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  • January: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    January: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

    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.

    The Transportation processed over 9,413 applications last year, with an average processing time of 12 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Background

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $30,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

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

    Timeline

    According to Brian Nakamura, director of Transportation, this program served 60% 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,” Brian Nakamura said.

    Volunteers contributed over 4,935 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 18 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Robert Kim at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-4799 or email Sustainability, Climate Action & [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.

    The application deadline is June 5, 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 15 business days.

    Eligibility

    A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Thursday, May 21 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.

    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 2057 county employees across 45 departments and offices.

    What You Need to Know

    The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience processed over 1,891 applications last year, with an average processing time of 19 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    The Legion Park open space property encompasses 953 acres and features 7 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

  • January: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway

    January: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway

    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 Amanda Foster at Public Works: (303) 441-6329 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 11 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Public Works publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 73% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,252 responses from residents across the county.

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 41 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 23% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along South Boulder Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • Ward Community Briefing: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections

    Ward Community Briefing: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections

    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.

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-8551 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Environmental review of the project area near Flagstaff Road found 11 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    How to Participate

    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.

    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.

  • Update: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter (2026)

    Update: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter (2026)

    The February edition of the Boulder County Resource Conservation newsletter features updates on the 2026 composting grant program, tips for reducing food waste at home, upcoming zero waste events, and a spotlight on local businesses achieving zero waste certification.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 7 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 45 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 17% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along 75th Street and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Timeline

    The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,842 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    A community information session will be held at the Niwot 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.

  • May: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal

    May: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal

    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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 24 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    The Human Services processed over 3,494 applications last year, with an average processing time of 21 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Next Steps

    According to Lisa Patel, director of Human Services, this program served 94% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Lisa Patel said.

    The application deadline is May 16, 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 11 business days.

  • Longmont Community Briefing: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal

    Longmont Community Briefing: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Flagstaff Road found 10 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    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.

    Details

    The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 2,185 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 8 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Transportation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — December 2026

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — December 2026

    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 10 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Public Health publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    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 $92,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Resources

    Funding of $174,000 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 78% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — Gunbarrel Area

    Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — Gunbarrel Area

    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.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 49% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,567 responses from residents across the county.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 49% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Details

    For questions about this program, contact Emily Chen at Community Justice Services: (303) 441-4936 or email Community Justice [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.

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

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 632 affordable housing units since its inception, with 261 additional units in the development pipeline.

    The project includes improvements along 75th Street between Longmont and the intersection with Nelson Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

    How to Participate

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

    According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 25% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” Jennifer Walsh said.

    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.

    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 $106,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.