Jan Burton

Boulderites are decidedly cool on new property taxes to fix what amounts to a self-inflicted infrastructure maintenance crisis. That raises an obvious question: What happened to the Community, Culture, Resilience and Safety Tax, repeatedly approved by voters and dedicated to citywide capital projects? Before any new tax conversation begins, let’s have a full accounting. (Matthew Jonas/Staff Photographer)

Burton: Before Boulder asks for more money, let’s see the spreadsheet

July 11, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Boulderites are decidedly cool on new property taxes to fix what amounts to a self-inflicted infrastructure maintenance crisis. That raises an obvious question: What happened to the Community, Culture, Resilience...

Most community members recognize that FAA funding for the Boulder Municipal Airport is a gift we should not turn away. If the city refuses FAA grants for airport maintenance, local taxpayers will have to cover those costs. I am loath to support property tax increases when the city is turning away available federal funds. (Cliff Grassmick/Staff Photographer)

Burton: Local control of the airport means local taxpayers pay

June 13, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Most community members recognize that FAA funding for the Boulder Municipal Airport is a gift we should not turn away. If the city refuses FAA grants for airport maintenance, local...

Boulder's underlying financial issues may be one of culture: a lack of commitment to transparency and taxpayer responsibility. The city’s “allocations” increasingly soak up voter-initiated dedicated taxes, and their spending of the recent 2A Arts funding on their own staffing and overhead did little to engender trust in the community. (Jeremy Papasso / Staff Photographer)

Burton: Does Boulder need a new Transportation Maintenance Fee?

November 1, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Boulder's underlying financial issues may be one of culture: a lack of commitment to transparency and taxpayer responsibility. The city’s “allocations” increasingly soak up voter-initiated dedicated taxes, and their spending...

Burton: How will Boulder address the alarming likelihood of an urban wildfire?

August 26, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Our city’s leadership did not take the flood risk seriously enough for South Boulder, and we paid the price in 2013, with a total cost in the billions. We should...

When it comes to Boulder's budget, it’s Council’s job to hold city staff accountable for clear transparency to their own boards and the community, for honoring voter intent around dedicated taxes, and for fiscal restraint in times of economic and social uncertainty. Our elected leaders should become clear-eyed and focused on the basic services of local government and leading efforts for reform. (Matthew Jonas/Staff Photographer)

Burton: Voters see Boulder as fiscally irresponsible. It’s time for City Council to step up.

July 22, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

When it comes to Boulder's budget, it’s Council’s job to hold city staff accountable for clear transparency to their own boards and the community, for honoring voter intent around dedicated...

Opinion: Jan Burton: Let’s work together to prevent fire disaster

March 29, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

A significant fire event could take place in Boulder County again at any time, and not only in the wooded rural areas. The signs of potential disaster are here, and...

I am an urbanist, a bike advocate, and I walk and bike as often as the weather allows it. I love our downtown area, including West Pearl, and I shop and eat locally to support our local businesses. I support voter-initiated ballot measures … but only if they are realistic and funded. While the petitioners behind the “Pearl for You" ballot measure may have good intentions, the risk to our businesses is too great, and the budget is unknown. (Camera file photo)

Opinion: Jan Burton: Is a new Pearl always shinier?

February 15, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

I am an urbanist, a bike advocate, and I walk and bike as often as the weather allows it. I love our downtown area, including West Pearl, and I shop...

The Boulder City Council would do well to sit down in good faith and dealing with the arts community, equitably and transparently. After all, would any City Council member think that the recent arts funding ballot measure would have passed with 41% set aside for administrative fees and staffing? Highly unlikely. (Paul Aiken / Staff Photographer)

Opinion: Jan Burton: We’ve been duped on ballot measures by county and city officials

January 15, 2025 at 5:03 a.m.

The Boulder City Council would do well to sit down in good faith and dealing with the arts community, equitably and transparently. After all, would any City Council member think...

The benefits of the airport far outweigh the negatives, and past surveys have all shown broad community support. So now that the potentially costly ballot measures to close the Boulder airport have been withdrawn, let’s move forward. Let’s set a course correction for our beleaguered Boulder airport by accepting federal and state funding again and navigating to bluer skies and a determined future. (Matthew Jonas/Staff Photographer)

Opinion: Jan Burton: Flawed airport ballot measures are finally withdrawn

August 31, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

The benefits of the airport far outweigh the negatives, and past surveys have all shown broad community support. So now that the potentially costly ballot measures to close the Boulder airport...

For many, this year's Conference on World Affairs, which took place last month, was the best ever. But there is still time to watch or listen to recordings of the sessions before making plans for next year's edition. I would encourage anyone with curiosity, a beginner’s mindset and a willingness to learn new things to join me at next year’s conference. (Matthew Jonas/Staff Photographer)

Opinion: Jan Burton: Conference on World Affairs once again delights its audiences

May 4, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

For many, this year's Conference on World Affairs, which took place last month, was the best ever. But there is still time to watch or listen to recordings of the...

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