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Water Resources Advisory Board approves letter urging council to prioritize South Boulder Creek flood mitigation, rate study and CIP projects
Summary
The board voted to send a recommendation letter to City Council that highlights four priorities for the 2026 council retreat: South Boulder Creek flood mitigation, a 2026 utilities rate study (with attention to affordability), selected CIP projects, and support for the Boulder Valley comprehensive plan with emphasis on climate preparation and utilities' role in development.
The Water Resources Advisory Board approved and voted to submit a recommendation letter to Boulder City Council on Nov. 17, 2025, identifying priorities the board recommends council consider in its 2026 retreat. The board made a motion to accept and submit the letter and recorded ayes; the motion carried.
Board members consolidated priorities into four headline items: (1) South Boulder Creek flood mitigation; (2) a utilities rate study planned for 2026 with attention to balancing sustainable investment and affordability; (3) capital improvement projects (CIP) the utilities department considers highest priority for 2026; and (4) support for the Boulder Valley comprehensive plan, with emphasis on policies related to climate‑change preparation and the utilities' role in development.
The draft letter cited that the South Boulder Creek project protects "over 2,300 residents and more than 260 structures" in the West Valley area and referenced council approval in March 2025 of $66,000,000 in Series 2025 bonds to fund the project's first phase. The board's draft urged council to prioritize and advocate for the project's implementation given legal and procedural delays affecting schedule. Board members debated wording on the rate study — including whether to note council will be asked to approve rates in 2026 and how to reflect affordability concerns — and staff clarified that annual rate adjustments are part of the budget process and that the rate study will inform policy and mechanics.
The board agreed to pare and tighten the letter to fit council's two‑page guidance, moved the flood mitigation priority to the top, and included language encouraging the council to prioritize the rate study and CIP investments while considering affordability for vulnerable residents. Staff will transmit the approved letter to City Council.
In other business at the same meeting, a board member volunteered to participate in the upcoming rate study work; staff also reported that a Greenwater ordinance (an opt‑out of the state's graywater program to allow local control) is moving through council with a two‑year sunset to allow program development. The board adjourned after approving the letter and the chair's closing remarks.
