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58-621: Since 1972 the NGDC was located in Boulder, Colorado as a part of the US Department of Commerce (USDOC), National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS). NGDC's data holdings contained more than 300 digital and analog databases , with over 37 terabytes of unique digital records plus paper, film, slides and microfilm in 2003. As technology advanced, so did

116-648: A Historic Preservation Code was passed. In 1976, a residential-growth management ordinance, the Danish Plan, was passed. The city of Boulder is located in the Boulder Valley, where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains . The Flatirons , slabs of sedimentary stone tilted up on the foothills, are located west of the city and are a widely recognized symbol of Boulder. Boulder Creek

174-472: A few naked runners were observed by locals. Several illegal attempts, resulting in arrests, have been made to restart the run, but no serious effort has been mounted. For several years on April 20, thousands of people gathered on the CU Boulder campus to celebrate 420 and smoke marijuana at and before 4:20 pm. The 2010 head count was officially between 8,000 and 15,000 with some discrepancy between

232-466: A group of friends and friends of friends in the early 90's riding bicycles around Boulder into the social cycling event it is today. Some enthusiasts gather wearing costumes and decorating their bikes; themes are an integral part of the cruiser tradition. Boulder Police began following the cruiser ride as it gained in popularity in the early 2000s. Issues with underage drinking, reckless bicycle riding, and other nuisance complaints led organizers to drop

290-479: A major political party caucus process that places candidates on a primary ballot for the position sought in their political party, which generally requires 30% support from delegates to the relevant nominating body of the political party. It is also possible for individuals who have been registered to vote and affiliated with the political party in question for at least a year to gain access to a partisan primary ballot by petition. Minor party candidates can gain access to

348-485: A system of government based on the separation of powers doctrine with power divided among the executive , legislative and judicial branches of government. Article V vests the legislative power of the state in the General Assembly, while reserving to the people the power to propose, approve, and reject both laws and amendments to the state Constitution by initiatives or referendums . The General Assembly

406-800: Is bicameral , composed of the Colorado House of Representatives and the Colorado Senate . The House has 65 members and the Senate 35. Members of the House are elected to two-year terms, and members of the Senate are elected to four-year terms. General legislative elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in each even-numbered year. The entire House is elected in each general election. Senators are elected in two classes such that, as nearly as possible, one-half of

464-532: Is a fiscal impact. A state budget, called the "Long Bill" is prepared each year by the Joint Budget Committee of the General Assembly. Unlike many legislative initiatives, the Long Bill is neither an acronym nor named after an individual with significant influence. The Long Bill is simply a lengthy bill that contains many appropriations. The House and the Senate alternate the job of introducing

522-469: Is a tributary of the South Platte River . At the 2020 United States Census , the city had a total area of 17,514 acres (70.877 km ), including 664 acres (2.689 km ) of water. The 40th parallel , 40 degrees north latitude, runs through Boulder and can be easily recognized as Baseline Road today. Boulder lies in a wide basin beneath Flagstaff Mountain just a few miles east of

580-491: Is an annual one-week conference featuring dozens of discussion panels on contemporary issues. The internationally syndicated radio program eTown has its headquarters at eTown Hall , at the intersection of 16th and Spruce Streets, in downtown Boulder. Most tapings of this weekly show are done at eTown Hall. Beginning in 1983, hundreds of people head to the Boulder Reservoir on New Year's Day to take part in

638-556: Is home to multiple dance companies and establishments. Boulder Ballet was founded by former American Ballet Theatre dancer Larry Boyette in the 1970s as part of the Ballet Arts Studios. Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet was founded in 2004 by Robert Sher-Machherndl, former principal dancer of the Dutch National Ballet and Bavarian State Ballet . The Conference on World Affairs , started in 1948,

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696-504: Is staffed by approximately 230-year-round staff and 115 session-only staff. Staffing levels and expenditures have decreased since 2003. Similarly to Congressional staffers , legislative staff in Colorado fall into five broad categories: member staff , administrative staff , committee staff , communications and leadership staff , and legal service staff . With the exception of those working in communications and leadership, employees of

754-415: Is surrounded by thousands of acres of recreational open space, conservation easements, and nature preserves. Almost 60%, 35,584 acres (144.00 km ), of open space totaling 61,529 acres (249.00 km ) is open to the public. Colorado General Assembly 39°44′21″N 104°59′05″W  /  39.7392°N 104.9848°W  / 39.7392; -104.9848 The Colorado General Assembly

812-800: Is the state legislature of the State of Colorado . It is a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives that was created by the 1876 state constitution. Its statutes are codified in the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.). The session laws are published in the Session Laws of Colorado . Colorado's legislature is similar to those of other states, except that, unlike many states, Colorado does not give its lieutenant governor any legislative authority (e.g. tie-breaking vote). The first meeting of

870-485: Is the primary flow of water through Boulder. The creek was named before the city's founding for all of the large granite boulders that have cascaded into the creek over the eons. It is from Boulder Creek that the city is believed to have taken its name. Boulder Creek has significant water flow, derived primarily from snow melt and minor springs west of the city. The creek flows into St. Vrain Creek east of Longmont , which

928-553: Is the principal city of the Boulder metropolitan statistical area , which had 330,758 residents in 2020, and is part of the Front Range Urban Corridor . Boulder is located at the base of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains , at an elevation of 5,430 feet (1,655 m) above sea level. The city is 25 miles (40 km) northwest of the Colorado state capital of Denver . Boulder is a college town , hosting

986-575: Is usually shallow. Due to the high elevation, a strong warming sun can quickly melt snow cover during the day and Chinook winds bring rapid warm-ups throughout the winter months. Summers are warm, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. There are roughly 30 days of 90 °F (32 °C) or above each year. Diurnal temperature variation is typically large due to the high elevation and semi-arid climate. Daytime highs are generally cooler than those of most Colorado cities with similar elevations. The highest recorded temperature of 104 °F (40 °C)

1044-554: The University of Colorado Boulder , the flagship and largest campus of the University of Colorado system as well as numerous research institutes . Archaeological evidence shows that Boulder Valley has been continuously inhabited by Native American tribes for over 13,000 years, beginning in the late Pleistocene era. Throughout the Paleo-Indian, Archaic, and Late Prehistoric periods, Indigenous peoples moved seasonally between

1102-462: The governor or upon written request of two-thirds of the members of each house, but are infrequent. Some committees of the General Assembly work between sessions and have limited power to take action without General Assembly approval between legislative sessions. Joint procedural rules of the two chambers require most legislation to be introduced very early in the legislative session each year, and to meet strict deadlines for completion of each step of

1160-573: The Boulder Bach Festival is an annual festival celebrating the life, legacy, and music of J.S. Bach . The festival is led by Executive Director Zachary Carrettin and Artistic Director Mina Gajic. Founded in 1988, Colorado MahlerFest celebrates the legacy of composer Gustav Mahler through an annual festival. Under Artistic Director Kenneth Woods , The Colorado MahlerFest Orchestra draws together young professionals, conservatory and university students, and advanced amateurs. Boulder

1218-800: The Cheyenne-Arapaho Reservation. By 1862, the creek had yielded $ 100,000 in gold, and Boulder's population exceeded 300. On November 7, 1861, the Colorado General Assembly passed legislation to locate the University of Colorado in Boulder. On September 20, 1875, the first cornerstone was laid for the first building (Old Main) on the CU campus. The university officially opened on September 5, 1877. In 1907, Boulder adopted an anti- saloon ordinance. In 1916, statewide prohibition started in Colorado, and ended with

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1276-576: The Colorado General Assembly took place from November 1, 1876, through March 20, 1877. Succeeding sessions met every two years until 1950, when it began to meet annually. The lieutenant governor served as Senate President until 1974 when Article V, Section 10 of the state constitution was amended, granting the Colorado Senate the right to elect one of its own members as President. The Colorado Constitution establishes

1334-596: The General Assembly are non-partisan staffers. There are 65 House Members and 35 Senate Members making up the 100 seats in Colorado General Assembly. Based on the 2010 census, each House member represents about 77,372 constituents and each Senator 143,691. The 2018 Colorado elections resulted in Democrats extending their control in the House (41 Democrats; 24 Republicans) and capturing the Senate majority. All 65 Colorado House seats were up for election in 2022. The chamber's Democratic majority increased to 46-19, keeping

1392-425: The General Assembly does not reauthorize them. The governor submits a proposed budget to the Joint Budget Committee each year in advance of the year's legislative session. Colorado's fiscal year is from July 1 to June 30. All bills introduced in the General Assembly are evaluated by the non-partisan state legislative services body for their fiscal impact and must be provided for in appropriations legislation if there

1450-538: The Norlin Quad, and having out-of-town law enforcement agencies help secure the campus. In 2013, April 20 fell on a Saturday. The university continued the 420 party ban and closed the campus to visitors. In 2015 the government conceded and once again opened the park to visitors on April 20. The Happy Thursday Cruiser Ride is a weekly bicycle ride in Boulder Colorado. The Boulder Cruiser Ride grew from

1508-758: The State House of Representatives in 1894 and Helen Robinson being elected to the State Senate in 1912 (the second state upper house in the country to welcome women as members). With the notable exceptions listed below, the Colorado General Assembly operates in a manner quite similar to the United States Congress . Regular sessions are held annually and begin no later than the second Wednesday in January. Regular sessions last no more than 120 days. Special sessions may be called at any time by

1566-637: The allocation of 1,800 acres (7.3 km ) of mountain backdrop/watershed extending from South Boulder Creek to Sunshine Canyon. Boulder has created an Urban Wildlife Management Plan which sets policies for managing and protecting urban wildlife. The city's Parks and Recreation and Open Space and Mountain Parks departments have volunteers who monitor parks, including wetlands, lakes, etc., to protect ecosystems. From time to time, parks and hiking trails are closed to conserve or restore ecosystems. Traditionally, Boulder has avoided using chemical pesticides to control

1624-583: The annual polar bear plunge . With rescue teams standing by, participants use a variety of techniques to plunge themselves into the freezing reservoir. Once the plunge is complete, swimmers retreat to hot tubs on the reservoir beach to revive themselves from the cold. Starting in 1998, dozens of people have taken part in a Halloween run down the city's streets wearing only shoes and a hollowed-out pumpkin on their heads. In 2009, local police threatened participants with charges of indecent exposure , and no naked runners were reported in official newscasts, although

1682-540: The area. Modern Boulder was founded in late 1858 when prospectors led by Thomas Aikins arrived at Boulder Canyon during the Colorado Gold Rush. Arapaho leader Niwot allowed them to stay for the winter, but the settlers abused this peaceful approach, and some later took part in the Sand Creek massacre of Arapaho. In early 1859, gold was discovered along Boulder Creek, drawing more miners and merchants to

1740-599: The area. The Boulder City Town Company was formed in February 1859 to establish a settlement at the canyon mouth. By 1860, it had 70 cabins, occupied mainly by Anglo families. Non-whites like Chinese miners and black residents were part of early Boulder but rarely pictured. In 1861, Boulder County was created, and the Arapaho were forced to relocate per the Treaty of Fort Wise. With declining numbers, Niwot's band soon moved to

1798-473: The changing world of geophysics . These programs are now part of the National Centers for Environmental Information . Boulder, Colorado Boulder is a home rule city in and the county seat of Boulder County, Colorado , United States. With a population of 108,250 at the 2020 census , it is the most populous city in the county and the 12th-most populous city in Colorado. Boulder

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1856-399: The city. The population density was 3,942.7 inhabitants per square mile (1,522.3/km ). There were 43,479 housing units at an average density of 1,760.3 units per square mile (679.7 units/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 88.0% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 4.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 3.2% some other race, and 2.6% from two or more races. 8.7% of

1914-521: The continental divide and about 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Denver. Arapahoe Glacier provides water for the city, along with Boulder Creek, which flows through the center of the city. Denver International Airport is located 45 miles (72 km) southeast of Boulder. In 1899, government preservation of open space around Boulder began, with the Congress of the United States approving

1972-579: The cruiser ride as a public event. Returning to an underground format, where enthusiasts must become part of the social network before gaining access to event sites, the Boulder Cruiser Ride has continued as a local tradition. On May 30, 2013, over 400 riders attended the Thursday-night Cruiser Ride in honor of "Big Boy", an elk that was shot and killed on New Year's Day by an on-duty Boulder Police officer. Boulder

2030-590: The ecological processes that sustain them and to reduce the wildfire risk to forest and human communities. Boulder has a temperate climate typical for much of the state and receives many sunny or mostly sunny days each year. Boulder is considered semi-arid (Köppen: BSk ) or humid subtropical (Köppen: Cfa ) within the Köppen climate classification due to its relatively high yearly precipitation and average temperatures remaining above 32 °F (0 °C) year-round. Winter conditions range from generally mild to

2088-410: The estimated median household income in Boulder was $ 57,112, and the median family income was $ 113,681. Male full-time workers had a median income of $ 71,993 versus $ 47,574 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 37,600. 24.8% of the population and 7.6% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 17.4% of those under 18 and 6.0% of those 65 and older were living below

2146-411: The general election ballot through a minor party caucus process. Unaffiliated candidates can gain access to the general election ballot by petition. Vacancies in legislative offices are generally filled by political party vacancy committees, rather than special elections. Vacancy appointees who fill the first half of a state senators term must stand for election at the next even year November election for

2204-539: The insect population. However, with the threat of West Nile virus , the city began an integrative plan to control the mosquito population in 2003 that includes chemical pesticides. Residents can opt out of the program by contacting the city and asking that their areas not be sprayed. Under Boulder law, exterminating prairie dogs requires a permit. In 2005, the city experimented with using goats for weed control in environmentally sensitive areas. Goats naturally consume diffuse knapweed and Canada thistle , and although

2262-690: The largest race in the US in which all participants are timed and the fifth largest road race in the world. Founded in 1958, the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra is a professional orchestra under the leadership of its Music Director Michael Butterman. Founded in 1976 by Giora Bernstein , the Colorado Music Festival presents a summer series of concerts in Chautauqua Auditorium . Founded in 1981,

2320-469: The legislative process. Joint procedural rules also limit each legislator to introducing five bills per year, subject to certain exceptions for non-binding resolutions, uniform acts, interim committee bills and appropriations bills. Most members of the General Assembly decide which bills they will introduce during the legislative session (or most of them) prior to its commencement, limiting the ability of members to introduce new bills at constituent request once

2378-514: The legislative session has begun. Most bills adopted by the General Assembly include a "safety clause" (i.e. a legislative declaration that the bill concerns an urgent matter) and take effect on July 1 following the legislative session unless otherwise provided. Some bills are enacted without a "safety clause" which makes it possible to petition to subject those bills to a referendum before they take effect, and have an effective date in August following

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2436-471: The legislative session unless otherwise provided. Colorado's legislature does not have an analog to the filibuster in the United States Senate requiring a supermajority for approval of any matter. The lieutenant governor does not have the power to preside or break tie votes in either house of the General Assembly. All new executive branch rules are reviewed annually by the legislature and

2494-400: The legislature routinely invalidates some of them each year. The General Assembly does have subpoena power, However this power is rarely used. The General Assembly does not have a role in the appointment or retention of state judges, although it must authorize the creation of each judgeship. Many state agencies and programs are subject to "sunset review" and are automatically abolished if

2552-426: The local papers and the university administrators, who have been thought to have been attempting to downplay the event. Eleven citations were given out whereas the year before there were only two. 2011 was the last year of mass 420 partying at CU as the university, in 2012, took a hard stance against 420 activities, closing the campus to visitors for the day, using smelly fish fertilizer to discourage gathering at

2610-418: The long bill and making a first committee review of it. Colorado's state legislature is required to obtain voter approval in order to incur significant debt, to raise taxes, or to increase state constitutional spending limitations. It is also required to comply with a state constitutional spending mandate for K-12 education. The Governor has line item veto power over appropriations. The Colorado General Assembly

2668-414: The mountain backdrop from development. In 1967, city voters approved a dedicated sales tax to acquire open space to contain urban sprawl . In 1970, Boulder created a "comprehensive plan" to dictate future zoning, transportation, and urban planning decisions. Hoping to preserve residents' views of the mountains, in 1972, the city enacted an ordinance limiting the height of newly constructed buildings. In 1974,

2726-536: The mountains and plains, taking shelter in winter along the Front Range trough where Boulder now lies. By the 1500s, the area was occupied by Ute tribes, joined by Arapaho tribes in the early 1800s. The Indigenous Nations who have ties to the Boulder Valley include the Apache , Arapaho , Cheyenne , Comanche , Kiowa , Pawnee , Shoshone , Sioux , and Ute peoples. In the 1800s, Euro-American settlers colonized

2784-488: The occasional bitterly cold. Highs average in the mid to upper 40s °F (7–9 °C). There are 4.6 nights annually where the temperature drops to 0 °F (−18 °C). Because of orographic lift , the mountains to the west often dry out the air passing over the Front Range , shielding the city from precipitation in winter, though heavy snowfalls may occur. Snowfall averages 88 inches (220 cm) per season. Snow depth

2842-409: The population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 41,302 households, of which 19.1% had children under 18 living with them, 32.2% were headed by married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 59.6% were non-families. 35.8% of all households comprised individuals, and 7.1% were someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size

2900-465: The poverty line. In 2010, the Boulder MSA had a gross metropolitan product of $ 18.3 billion, the 110th largest metropolitan economy in the United States. In 2007, Boulder became the first city in the United States to levy a carbon tax . In 2013, Boulder appeared on Forbes magazine's list of Best Places for Business and Careers. In the city's 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report,

2958-555: The program was not as effective as it was hoped, goats will still be considered in future weed control projects. In 2010, goats were used to keep weeds under control at the Boulder Reservoir. The city's Open Space and Mountain Parks department manages approximately 8,000 acres (32 km ) of protected forest land west of the city, in accordance with a 1999 Forest Ecosystem Management Plan. The plan aims to maintain or enhance native plant and animal species, their communities,

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3016-592: The remainder of the state senate term for the seat to which the state senator was appointed. The state auditor is appointed by the General Assembly, as are many members of independent boards and commissions. Currently, the Colorado General Assembly is controlled by the Democratic Party. Democrats also hold the governor's office. The Colorado General Assembly was the first state legislature to welcome women as elected members, with Clara Cressingham , Carrie C. Holly and Frances S. Klock all being elected to

3074-487: The repeal of national prohibition in 1933. Median home prices rose 60% from 2010 to 2015 to $ 648,200. In 2024, the City Council of Boulder repealed a long-standing law that prevented Boulder from increasing new residential units by more than 1% in a year. In 1959, city voters approved the "Blue Line" city-charter amendment, which restricted city water service to altitudes below 5,750 feet (1,750 m), to protect

3132-489: The search for more efficient ways of preserving these data. This data is now maintained by the NCEI. NGDC worked closely with contributors of scientific data to prepare documented, reliable data sets. They welcomed cooperative projects with other government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and universities, and encourage data exchange. NGDC's data users included: The Data Center developed data management programs that reflect

3190-441: The senators are elected in each general election. House members are limited to four consecutive terms in office, and state senators are limited to two consecutive terms. However, term-limited former members of both houses can run again after a four-year break. The vast majority of members of the General Assembly who are ultimately elected (in excess of 90% of members ultimately elected in all recent sessions) are nominated through

3248-545: The top employers are: Boulder has hosted a 10 km road run , the Bolder Boulder , on Memorial Day every year since 1979. The race involves over 50,000 runners, joggers, walkers, and wheelchair racers, making it one of the largest road races in the world. It has the largest non- marathon prize purse in road racing. The race culminates at Folsom Field with a Memorial Day Tribute. The 2007 race featured over 54,000 runners, walkers, and wheelchair racers, making it

3306-523: Was 2.16, and the average family size was 2.84. Boulder's population is younger than the national average, largely due to the presence of university students. The median age at the 2010 census was 28.7 years compared to the U.S. median of 37.2 years. In Boulder, 13.9% of the residents were younger than 18, 29.1% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% were 65 or older. For every 100 females, there were 105.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and older, there were 106.2 males. In 2011,

3364-439: Was on June 25, 2012. The record low was −33 °F (−36 °C) on January 17, 1930. The coldest high temperature, −12 °F (−24 °C), was on February 4, 1989. The warmest overnight low was on July 20, 1998, with a temperature of 82 °F (28 °C) Boulder is the principal city of the Boulder, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area . In the 2010 census, there were 97,385 people, 41,302 households, and 16,694 families in

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