Category: Environment & Sustainability

Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations Near Gold Hill

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.

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 2281 county employees across 43 departments and offices.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Safety data from the Erie area shows 37 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 7% 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.

The application deadline is June 26, 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 11 business days.

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.

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 1912 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

For questions about this program, contact Michael Kowalski at Housing & Human Services: (303) 441-1692 or email Housing & Human [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.

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

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 4,964 responses from residents across the county.

Eligibility

Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-1692 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — December 2024

Boulder County residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste including paint, solvents, pesticides, batteries, and electronics at a free collection event on Saturday, April 19 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. No appointment is necessary. Commercial waste is not accepted.

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) 441-1955 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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

How to Participate

Safety data from the Niwot area shows 5 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 5% 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.

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.

Background

Funding of $392,000 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.

Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

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.

The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 187 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.

Volunteers contributed over 7,539 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 18 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

How to Participate

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.

A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Thursday, May 14 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

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 13 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

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 30% 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.

The project includes improvements along South Boulder Road between Niwot and the intersection with CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 10 months.

Related Programs

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 14 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 South Boulder Road found 5 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Planning & Permitting worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

May: 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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $184,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 19% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

What You Need to Know

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.

Funding of $184,000 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.

Next Steps

Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-1578 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 30 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 10% 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 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.

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 29% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,932 responses from residents across the county.

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.

Eligibility

Water quality monitoring at 15 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.

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.

Eldora 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.

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 1964 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

Environmental review of the project area near CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway found 10 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Planning & Permitting worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Background

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.

Funding of $314,000 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.

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.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 30 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Update: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (2025)

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.

Safety data from the Erie area shows 5 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 10% 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.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 26 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

What You Need to Know

A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Tuesday, April 14 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 63rd Street found 4 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

For questions about this program, contact Amanda Foster at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-4827 or email Sustainability, Climate Action & [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.

Volunteers contributed over 639 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 25 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Update: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter (2025)

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 Sarah Mitchell at Parks & Open Space: (303) 441-6563 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 Lafayette 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 2026, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

Timeline

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 49% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,791 affordable housing units since its inception, with 259 additional units in the development pipeline.

What You Need to Know

The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,899 seniors participated in center programs last year.