The mission of Better Boulder is to create vibrant, livable, and connected communities through land use planning and policy. The following candidates and measures reflect Better Boulder’s positions for the 2026 election.
RTD District O
Jack Rosenthal — ENDORSED by Better Boulder
Better Boulder hosted a forum with District O candidates. While both were highly qualified, Jack stood out for his data driven approach, pragmatic optimism, and dedicated RTD ridership.
View the Forum Here: https://youtu.be/oZ27AVUmBDc
And visit Jack’s website at jackforrtd.com
State of Colorado
Amendment 82 – Constitutional Right to Purchase and Sell Natural Gas
Better Boulder Position: NO POSITION
Creates a constitutional right for consumers to purchase natural gas (to cook or heat their homes and businesses) and for distributors and utilities to sell natural gas to homes and businesses. This measure will make it easier for the fossil fuel industry to sue and stop policies that encourage cleaner, renewable energy sources. Boulder has passed such a measure, and Amendment 82 will make Boulder’s ordinance unconstitutional.
Amendment 81, Proposition 134 & Proposition 135
Better Boulder Position: OPPOSE Vote: NO ON 81, 134 & 135
Amendment 81, Proposition 134, and Proposition 135 all follow a similar pattern: they give state government greater authority over decisions that Better Boulder believes should be made by families, doctors, local communities, or local law enforcement.
We oppose these measures as government overreach and believe they undermine Colorado values of individual freedom, privacy, and local decision-making.
Boulder County
County Commission Expansion — Questions 200 & 201
Better Boulder Position: SUPPORT Vote: YES ON 200 & OPTION 2 ON 201
We support expanding the Boulder County Board of Commissioners from three members to five, with three commissioners elected by voters within their districts and two elected countywide. We believe effective local government and meaningful representation are essential to thoughtful land-use planning and community decision-making.
City of Boulder
Residential Vacancy Tax
Better Boulder Position: SUPPORT Vote: YES
We support this tax that would apply to homes empty for more than half the year to encourage property owners to rent or sell. Revenues would go toward general city purposes.
City of Boulder $400 Million Bond Measure
Better Boulder Position: NO POSITION
This measure would authorize up to $400 million in bonds to pay for recreation centers and other city facilities. We support our rec centers but oppose the City’s continued deferred maintenance and lack of budget transparency.
Regional Transportation
Front Range Passenger Rail
Better Boulder Position: SUPPORT — with a caveat
Let’s go CoCo! We strongly support the planned service of three round trips a day, but urge RTD to maintain and expand our bus service in addition to the proposed rail.
A Note on the Ballot
As additional details and final ballot language become available, Better Boulder will continue to update this guide. Voters should review the official ballot language before casting their ballots.