Residents of Boulder, it's time to have your say on the future of your city. Boulder is looking to update its comprehensive plan and wants input from locals on issues ranging from housing to climate change to economic inclusivity. A statistically valid survey has been sent to 5,000 randomly chosen households throughout the Boulder Valley, in a bid to gather a representative sample of opinions for the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update process, according to the City of Boulder.
This outreach initiative isn’t limited to those 5,000 households; there's an online questionnaire available for all Boulder Valley residents that will go live on Sept. 22 and remain accessible until Oct. 17 at ABoulderFuture.org. Local governance is hoping to ensure that a wide range of voices is heard and incorporated into the plan, which will guide long-term decisions vital to the community's growth, sustainability, and service quality. City of Boulder City Manager Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde highlighted the significance of this involvement: “This plan is built on our community’s vision, and all voices matter in shaping it. Broad participation in the update helps ensure our policies and land use strategies are rooted in the priorities and values of the people we serve,” she told the City of Boulder.
Residents who opt for the paper version of the survey can expect a postcard complete with a QR code for an online option to touch down in their mailboxes soon, or they can simply fill out and return the paper survey via mail. The catch is that only one person per household, who has to be at least 18 years old, can take the survey. Participants have to choose either the paper or digital route to submit their feedback; doing both is a no-go.
Next steps in the process include a careful drafting of the new Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan by city and county staff, taking into account the survey results along with other community feedback. A comprehensive draft of the plan is set for reveal in spring 2026, where it will undergo scrutiny and additional input from the community, Boulder City Council, the City of Boulder Planning Board, Boulder County Board of County Commissioners, and Boulder County's Planning Commission. The Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan traces its roots back to 1977 and sees a major refresh every decade, to keep the city’s goals in alignment with the current needs and ambitions of its citizens.
