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Boulder council approves 2026 budget, property mill levies and fee changes; guaranteed‑income pilot funding remains reliant on private donations
Summary
Council adopted the 2026 budget (Ordinance 8722) and related ordinances on Oct. 23, 2025, approving the city operating and capital budgets and fee changes; staff said the Elevate Boulder guaranteed‑income pilot remains funded by one‑time dollars and ongoing support will depend on private fundraising and future council action.
The Boulder City Council adopted its 2026 budget package on Oct. 23, approving Ordinance 8722 (budget), Ordinance 8723 (property mill levies), Ordinance 8724 (appropriations) and Ordinance 8727 (fee and tax adjustments). Council approved the budget ordinances by roll call: Ordinance 8722 passed 8–1; Ordinances 8723, 8724 and 8727 were adopted unanimously.
Budget overview: Charlotte Huskey, the city’s budget officer, summarized key assumptions and forecasts for the recommended 2026 budget. Staff reported projected total revenues of about $407.2 million and noted slowing growth in sales and use tax; she said the city’s six‑year capital improvement program includes planned spending of roughly $789.5 million between 2026 and 2031 and identified $113.3 million in new 2026 appropriations.
Key revenue measures and tradeoffs: The recommended budget incorporates parts of the long‑term financial strategy, including alternative revenue measures and the Transportation Maintenance Fee (staff programmed $2.25 million from the fee in 2026 projections). Council discussed revenue diversity, potential use of reserves for shortfalls and the need to weigh new fees and taxes against affordability concerns for residents and businesses.
Public comment and human services: Two members of the public signed up to speak. Maria Stepan, executive director of the Center for People With Disabilities, urged council to continue supporting the Elevate Boulder guaranteed‑income pilot, saying it helps people with disabilities escape crisis. City staff responded that Elevate was implemented with one‑time funds and that the city is pursuing private fundraising through the Boulder Community Fund with the possibility of future city matching if funds are secured.
The votes: Ordinance 8722 (adopting the budget) passed 8–1 on roll call; Ordinances 8723 and 8724 (mill levy and appropriations) and 8727 (fee/tax adjustments) passed unanimously. Councilmembers debated tradeoffs among long‑term financial strategy, fee implementation timing and program priorities.
Next steps: Staff will continue long‑term financial strategy work, report back on reserve policies and follow through on community engagement plans tied to revenue and fee implementation. The council directed staff to return with additional information on reserves and services if emerging crises require action.
