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Boulder city manager warns federal funding uncertainty could shape 2026 budget; reaffirms sanctuary ordinance
Summary
City Manager Nuria Rivera Vandermeind told the Police Oversight Panel on March 10 that federal scrutiny of grant language and an uncertain federal funding picture could affect millions in city grant revenue; she also confirmed Boulder remains a sanctuary by ordinance but said the city will avoid publicity that might draw federal attention.
City Manager Nuria Rivera Vandermeind told the Police Oversight Panel on March 10 that uncertainty in federal funding and heightened scrutiny of grant language could affect the city’s 2026 budget and several pending grant proposals.
Why it matters: Rivera Vandermeind said the city has “millions of dollars up there that we don't know if we will get or not,” and that the administration is reviewing grant language and priorities to avoid losing federal funds while continuing local commitments on equity and climate.
Rivera Vandermeind told the panel that the city is beginning its annual budget process amid a federal environment in which some grants are being closely scrutinized. “We are in a place where every word that we do for grants now is being scrutinized,” she said. She singled out infrastructure and safer-streets grants as areas of concern, noting a $23 million safer-streets grant for bike lanes could be at risk.
The city manager also addressed the city’s designation as a sanctuary. She said the city declared itself a sanctuary by ordinance in 2017 and that it remains so: “It is an ordinance. We remain that way. But we are trying hard not to, to put that spotlight here,” she told panel members, explaining the city is choosing to limit publicity around the designation to reduce the risk of drawing federal attention.
Rivera Vandermeind raised other items that intersect with civilian oversight work: she encouraged the panel to continue reviewing police dashboards and data before they are published so the department can incorporate the panel’s feedback. She also said the Boulder Police Department is pursuing accreditation and that the city values ongoing oversight and accountability work.
The city manager acknowledged the budget squeeze may limit new full-time positions and that departments’ requests will be scrutinized. She said the city remains fiscally balanced and is considering whether to supplement county social-service gaps, asking the city’s housing and human services division to plan potential supplemental requests.
Rivera Vandermeind closed by thanking panel volunteers for the emotionally taxing work of reviewing body-worn camera footage and oversight materials.
Looking ahead: The city manager said more details will become clear as the budget process proceeds and encouraged panel members to continue engaging on data and dashboards as they are developed.
