News by BIBA--Published Reports and Articles
Independent Resources published by BIBA

Why not to have a Wal-Mart in Boulder, a business perspective
By Xian Izquierdo, Executive Director
As Boulder's Comprehensive Plan illustrates and history defends, Boulder maintains the crucial balance between the varied interests of business and the need for residential and recreational land uses. Over the last 20 years, citizens of Boulder have faced the national question of allowing "big-box retail" stores to monopolize lion-sized shares of land, and citizens and officials have consistently answered no.
published, Boulder County Business Report, Column August 9th
pdf version: download (81.8 KB)


TIF at Crossroads:
The Key to Boulder's Economic Vitality - Or Public Finance for a Private Developer's Dream?
A Preliminary Report by the Boulder Independent Business Alliance
Responding to the need for community awareness regarding the fate of Crossroads, the Boulder Independent Business Alliance (BIBA) has released a preliminary report on the possible implications of a tax increment finance (TIF) district at the embattled mall. The report, available online at www.boulder-iba.org/communityresources.php, defines the terminology behind the plan and offers alternative solutions for the 68 acre tract of land that has left negotiations between the city and California-based developer Macerich dissolved.
download pdf version (461 KB)

The Reality Behind Locally-Owned and Operated
by Nate Luce, Director of Education and Advocacy
A new trend in the Boulder business community is to promote ones venture as "Locally owned and operated." The philosophy behind the statement is noble: the locally owned and operated stores provide a slice of community spirit in a McWorld of multinational corporations and brand name inundation. It puts a face behind the opaque corporate name, with the hopes of instilling comfort into the consumer.
published, Colorado Daily, Op-ed May 09, 2002
published, Daily Camera, Guest Opinion: June 09, 2002
download pdf version (80.6 KB)

Why Shop Locally -The Benefits of Shopping Locally
By Jeff Milchen, co-founder
People across the country decry losing the sense of community in their towns and cities. And each year brings more national chains displacing locally owned businesses throughout the country. Most consider this trend a symptom of our loss of community orientation, but could it be a cause as well? Also, what are the impacts of this trend on our economic well-being?
download pdf version (49.2 KB)