The Boulder City Council meeting on September 18, 2025, focused on the introduction of a new Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Ordinance, which is part of the broader Access Management and Parking Strategy (AMPS) initiative. This ordinance aims to enhance transportation efficiency and address climate goals by managing travel behavior in new developments.

City officials emphasized that the TDM Ordinance is the final piece of the AMPS framework, complementing previous reforms related to parking management. The ordinance is designed to mitigate the impacts of new developments on the transportation system and surrounding neighborhoods while promoting the use of multimodal transportation options.

Chris Hagelin, a city staff member, presented the ordinance, explaining that it aims to clarify expectations for developers and tenants regarding TDM plans. The ordinance will apply to new developments that meet specific thresholds, expanding the scope beyond current practices that only require TDM plans for projects undergoing site review. A tiered approach will categorize developments based on size and impact, with larger projects facing more stringent requirements.

Key components of the TDM Ordinance include the establishment of quantifiable goals for TDM plans, a monitoring process to assess effectiveness, and a focus on proven programs such as EcoPass and vanpool subsidies. The ordinance seeks to ensure that TDM strategies are not only implemented but also continuously improved based on ongoing assessments.

The council's discussions highlighted the importance of integrating TDM strategies with the elimination of minimum parking requirements, reinforcing the need for effective transportation management as the city grows. The ordinance is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Boulder’s transportation landscape and achieving its climate objectives.

Next steps involve finalizing the ordinance and implementing it in upcoming development projects, with city staff committed to ongoing engagement with stakeholders to refine the approach.