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  • Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment Near Lafayette

    Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment Near Lafayette

    The City of Boulder and Boulder County have released the draft 2026 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update for public review and comment. The plan addresses land use, housing, transportation, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. Public comments will be accepted through May 15.

    A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Saturday, May 30 at 7:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 656 affordable housing units since its inception, with 240 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Background

    Volunteers contributed over 1,068 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 16 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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

  • 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.

    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 $62,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The Parks & Open Space processed over 9,795 applications last year, with an average processing time of 10 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Timeline

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 629 affordable housing units since its inception, with 228 additional units in the development pipeline.

    For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Parks & Open Space: (303) 441-8724 or email Parks & Open [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Niwot office without an appointment.

    Contact Information

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 61% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,912 responses from residents across the county.

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 27 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 9% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Left Hand Canyon Drive and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — Follow-Up Report

    Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — Follow-Up Report

    The Boulder County Planning Commission has approved a rezoning request to allow construction of a 48-unit affordable housing development on Arapahoe Road near the intersection with 63rd Street. The project will provide permanently affordable rental units for households earning 30-60% of area median income.

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-2230 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $77,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,540 affordable housing units since its inception, with 149 additional units in the development pipeline.

    The project includes improvements along 75th Street between Erie and the intersection with Foothills Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

  • New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $205,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    According to James Rodriguez, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 17% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.

    Next Steps

    Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-9281 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 2,105 acres and features 10 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    How to Participate

    The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,701 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 17% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,274 responses from residents across the county.

  • New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment — Eldorado Springs Area

    New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment — Eldorado Springs Area

    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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,205 affordable housing units since its inception, with 265 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 58% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    How to Participate

    Volunteers contributed over 11,332 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 10 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    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.

  • Eldorado Springs Community Briefing: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

    Eldorado Springs Community Briefing: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has closed all trails and trailheads west of Highway 36 due to sustained winds exceeding 80 mph and extreme fire danger conditions. The closure includes all mountain parks, open space properties, and county trails in the foothills. Closures will be reassessed when wind conditions subside.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $108,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 979 affordable housing units since its inception, with 270 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Resources

    The Clerk & Recorder processed over 11,512 applications last year, with an average processing time of 13 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Safety data from the Superior area shows 45 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 28% 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.

    Related Programs

    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 $115,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment Near Erie

    New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment Near Erie

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Public Works: (303) 441-6844 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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 36% 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.

    Background

    Safety data from the Nederland area shows 33 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 12% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Flagstaff Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

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

  • Update: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 (2024)

    Update: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 (2024)

    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 Assessor’s Office processed over 7,577 applications last year, with an average processing time of 4 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    According to Michael Kowalski, director of Assessor’s Office, this program served 32% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Nederland and the surrounding area,” Michael Kowalski said.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    A community information session will be held at the Nederland library on Wednesday, June 3 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 32% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,464 responses from residents across the county.

    Contact Information

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $37,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    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 $106,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — August 2024

    $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — August 2024

    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.

    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 2221 county employees across 49 departments and offices.

    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.

    Eligibility

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 34% of properties in the Lyons 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.

    According to Robert Kim, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 28% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” Robert Kim said.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their July 1 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities Near Erie

    New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities Near Erie

    Boulder County Housing & Human Services announces a new funding opportunity for projects that create or preserve affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities. Up to $500,000 is available for capital improvements, accessibility modifications, and supportive housing development. Applications are due May 1.

    The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 901 acres and features 6 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

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

    Related Programs

    Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Assessor’s Office at (303) 441-6890 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Environmental review of the project area near CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway found 9 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Assessor’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Background

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 17% of properties in the Louisville 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.