Questions remain about how to fund critical facility needs
In the Nov. 3, 2026 election, City of Boulder voters weighed in on four ballot measures, approving three and rejecting one. The following is a summary of the results and next steps.
Debt Limit Increase: This ballot measure passed
Passage of this measure allows the city to calculate its debt limit based on the actual value of property in the city, rather than the assessed value. This allows more debt than is currently permitted and brings Boulder’s calculation in line with other municipalities in Colorado.
Vacancy Excise Tax: This ballot measure passed
Passage of this measure results in a tax on vacant residential property. Properties will be considered vacant if they are empty for more than half the year (183 days). The cost to property owners would be roughly $4,000 a year for each vacant property, and the revenue will be used for general city services. 2028 will be the first full fiscal year in which the city will collect this tax.
As a next step, details about the administration of the tax will be determined and an ordinance will be adopted by the City Council in 2027 prior to the Jan 1, 2028 effective date.
Charter Change for Right to Bargaining Union Firefighters: This ballot measure passed
Passage of this measure creates a charter-guaranteed right for full-time fire department employees to bargain collectively.
“This charter amendment is the result of extensive collaboration with the Boulder Association of Firefighters IAFF Local 900, and its passing underscores our community’s commitment to the firefighters who serve Boulder,” said Boulder City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde. “I am so appreciative of the thoughtful effort put in by everyone involved and am grateful to all the firefighters who protect our community.”
Building Boulder Together: Recreation and Safety Bond: This ballot measure failed
The failure of this measure means the city cannot proceed with issuing bonds to fund the following key building projects: the South Boulder Recreation Center, the North Boulder Recreation Center combined with co-location for West Age Well Center, Fire Stations No. 1 and No. 5, the Public Safety Center and 911 Dispatch, Municipal Services Center and the Penfield Tate II Municipal Building.
“We absolutely respect the will of the voters,” Rivera-Vandermyde said. “Throughout the campaign season, it became clear that our community wants additional detail on our building and facility needs, more analysis on each project and alternate funding options. We have a responsibility to develop and provide this information as we work together to define our next steps. Staff is ready to continue working with City Council and community on this challenge.”
Without bond financing, the city will need to leverage existing funds to perform the most critical of the repairs in the deteriorating buildings. The goal will be to address what needs to be fixed to keep the building functioning for as long as possible. Base-level repairs have been contemplated in the approved 2027 Budget, but there is no current funding strategy to make significant capital improvements or replace the buildings altogether.
“What this result means is that we have some difficult short- and longer-term decisions to make,” Rivera-Vandermyde said. “We’re committed to engaging transparently and collaboratively to develop a path forward.”