Boulder Launched Resident Travel Study

The city has begun distributing travel surveys to residents to gather data for future transportation planning.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Isometric editorial illustration featuring a geometric bridge pylon and mountain peak silhouette, representing urban infrastructure planning in Boulder. — The City of Boulder has launched a triennial travel study to gather movement data from residents, informing future infrastructure and transportation planning projects. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

If selected, would you participate in your local government's travel survey?

The City of Boulder launched its triennial resident travel study to collect information on how people move through the area. Selected households will receive surveys and travel diaries by mail to help officials update city transportation policy.

Why it matters

The study provides essential data that informs long-term city planning and regional transportation investments. By tracking movement patterns, local officials can better align infrastructure projects with the actual needs of the community.

This program has monitored resident travel patterns for 30 years and continues to operate on a triennial cycle. The city utilizes the research firm POLCO to ensure participant data remains confidential.

The players

City of Boulder

This local government authority manages municipal services and public transportation infrastructure for the residents of Boulder, Colorado.

POLCO

This independent research firm specializes in civic engagement and public sector data collection for government entities.

The details

Selected Boulder residents will receive physical travel surveys and diaries in the mail, which are available in both English and Spanish. Data collected by the firm POLCO will be used to guide future transportation policy and city planning efforts.

September 21, 2026: The city initiated the travel survey distribution.
October 2026: The survey collection period concludes.

Political Context

Opponents of municipal travel data collection often raise concerns regarding individual privacy and the potential for increased surveillance in daily life. Advocacy groups sometimes argue that such surveys place an undue burden on residents and express skepticism about whether the findings will lead to effective policy changes.

Selected residents are encouraged to complete and return their travel diaries to ensure local policy reflects their actual commuting needs. Participation remains confidential and directly helps the city prioritize future infrastructure and traffic management projects.

The takeaway

Resident participation in these periodic studies is vital for accurate infrastructure planning. Citizens should watch their mail for the survey and consider responding to ensure their neighborhood needs are represented in city records.