Commission recommends placing proposed Downtown Development Authority on November ballot

Staff briefed the commission on a draft letter of intent (LOI) and the special election process tied to a proposed Boulder Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The commission voted to recommend council place the necessary ordinance and ballot measures before voters.

Presenters (speakers 3 and 6) described the LOI as a nonbinding framework that addresses organizational transition, coordination of TIF (tax increment financing) revenue sharing if the DDA is approved, the transition and oversight of parking assets, and the initial board appointment process with an emphasis on geographic representation. Staff said the LOI is intended to clarify the city’s expectations before council considers placing the measures on the ballot.

Staff also outlined voting rules for the special election: eligible electors include residents registered in Colorado (one vote per registered person) and property or business entities that must designate a registered voter to receive a ballot. Staff stressed that entities (LLCs, businesses) must submit a voter designation to cast a ballot and that designated voters must be Colorado residents. Commissioners raised questions about multi‑unit condos and how property‑owner votes would be allocated; staff said they would confirm administrative details.

Committee member (speaker 7) moved that the commission recommend that city council adopt an ordinance to submit the proposed DDA and its financing to qualified electors; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff said the LOI and ballot language would be sent to council in the coming week and that outreach and campaign logistics would follow if council refers the measures.