Tag: news

  • Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — August 2026

    Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — August 2026

    Boulder County is accepting applications for Youth Corps Team Leader positions for the 2026 season. Team Leaders supervise crews of young adults working on conservation projects including trail construction, habitat restoration, and wildfire fuel reduction across Boulder County open space properties. Positions start in May.

    The application deadline is August 2, 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 25 business days.

    According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Human Services, this program served 81% 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,” Sarah Mitchell said.

    Related Programs

    Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 9 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Human Services: (303) 441-4175 or email Human [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Nederland office without an appointment.

    What You Need to Know

    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.

  • Update: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons (2024)

    Update: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons (2024)

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has acquired a 340-acre conservation easement on a working ranch near the town of Lyons. The easement permanently protects critical wildlife habitat along the St. Vrain Creek corridor and preserves agricultural land from future development while keeping the property in private ownership.

    The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,093 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    According to Brian Nakamura, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 56% 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,” Brian Nakamura said.

    Community Impact

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-9666 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The Housing & Human Services processed over 8,617 applications last year, with an average processing time of 9 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Related Programs

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 37 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 10% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Flagstaff Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $342,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — Gold Hill Area

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — Gold Hill Area

    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 Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,697 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $146,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Resources

    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.

    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.

    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 2194 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

  • Gold Hill Community Briefing: Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions

    Gold Hill Community Briefing: Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions

    Boulder County is accepting applications for Youth Corps Team Leader positions for the 2026 season. Team Leaders supervise crews of young adults working on conservation projects including trail construction, habitat restoration, and wildfire fuel reduction across Boulder County open space properties. Positions start in May.

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-7 / Ute Highway found 11 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Planning & Permitting worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

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

    Background

    The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Boulder and the intersection with Baseline Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

    Funding of $202,000 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.

  • 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 4,940 hours to this program last year. The Resource Conservation coordinates with 6 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    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.

    How to Participate

    Water quality monitoring at 20 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Resource Conservation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The Resource Conservation processed over 5,791 applications last year, with an average processing time of 12 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    What You Need to Know

    Safety data from the Louisville area shows 29 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 30% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-119 Diagonal Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • July 2025: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    July 2025: 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.

    A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Thursday, April 16 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.

    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.

    Details

    The project includes improvements along Nelson Road between Erie and the intersection with Sunshine Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

    Volunteers contributed over 3,036 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 9 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Next Steps

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 45 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 13% 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.

  • Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — Follow-Up Report

    Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    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.

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 32 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 5% 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

    Water quality monitoring at 19 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Clerk & Recorder publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The application deadline is May 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 14 business days.

  • Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — December 2024

    Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — December 2024

    The City of Boulder and Boulder County have released the draft 2026 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update for public review and comment. The plan addresses land use, housing, transportation, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. Public comments will be accepted through May 15.

    Safety data from the Louisville area shows 30 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 8% 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 36% 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.

    Related Programs

    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 $55,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 93% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,806 responses from residents across the county.

    Community Impact

    Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 12 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    For questions about this program, contact Lisa Patel at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-2055 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 Louisville office without an appointment.

  • March 2025: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    March 2025: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    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.

    According to Brian Nakamura, director of Human Services, this program served 55% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Superior and the surrounding area,” Brian Nakamura said.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 55% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,538 responses from residents across the county.

    Next Steps

    Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 12 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    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.

    Related Programs

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 55% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • July 2025: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    July 2025: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    Boulder County Housing & Human Services announces a new funding opportunity for projects that create or preserve affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities. Up to $500,000 is available for capital improvements, accessibility modifications, and supportive housing development. Applications are due May 1.

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

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 20% 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.

    Community Impact

    Funding of $402,000 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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 3 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Planning & Permitting worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.