Boulder City Council considers permanent extension of community culture resilience tax

Boulder City Council has taken a significant step towards enhancing community infrastructure by approving two key ordinances for the upcoming November 4, 2025, election. The first ordinance, 87 10, proposes the permanent extension of the existing 0.3% Community Culture Resilience and Safety (CCRS) sales tax, which is set to expire on December 31, 2036. This extension aims to generate an estimated $13 to $15 million annually for capital improvement projects without raising additional taxes. Notably, 10% of the tax revenue will be allocated to a grant pool supporting nonprofit organizations.

The second ordinance, 87 11, seeks to authorize an increase in debt capacity for capital improvements, allowing the city to raise up to $262 million. This increase is intended to provide greater flexibility in financing essential infrastructure projects over a 30-year horizon, compared to the current 10-year limit.

City officials emphasized that these measures are part of a broader long-term financial strategy developed over the past year and a half, which aims to address critical infrastructure needs while ensuring equitable distribution of the tax burden. The council's decision follows a statistically valid polling survey indicating strong support for the CCRS tax extension among likely voters, with initial approval ratings at 64%.

The proposed projects funded by the CCRS tax extension include vital infrastructure improvements such as fire station renovations, bridge replacements, and enhancements to parks and recreational facilities. City officials highlighted the importance of maintaining flexibility in funding to adapt to evolving community needs, particularly for projects that may arise beyond the current six-year capital improvement plan.

As the city prepares for the election, council members expressed the need for transparency regarding future projects funded by the tax extension, aiming to reassure voters that their investment will address pressing community needs. The council's commitment to ongoing dialogue and planning will be crucial as Boulder looks to secure its infrastructure and community services for years to come.