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  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — April 2024

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — April 2024

    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.

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 36 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 24% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Nelson Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Water quality monitoring at 16 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Sheriff’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Contact Information

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-6884 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 37% 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.

  • Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work

    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.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $65,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Parks & Open Space at (303) 441-4218 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Resources

    Volunteers contributed over 8,966 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 7 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    According to Michael Kowalski, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 72% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Louisville and the surrounding area,” Michael Kowalski said.

    How to Participate

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,680 affordable housing units since its inception, with 243 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Superior

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Superior

    Boulder County is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Parks & Open Space Director. The incoming director brings over 20 years of experience in public land management and conservation. They will oversee the department’s 100,000+ acres of protected land and 150 miles of multi-use trails.

    Water quality monitoring at 18 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Transportation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The Transportation processed over 10,521 applications last year, with an average processing time of 9 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Community Impact

    Funding of $183,000 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.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 75% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,947 responses from residents across the county.

    How to Participate

    A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Thursday, April 16 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.

  • Erie Community Briefing: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026

    Erie Community Briefing: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026

    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 Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,417 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Funding of $216,000 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.

    Background

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $216,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter Near Hygiene

    Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter Near Hygiene

    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.

    The Area Agency on Aging processed over 6,669 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Volunteers contributed over 3,333 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 20 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Contact Information

    For questions about this program, contact Lisa Patel at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-2568 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 Boulder office without an appointment.

    Safety data from the Boulder area shows 38 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 25% 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.

    Background

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

    Funding of $397,000 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.

  • Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — December 2026

    Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — December 2026

    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.

    The Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,396 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-1794 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Details

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Lyons and the intersection with SH-119 Diagonal Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

    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.

  • March 2025: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons

    March 2025: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has acquired a 340-acre conservation easement on a working ranch near the town of Lyons. The easement permanently protects critical wildlife habitat along the St. Vrain Creek corridor and preserves agricultural land from future development while keeping the property in private ownership.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $408,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    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 2372 county employees across 43 departments and offices.

    What You Need to Know

    The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Erie and the intersection with Left Hand Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 7 months.

    The Parks & Open Space processed over 9,849 applications last year, with an average processing time of 8 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Contact Information

    According to Amanda Foster, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 77% more residents in 2025 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.

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Parks & Open Space at (303) 441-8904 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Update: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 (2024)

    Update: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 (2024)

    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.

    According to Diana Orozco, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 41% 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,” Diana Orozco said.

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Planning & Permitting at (303) 441-8387 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    What You Need to Know

    The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Lyons and the intersection with Sunshine Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

    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.

    Background

    Water quality monitoring at 17 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Community Planning & Permitting publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    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: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review (2025)

    Update: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review (2025)

    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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 23 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $255,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Next Steps

    The application deadline is May 3, 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 8 business days.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Community Planning & Permitting, 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.

    What You Need to Know

    Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Planning & Permitting at (303) 441-4432 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    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 $83,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — April 2024

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — April 2024

    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.

    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.

    Funding of $259,000 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.

    Contact Information

    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 Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,548 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    How to Participate

    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.