Wednesday, October 22

This week on The Frequency: Boulder County Commissioners advance a minimum wage rollback, SNAP benefits are suspended during the federal shutdown, and Nederland’s fire probe finds no sign of arson. Plus, Elevate Boulder participants share how guaranteed income changed their lives — and North Boulder neighbors rally to save the historic Iris Fields.

Headlines

• Minimum wage rollback (preliminary vote): Boulder County Commissioners advanced changes to the county’s wage in unincorporated areas (Niwot, Hygiene, Allenspark, etc.). Instead of rising to $17.99 in 2026 and $25 by 2030 (2023 plan), the new proposal sets $16.82 in 2026 and then ties increases to inflation. At ~3% inflation, 2030 would land nearly $6/hour lower than the previous plan. Yes: Claire Levy, Marta Loachamin. No: Ashley Stolzmann, who cited rising living costs, federal benefit cuts, and limited public engagement. Public hearing & formal vote: Nov. 20.
• SNAP suspended in November: Due to the federal government shutdown, more than 20,000 Boulder County residents won’t receive SNAP benefits next month—over $85M/year in local assistance is at stake.
• Nederland fire update: Investigators report no credible evidence of arson in the shopping center blaze; the cause may take up to six months to confirm. A local disaster emergency is declared to unlock additional recovery funds.

• Erie wetlands win: 10 new acres of constructed wetlands and a water education center opened on repurposed wastewater ponds, featuring a ½-mile boardwalk. Details: erieco.gov/2590/Erie-Wetlands.

Segment 1 - Elevate Boulder

Reporter Rossana Longo Better shares voices from Elevate Boulder, the city’s guaranteed income pilot that provided $500/month for 24 months to 200 residents (household income < $60k), funded by $3M ARPA. Outcomes so far: lower stress, better food security, and improved ability to meet basic needs—but payments end in December with no expansion planned.

Hear how unconditional aid changed lives, challenged stigma, and fostered belonging.

🔗 Full stories: bouldercolorado.gov/elevate-boulder-storytelling

Segment 2 — Save Iris Fields

For 70 years, the North Boulder Little League has played on county-owned fields at Iris & Broadway. Now, with the land up for sale, community members and The Academy Boulder have joined forces to propose a purchase that would preserve the fields, provide senior housing, and fund county services.

Organizers Thomas Click and Aquiles Lagrave say their offer is both financially responsible and community-centered — ensuring that baseball, bikes, and neighborhood connection stay woven into North Boulder’s fabric.

A county decision is expected by year-end.

🗣 Public comment: 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov 6 at 1325 Pearl St., Boulder.

Get Involved / Support

• Pitch stories: [email protected]
• Subscribe for our Oct. 29 last-minute vote guide and email companion: boulderfrequency.com
• Sponsor an episode (support local journalism!) — email us.

BVHz Team:

Editor: Shay Castle

Audio Producer/Music: Kelly Garry

Publisher: Jeff Rozic

Social: Jackson Pitts

🔗 Links & Resources

• SNAP benefits (updates): https://bouldercounty.gov/families/food/food-assistance-program/
• Nederland fire (updates): https://bouldercounty.gov/news/update-1-caribou-village-shopping-center-fire/
• Support Nederland fire victims:
• https://themtnear.com/stories/donate-to-the-lakeview-fire-victims,62399
• https://kdvr.com/news/local/fundraisers-seek-to-help-nederland-community-after-fire-destroys-businesses/
• Elevate Boulder storytelling hub: https://bouldercolorado.gov/elevate-boulder-storytelling
• Save Iris Fields: https://saveirisfields.com/
• Erie Wetlands: https://erieco.gov/2590/Erie-Wetlands

Produced by Boulder Valley Frequency — Original Local Journalism for Boulder County.