Prizes for Public Participation

Boulder officials hope that by raffling off items purchased by the city or donated by local businesses, such as books and coupons, and incorporating kid-friendly activities like pumpkin painting, they can lure more residents to an upcoming series called Boulder Matters. The meetings will focus on major current city issues, including alternative energy provision, wildlife conservation and waste reduction programs.

The city is actually hoping to save money in the process, writes Heath Urie:

"Officials say the forum should save the city money, too. The Boulder Matters series is expected to cost about $4,800. The cost of holding separate, traditional meetings for each topic would have been about $6,500."