Boulder Together First Quarter Recap

As spring ends and summer is in full swing in Boulder, the Boulder Chamber team is diligently working on projects to advance Boulder Together's mobility, housing, and workforce development goals.

With impressive progress, the team has secured policy wins in housing, worked to pilot short-term micro-mobility solutions, and plans to expand our workforce in two new apprenticeship fields.

Enjoy our first quarter highlights, and stay updated on Boulder Together's progress!

Quality Business Environment

• The Boulder Chamber joined a bipartisan coalition to expand the number of accessory dwelling units in Colorado under HB24-1152. 
• The Housing and Transportation Committee addressed HB24-1313, which provides additional funding to local governments that demonstrate a commitment to smart growth.
• City council members were reminded of businesses' challenges since the pandemic, including property taxes, property crime, and new regulations. The Council responded by making economic development a top priority.
• The Boulder Chamber and the Northwest Chamber Alliance met with Governor Polis and the legislative delegation about top priorities, including making Colorado a Quantum Tech Hub, workforce housing, and the Front Range Passenger Rail.

Community Infrastructure

• The Boulder Chamber partnered with the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC) and the City of Boulder to implement the Boulder Clean Commute pilot program.
• The Transportation Connections staff kicked off the marketing and branding project for the Gunbarrel Shuttle Project, the final step toward the Boulder Together program's road toward the Gunbarrel Shuttle's scheduled launch.
• The Transportation Connections staff has been supporting and advocating for mobility improvements on State Highway 7 (Arapahoe Ave. in Boulder). Nine area leaders joined in signing a letter of support for a $24.3 million RAISE grant.

Workforce Development 

• Five sector partnership meetings were convened in manufacturing, food/beverage and hospitality, and IT/Technology, with over 140 partners in attendance.
• 100 students and parents from the St. Vrain Valley School District toured multiple manufacturing facilities across the Boulder and Weld County region for a night of experimental learning.
• The Boulder Area Food, Beverage, and Hospitality sector partnership secured ~$50,000 from the Colorado Workforce Development Council to promote work-based learning, certification training, and workforce mobility programs.

While goals in mobility, housing, and workforce development remain a key priority, the start of the second quarter begins the recalibration of the Boulder Together program. New priority focus areas are being assessed, and new goals are being determined to tackle community issues.