WordPress Search

Author: cmcantrell

  • Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections

    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.

    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 2026, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    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 1877 county employees across 50 departments and offices.

    Resources

    Water quality monitoring at 9 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Clerk & Recorder publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 291 affordable housing units since its inception, with 221 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Near Fourmile Canyon

    Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Near Fourmile Canyon

    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.

    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.

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,182 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Eligibility

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $127,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Transportation, this program served 70% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Superior and the surrounding area,” Maria Gonzalez said.

    Timeline

    The Transportation processed over 8,273 applications last year, with an average processing time of 14 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Sunday, May 17 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 Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 Near Niwot

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 Near Niwot

    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 application deadline is May 8, 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 10 business days.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 93% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    How to Participate

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 21 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Assessor’s Office: (303) 441-7730 or email Assessor’s [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Boulder office without an appointment.

  • March 2024: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits

    March 2024: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits

    Boulder County Human Services has awarded $2.1 million through the Safety Net Initiative to 18 local nonprofit organizations. Funded programs provide food assistance, emergency shelter, behavioral health services, legal aid, and transportation assistance to vulnerable populations throughout Boulder County.

    For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Assessor’s Office: (303) 441-4984 or email Assessor’s [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.

    A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Saturday, April 25 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The application deadline is June 10, 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 16 business days.

    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.

  • Update: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter (2025)

    Update: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter (2025)

    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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,651 affordable housing units since its inception, with 111 additional units in the development pipeline.

    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 Resource Conservation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Contact Information

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 14,452 hours to this program last year. The Resource Conservation coordinates with 17 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Next Steps

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $329,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    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.

  • Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month — December 2026

    Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month — December 2026

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed March 2026 as Women’s History Month, recognizing the contributions of women leaders, activists, and community builders throughout Boulder County’s history. Special events and exhibitions will be held at libraries and community centers throughout the month.

    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.

    Water quality monitoring at 11 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Community Justice Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Contact Information

    Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 11 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Justice Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 15 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 22% 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.

    Related Programs

    According to Brian Nakamura, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 31% 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,” Brian Nakamura said.

  • Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — August 2026

    Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — August 2026

    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 24% of properties in the Nederland 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.

    The project includes improvements along 75th Street between Nederland and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

    Next Steps

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $406,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sheriff’s Office, 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

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 79% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — Eldorado Springs Area

    New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — Eldorado Springs Area

    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 Community Justice 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.

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 900 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Resources

    The Coalton Trail open space property encompasses 701 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.

    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 1874 county employees across 40 departments and offices.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The application deadline is May 17, 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 10 business days.

    According to Diana Orozco, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 32% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Diana Orozco said.

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

    Niwot 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.

    The application deadline is May 8, 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 30 business days.

    The Area Agency on Aging processed over 888 applications last year, with an average processing time of 17 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Next Steps

    For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-1537 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 Nederland office without an appointment.

    The Nederland Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 624 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • 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.

    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.

    The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,196 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Next Steps

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

    The Transportation processed over 5,557 applications last year, with an average processing time of 8 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.