Category: Environment & Sustainability

September: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

Boulder County has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to install electric vehicle charging stations at county facilities and public trailheads. The project will add 40 Level 2 chargers and 8 DC fast chargers at 12 locations across the county, with priority given to underserved communities.

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 986 affordable housing units since its inception, with 184 additional units in the development pipeline.

Timeline

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 Public Works publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

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

Safety data from the Erie area shows 16 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 23% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Flagstaff Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

For questions about this program, contact Amanda Foster at Public Works: (303) 441-3301 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 Erie office without an appointment.

Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — August 2024

Boulder County has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to install electric vehicle charging stations at county facilities and public trailheads. The project will add 40 Level 2 chargers and 8 DC fast chargers at 12 locations across the county, with priority given to underserved communities.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $457,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

The Assessor’s Office processed over 9,765 applications last year, with an average processing time of 15 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Resources

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.

A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Friday, April 17 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.

Background

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 $77,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The project includes improvements along Sunshine Canyon Drive between Superior and the intersection with SH-119 Diagonal Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — Follow-Up Report

Boulder County’s Resource Conservation Division has awarded $50,000 in grants to five local organizations through the 2026 Circular Economy Fund. Recipients include projects focused on food waste reduction, textile reuse, construction material salvage, and community repair events.

A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Friday, May 29 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.

Environmental review of the project area near Arapahoe Road found 11 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Next Steps

According to Emily Chen, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 55% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” Emily Chen said.

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 Clerk & Recorder publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Contact Information

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.

The project includes improvements along Arapahoe Road between Boulder and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Near Lafayette

Boulder County has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to install electric vehicle charging stations at county facilities and public trailheads. The project will add 40 Level 2 chargers and 8 DC fast chargers at 12 locations across the county, with priority given to underserved communities.

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 61% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,990 responses from residents across the county.

The Sheriff’s Office processed over 2,511 applications last year, with an average processing time of 19 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Timeline

Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 10 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sheriff’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

The Coalton Trail open space property encompasses 639 acres and features 4 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

Funding of $86,000 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.

Water quality monitoring at 15 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.

Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — Jamestown Area

The February edition of the Boulder County Resource Conservation newsletter features updates on the 2026 composting grant program, tips for reducing food waste at home, upcoming zero waste events, and a spotlight on local businesses achieving zero waste certification.

Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience at (303) 441-9468 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $262,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Resources

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 28% 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.

A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Thursday, April 16 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.

What You Need to Know

According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, this program served 54% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Jennifer Walsh said.

November 2024: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

The February edition of the Boulder County Resource Conservation newsletter features updates on the 2026 composting grant program, tips for reducing food waste at home, upcoming zero waste events, and a spotlight on local businesses achieving zero waste certification.

The project includes improvements along Sunshine Canyon Drive between Lyons and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

According to Amanda Foster, director of Transportation, this program served 65% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” Amanda Foster said.

Resources

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 15 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

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 7,436 responses from residents across the county.

Contact Information

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.

The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 1,940 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.

July 2026: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

Boulder County’s Wildfire Partners program is accepting registrations for the 2026 community chipping season. Residents in the wildland-urban interface can have tree limbs, brush, and other woody debris chipped at no cost. Last year the program processed over 2,400 loads of material from 1,100 properties across the county.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 24% 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.

A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Friday, June 5 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

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 $77,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

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.

What You Need to Know

For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Sheriff’s Office: (303) 441-5336 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 Boulder office without an appointment.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 243 affordable housing units since its inception, with 183 additional units in the development pipeline.

Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — Follow-Up Report

The February edition of the Boulder County Resource Conservation newsletter features updates on the 2026 composting grant program, tips for reducing food waste at home, upcoming zero waste events, and a spotlight on local businesses achieving zero waste certification.

The Public Health processed over 8,430 applications last year, with an average processing time of 12 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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 $67,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility

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.

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

Boulder Community Briefing: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

The February edition of the Boulder County Resource Conservation newsletter features updates on the 2026 composting grant program, tips for reducing food waste at home, upcoming zero waste events, and a spotlight on local businesses achieving zero waste certification.

For questions about this program, contact Jennifer Walsh at Parks & Open Space: (303) 441-2091 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 Lyons office without an appointment.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 500 affordable housing units since its inception, with 80 additional units in the development pipeline.

What You Need to Know

Safety data from the Lyons area shows 29 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 21% 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.

The Caribou Ranch open space property encompasses 1,431 acres and features 14 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Resources

The project includes improvements along Arapahoe Road between Lyons and the intersection with Coal Creek Canyon Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

Water quality monitoring at 8 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Parks & Open Space publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Update: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (2026)

Boulder County has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to install electric vehicle charging stations at county facilities and public trailheads. The project will add 40 Level 2 chargers and 8 DC fast chargers at 12 locations across the county, with priority given to underserved communities.

A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Wednesday, May 27 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.

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.

Community Impact

According to Brian Nakamura, director of Transportation, this program served 39% 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,” Brian Nakamura said.

Volunteers contributed over 10,387 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 7 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Contact Information

The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 1,228 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.

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 Transportation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.