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  • Pine Brook Hills Community Briefing: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds

    Pine Brook Hills Community Briefing: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 74% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The Coalton Trail open space property encompasses 511 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.

    Eligibility

    According to Emily Chen, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 74% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” Emily Chen said.

    Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 5 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Housing & Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Next Steps

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their July 5 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Update: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment (2026)

    Update: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment (2026)

    The Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department has proposed updates to the General Floodplain Development Permit process. Changes include streamlined review timelines, updated fee structures, and new requirements for climate-adjusted flood risk assessments. Comments are due by April 30.

    The application deadline is July 14, 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.

    According to Michael Kowalski, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 18% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Erie and the surrounding area,” Michael Kowalski said.

    What You Need to Know

    Volunteers contributed over 9,446 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 5 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 8 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Timeline

    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.

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-8110 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Maria Gonzalez at Community Justice Services: (303) 441-1341 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 Lafayette office without an appointment.

    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.

    How to Participate

    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 Community Justice Services 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 1,410 affordable housing units since its inception, with 94 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Related Programs

    According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 20% 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,” Maria Gonzalez said.

  • Update: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations (2025)

    Update: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations (2025)

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-6702 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 Longmont office without an appointment.

    Volunteers contributed over 14,531 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 15 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Background

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $68,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Sunday, May 31 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.

    Next Steps

    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.

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 42 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 24% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Flagstaff Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects Near Lafayette

    $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects Near Lafayette

    Boulder County has awarded $6.3 million in Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership funds to 12 affordable housing, childcare, and human services projects throughout the county. Funded projects include new affordable rental construction, homebuyer assistance, and childcare facility improvements.

    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.

    Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 34 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 15% 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.

    Resources

    Funding of $117,000 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.

    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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Coalton Trail open space property encompasses 1,813 acres and features 13 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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 4 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

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

    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.

    The Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,303 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    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.

    What You Need to Know

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 5 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Planning & Permitting worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 368 affordable housing units since its inception, with 93 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Details

    The Anne U. White open space property encompasses 1,231 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.

  • July 2025: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    July 2025: 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.

    Funding of $29,000 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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $29,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 11 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 77% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Resources

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, 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 Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,013 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • January: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

    January: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $365,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,609 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Eligibility

    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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their July 6 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Related Programs

    Volunteers contributed over 5,731 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections — April 2026

    Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections — April 2026

    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.

    The project includes improvements along Flagstaff Road between Nederland and the intersection with Arapahoe Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

    According to Emily Chen, director of Transportation, this program served 61% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Nederland and the surrounding area,” Emily Chen said.

    Related Programs

    Environmental review of the project area near Flagstaff Road found 6 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 1,743 acres and features 11 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

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 714 affordable housing units since its inception, with 186 additional units in the development pipeline.

    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 $63,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • 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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 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 2424 county employees across 40 departments and offices.

    Next Steps

    Funding of $21,000 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.

    According to Amanda Foster, director of Public Health, this program served 27% 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,” Amanda Foster said.