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Project Overview

The City of Boulder is exploring urban renewal as one of several tools to support reinvestment in key areas of the community. Urban renewal is a state-authorized tool that can help address conditions that make private investment difficult and support public improvements such as streets, utilities, parks, mobility, and affordable housing.

Recent city work has focused on economic vitality, redevelopment opportunities, commercial vacancies, support for small businesses, and long-term investment in community infrastructure. Urban renewal may help Boulder:

  • Support reinvestment in targeted areas
  • Improve public infrastructure
  • Encourage private investment where barriers exist
  • Coordinate future planning and redevelopment efforts

Boulder currently has two urban renewal areas and is currently exploring expanded use of urban renewal as an economic development tool in other areas of the city.

Timeline

  • April 2, 2026: First BURA meeting of 2026 and orientation for new commissioners
  • April 30, 2026: BURA Special Meeting to review and discuss condition study findings for Boulder Junction Phase II
  • Spring 2026: Continued evaluation of potential areas that might benefit from urban renewal tools
  • Summer 2026: Potential City Council discussion or public hearings to consider any new proposed urban renewal areas

FAQs

Urban renewal is authorized under Colorado law and used by municipalities to help revitalize areas where conditions may limit investment and redevelopment. Urban renewal areas are established for a defined period of time—often up to 25 years—to support reinvestment and public improvements. After that period, the full tax base returns to the affected taxing entities. Before any urban renewal area could be created, the city must complete a public process that includes a conditions study, an urban renewal plan, an impact report, review by the Boulder Urban Renewal Authority Board, and public hearings and City Council approval.

TIF is a funding tool often used with urban renewal. It is not a new tax. Instead, it captures a portion of new tax revenue generated by new investment within a designated area and reinvests it into eligible public improvements such as streets, utilities, public spaces, and transportation and mobility improvements.

Yes, Boulder used urban renewal tools in the past to support projects including the redevelopment of the Crossroads Mall (now Twenty Ninth Street) and the St Julien Hotel and Spa.

The city is responding to current economic and development conditions, including commercial vacancies, changing market conditions, and the need for long-term investment in infrastructure and community-serving spaces. Urban renewal is being evaluated alongside other tools to understand how it could support reinvestment where barriers to development exist.

The city will continue its evaluation work, including technical analysis and coordination with BURA. If a potential urban renewal area is identified, the process would include additional analysis, public engagement, and formal review. Any future proposal would require public hearings and approval by City Council.

In March 2026, City Council appointed a 12-member Boulder Urban Renewal Authority (BURA). The authority includes representation from the city, Boulder County, and the Boulder Valley School District, in accordance with state requirements.

The Boulder Urban Renewal Authority (BURA) is a public body with powers defined by Colorado law. The authority’s role is to review and guide potential urban renewal activities, including:

  • Reviewing conditions studies and proposed urban renewal plans
  • Making recommendations on whether an area qualifies for urban renewal
  • Overseeing the preparation of urban renewal plans and related analyses
  • Recommending projects and the use of TIF
  • Reviewing redevelopment plans for projects located within urban renewal area boundaries

BURA does not have final approval over creating an urban renewal area or adopting an urban renewal plan. Any such actions require public hearings and approval by City Council.

The city is working with a consulting firm that specializes in urban renewal tools to evaluate urban renewal opportunities, including conditions studies, financial feasibility analysis, and evaluation of potential tools. The consultant is currently conducting a conditions study of the area near Boulder Junction.