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

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

    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.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 13% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,750 responses from residents across the county.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 13% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    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 2330 county employees across 46 departments and offices.

    The project includes improvements along Sunshine Canyon Drive between Lafayette and the intersection with SH-119 Diagonal Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Environmental review of the project area near Sunshine Canyon Drive found 4 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Assessor’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — Follow-Up Report

    Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — Follow-Up Report

    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 Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 2,066 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20% 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 Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Assessor’s Office at (303) 441-1864 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Volunteers contributed over 13,539 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 16 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Allenspark

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Allenspark

    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.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Public Health, 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 $393,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Community Impact

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 30% 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 13 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Public Health publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The application deadline is July 27, 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 25 business days.

  • Lyons Community Briefing: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds

    Lyons 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.

    Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-5297 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 33% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,961 responses from residents across the county.

    Resources

    The application deadline is June 21, 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.

    According to Carlos Rivera, director of Human Services, this program served 33% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” Carlos Rivera said.

  • November 2026: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway

    November 2026: 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,675 affordable housing units since its inception, with 108 additional units in the development pipeline.

    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 Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Eligibility

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 83% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,037 responses from residents across the county.

    Volunteers contributed over 14,926 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 23 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • September: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    September: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    Boulder County has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to install electric vehicle charging stations at county facilities and public trailheads. The project will add 40 Level 2 chargers and 8 DC fast chargers at 12 locations across the county, with priority given to underserved communities.

    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 April 30 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Details

    The Community Justice Services processed over 965 applications last year, with an average processing time of 19 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 83% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,682 responses from residents across the county.

    Timeline

    The application deadline is July 16, 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 9 business days.

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — December 2024

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — December 2024

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Sunshine Canyon Drive found 7 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    For questions about this program, contact Jennifer Walsh at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-7977 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.

    What You Need to Know

    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.

    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.

  • September: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment

    September: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $479,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-2347 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.

    Eligibility

    Water quality monitoring at 12 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Area Agency on Aging publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    According to Kevin Larsen, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 53% 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,” Kevin Larsen said.

    Community Impact

    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 $108,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Boulder and the intersection with Flagstaff Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

  • Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — December 2026

    Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — December 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 Human Services processed over 5,070 applications last year, with an average processing time of 10 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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

    Community Impact

    According to Rachel Stein, director of Human Services, this program served 60% 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,” Rachel Stein said.

    The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,618 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • September: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects

    September: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects

    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.

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

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 33% 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

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 80% 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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 31% of properties in the Longmont 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.

    Next Steps

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $292,000, 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 1861 county employees across 50 departments and offices.