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Revenue Stabilization/Blue Ribbon Commission

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 Blue Ribbon Commission - Phase I 

The City of Boulder is heavily dependent upon sales and use tax to fund its many programs and services.  Beginning in 2001, the City of Boulder experienced significant sales and use tax revenue decreases.  This resulted in large budgetary cuts over the next four years.  Additionally, one-third of the sales tax rate is set to expire over an eight year period beginning in 2011. 

At the 2006 City Council Retreat, an initiative was put forward to appoint a blue ribbon commission (BRC) to study the revenue policy issues confronting the city.  This committee was to consist of technical experts in governmental tax policy as well as distinguished community members who understood the history of Boulder sales tax initiatives and could evaluate the political receptiveness of future tax initiatives.

Appointed by City Council this Commission has been asked to:

Establish a long-term, balanced and stable revenue stream for the City of Boulder that accomplishes public priorities while allowing flexibility to meet the varied and dynamic needs of the municipal corporation in the next 20 years. 

Blue Ribbon Commission - Phase II 

The emphasis of BRC II will be to refine the revenue stabilization recommendations of BRC Phase I and to continue the implementation of the principles and policies proposed by the first BRC.  The group will also be completing a review of city expenditures to ensure that public funds are being used effectively and efficiently.