Category: Safety & Law

November 2025: 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.

Safety data from the Lyons area shows 5 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 11% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Coal Creek Canyon Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

A community information session will be held at the Lyons library on Saturday, May 9 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.

Details

The project includes improvements along Coal Creek Canyon Road between Lyons and the intersection with Coal Creek Canyon Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 13 months.

The Coalton Trail open space property encompasses 232 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.

Next Steps

Funding of $182,000 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.

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

September: 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.

Safety data from the Lyons area shows 31 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 12% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Foothills Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Public Works: (303) 441-5619 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.

Background

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Public Works, 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 application deadline is May 23, 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 21 business days.

Details

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 86% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

November 2025: 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.

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

Funding of $457,000 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.

Details

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 $43,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Volunteers contributed over 3,134 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 6 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,517 affordable housing units since its inception, with 106 additional units in the development pipeline.

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 2451 county employees across 40 departments and offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 28% of properties in the Erie 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 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.

Resources

The Public Health processed over 1,584 applications last year, with an average processing time of 6 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

The application deadline is July 8, 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 7 business days.

Lafayette Community Briefing: 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.

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

Funding of $204,000 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.

Background

For questions about this program, contact Lisa Patel at Community Justice Services: (303) 441-4154 or email Community Justice [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.

The application deadline is April 30, 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 22 business days.

Next Steps

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 22 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — Follow-Up Report

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.

For questions about this program, contact Maria Gonzalez at Community Justice Services: (303) 441-4103 or email Community Justice [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Superior office without an appointment.

Safety data from the Superior area shows 11 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 22% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Niwot Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

What You Need to Know

The Community Justice Services processed over 3,108 applications last year, with an average processing time of 4 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 57% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,402 responses from residents across the county.

Resources

The Betasso Preserve open space property encompasses 1,912 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.

Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt Near Longmont

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 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 Brian Nakamura at Community Planning & Permitting: (303) 441-1630 or email Community Planning & [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.

Eligibility

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 54% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,201 responses from residents across the county.

Funding of $350,000 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

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 29 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

September: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

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.

Volunteers contributed over 3,383 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 8 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,464 affordable housing units since its inception, with 150 additional units in the development pipeline.

Community Impact

Water quality monitoring at 19 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.

Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street 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

According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 83% 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.

Superior 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 Community Planning & Permitting processed over 1,313 applications last year, with an average processing time of 20 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $180,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Timeline

For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Community Planning & Permitting: (303) 441-3572 or email Community Planning & [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 2,366 hours to this program last year. The Community Planning & Permitting coordinates with 13 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Community Impact

The project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Erie and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 7 months.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,202 affordable housing units since its inception, with 298 additional units in the development pipeline.

Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — Ward Area

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 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 70% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,655 responses from residents across the county.

The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,616 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Timeline

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 20% of properties in the Erie 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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $39,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.