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  • Longmont Community Briefing: Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election

    Longmont Community Briefing: Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election

    The registration deadline for the June 2026 Colorado Primary Election is May 25. Boulder County residents can register online at GoVoteColorado.gov, by mail, or in person at any Voter Service and Polling Center. Same-day registration is available during early voting and on Election Day with valid ID.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, 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 $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 2026 budget session.

    Related Programs

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,547 affordable housing units since its inception, with 149 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 90% 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 $392,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • July 2025: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    July 2025: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    The Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department has proposed comprehensive updates to the Land Use Code’s site plan review process. Key changes include new stormwater management requirements, updated landscape standards, enhanced wildfire mitigation provisions, and expanded public notification procedures.

    For questions about this program, contact Michael Kowalski at Parks & Open Space: (303) 441-2385 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 8,409 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 19 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    How to Participate

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Saturday, May 2 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.

    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 $62,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • 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.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $70,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Volunteers contributed over 7,655 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 21 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Community Impact

    The Anne U. White open space property encompasses 2,214 acres and features 6 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 5 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Eligibility

    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 1955 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

    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.

  • November 2024: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    November 2024: 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.

    The application deadline is April 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 20 business days.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 61% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,571 responses from residents across the county.

    Community Impact

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Longmont and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

    Water quality monitoring at 10 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Area Agency on Aging publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Details

    Funding of $227,000 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.

  • March 2025: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move

    March 2025: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move

    The Boulder County Assessor’s Office reminds qualifying seniors that Colorado’s property tax exemption portability provision allows them to transfer their exemption to a new primary residence within the county. Seniors who have moved should contact the Assessor’s Office to ensure their exemption transfers correctly.

    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 2437 county employees across 49 departments and offices.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 20 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Details

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, 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 Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,242 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Related Programs

    The Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 1,805 acres and features 10 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    A community information session will be held at the Lyons library on Sunday, May 10 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.

  • September: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    September: 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.

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 7 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 42% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Resources

    According to David Thompson, director of Transportation, this program served 42% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” David Thompson said.

    The application deadline is June 3, 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 5 business days.

  • Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment Near Nederland

    Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment Near Nederland

    The Board of County Commissioners has approved amendments to the Boulder County Land Use Code to streamline the process for building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on residential properties in unincorporated areas. Changes include reduced setback requirements, simplified design standards, and by-right approval for units under 800 square feet.

    Volunteers contributed over 880 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 19 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The application deadline is June 24, 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 8 business days.

    How to Participate

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Assessor’s Office: (303) 441-5262 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.

  • Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Sunshine Canyon

    Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Sunshine Canyon

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-7 / Ute Highway found 8 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Resource Conservation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The Resource Conservation processed over 5,748 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Timeline

    A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Saturday, May 2 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 12 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Resource Conservation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Eligibility

    According to Robert Kim, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 41% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Robert Kim said.

  • Update: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter (2025)

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 25% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The application deadline is April 28, 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 26 business days.

    Contact Information

    The project includes improvements along Nelson Road between Louisville and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

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

  • May: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work

    May: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space announces a temporary closure of the Boulder Canyon Trail between Elephant Buttresses and the Dome trailhead for rockfall mitigation work. Crews will be scaling loose rock and installing mesh netting along a 400-foot section of cliff face above the trail. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

    Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 11 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Area Agency on Aging, 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

    A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Saturday, May 23 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 33% 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

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 5 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 15% 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 16 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Area Agency on Aging publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.