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  • Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — Follow-Up Report

    Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Tuesday, May 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.

    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.

    Eligibility

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $264,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 11 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Nederland Community Briefing: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons

    Nederland Community Briefing: 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.

    According to Rachel Stein, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 25% 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,” Rachel Stein 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 2170 county employees across 40 departments and offices.

    Related Programs

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 12,934 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 6 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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

    May: 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.

    The application deadline is April 26, 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 Sarah Mitchell, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 18% 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,” Sarah Mitchell said.

    Details

    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 $40,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 29% 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.

    Community Impact

    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 Community Planning & Permitting processed over 9,243 applications last year, with an average processing time of 21 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Follow-Up Report

    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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 11 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    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.

    Details

    Water quality monitoring at 19 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Clerk & Recorder 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.

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

    May: 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,345 affordable housing units since its inception, with 246 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Safety data from the Boulder area shows 31 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 28% 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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 1820 county employees across 40 departments and offices.

    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.

  • $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — Follow-Up Report

    $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — Follow-Up Report

    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 June 6 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Water quality monitoring at 11 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Assessor’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Timeline

    According to Amanda Foster, director of Assessor’s Office, this program served 79% 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,” Amanda Foster said.

    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) 441-7107 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Background

    Funding of $384,000 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 79% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • Longmont Community Briefing: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move

    Longmont Community Briefing: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move

    The Boulder County Assessor’s Office reminds qualifying seniors that Colorado’s property tax exemption portability provision allows them to transfer their exemption to a new primary residence within the county. Seniors who have moved should contact the Assessor’s Office to ensure their exemption transfers correctly.

    The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Niwot and the intersection with Arapahoe Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 20% of properties in the Niwot 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.

    Community Impact

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-5631 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 28% 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

    The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,039 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • November 2024: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

    November 2024: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

    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.

    The Area Agency on Aging processed over 1,404 applications last year, with an average processing time of 11 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,485 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Background

    For questions about this program, contact Jennifer Walsh at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-4811 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 Niwot office without an appointment.

    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 17 business days.

    Timeline

    The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 872 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.

  • Update: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects (2024)

    Update: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects (2024)

    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.

    Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 45 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 6% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-119 Diagonal Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    According to Lisa Patel, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 89% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Lisa Patel said.

    Eligibility

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 21% of properties in the Gunbarrel 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Lisa Patel at Sheriff’s Office: (303) 441-5821 or email Sheriff’s [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Gunbarrel office without an appointment.

  • Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — Follow-Up Report

    Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Works at (303) 441-7553 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    According to Kevin Larsen, director of Public Works, this program served 77% 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,” Kevin Larsen said.

    Next Steps

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway found 6 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Details

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,105 affordable housing units since its inception, with 266 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $138,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.