Category: Budget & Finance

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 Near Lyons

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 Near Lyons

    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 Caribou Ranch open space property encompasses 1,623 acres and features 14 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    The Nederland Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,928 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    What You Need to Know

    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 $89,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 45% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,956 responses from residents across the county.

    Related Programs

    A community information session will be held at the Nederland library on Thursday, May 28 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 Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — April 2025

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — April 2025

    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.

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 12 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 9% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-7 / Ute Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Related Programs

    For questions about this program, contact Diana Orozco at Human Services: (303) 441-4692 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 Niwot office without an appointment.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,407 affordable housing units since its inception, with 221 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Saturday, May 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.

  • 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.

    Funding of $369,000 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 Longmont area shows 13 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 19% 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.

    How to Participate

    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.

    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 $75,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • 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.

    According to Diana Orozco, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 36% 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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 12 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Housing & Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Contact Information

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 30% of properties in the Lyons 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 4,619 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • September: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026

    September: 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 3,877 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    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 $66,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    What You Need to Know

    The project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Boulder and the intersection with Left Hand Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

    The Coalton Trail open space property encompasses 377 acres and features 12 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Sunshine Canyon Area

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Sunshine Canyon Area

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Saturday, May 2 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.

    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.

    Contact Information

    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 1892 county employees across 48 departments and offices.

    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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 38 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 13% 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.

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    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.

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

    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.

    Resources

    For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Parks & Open Space: (303) 441-4391 or email Parks & Open [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.

    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.

    Details

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    According to Brian Nakamura, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 40% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” Brian Nakamura said.

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    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.

    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

    For questions about this program, contact Diana Orozco at Transportation: (303) 441-5731 or email [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Erie office without an appointment.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $289,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Hygiene Area

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Hygiene Area

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 23% of properties in the Nederland 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 County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $500,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Background

    The project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Nederland and the intersection with Nelson Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

    According to Amanda Foster, director of Transportation, this program served 20% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Nederland and the surrounding area,” Amanda Foster said.

    Timeline

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 20% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,035 responses from residents across the county.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 321 affordable housing units since its inception, with 247 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    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 Parks & Open Space publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 52% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Contact Information

    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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 591 affordable housing units since its inception, with 273 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Related Programs

    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.