City manager gives quarterly update on Boulder City strategic plan; new pool design and Nevada Way upgrades highlighted

Ned Thomas, the city manager, gave the Boulder City Council a status update on the city’s 2025–2030 strategic implementation plan at the May 13 meeting, outlining progress on recreation, infrastructure and accessibility projects and saying staff will provide quarterly implementation reports.

The update covered several near-term and longer-term efforts. Thomas said the city is planning a turf-reduction project at the municipal golf course, constructing pickleball courts at Veterans Memorial Park and renovating the Del Prado playground. He also described the voter-approved new pool project as “one of the largest projects that will be a matter of public attention over the next few years,” saying the design consultant has completed a 30% design and staff is preparing to advance the project through a construction-manager-at-risk selection process. “So far we’re working on selecting the design consultant… We are still on target for completion date in 2028,” Thomas said.

Thomas described infrastructure work on Nevada Way, including a 12 kV extension project that has been progressing steadily and a broader Nevada Way rehabilitation project that will return to the council for future decisions. He also outlined water-service replacements and other capital work underway.

On regulatory matters, Thomas said the city is working with Lisa Wise Consulting Group to update Title 11 of the municipal code (zoning) to reduce barriers to housing consistent with the growth-control ordinance. “Updating the ordinance will make it consistent with current practice and help remove inconsistencies or barriers to achieving the city’s goals in housing,” he said.

Thomas highlighted ADA and public‑safety efforts: pedestrian-safety upgrades and accessibility work at City Hall following recommendations from an ADA working group, a reserve fire academy that began March 8, and a police accreditation assessment under review. He also noted the city recently completed the first round of interviews for a new police chief.

Council members asked schedule and scope questions. One member asked whether the 12 kV extension would finish on time; Thomas said he believed it would. When asked what “diverse housing types” means, Thomas said that includes single-family and multifamily units, starter homes and executive-level housing to provide a range of options and support affordability. Council members praised the quarterly reporting plan and the progress so far.

The council did not take formal action on the projects at the meeting; Thomas said staff will post additional information and graphics on the city website and return with regular updates.