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  • Update: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road (2026)

    Update: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road (2026)

    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.

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

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 19% of properties in the Gunbarrel 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.

    Related Programs

    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 application deadline is July 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 14 business days.

  • 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.

    The Resource Conservation processed over 1,953 applications last year, with an average processing time of 14 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 46% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Eligibility

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-9125 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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

    How to Participate

    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.

  • July 2026: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    July 2026: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    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.

    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.

    According to Amanda Foster, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 84% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Amanda Foster said.

    What You Need to Know

    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 2072 county employees across 36 departments and offices.

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,646 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Clerk & Recorder processed over 5,408 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    The application deadline is April 26, 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.

  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — Follow-Up Report

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — Follow-Up Report

    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 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.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Parks & Open Space, 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

    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 2236 county employees across 49 departments and offices.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 40% of properties in the Gunbarrel 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.

    Eligibility

    The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Gunbarrel and the intersection with Nelson Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

    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.

  • Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — Nederland Area

    Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — Nederland Area

    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.

    Funding of $140,000 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.

    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 1901 county employees across 49 departments and offices.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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 Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 487 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.

    How to Participate

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 23% 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.

  • Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 Near Ward

    Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 Near Ward

    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.

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

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Lafayette and the intersection with Arapahoe Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The application deadline is July 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 12 business days.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 70% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $62,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Community Impact

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $246,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,876 affordable housing units since its inception, with 90 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds Near Nederland

    Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds Near Nederland

    Boulder County residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste including paint, solvents, pesticides, batteries, and electronics at a free collection event on Saturday, April 19 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. No appointment is necessary. Commercial waste is not accepted.

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Parks & Open Space at (303) 441-3156 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $130,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Related Programs

    Funding of $130,000 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.

    The Parks & Open Space processed over 2,400 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.

    Next Steps

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 31 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 16% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-119 Diagonal Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • September: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    September: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    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.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 59% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,228 responses from residents across the county.

    The Longmont Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,700 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    What You Need to Know

    Funding of $271,000 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 5,644 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 19 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Resources

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Saturday, May 23 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.

  • Gold Hill Community Briefing: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    Gold Hill Community Briefing: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,102 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 34% 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,” Jennifer Walsh said.

    Related Programs

    Volunteers contributed over 2,081 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 21 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The application deadline is June 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.

    Eligibility

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 34% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • July 2026: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    July 2026: 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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 16% of properties in the Erie 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.

    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 $47,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Background

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-3056 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 4 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Resource Conservation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.