Category: Public Health

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.

According to Emily Chen, director of Public Works, this program served 90% 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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 746 affordable housing units since its inception, with 175 additional units in the development pipeline.

Next Steps

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.

Volunteers contributed over 9,559 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 18 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Community Impact

Environmental review of the project area near Nelson Road found 4 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

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.

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.

The project includes improvements along Left Hand Canyon Drive between Gunbarrel and the intersection with Baseline Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

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

Details

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.

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

Next Steps

Volunteers contributed over 2,960 hours to this program last year. The Sheriff’s Office coordinates with 11 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 46% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Update: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills (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.

Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 69% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,961 responses from residents across the county.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 4 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Community Impact

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $401,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

The project includes improvements along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway between Louisville and the intersection with Foothills Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

January: 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.

Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 15 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 18% 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.

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

How to Participate

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.

Funding of $238,000 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.

Contact Information

Volunteers contributed over 906 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 20 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $238,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

May: 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.

For questions about this program, contact Maria Gonzalez at Public Works: (303) 441-9555 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 Gunbarrel office without an appointment.

A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Saturday, April 25 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.

Contact Information

The Public Works processed over 10,530 applications last year, with an average processing time of 18 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,798 affordable housing units since its inception, with 293 additional units in the development pipeline.

What You Need to Know

According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Public Works, this program served 69% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Maria Gonzalez said.

Funding of $173,000 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.

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.

Volunteers contributed over 6,606 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 17 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.

Background

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

The project includes improvements along Coal Creek Canyon Road between Nederland and the intersection with Flagstaff Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

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.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 31% of properties in the Superior 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.

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

How to Participate

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.

The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,124 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Community Impact

Volunteers contributed over 8,381 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 20 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Superior

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.

For questions about this program, contact Emily Chen at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-1192 or email Area Agency on [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Gunbarrel office without an appointment.

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

Next Steps

The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 2,073 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.

Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-1192 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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.

Funding of $472,000 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.

Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 6 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Community Impact

The application deadline is June 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 16 business days.

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.

Eligibility

The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Gunbarrel and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

Transportation access remains a key concern. Boulder County’s Via mobility program provides door-to-door transit service for residents in Gunbarrel 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 — Lyons Area

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.

Funding of $278,000 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.

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

Next Steps

The project includes improvements along 75th Street between Louisville and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

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 2067 county employees across 37 departments and offices.

Timeline

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