Category: Public Health

  • Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — Follow-Up Report

    Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    The Coalton Trail open space property encompasses 2,263 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.

    The application deadline is July 4, 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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 $117,000 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 2025, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    Community Impact

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

  • Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — April 2025

    Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — April 2025

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 957 affordable housing units since its inception, with 98 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 14 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 6% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Nelson Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The application deadline is July 10, 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.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 18% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,795 responses from residents across the county.

  • Gold Hill Community Briefing: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    Gold Hill Community Briefing: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 70% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $46,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 18% of properties in the Lafayette 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.

    Background

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 784 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Funding of $324,000 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.

  • September: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    September: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    The application deadline is July 21, 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 27 business days.

    According to Kevin Larsen, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 53% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” Kevin Larsen said.

    Background

    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.

    Funding of $17,000 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.

  • Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Hygiene

    Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Hygiene

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 92% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The Transportation processed over 9,698 applications last year, with an average processing time of 21 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Next Steps

    A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Friday, May 15 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.

    Timeline

    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.

    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 1963 county employees across 36 departments and offices.

  • Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — Follow-Up Report

    Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 2,043 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 2198 county employees across 44 departments and offices.

    Background

    According to Lisa Patel, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 73% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Nederland and the surrounding area,” Lisa Patel said.

    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.

  • Eldorado Springs Community Briefing: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    Eldorado Springs Community Briefing: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 21% 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 616 affordable housing units since its inception, with 112 additional units in the development pipeline.

    How to Participate

    The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,311 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    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 2060 county employees across 48 departments and offices.

    Eligibility

    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.

  • Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Louisville

    Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Louisville

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 397 affordable housing units since its inception, with 160 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 84% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $471,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 84% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,327 responses from residents across the county.

  • Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — December 2024

    Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — December 2024

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,627 affordable housing units since its inception, with 100 additional units in the development pipeline.

    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.

    What You Need to Know

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $269,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 22% 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.

    Community Impact

    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.

    Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-5223 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — December 2024

    Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — December 2024

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,979 affordable housing units since its inception, with 91 additional units in the development pipeline.

    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.

    Next Steps

    Water quality monitoring at 20 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Public Health publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 34% 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.

    Eligibility

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 27 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 23% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Nelson Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    The application deadline is June 12, 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 15 business days.