BOULDER, Colo. (Jan. 14, 2026) — The Boulder City Council is expected this week to approve a municipal incentives agreement designed to support the Sundance Film Festival incentives package, as the festival prepares to move from Utah to Boulder in 2027.
The agreement details the resources and operational support the city will provide over the next decade to host one of the world’s most influential independent film events.
Boulder plans to offer property access, public safety support, and transportation benefits as part of the festival incentives.
The city has streamlined permitting and lodging regulations to accommodate the festival’s logistics.
Officials anticipate economic and cultural benefits from increased tourism and local business activity.
The Sundance Film Festival, known internationally for launching independent films and fostering creative talent, will be held in Boulder starting in 2027.
The move marks the end of the festival’s four-decade run in Park City, Utah, and represents a major shift in the U.S. cultural festival landscape.
Boulder city leaders are finalizing a comprehensive incentives package aimed at facilitating the transition while maximizing economic and cultural returns for local communities.
Boulder’s bid to host Sundance follows a competitive selection process that evaluated infrastructure, venues, and community engagement.
In spring 2025, a coalition including the city, Visit Boulder, the Boulder Chamber, and the University of Colorado offered the festival $34 million in incentives over ten years. In addition, the state approved a separate $34 million tax credit package.
The incentives are structured to ensure the festival can operate efficiently while contributing to Boulder’s economy and cultural visibility.
Analysts note that Sundance has historically generated significant revenue for host communities, with Utah’s hosting bringing an estimated $132 million annually in tourism and related spending.
Experts describe Boulder’s incentives as a strategic investment rather than a simple subsidy. Dr. Maria Chen, a cultural economics professor at the University of Colorado Denver, said,
The city’s support package is likely to pay off through increased visitor spending, job creation, and national visibility. Public safety and transportation provisions are crucial to maintaining order during high-traffic festival periods.
Local advocates have raised concerns about housing and short-term rental pressures during festival months. City officials have addressed these issues by creating a “festival lodging” license with more flexible regulations to accommodate visitors without overburdening permanent housing.
Annual City Support to Sundance
| Support Item | Annual Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Renewable energy credits | $150,000 | Offsets festival emissions |
| HOP bus & e-bike passes | $355,000 | Includes 5,000 e-bike passes |
| Administrative & staff support | $75,000 | For permitting, setup, street closures, trash |
| Public safety staffing | $200,000 | Police, traffic, fire, EMS coverage |
| Free parking & street closure assistance | $500,000 | Designated areas downtown |
| Additional local tax revenue | Up to $250,000 | Generated in January & February |
Council Member Taylor Sullivan emphasized balancing public benefit with operational support. We want to ensure that Boulder gains sustainable economic and cultural advantages without compromising residents’ quality of life, Sullivan said.
Local business owner Ana Rodriguez, who operates a downtown cafe, said she expects increased customer traffic. The festival will bring more visitors, not just for ten days, but with lasting awareness of Boulder as a cultural hub, she said.
Sundance organizers have pledged to involve local venues and businesses, with specialized ticket sales for Colorado residents and programs aimed at integrating the festival into the community.
Following City Council approval, Boulder will begin operational planning for the festival, including staffing, permitting, and coordination with transportation agencies.
Final decisions on property allocations for festival venues and large-scale logistics are expected in the coming months.
The incentives agreement positions Boulder to host Sundance successfully while managing the economic and social impacts associated with major international events.
The Boulder City Council’s anticipated approval of the Sundance Film Festival incentives package underscores the city’s commitment to hosting a globally recognized cultural event.
By providing strategic support, Boulder aims to create economic growth, cultural enrichment, and a sustainable framework for annual festival operations.