Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan | Policies

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1. Equity and Racial Justice

The city and county work to dismantle institutional and systemic racism and are committed to ensuring all voices, experiences, and needs of community members are fully and equitably heard and considered, including those of communities that have been historically excluded from local government. The city and county will work to reduce the vulnerabilities of people most susceptible to natural or human-caused stressors. Equity is a primary consideration for city investments in engagement, infrastructure, programming, and maintenance.

2. City and County Collaboration

The city and county collaborate to implement the shared goals described in this plan and other respective adopted policies and plans and mitigate cross-jurisdictional impacts.

3. Public Institution Coordination

The city coordinates with public institutions like the University of Colorado, Boulder Valley School District, Boulder Public Library District and federal research laboratories to address critical needs and align future plans that support shared values.

4. Regional and Statewide Collaboration

The city and county pursue cooperative regional planning, intergovernmental agreements and shared initiatives to address the needs of the Boulder Valley. The city and county will collaborate with partner agencies across the region and state to advance shared goals and actions.

5. Boulder Valley Planning Areas

The city and county establish the joint vision for urban growth and rural preservation within the Boulder Valley through a framework of defined Planning Areas. For these purposes, the Service Area is defined as Area 1-Urban Lands and Area 2-Urban Edge.

• a. Area 1-Urban Lands refers to land within the city of Boulder that is currently or planned to be served by the full range of urban facilities and services and where new urban development can occur.
• b. Area 1-Open Lands primarily refers to publicly owned land within the city of Boulder where new urban development is not supported by the plan and that is intended to remain rural in character. Limited facilities and services may be provided to these lands if consistent with this plan, or a full range of services may be provided for health, welfare and safety reasons.
• c. Area 2-Urban Edge refers to unincorporated Boulder County lands where annexation to the city is supported by the plan. New urban development is not supported, and the full range of urban services will not be provided by the city. Limited facilities and services may be provided if consistent with this plan.
• d. Area 3-Rural Preservation refers to land within unincorporated Boulder County that is intended to remain rural in character. New urban development is not supported, and this area will not be served by the full range of urban facilities and services. Annexation to the city is not allowed except in limited circumstances as described by this plan.
• e. Area 3-Planning Reserve refers to land within unincorporated Boulder County that may be considered for future expansion of the Service Area per the policies of this plan and procedures included in the intergovernmental agreement between the city and county.

Explore the full-page Boulder Valley Planning Areas map.

Boulder Valley Planning Areas: Services, Annexation, and Development Eligibility

Legend	Planning Area	Provision of City Services	Eligible for Annexation	Eligible for New Urban Development
Light Yellow	Area 1 - Urban Lands	Yes	N/A	Yes
Light Green	Area 1 - Open Lands	Limited*	N/A	No
Dark Yellow	Area 2 - Urban Edge	Limited	Yes	No
Dark Green	Area 3 - Rural Preservation	No	No	No
Orange	Area 3 - Planning Reserve	No	No	No

* The full range of city services may be provided to Area 1 - Open Lands locations that are annexed for health, safety, and welfare reasons.

6. New Urban Development

The city and county only allow new urban development in Area 1-Urban Lands. New urban development is only allowed if adequate facilities and services are available or anticipated by the city through the Capital Improvements Program.

7. Development in Area 2-Urban Edge

The county regulates development and redevelopment in Area 2-Urban Edge as allowed by the Boulder County Land Use Code. The county will not allow new urban development in Area 2-Urban Edge. Annexation into the city and a change to Area 1-Urban Lands, shall be required prior to or concurrent with any approval for new urban development. The county sends applications for development in Area 2-Urban Edge to the city for comment.

8. Development in Area 3-Rural Preservation and Area 3-Planning Reserve

The county regulates development and redevelopment in Area 3-Rural Preservation and Area 3-Planning Reserve as allowed by the Boulder County Land Use Code. The county will not allow over-intensive rural development or new urban development in Area 3-Rural Preservation or Area 3-Planning Reserve. The county sends applications for development in Area 3-Rural Preservation and Area 3-Planning Reserve to the city for comment.

9. No New Incorporated Places

The city and county oppose the establishment of new incorporated communities within the Boulder Valley Planning Area.

10. Annexation

The city will not annex properties outside the boundaries of the Boulder Valley Planning Area. Annexations are primarily initiated through a property owner petition process except as otherwise allowed by state law including, but not limited to, annexation of enclaves and city-owned property.

Properties located in Area 2-Urban Edge are eligible to be considered for annexation and a change to Area 1-Urban Lands. The city encourages annexation of the following types of Area 2-Urban Edge properties:

• Properties entirely contained within the city (enclaves), substantially developed properties along the western boundary that are below (east of) the Blue Line and other substantially developed properties adjacent to the city.
• Properties that resolve an issue of public health concern without creating additional development impacts.
• Properties that offer significant development or redevelopment potential if they offer a special opportunity or community benefit to the city.

The city allows annexation and a change to Area 1-Open Lands of Area 3-Rural Preservation or Area 3-Planning Reserve properties only in the following circumstances:

• Publicly-owned properties that will remain rural in character and require less than a full range of urban services or that are included under city jurisdiction for health, welfare and safety reasons.
• Portions of modestly sized privately owned parcels located in Area 3-Rural Preservation if they are annexed with portions of the same parcel located in Area 2-Urban Edge to avoid split jurisdiction.

11. Community Benefit Associated with Annexation

The city considers the annexation of land with significant development or redevelopment potential only if it offers a special opportunity or benefit to the city. The creation of permanently affordable housing will be emphasized as a community benefit, but other benefits such as preservation of significant environmental and/or historic resources, dedication of land and/or facilities for public purposes, improvement of public health conditions, or other community benefits may also be considered. As part of annexation, the city will not require properties with existing development that are seeking no greater density or building size to provide the same level of community benefit until an application for greater development is submitted.

12. Service Provision to Annexations

The city requires annexation before the full range of urban facilities and services are provided. The city may provide new services and facilities in phases to substantially developed areas that are annexed and may require upgrades to meet city standards if they are needed to protect community health and safety. The city and county collaborate with urban service providers to reduce duplication of efforts, and to maximize economic and resource efficiencies to provide the public with reliable and equitable levels of service.

13. Provision of Urban Facilities and Services

The City of Boulder should be the sole provider of the full range of urban facilities and services for new urban development. Urban facilities and services provided by the city are public water, public sewer, stormwater and flood management, urban fire protection and emergency medical care, urban police protection, urban transportation and urban parks. The city will locate improvements necessary to deliver urban services, where reasonably practicable, within the municipal boundary.

14. Timing of Urban Services for Urban Development

The city requires adequate urban facilities and services based on established level of service standards to be available prior to or concurrent with new urban development and redevelopment.

15. Development to Pay Fair Share of New Facility Costs

The city plans and invests in urban facilities and services as determined by the Capital Improvements Program. New urban development or redevelopment is expected to pay its fair share, including the cost of providing necessary facilities and an equitable share of services.

16. Out-of-City Utility Service

The city will consider providing limited water and sewer services to Area 2-Urban Edge only if consistent with the city’s annexation policies and Capital Improvements Program. City facilities located in Area 2-Urban Edge, Area 3-Rural Preservation or Area 3-Planning Reserve may be provided with limited urban services if consistent with this plan, or as otherwise necessary for the city to provide another urban facility and service to the city. Nothing within this plan prohibits the city from denying the provision of urban services to any property within the Boulder Valley for utility-related reasons. In any case, the city may provide limited utility services when there are health and safety issues.

17. The Blue Line

The city does not provide public water or sewer infrastructure and associated services above (west of) the Blue Line. In 2016, the city adopted Ordinance 8133 to change the location of the Blue Line. Ordinance 8133 was intended to clarify the location of the Blue Line and permit water service to existing development in the area. Land in Area 2-Urban Edge that was moved below (east of) the Blue Line with Ordinance 8133 shall be considered substantially developed and no additional dwelling units may be added upon annexation.

18. Assimilation of Special District Facilities and Services

The city will take all reasonable and legal steps to assimilate the facilities and services of special districts and other service providers by the city upon annexation of Area 2-Urban Edge lands.

19. Land Use Regulations Compliance

The city and county abide by existing applicable land use regulations, where reasonably practicable, when owning and operating public facilities in the other’s jurisdiction.

20. Maintaining Existing Assets

The city maintains and cares for existing city assets and recognizes the long-term investment community members have made in shared public facilities, public spaces and infrastructure.

21. Projections for Planning

The city works with the Colorado State Demography Office to develop projections of the city population and employment for 20 years into the future. Projections are based on trends and will be used to anticipate long-term changes, analyze issues and opportunities that could occur during this period, plan for long-term infrastructure needs and coordinate Boulder Valley planning with regional and state projections.

22. Open Space Preservation and Stewardship

The city and county preserve lands for open space purposes, as defined by the city charter or tax-enabling language, by purchasing or accepting donations of fee simple interests, conservation easements or development rights and other measures as appropriate and financially feasible. The city and county steward these lands to ensure ongoing protection, maintaining their value for open space purposes into the future.

23. Rural Land Preservation

The city and county preserve rural land uses and character in the Boulder Valley including natural settings and ecosystems, agriculturally significant lands, hazard areas, vistas, significant cultural and historic resources and established rural residential areas.

24. Community Character and Evolution

The city works with the community to shape how different areas evolve over time in varying ways and degrees. Change across the community will contribute to the unique and authentic character of different areas while supporting citywide goals.

25. Continued Use and Adaptive Reuse

The city encourages the continued use and reuse of existing buildings for new purposes to recognize local history and architecture, activate vacant or under-utilized spaces, contribute to neighborhood activity and retain embodied carbon by reducing demolition and the creation of unnecessary building material waste.

26. Compact Urban Form

The city and county work together to ensure urban development is focused within Area 1-Urban Lands to utilize existing urban services, maintain a clear boundary between urban and rural areas and avoid patterns of leapfrog, non-contiguous, scattered development within the Boulder Valley. The city encourages redevelopment and infill within municipal boundaries alongside consideration of managed expansion of the Service Area, as allowed by Area 2-Urban Edge and the Area 3-Planning Reserve, to create a compact city and prevent the negative consequences of urban sprawl.

27. Integrated Land Use and Transportation

The city aligns land use and transportation planning to integrate a variety of neighborhoods with a range of uses into a well-connected, safe, local and regional network of mobility choices. The city supports higher activity near multimodal corridors and transit centers that provide enhanced mobility choices and facilities. The city and county collaborate on transit investments and improvements so that local and regional transit systems are well integrated.

28. Inclusive, Diverse and Inviting Community

The city and county work to foster a diverse, inclusive and inviting community, recognizing that diversity strengthens community wellbeing and long-term resilience. Policies and programs support equitable access to housing, employment, education, services, and public spaces, ensuring that all community members can fully participate and thrive throughout the Boulder Valley.

29. 15-Minute Neighborhoods

The city encourages the evolution of “15-minute neighborhoods.” 15-minute neighborhoods are diverse, inclusive and connected areas in which services and amenities are easily and equitably accessible within 15 minutes from home for pedestrians of all abilities. The city encourages improvements that can enhance access to services and amenities, especially in areas that are currently underserved.

30. Urban Natural Infrastructure

The city promotes and maintains a network of high-quality natural infrastructure including waterways, open lands, parks, urban tree canopy, and plant and habitat corridors to integrate environmental, social, health and recreation functions.

31. Historic, Archaeological and Cultural Resource Preservation

The city and county identify, evaluate, designate, and steward historic places, archaeological resources, and cultural landscapes to connect the past with the future and support sustainability, equity and resilience. Preserving intangible cultural heritage such as traditions, practices, knowledge, and living relationships to place, elevating diverse stories that foster a shared sense of belonging and shaping how places change over time honors the full diversity of the Boulder Valley to help the community understand where it has been, where it is, and where it is going.

32. Healthy Ecosystems

The city and county sustain healthy ecosystems and biodiversity within the Boulder Valley by integrating ecological values into planning and land management. The city and county actively and intentionally restore and manage important lands, encourage regenerative agricultural practices and consider environmental factors alongside community development activity.

33. Wetland and Riparian Areas

The city and county recognize wetlands and riparian areas as vital ecological and community assets. The city and county have programs that identify, improve, restore and protect the value that wetlands and riparian areas provide the Boulder Valley. The city strives for no net loss of wetlands and riparian areas in the Boulder Valley through the city’s wetland regulations that discourage development in wetlands and provide guidance on minimizing and mitigating any impacts.

34. Climate Action

The city and county prioritize climate action that reduces and works to eliminate the production of climate warming emissions while growing the community’s resilience and adaptive capacity, preparing people, buildings, infrastructure and natural systems for changing conditions. The city recognizes that those least responsible for climate change often face the worst impacts. The city will advance climate justice by prioritizing support for those most affected by climate impacts and advance climate equity by distributing resources, benefits and burdens of climate actions in ways that ensure everyone has a fair outcome.

35. Environmental Design in Public Projects

The city and county plan and design public buildings, facilities and infrastructure that integrate nature-based solutions and natural infrastructure elements to enhance natural systems, increase biodiversity, increase resilience to hazards, reduce urban heat, increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, improve water use efficiency, manage stormwater and provide health and social benefits for community members.

36. Boulder Valley Biodiversity

The city and county recognize that community well-being and environmental health are interdependent. The city and county consider the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in decision-making, ensuring that future policies, programs and projects contribute to the long-term health and resilience of local ecosystems and urban settings that may benefit from a diversity of both native and non-native species. The city and county further support biodiversity through the preservation of rural lands and open space to reduce the fragmentation of landscapes and maintain larger connected ecosystems.

37. Design Excellence for all Projects

The city expects urban development and public places to be designed and built to achieve high standards of excellence. New public and private projects should respond to and enhance Boulder’s unique sense of place, including its natural resources and ecosystems, architectural character and significant historic and cultural resources.

38. Imagination Locations

The city recognizes that areas with distinct character, and oftentimes atypical or unusual design, provide a special connection to place and embrace the diversity and creativity of the Boulder community. The city values such places and encourages imaginative architecture, cutting-edge technologies and use of creative tools and strategies in limited circumstances to allow for their creation or preservation.

39. Stormwater and Drainageways Integrated Management

The city manages stormwater and flood risk through a comprehensive approach that emphasizes site-level drainage practices and the safe conveyance of flows through Boulder Creek and its tributaries. Urban development incorporates stormwater practices, such as natural infrastructure, that slow, absorb, store and treat runoff at the source.

40. Greenway Preservation and Management

The city preserves and manages greenways to manage and mitigate flooding, support multifunctional landscapes and ecosystem services, protect cultural resources and offer passive recreation and off-street multi-use transportation amenities.

41. Nature-Based Urban Cooling and Heat Management

The city enhances and maintains tree canopy, healthy vegetation and other cooling strategies to reduce the impacts of extreme heat. Efforts to improve or increase cooling and heat management strategies will prioritize vulnerable populations while balancing the need for wildfire risk reduction and water conservation.

42. Water Quality Protection and Improvement

The city and county prioritize source water protection and watershed planning efforts to protect and improve water quality of creeks and reservoirs for drinking water, aquatic life, agricultural uses and recreation. The city will pursue wastewater treatment processes to achieve water quality improvements, energy efficiencies and resource recovery, including biosolids reuse.

43. Water Resources Planning

City water resource planning efforts consider climate change, have a regional perspective and use a variety of strategies including water conservation, infrastructure improvements, water-efficient land use policies, water leasing and water acquisition to meet municipal uses and open space and agricultural goals. The city seeks to achieve the water supply reliability criteria through water supply and demand management while balancing in-stream flow maintenance and preservation of irrigated agriculture. The city seeks to minimize or mitigate the environmental, agricultural and economic impacts of its water rights acquisitions, including avoiding the dry-up of irrigated lands that permanently converts agricultural water to municipal and industrial uses.

44. Invasive Species Management

The city and county work to prevent and manage the introduction and spread of invasive plant and animal species that pose a risk to native species and communities, public health and/or ecosystem health. Management strategies are chosen to minimize impacts on human health, the environment and non-target organisms. The city uses integrated pest management and other best practices to balance protection of biodiversity and critical ecosystem services with human safety and community needs.

45. Wildlife –Human Conflicts Management

The city and county partner with state and federal agencies to promote wildlife and land use management practices that minimize human conflicts with wildlife while conserving, restoring, and connecting habitat in the Boulder Valley. When the presence of wildlife conflicts with people or land use, or is a public health concern, the city and county will partner with state and federal agencies to use a range of humane, effective, cost-conscious and ecologically responsible management approaches.

46. Consideration of Hazards

The city and county consider hazards that present a danger to life and property like flood, drought, wildfire, steep slopes, erosion, unstable soil, subsidence or similar geological constraints when analyzing proposals for development. The city carefully regulates urban development and redevelopment in these areas to mitigate risks and avoid hazards to the extent reasonably practicable.

47. Floodplain Management

The city and county protect people and property from flood hazards through the implementation of high priority flood mitigation projects that also consider equity, ecosystem function and climate change. These actions will be supported by outreach and education initiatives to enhance community preparedness. To the extent feasible, floodways will be preserved or restored to maintain natural floodplain functions, major drainageways will be adequately maintained and infrastructure located within floodplains will be designed, upgraded or managed to improve resilience to current and future climate conditions.

48. Air Quality Protection

The city and county seek to reduce emissions and improve both indoor and outdoor air quality to protect public health, enhance community well-being, and support climate goals. Strategies should pursue local and regional solutions to address everyday pollutants as well as acute risks such as wildfire smoke.

49. Fossil Fuel Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction

The city and county innovate and act to reduce fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions to improve public health, strengthen community resilience and meet climate goals. The city will advance renewable energy generation and efficiency, sustainable transportation, sustainable land management and land planning practices that lower carbon emissions while supporting equity and economic vitality.

50. Electrification Transition

The city and county prioritize a transition to renewable energy and electrification, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting a resilient, low-carbon future in pursuit of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. Policies and programs encourage electrification of buildings, transportation and infrastructure while advancing energy efficiency and equitable, affordable access to clean energy for all community members.

51. Energy Resilience during Emergencies

The city and county pursue energy resilience so that critical services and emergency infrastructure can operate during power outages. The city supports development of resilience hubs and evacuation sites capable of delivering power, essential services and supporting community members during outages and other emergencies.

52. Energy and Resource-Efficient Building Design

The city and county will pursue efforts to improve the energy- and resource-efficiency of new and existing buildings and encourage on-site renewable energy generation. Energy conservation regulation and programs will balance the community’s goals for energy efficiency with the challenges of affordability.

53. Local Renewable Energy Generation

The city and county support programs and opportunities for individuals, businesses and organizations to develop, use and share local renewable energy generation.

54. Waste Minimization and the Circular Economy

The city and county pursue programs, partnerships and activities that reduce the local consumption of products and materials, decrease food-related waste, encourage local reuse, reduce the amount of waste that must be landfilled, manage hazardous waste and support a circular economy that is resilient and regenerative.

55. Support for Redevelopment

The city encourages redevelopment activity that advances community goals for housing, economic vitality, historic preservation, social connection, environmental sustainability and equitable access to services. The city may use a variety of tools and strategies, at its discretion, including the creation of public/ private partnerships and district financing tools.

56. Local Business and Affordable Space

The city supports and collaborates with partners to promote small, local and independent businesses and non-profits that serve the community by facilitating equity and access to affordable commercial space and resources that contribute to long-term stability for businesses and community services.

57. Economic Resilience

The city monitors economic conditions and identifies emerging risks and potential challenges to prepare for potential disruptions to the economy. The city maintains fiscally responsible financial practices including conservative accounting policies and identifies new strategies that reduce the community’s vulnerability to financial disruptions, household financial challenges and unexpected economic downturns.

58. Vital and Productive Retail Base

The city encourages a healthy and diverse retail environment that meets the daily needs of community members and visitors, broadly contributes to overall economic activity and supports the city’s fiscal sustainability. The city will identify opportunities to improve and sustain retail health across the city.

59. Business and Employment Diversity and Resilience

The city fosters a healthy, inclusive and resilient economy that includes a broad mix of businesses and employment opportunities through collaborative strategies and programs that build on economic strengths and emerging opportunities. The city will consider the needs of local entrepreneurs, businesses, workers and community members when planning for land use, arts, transportation, programs and services.

60. Primary and Emerging Industry Support

The city supports an industry cluster approach that provides specialized programs and tools to encourage the formation, expansion, attraction and retention of businesses in primary and emerging industries to support innovation, efficiency, workforce development and economic opportunities and growth.

61. Visitor Economy

The city supports a visitor economy that contributes to Boulder’s vitality while ensuring that benefits flow back to the community. The city will balance the positive impacts of tourism with potential challenges, emphasizing local business support, equitable workforce and small business opportunities, natural and cultural resource protection and long-term economic resilience.

62. Night Economy

The city supports a vibrant night-time economy that expands access to jobs, transportation, services, and amenities beyond traditional business hours. A safe, inclusive and well-connected night-time environment will support climate resilience during extreme heat. A thriving night economy will strengthen opportunities for workers, create safe activity during more hours of the day, foster creativity and tourism and reinforce the city’s identity as a dynamic and welcoming place.

63. Experiential Economy

The city supports a thriving experiential economy that enhances cultural life, strengthens local business, and contributes to a resilient community. Arts, culture, heritage, dining, entertainment, agritourism and local food, sports, recreation, events and historic places attract visitors, create jobs and enliven neighborhoods. The city will support efforts to expand opportunities, reduce barriers for experiential businesses and reinforce the role of in-person experiences in economic diversity and cultural identity.

64. Funding City Services and Infrastructure

The city promotes sustainable, diverse and flexible sources of revenue to create reliable funding for continued investment in city services, infrastructure and maintenance to maintain high quality of life for the community. The city will explore and utilize as appropriate the variety of mechanisms enabled through state legislation, such as improvement districts, metropolitan districts, tax increment financing and urban renewal to support redevelopment and investments in infrastructure, programs and services.

65. City Resources Management

The city responsibly manages limited financial and staffing resources while balancing responsibilities for infrastructure investments, enhancements, maintenance, and project and program delivery. The city collaborates across internal departments to prioritize and sequence investments and programs appropriately. Sustainability, equity and resilience are prioritized in decision making.

66. Community Health and Wellness

The city and the county support the physical, mental and behavioral wellness of community members through collaborating with organizations that provide health and wellness services and providing direct services where appropriate. The city and the county recognize the importance of providing these services to community members that face greater barriers to health services, and after significant events or periods of disruption.

67. Arts, Culture and Heritage

The city supports a diverse range of affordable and accessible arts and cultural experiences by supporting investment in art in public places, venues, facilities, special events and programs that reflect Boulder’s creative spirit, heritage and community diversity. Arts and cultural programs will reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of Boulder’s community members.

68. Social Infrastructure

The city supports and encourages spaces, programs and institutions throughout the city that offer social places for interpersonal connections, belonging, well-being and community cohesion for people of all cultures, generations, incomes, backgrounds and abilities. The city recognizes the value of social infrastructure to build community resilience and wellness.

69. Communications Infrastructure

The city supports and facilitates the development of convenient, affordable and secure communications and data infrastructure and other improvements that serve the community, help businesses thrive and grow, foster the growth of emerging communications and data industries and support emergency systems. The city will collaborate with providers and community partners to expand access, reduce digital divides and ensure that infrastructure is adaptable to future innovations.

70. Commercial Activity in Residential Areas

The city will support small-scale commercial activity in residential areas to help community members access everyday needs and contribute to the goal of 15-minute neighborhoods. Spaces may include small-scale standalone commercial uses at key locations, home-based businesses, accessory commercial units or live-work forms that offer affordable options for local businesses, cottage industries and creatives. The city will support equitable pathways for both property owners and tenants to participate in and benefit from these opportunities.

71. Worker Opportunity and Development

The city works with employers, educators and partners to support equitable access to programs designed to help develop, up-skill and attract workers of all ages in multiple fields with a range of skills, education and experience. The city fosters a diverse and creative workforce and supports wraparound services for Boulder workers, ensuring programs are accessible to all community members.

72. Joyful and Community-Centered Transportation System

The city and county design a transportation system that prioritizes an enjoyable, safe, fun and community-centered experience for members of the traveling public of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. It will focus on elevating the Boulder Valley as a pleasant, affordable and convenient place to move around by all modes of transportation to ensure our community remains connected physically, socially and economically.

73. Multimodal Transportation Strategy

The city and county provide varied, reliable transportation choices to create an equitable, integrated and complete multimodal system that enables people who do not drive to fully participate in community life and access daily needs. The innovative planning, design, operation and maintenance of Boulder’s transportation system focuses on improving walking, rolling, bicycling, scooting, taking transit, riding micromobility and driving with a focus on moving people. The city and county collaborate to provide seamless connections between local and regional transportation facilities, programs and services, including trails, transit and Transportation Demand Management programs.

74. Transportation Safety and Vision Zero

The city and county prioritize safety when investing in the transportation system and pursuing Vision Zero. Vision Zero aims to reduce the number of traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries to zero. The city uses a holistic, data-driven approach to identify safety risks and proactively implement improvements to reduce risk and improve crash outcomes. Safety is prioritized in investments, project design, project delivery and programs, such as Safe Routes to School.

75. Innovative Transportation for All

The city and county will ensure that its transportation system is innovative and when new technologies are introduced, they positively align with community values. This includes adjusting policies, expanding investments, adapting to new technologies and adopting innovative approaches while ensuring progress supports safety and equity.

76. Movement of Goods

The city and county promote the safe and reliable movement of goods, packages and freight to support the needs of local businesses and community members while supporting electrification and other innovations to address the environmental impact of goods movement activity.

77. Resilient Infrastructure

The city designs, builds and maintains infrastructure that withstands and recovers from disasters and disruptions, such as extreme weather events or socioeconomic challenges. Infrastructure is built to contribute to long-term sustainability goals while incorporating measures to enhance resilience to shocks and stresses.

78. Curbside Management and Parking

The city manages curbside space and parking, where appropriate, as a shared and limited public resource to support safe, equitable access for a wide range of users and essential curbside needs. Approaches will be tailored to the unique context of each area and designed to support and encourage a complete multimodal system.

79. Municipal Airport

The city maintains the Boulder Municipal Airport as a safe environment for aviation, aviation-related businesses and special events, aviation-related research and education, scientific and research flights and medical and disaster-related support for the city and county. The city strives to minimize and mitigate noise and other impacts of airport operations via methods such as noise abatement procedures, land use tools and partnership with the State and fuel providers to offer unleaded fuel. The city promotes the adoption of electric aircraft technology. The city will coordinate with the county to provide consistent regulations addressing noise and other airport influences, where possible.

80. Housing and Supportive Services

The city and county encourage the development and preservation of stable, accessible and affordable housing throughout the community as well as place-based services to address the unique needs of people with disabilities or health conditions, older adults and any anyone who requires additional housing support.

81. Housing and Supports for People Experiencing Homelessness

The city and county collaborate to support and resource the transition of people experiencing homelessness into safe homes and to help them maintain their housing through the provision of comprehensive supportive services, behavioral health assistance, community building and social integration. Housing solutions respect the dignity, autonomy and diversity of people experiencing homelessness.

82. Housing Diversity and Supply

The city supports increasing the housing supply by promoting housing types and price points that are more affordable, including middle housing types and middle-income housing, throughout the city that enable people to remain in and join the community as their needs, incomes and household compositions change over time.

83. Manufactured Housing

The city and county support the protection and rehabilitation of existing manufactured home communities and support increasing opportunities for resident ownership.

84. Permanently Affordable Housing Goal

The city commits to a goal of ensuring 15% of all homes will be deed-restricted, permanently affordable for low-, moderate-, and middle-income households by 2035. City resources will be directed toward maintaining existing permanent affordable housing units and increasing the stock of rental and homeownership affordable housing dispersed throughout the community. The city is committed to expanding permanently affordable housing for households below 50% AMI while also increasing housing options for middle-income households. The county supports and partners with the city to achieve regional affordable housing goals.

85. Age Inclusive Community

The city and county support an age-inclusive community that is responsive to population trends toward an aging population and recognizes the importance of attracting and retaining young professionals and households with children. An age-inclusive community has appropriate infrastructure, services, housing, education, accessible childcare, social infrastructure, entertainment and programs that benefit all members from children to older adults.

86. Value of Industrial Land

The city values its existing industrial areas and will preserve them as places for innovation, services, creativity and employment. The city will use the future land use strategy to guide where existing industrial areas are to be maintained. Areas identified for a mix of residential and industrial uses are encouraged to accommodate residential infill and redevelopment while still supporting innovation, creative and manufacturing activities.

87. Community Safety

The city manages risk and employs progressive and holistic, community-based problem solving and crime prevention strategies that address the root cause of harm to support a safe community, safe schools, safe public spaces and safe participation in active public life.

88. Disasters and Public Health Risks

The city and county collaborate with local, regional and state partners to avoid, mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from natural and human-made disasters and public and environmental health risks. The city and county support community education, pre-disaster planning and preparedness for disasters. Following disruptions or disaster, the city and county facilitate a supportive and efficient response and recovery.

89. Fire Adapted Communities

The city and county are committed to creating and sustaining a fire adapted community through a coordinated, region-wide approach to fire and wildfire resilience and prevention throughout the Boulder Valley. Strategies will address the full spectrum of fire and wildfire risk, including urban conflagration, while enhancing public safety, promoting equitable protection and supporting efficient and effective response and recovery. The city considers an integrated approach to wildfire risk, including emergency management planning and egress capacity, when evaluating development within mapped wildfire ignition zones.

90. Community Resources and Education

The city and county will work collaboratively with community partners who provide vital arts, health, language access and cultural services as well as education on skills, trades and civic navigation to community members of the Boulder Valley.

91. Planning for School Sites and Facilities

The city and county will assist the Boulder Valley School District in its planning efforts to assure that the number, size and location of school lands and facilities are adequate to serve the population for the near future. The city and county will work with the school district to ensure safe and effective mobility choices are available to connect community members to schools.

92. Parks and Recreation Facilities and Programs

The city promotes the health and well-being of the entire Boulder community by providing high quality parks, facilities, programs and space for events. The city supports access to services for young people, older adults, those with low-income and those with disabilities. The city will prioritize thoughtful planning and management to ensure public spaces and services are designed to build social cohesion, support health and well-being and advance access for all.

93. Nature Everywhere

The city supports the creation, care and activation of accessible nature spaces throughout the community, affording equitable opportunities to live, learn and play in nature to all community members.

94. Trail and Path Networks

The city and county work to provide trail and path systems with connectivity to the regional network and neighboring communities. The city and county coordinate with each other, other providers and private landowners in trail and path system planning, design, construction, management, maintenance and programming. Trail and path connections will be developed to enhance local access and overall function of the network.

95. Local Food Production and Access

The city and county support farms, businesses, nonprofits, homes and programs throughout the region that grow, produce, process, glean and sell fresh local food and feed. The city and county recognize the importance of a local food system that provides nutritious and culturally appropriate local foods to address food insecurity and facilitate greater community access to these products. Local leaders and community members work collaboratively to sustain an agriculturally focused community with a food system that is just, equitable, inclusive, and resilient.

96. Urban Agriculture

The city supports urban agriculture, including greenhouses, in community and private spaces to combat food insecurity, extend growing capacity in Boulder’s climate, and promote equitable access to healthy, locally grown foods.

97. Infrastructure for Local Food Systems

The city supports expanding opportunities for facilities that sustain and grow the local food system like cold storage, processing, greenhouses, commercial kitchens, farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture, farm stands and retail sites in appropriate city locations.

98. Agricultural Water Delivery

The city and county recognize that irrigation is essential to sustain agricultural production and the ecological health of natural and working lands in the Boulder Valley and that a functional and well-maintained water delivery system with reliable access is the backbone of irrigation. The city and county support and encourage investment in and improvement of irrigation water delivery infrastructure and systems to minimize water losses and to support long-term agricultural and environmental health of irrigated working lands.

99. Sustainable and Regenerative Agricultural Practices

The city and county support and promote sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices on publicly owned lands and encourage such practices on private lands. The city and county will collaborate with the agricultural community to employ and improve practices that increase economic viability and integrate ecological conservation, enhanced soil health, responsible water use, water quality protection, biodiversity and humane treatment of livestock.

100. Agricultural Workforce Support

The city and county recognize workers are critical to sustaining agriculture and a local food system and encourage training, apprenticeship and skill development programs. The city and county support exploring options to increase transportation options, worker protections and housing opportunities for agriculture workers and land stewards in the Boulder Valley.

101. Community Engagement

The city is committed to meaningful, inclusive, and equitable engagement of all community members to lead to better decision-making and outcomes. The city supports elevating youth engagement and input in long-range policy making as they may be disproportionately affected by decisions that take decades to realize. The city recognizes there are communities that have been historically excluded from engagement and influence, and enhanced efforts and resources are needed to include them and create belonging in government decision-making. The city supports volunteer programs that engage people in activities and efforts to improve the Boulder Valley community and help address local issues.

102. Consultation with Federally Recognized Tribal Nations

The city and county support actions that encourage understanding and appreciation of American Indian Tribal Nations, their traditions, culture and our shared history in these ancestral lands known as the Boulder Valley. The city and county respect Tribal sovereignty and self-determination and follow federal and state consultation guidelines. The city follows a formal government-to-government consultation process to receive input on important topics with Tribal Nations.

103. Engagement with Local Indigenous Peoples

The city acknowledges that local Indigenous community members and nations face distinct hardships and barriers rooted in historic and ongoing inequities. Their voices, knowledge and priorities are central to shaping a more inclusive and just future for the Boulder Valley. The city is committed to strengthening and improving ongoing engagement with these community members in planning and decision-making processes.

104. Transparent Governance

The city and county commit to gathering and sharing transparent information about local government processes, engagement and decision-making. The city and county follow best practices in using plain language, providing digital accessibility, and offering high-quality diverse language access for all community members. The city and county support strategic decision-making informed by timely, reliable and accurate data and analysis, to the extent practicable, balanced with community input and feedback on lived experiences.