For as long as we can remember, towns throughout Colorado have been squabbling and annexing land under the radar (see No. 1) in an attempt to lure lucrative retail. In this state, municipalities rely on their sales taxes to pay for virtually everything—snowplows, parks, cops, etc. This can lead to poor development practices and hurt feelings. But Boulder County Consortium of Cities members are now trying to realign these tax collections—perhaps by forming a sales tax pool—in order to improve planning and reduce friction between cities.

What’s Next: Assuming towns OK the consultant, Business Brokers & Consultants, proposals should be to Boulder County towns by the fall.

July 2007