City of Boulder and Boulder Police Officers Association reach agreement on new contract

The City of Boulder and the Boulder Police Officers Association (BPOA) announced today that they have successfully reached an agreement on a new contract for police officers and sergeants. The agreement, which was ratified today by the association’s membership, covers approximately 180 employees and includes a 4.75% general salary increase. Other non-economic provisions were agreed upon in June and will be reflected in the final 2026 contract.

"We are pleased to have reached this agreement with BPOA," said City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde. “We value the partnership between the city and union leadership, and it is important to recognize that city leadership and BPOA representatives negotiated in good faith throughout this process. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to public safety and our recognition of the critical role our officers play in serving the Boulder community, particularly in utilizing proactive community policing strategies to address local challenges," said Rivera-Vandermyde.

“I respect the decision of the membership to accept the city’s offer,” said BPOA President Officer Bryan Plyter. “We are pleased that the healthcare protection language, which is important to all City of Boulder employees, has been preserved. Although the salary increase falls short of what the independent arbitrator recommended, we remain committed to advocating for fair compensation for our members moving forward.”

The 4.75% general salary increase represents a compromise between the city's final last best offer of 4% and the union's final last best offer of 6%, acknowledging both the economic pressures facing employees and the city's financial realities. The city is currently forecasting a $7.5 million gap in the General Fund for 2026, requiring careful consideration of all expenditures across the organization's approximately 2,200 employees and various strategic priorities.

"We understand the challenges our employees face with inflation and other economic stressors," Rivera-Vandermyde added. "This agreement allows us to provide a meaningful compensation increase to our police officers with a goal of retaining and attracting exceptional talent in law enforcement. I hope as our financial condition improves, we are able to provide meaningful increases to all our employees.”

This agreement means that voters will not need to decide on contract provisions through a ballot measure this fall.