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  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

    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.

    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.

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

    Background

    The project includes improvements along Flagstaff Road between Louisville and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

    Volunteers contributed over 2,375 hours to this program last year. The Resource Conservation coordinates with 5 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Eligibility

    For questions about this program, contact Jennifer Walsh at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-3924 or email Resource [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Louisville office without an appointment.

    Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-3924 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Lyons Community Briefing: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move

    Lyons Community Briefing: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move

    The Boulder County Assessor’s Office reminds qualifying seniors that Colorado’s property tax exemption portability provision allows them to transfer their exemption to a new primary residence within the county. Seniors who have moved should contact the Assessor’s Office to ensure their exemption transfers correctly.

    According to Amanda Foster, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 89% 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,” Amanda Foster said.

    A community information session will be held at the Lyons library on Tuesday, May 5 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 South Boulder Road found 12 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Justice Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 31 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 28% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along South Boulder Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Related Programs

    Volunteers contributed over 13,814 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 23 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • July 2025: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    July 2025: 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.

    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 2026, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    The application deadline is April 21, 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.

    What You Need to Know

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Nederland library on Thursday, April 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.

  • Update: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons (2026)

    Update: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons (2026)

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has acquired a 340-acre conservation easement on a working ranch near the town of Lyons. The easement permanently protects critical wildlife habitat along the St. Vrain Creek corridor and preserves agricultural land from future development while keeping the property in private ownership.

    Volunteers contributed over 2,275 hours to this program last year. The Human Services coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,389 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Background

    The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 1,940 acres and features 9 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Funding of $243,000 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.

  • Update: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment (2025)

    Update: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment (2025)

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 539 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 10 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The Anne U. White open space property encompasses 1,073 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.

    Timeline

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 23 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 15% 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,941 affordable housing units since its inception, with 155 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Background

    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 22 business days.

  • Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — Eldora Area

    Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — Eldora Area

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Housing & Human Services: (303) 441-5579 or email Housing & Human [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.

    The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Superior and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

    Eligibility

    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.

    The application deadline is May 28, 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.

  • Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month — December 2026

    Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month — December 2026

    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.

    The project includes improvements along Foothills Highway between Lafayette and the intersection with Foothills Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

    Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 14 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 18% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Foothills Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Community Impact

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Emily Chen at Community Planning & Permitting: (303) 441-3696 or email Community Planning & [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lafayette office without an appointment.

    Contact Information

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

    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 $111,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • 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.

    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 Parks & Open Space 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 Parks & Open Space, 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.

    Background

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Saturday, May 9 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.

    Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Parks & Open Space at (303) 441-1805 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Contact Information

    The application deadline is May 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 18 business days.

  • Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Nederland Area

    Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Nederland Area

    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.

    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 2405 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

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

    Background

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 92% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $443,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Near Lafayette

    Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Near Lafayette

    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 10,715 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 19 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 1,067 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.

    Next Steps

    The project includes improvements along Arapahoe Road between Lafayette and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

    For questions about this program, contact Emily Chen at Assessor’s Office: (303) 441-8477 or email Assessor’s [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lafayette office without an appointment.