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  • July 2025: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits

    July 2025: 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.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 49% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,903 responses from residents across the county.

    Volunteers contributed over 3,701 hours to this program last year. The Resource Conservation coordinates with 11 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Contact Information

    Water quality monitoring at 16 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.

    Funding of $463,000 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.

    Next Steps

    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.

    The project includes improvements along Left Hand Canyon Drive between Erie and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 16 months.

  • Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Near Ward

    Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Near Ward

    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.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Area Agency on Aging, 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.

    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.

    Related Programs

    The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 1,288 acres and features 10 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 application deadline is July 31, 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.

    What You Need to Know

    For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-4972 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 16 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Area Agency on Aging publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    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 June 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 25 business days.

    Volunteers contributed over 2,103 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Community Impact

    Funding of $267,000 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.

    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.

  • Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — Follow-Up Report

    Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Saturday, April 18 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.

    According to Brian Nakamura, director of Clerk & Recorder, 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 Longmont and the surrounding area,” Brian Nakamura said.

    What You Need to Know

    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.

    The Clerk & Recorder processed over 10,933 applications last year, with an average processing time of 19 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Background

    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.

  • Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — April 2024

    Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — April 2024

    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.

    The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,873 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 36% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Timeline

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,080 affordable housing units since its inception, with 214 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $95,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Resources

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 34% 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.

  • March 2024: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    March 2024: 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.

    The application deadline is June 4, 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 9 business days.

    Environmental review of the project area near Flagstaff Road found 3 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Resources

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

    Volunteers contributed over 11,465 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 15 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Longmont Community Briefing: Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election

    Longmont Community Briefing: Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election

    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.

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

    Water quality monitoring at 14 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Parks & Open Space publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    What You Need to Know

    According to Lisa Patel, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 30% 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,” Lisa Patel said.

    Funding of $440,000 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.

    Eligibility

    A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Thursday, May 7 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.

  • Jamestown Community Briefing: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    Jamestown Community Briefing: 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.

    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.

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,408 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Resources

    The Coalton Trail open space property encompasses 1,469 acres and features 10 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,904 affordable housing units since its inception, with 223 additional units in the development pipeline.

    How to Participate

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $242,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

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

  • Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — December 2026

    Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — December 2026

    The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

    The Community Planning & Permitting processed over 10,496 applications last year, with an average processing time of 20 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    According to James Rodriguez, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 15% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Erie and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.

    Community Impact

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $132,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Planning & Permitting at (303) 441-3146 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Eligibility

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 15% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,505 responses from residents across the county.

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 26 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 7% 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.

  • Longmont Community Briefing: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    Longmont Community Briefing: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    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.

    The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 1,534 acres and features 4 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 application deadline is May 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 26 business days.

    What You Need to Know

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 950 affordable housing units since its inception, with 232 additional units in the development pipeline.

    According to James Rodriguez, director of Transportation, this program served 42% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Nederland and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.