The Boulder City Council meeting on September 18, 2025, focused on the introduction of a new Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Ordinance, a key component of the city’s broader Access Management and Parking Strategy (AMPS). This ordinance aims to enhance transportation efficiency and reduce environmental impacts from new developments in Boulder.

The TDM Ordinance is designed to complement recent changes in parking regulations, specifically the elimination of minimum parking requirements for new developments. By managing transportation demand, the city hopes to mitigate the effects of increased vehicle traffic on neighborhoods and improve access to multimodal transportation options. The ordinance will apply to new developments that meet specific thresholds, ensuring that the most impactful projects contribute to the city’s transportation goals.

Key features of the ordinance include a tiered approach to implementation, where smaller developments may be exempt while larger projects will face more stringent requirements. Developers will be required to implement TDM programs that encourage alternative transportation methods, such as public transit, carpooling, and biking. The EcoPass program, which has proven effective in changing travel behavior, will be a central component of these efforts.

Council members expressed concerns about the potential costs to developers and the need for tenant involvement in finalizing TDM plans. The ordinance aims to address these issues by allowing tenants to influence the TDM strategies that best suit their needs once they occupy the buildings.

The council also discussed the importance of monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with the new requirements. Developers will be held accountable through annual financial guarantees, which will fund the TDM programs and services.

As the city moves forward with this ordinance, the focus will shift to implementation, including developing tools and resources for developers and property owners. The council anticipates that the ordinance will be fully operational by 2026, marking a significant step towards achieving Boulder’s transportation and climate goals.