Category: Community Support & Housing

Update: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities (2024)

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.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 15% 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.

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.

How to Participate

The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,564 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $146,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

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.

Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections — Follow-Up Report

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.

Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Works at (303) 441-2984 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Water quality monitoring at 10 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Public Works publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Related Programs

The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,646 seniors participated in center programs last year.

For questions about this program, contact Robert Kim at Public Works: (303) 441-2984 or email Public [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.

Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections

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.

Volunteers contributed over 9,221 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 18 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Friday, May 15 at 7:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

What You Need to Know

Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 12 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Health worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

The Coalton Trail open space property encompasses 288 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.

Next Steps

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.

September: Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions

Boulder County is accepting applications for Youth Corps Team Leader positions for the 2026 season. Team Leaders supervise crews of young adults working on conservation projects including trail construction, habitat restoration, and wildfire fuel reduction across Boulder County open space properties. Positions start in May.

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 2078 county employees across 40 departments and offices.

The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 910 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Next Steps

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 69% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,138 responses from residents across the county.

The project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Erie and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

How to Participate

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.

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.

$6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects Near Fourmile Canyon

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 application deadline is May 5, 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 29 business days.

The Assessor’s Office processed over 8,980 applications last year, with an average processing time of 11 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

How to Participate

Volunteers contributed over 3,665 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 18 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Assessor’s Office: (303) 441-5873 or email Assessor’s [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lafayette office without an appointment.

New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — August 2026

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.

According to Kevin Larsen, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 14% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Kevin Larsen said.

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

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.

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.

Related Programs

Water quality monitoring at 15 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Housing & Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

The project includes improvements along Left Hand Canyon Drive between Niwot and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 9 months.

July 2025: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

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.

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.

The Clerk & Recorder processed over 5,234 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.

Background

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.

Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 53% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,297 responses from residents across the county.

Eligibility

Volunteers contributed over 5,391 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 25 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Update: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects (2025)

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 Gunbarrel 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 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 951 affordable housing units since its inception, with 271 additional units in the development pipeline.

Contact Information

Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 34 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 23% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Left Hand Canyon Drive and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,235 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Details

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 19 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 15% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — Superior Area

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.

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 65% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,898 responses from residents across the county.

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

Contact Information

For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-9691 or email Sustainability, Climate Action & [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Louisville office without an appointment.

The project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Louisville and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

Next Steps

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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,427 affordable housing units since its inception, with 150 additional units in the development pipeline.