Boulder presents draft economic vitality strategy, council presses for specifics and urgency

City staff on Tuesday presented a draft economic vitality strategy intended to guide Boulder’s economic development work over the next two to three years, emphasizing equity, resilience, vibrancy and innovation.

The strategy, led by Jennifer Pinsonow, economic vitality manager, lays out programs to support micro and small businesses, expand access to capital and workforce pathways, and explore tools such as a downtown development authority to address long-term funding gaps. “The strategy is designed to broadly describe projects and programs for creating a stronger, more resilient economy in a post pandemic environment,” Pinsonow said.

Council members broadly welcomed the plan but pressed staff for concrete, near-term actions and clearer communications so businesses can see how public input was used. “We need to understand what concrete actions we’re going to be asked to take so that we can evaluate them,” Mayor Aaron Brockett said. Council member Matt Benjamin and others asked for a shorter-term rollout with items the city can deliver in the next 6–12 months to show urgency and build trust.

Why it matters: staff described the strategy as a response to economic headwinds that have produced higher commercial vacancy…