Shutdowns, Shortfalls & Dr. Marc Bekoff on Jane Goodall’s Legacy
Wednesday, October 8-
📰 In This Episode
- Federal shutdown fallout: Hundreds of Boulder’s NOAA employees are likely furloughed as only “essential” operations continue. CU Boulder says 69% of its research funding is federal but expects minimal short-term impact.
- County wage rollback? Boulder County will hold a public hearing Oct 14 to discuss slowing or reversing minimum-wage hikes adopted in 2023. The meeting also covers the 2026 budget, which proposes $667 million in spending — down $17 million from 2025 — and includes layoffs and vacant positions as officials work to close a $30–40 million shortfall.
- City budget squeeze: Boulder City Council will review its $521 million 2026 budget and a proposed transportation maintenance fee at a public hearing Oct 9 (1777 Broadway). The fee would fund roads, sidewalks, and transit maintenance.
- Community profile brought to you by the Boulder Bookstore: Co-founder Jeff Rozic sits down with Dr. Marc Bekoff, CU Professor Emeritus of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and longtime collaborator of Jane Goodall, to reflect on her life, legacy, and Colorado connections — including Governor Polis’s recent proclamation of Jane Goodall Day and Marc Bekoff Day.
🗓️ Key Dates
- Oct 9: Boulder City Council budget & transportation-fee hearing
- Oct 14: Boulder County minimum-wage & budget hearing (link)
- Dec 9: Scheduled adoption of the 2026 Boulder County budget
📣 Get Involved
- Share ideas: boulderfrequency@gmail.com
- Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/cw/BoulderFrequencyPod
- Sponsor an episode to help fund local journalism.
BVHz Team:
Editor: Shay Castle
Audio Producer/Music: Kelly Garry
Publisher: Jeff Rozic
🌐 Resources & Links
- Boulder County budget overview
- Boulder Reporting Lab coverage
- City of Boulder budget
- Transportation maintenance fee facts
- Government shutdown info
- Boulder Bookstore Foundation
🎙️ Next Week
We talk with a Cal-Wood Fire survivor, marking five years since the blaze, and hear from community members fighting to save North Boulder Little League fields.
