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Mountain town nestled below Flatirons. Residential community in Boulder, Colorado with dramatic Rocky Mountain backdrop.

<h2>Inclusionary Housing / Redevelopment Impact Fee</h2>Date of Vote: November 7, 2025<h2>What happened:</h2>City Council voted (7-2) to approve a new $11-per-square-foot impact fee on single-family home demolitions, replacements, and large additions. The money will go toward Boulder's affordable-housing fund as part of the city's inclusionary-housing program.&nbsp;Homes under 2,000 square feet and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are exempt, and the first 500 square feet of an addition is excluded. Staff estimate the fee could generate around $1.2 million annually for affordable-housing initiatives.<figure id="figure-a5mck9v0fmhwjp7mp"data-full-width><img id="a5mck9v0fmhwjp7mp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31ovhqDYCBmT899fGY6WReeZktkbCgDdE411luHZsJEPVRaTkQJlOjmNGBjwL1rY.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="large" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="true"/></figure> <h2>Why it matters: </h2>This ordinance extends inclusionary-housing requirements into the single-family redevelopment space - an area previously not subject to such fees. Supporters argue it helps offset the loss of smaller, more affordable homes and ensures that wealthier redevelopment contributes to the city's affordability goals.<figure id="figure-cl6i6cgf7mhwjpctw"><img id="cl6i6cgf7mhwjpctw" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2FPgqoRbhDuTWTNK46aq8Zac5Cqvyr6VUcJReNAvSr26Ph1LNabyBu9jyVdfmiUV.jpeg" alt="affordable housing" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2FPgqoRbhDuTWTNK46aq8Zac5Cqvyr6VUcJReNAvSr26Ph1LNabyBu9jyVdfmiUV.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure>Opponents, however, warned that this adds another financial burden on long-time residents trying to renovate, expand, or stay in their homes - particularly seniors and families.<h2>Jenny's Take: </h2>I would have voted no on this measure. Not because I oppose funding affordable housing - I strongly support it - but because I believe this particular approach crosses a line that makes it harder for existing residents to remain in Boulder. Boulder cannot afford to keep over-charging the very people who make this city a community.

Boulder's New Housing Impact Fee: How they voted

Panoramic view of a south Boulder, Colorado neighborhood at dawn with the Flatirons and mountains behind. Autumn foliage.

Welcome to Jenny on the Record – Tracking Boulder’s decisions and giving the community a voice.&nbsp;Hi friends, The campaign may be over, but Boulder’s story isn’t. Over the past few years, I’ve run with and against every current Council member. I’ve seen what promises were made, what priorities were set, and how hard it is for the community to keep track once the yard signs come down. That’s why I've launched Jenny on the Record, a biweekly newsletter that breaks down what City Council is voting on, how they voted, and what it means for you. No fluff, just facts. Context, clarity, and accountability.<figure id="figure-rrkq0mkf9bmhxixzou"><img id="rrkq0mkf9bmhxixzou" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/3bVHyQ6tDiUFcvSocrsPC3JgufwzcX5vGDvyMNhYdR2LUUpOt0xSIEnM8EkCTtmb.jpeg" alt="ballot box with american flag background" title="ballot box with american flag background" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h2>The Need for Accountability</h2>Each issue will include:&nbsp;• The Record – a plain-language breakdown of the week’s key votes.&nbsp;• Jenny’s Take – my perspective as a moderate voice who believes in balance, not extremes.&nbsp;• Dear Jenny – your questions, comments, and frustrations about what’s happening in our city. My goal isn’t to stir outrage, it’s to rebuild trust. Because the more we understand what’s happening in council chambers, the better equipped we are to shape Boulder’s future. Thank you for continuing to be part of this community. Let’s hold our leaders accountable together — vote by vote, promise by promise.&nbsp;Warmly, Jenny Robins Founder, Jenny on the Record&nbsp;<figure id="figure-lqk2pzwxurmhxiy48j"><img id="lqk2pzwxurmhxiy48j" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/26echHLZ5oqgrGwzvJH3xIQKXnpQ89hl7wtyfs4JWPcNMq0UW5G2EwGfj33DxiGc.jpeg" alt="team collaboration" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/26echHLZ5oqgrGwzvJH3xIQKXnpQ89hl7wtyfs4JWPcNMq0UW5G2EwGfj33DxiGc.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure>

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Boulder's New Housing Impact Fee: How they voted

Accountability didn’t end on Election Night. It starts now.