City News
This is news from the city of Boulder, about the city or any of its departments
Boulder Homeless Point Failure
Aug 16th
August 16, 2025 Boulder Point in Homeless program completely leaves out treating drugs and alcohol among the Homeless. It doesn’t even mention it. 75% of all homeless are drug addicts an
d alcoholics living on the streets. This plan simply warehouses them all for one big party. We taxpayers will pay 15,000,000 for their party.
https://bouldercolorado.gov/news/city-releases-2025-july-point-time-count-results
City Releases 2025 July Point in Time Count Results
On July 22, 2025, the City of Boulder completed its third annual summer Point in Time Count of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the city. Findings from the count are available on the Point in Time Count dashboard on the city’s website.
d alcoholics living on the streets. This plan simply warehouses them all for one big party. We taxpayers will pay 15,000,000 for their party.https://bouldercolorado.gov/news/city-releases-2025-july-point-time-count-results
City Releases 2025 July Point in Time Count Results
On July 22, 2025, the City of Boulder completed its third annual summer Point in Time Count of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the city. Findings from the count are available on the Point in Time Count dashboard on the city’s website.
Point in Time Counts help identify how many people are experiencing homelessness in a community at a specific moment in time. Each January, communities across the country conduct a Point in Time Count. Data from this count helps show how homelessness in an area is changing over time.
Boulder HOP expands with RTD reopening
Aug 14th
Boulder HOP bus route expands with RTD reopening of the Boulder Junction Depot Square Station
City anticipates boost in ridership with station reopening after COVID-19 closure
City anticipates boost in ridership with station reopening after COVID-19 closure
BOULDER, Colo. – The City of Boulder, in partnership with the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and CU Boulder, is expanding the local HOP bus route. The modified route will directly serve Boulder Junction and connect with RTD routes returning to the Boulder Junction Depot Square Station beginning on Tuesday, September 2.
HOP service will be added along Pearl Parkway between 30th Street and Junction Place, Junction Place/32nd Street between Pearl Parkway and Walnut, and Walnut between 32nd and 30th streets. Route schedules will remain the same. Community members may notice new striping, bus stops and signage installation in the coming days in the area.
The HOP bus connects key destinations, including CU Boulder, University Hill, downtown and the 29th Street Mall with a 15-minute frequency during peak service. The updated route returns service to the center of the Boulder Junction Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): a mixed-use, walkable neighborhood where people live, work, shop and can access local and regional transit.
“The HOP bus has been a community staple for over 30 years, and we are tremendously proud to continue to evolve its route to provide Boulder Junction with centralized local transit service,” said City of Boulder Interim Director of Transportation & Mobility Valerie Watson.
The reopened station at Boulder Junction will also feature RTD routes serving Denver International Airport and the Denver Civic Center.
“RTD is excited to continue to enhance service throughout Boulder County, including to Boulder’s transit-oriented developments. The resumption of service to Boulder Junction is a great next step to enhance the overall transit experience for our Boulder customers,” said RTD Board Director Lynn Guissinger.
“We’ve heard a strong and clear desire for a return of transit service at Boulder Junction to support livable neighborhoods. We greatly appreciate RTD’s partnership and recognition of the importance of these services in Boulder,” added Watson.
High-quality transit service is key to making progress toward Boulder’s transportation vision of providing safe, equitable, sustainable and reliable travel choices. In support of these values, the city is also purchasing 7 battery electric buses with Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) grants to be delivered this fall and replace diesel buses that have reached useful life milestones, bringing Boulder closer to its goal of a fully electrified HOP bus fleet by 2030.
Updated route maps are available on the Boulder Bus Map and the HOP Bus webpage. Learn more about city transit and sign up for updates via the Transportation and Mobility Department newsletter.
Drug Addiction and Alcoholism: Bo County must use A.A. and Step Denver or fail
Aug 4th
Proposed Ballot Issue No. 2. – Mental and Behavioral Health Sales and Use Tax Proposal
Proposal to impose for fifteen years an additional countywide sales and use tax of 0.15% for the purposes of unmet needs of youth, adults, families, unhoused individuals, and older adults in Boulder County with or at risk of mental health and substance use disorders by providing mental health crisis services; suicide presentation and intervention; mental health and substance use presentation, treatment, and recovery; treatment services for unhouses individuals; and assistance finding appropriate services through community-based organization, governmental entities, and other options; and a voter-approved revenue change.
Proposal to impose for fifteen years an additional countywide sales and use tax of 0.15% for the purposes of unmet needs of youth, adults, families, unhoused individuals, and older adults in Boulder County with or at risk of mental health and substance use disorders by providing mental health crisis services; suicide presentation and intervention; mental health and substance use presentation, treatment, and recovery; treatment services for unhouses individuals; and assistance finding appropriate services through community-based organization, governmental entities, and other options; and a voter-approved revenue change.
This plan is poorly thought out.
Yes, plans addressing homelessness that don’t prioritize or integrate substance abuse treatment are often criticized for their limitations. Substance use and homelessness are often deeply intertwined, and ignoring one aspect can significantly impede efforts to address the other.
Here’s why such plans might be considered “bad” or ineffective:
- Substance use can be both a cause and a result of homelessness: Individuals may turn to substances to cope with the trauma, stress, and harsh realities of street life, or pre-existing addiction can lead to job loss, financial instability, and eviction, eventually resulting in homelessness.
- Without addressing addiction, achieving stable housing can be challenging: Many individuals struggling with substance use find it difficult to maintain stable housing, even when provided, if their addiction isn’t treated. It can lead to behaviors that violate housing agreements or make it difficult to adhere to the requirements of support programs.
- Limited engagement with services: Individuals actively using substances may not prioritize or engage consistently with services like healthcare, mental health support, or job training, which are essential for long-term stability and exiting homelessness.
- Increased risk of relapse and further health issues: Without addiction treatment, individuals remain vulnerable to relapse, overdose, and developing or worsening co-occurring physical and mental health issues associated with substance use, making it harder to break the cycle of homelessness.
Alternative perspectives and solutions
- Integrated services: Many experts and successful programs advocate for an integrated approach, addressing substance use disorder and homelessness simultaneously, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- Housing First Model: Programs like Housing First offer permanent housing without prerequisites like sobriety, alongside access to supportive services, including addiction treatment. Studies have shown that Housing First can be effective in reducing homelessness and improving housing stability, particularly when individuals are also connected to needed services like mental health support.
- Harm reduction strategies: Approaches like supervised consumption sites, naloxone distribution, and managed alcohol programs aim to minimize the negative consequences of substance use while encouraging engagement in treatment when individuals are ready.
- Tailored and person-centered care: Recognizing that each individual’s needs and experiences are unique, treatment plans and support services should be customized and delivered with empathy and respect.
In conclusion, while providing housing is a crucial step towards addressing homelessness, ignoring the role of addiction in many cases can undermine the effectiveness and sustainability of such efforts. A comprehensive strategy that integrates housing assistance with access
ible and effective substance use treatment and other supportive services is crucial for achieving lasting solutions.
When designing a comprehensive strategy to address homelessness, especially among individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, incorporating resources like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and organizations like
can be beneficial. Here’s why:
Benefits of including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- Peer support and community: AA offers a ready-made sober community where individuals can connect with others facing similar challenges, reducing isolation and fostering a sense of belonging. This network provides mutual support and accountability, which are vital for sustained recovery.
- Structured program: The 12 Steps of AA provide a clear, sequential path toward recovery, guiding individuals through self-examination, addressing past harms, and promoting spiritual growth. This structure can be particularly valuable for individuals who thrive with routine and goal-setting in early recovery, according to Recovery Centers of America.
- Long-term recovery focus: AA offers a long-term support system that extends beyond the confines of formal treatment programs, helping individuals maintain sobriety and navigate the challenges of everyday life.
- Accessibility and cost-effectiveness: AA meetings are generally free to attend and widely available in many communities, making them an accessible and cost-effective option for individuals seeking ongoing support, regardless of their financial situation.
- Enhanced outcomes when combined with other treatment: Research suggests that combining AA participation with professional therapies like individual counseling or medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can significantly improve outcomes, increasing the chances of long-term sobriety, says the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
- Addresses co-occurring disorders: While not a replacement for clinical treatment, AA provides a supportive space for individuals navigating co-occurring mental health disorders alongside substance use, helping to reduce stigma and foster hope.
Benefits of including organizations like
- Focus on accountability and addressing addiction as a root cause: Organizations like
explicitly emphasize that addiction is a significant factor in homelessness and prioritize helping individuals address this issue directly, according to Step Denver.
- Integration of housing and recovery support: These organizations often combine providing shelter or housing with structured recovery programs and accountability measures, creating an environment supportive of sobriety and long-term stability.
- Tailored approaches (e.g., Sober Living Houses): Some organizations, like those employing the Sober Living House (SLH) model, provide communal living environments that actively promote abstinence and peer support, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These environments can be particularly beneficial for individuals needing a structured, sober living space after formal treatment.
- Addressing underlying issues alongside housing: By focusing on addiction and the recovery journey, these programs help individuals develop coping mechanisms and address the underlying behaviors and patterns that may have contributed to their homelessness.
Important considerations
- AA’s spiritual component: It’s crucial to acknowledge that AA’s emphasis on a “higher power” may not resonate with everyone. Plans should also incorporate alternative recovery options like SMART Recovery or secular support groups for individuals who prefer a non-spiritual approach.
- Not a one-size-fits-all solution: No single approach to addiction or homelessness is universally effective. A truly comprehensive plan will offer diverse options and cater to individual needs and preferences.
- Integrated services are key: The most effective strategies often involve combining AA and similar programs with professional treatment, housing assistance, mental health services, and other wraparound support tailored to the unique needs of each individual, says the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
By incorporating AA and resources like
, alongside other evidence-based approaches and support systems, plans can create a more holistic and effective pathway for individuals experiencing homelessness and struggling with alcohol addiction to achieve lasting recovery and stability.
