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  • 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 71% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 31 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 26% 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.

    Background

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

    Water quality monitoring at 17 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Resource Conservation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — Follow-Up Report

    Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — Follow-Up Report

    The Boulder County Planning Commission has approved a rezoning request to allow construction of a 48-unit affordable housing development on Arapahoe Road near the intersection with 63rd Street. The project will provide permanently affordable rental units for households earning 30-60% of area median income.

    The application deadline is July 12, 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.

    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 2260 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

    How to Participate

    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.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 40% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $101,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    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.

  • Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — Follow-Up Report

    Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Michael Kowalski at Community Planning & Permitting: (303) 441-1308 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 Niwot office without an appointment.

    Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 6 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Planning & Permitting worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Community Impact

    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 4,726 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Resources

    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 $50,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

  • Update: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events (2025)

    Update: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events (2025)

    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 8 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Clerk & Recorder publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    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.

    Next Steps

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,637 affordable housing units since its inception, with 179 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 36% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,721 responses from residents across the county.

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

    September: 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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $405,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 40% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $51,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Resources

    For questions about this program, contact James Rodriguez at Human Services: (303) 441-4191 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 Nederland office without an appointment.

    Funding of $405,000 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-4191 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Update: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections (2024)

    Update: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections (2024)

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has issued a resolution reaffirming the county’s commitment to protecting immigrant community members and ensuring equal access to county services regardless of immigration status. The resolution directs county staff to review and strengthen existing policies.

    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.

    The application deadline is June 6, 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.

    Next Steps

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 19% 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.

    According to Emily Chen, director of Transportation, this program served 67% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Superior and the surrounding area,” Emily Chen said.

    What You Need to Know

    The Transportation processed over 2,869 applications last year, with an average processing time of 18 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — April 2024

    Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — April 2024

    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.

    Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Health at (303) 441-7812 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    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

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their July 3 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    The Legion Park open space property encompasses 1,711 acres and features 5 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Background

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $14,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections — Allenspark Area

    Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections — Allenspark Area

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has issued a resolution reaffirming the county’s commitment to protecting immigrant community members and ensuring equal access to county services regardless of immigration status. The resolution directs county staff to review and strengthen existing policies.

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 8 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Health worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    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 $88,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Contact Information

    For questions about this program, contact James Rodriguez at Public Health: (303) 441-2761 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 Lyons office without an appointment.

    The project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Lyons and the intersection with Baseline Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

    What You Need to Know

    According to James Rodriguez, director of Public Health, 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 Lyons and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.

    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.

  • Superior Community Briefing: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    Superior Community Briefing: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    The Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department has proposed updates to the General Floodplain Development Permit process. Changes include streamlined review timelines, updated fee structures, and new requirements for climate-adjusted flood risk assessments. Comments are due by April 30.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 32% 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Assessor’s Office: (303) 441-3475 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 Longmont office without an appointment.

    Contact Information

    The Longmont Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 958 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 56% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Next Steps

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 32 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 24% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Baseline Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $344,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    According to David Thompson, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 18% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” David Thompson said.

    Contact Information

    The application deadline is July 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 14 business days.

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

    Eligibility

    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 $74,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 37 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 25% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-7 / Ute Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.