City hires PUMA for speedy improvement-district analysis; consultants to deliver near-term recommendations

City staff told commissioners on Jan. 22, 2025 that the city has hired Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA) to conduct an improvement district analysis covering all four of the city’s general improvement districts, including both Boulder Junction districts. Staff said the study will focus on near-term governance, revenue/expense balance and operational efficiencies rather than long-range master planning.

Matt Chazanski (staff) introduced the work and invited PUMA principals Brad Siegel and Amanda Kennard to describe the approach. Amanda Kennard said, “The tagline on it is fast and furious because it is a fairly aggressive timeline here,” and noted PUMA will rely on existing planning work for each commercial area while identifying governance and operational changes that could be implemented in the next two to three years.

PUMA described a process of stakeholder interviews, review of existing plans and coordination with the commissions. Staff told commissioners they expect PUMA to present preliminary impressions and recommendations to city council in April, return to the commissions for detailed discussion in March, and deliver a final report around June or July 2025. Commissioners were asked to plan for a more detailed March discussion and to expect outreach from staff and consultants between meetings.

City staff said the project will examine whether district structures and funding tools are adequate for anticipated growth east of the railroad tracks and for other near-term priorities. Staff noted that petitioning new properties into existing districts raises practical issues — for example, catch-up fees — and that those trade-offs will be part of the consultants’ analysis.

PUMA principals summarized their credentials: Brad Siegel described the firm’s 31-year track record working in commercial districts nationwide and Amanda Kennard noted her experience with improvement-district projects on the Front Range and elsewhere. The consultants said they will draw on the city’s plans and prior district “health” work and will seek commission input as early deliverables are drafted.

Staff outlined next steps: consultant literature review and stakeholder interviews, potential brief follow-up questions for commissioners by email, a March commission briefing for deep discussion and an April council briefing of preliminary recommendations. Staff said the project is intended to produce usable governance and operational recommendations, with a longer-term “Boulder Commercial Areas Blueprint” to follow later this year for multi‑decade planning.