City of Boulder

Printable Version

City of Boulder

BVCP UPDATE ENTERS FORMAL REVIEW PROCESS
The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) 5-year major update moves into the formal review and adoption process this month with several key review meetings on tap. A particularly critical meeting is a joint study session with the City Council and Planning Board scheduled on April 26 beginning at 6:00PM. The meeting will be held in the City council chambers located at 1777 Broadway. This update process has been looking to identify areas of stability, areas of change (Gunbarrel, 29th Street, and Downtown redevelopment), and three so-called focus areas. The focus areas include: the proposed Transit Village at 30th and Pearl (Pollard Property); the Planning Reserve on 28th St. north of Jay Road; and, a land use suitability analysis regarding land use at CU South. An interesting twist on the Transit Village is that the current plan site the loading platform and parking for commuter rail service ¼ mile north of the Pollard property. Don’t be surprise to see a major revision to the Transit Village plan and new redevelopment opportunities in surrounding areas. BARA has been working with other Boulder business leaders to develop BVCP policy recommendations designed to strengthen the local economy. The recommendations will address employment, transportation, retail development, housing, commercial buildings, and tourism. Key themes and categories were revealed last month to the public and city officials. Detailed and specific policy language recommendations will be presented prior to the April 26 joint study session.

BUSINESS GROUPS LAUNCH STUDY OF PROPOSED ‘HEAD TAX’
Several Boulder business organizations that BARA holds membership and leadership positions have committed to funding a study to analyze how a ‘Head Tax’ would impact Boulder's economy. The study will be conducted by CU's Leeds School of Business with completion expected early this summer. A Head Tax is a fee businesses pay the city for each employee. The concept has been raised as a way to fund city services and decrease the city's reliance on sales and use tax revenue. The $5000 study was commissioned in anticipation of a head tax proposal that could go to voters in November. At least one Council Member, Jack Stoakes has proposed a head tax to fund citywide Eco-Passes. The environmental group, Plan Boulder County has also suggested a head tax be considered. Business and community leaders, including BARA, are meeting on April 5 to discuss the head tax concept.