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  • July 2026: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

    July 2026: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

    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.

    Water quality monitoring at 8 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Community Planning & Permitting publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,768 affordable housing units since its inception, with 123 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Community Impact

    The application deadline is July 24, 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 13 business days.

    Safety data from the Louisville area shows 45 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 7% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Nelson Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Next Steps

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $97,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Funding of $97,000 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.

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — April 2025

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — April 2025

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $8,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Water quality monitoring at 18 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Related Programs

    The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 835 acres and features 14 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 4 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Background

    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 2127 county employees across 41 departments and offices.

  • Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — Follow-Up Report

    Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 70% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $98,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Louisville and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 10 months.

    Contact Information

    Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 6 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Justice Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,208 affordable housing units since its inception, with 109 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Eligibility

    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.

  • Nederland Community Briefing: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work

    Nederland Community Briefing: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work

    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 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.

    The Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 820 acres and features 4 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Water quality monitoring at 18 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Community Justice Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Community Justice Services, 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.

    Timeline

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 10 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Sunshine Canyon Community Briefing: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    Sunshine Canyon Community Briefing: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    The Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department has proposed updates to the General Floodplain Development Permit process. Changes include streamlined review timelines, updated fee structures, and new requirements for climate-adjusted flood risk assessments. Comments are due by April 30.

    The application deadline is June 14, 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 12 business days.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $56,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Resources

    Colorado state law requires all counties to provide these services to eligible residents. Boulder County exceeds minimum state requirements by offering expanded hours, multilingual support, and online access. In 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The project includes improvements along Foothills Highway between Superior and the intersection with Baseline Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,217 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • May: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    May: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the 2026 Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Program. Grants fund equipment, training, and trail safety improvements for volunteer search and rescue teams and trail patrol organizations operating in Boulder County.

    Water quality monitoring at 20 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Clerk & Recorder publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Funding of $457,000 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 2025 budget session.

    Details

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 70% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $62,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The Clerk & Recorder processed over 5,864 applications last year, with an average processing time of 7 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Contact Information

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,495 affordable housing units since its inception, with 79 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 50% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects Near Fourmile Canyon

    $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects Near Fourmile Canyon

    Boulder County has awarded $6.3 million in Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership funds to 12 affordable housing, childcare, and human services projects throughout the county. Funded projects include new affordable rental construction, homebuyer assistance, and childcare facility improvements.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 29% of properties in the Nederland 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,988 affordable housing units since its inception, with 260 additional units in the development pipeline.

    What You Need to Know

    The Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 2,237 acres and features 7 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, 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.

  • May: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    May: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    Boulder County’s Wildfire Partners program is accepting registrations for the 2026 community chipping season. Residents in the wildland-urban interface can have tree limbs, brush, and other woody debris chipped at no cost. Last year the program processed over 2,400 loads of material from 1,100 properties across the county.

    The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,360 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    The Area Agency on Aging processed over 7,186 applications last year, with an average processing time of 17 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Next Steps

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-7 / Ute Highway found 3 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 42% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Related Programs

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $455,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • May: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    May: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    The Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department has proposed comprehensive updates to the Land Use Code’s site plan review process. Key changes include new stormwater management requirements, updated landscape standards, enhanced wildfire mitigation provisions, and expanded public notification procedures.

    Environmental review of the project area near Flagstaff Road found 12 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 72% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,877 responses from residents across the county.

    Resources

    Funding of $206,000 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.

    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 2281 county employees across 36 departments and offices.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Tuesday, April 14 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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 23% 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.

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Superior Area

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Superior Area

    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 project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Boulder and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

    A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Saturday, May 16 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.

    Contact Information

    Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 4 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

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

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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.

    The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 546 acres and features 5 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.