The Boulder City Planning Board meeting on May 27, 2025, sparked significant public engagement, particularly around the need for increased community involvement in the city’s budget process. During the public participation segment, resident Jan Burton urged board members to allow more time for discussion and education regarding the city’s Strategic Investment Plan (SIP), emphasizing the importance of thorough evaluation before voting on high-cost projects.

Burton highlighted that the planning board should consider scheduling multiple meetings to facilitate deeper discussions, ensuring that community voices are heard in the decision-making process. “Together, you should really think about how you will build that into your schedule,” she said, advocating for a more inclusive approach to budget planning.

Following Burton, Lynn Siegel echoed concerns about the planning board's decision-making, describing it as “out of control.” She raised issues regarding the board's recommendations to convert commercial spaces to residential use, specifically referencing a site at Broadway and Baseline.

The discussions reflect a growing demand among Boulder residents for transparency and collaboration in city governance, particularly concerning financial decisions that impact the community. As the planning board continues its work, the call for more structured public input may shape future meetings and decisions, fostering a more engaged civic environment.