WordPress Search

Author: cmcantrell

  • New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — August 2026

    New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — August 2026

    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.

    According to Kevin Larsen, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 14% 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,” Kevin Larsen said.

    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 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.

    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.

    Related Programs

    Water quality monitoring at 15 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Housing & Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The project includes improvements along Left Hand Canyon Drive between Niwot and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 9 months.

  • Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — Lafayette Area

    Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — Lafayette Area

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $19,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    For questions about this program, contact Lisa Patel at Clerk & Recorder: (303) 441-1101 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 Louisville office without an appointment.

    Community Impact

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Clerk & Recorder, 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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 15 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Timeline

    The application deadline is April 22, 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 13 business days.

  • Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons Near Sunshine Canyon

    Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons Near Sunshine Canyon

    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.

    The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,715 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $160,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,577 affordable housing units since its inception, with 201 additional units in the development pipeline.

    According to Rachel Stein, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 87% 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,” Rachel Stein said.

    Details

    For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-8897 or email Area Agency on [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.

  • All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Follow-Up Report

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Human Services, this program served 81% more residents in 2025 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.

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 11 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • July 2025: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    July 2025: 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.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Clerk & Recorder, 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 Clerk & Recorder processed over 5,234 applications last year, with an average processing time of 13 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Background

    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.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 53% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,297 responses from residents across the county.

    Eligibility

    Volunteers contributed over 5,391 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 25 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Superior Community Briefing: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    Superior Community Briefing: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    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.

    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.

    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 2043 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

    Timeline

    Funding of $157,000 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 2026 budget session.

    Safety data from the Nederland area shows 20 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 30% 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.

  • 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 64% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Funding of $244,000 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 2025 budget session.

    Resources

    Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 7 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $244,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Contact Information

    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 1965 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

    Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-5947 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — Follow-Up Report

    Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — Follow-Up Report

    The registration deadline for the June 2026 Colorado Primary Election is May 25. Boulder County residents can register online at GoVoteColorado.gov, by mail, or in person at any Voter Service and Polling Center. Same-day registration is available during early voting and on Election Day with valid ID.

    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.

    The Community Justice Services processed over 566 applications last year, with an average processing time of 18 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Next Steps

    The Caribou Ranch open space property encompasses 2,161 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.

    Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-4755 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — Erie Area

    Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — Erie Area

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 16% 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.

    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.

    Resources

    Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-2648 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 314 affordable housing units since its inception, with 155 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • May: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work

    May: 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 $112,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Volunteers contributed over 5,563 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 21 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Eligibility

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

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 27 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.