City of Boulder to explore use of Metropolitan Districts as part of its long-term financial stability efforts

As part of its long-term financial stability efforts, the City of Boulder is exploring the use of Metropolitan Districts. Metropolitan Districts help accelerate development or redevelopment opportunities within a specified area by ensuring that growth pays for its own infrastructure.

Metropolitan Districts are entities with limited authority that are requested by property owners within a defined area, and then established by the local government. They are typically formed in the early stages of development to finance and construct essential public infrastructure such as roads, water lines and sewer lines that are not currently funded by the local government. Funding for this essential public infrastructure is generated by taxing property owners within the district's boundaries.

The City of Boulder is exploring an ordinance to allow property owners to propose Metropolitan Districts that adhere to local standards to ensure they closely align with city goals and values. The goal of the ordinance is to provide maximum legal protection for the city and future residents of any Metropolitan District.

If approved by City Council, a Model Service Plan would set the rules for how a district operates and would clearly define what a district can and cannot do. The plan would outline the services the district provides, set debt limits and define how much it can tax property owners.

Community members are invited to view and offer feedback on the draft Metropolitan District ordinance and Model Service Plan through March 16. City Council is tentatively scheduled to hear the proposed ordinance on April 2 for first reading and April 16 for second reading, along with a Model Service Plan resolution.

To learn more about this work, visit the city's website.