Tag: news

  • Jamestown Community Briefing: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    Jamestown Community Briefing: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    Boulder County’s Resource Conservation Division has awarded $50,000 in grants to five local organizations through the 2026 Circular Economy Fund. Recipients include projects focused on food waste reduction, textile reuse, construction material salvage, and community repair events.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,183 affordable housing units since its inception, with 286 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience at (303) 441-6014 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Community Impact

    Water quality monitoring at 14 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 40% 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.

  • Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 25% 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.

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,452 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Wednesday, April 15 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 82% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Related Programs

    Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-3220 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter Near Louisville

    Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter Near Louisville

    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.

    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 $76,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The Public Health processed over 11,492 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.

    Timeline

    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 2275 county employees across 42 departments and offices.

    Volunteers contributed over 13,295 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 17 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • March 2026: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

    March 2026: 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.

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 38% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Timeline

    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.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 38% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,996 responses from residents across the county.

    Resources

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-9932 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — August 2026

    Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — August 2026

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Tuesday, June 2 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 16 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Clerk & Recorder publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Related Programs

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

    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.

    Community Impact

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 31 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

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

  • November 2025: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events

    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.

    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.

    The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 552 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.

    How to Participate

    Safety data from the Nederland area shows 10 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 19% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along South Boulder Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    The project includes improvements along South Boulder Road between Nederland and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

    Timeline

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 7 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-5859 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Lyons Community Briefing: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move

    Lyons Community Briefing: 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 9 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The project includes improvements along Flagstaff Road between Superior and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

    Details

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

    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 $113,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Next Steps

    For questions about this program, contact Michael Kowalski at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-4405 or email Sustainability, Climate Action & [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.

  • July 2025: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits

    July 2025: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits

    Boulder County Human Services has awarded $2.1 million through the Safety Net Initiative to 18 local nonprofit organizations. Funded programs provide food assistance, emergency shelter, behavioral health services, legal aid, and transportation assistance to vulnerable populations throughout Boulder County.

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 45 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 19% 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.

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

    Resources

    A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Monday, April 13 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.

    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 $85,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Details

    Funding of $451,000 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.

    The Public Works processed over 3,405 applications last year, with an average processing time of 14 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — August 2024

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — August 2024

    Boulder County is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Parks & Open Space Director. The incoming director brings over 20 years of experience in public land management and conservation. They will oversee the department’s 100,000+ acres of protected land and 150 miles of multi-use trails.

    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.

    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.

    What You Need to Know

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 40% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $85,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Saturday, May 16 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.

  • Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations Near Eldorado Springs

    Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations Near Eldorado Springs

    Boulder County’s Resource Conservation Division has awarded $50,000 in grants to five local organizations through the 2026 Circular Economy Fund. Recipients include projects focused on food waste reduction, textile reuse, construction material salvage, and community repair events.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 13% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The Legion Park open space property encompasses 1,152 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.

    Related Programs

    For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Housing & Human Services: (303) 441-7804 or email Housing & Human [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.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 13% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,312 responses from residents across the county.

    What You Need to Know

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 3 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Housing & Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.