WordPress Search

Author: cmcantrell

  • Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — August 2026

    Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — August 2026

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 5 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 28% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    What You Need to Know

    Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-4175 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,820 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • 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.

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 16 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 10% 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.

    The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 396 acres and features 3 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 application deadline is July 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 14 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 1811 county employees across 49 departments and offices.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Water quality monitoring at 19 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.

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Superior Area

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Superior Area

    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.

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 39% 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.

    Contact Information

    The Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 1,299 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 18 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.

    Next Steps

    Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 3 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 12% 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 Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 Near Lyons

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 Near Lyons

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 6,886 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 19 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 369 acres and features 3 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

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,665 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    According to Rachel Stein, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 57% more residents in 2025 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.

    Details

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 57% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,094 responses from residents across the county.

  • 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.

    A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Monday, April 13 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 $110,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    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.

    The project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Louisville and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 6 months.

    Next Steps

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

  • July 2026: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    July 2026: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    The Board of County Commissioners has approved amendments to the Boulder County Land Use Code to streamline the process for building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on residential properties in unincorporated areas. Changes include reduced setback requirements, simplified design standards, and by-right approval for units under 800 square feet.

    Volunteers contributed over 9,791 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 10 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,423 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    How to Participate

    According to Amanda Foster, director of Public Health, this program served 38% 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,” Amanda Foster said.

    The application deadline is May 19, 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 28 business days.

  • Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Jamestown Area

    Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Jamestown Area

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 4,216 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 15 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    A community information session will be held at the Lyons library on Friday, June 5 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 54% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Lyons and the intersection with SH-119 Diagonal Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 9 months.

    Related Programs

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 45 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 15% 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.

    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.

  • Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — Follow-Up Report

    Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — Follow-Up Report

    The Board of County Commissioners has approved amendments to the Boulder County Land Use Code to streamline the process for building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on residential properties in unincorporated areas. Changes include reduced setback requirements, simplified design standards, and by-right approval for units under 800 square feet.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,552 affordable housing units since its inception, with 296 additional units in the development pipeline.

    The Housing & Human Services processed over 9,112 applications last year, with an average processing time of 17 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Eligibility

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 30% 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.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 35% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,518 responses from residents across the county.

    Details

    Volunteers contributed over 4,000 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Louisville Community Briefing: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment

    Louisville Community Briefing: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment

    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.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 84% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,088 responses from residents across the county.

    The Caribou Ranch open space property encompasses 197 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.

    Background

    For questions about this program, contact Emily Chen at Community Planning & Permitting: (303) 441-5622 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 Gunbarrel office without an appointment.

    Volunteers contributed over 9,921 hours to this program last year. The Community Planning & Permitting coordinates with 9 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Tuesday, April 28 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,227 affordable housing units since its inception, with 287 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — August 2025

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — August 2025

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Maria Gonzalez at Clerk & Recorder: (303) 441-2987 or email Clerk & [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.

    Water quality monitoring at 16 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Clerk & Recorder publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Timeline

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 31% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Eligibility

    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.