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  • Hygiene Community Briefing: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    Hygiene Community Briefing: 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.

    The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Lyons and the intersection with Foothills Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

    According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 61% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” Sarah Mitchell said.

    What You Need to Know

    For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Housing & Human Services: (303) 441-8476 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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 23 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Update: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills (2024)

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

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Superior and the intersection with Coal Creek Canyon Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

    For questions about this program, contact Amanda Foster at Sheriff’s Office: (303) 441-4281 or email Sheriff’s [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.

    Contact Information

    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.

    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.

    Background

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 66% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    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) 441-4281 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — Jamestown Area

    Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — Jamestown Area

    The Boulder County Planning Commission has approved a rezoning request to allow construction of a 48-unit affordable housing development on Arapahoe Road near the intersection with 63rd Street. The project will provide permanently affordable rental units for households earning 30-60% of area median income.

    Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 38 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 9% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Arapahoe Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    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 2363 county employees across 48 departments and offices.

    Timeline

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 18 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 6 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Parks & Open Space worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Community Impact

    The Parks & Open Space processed over 1,204 applications last year, with an average processing time of 3 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    The project includes improvements along Arapahoe Road between Lafayette and the intersection with Left Hand Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 9 months.

  • Gold Hill Community Briefing: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

    Gold Hill Community Briefing: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has closed all trails and trailheads west of Highway 36 due to sustained winds exceeding 80 mph and extreme fire danger conditions. The closure includes all mountain parks, open space properties, and county trails in the foothills. Closures will be reassessed when wind conditions subside.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 44% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,905 responses from residents across the county.

    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 1977 county employees across 40 departments and offices.

    Background

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Assessor’s Office at (303) 441-9487 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Environmental review of the project area near South Boulder Road found 8 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Assessor’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — December 2025

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — December 2025

    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.

    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 application deadline is July 13, 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.

    Eligibility

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $144,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    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.

  • Sunshine Canyon Community Briefing: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    Sunshine Canyon Community Briefing: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    Boulder County’s Wildfire Partners program is accepting registrations for the 2026 community chipping season. Residents in the wildland-urban interface can have tree limbs, brush, and other woody debris chipped at no cost. Last year the program processed over 2,400 loads of material from 1,100 properties across the county.

    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 2489 county employees across 44 departments and offices.

    The Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 2,241 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.

    Community Impact

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 42 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 16% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Sunshine Canyon Drive and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 53% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Background

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 17 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Volunteers contributed over 3,679 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 9 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits Near Lyons

    Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits Near Lyons

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 36% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 14 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    How to Participate

    Funding of $45,000 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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $45,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • 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.

    The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 1,520 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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 3 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Health worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Related Programs

    According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Public Health, this program served 35% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Louisville and the surrounding area,” Sarah Mitchell said.

    Safety data from the Louisville area shows 39 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 28% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Baseline Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • Update: Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month (2024)

    Update: Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month (2024)

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed March 2026 as Women’s History Month, recognizing the contributions of women leaders, activists, and community builders throughout Boulder County’s history. Special events and exhibitions will be held at libraries and community centers throughout the month.

    The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,041 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-9058 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Details

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 963 affordable housing units since its inception, with 250 additional units in the development pipeline.

    The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Boulder and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

    Contact Information

    For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Sheriff’s Office: (303) 441-9058 or email Sheriff’s [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Boulder office without an appointment.

    Water quality monitoring at 15 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Sheriff’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • Update: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities (2024)

    Update: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities (2024)

    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.

    According to Rachel Stein, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 64% 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,” Rachel Stein said.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 64% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Eligibility

    For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Community Planning & Permitting: (303) 441-7672 or email Community Planning & [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Boulder office without an appointment.

    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 2270 county employees across 35 departments and offices.

    How to Participate

    Volunteers contributed over 538 hours to this program last year. The Community Planning & Permitting coordinates with 9 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 Boulder and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.