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Why Here? Why Now?
In September 2021, Boulder City Council annexed CU Boulder South, a 308-acre property the university has owned since 1996. The annexation agreement reflects years of public input from Boulder residents and codifies numerous values shared by the university and the community. In 2022, Boulder residents voiced their support by voting to uphold the annexation agreement.
Following the university’s purchase of the property, engineering studies revealed that, due to the property’s location along South Boulder Creek, it is the most feasible site for flood protection measures that will safeguard 2,300 downstream residents and 1,100 homes. As extreme weather events become more frequent due to the effects of climate change, building this flood protection is critical to protecting people and property from the level of harm and destruction that devastated the area in 2013.
Thanks to the 2021 annexation, the city of Boulder has already begun design and permitting processes for the flood protection project, with an aim of completing it by 2026.
CU Boulder South next steps
- 2023-24: Design and permitting of city's flood protection project
- Late 2024/early 2025: City begins construction of flood protection
- 2025-2026: Construction of flood protection
- May include installation of pipe within the flood structure for future water services and sewer laterals to connect the water utility mainlines for future development of housing and other amenities
- As early as 2025: CU Boulder begins detailed site planning, including engagement with students, faculty, staff and community members
- As early as 2027: University development of the site can begin no sooner than 2027, though there currently are not detailed plans for such development
Shared Values, Binding Commitments
The CU Boulder South Annexation Agreement, which is both contractual and legislative in nature, is a legal document that explicitly sets the requirements and conditions for the transfer of 155 acres of land at CU Boulder South to the city for flood protection and dedication of permanent open space. The agreement also guarantees continued access and use of the property by the public, which has been permitted since the university opened the property to the public after purchasing it in 1996.
In addition to maintaining public access, the agreement addresses one of Boulder’s most pressing challenges: housing. A portion of the annexed acreage will provide housing for faculty, staff, graduate and non-freshmen students so members of the CU community can reside where they work and learn. This will reduce emissions and traffic congestion from in-commuting.
The annexation agreement reflects the concerns and priorities of Boulder residents and elected leaders, and it codifies the university’s commitment to upholding our shared values: vital flood protection for our neighbors, critically needed housing and preservation of open space and natural habitats.
What's in the Annexation Agreement?
The binding commitments codified in the CU Boulder South Annexation Agreement provide an explicit assurance to the community on the type of development that can be expected on the site in the future:
University’s commitment to the transfer of 155 acres to the city for flood protection and open space.
Preservation of 119 acres overall as permanent open space
Provision of continued public access for recreational uses, including parks, trails and fields
Designation of five acres for affordable housing open to community members who qualify based on income level
Responsible creation of university employee and non-first year student housing
Protection of valuable wetlands and natural habitats
Limit on future development to 129 acres of the 308-acre parcel
Restrictions controlling density, height and massing of future buildings
Installation of performance-based transportation plans and trip caps to limit future traffic
