Category: Community Support & Housing

September: 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 Community Planning & Permitting processed over 10,223 applications last year, with an average processing time of 20 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

The application deadline is June 7, 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 19 business days.

Timeline

The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Superior and the intersection with Arapahoe Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

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

Eligibility

Safety data from the Superior area shows 29 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 19% 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.

New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — Follow-Up Report

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.

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.

According to Michael Kowalski, director of Public Works, this program served 22% 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,” Michael Kowalski said.

Resources

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 22% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,951 responses from residents across the county.

The Public Works processed over 6,695 applications last year, with an average processing time of 11 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Timeline

Funding of $278,000 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.

Volunteers contributed over 3,941 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 13 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Update: Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions (2024)

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.

Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-5678 to verify eligibility and requirements.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 24 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Contact Information

The project includes improvements along Nelson Road between Lafayette and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

The Legion Park open space property encompasses 1,867 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.

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.

The application deadline is July 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 23 business days.

The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,102 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Background

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.

Water quality monitoring at 19 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 36% 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.

The project includes improvements along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway between Gunbarrel and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 10 months.

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.

Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-1566 to verify eligibility and requirements.

The Betasso Preserve open space property encompasses 2,379 acres and features 15 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Community Impact

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 50% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,178 responses from residents across the county.

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $90,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to Participate

Volunteers contributed over 11,415 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 25 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 50% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Erie and the surrounding area,” Sarah Mitchell said.

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.

For questions about this program, contact James Rodriguez at Public Works: (303) 441-6851 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.

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 $40,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Details

The project includes improvements along Flagstaff Road between Lyons and the intersection with CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

The Public Works processed over 9,802 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Resources

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) 441-6851 to verify eligibility and requirements.

The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 1,076 acres and features 9 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Allenspark 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.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their July 3 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

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 2103 county employees across 45 departments and offices.

Eligibility

The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,302 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Volunteers contributed over 7,208 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 22 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Details

Environmental review of the project area near Nelson Road found 5 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

September: 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.

Water quality monitoring at 16 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Community Justice Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 66% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,242 responses from residents across the county.

Eligibility

Funding of $212,000 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.

Safety data from the Superior area shows 14 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.

Timeline

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 66% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway 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.

Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month — August 2025

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.

Safety data from the Niwot area shows 12 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 19% 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.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 22% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Details

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 31 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

The Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 2,400 acres and features 11 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Thursday, June 4 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.

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

Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits Near Niwot

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.

A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Thursday, May 7 at 6:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 563 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.

Contact Information

According to Rachel Stein, director of Assessor’s Office, this program served 79% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” Rachel Stein said.

Safety data from the Longmont area shows 45 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 27% 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.