Category: Community Support & Housing

Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections — August 2024

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.

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

Water quality monitoring at 14 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.

What You Need to Know

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 34% of properties in the Boulder 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 application deadline is July 3, 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.

Background

The Sheriff’s Office processed over 4,969 applications last year, with an average processing time of 10 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,998 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Fourmile Canyon Community Briefing: Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month

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.

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 2227 county employees across 43 departments and offices.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 22% of properties in the Boulder 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Safety data from the Boulder area shows 8 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 11% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Arapahoe Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Timeline

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,831 affordable housing units since its inception, with 216 additional units in the development pipeline.

March 2025: $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.

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 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 50% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,590 responses from residents across the county.

Frequently Asked Questions

The project includes improvements along Foothills Highway between Lyons and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 7 months.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 35% 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.

Next Steps

Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-8837 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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

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 Erie area shows 43 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 26% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along 63rd Street and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Volunteers contributed over 8,056 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 17 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Timeline

A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Wednesday, May 13 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.

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 $57,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Background

Water quality monitoring at 16 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.

New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities Near Fourmile Canyon

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 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.

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.

How to Participate

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 28 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

The project includes improvements along Coal Creek Canyon Road between Louisville and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 16 months.

Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections Near Pine Brook Hills

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.

Funding of $196,000 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.

The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 607 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.

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 2139 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $196,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Contact Information

The project includes improvements along Foothills Highway between Longmont and the intersection with SH-119 Diagonal Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

$6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — Eldora Area

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 project includes improvements along Coal Creek Canyon Road between Superior and the intersection with Left Hand Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

Funding of $25,000 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 2025 budget session.

Related Programs

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,397 affordable housing units since its inception, with 93 additional units in the development pipeline.

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.

How to Participate

Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 7 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Justice Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — Jamestown Area

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.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 7 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,879 affordable housing units since its inception, with 176 additional units in the development pipeline.

Eligibility

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.

The Longmont Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 547 seniors participated in center programs last year.

What You Need to Know

Water quality monitoring at 20 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.

January: $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.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 31% 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.

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.

Details

Water quality monitoring at 20 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.

Environmental review of the project area near 75th Street found 8 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

How to Participate

According to Diana Orozco, director of Clerk & Recorder, 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 Lyons and the surrounding area,” Diana Orozco said.

Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-5072 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month

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.

The application deadline is July 24, 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.

The Sheriff’s Office processed over 11,825 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.

Eligibility

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 48% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,461 responses from residents across the county.

Volunteers contributed over 14,280 hours to this program last year. The Sheriff’s Office coordinates with 21 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.