Boulder Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
Fred Smith
Candidate for Mayor
Fred Smith is running for mayor of Boulder in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Aaron Brockett, Taishya Adams, Aquiles La Grave, Jameson Goldstein and Lisa Ann Jacobs.
Vote Centers open for in-person voting · Mon, Oct 19, 2026
Longtime Boulder resident running for mayor after four previous campaigns for city council. He campaigns under the name "The Grateful Fred."
- Campaign website
- gratefulfredinstead.com
Lisa Ann Jacobs, Fred Smith and Lee Gilbert did not respond to Boulder Reporting Lab's candidate questionnaire. Boulder Reporting Lab questionnaire · Sep 29, 2026
Where Fred Smith stands: positions on the record
Recreation and Safety Bond1 sourced position
remarks reported by Boulder Reporting Lab
Said he has no problem with the bond measure's tax but that the city should look for more revenue.
“I have no problem with the tax”
Forum answerBoulder Reporting Lab · Sep 29, 2026
Taxes2 sourced positions
as reported by Boulder Reporting Lab; not a direct quote
Proposes a 10% city income tax on household income above $184,500, pursued through a statewide ballot measure because TABOR bars local income taxes.
Own statementBoulder Reporting Lab candidate profile
Says the city should collect more from its wealthiest households before cutting programs.
“before this city cuts one more program or leaves one more pool unfixed, it should collect from the tax break it's been handing the wealthiest households in town.”
Own statementFred Smith (Grateful Fred) campaign website
Questionnaire1 sourced position
Did not respond to the Boulder Reporting Lab candidate questionnaire.
Own statementBoulder Reporting Lab questionnaire · Sep 29, 2026
Also running for Mayor
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