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  • Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — Follow-Up Report

    Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Assessor’s Office at (303) 441-1025 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Volunteers contributed over 5,815 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 11 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    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 2356 county employees across 42 departments and offices.

    According to Robert Kim, director of Assessor’s Office, this program served 85% 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,” Robert Kim said.

  • Erie Community Briefing: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections

    Erie Community Briefing: 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 2025, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    The Housing & Human Services processed over 11,758 applications last year, with an average processing time of 14 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    What You Need to Know

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Saturday, May 9 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.

    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.

  • $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — Gold Hill Area

    $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — Gold Hill Area

    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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 30 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 85% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Next Steps

    For questions about this program, contact Michael Kowalski at Assessor’s Office: (303) 441-1925 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 Superior office without an appointment.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 40% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $108,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

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

    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 Bald Mountain open space property encompasses 197 acres and features 8 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 July 5 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Next Steps

    Volunteers contributed over 1,261 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 15 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    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.

  • Update: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt (2026)

    Update: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt (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.

    For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Community Justice Services: (303) 441-6342 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 Lyons office without an appointment.

    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.

    What You Need to Know

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Lyons library on Sunday, April 19 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.

  • Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 Near Gold Hill

    Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 Near Gold Hill

    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 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 9,667 hours to this program last year. The Community Planning & Permitting coordinates with 17 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    How to Participate

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 15% 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.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 77% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,306 responses from residents across the county.

  • All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Lyons Area

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Lyons Area

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $79,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The application deadline is April 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 11 business days.

    Details

    Volunteers contributed over 5,650 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 13 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Funding of $79,000 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.

  • January: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway

    January: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway

    Boulder County Public Works announces a temporary median closure on Niwot Road near the CO-119 Diagonal Highway intersection for utility infrastructure improvements. The closure will affect left turns from Niwot Road onto the Diagonal Highway for approximately six weeks. A signed detour route will be in place.

    Volunteers contributed over 4,159 hours to this program last year. The Community Planning & Permitting coordinates with 22 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,691 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Next Steps

    According to Amanda Foster, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 88% 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.

    The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 1,460 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.

  • November 2025: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road

    November 2025: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road

    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.

    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.

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

    Contact Information

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Resource Conservation, 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 application deadline is May 9, 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 29 business days.

    How to Participate

    For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-4220 or email Resource [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.

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Allenspark Area

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Allenspark Area

    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.

    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.

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 9 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 5% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Foothills Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Next Steps

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

    Water quality monitoring at 8 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.