Development News for Broomfield, Colorado

Broomfield Declares June 5th, 2026, as Gun Violence Awareness Day

The City Council approved a proclamation declaring June 5th, 2026, as Gun Violence Awareness Day in Broomfield. This proclamation acknowledges the impact of firearm-related deaths in Colorado and Broomfield, noting that most firearm deaths are suicides and disproportionately affect men. It emphasizes a public health approach to reducing gun violence through data tracking, research, mental health services, and community-based prevention. The proclamation also highlights resources like free gun cable locks offered by the Broomfield Police Department to promote safe firearm storage. Speakers at the event, including representatives from Be SMART Colorado and Moms Demand Action, emphasized actionable steps for gun safety, secure firearm storage, and the critical intersection of gun violence prevention with mental health and the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly highlighting the heightened risk of suicide among LGBTQIA+ youth when firearms are present in the home. The speakers urged community members to engage in conversations about gun safety and to ensure secure storage practices.

Broomfield Council Approves First Reading of New Excel Energy Franchise Agreement, to be Voted on by Residents

The City Council considered and approved on first reading Ordinance No. 2307, which proposes a new 20-year franchise agreement with Public Service Company of Colorado (Excel Energy). This agreement, set to expire on December 31st, 2027, would commence on January 1st, 2028, and run until December 31st, 2048. The ordinance also includes placing this new franchise agreement on the November 2026 ballot for voter approval, as required by Broomfield's charter. The franchise agreement grants Excel Energy the right to use public property for infrastructure while requiring public benefits, including a 3% franchise fee on gas and electric sales, generating an estimated $3.25-$3.5 million annually for Broomfield's general fund. Excel also contributes to a 1% fund for undergrounding electrical lines and offers operational benefits like utility relocation for capital projects, street lighting, traffic signal lights, energy assistance, and efficiency programs. The agreement does not set utility rates but clarifies responsibilities for utility relocations and energy efficiency planning. If voters do not approve the new agreement, Broomfield would lose the franchise fee and other benefits, though Excel would continue providing service under a PUC certificate. The new agreement includes updated definitions, clarifies utility installation on non-right-of-way property, extends the term, refines language on utility relocations for capital projects, and reorganizes energy efficiency and conservation provisions.

Broomfield Proclaims June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and Open Space and Trails Month

The City Council approved a proclamation declaring June 2026 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in Broomfield. This proclamation affirms the city's commitment to being a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable community, recognizing the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community and emphasizing the importance of safety, value, and support for all residents. The proclamation also reinforces Broomfield's dedication to advancing equity and upholding LGBTQIA+ rights as human rights. Several community organizations, including The Refuge and Rainbow Broomfield, were acknowledged for building inclusive spaces. A study conducted by the public health department in partnership with Rocky Mountain Equity aimed to understand the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community regarding belonging and connection, with the results intended to inform the creation of more welcoming environments. The Communities That Care (CTC) coalition has also been working on youth substance use prevention and mental health, prioritizing social connection, safe spaces, and trusted adult relationships, and hosted workshops focused on allyship to support LGBTQIA+ youth. The city also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Broomfield Trail Adventure and kicked off the Broomfield 100 challenge, promoting outdoor activity and community engagement. Additionally, June was proclaimed as Open Space and Trails Month, recognizing the importance of these spaces for environmental preservation, heritage, beauty, wildlife habitat, and improving health and the local economy.

Broomfield Council Advances Ordinance Requiring Fiscal Impact Reviews for Land Use Applications

The City Council considered Ordinance No. 2306 on first reading, proposing to add fiscal impact evaluation criteria to the review process for rezonings, Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), and PUD amendments. This amendment to Title 17 would formally incorporate the consideration of a development proposal's fiscal impacts on the city and county into these review processes. A fiscal impact analysis would compare projected revenues (property, sales, use tax) against the costs of providing services to the development. Staff currently prepares fiscal impact analyses, and this ordinance would codify these criteria. The amendment specifies that it does not require applicants to complete a fiscal impact evaluation, nor are positive impacts mandatory for approval; it serves as one of several review criteria. It also allows for applicants to propose mitigation of adverse impacts. For rezonings, the ordinance adds consideration of helping the city achieve fiscal goals but does not require positive fiscal impact or a developer-provided analysis. A related amendment introduced by Mayor Pro Tem, extending fiscal impact criteria to Use by Special Review, was approved. However, an amendment proposed by Council Member McKenzie to include Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions impacts in these reviews failed. The ordinance as amended passed on first reading.