City pauses license plate reader vendor selection to allow for broader policy discussion and community engagement

The City of Boulder is pausing its previously announced timeline to select a vendor for its automated license plate reader (ALPR) program to allow space for a broader community engagement and policy conversation about the future of the program. The city had planned to complete vendor selection by Sept. 15, 2026, but now expects the engagement and policy conversation to extend into Spring 2027.

“We understand that the appropriate use of public safety technology such as license plate readers is important to our community,” said City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde. “We are absolutely committed to using technology for the city in ways that are in alignment with our city values, including our commitment to transparency, accountability, and stewardship of public trust. We want to use technology to advance public safety work while safeguarding civil rights, and we want to be thoughtful in our approach to this policy conversation and decision-making around any future APLR vendor selection.”

In the meantime, the city will continue operating under its existing APLR contract with Flock Safety. During this period, as part of its ongoing commitment to responsible governance, the city will be implementing new safeguards that Flock has added, including reducing data storage from 28 days to 14. The city also plans to consult with the District Attorney to see if additional reductions in the storage period are possible without compromising the ability to investigate and prosecute crimes.

City staff are currently scoping and planning a community engagement process that will give Boulder community members an opportunity to weigh in and consider the available information before any future decisions are made. Further details on the engagement process and timeline will be announced once planning is complete. The city anticipates having greater clarity on future decisions in spring 2027.