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  • Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — Lyons Area

    Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — Lyons Area

    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.

    The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,686 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    The application deadline is June 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 5 business days.

    Timeline

    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.

    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 2213 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

    Resources

    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 $94,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Jennifer Walsh at Public Works: (303) 441-5898 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 Niwot office without an appointment.

    The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,728 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Eligibility

    The Public Works processed over 3,806 applications last year, with an average processing time of 13 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 21 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 24% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along 63rd Street and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — August 2024

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — August 2024

    Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

    Volunteers contributed over 5,791 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 5 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    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.

    Background

    Transportation access remains a key concern. Boulder County’s Via mobility program provides door-to-door transit service for residents in Niwot 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 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $120,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Resources

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 32% 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.

    Environmental review of the project area near 75th Street found 7 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $252,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-3188 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Sunday, May 31 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 Niwot and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

    Related Programs

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 16% 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.

  • Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — April 2025

    Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — April 2025

    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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 478 affordable housing units since its inception, with 114 additional units in the development pipeline.

    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 2141 county employees across 48 departments and offices.

    Background

    Volunteers contributed over 4,441 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 10 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 $127,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Community Impact

    The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 301 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.

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 41 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 27% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-7 / Ute Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • September: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road

    September: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road

    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.

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Sunshine Canyon Drive found 10 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Parks & Open Space worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Details

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $316,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    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.

  • Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — April 2025

    Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — April 2025

    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.

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Wednesday, May 20 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.

    Background

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 35% of properties in the Longmont 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

    The Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 1,104 acres and features 5 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    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 2026, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

  • January: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

    January: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

    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.

    Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 15 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 15% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-7 / Ute Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    According to Michael Kowalski, director of Human Services, this program served 79% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Michael Kowalski said.

    Next Steps

    The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Gunbarrel and the intersection with Foothills Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

    The Legion Park open space property encompasses 922 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.

    Details

    Volunteers contributed over 9,073 hours to this program last year. The Human Services coordinates with 15 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • January: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects

    January: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects

    Boulder County has awarded $6.3 million in Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership funds to 12 affordable housing, childcare, and human services projects throughout the county. Funded projects include new affordable rental construction, homebuyer assistance, and childcare facility improvements.

    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 2017 county employees across 50 departments and offices.

    Volunteers contributed over 13,207 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 11 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Timeline

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 21 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    The project includes improvements along Foothills Highway between Lyons and the intersection with Nelson Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

    Resources

    The Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,624 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • January: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds

    January: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds

    Boulder County residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste including paint, solvents, pesticides, batteries, and electronics at a free collection event on Saturday, April 19 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. No appointment is necessary. Commercial waste is not accepted.

    The Public Health processed over 11,271 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    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

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 91% 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 April 30 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Details

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $399,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Water quality monitoring at 11 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Public Health publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.