Residents of San Lazaro ask Boulder for help to buy park and avoid displacement

Residents of the San Lazaro mobile home community urged Boulder City Council on May 20 to help them assemble financing and political support to buy their park after receiving a letter of intent to sell.

“My name is Marcus Christopher,” said a resident who spoke on behalf of the San Lazaro community, and described housing as “more than stable housing” — it is about dignity and long‑term community benefit. Several residents followed with personal testimony about the fear of being displaced and the neighborhood’s contributions to Boulder, including that many households include people who work in the city and that children attending Boulder Valley School District schools live there.

John Bellos, who said he has lived in San Lazaro for eight years, told council the park had received an owner letter of intent to sell and that residents had already contacted Thistle and Boulder County and met this week with relevant city housing staff. David Ulrich said residents are trying to assemble financing to cover the owners’ asking price and provided a figure residents are working with: “the financing to cover the 42,500,000 the current owners want for the property,” he said.

Speakers repeatedly warned that private equity purchases elsewhere had led to sharp lot‑rent increases and displacement. Ulrich cited examples he said showed rapid rent hikes after acquisitions and called for assistance to keep the park resident‑owned.

City staff responded during open comment. City manager Nuria said the city is “very supportive of these efforts,” that staff have been communicating with county partners, and that the city and county have agreed to pay for a new appraisal and will split the cost. Housing staff confirmed they are exploring possible financial support and that staff will share more details with the community as they are available.

Council members who spoke during the follow‑up asked for specifics on the appraisal and funding mechanisms; staff said much of the initial work is to refine details and that they will report back to the community. Councilors also noted the limited authority of the city to act alone but said they would prioritize coordination with Boulder County and other partners.

Next steps: staff said they will proceed with the joint appraisal, continue conversations with county partners and housing organizations, and follow up with the San Lazaro steering committee on funding options and next steps for potential annexation or assistance.