Boulder. Better Together.

The annexation of CU Boulder South was decided collectively, among all of us. In September 2021, Boulder City Council annexed CU Boulder South after decades of work by city staff, numerous city and county boards and commissions, university officials, elected officials, and hundreds of community members who participated in engagement and outreach along the way. Multiple city councils elected by the voters continually moved CU Boulder South annexation forward, codifying numerous values shared by the community and the university. 

The annexation agreement embodies the best of Boulder: protection of life safety and open space, creation of urgently needed housing, and a commitment to public collaboration. 

What does annexing CU Boulder South mean?

The university has owned the 308-acre CU Boulder South property since it purchased the land from a mining company in 1996. Annexing the land now places it within Boulder’s city limits. The annexation agreement between the university and the City of Boulder creates binding commitments that ensure the land supports the diverse needs of the community, from flood protection and open space designation to responsibly developed housing and public recreational access. 

Through the annexation, the land will meet three pressing needs facing our community:

 

Flood Mitigation

In 2013, devastating flooding caused the widespread destruction of homes, businesses and highways. Flood mitigation efforts at CU Boulder South will protect 2,300 downstream residents who remain in danger. As extreme weather events grow in both frequency and severity due to climate change, the need to implement fire and flood protection measures is urgent. While we can’t change the weather, we can protect those who live in the path of potential destruction.

Attainable Housing

Housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing Boulder today. CU Boulder South will provide responsibly developed housing that reduces emissions and congestion from commuter traffic by helping CU Boulder faculty, staff and non-freshman students live where they work and study. The annexation agreement also dedicates five acres to the creation of affordable housing for any member of the community who qualifies based on income level.

 

Protected Open Space & Neighborhood Character

In addition to 36 acres for flood protection, CU Boulder has agreed to the transfer of 119 acres of land for permanent open space as part of the annexation agreement. Many Boulder residents have been able to enjoy this spacde for decades because CU Boulder opened the site and has allowed community members to use it. The annexation agreement ensures continued public access, as well as preserved sight lines and protected character of the area through binding height and design restrictions on new buildings.

 

What happens now?

Annexation is a significant step in a long process toward the ultimate vision for this site. CU Boulder will not begin development until flood protections are in place. CU Boulder is committed to maintaining transparency throughout this process, and updates will be shared as they become available.

We hope that this transparency will be a token of our gratitude for the community support we have received throughout this journey so far.

Want to watch our progress? Visit colorado.edu/cubouldersouth and sign up for our community edition of CU Boulder Today.