Boulder district judge has set camping ban trial date; Boulder City Council makes unanimous steps toward new library district

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Boulder Camping Ban Trial Date

A Boulder district judge has set a trial date to hear the American Civil Liberty Union’s (ACLU) lawsuit against Boulder’s camping ban. Judge Robert Gunning has scheduled a five-day trial starting August 12th in the Boulder District Court. 

The ACLU of Colorado filed the lawsuit more than a year ago, saying that Boulder’s camping and tents ban violates a provision in the state constitution because people do not have adequate spaces to go to for shelter. 

Boulder Homeless Shelter Receives $900k

In the meantime, the Boulder Shelter for the Homeless will receive $900,000 from the county early next year.  

Boulder County Commissioners announced the approval for funding Wednesday, saying it was necessary to keep the shelter open. The shelter’s current funds have not been enough to keep adequate staff, food or resources on hand and it’s struggling to keep up with the increase in need. 

Commissioner Claire Levy says that although the shelter is a short term solution to houselessness, the shelter connects people with the right resources for long term housing.

Boulder City Council makes unanimous steps toward new library district

The Boulder City Council approved a handful of agreements yesterday that will create a roadmap for the new Boulder Public Library District. It will replace Boulder’s existing municipal library system.

The district will be property-tax funded, voter-approved, and will include both the city of Boulder and parts of unincorporated Boulder County – like Gunbarrel, Gold Hill, and Eldorado Springs.

The district was formed in fall of last year, but isn’t slated to start operations until January.

Gov. Polis Reveals 2024 Budget

Gov. Jared Polis shared his proposed 2024 budget for the state at a news conference Wednesday. His priorities include housing, renewable energy, public education and property taxes. 

Funding K-12 education is Gov. Polis’ main priority. He says the state will invest $141 million to increase teacher pay and reduce class size.

$137 million of the budget would go towards housing. Polis says the supply of housing has not kept up with demand and has “driven the cost of living through the roof.”

$40 million of the budget will be allocated to public safety, translating to advancing technology and DNA analysis, and reducing auto theft. 

Spirit Airlines out of 2024

Spirit Airlines, known for discounted flights, is discontinuing service at Denver International Airport. Jan. 9 will be the last day of operation.

The suspension of service comes after Spirit’s profits have greatly declined, according to the airline. They say the pandemic slowed their sales and they are not seeing signs of increase.

Spirit also encountered bumps in their operations earlier this year, when they halted all flights to conduct emergency inspections of plane engines. Spirit’s engine manufacturer reported issues with the engines and the airline was forced to replace them.

Although Spirit is a fairly sought-after airline for bargains and deals, their absence won’t cause a noticeable disruption at DIA, according to The Denver Post. The airline amounts to only 0.8% of the airport’s market share. 

Refunds will be issued to those who have booked a flight with Spirit scheduled for after Jan. 9.

Eldora Opens today

Eldora ski resort announced yesterday that will open two weeks early after receiving 15 inches of snow this past week.. The ski resort opens today – rather than Nov. 15. 

Snow bunnies can hit the Alpenglow Chairlift  starting at 9 a.m. Nov. 15.