Council backs moving Folsom Street safety project forward after public support

Boulder City Council on Aug. 7 signaled support for moving the Folsom Street safety improvement project forward and did not call the item up for further review. The project, part of the city’s Core Arterial Network design work, drew multiple public speakers who urged council to approve the plan and finalize design work.

Public comment in favor: Eric Budd, a resident who identified himself as a longtime local organizer for bicycle safety, told council the Folsom design reflects years of progress on protected bike lanes and urged staff and council to "move Folsom Street to a final design." David Ensign, a former planning board member, also spoke in support and relayed written endorsements collected from the community.

Council response: Several council members praised staff and the design. Council member Ryan (council roster) thanked staff for the long-term work on the project; Council member Tina Marquis called the design "a model redesign" and asked staff to plan for long-term maintenance funding so the project “continues to look beautiful and inviting.” Mayor Erin Brockett and others noted the project’s importance to the Boulder community and the city’s Core Arterial Network effort.

Decision: No council member requested a formal call-up; by consensus the council allowed staff to proceed with the environmental and design process (SEAP) and to develop final design and funding steps.

What’s next: Staff will advance the project through the SEAP and into final design and funding planning. Council members asked staff to ensure maintenance funding and to coordinate the design around community events such as the Boulder Boulder.