05-13-26 Open Space Board of Trustees Meeting

The City of Boulder Open Space Board of Trustees held a meeting on May 13, 2026, focusing on updates to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (BVCP) related to open space land use designations, policies, and regional trail connections. The board reviewed the simplification of open space land use categories, updated policy language to align with open space charter purposes, and discussed the integration of agricultural and open space descriptions in the plan. Public comments included concerns about bicycle use on open space and inquiries about solar farms on open space land, with staff clarifying that solar energy production is not currently permitted unless essential to open space purposes. The board also received a presentation from the Boulder Open Space Conservancy (BOSC) on fundraising efforts supporting open space projects, highlighting nearly $300,000 raised since 2017 and plans to increase philanthropic contributions. Additionally, the board discussed the management and financial sustainability of the department's residential property portfolio, including maintenance backlogs estimated at $9 million and potential strategies for asset optimization or disposal. No formal votes were recorded, but the board was encouraged to provide a formal motion on the BVCP open space elements for recommendation to the Planning Board and City Council. The meeting concluded with announcements of upcoming events and recognition of the department's Leave No Trace Gold Standard designation.