Niwot Deserves a Voice
in Its Own Future

Niwot is a community of 4,300 people with no meaningful voice in the decisions that shape our future. The county imposed a minimum wage that threatened our businesses. Capped how big our homes can be. Won’t maintain our roads. And made regional decisions without us at the table. Incorporation gives Niwot a permanent voice.

1Learn the factsRead the research. Use the calculators. Attend a public meeting.2Spread the wordTalk to a neighbor. Share what you’ve learned. Ask questions.3VoteOn November 3, 2026, you decide. Not the county. You.

Why Incorporation

Niwot is larger than most incorporated Colorado towns. Yet the decisions that shape our future are made by Boulder County, where we hold just 1.3% of the vote. We had no voice when the county imposed a minimum wage that threatened our businesses. No voice when they capped how big our homes can be. No voice on road maintenance. No voice at the table for regional planning.

The minimum wage fight isn’t over — and the next county decision is a matter of when, not if. Roads have gone unrepaired for decades. Downtown is declining while comparable incorporated towns hold their ground. The pattern is clear, and it’s accelerating.

Incorporation gives Niwot a permanent voice. For roughly the same cost as a roads-only fix, we also protect our businesses, control our land use, and earn a seat at the table on every decision that affects us. County services like courts and public health continue unchanged.

Read the Full Case

The Issues

Minimum WageEven after a year-long fight, Niwot businesses still pay $1.66/hour more than Longmont. The county hasn't dropped it from their agenda. Incorporation gives Niwot the authority to protect its own businesses.Roads & InfrastructureFor roughly the same cost as a roads-only fix, incorporation delivers roads plus land use authority, business protection, and a voice in regional decisions.Land Use & CharacterState law is pushing housing density near transit corridors — and Boulder County decides where it goes. Incorporation puts that decision in Niwot's hands.Your Seat at the Table1.3% of the county electorate. No voice on Xcel outages, bike paths, rail, or regional planning. Incorporation gives Niwot a permanent seat.

View all topics

See for Yourself

Boundary MapCheck if your address is in the proposed boundary Tax CalculatorEstimate your annual cost under the proposed plan Business ImpactCompare incorporation taxes vs. a minimum wage increase

What’s Happening

NEXT PUBLIC MEETING

Election Commission Meeting

Election Commissioners for the Home Rule Incorporation Election
Monday, June 8, 2026 · 12:00–1:00 PM · Niwot Hall
Open to the public for observation

COURT ORDER ISSUED · MAY 21, 2026

Incorporation Election Set for November 3, 2026

On May 21, 2026, the Boulder County District Court found that the Niwot incorporation petition meets all requirements of Colorado law and ordered an election on the state general election date — November 3, 2026.

The court appointed six Niwot residents as election commissioners: Lois Adamson, Vicky Dorvee, Susan Fischer, Paula Hemenway, Robert Olsen, and Amanda Walker. Two matters will be on the ballot: whether to incorporate the Municipality of Niwot, and the election of nine charter commissioners who would draft Niwot’s home rule charter.

Key dates between now and Election Day:

May 29 — Commissioners file affidavits of intent to serve
June 8 — Commissioners convene; incorporation and charter commission elections formally called
Late June – August — Charter commission candidate petitions circulate (due Aug 21)
September 4 — Ballot content and candidates certified to Boulder County
October 9 — First day mail ballots are sent to voters
November 3 — Election Day

In late June, we will host an educational session on home rule — what it means, how the election process works, and the role of charter commissioners. If you may be interested in running as a charter commissioner, email contact@niwot.town and we’ll keep you informed about the petition process.

The Business Vitality community presentation has been rescheduled — new date coming soon. See all updates →

Stay Informed

Get the facts delivered to your inbox — meeting notices, new research, and committee updates.