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City hires PUMA to analyze long-running improvement districts; consultants to deliver recommendations in March
Summary
City staff and consultants from Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA) outlined a near-term analysis of Boulder's long-standing improvement districts. Preliminary recommendations are due in March, with a study session at City Council scheduled for April 24.
City of Boulder staff and consultants from Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA) told the University Hill Community Management Commission on Jan. 7 that they are conducting an "improvement district analysis" to advise on financial tools and governance for the city's commercial districts.
The analysis will review existing conditions and planned investments across several improvement districts, including University Hill and downtown, and is intended to produce near-term, implementable strategies. Brad Siegel of PUMA said the engagement is "kind of fast and furious" and will build on prior studies and plans already completed for the city.
The work is currently in the research and engagement phase. City staff said PUMA will gather documents, fill research gaps, and consult stakeholders. The consultants aim to present preliminary recommendations to the commission in March (in person) and to the City Council for a study session on April 24.
"We're building upon years of work that's already been done," Siegel said during his introduction. Amanda Kennard, PUMA's project manager for the project, said the firm will lean on its experience with special districts in Colorado while tailoring recommendations for Boulder's context.
Commissioners and staff discussed the project's scope, including how the University of Colorado and recent hotel developments near Broadway could factor into district planning. City staff noted some lodging-tax arrangements tied to recent hotel projects and said those concessions mean not all revenues flow into the University Hill improvement district.
PUMA and city staff said the analysis may recommend a range of changes, from modest administrative tweaks to more substantial structural options, depending on findings and stakeholder feedback. The city described the district as roughly 54 years old and said the timing is intended to align the district's tools with recent and anticipated changes in visitation and development.
The commission was invited to serve as a local stakeholder advisory group; members indicated willingness to participate and attend in-person sessions in March.
Why it matters: the assessment could change how services and revenues are organized for multiple commercial districts and influence decisions about parking, public space, and event support.
What's next: PUMA will continue document review and stakeholder outreach through February, return with preliminary recommendations in March (in person), and present to City Council on April 24.
