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2026 Council Priorities and Process Improvements Organized by Theme2026 Council Priority and Process Improvement Submissions – Categorized and Consolidated Economic Vitality Accelerate Efforts to Address Commercial Vacancies Priority Summary: We have way too many ground floor and second floor vacancies in Boulder. Let's put together a program that will: 1. Develop a team to provide storefront wraps and artwork for vacant spaces. 2. Develop a pipeline of "on-call" pop-up retailers, art installations, and other concepts that can rapidly fill vacant spaces. 3. Strategically market vacant properties to key and targeted industries with a focus on pop-ups, creative industries in the arts fields, small, micro-businesses that may be looking for brick-and-mortar expansion, and industries that are looking to scale from university and federal labs (i.e. quantum, biosciences, etc.) that can quickly fill up vacancies. 4. Explore fast-track permitting for adaptive reuse of vacant office spaces and identify. Exploring Our New Authority to Modify the Tip Credit Priority Summary: This work would need to start early in 2026, with the expectation that any formal changes to the Tip Credit and associated ordinances are completed by June of 2026. Structuring these changes to go into effect on January 1, 2027, would align with our current minimum wage schedule. It is critical that we do not push this into the second half of 2026, as any changes we make will not give businesses or workers time to plan and adjust to any modifications we make. Background: Staff's work plan places significant emphasis on economic vitality, including business process improvements, downtown revitalization tools such as the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and broader economic development financing tools. Exploring Boulder's new authority to adjust the tip credit fits squarely within this framework. Council's role should be to initiate a structured, data-driven evaluation, aligned with these economic vitality efforts, that assesses impacts on workers, small businesses, and overall job stability. This work should be coordinated with staff's ongoing business outreach and economic development strategy, ensuring any policy changes protect workers while supporting the long-term health of our service economy. Elections & Sister Cities Exploring Ranked Choice Voting Options for Multi Seat Elections Priority Summary: This priority identifies viable forms of ranked choice voting (RCV) for Boulder's multi seat Council elections and explains them in clear, community friendly terms. It also outlines the local and state level changes required to adopt multi winner RCV and prepares the groundwork for a future public decision making process. Background: Boulder's current multi seat elections use a "vote for up to N" system that does not allow voters to express preferences among candidates. Other jurisdictions use multi winner RCV methods to improve representativeness and voter expression, but Colorado law does not yet permit their use. This work clarifies local options, outlines the state level changes that would be required, and positions Boulder to adopt policy stances that support those changes. It also positions Boulder to move a ballot measure forward in future years that expresses community intent and establishes local authority, using that mandate to advocate for the necessary state level statutory changes. Scope of Work: 1. Identify viable options for multi winner RCV (e.g., proportional RCV, bloc RCV) a. Explain each option in clear, accessible terms, including pros and cons related to representational outcomes, voter experience, administrative feasibility, charter or code changes required, and state level statutory changes needed b. Develop a public engagement process to inform a decision about which multi- winner RCV option to pursue if a future Council wishes to take on this issue Outcome: This work will give Council and the community a clear understanding of the limited set of viable multi winner RCV options, their tradeoffs, and the legal steps required at both the local and state levels. It will also establish a structured decision-making framework for a future community assembly or public process to pursue a local ballot measure without waiting for state action, using that mandate to support statewide advocacy. Sister City Language Update Priority Summary: Update the language and define processes. Background: The sister-cities ordinance language is outdated and needs improvement. For instance, it does not include all the cities in one place, does not clarify how annual reports are audited, and does not explain a process to retire a sister city when it becomes inactive. Facilities Enabling Early Conversations on Library District Facilities Priority Summary: This priority ensures that City and Boulder Public Library District staff can enter early, non- binding conversations about the long-term future of city-owned buildings used by the Library District. The District will begin strategic planning in 2026, and enabling initial dialogue, without committing to any timeline or outcome, will support planning, responsible fiscal stewardship, and good governance for both the District and the City. Background: The Boulder Public Library District will launch its first major strategic planning process in 2026. The intergovernmental agreement created when the District was formed identifies 2027 as the year when formal conversations about facility ownership or long term control are expected to begin, but nothing prevents the City and District from starting earlier if both parties are ready. Early conversations would help the District plan effectively and ensure the City has a voice, and a choice, in the long-term use of these facilities. Scope of Work: 1. Enable early, non-binding conversations with the Library District in 2026 that support the District's strategic planning needs a. Ensure the City has the opportunity to evaluate its long-term facility stewardship options b. Preserve flexibility for the City and the District to make a formal decision earlier than 2027 if mutually desired Outcome: This work will support alignment between the City and the Library District during the District's 2026 planning process, while preserving Council's full discretion and flexibility regarding any future decisions about library facilities. Housing Reforming Inclusionary Housing to Support Middle-Income and Missing Middle Housing Priority Summary: In the second half of 2026, it would be prudent for us to look at modifications to our inclusionary housing ordinance. Removing language and requirements that punish middle- income and missing middle housing would be essential steps to meeting our housing goals. In particular, exceptions for projects that are funded/supported by the State's Middle Income Housing Authority, Tax incentives, and streamlined planning process for middle- income housing developments, etc.. We need to make it easy to create and retain the housing we desperately need. Background: While we have made progress toward our affordable housing goals, our current policy structure actively discourages the production of housing for teachers, nurses, first responders, and working families who earn too much to qualify for subsidies but too little to compete in the market. Staff's work plan includes several housing-related initiatives that intersect directly with this priority, including Modular Home Production, Home Rehabilitation and Replacement, Permanent Supportive Housing development, and ongoing housing compliance and investment analysis. Council should provide clear policy direction to ensure our Inclusionary Housing ordinance does not continue to unintentionally block middle-income and missing middle housing. Aligning local policy with state tools, such as the Middle-Income Housing Tax Credit, and integrating this reform with staff's housing production and rehabilitation efforts will be essential if we want teachers, nurses, and first responders to remain in our community. Study of Social Housing and Other Creative Interventions for Middle- income Housing Priority Summary: Research options for measures to fill in the gaps needed for a full balance of incomes and ages to have access to housing, supplementing Boulder's ongoing efforts to improve options of physical housing forms. Background: Potential elements for consideration: (1) Determine minimum levels of housing Boulder needs to provide for different income and age levels, (2) Identify gaps between that and income and age segments that are not currently being adequately served, and (3) Study whether/how social housing (i.e., the Vienna model), which is basically publicly-owned housing, could be a solution, and (4) Evaluate other potential interventions that go beyond Boulder's existing approaches (e.g. market-rate/highest-bidder and inclusionary zoning funded incrementally by private property developers/buyers). Benefits: Addresses a core persistent problem standing in the way of making housing affordable in Boulder; supports considerations around BVCP and the Area III planning reserve and considers wider demographics trends. Understanding Boulder's Housing Needs: Today and 2050 Priority Summary: To prepare for upcoming BVCP implementation and to align with regional housing strategy work, the City will conduct a focused analysis of Boulder's current housing stock, current housing needs, projected 2050 housing needs, and the gaps between what exists today and what will be required to support a stable, inclusive community over time. Background: 1. Current Conditions: Boulder's existing housing stock reflects development patterns and demographic realities of past decades. As a result, the homes available today do not fully meet the needs of many current residents, including older adults, workers, families with children, people with disabilities, and students. This mismatch contributes to displacement pressures, limited mobility within the community, and constrained options for households across income levels. 2. Demographic Shifts: Regional and national projections indicate that by 2050, Boulder will experience significant changes in age distribution, household composition, disability prevalence, and workforce needs. Planning only for today's population risks locking in a housing pattern that will not serve the community we are likely to have in 25 years. Understanding these shifts now will help Boulder make informed, values aligned decisions during BVCP implementation and future policy work. 3. Regional Opportunity: DRCOG is developing a Regional Housing Strategy in 2026 that will help communities understand how to meet their long term housing needs. To participate meaningfully in this regional effort and to benefit from DRCOG's technical support, Boulder needs a clear understanding of its own housing stock, current needs, and projected 2050 needs. This priority provides that foundation. Scope of Work: The City will analyze the following areas to understand how well Boulder's housing system aligns with both present and future community needs: 1. Current Housing Stock and Characteristics a. Distribution of housing types, sizes, ages, and accessibility features b. Tenure patterns (rental vs. ownership) c. Existing affordability levels and naturally occurring affordable housing d. Geographic distribution of housing options (e.g., are certain neighborhoods disproportionately carrying or lacking specific housing types) 2. Current Housing Needs and Gaps a. Households currently underserved by the existing stock b. Affordability challenges across income levels c. Accessibility and aging in place needs d. Student housing pressures and their impact on the broader market e. Mismatch between available unit types and household composition (These first two steps identify the mismatch between today's stock and today's needs; DRCOG can assist with these analyses.) 3. 2050 Demographic and Housing Needs Snapshot a. Projected changes in age distribution, disability prevalence, household size, and income mix b. Anticipated needs for accessible units, smaller units, multigenerational homes, and age friendly housing c. Expected student population and workforce housing needs d. Implications of regional migration patterns 4. Gap Analysis: Today's Stock vs. Today's Needs and 2050 Needs a. Identification of the largest mismatches between existing housing and current community needs b. Identification of the largest mismatches between existing housing and projected 2050 needs c. Assessment of which housing types will be most critical to support community stability and mobility over time (Steps 3-4 ensure Boulder does not lock in a housing pattern that will be misaligned with its future population; DRCOG can assist with this analysis.) Outcome: This analysis will not recommend specific policy or regulatory changes. Instead, it will provide a clear understanding of Boulder's housing system: what exists today, what is needed now, what will be needed in 2050, and where the gaps lie. The findings will outline key considerations for future Council work, including where targeted production (e.g., age friendly housing or student housing) could relieve pressure on the broader market, where subsidies, public investment, or nonprofit development may be necessary to meet community needs, and how future housing decisions can best support long term affordability, accessibility, and demographic realities. By grounding future work in a shared set of facts, future conversations can focus on the range of solutions most likely to address identified gaps. This analysis will provide the foundation for responsible BVCP implementation, strategic public investment, and maximal benefit from DRCOG's Regional Housing Strategy, helping Boulder better meet the housing needs of the community we have today and the community we will be in the decades ahead. Human Rights & Human Services Human Rights Data Collection, Transparency, and Accountability Priority Summary: City Council supports the city manager office and city attorney office to research and provide a report to Council and the public on the current ordinance related to roles, responsibilities, authorities, areas of strength, gaps, and recommendations by the end of 2026. Background: The function of the Human Relations Commission is to foster mutual respect and understanding and to create an atmosphere conducive to the promotion of amicable relations among all members of the Boulder community. The Human Relations Commission strives to: (1) Celebrate and encourage understanding of the diversity of the city's population; (2) Encourage education programs with the potential to change ideas and attitudes; (3) Conduct research to define key issues in the community in order to suggest appropriate changes to ordinances and policies; and (4) Enforce the City of Boulder's Human Rights Ordinance that prohibits discrimination by serving as a quasi-judicial hearing board for human rights ordinance cases. Based on the Council Dinner and Learn session with the Human Relations commission and staff, it was clear that current ordinances lacks community program awareness and submission process, clear powers and authorities especially in relation to other governmental entities (e.g. federal, state, and county). It was also not clear to what extent governmental policy aligns in the areas of human relations/rights as well as how data is collected and shared across entities. Study of Key Issues Facing Seniors and Youth Priority Summary: Conduct a needs assessment to support greater access to housing, mobility, and other basic services; quality of life; and effective management of public resources related to the experience of seniors, youth, and their caregivers. Would consider a range of issues including childcare matters, the experience of seniors (including local business owners) who are approaching retirement, distinct challenges around older and younger people suffering homelessness and precarity, and intergenerational relationships and cohesion within the community. Would support insights for near- and long-term housing, transportation, land use, economic development, housing and human services, and other key areas of the city's policymaking and programming. Understanding Renter Protection Tools in Preemption States Priority Summary: This priority assesses renter protection strategies used in cities that, like Boulder, operate under state level preemption of rent control, including approaches that address lot rent in manufactured home communities. It will clarify which strategies are legally viable, effective in practice, and appropriate for Boulder's local context. Background: Boulder is home to a growing number of renters, many of whom face instability due to rising housing costs, limited vacancy, and constrained mobility. In recent years, Colorado has enacted several statewide renter protection laws aimed at improving housing stability. At the same time, state law continues to preempt local rent control or rent stabilization, limiting the tools available to cities like Boulder. Across the country, cities in similar preemption environments have adopted strategies such as relocation assistance or rent tracking, as well as tools addressing stability in manufactured home communities (e.g., lot rent). These tools vary widely, and it is not clear which are workable or effective here. An assessment of approaches in peer cities would complement Boulder's ongoing renter stability efforts by clarifying which additional approaches could be effective locally. Scope of Work: 1. Legal Landscape Review a. Summarize Colorado's rent control preemption and related limitations b. Identify renter protection tools clearly permissible under state law c. Identify tools with ambiguous or evolving legal status 2. Peer City Scan (Preemption States) a. Review how peer cities structure renter protection tools such as relocation assistance, unit-level rent tracking, and approaches to rising lot rents in manufactured home communities b. Explore the purpose, effectiveness, and revenue implications of funding tools peer cities use as part of their housing stability strategies, such as vacancy related fees or taxes 3. Effectiveness and Implementation Review a. Identify which approaches have improved renter stability b. Identify approaches that have been ineffective, burdensome, or legally challenged c. Review implementation impacts of recent Colorado renter protection laws, including feedback from mission driven landlords d. Consider administrative capacity and funding needs for any future implementation Outcome: This analysis will provide a scan of renter protection tools available within Colorado's legal framework, how peer cities in preemption states support renters, and which approaches may be workable or effective in Boulder. The findings will give Council and the community a clearer understanding of what is possible within Colorado law and what has worked elsewhere as conversations about renter protections continue. Planning, Development, & Land Use Comprehensive Review of Boulder’s Existing Building Regulations Priority Summary: Undertake a comprehensive review of some of Boulder's existing building regulations - including energy codes, performance requirements, and related standards-to ensure they continue to deliver the benefits and outcomes originally intended. Background: The work can identify opportunities to streamline or update requirements, improve implementation pathways, and enhance clarity for residents, developers, and property owners. I want to maximize environmental performance, while at the same time reducing administrative burden. Expand and Strengthen Urban Agriculture & Food Access Priority Summary: Strengthen food access, food security, food affordability, and biodiversity through code changes that allow urban greenhouses, shade structures and hoop houses. These A-typical temporary structures would result in increased food yield that reduces water and energy consumption. Background: Since 1967, the City of Boulder has acquired over 45,000 acres of land for conservation 16,000 of which are for agriculture. The City of Boulder has leased these agricultural lands to 29 lessees ranging from vegetable and micro-dairy farms, to cattle ranches, and apiaries. Public city acres are leased to local ranchers and farmers as a method of land stewardship, promotion of economic productivity, and preservation of the local food system. The 2017 Agricultural Resources Management Plan "identifies strategies to recognize, continue and, where beneficial, enhance those long-standing relationships, resources and facilities to support operations" (OSMP, 2017, pg. 7). The plan also calls for new approaches and innovations in agriculture so that the Boulder Valley can continue to thrive and develop in a future of social and environmental change. In consultation with Elizabeth Black, the Citizen Science Soil Health Project, City of Boulder agriculture leasees, urban agriculture advocacy groups, community supported agriculture clients, and representatives from food banks and food rescue, I submit the following 2026 City of Boulder Council Priority to Strengthen and Expand Urban Agriculture. The current December 2024 Building Code changes make it impossible to build even the most energy efficient greenhouse on the market within the city. There is also no way to build more cost-effective shade and season extension infrastructure. Future of Iris Ballfields Priority Summary: Completion of the transaction with the County and their designated counterpart for the redevelopment of the Iris site and the protection of the Iris ballfields. Limit Growth of Rental Licenses in Sensitive Areas Priority Summary: Review of rental policies and an analysis of the possibility of limiting the growth of rental licenses in some sensitive areas such as the Hill and Martin Acres. Quick Fixes to the Form Based Code for East Boulder Background: After watching planning board meetings and discussing with some planning board members, I find that the Form Based Code has a few weaknesses when it comes to implementing the design quality described in the East Boulder Subcommunity Plan. In particular, building rooflines and massing should be more clearly broken up. if we don't update the FBC, we will get "large monolithic buildings with little to no roof articulation." (quoted right from the EBSP.) Also, the open space requirement is inadequate. This inadequacy reduces quality of experience for both building users and residents. I'd like to close these loopholes before more projects enter the review pipeline under the current FBC. Scoping Future Efforts to Reform or Rewrite Title IX (Land Use Code) Priority Summary: Towards the end of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan work in 2026, begin the scoping efforts for reforming or rewriting Title IX of our land use code. This project would likely not get started until Q3 or Q4 of 2026. The goal is to complete the scoping work prior to the 2027 Council retreat, so the next council is equipped with the understanding of the time, cost, and trade-offs that would come with reforming or rewriting Title IX. Background: Decades of layered amendments have made the code overly complex, internally inconsistent, and increasingly disconnected from our housing, climate, and economic goals. A clear, modernized Title IX would allow us to align land use with the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, reduce unnecessary delays and costs, and create predictable pathways for housing and small-scale development. Staff's 2026 work plan already includes several foundational efforts that should directly inform a broader reform or full rewrite of Title IX. These include the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Update, Transit- Oriented Communities code updates for state compliance, Area III Planning Reserve Community Needs Study, and continued process improvements in permitting and streamlining processes. Council should explicitly link these efforts together under a clear policy directive: modernizing Title IX to reduce complexity, eliminate internal conflicts, and better align land use with housing, climate, and economic goals. Treating these initiatives as inputs to a coherent land use rewrite, rather than isolated updates, will allow us to address root causes of delay, cost, and unpredictability in our development system. Public Safety Bicycle security and theft reduction (submitted twice) Priority Summary 1: Create a program to systematically reduce bike thefts and increase community members' confidence in parking and storing bicycles. Would establish a data-driven approach to measurably reduce thefts, taking on whatever is manageable in 2026 now and making a plan for potential future development. Background 1: Potential elements for consideration: (1) Utilize problem-solving policing, in the spirit of Boulder's successful approach to controlling catalytic converter thefts, to develop a strategic outcome-based approach that is considerate of organized crime; (2) Create more "teeth" for enforcement of out-in-the-open theft in progress, in part by studying options for a new "chop shop ordinance" combined with new citizen reporting mechanisms, (3) Develop a public communication/engagement program informed by best transportation practice and examples by peer cities to encourage key voluntary behaviors, including enhanced levels of bike registration by bike owners and good security practices by bike users, (4) Engage with retailers and other facility operators/owners to encourage voluntary installation and upgrades of good bike racks, with consideration of creative incentives and partnerships, (5) Consider opportunities to upgrade public options for secure long-term (i.e., behind locked doors) bike parking facilities, perhaps by improving maintenance and the standard of care of RTD bike sheds, especially downtown, and piloting at least one new long term storage design option, say with city-owned parking garages, and (6) Work with community partners such as CU, the County, RTD, local business associations, and other groups and citizens to build a unified approach and culture to promote dependable bike security. Benefits: Support of the city's many objectives including around transportation equity, modeshift, climate action, and affordability; real and visible management of the public's expectations to get this problem under control. Priority Summary 2: Modify the current legislation to ensure bike theft has consequences so we can give consumers more impetus and confidence to use bikes not just for recreation, but for destination biking as well. Background 2: We can begin by studying and modeling legislation used successfully in other cities. In 2025, according to BPD, approximately 500 bikes were reported stolen in Boulder, not including those stolen from CU's campus and not including those reported on Bike Index. Auto theft dropped significantly when law enforcement made it a clear priority. Bike theft is not currently treated with the same level of urgency. I believe it should be. For many residents, a bike is their primary mode of transportation, and theft has a real impact on their daily life. Creation of Police Department Substations on the Hill and in North Boulder E-bike/e -moto Safety and Appropriate Use (submitted twice) Priority Summary 1: Define a solution that goes beyond education and includes enforcement. Background 1: E-bikes and e-motos continue to be a top concern in the community. While there have been education efforts, it does not appear to be enough to dissuade those from riding them that shouldn't and in places they shouldn't. Priority Summary 2: Review of safety policies regarding e-bikes and motorized scooters and preparation of ordinances to reflect the consensus view of how to regulate these devices. Power Resiliency, Including Timing and Barriers Priority Summary: Understand from Xcel through our partnership the roadmap and timing to a more resilient system that meets our needs and has fewer negative impacts to our community. Background: The recent experience with energy during the severe wind event clearly showed that the system managed by Xcel is unequipped to handle our weather and community needs. Specifically, there were too many aging poles that were unable to withstand our high winds and the time to turn power back on was unacceptable. Public Safety for All Priority Summary: City Council supports the city manager, city attorney, and Boulder Police Department to conduct a cumulative study on the design, impacts, and outcomes of the BPOP since its inception. This report would include community feedback opportunities and council check in to ensure that the scope of work meets equitable research standards and community needs. Specifically, the study would determine the level of transparency, independence, and administration in light of increased community and BPOP member concerns. The study would also explore confidentiality, mass surveillance techniques that threaten racially and ethnically diverse community members, and communications that may diminish transparency. This study would also address ongoing concerns raised about the role of the Independent Monitor. Background: Restore trust and accountability through effective police oversight and explore disproportionate impacts of AI-assisted mass surveillance and alternatives that put people and the planet first during this polycrisis (eg climate chaos, economic downturn, and uncertainty). The fact that the Council is just receiving the 2025 annual report from Boulder Police Oversight Panel is concerning along with the results moving in the wrong direction. This priority would allow the Council and the Public to be kept up to do, engaged, and informed about the BPOP cumulative study to be conducted in 2026. The City of Boulder's Reimagine Policing Plan by promoting transparency, collaboration, and respect. Below are areas identified by the Boulder Progressives that I agree must be included in the upcoming study, reported on to the public, and time in the year for public feedback directly to Council and staff. Taxation Permanent Parks & Recreation Fund Ballot Measure Priority Summary: (Taken from Parks & Rec Board priorities) Ballot Measure: Ask voters to expand the allowable uses of the Permanent Parks & Recreation Fund (PPRF) to include Park and Recreation operations. Background: This fund is currently restricted to the acquisition or permanent improvement of parks. This means expanding the allowable uses so that the PPRF could be used for operations like basic upkeep of our public parks. Also, if we want to maintain the current levels of our discounted and free access for people with disabilities, people with low income, youth, and older adults, we will need additional funding or we will have a reduction in service levels. Residential Vacancy Tax (submitted twice) Priority Summary 1: Develop the structure of this tax before the end of Q2 so that we can place it on the November 2026 ballot. Background 1: Staff is actively advancing tools aimed at strengthening the city's long-term fiscal health, including Long-Term Financial Strategy (Year 2), economic development financing tools, and downtown revitalization mechanisms. A Sales Tax Repatriation Ordinance, often described as Vacancy Tax, fits squarely within this fiscal sustainability conversation. Council should direct staff to evaluate this policy option as part of the city's broader revenue resilience strategy, with a focus on fairness, housing utilization, and alignment with Boulder's existing investment in infrastructure and services that support housing values. Priority Summary 2: Pass a vacancy tax on residential property that is occupied or rented for less than 6 months of the year, with revenue going to the general fund. Background 2: Second homes reduce neighborhood vibrancy and sales tax revenue. Technology Setting a Foundation for Responsible Technology Use and Data Protection Priority Summary: This priority begins foundational work to understand Boulder's current use of emerging technologies and its digital privacy landscape, identify where stronger protections may be needed, and inform the development of a long term vision for responsible technology use, digital security, and privacy protection. Background: Boulder does not yet have a long term goal for the responsible use of emerging technologies or for digital security and privacy protection. As new technologies emerge and data collection practices expand, the city needs a clear, community informed approach to assessing current practices and identifying gaps or risks. This work will help establish the basis for a long term vision that addresses both emerging technologies and the city's handling of personal data. Scope of Work: 1. Convene a group of staff and experts in digital security and emerging technologies to discuss current and future use, and inform best practices in data collection, protection, and management of potentially personally identifiable information 2. Identify current and future risks for staff, residents, students, workers, and visitors, and consider the impact of emerging technologies on the city's sustainability, equity, and resilience goals 3. By the end of the year, draft a long-term vision statement or resolution outlining principles and future policy direction for the use of emerging technologies and the storage, sharing, and use of personal data by the city and its partners Outcome: This work will provide a clearer understanding of how Boulder currently uses emerging technologies, how data is collected and managed, and where stronger privacy protections may be needed. It will support the city's development of a long term vision for responsible technology use and digital privacy practices as new technologies emerge, inform ongoing operational guidance for staff, and set the stage for more comprehensive policy work in future years. Transportation Transit Strategy Priority Summary: Take advantage of the county transit update underway to develop a vision for what public transit needs to be in Boulder and for whom. Would develop a planning framework to identify gaps/needs as well as emerging technologies and issues to support the city's ongoing intergovernmental engagements (e.g., with RTD, CDOT, the Governor's office and legislature, CU, and BVSD) and key partners (e.g., Via and other potential service providers). Background: Potential elements for consideration: : (1) Explain how public transit should support Boulder's strategic plan, and based on that, define measurable quality/service standards, such as the number of residents who have all-day frequent transit (10-15 mins) within a short walk (10-15 mins) from home; the frequency of key regional connections to neighboring towns, recreation destinations, and state buses and trains; amenities at bus stops; (2) Evaluate current performance levels relative to those standards, with consideration of the experience of different ages and income levels, as well as large-scale emergency egress, (3) Study emerging technology trends, especially how the growth of automated rideshare (e.g., Waymo) could impact public transit and in turn affect the costs and access of transportation to the public in the future, and what governance is needed at different jurisdictions to advance the public's interest, (4) Develop a plan with design principles and concepts for desired transit system design, including access for people of all ages and abilities throughout the year and first/last mile connectivity matters (and bike/scooter integration), and (5) Consider the need for strategic commitments, like the development of new service models (including microtransit and new service administration led locally), partners, and financing strategies. Benefits: Increases visibility and problem-solving control for a service that has vast impact on the wellbeing of our community, especially as we implement and continue to consider enacting new land use reforms; elevates subjective decisions that have a major impact on, and tradeoffs within, community wellbeing (including around safe, convenient travel and access seniors and youth) to elected and executive levels; creates a principled basis for knowing what we need from partners such as RTD and in the county transit update (in a similar fashion that council has carved out time to focus on the BVCP); asserts a proactive approach to managing the forces coming at us with Waymo et al, both good and possibly problematic, to maximize public access to affordable good transportation in the future; and elevation of key values-based decisions and full consideration of outside-the-box strategies. Wildfire Resilience Cost-benefit List of Measures to Become a Fire-adapted Community Priority Summary: Define what it would mean for Boulder to become a fire-adapted community and create a menu of options to achieve that outcome, with cost, benefits, timing, and other key information for high-level decision making about priorities and potential new resource and policy commitments. As part of this, consider specifically the path to minimize the risk of catastrophic larger-scale fire specifically. Background: Benefits: High ROI (focus on catastrophic risk reduction, covers the whole community, has relatively low direct expense vs alternative strategies, implementation can be relatively fast, can avoid equity and implementation challenges present in some other initiatives); can be built and potentially expanded in phases. Increase Creation of Fire Breaks on Open Space Property Priority Summary: Review of fire mitigation strategies and budget priorities with a view towards reallocation of funding to substantially increase the creation of fire breaks on our Open Space. Mowing 600 acres/year has been a good beginning, but is not adequate relative to the need. Retroactive Wildfire Mitigation for Existing Homes Priority Summary: Leveraging the ongoing work of our Curbside Assessments and Detailed Home Assessments, we have already and will continue to rapidly identify the homes that present the greatest risks to our community. By targeting these most harmful properties, we will be able create greater community safety on the Western edge of town. This work will begin with creating an ordinance that will lay out the structure, time frame, and resource prioritization. Passing this ordinance in 2026 will start the clock and give us time to further accumulate the resources to help those in financial need. Background: Wildfire resilience must remain a core Council priority, with a stronger emphasis on retroactive wildfire mitigation for existing homes. Building on the three-point approach (I've outlined in previous Hotlines); education, empower, and enforcement, we need to accelerate home hardening, defensible space, and vegetation management, particularly in our most vulnerable neighborhoods (western edge of town). Staff's 2026 work plan demonstrates substantial investment in wildfire and resilience efforts, including fuel load reduction in high-priority Wildland-Urban Interface areas, Citywide waterwise and firewise landscaping coordination, and multiple Fire Rescue initiatives tied to preparedness and response. Aligning Council policy direction with these ongoing staff initiatives will help ensure wildfire resilience is not limited to new construction but meaningfully reduces risk across established neighborhoods. Wildfire Home Hardening Implementation Hub Priority Summary: Create a comprehensive, user-friendly webpage consolidating all resources homeowners need to implement DHA recommendations and wildfire hardening measures. Background: PROBLEM STATEMENT Boulder Fire-Rescue conducts professional Detailed Home Assessments (DHAs) that provide evidence-based wildfire hardening recommendations to homeowners. However, a critical implementation gap exists between assessment and action: Homeowners receive recommendations but lack: • Knowledge of which materials meet fire-resistance standards • Information on local suppliers and material sourcing • Cost estimates and project prioritization guidance • Understanding of available financial assistance (up to $2,500 combined funding) • Contractor vetting criteria for wildfire-specific work • Access to consolidated resources across city, county, and state agencies Result: Professional assessments remain unimplemented. Homes stay vulnerable. Available funding goes unused. Community-scale fire resilience remains unrealized. STRATEGIC RATIONALE Timing: • Ordinance 8721 creates new wildfire hardening requirements • Expanded Wildland-Urban Interface affects 16,000+ properties • County rebate program launched 2024, many residents unaware • Implementation support needed before enforcement obligations begin Financial Opportunity: Combined funding available but underutilized: • City WRAP grants: Up to $2,000 per eligible property • Boulder County Wildfire Partners Rebate: Up to $500 per household • Total available: $2,500 per household • Many eligible homeowners unaware of County program or ability to combine funding Operational Efficiency: • Reduces repetitive staff inquiries on material sourcing and specifications • Leverages existing DHA program investment • Supports WRAP grant program effectiveness • Strengthens City-County coordination on wildfire resilience Council Process Improvement Ideas Board Packets Timing Description: Overall, the switch to providing packets to council and the public a week before. However, for the recent BVCP discussion, I received feedback that there was too much content to reasonably navigate and provide feedback on. Could CAC work to identify items that should be provided 2 weeks in advance with staff? CAC Request Criteria Description: CAC request criteria and selection considerations (e.g. current council priority versus emerging issues) CAC Request Tracking Description: CAC request submission form, tracking, and transparency. Council Debate Opportunities Description: Our meetings lack any substantive interaction between members of Council. We make serial speeches on each topic with virtually no debate on the substance of what each person its saying. The occasional colloquy on topics does not really fit the need. Historic Designation Decisions Description: Most decisions on historic designation should be make by staff and placed on the Consent Agenda, subject to call up by members of Council. Research and Evaluation Dashboard Description: Research and Evaluation: a dashboard would be great. Shorter Council Meetings Description: At every Retreat I have attended we have discussed the need to create shorter meetings, but have taken no concrete steps to doing so. We should change that. Decision making at 10:00 at night lacks clarity of thought. We should start with limiting the schedule to no more than 3.0 hours of agenda items; votes to extend meetings further should require vote of 2/3 of the members present. Whatever we do not finish on Thursday will certainly keep until the next meeting, unless there is a legal obligation to act at the meeting in question, in which case the 2/3 requirement to extend will certainly be met. Study Session/Matters Item Topic Selection Description: We often incorporate additional topics for study sessions or MMMC items randomly, depending on what individuals are interested in as the year goes on. I'd like a more systematic approach to this process, because which topics are successful often depend on who gets their ideas in first, and we don't get to consider ideas in the full context of topics we could explore. The solution might be that we decide at the start of the year which topics we'd like to have a study session on, then CAC fits them in whenever they can. Or, maybe we decide that proposals for study sessions are best proposed as workplan priorities (given they take time). Or, maybe we each get to propose a pet topic for a study session once in our term (e.g., every 3-4 years) and everyone else gets the chance to learn about it and discuss it. Whatever we do, I would like the way we add MMMC and study session topics to follow a consistent process, take a predictable amount of time, and promote fairness.