Author: cmcantrell

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

    Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway — Allenspark 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.

    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 2235 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

    The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Louisville and the intersection with Flagstaff Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

    Resources

    Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Assessor’s Office at (303) 441-5463 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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

    What You Need to Know

    The Caribou Ranch open space property encompasses 995 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.

  • Update: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review (2026)

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

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Community Planning & Permitting, 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 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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 $78,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The application deadline is June 24, 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.

    Next Steps

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 72% 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 has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $404,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — Follow-Up Report

    Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — Follow-Up Report

    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.

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

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $69,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Contact Information

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 36% 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.

    According to James Rodriguez, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 46% 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,” James Rodriguez said.

    Related Programs

    Funding of $69,000 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 4,069 hours to this program last year. The Community Planning & Permitting coordinates with 17 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • March 2026: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    March 2026: 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.

    Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 8 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 6% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Niwot Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,254 affordable housing units since its inception, with 111 additional units in the development pipeline.

    What You Need to Know

    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.

    Funding of $34,000 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

    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.

  • 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.

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 39 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 16% 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.

    The Assessor’s Office processed over 2,715 applications last year, with an average processing time of 6 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Eligibility

    Volunteers contributed over 3,000 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 2,408 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.

    Details

    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 2034 county employees across 46 departments and offices.

  • Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment Near Lafayette

    Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment Near Lafayette

    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.

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,931 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,875 affordable housing units since its inception, with 248 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Community Impact

    The Coalton Trail open space property encompasses 572 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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 18 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    What You Need to Know

    Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-9622 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    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.

  • Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway Near Longmont

    Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway Near Longmont

    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.

    According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 76% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Louisville and the surrounding area,” Sarah Mitchell 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.

    Contact Information

    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 $56,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    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.

    Details

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,618 affordable housing units since its inception, with 161 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 76% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,458 responses from residents across the county.

  • Update: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (2025)

    Update: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (2025)

    Boulder County has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to install electric vehicle charging stations at county facilities and public trailheads. The project will add 40 Level 2 chargers and 8 DC fast chargers at 12 locations across the county, with priority given to underserved communities.

    Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-8703 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Sunday, April 26 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.

    How to Participate

    The Housing & Human Services processed over 5,128 applications last year, with an average processing time of 14 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    For questions about this program, contact Amanda Foster at Housing & Human Services: (303) 441-8703 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 Gunbarrel office without an appointment.

  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — Nederland Area

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — Nederland Area

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Louisville 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.

    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.

    Details

    The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,283 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 33% 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Safety data from the Louisville area shows 21 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 10% 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 County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Hygiene Area

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Hygiene 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.

    The Housing & Human Services processed over 6,444 applications last year, with an average processing time of 8 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    The project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Superior and the intersection with SH-119 Diagonal Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

    Timeline

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 14% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,932 responses from residents across the county.

    A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Saturday, May 2 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.

    How to Participate

    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 $44,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Housing & Human Services, 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.