Boulder City · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Boulder City public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Historic Water Filtration Plant Restoration
The restored 1931 water filtration plant needs a long-term use, and public feedback strongly favors a water museum. The commission is working through restrooms, lighting, ownership records and accessibility before making a recommendation to the City Council.
Police Department Carport Canopy COA
The city wants to shade its police vehicles and new EV chargers at the 1932 Spanish Revival police station, a contributing Historic District building. The commission found the modern canopy meets historic standards and approved it unanimously.
Buchanan Boulevard Improvements and RTC Infrastructure Funding
The RTC is putting $100,000 toward designing upgrades along Buchanan from Elm to Adams — new pavement, sidewalks, ramps, drainage, and utility work. Design now; construction comes later.
Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan and Project Timing
The city has outlined 48 capital projects for the upcoming year totaling $43.8 million, covering everything from utility upgrades and road maintenance to the construction of the new municipal pool.
Redevelopment Grant for 803 Industrial Court
The RDA awarded over $83,000 in commercial grants to three local properties to support life safety upgrades, business expansion, and vintage sign improvements.
SNWA Effluent Reuse Feasibility Study
Mayor Hardy flagged that fixing Boulder City's wastewater effluent issues could cost more than $200 million — money the city doesn't have — and said regional discussions are underway to find solutions.
Public Works & Utilities Annual Department Report
The department's annual report covered 74 active projects, the nearly finished Aquatic Center, dark-sky lighting, turf reduction, and upcoming intersection and flood control work. Residents will see construction on Avenue G, the Buchanan-Adams and Buchanan-Veterans Memorial intersections, and continued road maintenance planning.
Local Election
Six candidates are stepping up to run for Boulder City Council, which means it's time to tune in and figure out who you want steering the local ship. These upcoming elections will shape city policies for the foreseeable future, so your vote actually counts big time.
Bootleg Canyon Zip Line Negotiations and Trail Planning
New signage clarifying permitted bike classes has been installed at Bootleg Canyon, and a zipline operator is touring the facility to explore resuming operations.
Municipal Golf Course Renovation and Irrigation Upgrade
The municipal golf course irrigation and turf reduction project is underway, with construction expected to finish by September 2026. Meanwhile, golf revenues remain strong and loyalty programs continue to attract repeat players.
Data Center Lawsuit
The feds are pumping the brakes on the Boulder City data center project to double-check their environmental homework. Basically, a judge might hit pause so officials can take a closer look at potential ecological impacts before moving forward.
Federal Section 106 Historic Preservation Rule Changes
Proposed federal rule changes could eliminate mandatory consultation and review requirements for federal projects impacting historic properties, prompting local pushback.
Land Use Litigation
Boulder City's huge new data center project is in serious jeopardy after the federal government asked a judge to toss out the city's approval. Local leaders who backed the development are now facing a massive legal roadblock.
Legal Dispute
A judge just slammed the brakes on Boulder City's big new data center project while a lawsuit gets sorted out. This unexpected pause throws a wrench into local tax revenue projections and zoning plans, so we'll have to wait and see what city hall does next.
Motel Corridor Preservation and Conservation Districts
The commission is exploring whether a conservation district could save historic motel buildings from demolition without imposing the heavy regulations that business owners oppose.
Comprehensive Update to Title 11 Zoning and Subdivisions
The city hired a consultant for $288,177 to overhaul its outdated zoning code, which hasn't seen a major update since the 1980s. The update aims to modernize regulations, simplify compliance, and introduce housing options like townhomes.
Proposed Church Construction at 1400 Utah Street
The Boulder City United Methodist Church is seeking to build a 7,200-square-foot church on a 3-acre parcel on Utah Street that was originally purchased from the city in 2006. Nearby residents expressed strong opposition, citing concerns about traffic, building design, and the church's past failure to build on the site. Supporters and commissioners noted that the use aligns with the property's original master plan designation and restrictive covenant.
Liberty Ridge Subdivision Final Map and Easements
The Council approved Phase 3 final mapping and multiple no-access easement vacations for the Liberty Ridge residential development, allowing construction to move forward.
Commercial Manufacturing Zone Agricultural Text Amendment
The City Council updated zoning rules to allow indoor vertical farming and wholesale crop growing in commercial manufacturing zones, clearing the way for a local botanical company to start operations.
Boulder City Municipal Airport Hangar Expansion
A 40-year lease agreement was approved allowing Hangar Club LLC to develop roughly 36 acres of airport land into aircraft hangars and community facilities, addressing a regional hangar shortage.
Boulder Creek Pavilion Replacement Design
The Council approved a nearly $750,000 architecture contract to design a permanent replacement for the temporary tented pavilion at Boulder Creek Golf Club, funded by RDA capital outlay.
Proposed Motel Historic District and Property Owner Opposition
Motel owners along Nevada Way strongly object to being designated as a historic district due to fears of heavy government regulation, restrictions on business expansion, and the Certificate of Appropriateness process. While some commissioners wanted to hold a workshop to bridge the gap, others argued the city should respect the owners' wishes and drop the proposal.
Data Center Dispute
Boulder City is fighting the Trump administration over a proposed data center, pitting local land control against federal authority right in our backyard. If you care about who actually runs our town, this clash is worth watching.
Data Center Approval
Boulder City locals are furious after officials secretly greenlit a massive new data center, raising serious questions about how transparent local government really is. Residents feel completely blindsided by the sudden move and want answers about their lack of voice in the process.
Private Heliport Zoning Text Amendment (AM25383)
The city council approved a text amendment allowing private heliports as a conditional use in the R-180 residential zone, sparking strong debate among neighbors regarding noise, safety, and property values.
Data Center Petition
Your chance to vote directly on new data centers in Boulder City just fizzled out after a citizen petition failed to make the ballot. That means city officials will keep calling the shots on these massive tech projects without a direct public vote.
Teamsters Blue Collar Bargaining Unit Contract Approval
City Council approved a new three-year labor agreement for 42 blue-collar city workers, providing a 3.5% retroactive raise and annual cost-of-living adjustments tied to inflation.
Proposed Outdoor Recreation Land Management Process Applications
An applicant sought to add four city-owned parcels totaling over 600 acres to the Land Management Process list for an adventure tourism project featuring monster trucks, off-road racing, and go-karts, but the council declined to advance them.
Municipal Airport Hangar Leases
The council approved three-year lease agreements for 28 city-owned general aviation hangars at the Boulder City Municipal Airport after reviewing statutory appraisals.
Data Center Development Opposition
Residents spoke out during public comment opposing proposed data center developments, raising concerns over water use, energy grid impacts, and community identity.
Adams Boulevard Rehabilitation Funding
The city secured a $3 million interlocal contract from the Regional Transportation Commission to rehabilitate Adams Boulevard from Cottonwood Street to Avenue G.
Renewable Energy and Battery Storage RFP Awards
The City Council awarded major land leases for utility-scale solar and battery storage systems in the Eldorado Valley to diversify city revenue and support clean energy grids.
Expansion of Off-Leash Dog Recreation Areas
Residents voiced strong opinions about recent leash law enforcement and advocated for expanded off-leash areas, including morning hours at Pratt Field and open desert access.
Regional Water Supply and Colorado River Drought
Councilman Walton reported that the Colorado River basin snowpack is at 60% of normal, warning of continuing severe drought and potential drops in Lake Mead elevation as Lake Powell water retention is managed.
Historic District Grant Accessibility and Challenges
Residents and commissioners discussed barriers to using the historic preservation home improvement grant, such as contractor shortages and strict guidelines.
Cell Tower Expansion and Wireless Coverage
The city approved two new telecommunications towers disguised as elm trees to address coverage gaps and boost 5G network capacity in residential and park areas.
Appointed Officials Annual Performance Reviews and Compensation
The City Council conducted its annual performance evaluations for the City Clerk, City Manager, and City Attorney. All three officials received high marks for their dedication and responsiveness and were awarded 6% merit salary increases.
Ballot Initiative
Boulder City voters are getting a direct say on data center development through a new ballot measure that will shape the town's commercial future. This vote could completely change how and where tech companies build facilities in our backyard.
Mobile Home Park Zoning and Recreational Vehicles
The city addressed whether recreational vehicles should be allowed to stay in mobile home parks, helping long-term park residents keep affordable housing options.
Clark County School District Facility Master Plan and Enrollment Trends
CCSD officials presented enrollment declines across Boulder City schools and outlined three preliminary draft options for school configurations, ranging from maintaining four schools to merging elementary or junior high campuses.
Five-Year Financial Plan and Revenue Projections
The city reviewed its financial forecast for 2027 through 2031, showing that ongoing operating expenses are projected to outpace revenues in coming years. Council members discussed long-term fiscal strategies, reserve funds, and potential revenue sources like property tax adjustments.
November 2026 Ballot Questions: Data Centers and Capital Funds
Council discussed potential questions for the November 2026 ballot and voted to draft two measures: one to allow data centers in Eldorado Valley and another to give council flexibility in using capital improvement funds without a vote.
Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Financial Audit and ACFR
Boulder City received a clean audit report with zero internal control findings for fiscal year 2025. The audit highlights strong financial reserves, including over eight months of operating reserves in the general fund.
Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment for Residential Uses in Commercial Zones (AB 241)
The city is updating its code to comply with a new state law that allows multi-family and mixed-use housing by right in commercial zones.