Boulder DSA Endorsed Candidates and Ballot Measure
The local chapter announced support for a mayoral candidate, a council hopeful, and a vacant home tax proposal.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in City Hall
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The Boulder County Democratic Socialists of America have issued endorsements for the upcoming municipal election, backing Taishya Adams for mayor and Jamillah Richmond for City Council. The organization also announced its support for Ballot Issue 2J, which aims to tax empty residential properties.
Why it matters
The organization stated that these endorsements were chosen to bolster a working-class platform focused on the needs of renters and local neighborhoods. Supporters of Ballot Issue 2J argue the measure could help fund city services like public safety, parks, and transportation.
Ballot Issue 2J proposes a $4,000 annual tax on homes left vacant for at least 183 days, a figure based on city estimates of 500 to 1,000 empty properties. This tax would scale with inflation up to a $7,000 maximum.
The players
Taishya Adams
She is a candidate for mayor who was previously elected to the Boulder City Council in 2023.
Jamillah Richmond
She is a candidate for City Council endorsed by the local Democratic Socialists of America chapter.
Boulder County Democratic Socialists of America
This is a local political organization that advocates for a working-class platform regarding renters and neighborhood issues.
The details
The endorsements were finalized following a vote at the group's monthly general meeting. If approved by voters, the tax revenue from vacant homes is earmarked to support police, fire services, parks, and city transportation infrastructure.
Timeline
September 29, 2026: The Boulder County DSA officially announced its election endorsements.
Early October 2026: Ballots for the municipal election will be distributed to residents.
November 3, 2026: The municipal election takes place.
Political Context
The introduction of Ballot Issue 2J aligns with a broader trend of municipal efforts to address housing availability through tax disincentives. The organization's endorsement follows a pattern set by local groups pushing for specific tax-based interventions in the housing market.
If Ballot Issue 2J is passed by voters in November, property owners with homes left vacant for more than 183 days will be subject to a new $4,000 annual excise tax. This change would directly impact household budgets for owners of vacant units while potentially shifting funding toward city services.
The takeaway
Voters will decide in November whether to implement a vacancy tax aimed at reducing the number of empty residential properties in the city. Residents are encouraged to review their ballots carefully as the city estimates between 500 and 1,000 units could be affected by the proposed policy.
Further reading
For additional context on local governance and elections, visit City Hall.
More information
Find more details on the organization's platform at the Boulder County DSA information page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Yellow Scene Magazine.
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Should your city tax property owners for leaving homes vacant to discourage empty units?
