Author: cmcantrell

  • Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — April 2024

    Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — April 2024

    The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 20% of properties in the Longmont 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 project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Longmont and the intersection with Baseline Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

    How to Participate

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 21 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 27% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-119 Diagonal Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    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.

    Related Programs

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Sunday, April 26 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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $203,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • March 2024: Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions

    March 2024: Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions

    Boulder County is accepting applications for Youth Corps Team Leader positions for the 2026 season. Team Leaders supervise crews of young adults working on conservation projects including trail construction, habitat restoration, and wildfire fuel reduction across Boulder County open space properties. Positions start in May.

    The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,319 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    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 1869 county employees across 36 departments and offices.

    Related Programs

    Volunteers contributed over 8,084 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 23 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-2601 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Eligibility

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their July 2 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits Near Lyons

    Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits Near Lyons

    Boulder County Human Services has awarded $2.1 million through the Safety Net Initiative to 18 local nonprofit organizations. Funded programs provide food assistance, emergency shelter, behavioral health services, legal aid, and transportation assistance to vulnerable populations throughout Boulder County.

    The Community Planning & Permitting processed over 4,430 applications last year, with an average processing time of 20 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    The project includes improvements along Coal Creek Canyon Road between Erie and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

    What You Need to Know

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $394,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 15% of properties in the Erie 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.

  • Update: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events (2026)

    Update: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events (2026)

    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.

    According to Emily Chen, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 77% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” Emily Chen said.

    The Clerk & Recorder processed over 7,536 applications last year, with an average processing time of 3 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Related Programs

    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.

    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.

    Timeline

    The Legion Park open space property encompasses 244 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.

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

    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 $457,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    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.

    Eligibility

    For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-8767 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 Lyons office without an appointment.

    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.

  • Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 Near Eldora

    Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 Near Eldora

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Public Works: (303) 441-6706 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 Niwot office without an appointment.

    The application deadline is May 2, 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.

    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.

    The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,750 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Eligibility

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 13 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • 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.

    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 2033 county employees across 47 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.

    Next Steps

    For questions about this program, contact Jennifer Walsh at Assessor’s Office: (303) 441-6634 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 Lyons office without an appointment.

    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.

    Timeline

    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 2025, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    Funding of $463,000 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.

  • Update: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities (2025)

    Update: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities (2025)

    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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,341 affordable housing units since its inception, with 69 additional units in the development pipeline.

    A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Monday, April 13 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.

    Related Programs

    Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-4589 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Volunteers contributed over 5,491 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 22 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Contact Information

    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 2025, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 24 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions Near Hygiene

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions Near Hygiene

    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.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 50% 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.

    Funding of $34,000 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.

    Contact Information

    The application deadline is April 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 6 business days.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 40% of properties in the Niwot 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Saturday, April 25 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.

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

    $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects

    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 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.

    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

    The application deadline is June 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 9 business days.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 8 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.