Issue 2K: Recreation and Safety Bond ("Building Boulder Together")

What It Would Do

Issue 2K would authorize the City of Boulder to issue general obligation bond debt to fund a backlog of essential capital projects — primarily recreation centers and public safety facilities — repaid through property taxes over roughly 20 years. Projects the city has identified for this funding include replacing the South Boulder Recreation Center, modernizing and expanding the North Boulder Recreation Center and relocated West Age Well Senior Center, renovating Fire Stations No. 1 and No. 5, building a new Public Safety Center and 911 dispatch hub, redeveloping the Municipal Services Center, and renovating the Penfield Tate II Municipal Building. The city describes this project list as a plan, not a binding allocation — Council retains discretion over how funds are ultimately spent.

Fiscal Impact

The measure authorizes up to $400 million in new bond debt, with a maximum repayment cost of $650 million and a maximum annual property tax increase of $32.5 million. For a home valued at $1 million, the city estimates roughly $400 a year in additional property tax if the full bond amount is issued; the tax ends once the debt is repaid. If the bond fails, the city says it would fund only essential repairs from its existing budget, which could mean service reductions or fee increases.

Why We're Voting Yes

Boulder Progressives supports Issue 2K because it would finally modernize the aging, essential public infrastructure Boulder residents rely on every day — our recreation centers, fire stations, and 911 dispatch — through a responsible, voter-approved investment.

Sources: City of Boulder official 2026 ballot measures page and Recreation and Safety Bond guide (bouldercolorado.gov), Boulder Reporting Lab.