Downtown Boulder Partnership Releases its Five Year Vision Plan
In anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the Pearl Street Mall in 2027, the Downtown Boulder Partnership reflects on downtown’s identity and outlines future opportunities for continued success
Boulder, CO [February 7, 2023] – The Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP) has formally released its Five Year Vision Plan for the downtown district after approval from their three boards (Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District (BID), Downtown Boulder Partnership and Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives (DBCI)). Created in partnership with the City of Boulder, DBP staff and boards worked collaboratively with the Downtown Boulder Community Advisory Board, city and county partners, business owners and the Boulder community - with a focus on under-represented groups and individuals to develop a vision for downtown’s future. The result is a refreshed district identity expressed through an aspirational vision statement: Downtown Boulder is a vibrant mosaic of human-centered places and sub-districts that provide diverse experiences and opportunities for all through deliberate inclusion, innovation and co-creation.
Building on the legacy and success of the Pearl Street Mall, this plan serves as a launching pad and inspiration for ongoing conversations to make the district a relevant, meaningful and inviting place for all. As the world emerges from a pandemic and undergoes profound social changes, it is imperative to continuously evaluate how the community and visitors engage in Boulder’s city center. The Vision Plan builds upon existing partnerships and other studies/plans and was developed for the community (and by the community) through months of meaningful engagement. The Plan will continue to evolve with community input throughout the implementation process.
“Revealing a collective vision for downtown is an ongoing process,” said Chip, CEO of the Downtown Boulder Partnership. “Doing this work has forced us to be intentional and inclusive as we ask ourselves what we want from our city center. One of the things that excites me most about the plan is that it explicitly states that we are not done - that intentional inclusion and co-creation isn’t just a means to create the vision, but it is a core value of implementation.”
The Vision Plan tells a story of the community’s desired future of downtown Boulder while focusing on inclusion / equity, economic vibrancy, infrastructure, programming and the relationship to a larger city and region enduring significant change and evolution. The Vision Plan identifies six “Big Ideas” to grow downtown Boulder’s reach, community and success:
- Position the Pearl Street Mall for 50 more years of success.
- Facilitate discovery, activation & opportunities off of the Pearl Street Mall.
- Embrace the Creek Corridor as a part of downtown.
- Connect to nearby neighborhoods & districts.
- Tie it all together with safe, comfortable and interesting infrastructure.
- Tell the story and increase understanding.
“At the heart of this plan is the idea of creating and strengthening human connections to each other, to nature, and to the many places of business and residence, on and off the Mall, that make Boulder so well loved,” said Evan Faber, Board Chair of the Downtown Boulder Partnership. “Now it is our time to work ‘in community’ and bring this dynamic vision to life.”
“The City of Boulder is grateful for our collaboration with the Downtown Boulder Partnership in making sure that the heart of our city continues to be a model which others look to for inspiration,” said Cris Jones, Interim Director of Community Vitality for the City of Boulder. “This Vision Plan will help inform many important decisions that will be made in the years ahead to ensure the great legacy of our downtown and the Pearl Street Mall thrives for the next 50 years.”
DBP staff and partners will continue to seek community engagement. All are invited and encouraged to sign-up for emails to receive ongoing updates and communication. To guide the development of the plan DBP selected world renown urban design and strategy experts MIG.
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For more information:
General public: 303-449-3774 | info@downtownboulder.org
Press: Emi Smith, Marketing & Communications Manager
303-449-3774 (office) | emi@downtownboulder.org
About Downtown Boulder Partnership
Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP) is a non-profit organization, originally founded in 1984 as Downtown Boulder Incorporated, dedicated to continued preservation, promotion and enhancement of Downtown Boulder as the heart of the greater Boulder community. With a mission to maintain Downtown as the center of commerce, government, culture and leisure, DBP’s membership supports the overall vitality of Downtown through public advocacy, political involvement and by producing year-round community events that enhance the Boulder experience for residents and visitors.
About Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District
The Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District (BID) is a quasi-municipal corporation and political subdivision of the State of Colorado formed in 1999 and encompassing a 49-block taxing district approved by property owners to cultivate a cleaner, safer and more vibrant downtown community. The tax revenue is used by the BID to provide maintenance services that supplement those provided by the City of Boulder and to provide a comprehensive consumer marketing program. Maintenance services for the BID include but are not limited to trash removal and graffiti removal. The marketing and promotion of the district to both consumers and investor markets includes advertising, branding, banners, brochures, printed collateral materials, newsletters, public relations, social media, online efforts and market research. The BID funds economic vitality efforts including market research, tenant recruitment for both retail and office and support services for small businesses and educates the public on the value of shopping local to support small businesses and community.
About Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives
Downtown Boulder Community Initiatives (DBCI) (formerly known as the Downtown Boulder Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created in 2017. The organization's mission is to engage visitors and locals alike through arts, culture, innovation and inclusive, community-driven experiences in downtown Boulder. (DBCIBoulder.org). DBCI, along with the Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District, falls under the umbrella of the parent organization, the Downtown Boulder Partnership.