UPDATE: In a decisive move, the Boulder City Council has just approved a controversial transportation management fee that is expected to generate approximately $6.2 million for critical infrastructure projects. The vote, held on October 19, 2023, saw a narrow margin of 6-3 in favor, with significant implications for local residents and businesses.
The newly approved fee will impact most privately owned properties in Boulder, raising concerns among business owners still recovering from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Councilmembers voting in favor included Ryan Schuchard, Matt Benjamin, Tina Marquis, Nicole Speer, Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Folkerts, and Mayor Aaron Brockett. Dissenting votes came from Mark Wallach, Taishya Adams, and Tara Winer.
The council’s decision follows a failed motion that would have postponed the fee’s implementation until next year, highlighting a division among council members regarding the fee’s outreach and potential impacts on residents. Councilmember Benjamin argued for more community engagement, expressing concerns about the timing and communication surrounding the fee’s introduction.
“I need us to think about the people,”
said Councilmember Adams, emphasizing the risk of increased rental prices for tenants in anticipation of the new fee. The proposed charges include $54 annually for single-family homes and $42 annually for multi-family residences, while non-residential properties will incur fees ranging from $11 to $160 per 1,000 square feet, based on land use.
The fees aim to address Boulder’s estimated $6.4 million in annual unfunded maintenance needs, covering critical areas such as pavement and street safety management. However, the Boulder Chamber of Commerce has voiced strong opposition, urging the council to reconsider given the ongoing economic challenges faced by local businesses.
The fee will not apply to Boulder Valley School District or the University of Colorado Boulder, although discussions for potential contributions to the fund are ongoing. Councilmember Wallach noted the lack of adequate outreach to the business community and residents, stressing the need for more comprehensive communication about the fee’s implications.
As the council moves forward, final readings of the ordinance are expected soon, but the urgency of this decision is palpable. Residents and property owners are encouraged to stay informed and engage in future discussions regarding Boulder’s transportation funding strategies.
The implications of this fee will reverberate throughout the community, impacting not just transportation infrastructure but also the financial landscape for both individuals and businesses in Boulder. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
