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  • Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Hygiene

    Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Hygiene

    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.

    The Housing & Human Services processed over 6,401 applications last year, with an average processing time of 18 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    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.

    Resources

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-7 / Ute Highway found 5 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Housing & Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 1,411 acres and features 7 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Community Impact

    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.

  • Update: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move (2024)

    Update: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move (2024)

    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 Public Health processed over 2,569 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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

    Resources

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Thursday, April 23 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 15 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Public Health publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Timeline

    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 $42,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Update: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (2025)

    Update: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (2025)

    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 Community Justice Services processed over 863 applications last year, with an average processing time of 21 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 84% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,567 responses from residents across the county.

    Details

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 84% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    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.

    Related Programs

    According to Robert Kim, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 84% more residents in 2024 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.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $62,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway — Allenspark Area

    Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway — Allenspark Area

    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.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 84% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,181 responses from residents across the county.

    The application deadline is May 30, 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 15 business days.

    Background

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $42,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Longmont and the intersection with CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 7 months.

  • January: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    January: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    The Board of County Commissioners has approved amendments to the Boulder County Land Use Code to streamline the process for building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on residential properties in unincorporated areas. Changes include reduced setback requirements, simplified design standards, and by-right approval for units under 800 square feet.

    The Clerk & Recorder processed over 8,939 applications last year, with an average processing time of 14 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 38 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 19% 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.

    Background

    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 2150 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

    Funding of $229,000 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

    Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-2777 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Update: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt (2025)

    Update: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt (2025)

    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 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 8 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Resources

    For questions about this program, contact Maria Gonzalez at Human Services: (303) 441-4525 or email Human [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Longmont office without an appointment.

    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 1842 county employees across 41 departments and offices.

    Background

    Volunteers contributed over 7,543 hours to this program last year. The Human Services coordinates with 13 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 9 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — Eldora Area

    New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — Eldora Area

    Boulder County Housing & Human Services announces a new funding opportunity for projects that create or preserve affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities. Up to $500,000 is available for capital improvements, accessibility modifications, and supportive housing development. Applications are due May 1.

    Funding of $241,000 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.

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 11 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 12% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Flagstaff Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    What You Need to Know

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

    A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Tuesday, May 5 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.

    Background

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,647 affordable housing units since its inception, with 255 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 20% 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.

  • Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month Near Jamestown

    Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month Near Jamestown

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 61% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The application deadline is May 19, 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 5 business days.

    Contact Information

    Water quality monitoring at 10 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Sheriff’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The Sheriff’s Office processed over 11,438 applications last year, with an average processing time of 17 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Background

    Safety data from the Boulder area shows 29 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 26% 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.

  • Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Jamestown Area

    Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Jamestown Area

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Saturday, May 2 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 Betasso Preserve open space property encompasses 2,305 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.

    What You Need to Know

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

    Funding of $452,000 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.

  • September: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    September: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    The Board of County Commissioners has approved amendments to the Boulder County Land Use Code to streamline the process for building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on residential properties in unincorporated areas. Changes include reduced setback requirements, simplified design standards, and by-right approval for units under 800 square feet.

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 5 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 17% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    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.

    Contact Information

    The application deadline is June 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 6 business days.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Housing & Human Services, 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.

    Eligibility

    The Housing & Human Services processed over 8,586 applications last year, with an average processing time of 7 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.