Boulder City Council outlines 2025 tax ballot measures for infrastructure funding

The Boulder City Council meeting on April 3, 2025, spotlighted the city's long-term financial strategy, emphasizing the urgent need for revenue diversification and fiscal sustainability. City officials presented a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the city's overreliance on sales tax and ensuring the flexibility of funding to meet core service needs.

Charlotte, a key presenter, outlined the guiding principles derived from the Blue Ribbon Commission Report and the 2019 Community Resilience Budgeting Report. These principles focus on fiscal sustainability, equity, and resiliency, aiming to stabilize city services while reducing tax burdens on historically disadvantaged groups. The council is set to develop a five-year comprehensive financial plan that aligns with these principles and incorporates community feedback through the "Fund Our Future" initiative.

Scott Carpenter, the principal budget analyst, detailed two critical work streams: core service levels and alternative funding mechanisms. The city plans to analyze existing revenue sources and explore new opportunities, including potential tax increases and new fees. The council is particularly interested in a multiyear ballot measure strategy, which could introduce tax changes to address unmet needs and support essential services.

Among the proposed measures for 2025 is an extension of the existing Community Cultural Resilience and Safety (CCRS) tax, projected to generate approximately $15 million annually for city infrastructure and nonprofit support. Additionally, a new public realm tax is under consideration to enhance funding for parks and public infrastructure.

The council is gearing up for community engagement sessions this summer and fall, aiming to gather input on service priorities and potential tax measures for 2026. The timeline includes a statistically valid polling survey to gauge public sentiment on these issues, with results expected in late June.

As Boulder navigates its financial future, the council's proactive approach seeks to balance community needs with sustainable funding strategies, ensuring that essential services remain robust and responsive to changing demands.