Tag: news

  • Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — Ward Area

    Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — Ward Area

    Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting has launched an updated online building permit portal with improved search functionality, real-time status tracking, and mobile-friendly document uploads. The new system reduces average permit review times by 15% and allows applicants to schedule inspections online.

    The project includes improvements along South Boulder Road between Louisville and the intersection with Sunshine Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

    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 $100,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Background

    The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,678 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,428 affordable housing units since its inception, with 124 additional units in the development pipeline.

    What You Need to Know

    Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-8697 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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

    Jamestown 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.

    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 2112 county employees across 38 departments and offices.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,985 affordable housing units since its inception, with 74 additional units in the development pipeline.

    What You Need to Know

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Thursday, May 7 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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $62,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • 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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 28 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

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

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $290,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections Near Longmont

    Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections Near Longmont

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has issued a resolution reaffirming the county’s commitment to protecting immigrant community members and ensuring equal access to county services regardless of immigration status. The resolution directs county staff to review and strengthen existing policies.

    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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 16 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Resources

    A community information session will be held at the Nederland library on Monday, May 18 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.

    The Nederland Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,491 seniors participated in center programs last year.

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

    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.

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

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 5 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    What You Need to Know

    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) 441-9668 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    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.

  • New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — Follow-Up Report

    New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    The application deadline is August 1, 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 27 business days.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 41% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,937 responses from residents across the county.

    Next Steps

    Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-6601 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The Transportation processed over 2,456 applications last year, with an average processing time of 3 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Background

    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 project includes improvements along Arapahoe Road between Gunbarrel and the intersection with Arapahoe Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

  • Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — Follow-Up Report

    Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Water quality monitoring at 10 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Parks & Open Space publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Funding of $370,000 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.

    Background

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

    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.

    Contact Information

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 35% 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.

  • September: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections

    September: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has issued a resolution reaffirming the county’s commitment to protecting immigrant community members and ensuring equal access to county services regardless of immigration status. The resolution directs county staff to review and strengthen existing policies.

    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.

    The project includes improvements along Foothills Highway between Lyons and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 10 months.

    Related Programs

    A community information session will be held at the Lyons library on Tuesday, May 26 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 Lyons and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

    How to Participate

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 92% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,740 responses from residents across the county.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Transportation, 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.

  • Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Follow-Up Report

    Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    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.

    The Transportation processed over 8,000 applications last year, with an average processing time of 11 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Related Programs

    Funding of $300,000 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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 25 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

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

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

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near South Boulder Road found 10 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Justice Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    According to Kevin Larsen, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 75% 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,” Kevin Larsen said.

    Related Programs

    The project includes improvements along South Boulder Road between Nederland and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 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 Nederland and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

    Eligibility

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 1 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 75% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.