Jay Bouchard, Digital Assistant Editor

Jay writes and edits stories for 5280.com and assists the digital team with social media and online strategy. He studied English and political science at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, and went on to earn a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Before coming to 5280, Jay was an editorial fellow at Outside magazine in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he covered topics including South American kayaking, marathon training, and the climbing season on Mt. Everest. Born and raised in New Hampshire with roots in the west, he is an avid skier, a neurotic Chicago Cubs fan, and a connoisseur of gas station hotdogs.

Author Article Archive

The DPS Teacher Strike Ends After All-Night Bargaining

The 15-month labor dispute between Denver Public Schools and union teachers came to an end Thursday morning.

By Jay Bouchard

Scenes from the Picket Line: Denver Teachers Strike for Fair Pay

Denver teachers are on strike for the first time in 25 years. Here's what we saw and heard from teachers, students, and parents at the picket line.

By Jay Bouchard

These Are the 5 Most Endangered Historic Places in Colorado

From potato cellars in the San Luis Valley to a Catholic church in La Plata County, these are the most vulnerable historic structures in the state, according to Colorado Preservation, Inc.

By Jay Bouchard

The Uber App Now Incorporates RTD Bus and Train Routes

A new partnership between RTD and Uber lets riders plan public transportation routes and make direct purchases through the ride-share company's mobile app.

By Jay Bouchard

How Colorado Will Overcome Its Labor Shortage

These programs intend to train the state's workers of tomorrow.

By Jay Bouchard

Walker Stapleton’s New Beard Is Incredible and He Knows It

After November’s election, Walker Stapleton grew a beard that lit social media on fire. What prompted the former state treasurer and once-gubernatorial hopeful to change his look? And why don't more Colorado politicians sport facial hair?

By Jay Bouchard

What You Need to Know About Denver Public Schools’ Teacher Strike

We spoke to district officials, teachers, parents, and union representatives to better understand why teachers voted to strike—and what will happen next.

By Jay Bouchard

Is Overcrowding the New Normal at Colorado Ski Areas?

So many people are skiing and snowboarding in Colorado that last weekend, parking lots at multiple resorts hit capacity, and cars were turned away. Is it the tragedy of the commons, the mark of booming business, or both?

By Jay Bouchard

Stock Show Artist Paints a Realistic Image of the Rural West

Terry Gardner, the featured artist at the Coors Western Art Exhibit—part of the National Western Stock Show, beginning January 12—doesn't want to "glorify" the West. Instead, he produces raw, sometimes melancholic, paintings that highlight the most urgent issues facing rural Colorado.

By Jay Bouchard

Electric Scooters Are Leaving Denver Sidewalks

On Monday night, Denver City Council approved an ordinance requiring electric scooters to be ridden in bike lanes or on roads rather than on sidewalks, bringing clarity to what has been a confusing several months for scooter riders, city officials, and pedestrians.

By Jay Bouchard

How to Responsibly Recreate in Colorado During the Government Shutdown

As we approach the third week of the government shutdown, Leave No Trace offers guidelines on how to minimize your impact while recreating in national parks and on federal land.

By Jay Bouchard

So Long, 3.2 Beer. We’ll Miss You.

On January 1, full-strength beer will be sold in grocery and convenience stores across Colorado for the first time. It’s the end of an era—just ask my dad.

By Jay Bouchard

Eldora Rescinds Proposed Parking Fees After Major Backlash

After $20 parking fees fueled a storm of criticism from local skiers and snowboarders, Eldora Mountain Resort is reversing course and rescinding the policy before it went into effect.

By Jay Bouchard

Local Breweries Team Up to Help Victims of California Fires

After California's deadly Camp Fire destroyed the childhood home of a local artist, eight Colorado breweries joined forces for a fundraiser to support relief efforts, which takes place on December 11.

By Jay Bouchard

What Xcel’s Lofty Energy Plan Means for Colorado—and the Nation

The state’s largest utility provider announced an ambitious goal to cut carbon emissions completely by 2050 in the eight states in which it operates.

By Jay Bouchard

This Englewood Artist Is Making Stunning Dioramas

Scott Hildebrandt, aka Mister Christmas, builds tin displays that make a big impact.

By Jay Bouchard

Nearly 300,000 Acres of Public Land Are Inaccessible in Colorado

According to a recent report, millions of acres of federal public land across the West are “landlocked” by private property holdings. And here in the Centennial State, there are unique barriers to opening up more land for recreation.

By Jay Bouchard

It’s Time for Denver to Rethink Electric Scooters

It's been nearly six months since e-scooters first descended on Denver's sidewalks. If the dockless machines are going to stick around, a few things must change.

By Jay Bouchard

Election 2018: What Happened in Colorado

Whether you're red, blue, or somewhere in between, the 2018 midterm election was a historic one for the Centennial State.

By 5280

Amazon’s 4-Star Store Is Now Open in Lone Tree

The multibillion dollar company still hasn’t announced where it will open its new headquarters, but it is unveiling a brick-and-mortar store in the Park Meadows mall on Thursday, November 1.

By Jay Bouchard

Can Walker Stapleton Win the West?

For the Republican candidate, the path to the governor's office is through Colorado's rural communities. Will his appeal to conservative voters be enough?

By Jay Bouchard

Razor’s Red Electric Scooters Are Now Zipping Around Denver

The company best known for its kick scooters dropped 350 e-scooters in Denver this week, bringing the total to 1,400 as the city scrambles to keep up.

By Jay Bouchard

Why Meow Wolf Denver Chose Sun Valley Over RiNo

An emphasis on social responsibility and community impact led Meow Wolf to Sun Valley for its biggest-ever interactive arts space, which is set to open in 2020.

By Jay Bouchard

Can Colorado Burn Its Way Out of a Wildfire Crisis?

This year has been one of the most active fire seasons in Colorado history, featuring some of the largest, most intense wildfires the state has ever seen. Now, land managers hope prescribed burns can counteract the disturbing trend before it’s too late.

By Jay Bouchard

What Grandoozy Looked Like in 10 Photos

We spent the weekend taking in all Grandoozy had to offer—from the near-constant music to the food, drink, and general zaniness of Denver's new music festival. Here are a few photos snapped along the way.

By 5280

Denver Becomes First City to Get Lyft’s Electric Scooters

Hang on to your handlebars! With the launch of Lyft's new service, more than 1,000 electric scooters will soon be active in downtown Denver.

By Jay Bouchard

Does VF Corp’s Move to Denver Impact Our Outdoor Alliances?

Steve Rendle, CEO of VF Corp—the parent brand of the North Face, JanSport, and Smartwool—says the company was planning to move its headquarters from North Carolina long before the Confluence Accords were ratified last month.

By Jay Bouchard

What to (Reasonably) Expect from the Broncos’ 2018 Season

We take a look at three areas of concern—and three reasons for optimism—as the Broncos approach the regular season. Plus, our predictions for how it will all play out.

By Jay Bouchard, Shane Monaghan

Uber’s Electric-Bike Rentals Just Landed in Denver

JUMP, the Uber-operated, pedal-assisted bike rental service, launches Friday with 250 dockless e-bikes in the Mile High City.

By Jay Bouchard

Electric Scooters (Nearly 2,000 This Time!) Are Coming Back to Denver

Denver officials forced electric scooter companies to cease operations in the city two months ago. Now, the scooters are back and operating under new rules. Here's what you need to know.

By Jay Bouchard