DOWNTOWN BOULDER PARTNERSHIP
2025 Q3
With pride, we make public
spaces friendly and vibrant for
the communities we serve.
SMART REPORT
65
Ambassador Engagements
2024 vs. 2025 ospitalityContact Business Contact 1431
0 500 1000 1500 2000 1500
12025 12014
1583
Year over Year Hospitality Statistics
2024 vs. 2025
Activities/ Attractions
Business Contact
Hospitality Contact
Parking Information
Region a 11 nf ormation
Restaurant Information
.Betail Information ·�
Hospitality Assists
2024 vs. 2025 Retallnformation --13 ----68 taurantlnformation Re�onal lnformatioo Parlir« lnformatioo ActMtie,/Attractions uy
0 10 10
2024 2025
17 9
215 257
1282 720
28 14
25 9
28 6
30 5
37
55
65
60
18
30 40 50 60 70 Ill
• ugust
2024 2025
8 4
317 659
883 932
29 20
20 8
23 13
36 4
(:"?)smart 'y system
Happenings
Ambassadors have been
steadily busy with handing out
flyers creating opportunities
for business Contacts,
changing out downtown
banners, Bands on Bricks, CU
Stampede's, and more!
September
2024 2025
3 1
213 515
418 709
3 4
9 48
4 18
2 4
Downtown Ambassador Q3 2025 Report
66
Cleaning Statistics
2024 vs. 2025
1582
61 71 --
1934
!77 235 ■
BilrHazard Cleanup Graffiti P,mo,,d Trasll Bags filled Weed Abatement
12024 12025
Cleaning Statistics year over year
2024 vs. 2025
ATLV Block Faces
Bio-Hazard Clean Up
Graffiti Removed
Litter Abatement
Pan & Broom Block Faces
Trash Bags Filled
Weed Abatement
July
2024 2025
0 4
25 11
575 342
0 206
0 45
225 77
72 103
August
2024 2025
0 9
25 36
481 944
0 352
0 139
68 72
79 104
New Stats!
Cleaning statistics
were average and on
par with previous
years, with new
statistics being
collected, we're able
to gather more of the
amazing work
Ambassadors do!
September
2024 2025
0 10
11 24
526 648
0 226
0 197
53 82
26 28
(:"?)smart 'y system
In the sections of 2024 where "O" is recorded, is because of it being a new statistic added
this year, and was not previously recorded.
Downtown Ambassador Q3 2025 Report
67
Broken glass and debris
Pan and Broom Before
(:"?)smar t 'y system
Focus
Ambassadors have
been hard at work!
As the summer
winds down,
Ambassadors are
focused more on
leaf removal than
weeding.
Downtown Ambassador Q3 2025 Report
68
Safety Statistics
2024 vs. 2025
Garage Check
Ordinances -Complied
Ordinances - None omplied
Service Calls
Welfare Check
-......
July
2024
23
20
14
33
29
August
2025 2024 2025
8 5
14 24
6 0
37 28
4 11
13
16
6
54
8
September
2024
0
9
2
32
e
-·-i�
6
2025
10
17
0
29
21
@) Can)'Ol'I BIYd @
GotlSI
Gto¥tSt ........ --
""'"' s, c.'::!:'!'. Mlrin1St
;i ........... �
� smart _ 'y system
69
July 2025 through September 2025
Activity 07/2025 08/2025
Activities/ Attractions 9 4
ATLV Block Faces 4 9
Bathroom Check 0 0
Biohazard Clean Up 11 36
Business Contact 257 659
Garage Check 8 13
Graffiti -Removed 342 944
Hospitality Contact 720 932
Litter Abatement 206 352
Ordinance Violations -Complied 14 16
Ordinance Violations -NonComp 6 6
Pan & Broom-Block Faces 45 139
Parking 14 20
Regional Information 9 8
Restaurant Information 6 13
Retail Information 5 4
Service Calls 37 54
Trash (Bags) 77 72
Weed Abatement (Block Faces) 103 104
Welfare Check 4 8
(:"?)smart 'y system
09/2025 Total
14
10 23
2 2
24 71
515 1431
10 31
648 1934
709 2361
226 784
17 47
0 12
197 381
4 38
48 65
18 37
4 13
29 120
82 231
28 235
21 33
Downtown Ambassador Q3 2025 Report
70
SMART System Statistic Definitions
Activities/Attractions• Giving information related to local attractions and or events
Bathroom Check· Safety check of the public restrooms, note if locked, out-of-service, or check requested by onsite attendant, etc.
Biohazard Clean Up· Refers to the process of safely removing, cleaning, and disposing of materials that have been contaminated with biological
substances such as blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious materials
Business Contact• Any official contact with a business, such as responding to a service call or dropping flyers off. Examples of what a business contact is
NOT buying lunch and or saying hello to them as you walk by.
Garage Check• Conducting a safety check of a parking garage.
Graffiti· Examples 1 sticker is 1 graffiti removed, 1 poster removed is 1 graffiti removed, 1 marker tag/spray paint is 1 graffiti removed
Hospitality Contact• Any assistance provided to a citizen or group of citizens; (eg., directions, information about festivals/events, service providers, the
Ambassador program, etc.) 1 =each interaction (whether it is an individual or group of individuals)
Litter Abatement• pieces of trash an Ambassador may singularly throw out.
Ordinance Violations• Complied• Someonebreaing the rules listens to an Ambassador and stops violating the ordinance.
Ordinance Violations· NonComp • Someone breaking the rules continues to violate the ordinance after being approached by an Ambassador.
Pan and Broom Block faces• an Ambassador has the mega brute out and about cleaning blocks at a time.
Parking· Info on parking, help someone parking/finding their car
Regional Information• Providing information to a citizen about regional attractions, not local (Examples: RMNP, Hot Springs, Eldorado Canyon, etc.)
Restaurant Information• Providing information to a citizen about restaurants (Examples: where to eat, where to get a pastry, where to get a coffee, etc.)
Retail Information• Providing information to a citizen about retail stores (Examples: where to buy an umbrella, where to buy a postcard, where to buy
winter gloves, etc.)
Service Call -Anytime the service phone rings, not including BBB employees.
Trash Bags• Anytime we use a trash bag (Examples: events, trash/recycling bins, large mess clean ups, at base, etc) 1 bag = ~30 lbs
Weed Abatement· 1 block face of weeds, one side of the street
Welfare Check• Checking on the well being of someone. Includes waking someone up who is blocking an entrance .. etc.
!:?)smart 'y system Downtown Ambassador Q3 2025 Report
71
DRAFT 2 Downtown Management Commission Memorandum
To: Mayor and Members of City Council
From: Ellie Kennedy, Operations Specialist, Community Vitality
Cris Jones, Director, Community Vitality
Subject: Downtown Management Commission, Letter to City Council
Date: TBD 2025
Dear Members of City Council,
We appreciate the opportunity to share our 2026 priority recommendations to help inform your
upcoming Council Retreat. Downtown is the heart of Boulder economically, culturally, and socially, and
DMC remains committed to shaping a downtown that is thriving, safe, and welcoming to all. The DMC is
enthusiastic about the DDA and we are in full support of this initiative.
We are mindful that 2026 priorities must be achievable within a one-year timeframe and aligned with
the Citywide Strategic Plan. Below are DMC’s recommended key areas of focus for the coming year:
1. Enhance Downtown Economic Vitality & Small Business Support
Objective: Introduce targeted programs and policies to support local businesses, fill commercial
vacancies, and encourage economic diversity downtown.
Recommendations:
•Increase proactive engagement with small business owners to better understand their evolving
challenges. Provide incentives for local independent businesses. Develop action plans based on
business owners’ input
•Promote affordability and flexible lease terms for commercial spaces, including possible
incentives or tax relief for landlords willing to accommodate local entrepreneurs.
•Explore fast-track permitting for adaptive reuse of vacant office spaces and identify code
revisions that allow for more agile business models. Simultaneously, ease the zoning and
permitting processes.
•Consider reasonable policy mechanisms to discourage property owners from declining
reasonable offers for renting commercial space. Vacancy fees may be one option, but balance
this with the reduced demand for office space. Develop new policies so that office spaces are
not only rented during Sundance and then remain vacant the rest of the year.
•Clarify and coordinate goals related to housing and growth. Specifically, how increased
residential density downtown may impact existing businesses and infrastructure.
•Continue enthusiastic support of the Downtown Boulder Partnership.
Rationale: The vitality of our downtown area is waning as vacancies grow, foot traffic declines, and
businesses struggle to stay afloat, with many citing reduced sales and increased costs. The city must
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balance wages, tax, and regulatory policies with the economic realities of small businesses. Without
strategic action, we risk losing the entrepreneurial character that defines Boulder.
2. Strengthen Safety, Homelessness Response, and Mental Health Services
Objective: Expand interagency collaboration to address public safety, homelessness, and mental health
needs downtown, with an emphasis on both compassion and enforcement.
Recommendations:
•Provide adequate support for the Boulder Police Department and Human Services to ensure
visible, coordinated outreach and safety interventions downtown.
•Accelerate efforts to clean up camps along the creek path and surrounding areas while offering
humane support services and shelter options.
•Ensure ongoing funding for downtown ambassadors, lighting improvements, and public facilities
maintenance to improve safety perception and reality.
Rationale: High-profile incidents, open drug use, and increasingly aggressive behavior have made many
downtown stakeholders feel unsafe. Tourists, employees, students, and residents alike must be able to
enjoy downtown without fear. Holistic solutions grounded in compassion and accountability are urgently
needed.
3. Invest in Public Events and Culture
Objective: Leverage Boulder’s creative energy and upcoming opportunities, like the 2027 Sundance Film
Festival and Pearl Street’s upcoming 50th anniversary, to reinvigorate the downtown experience.
Recommendations:
•Continue strong support for event organizers and cultural institutions via grants, permits, and
streamlined processes.
•Develop a strategic plan to ensure Sundance’s arrival has long-term economic and cultural
benefits for Boulder.
•Galvanize community-wide engagement around major downtown milestones through
collaborative planning and promotion.
•Support research into best practices surrounding Sundance, including post-event post-mortem
feedback, to set a strong foundation for future success.
Rationale: Culture is foundational to Boulder’s identity. As we prepare for increased national and global
visibility, we must ensure the city’s infrastructure, partnerships, and public spaces are ready for both
special events, and throughout the year for residents.
4. Improve Transportation Connectivity & Access
Objective: Promote transportation policies that increase accessibility to downtown while reducing
congestion and barriers for visitors.
Recommendations:
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•Incentivize alternative transportation options such as expanded bike paths, free or discounted
transit, and micro-mobility programs.
•Revisit policies that inhibit seamless movement between The Hill, CU Boulder, Boulder
Junction/29th Street, and downtown.
•Explore long-term solutions for integrating underused office spaces with transportation and
mobility hubs.
Rationale: A well-connected city benefits all. Encouraging easy and equitable access to the downtown
area will support businesses, reduce environmental impact, and improve community cohesion.
Additional Considerations
•Clear Growth Targets: DMC would benefit from greater clarity on City Council’s long-term
housing and growth goals, including timelines and impact assessments on current residents and
businesses.
We thank the City Council for your continued partnership and leadership. As Boulder enters a year of
unprecedented opportunity and continued challenge, we urge the City Council to prioritize tangible
actions that make downtown safer, more inclusive, economically viable, and vibrant.
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