Category: Safety & Law

Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — December 2026

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office invites residents to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4. Community events will be held in neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Boulder County featuring safety demonstrations, K-9 unit appearances, crime prevention information, and family-friendly activities.

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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $218,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

How to Participate

The Anne U. White open space property encompasses 2,444 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.

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.

Community Impact

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 32% of properties in the Longmont 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.

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 $97,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

July 2024: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

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.

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.

Background

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

The Assessor’s Office processed over 6,670 applications last year, with an average processing time of 3 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Timeline

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 24% of properties in the Nederland 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.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 45% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — Follow-Up Report

Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

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.

A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Friday, May 22 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

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.

Volunteers contributed over 1,715 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 20 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Timeline

The project includes improvements along Arapahoe Road between Lafayette and the intersection with Nelson Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2026 with completion expected within 6 months.

Funding of $143,000 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.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — Follow-Up Report

Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 1,529 acres and features 13 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

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 2039 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

Next Steps

Safety data from the Louisville area shows 37 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 14% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Sunshine Canyon Drive 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 $329,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Related Programs

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 74% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 6 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Sunshine Canyon Community Briefing: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office invites residents to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4. Community events will be held in neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Boulder County featuring safety demonstrations, K-9 unit appearances, crime prevention information, and family-friendly activities.

The Transportation processed over 5,087 applications last year, with an average processing time of 21 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Water quality monitoring at 13 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.

Related Programs

For questions about this program, contact Emily Chen at Transportation: (303) 441-2703 or email [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.

The Anne U. White open space property encompasses 395 acres and features 8 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Update: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County (2026)

Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 664 affordable housing units since its inception, with 108 additional units in the development pipeline.

Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-8002 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Eligibility

A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Friday, May 22 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.

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

Related Programs

The Longmont Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,105 seniors participated in center programs last year.

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

Update: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 (2024)

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the 2026 Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Program. Grants fund equipment, training, and trail safety improvements for volunteer search and rescue teams and trail patrol organizations operating in Boulder County.

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 88% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,204 responses from residents across the county.

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

Timeline

For questions about this program, contact Robert Kim at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-8051 or email Resource [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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $6,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Eligibility

According to Robert Kim, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 88% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Robert Kim said.

Environmental review of the project area near CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway found 5 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Resource Conservation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County Near Niwot

Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

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.

The Assessor’s Office processed over 10,958 applications last year, with an average processing time of 18 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Timeline

For questions about this program, contact Robert Kim at Assessor’s Office: (303) 441-9960 or email Assessor’s [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.

Water quality monitoring at 11 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Assessor’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Resources

Volunteers contributed over 9,802 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 17 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — Hygiene Area

The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

According to Amanda Foster, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 42% 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,” Amanda Foster said.

The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Niwot and the intersection with Left Hand Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 16 months.

Contact Information

A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Sunday, June 7 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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $110,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — Allenspark Area

The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

Volunteers contributed over 2,152 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 22 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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.

Contact Information

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 94% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

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 1852 county employees across 50 departments and offices.

Community Impact

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.