City of Louisville Ballot Issue 2B — Historic Preservation Tax (Boulder County)

What it does

SHALL CITY OF LOUISVILLE TAXES BE INCREASED $1.5 MILLION IN 2029 AND THEN ANNUALLY THEREAFTER BY WHATEVER AMOUNTS ARE GENERATED FROM THE CONTINUATION OF THE CITY'S HISTORIC PRESERVATION SALES TAX OF 0.125% BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2029, AND EXPIRING DECEMBER 31, 2038; WITH THE NET PROCEEDS OF SUCH SALES TAX, ALONG WITH THE CITY'S EXISTING 0.125% HISTORIC PRESERVATION USE TAX, TO BE UTILIZED FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION PURPOSES AS ESTABLISHED BY BALLOT ISSUES APPROVED BY THE VOTERS IN 2008 AND 2017, AND, COMMENCING ON JANUARY 1, 2027, SHALL THE CITY ALSO BE AUTHORIZED TO: (1) EXPEND ANY FUNDS FROM SUCH HISTORIC PRESERVATION TAX ON CITY PROGRAMS AND CAPITAL PROJECTS THAT PROMOTE AND PRESERVE THE CITY'S HISTORY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE, AND (2) INCREASE THE PORTION OF SUCH TAX ALLOCATED TO OPERATING AND MAINTAINING THE LOUISVILLE MUSEUM CAMPUS FROM 20% TO 30% PER YEAR; AND SHALL THE CITY BE PERMITTED TO COLLECT, RETAIN AND EXPEND ALL REVENUES DERIVED FROM SUCH TAX AS A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE AND AN EXCEPTION TO LIMITS WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE APPLY UNDER ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION OR ANY OTHER LAW?

A YES vote means

Louisville's 0.125% historic preservation sales tax would continue from January 1, 2029, through December 31, 2038, raising $1.5 million in 2029; starting in 2027 the funds could also go to city history and heritage programs, and the Louisville Museum's share would rise from 20% to 30%.

A NO vote means

Louisville's historic preservation sales tax would not be continued past its current term, and its allowed uses and the museum's 20% share would not change.

Needed to pass

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Left–right lean

Not a left–right issue: a procedural or local question that liberals and conservatives don't typically split on (AI read of the official ballot summary).

The YES and NO lines are SpectrumVote's plain-language reading of the official text above; the official text is what you vote on.

Official text: source

Background

Louisville voters first approved the 0.125% historic preservation sales tax in 2008 for ten years and extended it in 2017 for a second ten years; it is set to expire at the end of 2028, according to the city. A separate permanent 0.125% historic preservation use tax was approved in 2010.

The city says the tax generates about $900,000 a year and has funded 67 local landmark designations, over $3.8 million in preservation grants to 40 recipients, and over $1.1 million for the Louisville Historical Museum.

A Historic Preservation Tax Task Force of residents, business representatives and council members recommended the extension, a larger museum share and allowing spending on city history and heritage programs and capital projects; the council passed Resolution No. 85, Series 2026, supporting the measure.

The city's summary lists supporters' arguments that the museum would otherwise be underfunded and that preservation supports local character and tourism, and opponents' arguments that the programs work as is, that there are greater priorities, and that grants go to a small share of residents.

Put on the ballot by Louisville City Council referral (discussed and acted on at June 16, July 14 and July 21, 2026 meetings; vote not verified).

From official source.

Next elections here

• 2028 presidential election · Who has filed so far, from FEC filings

Also on Boulder County ballots

• City of Boulder Ballot Issue 2J — Residential Vacancy Excise Tax (Tabor)
• City of Boulder Ballot Issue 2K — Recreation And Safety Bond (Tabor)
• City of Boulder Ballot Question 2L — Bargaining Rights Union Firefighters in City Charter
• City of Boulder Ballot Question 2M — Debt Limit City Charter Language Change
• City of Lafayette Ballot Issue 2A
• City of Louisville Ballot Question 2C — Charter Amendment Expanding Executive Session Topics
• City of Louisville Ballot Question 2D — Charter Amendment to Change Timing for Taking Office
• City of Louisville Ballot Question 2E — Charter Amendment for Initiative and Referendum Signatures
• City of Louisville Ballot Question 2F — Charter Amendment Regarding Meeting Locations
• City of Louisville Ballot Question 2G — Charter Amendment to Allow for Review and Comment
• City of Louisville Ballot Question 2H — Charter Amendment to Update Language
• Proposed Municipality of Niwot Ballot Question 300
• Proposed Municipality of Niwot Ballot Question 301
• Proposed Municipality of Niwot Ballot Issue 302 — Authorization To Levy A Sales And Use Tax
• Proposed Municipality of Niwot Ballot Issue 303 — Authorization To Levy A Property Tax
• Proposed Municipality of Niwot Ballot Issue 304 — Authorization To Levy A Marijuana Special Sales Tax

All Boulder County races and measures →

Quick answers

What does a YES vote on City of Louisville Ballot Issue 2B mean?

Louisville's 0.125% historic preservation sales tax would continue from January 1, 2029, through December 31, 2038, raising $1.5 million in 2029; starting in 2027 the funds could also go to city history and heritage programs, and the Louisville Museum's share would rise from 20% to 30%.

What does a NO vote on City of Louisville Ballot Issue 2B mean?

Louisville's historic preservation sales tax would not be continued past its current term, and its allowed uses and the museum's 20% share would not change.

How many votes does City of Louisville Ballot Issue 2B need to pass?

A simple majority: more than half of the YES and NO votes on this measure must be YES. Leaving it blank doesn't count either way.

Should I vote yes or no on City of Louisville Ballot Issue 2B?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.

When is the vote?

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.