Council reviews $376M unfunded projects list ahead of 2026 budget process

The Boulder City Council meeting on April 3, 2025, focused on the city's unfunded projects, totaling $376 million, and the need for a refined list of priorities. Council members expressed concerns about the inclusion of numerous operating projects rather than solely infrastructure initiatives.

City staff acknowledged these concerns and indicated that a more manageable list would be presented in June and July as part of the 2026 budget process. The emphasis will be on addressing unmet needs and the backlog of infrastructure projects, particularly in capital replacement and maintenance.

A significant portion of the unfunded needs list, approximately 35%, pertains to recreation centers, raising questions about the diversity of projects being considered. Council members urged for a broader range of projects, including essential infrastructure repairs like bridge maintenance, to be included in the upcoming refined list.

The city plans to comprehensively review and update the unfunded needs list over the coming months, ensuring a variety of capital projects are represented. Council members expressed their support for the process and the importance of addressing the city's diverse infrastructure needs.