Category: Community Support & Housing

March 2024: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits

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.

According to Kevin Larsen, director of Human Services, this program served 55% 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.

Volunteers contributed over 12,388 hours to this program last year. The Human Services coordinates with 13 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

What You Need to Know

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

The Human Services processed over 11,753 applications last year, with an average processing time of 5 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Update: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities (2025)

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.

Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-7862 to verify eligibility and requirements.

According to Michael Kowalski, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 39% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Superior and the surrounding area,” Michael Kowalski said.

Next Steps

The Area Agency on Aging processed over 5,673 applications last year, with an average processing time of 3 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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 2311 county employees across 44 departments and offices.

Resources

The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 1,057 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.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 8 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Superior Community Briefing: $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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $327,000, 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 May 14 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

What You Need to Know

Safety data from the Longmont area shows 7 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 28% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along 75th Street and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

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 2025, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

May: $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.

Volunteers contributed over 8,751 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 13 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 1,032 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.

What You Need to Know

The Area Agency on Aging processed over 10,835 applications last year, with an average processing time of 15 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 63% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,134 responses from residents across the county.

Contact Information

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 37% 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.

According to Diana Orozco, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 63% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Diana Orozco said.

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.

The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,412 seniors participated in center programs last year.

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.

Next Steps

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.

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Area Agency on Aging, 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.

Background

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $21,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

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 Area Agency on Aging publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

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.

The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,194 seniors participated in center programs last year.

According to Diana Orozco, director of Assessor’s Office, this program served 82% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Louisville and the surrounding area,” Diana Orozco said.

Frequently Asked Questions

Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 82% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,473 responses from residents across the county.

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Assessor’s Office, 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.

Contact Information

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 25 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Ward Community Briefing: 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.

For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Clerk & Recorder: (303) 441-8557 or email Clerk & [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 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.

Related Programs

The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,400 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 8 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Community Impact

A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Monday, April 20 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.

Louisville Community Briefing: 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.

Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 28 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 6% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Baseline Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 9 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sheriff’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Community Impact

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 37% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Funding of $470,000 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.

Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections Near Jamestown

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.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 27% 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.

Funding of $464,000 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.

Related Programs

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 12 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 9 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Planning & Permitting worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

What You Need to Know

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 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 583 affordable housing units since its inception, with 250 additional units in the development pipeline.

Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — August 2026

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.

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Public Works, 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.

Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Works at (303) 441-1220 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Eligibility

For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Public Works: (303) 441-1220 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 Lyons office without an appointment.

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.

Background

The application deadline is June 15, 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 9 business days.

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.