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  • May: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    May: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    Boulder County has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to install electric vehicle charging stations at county facilities and public trailheads. The project will add 40 Level 2 chargers and 8 DC fast chargers at 12 locations across the county, with priority given to underserved communities.

    Volunteers contributed over 12,560 hours to this program last year. The Resource Conservation coordinates with 14 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The application deadline is April 22, 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 9 business days.

    What You Need to Know

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 15% 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.

    The Resource Conservation processed over 7,603 applications last year, with an average processing time of 18 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Pine Brook Hills Area

    Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Pine Brook Hills Area

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-1656 or email Sustainability, Climate Action & [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lyons office without an appointment.

    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 $73,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Volunteers contributed over 6,605 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 25 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The application deadline is May 19, 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 7 business days.

    Background

    Funding of $398,000 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 Mud Lake open space property encompasses 1,269 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.

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

    Hygiene Community Briefing: 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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 16 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 30% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $66,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Details

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 51% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,566 responses from residents across the county.

    The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,168 seniors participated in center programs last year.

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

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

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Emily Chen at Clerk & Recorder: (303) 441-7663 or email Clerk & [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Erie office without an appointment.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $248,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Volunteers contributed over 13,027 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 9 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 18% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Community Impact

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 21 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 21% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Arapahoe Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — Follow-Up Report

    Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — Follow-Up Report

    The February edition of the Boulder County Resource Conservation newsletter features updates on the 2026 composting grant program, tips for reducing food waste at home, upcoming zero waste events, and a spotlight on local businesses achieving zero waste certification.

    Funding of $78,000 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 Caribou Ranch open space property encompasses 261 acres and features 15 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Timeline

    The application deadline is June 12, 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 21 business days.

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

    Next Steps

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 65% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,181 responses from residents across the county.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 11 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Update: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment (2025)

    Update: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment (2025)

    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.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 87% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,688 responses from residents across the county.

    Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Planning & Permitting at (303) 441-9195 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Resources

    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 $81,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    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.

  • New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — Follow-Up Report

    New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 15 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 19% 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 821 affordable housing units since its inception, with 179 additional units in the development pipeline.

    How to Participate

    The Clerk & Recorder processed over 9,727 applications last year, with an average processing time of 15 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Water quality monitoring at 18 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Clerk & Recorder publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Eligibility

    The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,027 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    The Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 312 acres and features 13 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Louisville

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Louisville

    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.

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

    Funding of $249,000 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.

    Timeline

    A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Wednesday, May 20 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.

    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 $47,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Background

    Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-9789 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to install electric vehicle charging stations at county facilities and public trailheads. The project will add 40 Level 2 chargers and 8 DC fast chargers at 12 locations across the county, with priority given to underserved communities.

    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 $100,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 25 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 30% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along 63rd Street and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Timeline

    Water quality monitoring at 14 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Public Works publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    According to Robert Kim, director of Public Works, this program served 69% 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,” Robert Kim said.

    Community Impact

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 9 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works 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 662 affordable housing units since its inception, with 274 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Update: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment (2025)

    Update: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment (2025)

    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 $323,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 4 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    How to Participate

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

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 26 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Next Steps

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 4,406 hours to this program last year. The Human Services coordinates with 25 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.