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  • Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move Near Nederland

    Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move Near Nederland

    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.

    The Clerk & Recorder processed over 9,021 applications last year, with an average processing time of 7 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    The project includes improvements along Arapahoe Road between Lafayette and the intersection with Nelson Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

    Eligibility

    Funding of $87,000 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.

    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 Clerk & Recorder publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — Ward Area

    Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — Ward Area

    Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting has launched an updated online building permit portal with improved search functionality, real-time status tracking, and mobile-friendly document uploads. The new system reduces average permit review times by 15% and allows applicants to schedule inspections online.

    A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Saturday, May 16 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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 21% 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.

    Related Programs

    Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 6 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 42% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,669 responses from residents across the county.

    Details

    According to Diana Orozco, director of Human Services, this program served 42% 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,” Diana Orozco said.

    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 $42,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • 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.

    The application deadline is July 3, 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 5 business days.

    Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 6 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    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 $204,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The Coalton Trail open space property encompasses 2,383 acres and features 12 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

  • Louisville Community Briefing: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    Louisville Community Briefing: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    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.

    According to Rachel Stein, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 28% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Rachel Stein said.

    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 2073 county employees across 45 departments and offices.

    Resources

    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.

    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.

    How to Participate

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 17% of properties in the Lafayette 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 Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 322 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.

  • Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move — December 2025

    Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move — December 2025

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 33% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The Nederland Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,073 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Contact Information

    Environmental review of the project area near Arapahoe Road found 5 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Justice Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Volunteers contributed over 1,943 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 6 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Related Programs

    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.

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

    May: $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.

    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.

    The application deadline is July 30, 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.

    How to Participate

    The project includes improvements along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway between Boulder and the intersection with CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

    The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,639 seniors participated in center programs last year.

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

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Longmont 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.

    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 2287 county employees across 50 departments and offices.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 60% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,243 responses from residents across the county.

    Resources

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 60% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 60% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” Sarah Mitchell said.

  • November 2024: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects

    November 2024: $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 application deadline is July 4, 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 13 business days.

    The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Boulder and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

    Details

    According to Emily Chen, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 83% 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.

    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.

    What You Need to Know

    Safety data from the Boulder area shows 24 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 13% 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.

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

    Sunshine Canyon 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.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 93% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,446 responses from residents across the county.

    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 $91,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Resources

    The application deadline is April 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 13 business days.

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

  • Update: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review (2025)

    Update: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review (2025)

    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.

    Water quality monitoring at 14 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Area Agency on Aging publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Funding of $42,000 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.

    How to Participate

    Volunteers contributed over 2,844 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 9 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-3671 or email Area Agency on [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.