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  • New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — December 2024

    New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — December 2024

    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.

    Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience at (303) 441-6282 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Boulder and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

    Community Impact

    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 2172 county employees across 46 departments and offices.

    Funding of $469,000 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.

    Next Steps

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 30 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    According to Emily Chen, director of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, this program served 62% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” Emily Chen said.

  • January: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events

    January: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events

    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.

    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 Transportation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 24% 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.

    How to Participate

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Transportation, 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 2066 county employees across 43 departments and offices.

  • Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway Near Longmont

    Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway Near Longmont

    Boulder County Public Works announces a temporary median closure on Niwot Road near the CO-119 Diagonal Highway intersection for utility infrastructure improvements. The closure will affect left turns from Niwot Road onto the Diagonal Highway for approximately six weeks. A signed detour route will be in place.

    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.

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

    Contact Information

    Funding of $203,000 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 Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 579 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Jamestown Area

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Jamestown Area

    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.

    Water quality monitoring at 11 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Sheriff’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Funding of $202,000 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.

    Resources

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $202,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Monday, May 4 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.

    Background

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,388 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    The application deadline is June 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 19 business days.

  • Update: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County (2026)

    Update: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County (2026)

    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.

    The Parks & Open Space processed over 10,188 applications last year, with an average processing time of 13 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    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 $93,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Timeline

    For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Parks & Open Space: (303) 441-3887 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 11,440 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 17 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Related Programs

    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 1834 county employees across 38 departments and offices.

  • Update: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects (2026)

    Update: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects (2026)

    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.

    The project includes improvements along 75th Street between Longmont and the intersection with Sunshine Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

    Environmental review of the project area near 75th Street found 12 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Details

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 23% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 710 affordable housing units since its inception, with 87 additional units in the development pipeline.

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

    Eldora 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    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 $55,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Contact Information

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 589 affordable housing units since its inception, with 107 additional units in the development pipeline.

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,482 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    How to Participate

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $232,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • May: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    May: 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.

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 10,030 hours to this program last year. The Resource Conservation coordinates with 14 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Related Programs

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 30% 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.

    Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 5 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 7% 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.

  • Update: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations (2024)

    Update: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations (2024)

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Arapahoe Road found 10 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Justice Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The application deadline is April 25, 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 30 business days.

    Timeline

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 31 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    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.

  • Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month — Louisville Area

    Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month — Louisville Area

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed March 2026 as Women’s History Month, recognizing the contributions of women leaders, activists, and community builders throughout Boulder County’s history. Special events and exhibitions will be held at libraries and community centers throughout the month.

    Funding of $66,000 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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $66,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Eligibility

    The application deadline is June 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 8 business days.

    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.

    Related Programs

    A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Tuesday, April 21 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.

    According to Lisa Patel, director of Resource Conservation, 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,” Lisa Patel said.