City of Boulder and Boulder County share results of Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan statistically-valid survey

The City of Boulder and Boulder County are sharing the results of a statistically-valid survey, sent to 5,000 randomly selected households in the Boulder Valley as part of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update process. An online companion questionnaire was also available to all community members to help ensure a wide range of voices are included in the update process.

The survey and questionnaire focused on key goal areas, including housing, climate change and an inclusive local economy, to explore the community's preferences around potential approaches to respond to challenges and opportunities related to each topic. The results will be used to inform the updated Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan's policy and land use recommendations.

The plan guides long-term decisions about growth, sustainability and services in Boulder and the surrounding area. It was first adopted in 1977 and undergoes a major update every 10 years. The updates give our community a chance to adjust the plan to reflect current values and needs, address challenges and plan proactively for the future.

What We Heard

The city and county collected 688 responses to the mailed statistically-valid survey, and 950 responses to the open online questionnaire. Community members who responded to the survey and online questionnaire emphasized several shared concerns. Rising costs, especially housing and overall cost of living, stood out as pressing issues. Many also pointed to the importance of protecting the natural environment, preparing for hazards and ensuring access to essential resources like water and energy. Safety, particularly for people walking and biking, and the health of local businesses were also commonly mentioned.

Housing Choice & Opportunity

When asked about future housing choices, slightly more than three-fourths of respondents supported increasing affordable options (78%), allowing more diverse housing types in more areas (78%) and making better use of underutilized sites within the city before expanding outward (77%).

Climate Action

Environmental stewardship emerged as a top priority. Protecting and enhancing the natural environment was rated as essential or very important by about eight in ten respondents (83%), making it the top-rated priority among all issues considered.

Inclusive Economy

Respondents also expressed strong interest in an inclusive local economy. Most respondents (89%) supported allowing small businesses like corner cafés, daycares, salons, healthcare offices or small shops in residential areas, either sprinkled across the city (55%) or in targeted locations, like near transit (34%). When asked how to address commercial vacancies in the Boulder Valley, more than half of respondents (56%) supported converting office spaces into residential uses.

Multicultural Multigenerational Community

Input related to youth and older adults highlighted shared values around independence, safety and connection. Safety in public spaces and the availability of places for youth to gather and socialize were the top priorities so support younger community members. For older adults, the ability to travel independently and safely, and increasing housing options affordable to those on fixed incomes were highlighted as priorities.

The full report from the survey and questionnaire can be found at ABoulderFuture.org.

In the next stage of the plan update, city and county staff will draft the new Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, and will present the draft for community, Boulder City Council, City of Boulder Planning Board, Boulder County Board of County Commissioners and Boulder County's Planning Commission feedback and review in March 2026. The process to adopt the draft plan is scheduled for summer 2026.

Learn more about the plan and update at ABoulderFuture.org.