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  • January: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

    January: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

    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.

    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 $59,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 61% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,975 responses from residents across the county.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 1,283 acres and features 6 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    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.

    Eligibility

    Funding of $474,000 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.

    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 2035 county employees across 46 departments and offices.

  • May: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    May: 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 application deadline is April 28, 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 6 business days.

    The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,007 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    What You Need to Know

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $433,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,640 affordable housing units since its inception, with 293 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Update: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills (2026)

    Update: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills (2026)

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Emily Chen at Community Planning & Permitting: (303) 441-1890 or email Community Planning & [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.

    Water quality monitoring at 13 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Community Planning & Permitting publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Details

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 1 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    The Community Planning & Permitting processed over 3,306 applications last year, with an average processing time of 18 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Next Steps

    According to Emily Chen, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 39% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” Emily Chen said.

    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 2347 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

  • Update: Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month (2024)

    Update: Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month (2024)

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed March 2026 as Women’s History Month, recognizing the contributions of women leaders, activists, and community builders throughout Boulder County’s history. Special events and exhibitions will be held at libraries and community centers throughout the month.

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

    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.

    Community Impact

    A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Saturday, April 25 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.

    The Public Health processed over 2,174 applications last year, with an average processing time of 13 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — Ward Area

    Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — Ward Area

    Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting has launched an updated online building permit portal with improved search functionality, real-time status tracking, and mobile-friendly document uploads. The new system reduces average permit review times by 15% and allows applicants to schedule inspections online.

    The project includes improvements along South Boulder Road between Louisville and the intersection with Sunshine Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

    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 $100,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Background

    The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,678 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,428 affordable housing units since its inception, with 124 additional units in the development pipeline.

    What You Need to Know

    Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-8697 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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

    Jamestown 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.

    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 2112 county employees across 38 departments and offices.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,985 affordable housing units since its inception, with 74 additional units in the development pipeline.

    What You Need to Know

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

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $62,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Follow-Up Report

    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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 28 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

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

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $290,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections Near Longmont

    Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections Near Longmont

    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 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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 16 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Resources

    A community information session will be held at the Nederland library on Monday, May 18 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 Nederland Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,491 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 25% 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.

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

    What You Need to Know

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-9668 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    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.

  • Update: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway (2024)

    Update: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway (2024)

    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 13,840 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 8 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 65% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,070 responses from residents across the county.

    Community Impact

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Public Works, 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 Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,176 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The application deadline is July 29, 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 19 business days.