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City advances improvement‑district analysis; council supportive of exploring a Downtown Development Authority and possible consolidation
Summary
Staff updated the joint commission on a city‑led improvement district analysis with PUMA consultants; council received the recommendations and gave support for exploring a Downtown Development Authority and potential district consolidation with a view to a November 2026 ballot measure
City staff told the Boulder Junction commissions on May 21 that the city is moving from study into planning steps on an improvement‑district analysis that could reshape governance and funding tools across several commercial districts.
"We have been working with Progressive Urban Management Associates, also known as PUMA," Regan Brown, senior project manager, said, describing a consultant review of existing improvement district structures in Boulder Junction, Downtown (CAJID) and University Hill (UJID), and consideration of other commercial areas. Regan said city council received the recommendations at an April 24 study session and "the recommendations, particularly the exploration of a potential Downtown Development Authority (DDA), were well received and supported by council."
Staff said the next steps include finalizing a scope and timeline for further work, engaging a consultant team (PUMA expected to provide further financial modeling and governance guidance), and planning public engagement. Staff said the department will work "backwards from the goal of a potential ballot measure in November 2026," and that Puma's final report was expected in June.
The consultant recommendations also suggested exploring consolidation of improvement districts, which staff said could have significant implications for mill levies and governance structures. Regan said further detail and community engagement would follow once the final Puma memo is available.
Ending: Staff will share Puma’s final report when it is complete (expected in June) and will return to commissioners with draft scopes for DDA exploration, financial models and community engagement plans ahead of any council or ballot decisions.
