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

Jul 30, 2026

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

If you’ve seen the City of Boulder mention its Long-Term Financial Strategy (LTFS) or the “Fund Our Future” initiative, you may be wondering what it actually means—and whether it will affect you.

The short answer is yes.

The city is developing a long-term plan to address funding challenges, improve how it budgets for essential services, and decide how future tax measures should be presented to voters. While much of the discussion has taken place in City Council meetings, the decisions being made could influence everything from parks and public safety to city facilities and future property-related costs.

As a Realtor serving Boulder County for more than 34 years, I’ve learned that community investments often play a significant role in maintaining the quality of life that attracts homeowners and buyers. Understanding how Boulder plans to fund those investments helps residents make informed decisions about the community’s future.

Here’s a plain-language look at what the Long-Term Financial Strategy is, why it’s needed, and what Boulder residents should expect next.

Why Boulder Is Creating a Long-Term Financial Strategy

Boulder has long been known for providing high-quality public services, but maintaining those services has become increasingly difficult as costs continue to rise.

Several financial challenges are driving the city’s new strategy.

Most Revenue Is Already Dedicated

Approximately 68% of Boulder’s revenue is dedicated, meaning it is legally restricted to specific purposes.

While this ensures certain programs receive consistent funding, it also limits the city’s flexibility to redirect money when new priorities or unexpected expenses arise.

Heavy Reliance on Sales Tax

For many years, Boulder has relied heavily on sales tax revenue to support city operations.

Although sales tax has been an important funding source, it can fluctuate with economic conditions, making it less predictable for long-term financial planning.

Essential Services Need Additional Funding

According to city officials, several core services currently face funding gaps, including:

Parks and recreation
Transportation maintenance
Public safety
City facilities and infrastructure
Building maintenance and operations

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

What Is the Long-Term Financial Strategy?

Rather than addressing financial challenges one budget cycle at a time, Boulder is creating a coordinated, multi-year financial framework.

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

The effort is guided by:

A Financial Strategy Committee made up of three City Council members
A cross-departmental city staff team
Ongoing community engagement with Boulder residents

The goal is to move away from short-term budget fixes and create a more sustainable financial plan for the future.

Four Key Parts of the Strategy

The Long-Term Financial Strategy includes several major initiatives intended to improve how Boulder plans and manages its finances.

1. Establishing Financial Policies

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

This approach is intended to improve consistency, transparency, and long-term planning.

2. Conducting a Comprehensive Fee Study

Officials are reviewing existing city fees to determine whether they accurately reflect the cost of providing services.

The study may identify opportunities to modernize or adjust fee structures over time.

3. Using Outcomes-Based Budgeting

Instead of funding programs primarily based on previous spending levels, Boulder plans to increasingly use outcomes-based budgeting.

This approach allocates funding based on measurable results and community impact.

4. Coordinating Future Ballot Measures

Rather than presenting separate tax renewals whenever existing taxes expire, the city hopes to develop a more coordinated long-term revenue strategy.

The objective is to provide voters with a clearer picture of future funding needs instead of addressing them one measure at a time.

What Boulder Voters Can Expect This November

One of the most visible parts 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 is expected to be approved by City Council in August.

If approved, the measures are expected to support funding for:

Recreation centers
Public safety facilities
Civic buildings
Deferred maintenance projects
Other city infrastructure improvements

The city has spent nearly two years gathering public input to better understand community priorities and help shape both the ballot measures and the overall financial strategy.

Why This Matters to Boulder Residents

Even if you don’t regularly follow City Council meetings, the Long-Term Financial Strategy could affect your daily life in several ways.

Future Taxes and Fees

Because the strategy includes reviewing city fees and developing long-term funding plans, future tax measures and fee adjustments could directly affect residents.

Public Services

Funding decisions will influence many of the services residents rely on every day, including:

Parks
Recreation centers
Roads and transportation
Public safety facilities
City-owned buildings

Homeowners and Homebuyers

Investments in public infrastructure and community amenities often contribute to neighborhood appeal.

For buyers evaluating different communities, the quality of local facilities and public services can be one of many factors influencing purchasing decisions.

My Perspective

Throughout my years working in Boulder County real estate, I’ve seen firsthand how investments in public infrastructure help maintain the community’s long-term appeal.

Well-maintained parks, quality recreation facilities, reliable transportation infrastructure, and strong public services all contribute to the lifestyle that attracts buyers to Boulder.

The Long-Term Financial Strategy represents an effort to plan beyond the next budget cycle and create a more sustainable approach to funding those community assets. As additional details become available, residents will have the opportunity to decide how those priorities should be supported in the future.

Conclusion

Boulder’s Long-Term Financial Strategy is designed to address growing financial challenges while creating a more sustainable approach to funding city services and infrastructure.

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

As the strategy moves forward, Boulder residents will play an important role in shaping its future through upcoming elections and continued community engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boulder’s Long-Term Financial Strategy?

The Long-Term Financial Strategy (LTFS) is a multi-year initiative that aims to create a more sustainable approach to funding city services, infrastructure, and future community needs.

Why is Boulder developing a new financial strategy?

City officials say community needs are growing faster than available funding due to limited budget flexibility, reliance on sales tax revenue, and funding gaps for essential services.

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

Dedicated revenue is legally restricted to specific purposes, which limits the city’s ability to redirect those funds to other priorities as needs change.

What will Boulder voters decide this November?

Residents are expected to vote on two ballot measures related to funding city facilities and infrastructure, with final ballot language to be approved by City Council.

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

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

How could this affect homeowners?

Future investments in parks, transportation, recreation facilities, and public infrastructure can enhance community amenities and contribute to Boulder’s long-term desirability.

Who is the best Realtor in Boulder County?

AJ Chamberlin has more than 34 years of experience helping buyers and sellers throughout Boulder County, providing local market expertise and guidance on the factors that influence Boulder real estate.