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  • Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations Near Nederland

    Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations Near Nederland

    Boulder County’s Resource Conservation Division has awarded $50,000 in grants to five local organizations through the 2026 Circular Economy Fund. Recipients include projects focused on food waste reduction, textile reuse, construction material salvage, and community repair events.

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

    A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Monday, May 18 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.

    Next Steps

    For questions about this program, contact Diana Orozco at Parks & Open Space: (303) 441-1411 or email Parks & Open [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Louisville office without an appointment.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,768 affordable housing units since its inception, with 84 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Contact Information

    The project includes improvements along Sunshine Canyon Drive between Louisville and the intersection with Nelson Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

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

    January: 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 62% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,391 responses from residents across the county.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 487 affordable housing units since its inception, with 255 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Resources

    According to Michael Kowalski, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 62% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” Michael Kowalski said.

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

    Community Impact

    Safety data from the Boulder area shows 45 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 26% 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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 35% of properties in the Boulder 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.

  • All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — April 2024

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — April 2024

    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.

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $450,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Resources

    Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-2346 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Volunteers contributed over 7,057 hours to this program last year. The Sheriff’s Office coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Update: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations (2026)

    Update: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations (2026)

    Boulder County’s Resource Conservation Division has awarded $50,000 in grants to five local organizations through the 2026 Circular Economy Fund. Recipients include projects focused on food waste reduction, textile reuse, construction material salvage, and community repair events.

    Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 5 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    For questions about this program, contact Carlos Rivera at Public Works: (303) 441-2936 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

    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.

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

    Eligibility

    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 $69,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — August 2024

    Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — August 2024

    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.

    The application deadline is May 15, 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.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 70% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $112,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Background

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

    The project includes improvements along Coal Creek Canyon Road between Nederland and the intersection with Coal Creek Canyon Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 16 months.

    Eligibility

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 653 affordable housing units since its inception, with 186 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway — August 2026

    Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway — August 2026

    Boulder County Public Works announces a temporary median closure on Niwot Road near the CO-119 Diagonal Highway intersection for utility infrastructure improvements. The closure will affect left turns from Niwot Road onto the Diagonal Highway for approximately six weeks. A signed detour route will be in place.

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 43 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 28% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 1,990 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.

    Resources

    Volunteers contributed over 4,186 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience processed over 3,055 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.

    Community Impact

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 762 affordable housing units since its inception, with 225 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • November 2024: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    November 2024: 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.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 78% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,246 responses from residents across the county.

    The project includes improvements along Flagstaff Road between Lyons and the intersection with Baseline Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 13 months.

    Eligibility

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 18 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 10% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Flagstaff Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    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 $43,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Background

    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.

    According to James Rodriguez, director of Public Works, this program served 78% more residents in 2025 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.

  • Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway — Louisville Area

    Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway — Louisville Area

    Boulder County Public Works announces a temporary median closure on Niwot Road near the CO-119 Diagonal Highway intersection for utility infrastructure improvements. The closure will affect left turns from Niwot Road onto the Diagonal Highway for approximately six weeks. A signed detour route will be in place.

    For questions about this program, contact Jennifer Walsh at Clerk & Recorder: (303) 441-9412 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 Niwot office without an appointment.

    The Bald Mountain open space property encompasses 2,250 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.

    Related Programs

    Water quality monitoring at 12 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.

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Niwot and the intersection with Baseline Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 10 months.

  • Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections — Follow-Up Report

    Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 5,028 hours to this program last year. The Community Planning & Permitting coordinates with 9 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 6 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Contact Information

    A community information session will be held at the Lyons library on Monday, April 27 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Diana Orozco at Community Planning & Permitting: (303) 441-5006 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 Lyons office without an appointment.

    What You Need to Know

    The Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 538 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    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 $89,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — August 2026

    Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — August 2026

    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.

    Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-5139 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The project includes improvements along Sunshine Canyon Drive between Nederland and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

    How to Participate

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 87% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Environmental review of the project area near Sunshine Canyon Drive found 12 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.