Boulder Transportation Advisory Board Reviews Successful Walk and Bike Month Events

The Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) meeting held on July 19, 2025, in Boulder, Colorado, focused on a recap of the successful Walk and Bike Month in June, as well as addressing the implications of a city-wide hiring freeze on transportation services.

The meeting commenced with a review of the June events, which saw significant public participation. Members expressed gratitude for the community's involvement, highlighting the success of various activities, including the popular Bike to Work Day. Participants noted the high attendance at breakfast stations, particularly at the Boulder Chamber and the Saint Julien Hotel, emphasizing the community's enthusiasm for biking and walking initiatives.

Following the recap, a board member raised a concern regarding the city's hiring freeze and its potential impact on transportation and mobility services. Valerie Watson, the interim director of transportation and mobility, responded by confirming the hiring freeze and its current effects on staffing levels within the department. She noted a 30% vacancy rate, primarily in maintenance positions essential for street operations. Watson explained that while some critical positions would be filled through exemptions, the overall hiring freeze could affect service levels if core maintenance roles remain unfilled.

Watson also mentioned an upcoming community engagement initiative titled "Fund Our Future," aimed at discussing the city's financial strategy and service priorities. This initiative will provide an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions on essential services, including transportation.

The meeting concluded with a reminder for TAB members to participate in ongoing comprehensive plan discussions, which are crucial for integrating land use and transportation planning. Future agenda items were briefly mentioned, including discussions on the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) ordinance expected in August.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the community's active participation in transportation initiatives while addressing the challenges posed by staffing shortages due to the hiring freeze. The TAB emphasized the importance of community engagement in shaping future transportation policies and services.