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  • July 2024: Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election

    July 2024: Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election

    The registration deadline for the June 2026 Colorado Primary Election is May 25. Boulder County residents can register online at GoVoteColorado.gov, by mail, or in person at any Voter Service and Polling Center. Same-day registration is available during early voting and on Election Day with valid ID.

    A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Monday, May 11 at 5:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    The application deadline is July 18, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 16 business days.

    Background

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 908 affordable housing units since its inception, with 296 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 31% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,685 responses from residents across the county.

  • Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — August 2025

    Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — August 2025

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space announces a temporary closure of the Boulder Canyon Trail between Elephant Buttresses and the Dome trailhead for rockfall mitigation work. Crews will be scaling loose rock and installing mesh netting along a 400-foot section of cliff face above the trail. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 27 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 14% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,388 responses from residents across the county.

    Timeline

    Funding of $184,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2024 budget session.

    The Longmont Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,620 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • Eldorado Springs Community Briefing: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    Eldorado Springs Community Briefing: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $92,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 637 acres and features 3 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Resources

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 4 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Health worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Fourmile Canyon Community Briefing: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    Fourmile Canyon Community Briefing: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

    Funding of $110,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2026 budget session.

    Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 4 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Parks & Open Space worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Related Programs

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Gunbarrel and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 6 months.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 27% of properties in the Gunbarrel area are within the wildland-urban interface. Free home assessments are available through the Wildfire Partners program, with rebates of up to $2,500 for mitigation improvements.

    Details

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 81% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 16 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026

    The Board of County Commissioners has adopted the 2026 Boulder County budget totaling $745 million. Key investments include $42 million for affordable housing initiatives, $28 million for transportation infrastructure, and $15 million for wildfire mitigation and climate resilience programs.

    The application deadline is June 30, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 26 business days.

    According to Amanda Foster, director of Human Services, this program served 23% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” Amanda Foster said.

    How to Participate

    Water quality monitoring at 20 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 590 affordable housing units since its inception, with 293 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    Boulder County’s Resource Conservation Division has awarded $50,000 in grants to five local organizations through the 2026 Circular Economy Fund. Recipients include projects focused on food waste reduction, textile reuse, construction material salvage, and community repair events.

    For questions about this program, contact Amanda Foster at Community Justice Services: (303) 441-8621 or email Community Justice [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Superior office without an appointment.

    Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-8621 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Related Programs

    Safety data from the Superior area shows 19 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 24% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Coal Creek Canyon Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Funding of $386,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2024 budget session.

  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events Near Ward

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events Near Ward

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office invites residents to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4. Community events will be held in neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Boulder County featuring safety demonstrations, K-9 unit appearances, crime prevention information, and family-friendly activities.

    The application deadline is May 8, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 27 business days.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,546 affordable housing units since its inception, with 199 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Contact Information

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 6 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 40% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $110,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Background

    Transportation access remains a key concern. Boulder County’s Via mobility program provides door-to-door transit service for residents in Niwot and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 58% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — December 2026

    Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — December 2026

    Boulder County’s Resource Conservation Division has awarded $50,000 in grants to five local organizations through the 2026 Circular Economy Fund. Recipients include projects focused on food waste reduction, textile reuse, construction material salvage, and community repair events.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 29 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Transportation access remains a key concern. Boulder County’s Via mobility program provides door-to-door transit service for residents in Niwot and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

    What You Need to Know

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $20,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Niwot and the intersection with Flagstaff Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    According to Emily Chen, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 39% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Emily Chen said.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Follow-Up Report

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Parks & Open Space Director. The incoming director brings over 20 years of experience in public land management and conservation. They will oversee the department’s 100,000+ acres of protected land and 150 miles of multi-use trails.

    A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Wednesday, April 29 at 6:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    The application deadline is June 5, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 15 business days.

    Community Impact

    The Community Planning & Permitting processed over 4,038 applications last year, with an average processing time of 4 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    Timeline

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Community Planning & Permitting, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

    Historical context: Boulder County was established in 1861 and covers 741 square miles of diverse terrain from the Great Plains to the Continental Divide. The county’s population of approximately 330,000 residents is served by 2398 county employees across 40 departments and offices.

  • Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds Near Gold Hill

    Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds Near Gold Hill

    Boulder County residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste including paint, solvents, pesticides, batteries, and electronics at a free collection event on Saturday, April 19 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. No appointment is necessary. Commercial waste is not accepted.

    For questions about this program, contact Lisa Patel at Public Works: (303) 441-3187 or email Public [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Nederland office without an appointment.

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    Timeline

    A community information session will be held at the Nederland library on Friday, June 5 at 5:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 82% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,748 responses from residents across the county.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The application deadline is May 29, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 19 business days.