[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6229900,"mediaKeyId","3444691-8ebcea3d178321bd01c5d2a2a5c0f412","parentId",3444691,"title","Broomfield survey shows split public view on direction; residents praise parks and cite cost‑of‑living concerns","audioSeconds",1786,"startMs",159000,"endMs",1945000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444691-8ebcea3d178321bd01c5d2a2a5c0f412&start=159&end=1945","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444691-8ebcea3d178321bd01c5d2a2a5c0f412/thumbnail_159000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6229900/Broomfield-City/Broomfield-County/Colorado/Broomfield-survey-shows-split-public-view-on-direction-residents-praise-parks-and-cite-costofliving-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229900-e81bdfa83ce044a90213445f75744860/orig.mp4?Expires=1771220110&Signature=QiiErxUq-AQus6kf4oYdIfr7q3fRcqLkJ3r7x1d0nXnfcdUK7ZxxIyZJL61is3rd5sCPQTaLrIi1OyR1ta78PrjsSBK6U5rC3vOm~pde4aOR9s-5kkatdlBWW55YWYBSfvTtMqf4VjwasC0aDCZZZI0iHS-dpsSq6AKhZqg5AO0mQ9sMot52VG-9AfCEUTmsuL8wIrX4FrwThd1kYMiY4yOng0r~K0MV65LtIytOrDXz9vSvi0j5VtfI2xzGKfT-RZCYxVa08kkSHGRrZrc6T0x2oYkgAVSvtLg9VD8sTxUBMbAug7B-6b3uJfnn2ejdxFfBZ1HXjNBS2LUTapA0BQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Broomfield CO","date","2025-05-20T00:00:00Z","article","City staff on Tuesday presented the results of the City and County of Broomfield’s 2025 community survey, saying the third such survey shows residents divided on whether the city is moving in the right direction and pointing to cost‑of‑living and housing as top near‑term priorities.

Courtney Sievers of Magellan Strategies, the firm that conducted the survey, told the City Council the firm completed interviews with 2,908 residents and that invitations were sent by text to about 44,628 adults, representing roughly 71% of Broomfield’s adult population. Sievers said the survey’s margin of error is 1.77 percentage points at the 95% confidence level and that data were weighted to reflect the city’s adult demographic profile.

Why it matters: The survey is used for council and staff planning and communications. The results help identify where residents want the city to focus budget and outreach in the next two to three years, staff said.

The survey asked whether things in Broomfield are heading in the right direction. “Thirty‑six percent of residents said ‘right direction,’ 29% said ‘wrong track,’ and 35% were unsure,” Sievers said, adding that the proportions vary by length of residence and ward. Respondents who said the city is heading in the right direction most frequently credited parks, libraries, trails and responsiveness of city services; those who said the city is on the wrong track cited rising utility and trash hauling costs, growth and perceived lack of public input.

Sievers and staff highlighted several cross‑cutting findings: high ratings for neighborhood livability and quality of life (above 80% “excellent” or “good” on several items), strong satisfaction with drinking water and recreational amenities, and concern about affordability. On an open‑ended question about what the city should focus on in the next two to three years, the top responses were cost of living and utility rates, affordable and accessible housing (especially for seniors and first‑time buyers), progress on the long‑planned Town Square downtown development, infrastructure and traffic, and government transparency.

Julie Story, the city’s director of communications and engagement, said the 35% of respondents who answered “unsure” on the direction question represent an opportunity to better reach residents through events, parks and the city website. “Where residents get their information is largely word‑of‑mouth and the official website,” she said.

Council members asked about comparisons with other communities and historical trends. Council member Cohen asked whether Magellan can provide cross‑community comparisons; Sievers said Magellan will present comparative data for prior Broomfield surveys and regional peers as those communities finish surveys and release results later in 2025.

Key survey details and next steps:
- Sample: 2,908 completed interviews; invitations sent by text to roughly 44,628 residents. 772 requested a link via the online form and 369 of those completed the survey. The Spanish‑language version received five responses.
- Margin of error: 1.77% at the 95% confidence level for the full sample; subgroup margins are larger.
- Prominent takeaways: strong satisfaction with basic services and parks; affordability and utility rates are primary resident concerns; community events and parks are the top reasons residents feel connected to Broomfield.

City staff said they will use the results to refine outreach and expected to return with comparative benchmarks when surrounding jurisdictions complete their surveys later in 2025.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Broomfield, City Council Study Session - May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff on Tuesday presented the results of the City and County of Broomfield’s 2025 community survey, saying the third such survey shows residents divided on whether the city is moving in the right direction and pointing to cost‑of‑living and housing as top near‑term priorities.","taxTitle","Broomfield City, Broomfield County, Colorado","taxId",9321,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229884,"Transit study proposes new fixed‑route connector, FlexRide changes and EasyRide investments; council questions funding and coverage",3123,7573000,10696000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444691-8ebcea3d178321bd01c5d2a2a5c0f412&start=7573&end=10696","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444691-8ebcea3d178321bd01c5d2a2a5c0f412/thumbnail_7573000.jpg","/articles/6229884/Broomfield-City/Broomfield-County/Colorado/Transit-study-proposes-new-fixedroute-connector-FlexRide-changes-and-EasyRide-investments-council-questions-funding-and-coverage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229884-d3bdc9db28ec26544a063f84b533d756/orig.mp4?Expires=1771220110&Signature=B5EjeF8Eya4ruoEOsvHyJOeBw54sZAbmWt6M-AYOIYAqvnUibgcQbiu-9WRyvkExRYsCVeFEJizAZgi4fjegndj8FLwuGlf4zNE4KrXT5R42bLUVkEPUps-tb-25QiBuRt3UTL0vLHm31uoHJriDE8ekrZ~mL9DldgXAElkCI7cIu4B1HC0e1YfUKeya4F8yDNnOAWuqV7HofFUe189-W1ia41IqtPxRGzPWbMi1xHE9-jUhHL7eRaK4tqu-V25n3lProYfWDl-G6bhy49q16l2FGVqVcvkz-n57bnEE9GTRqWV4xVNkX5QW5FxTzULd0Cg5CqENgJuTCxhbFgnljQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented the first formal update on Broomfield’s transit needs study, recommending a phased package of mobility improvements that includes a new fixed‑route community connector, changes to FlexRide microtransit zones and operational upgrades to EasyRide services for older adults and people with disabilities.

Sarah Grant, Broomfield’s transportation manager, said the federally funded study (through the Denver Regional Council of Governments, DRCOG) engaged more than 3,000 residents via 18 pop‑ups, four surveys and targeted focus groups. “Service cuts over the past seven years have, coupled with growth and changing travel patterns, resulted in mobility gaps in Broomfield,” Grant said.

The study team presented three headline needs and corresponding recommendations: improve internal circulation with a new fixed‑route community connector that builds on the former Route 128 and links high‑demand neighborhoods, schools and US‑36/Broomfield Station; increase FlexRide span and capacity (add Sunday service, extend hours and consolidate zones); and strengthen EasyRide operations with better scheduling software, vehicle hardware and additional staffing.

Allison Baxter, senior transportation planner and project manager for the study, said preliminary analysis shows high transit propensity in south‑central Broomfield and that approximately 80% of the city’s land area is not within a half‑mile of fixed‑route transit. The draft fixed‑route connector has two alignment options: one that serves Orchard Town Center and another that routes via a civic center loop with a terminal at the Walmart on West 120th Avenue. Consultant James Gerken said resource constraints require trade‑offs: with a modest fleet the route alignment choices affect frequency and whether both destinations can be served efficiently.

Staff noted funding considerations: the study includes $400,000 in pilot funding that could be used for a mobility pilot; the Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) new Partnership Program offers competitive pilot grants (staff noted the program includes about $900,000 for multiple pilots over three years). Staff cautioned that pilot funding may require a local match or longer‑term operating commitments if RTD does not assume the service. Estimated capital and operating costs for a full fixed‑route connector would exceed what the pilot alone can cover.

Council members asked questions about route choices, vehicle types, FlexRide denial rates and how to ensure North Broomfield receives better coverage. Council member Ward and others questioned whether a connector should serve both Orchard Town Center and the Walmart or whether a stop near the 120th/Orchard intersection could provide a compromise. Ward also pressed for future coordination with RTD on standards that would make it more likely RTD would assume operations after a pilot.

Consultants and staff emphasized alternatives remain under consideration and that the public will be asked this summer to weigh in on which concepts best reflect community needs. Staff will refine cost estimates and return with a final plan in the fall; a mobility pilot is anticipated for 2026 and beyond.

","City staff presented draft recommendations from a DRCOG‑funded transit needs study that proposes a new local fixed‑route community connector, expanded FlexRide service and investments in EasyRide operations. Staff said $400,000 in pilot funding is available; council asked about costs, coverage for North Broomfield and coordination with RTD.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229889,"Draft state WUI map places dozens of Broomfield parcels in wildfire zones; council presses staff for local review and outreach",1031,3565000,4596000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444691-8ebcea3d178321bd01c5d2a2a5c0f412&start=3565&end=4596","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444691-8ebcea3d178321bd01c5d2a2a5c0f412/thumbnail_3565000.jpg","/articles/6229889/Broomfield-City/Broomfield-County/Colorado/Draft-state-WUI-map-places-dozens-of-Broomfield-parcels-in-wildfire-zones-council-presses-staff-for-local-review-and-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229889-54d4cf0035cf1c248bd879f6b1c4f037/orig.mp4?Expires=1771220110&Signature=mBAH8DoQUc4~zpUXzot8Lr34KK4Khaq5hoDjDV~zTIF~wmg8CcTOE-ZJ2XKGaq~gZDa4TgILOlvZMXyq2zUzBrvvSFRqpYQHz1L1VgsjqHhUx1E1WkGBHN6qCCnEFn0dGL-LnLvBOuLuIJFjrfmVBd5qNdP3Fz4QsgIN6oQWnddIrsJc3ILKzC-N7y3b5xluIdtz1JLvRO~4zWE4filM9WJBWubcmB1vnV2rY3bw22tarCiBJtaCIcP1MjqDH9ezJYH8f~pQd8cPZjJAJT-JWqwtxkoXPVN6xBfAZM~2QXKGHgJ8hger7f-AZmhYKkbExeX~74oezBLjwPBTldBoog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff updated council on the state’s Wildland‑Urban Interface (WUI) model code and a draft state map that would subject parts of Broomfield to new construction requirements including ignition‑resistant materials, defensible space and emergency access standards.

Kate Boles, the city’s landscape architect, said the WUI model code’s stated purpose is “to establish minimum regulations for the safeguarding of life and for property protection” and described the map framework as focused on vegetation, topography and typical weather conditions to estimate potential fire intensity. She said the board’s most recent draft reduced the area within Broomfield but listed specific neighborhoods and parcels that may be affected, including Great Western Park; The Ridge at Broomfield; Interlochen; Broomfield Business Center; Sunridge 2; Ridgeview Heights; Whistlepig; Wildgrass; Wilcox Estates; Spruce Meadows; and Anthem filing 24.

If a parcel is mapped into the WUI draft, new construction and certain permits would be subject to hardening requirements that vary by zone. The draft requirements cited by staff include: Class A roofing and ember‑resistant vents; ignition‑resistant or noncombustible exterior materials; noncombustible gutters; and, in the more restrictive orange zone, one‑hour fire‑rated exterior walls, noncombustible soffits and deck surfaces, 20‑minute fire‑rated exterior doors and special measures to seal gaps around garage doors.

The draft ties specific construction and maintenance obligations to three defensible space bands from the structure: Zone 1 (0–5 feet) calls for cleared, noncombustible ground and no new trees or wood fencing within the zone; Zone 2 (5–30 feet) calls for spacing plants and removing lower branches; Zone 3 (30–100+ feet) focuses on reducing ladder fuels and creating breaks between clumps of trees. The code is not retroactive for existing approved conditions, but substantial additions (an increase in footprint greater than 500 square feet) or replacements that affect 25% or more of roof or exterior wall surface would trigger new‑construction requirements on the entire roof or exterior wall area.

Councilors raised sharp concerns about how the map was created and whether properties were accurately categorized. Council member Lim and others pressed staff on whether the state provided local stakeholder engagement and how the mapping methodology was developed. Staff said the state board approved the draft map and that the board’s materials describe the map as estimating how intensely a fire could burn (not the probability of ignition) based on topography, vegetation and historical weather patterns. But staff acknowledged local questions and said Broomfield would pursue ‘ground‑truthing’ field inspections, starting with the Wilcox neighborhood, and would explore whether a third‑party technical review could support map adjustments.

City staff said they will post an information page on Broomfield Voice once the final WUI model code is published by the state. The state board has scheduled a public hearing and the state is required to publish the approved code by July 1; jurisdictions must adopt within nine months after publication and provide for local implementation within three months after adoption. Staff said they expected to return with a proposed ordinance tied to the 2024 code package for first reading in January 2026 and second reading in February 2026, with concurrent implementation on April 15, 2026.

Council members and staff asked for timely and targeted outreach: more detailed explanations for affected neighborhoods; a plan for boots‑on‑the‑ground verification of mapped parcels; clarification on how the map might affect insurance or construction costs; and a town‑hall‑style outreach event once the final state materials and adoption rules are available.

","Staff briefed council on the draft Wildland‑Urban Interface model code and map that would require ignition‑resistant construction and defensible space for new construction in designated yellow and orange zones. Council and residents asked for a local 'ground‑truthing' review of the map and more public outreach.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6229895,"Broomfield to adopt state low‑energy, low‑carbon code with 2024 code package; council gives unanimous support",980,2549000,3529000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3444691-8ebcea3d178321bd01c5d2a2a5c0f412&start=2549&end=3529","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3444691-8ebcea3d178321bd01c5d2a2a5c0f412/thumbnail_2549000.jpg","/articles/6229895/Broomfield-City/Broomfield-County/Colorado/Broomfield-to-adopt-state-lowenergy-lowcarbon-code-with-2024-code-package-council-gives-unanimous-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6229895-1defe0157e3c638690292d710cbcc650/orig.mp4?Expires=1771220110&Signature=l~jaXWNh--uyBr1-ePl5yAU2m8hCg6Xbfzuv38C8Rn9W5BqIRHPsryL6PfrPQmHvFJAfguZ2GiNHC~Y~YgLX7skxB5Y0MP8ObhxvnDDW-8iwXtf7~vkxNk67p1diIHwBzRHUtJXL8-NdFHLUHH0TrytAJo80d~1MKNWH6GHKWpyEdtDDWPjruaCol7MujveUpN~m~l8u6~FLwWuqkmwdUgc5QxwvoQMRBAE3oWEJgUDpwZW1N2Fpu-gCVRo4xTGAar6Ufz9Fe-17zR2ukLNtYVzDZIVTJOKk-igSh909Egq-F6V8uzEkbm44CfF~~IvULoP43HKtIJSVUI3sR1jeYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff recommended and the City Council gave unanimous consent on Tuesday to adopt the Colorado Low Energy and Carbon Code as part of Broomfield’s 2024 code package, aligning local rules with the state’s forthcoming updates to the International Energy Conservation Code.

Tim Pate, Broomfield’s chief building official, told the council the city has completed earlier phases of an energy roadmap — adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code in March 2023 and local electric‑ready and solar‑ready requirements effective Jan. 1, 2024 — and is now in phase 3 of the roadmap. “Phase 3 is the following options,” Pate said, reviewing timing alternatives to adopt the 2024 IECC baseline and the state’s low‑energy and low‑carbon code. The Colorado Energy Code Board has been developing the state code using the 2024 IECC as a baseline and will publish the final state version once the 2024 IECC is finalized.

Pate described preliminary efficiency estimates provided by state analyses: the residential portions of the 2024 IECC are about 7% more efficient than the 2021 code, while unofficial estimates suggest commercial sections may be roughly 10% more efficient than the 2021 code. He also warned that the Colorado Energy Code Board is not allowed by statute to weaken the base code but may add more restrictive appendices.

Staff recommended waiting until the state publishes the final low‑energy and low‑carbon code — staff cited a recent delay in the state publication schedule — and then incorporating that final version into Broomfield’s 2024 code package, with a proposed effective date in spring 2026. Pate said staff are not recommending additional strengthening amendments now because the state code, as drafted, will be stronger than the 2024 base code.

Council members asked several technical questions. Council member Cohen asked how the state code treats “all‑electric” approaches. Pate said the state code is not an all‑electric code but is “electric‑preferred”: it encourages all‑electric appliances and makes mixed‑fuel designs meet more stringent efficiency requirements.

Council members expressed general support. Council member Ward said only “yes” when asked for direction; Mayor Pro Tem Schaff also voiced support. Pate said the advisory committee on environmental sustainability had met and supported the staff recommendation and asked council to direct staff to adopt the state code concurrently with the 2024 package and to review possible strengthening amendments with ACES after the state code’s final publication.

Authorities and timeline noted in the presentation include the 2021 and 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), the Colorado Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code (adopted locally Jan. 1, 2024), and state legislation directing the Colorado Energy Office and the Energy Code Board to develop the low‑energy and low‑carbon code. Pate said the state’s final publication was delayed and will be published by September 1; the staff recommendation scheduled local first reading with the full 2024 code package in January and a proposed effective date of April 15, 2026.

What council approved by unanimous consent was direction to proceed with staff’s recommended timing to adopt the state low‑energy and low‑carbon code as part of Broomfield’s 2024 code package and to have staff and ACES review the state code for potential amendments once it is published.

","City staff recommended adopting Colorado’s forthcoming low‑energy and low‑carbon code as part of the 2024 code package and delaying additional local amendments until after ACES review; Council gave unanimous consent to proceed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Broomfield survey shows split public view on direction; residents praise parks and cite cost‑of‑living concerns

Transit study proposes new fixed‑route connector, FlexRide changes and EasyRide investments; council questions funding and coverage

Draft state WUI map places dozens of Broomfield parcels in wildfire zones; council presses staff for local review and outreach

Broomfield to adopt state low‑energy, low‑carbon code with 2024 code package; council gives unanimous support