Author: Justin Criado

Boulder Weekly’s Next Chapter

A community-led path forward for independent local journalism

Dear Boulder Weekly community,

As the new year begins and invites reflection, we want to begin by saying thank you and by sharing that we’ve been listening.

Over the past several months, readers, advertisers, and community members across Boulder County have told us how much Boulder Weekly matters and how important it is that this paper remain independent, accessible, and rooted in the community it serves.

We’ve also heard clearly that Boulder needs a print-forward media organization, supported by a newsroom that reaches people through digital platforms, partnerships, and new formats that meet audiences where they are.

For more than 30 years, Boulder Weekly has helped shape Boulder County’s civic conversation through independent reporting, cultural coverage, and fearless storytelling — giving voice to people and ideas that matter.

🌗 A transition to nonprofit, community ownership

As part of Boulder Weekly’s next chapter, we are beginning the process of transitioning the paper into a nonprofit, community-ownership model, a structure designed to protect editorial independence and ensure long-term sustainability.

As a free weekly publication, Boulder Weekly has long been part of Boulder County’s civic and economic infrastructure — connecting people to local businesses, nonprofits, events, and cultural life. We intend to continue that tradition.

A printed newspaper of the future is more than a communications tool.
It is local infrastructure.

When Boulder Weekly is strong:

• Local businesses gain trusted visibility with engaged readers
• Nonprofits reach supporters, volunteers, and donors
• Arts and cultural organizations build audiences countywide
• Advertising dollars circulate locally instead of leaving the community

🎬 What’s happening behind the scenes

A small group of community members and journalism leaders are currently working to transition Boulder Weekly into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (or establish a fiscal sponsor during the transition period).

Once finalized:

• Confirmed donations will be fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law
• Advertising and sponsorships will continue to play a vital role
• Community and philanthropic support will help ensure long-term stability

Members of this transition effort bring experience from community newspapers nationwide that have successfully adopted nonprofit models, built innovative partnerships, and strengthened local news ecosystems.

🙌 How you can help right now

To responsibly launch this next chapter, we are seeking $500,000 in community pledges, alongside additional foundation support already in development.

These pledges will help:

• Establish a stable nonprofit foundation
• Support local reporting and investigative journalism
• Preserve Boulder Weekly’s free print distribution
• Maintain a trusted platform for local businesses and nonprofits

As we move toward this transition in early 2026, we are inviting non-binding monetary pledges as an investment in local visibility, local accountability, and local connection — from the City of Boulder to communities across the county.

These pledges will help demonstrate community commitment and unlock additional foundation and matching support.

In closing and with gratitude

Local journalism has always been a shared endeavor, a gift we give one another and an engine for community vitality. We invite you to be part of carrying Boulder Weekly forward.

In the coming weeks, we’ll share more details about nonprofit governance, structure, and next steps. For now, we simply wanted to reach out with transparency, gratitude, and an invitation to participate.

With appreciation and hope,

The Boulder Weekly Transition Team

Guiding Boulder Weekly into nonprofit, community ownership
On behalf of Boulder Weekly