Boulder parks advisory board backs $40.76 million 2026 budget; approves $4.22M permanent-fund spending and $43.91M six-year CIP

The Boulder Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on Wednesday recommended the city manager's proposed 2026 parks-and-recreation budget of $40,764,360 and approved several capital spending items, forwarding a $43,910,000 six-year capital improvement program to planning board and city council.

Board members voted unanimously in roll-call votes to (1) recommend the 2026 operating and capital budget for the department, (2) recommend $4,222,134 in 2026 expenditures from the permanent parks and recreation fund for council appropriation, and (3) forward the 2026—1 CIP totaling $43,910,000 for adoption. The votes followed a staff presentation and discussion about program priorities, fee changes and funding sources.

The board heard a budget overview from Ali Rhodes, director of parks and recreation, and Jackson Hite, senior manager of business services. Staff said the recommended package combines operating and capital spending and draws on six funding sources, including the permanent parks and recreation fund, a 0.25% parks sales tax fund (CCRS), facility and fleet budgets, and other dedicated revenue. Staff described a roughly flat year-over-year budget on paper but stressed that inflation and cost-escalation pressures reduce purchasing power.

Why it matters

The recommendation moves the city manager's budget forward to planning board and city council for final consideration. The package includes program-level changes that will affect membership and fee structures at Boulder's recreation centers, planned capital investments in parks and facilities, and the department's service-delivery choices when faced with inflation in areas such as trash collection and concrete work.

Major details from the presentation

- Budget totals and timeline:…