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Project Overview

Shaping the future of Boulder’s downtown and central business districts.

The City of Boulder is exploring the creation of a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) - a special district that could provide long-term funding for public space improvements, business support, and community programs in our central business areas.

The proposed DDA would cover Downtown Boulder, the Civic Area, University Hill, and the Western City Campus area. If created, it could operate for up to 30 years and use tools like Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to reinvest in these districts.

This process builds on the recent Improvement Districts Analysis and will involve property owners, businesses, residents, and other partners in shaping the vision and priorities.

Benefits of a DDA

A DDA can:

  • Provide a dedicated, long-term funding source for improvements.
  • Support vibrant public spaces and district enhancements.
  • Align efforts across multiple business districts.
  • Encourage equitable, inclusive community investment.

Project Phases and Timeline

PhaseDatesWhat Happens
Phase 1: DDA Framework and PrioritiesJune - Oct. 2025Define the potential DDA boundaries, collect property data, meet with stakeholders, explore best practices, and outline initial recommendations.
Phase 2: Plan of DevelopmentOct. 2025 - May 2026Create a detailed plan describing DDA services, projects and funding (Plan of Development). Conduct community engagement, including questionnaires and open houses.
Phase 3: Legal Formation ProcessMay - Nov. 2026City Council review, ordinance preparation, and a TABOR (Taxpayer Bill of Rights) election in November 2026 for voters in the proposed DDA area. If approved, the DDA would begin operations in January 2027.

Key Milestones

  • Fall 2025: Begin community discussions with impacted community members, draft DDA boundaries, and Plan of Development.
  • Spring 2026: Share findings and update on process with City Council.
  • Fall 2026: Voter decision on forming the DDA. Only voters within the proposed DDA boundaries can vote on the item.
  • Jan 2027: If approved, DDA begins planning investments in support of the Plan of Development.

DDA FAQs

A DDA is a quasi-public entity designed to steward the economic health and vibrancy of a city’s core. It is governed by a board of local stakeholders, including business owners, property owners, and residents, who guide investments that directly benefit the district.

DDAs invest in projects and programs that improve the business environment and community experience. This can include:

  • Supporting local businesses and events
  • Improving streetscapes, plazas, and public spaces
  • Enhancing safety, maintenance, and cleanliness
  • Funding mobility and parking solutions
  • Strengthening connections between Downtown and The Hill

Downtown Development Authority projects are typically funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and/or an operations tax of up to 5 mills within the district, both of which must be voted on by owners and tenants in the district as well as City Council. TIF is not a new tax, but rather allows a DDA to leverage a portion of future increases in sales and property taxes within the district to help finance public improvement projects. In a DDA, a TIF lasts for an initial period of 30 years, followed by the option to extend in 20-year increments. Downtown Development Authorities have no taxing power beyond the optional 5 mills and no power of eminent domain.

Recent analysis shows that while Boulder has strong community assets, economic indicators in Downtown and The Hill have stagnated since 2020. Property values are not keeping pace with inflation, sales tax recovery is slow, and small businesses face mounting pressures. A DDA could provide the dedicated investment and coordinated governance needed to restore vibrancy, attract visitors, and support our local business community.

We are currently in the early feasibility and engagement phase. Over the next year, we’ll be connecting with stakeholders, refining boundaries for a potential DDA, and building a Plan of Development which would guide improvements, projects and strategies. If there is broad community support, the creation of a DDA would ultimately go to a vote of residents, property owners and business tenants within the proposed district.

Boulder would be joining a long list of Colorado communities—including Fort Collins, Denver, and Longmont—that have successfully used DDAs to support thriving downtowns.