Category: Community Support & Housing

May: 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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $101,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 40% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,354 responses from residents across the county.

What You Need to Know

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,462 affordable housing units since its inception, with 212 additional units in the development pipeline.

The Transportation processed over 10,463 applications last year, with an average processing time of 9 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Eldorado Springs Community Briefing: 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.

The project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Niwot and the intersection with SH-119 Diagonal Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-7096 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

For questions about this program, contact Jennifer Walsh at Human Services: (303) 441-7096 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.

Update: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections (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.

Volunteers contributed over 4,252 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 21 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Thursday, April 30 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.

Community Impact

According to Amanda Foster, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 85% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Amanda Foster said.

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

Environmental review of the project area near Flagstaff Road found 3 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Parks & Open Space worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 32% 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.

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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $222,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

The project includes improvements along Sunshine Canyon Drive between Niwot and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 9 months.

Details

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.

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 $82,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month — Follow-Up Report

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.

For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Parks & Open Space: (303) 441-5442 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 Nederland office without an appointment.

The project includes improvements along Foothills Highway between Nederland and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 16 months.

What You Need to Know

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 5 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

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.

Community Impact

The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 1,512 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.

May: 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.

Water quality monitoring at 9 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Community Justice Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Environmental review of the project area near Arapahoe Road found 4 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Justice Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Resources

The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 941 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Safety data from the Niwot area shows 9 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 7% 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.

Contact Information

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 $72,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Community Justice Services processed over 467 applications last year, with an average processing time of 10 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — December 2024

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 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 48% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,029 responses from residents across the county.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 26% 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.

Related Programs

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 48% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

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 $72,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Resources

A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Wednesday, June 3 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.

$6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — April 2026

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.

Funding of $78,000 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.

Water quality monitoring at 12 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Safety data from the Erie area shows 37 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 27% 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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $78,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Eligibility

The Public Health processed over 7,863 applications last year, with an average processing time of 13 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 303 affordable housing units since its inception, with 115 additional units in the development pipeline.

Water quality monitoring at 10 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Resource Conservation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Eligibility

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

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.

Timeline

The project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Lafayette and the intersection with Left Hand Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — Longmont 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 application deadline is May 4, 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 27 business days.

According to Kevin Larsen, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 29% more residents in 2026 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.

Community Impact

Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-4806 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Environmental review of the project area near Sunshine Canyon Drive found 3 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Housing & Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.