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  • Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Allenspark

    Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Allenspark

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 59% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The application deadline is August 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

    Environmental review of the project area near Nelson Road found 6 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Health worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Funding of $352,000 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.

  • Superior Community Briefing: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    Superior Community Briefing: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Sunday, May 10 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.

    The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience processed over 9,944 applications last year, with an average processing time of 10 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 35 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 13% 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.

    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 2201 county employees across 38 departments and offices.

    Timeline

    Funding of $374,000 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.

  • New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — August 2026

    New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — August 2026

    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.

    Funding of $122,000 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 9,773 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 18% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Jennifer Walsh said.

    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.

    Details

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $122,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Follow-Up Report

    Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 19% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Friday, May 29 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.

    Background

    According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Human Services, this program served 19% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Jennifer Walsh said.

    For questions about this program, contact Jennifer Walsh at Human Services: (303) 441-6757 or email Human [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.

  • July 2025: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026

    July 2025: 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 $75,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Volunteers contributed over 11,273 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 18 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Resources

    For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Transportation: (303) 441-7583 or email [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 Transportation processed over 7,545 applications last year, with an average processing time of 12 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — August 2024

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — August 2024

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Lyons 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 6,239 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 11 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Related Programs

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 22% 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Maria Gonzalez at Transportation: (303) 441-9124 or email [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.

    How to Participate

    The application deadline is July 16, 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 16 business days.

    Funding of $226,000 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.

  • Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt Near Lyons

    Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt Near Lyons

    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 40% of properties in the Superior 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 52% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Background

    For questions about this program, contact Robert Kim at Housing & Human Services: (303) 441-6923 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.

    A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Saturday, May 30 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.

    Eligibility

    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 $90,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Follow-Up Report

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,371 affordable housing units since its inception, with 76 additional units in the development pipeline.

    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 2089 county employees across 42 departments and offices.

    Contact Information

    Volunteers contributed over 8,133 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 7 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The Longmont Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,537 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Resources

    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.

  • September: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    September: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Thursday, May 7 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.

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 5 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 17% 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.

    Resources

    The project includes improvements along Coal Creek Canyon Road between Erie and the intersection with Foothills Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 7 months.

    According to Robert Kim, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 76% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Erie and the surrounding area,” Robert Kim said.

  • Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — Hygiene Area

    Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — Hygiene Area

    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.

    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.

    Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 22 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 28% 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.

    Related Programs

    The Public Health processed over 10,995 applications last year, with an average processing time of 12 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    For questions about this program, contact Emily Chen at Public Health: (303) 441-2469 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 Lafayette office without an appointment.

    How to Participate

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,666 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 9 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Health worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.