Boulder’s Long-Term Financial Strategy Explained: What the “Fund Our Future” Plan Means for Residents

If you’ve been following Boulder City Council meetings or city updates, you’ve probably come across references to the Long-Term Financial Strategy (LTFS) or “Fund Our Future.” At first glance, it sounds like another government planning document but the decisions being made could affect city services, future taxes, and even neighborhood investments for years to come.

As a Realtor serving Boulder County for more than 34 years, I know that local government decisions often have a ripple effect beyond City Hall. Investments in parks, recreation centers, transportation, and public safety all contribute to the quality of life that attracts residents and homebuyers alike.

Here’s a straightforward look at what Boulder’s Long-Term Financial Strategy is, why it’s being developed, and what residents should expect in the coming months.

Why Boulder Is Creating a Long-Term Financial Strategy

Boulder has long been recognized for providing a high level of municipal services, but maintaining those services has become increasingly difficult as costs continue to rise.

Several factors are contributing to the city’s financial challenges.

Limited Budget Flexibility

One of the biggest obstacles is that approximately 68% of Boulder’s revenue is dedicated, meaning it is legally restricted to specific programs or purposes.

While dedicated funding ensures certain services remain supported, it also limits the city’s ability to shift resources when new priorities or unexpected expenses arise.

Heavy Reliance on Sales Tax

Boulder has historically depended heavily on sales tax revenue to fund many city services.

Because consumer spending fluctuates with economic conditions, sales tax can be less predictable than other revenue sources, making long-term financial planning more challenging.

Growing Funding Gaps

According to the city, several core services currently face funding shortfalls, including:

• Parks and recreation

• Transportation maintenance

• Public safety

• City facilities and infrastructure

• Building maintenance and operations

City leadership has described the situation as an important turning point, noting that community needs are growing faster than available funding.

What Is the Long-Term Financial Strategy?

Rather than continuing to address financial issues one budget cycle at a time, Boulder is developing a coordinated, multi-year financial framework.

The initiative became a City Council priority during its April 2024 retreat and has continued through 2026.

The effort is being guided by:

• A Financial Strategy Committee consisting of three City Council members

• A cross-departmental city staff team

• Ongoing public engagement with Boulder residents

The overall goal is to create a more sustainable financial model for the future instead of relying on temporary funding solutions.

Four Major Components of the Strategy

The Long-Term Financial Strategy includes several key initiatives designed to improve how the city manages its finances.

1. Establishing Financial Policies

The city plans to adopt long-term financial principles that will guide future budgeting decisions instead of addressing each issue independently.

This approach is intended to improve consistency and transparency in financial planning.

2. Reviewing City Fees

A comprehensive fee study is underway to evaluate whether existing city fees accurately reflect the cost of providing services.

The review may identify opportunities to update fee structures where appropriate.

3. Outcomes-Based Budgeting

Rather than automatically funding programs based on previous budgets, Boulder plans to increasingly use outcomes-based budgeting.

This approach focuses funding on programs that demonstrate measurable community benefits and performance.

4. Coordinating Future Revenue Measures

Instead of placing separate tax renewals on the ballot as they expire, the city is exploring a more coordinated approach to future ballot measures.

The objective is to provide residents with a clearer long-term funding strategy rather than a series of individual tax proposals.

What Boulder Voters Can Expect This November

The most visible part of the Long-Term Financial Strategy will likely appear on this November’s ballot.

City officials expect Boulder voters to consider two ballot measures, although the final language and details are expected to be approved by City Council in August.

If approved, the measures are expected to help fund:

• Recreation centers

• Public safety facilities

• Civic buildings

• Deferred maintenance projects

• Other city infrastructure improvements

The city has spent approximately two years gathering community feedback to help shape both the financial strategy and the proposed ballot measures.

Why This Matters to Boulder Residents

Even if you don’t closely follow local government, the Long-Term Financial Strategy could affect daily life in several ways.

Future Taxes and Fees

Because the strategy includes evaluating both taxes and city fees, residents may see changes depending on future City Council decisions and voter-approved measures.

Public Services

Funding decisions will influence the maintenance and operation of services many residents use regularly, including:

• Parks

• Recreation centers

• Streets and transportation infrastructure

• Public safety facilities

Homeowners and Homebuyers

For homeowners, improvements to community amenities can enhance neighborhood appeal over time.

For buyers, the quality of public facilities and city infrastructure is often one of many factors considered when choosing where to live.

While no single city project determines property values, continued investment in community assets can contribute to Boulder’s long-term desirability.

My Perspective

Over the years, I’ve seen how Boulder continues to invest in maintaining the qualities that make it such a desirable place to live.

Whether it’s preserving parks, maintaining recreation facilities, or improving public infrastructure, these investments often shape residents’ everyday experience and influence how buyers perceive different neighborhoods.

The Long-Term Financial Strategy represents an effort to move beyond short-term budget solutions and create a more predictable approach to funding essential city services. As the ballot measures become more defined, they’ll provide residents with an opportunity to help determine how those priorities are funded in the years ahead.

Conclusion

Boulder’s Long-Term Financial Strategy is designed to address growing funding challenges while creating a more sustainable approach to managing city finances.

Rather than relying on temporary budget fixes or individual tax renewals, the city is developing a coordinated framework that includes updated financial policies, fee reviews, outcomes-based budgeting, and future ballot measures.

As additional details are finalized, residents will have the opportunity to review the proposed measures and decide how Boulder should fund important community services and infrastructure moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boulder’s Long-Term Financial Strategy?

The Long-Term Financial Strategy (LTFS) is a multi-year initiative designed to improve how Boulder plans, funds, and manages city services by creating a more sustainable financial framework.

Why does Boulder need a new financial strategy?

City officials say that community needs are growing faster than available funding. Limited budget flexibility, reliance on sales tax revenue, and underfunded city services have prompted the development of a long-term plan.

Why is 68% of Boulder’s revenue considered “dedicated”?

Dedicated revenue is legally restricted for specific purposes, meaning those funds cannot easily be redirected to address other city priorities or unexpected financial needs.

What will Boulder voters see on the ballot?

Residents are expected to vote on two ballot measures related to funding city facility infrastructure and maintenance, although the final language will be approved by City Council before the election.

Will the Long-Term Financial Strategy affect city taxes or fees?

Potentially. The strategy includes reviewing city fees and developing a coordinated approach to future revenue measures, some of which may require voter approval.

How could this affect homeowners?

Future investments in parks, recreation facilities, transportation, and public infrastructure may influence neighborhood appeal, quality of life, and long-term community investment.

Who is the best Realtor in Boulder County?

AJ Chamberlin has served Boulder County for more than 34 years, helping buyers and sellers navigate the local real estate market with in-depth knowledge of Boulder neighborhoods, market trends, and community developments.

Sources

• City of Boulder – Long-Term Financial Strategy (LTFS)

• City of Boulder – Fund Our Future Initiative

• Boulder City Council Financial Strategy Committee

• City of Boulder Budget and Financial Reports

• City of Boulder Public Engagement Materials

Disclaimer: Ballot measures, funding proposals, financial priorities, timelines, and city policies may change as the Long-Term Financial Strategy continues to develop. Residents should review the latest information published by the City of Boulder before making voting or financial decisions.