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  • March 2024: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway

    March 2024: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway

    Boulder County Public Works announces a temporary median closure on Niwot Road near the CO-119 Diagonal Highway intersection for utility infrastructure improvements. The closure will affect left turns from Niwot Road onto the Diagonal Highway for approximately six weeks. A signed detour route will be in place.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 39% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    A community information session will be held at the Lyons library on Sunday, May 31 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.

    How to Participate

    Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 11 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sheriff’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    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 $74,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Next Steps

    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.

    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.

  • November 2024: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections

    November 2024: 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 $144,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The Public Works processed over 6,093 applications last year, with an average processing time of 12 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Timeline

    Funding of $144,000 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.

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 28 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 16% 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.

  • March 2024: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    March 2024: 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.

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 7 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Boulder and the intersection with Left Hand Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

    Details

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,229 affordable housing units since its inception, with 56 additional units in the development pipeline.

    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.

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

    Water quality monitoring at 18 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.

  • Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — August 2024

    Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — August 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 project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Louisville and the intersection with Flagstaff Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

    For questions about this program, contact Michael Kowalski at Sheriff’s Office: (303) 441-3254 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 Louisville office without an appointment.

    How to Participate

    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 $67,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 29% 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.

    What You Need to Know

    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 6,182 responses from residents across the county.

    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.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Hygiene

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Hygiene

    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 Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 2,331 acres and features 15 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Timeline

    A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Tuesday, April 21 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.

  • Update: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment (2025)

    Update: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment (2025)

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Saturday, April 25 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.

    The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,055 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Next Steps

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 27% 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.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 36% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,836 responses from residents across the county.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,748 affordable housing units since its inception, with 180 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • May: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    May: 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.

    The Human Services processed over 11,952 applications last year, with an average processing time of 19 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $223,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Timeline

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,940 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 42% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,113 responses from residents across the county.

    Details

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 42% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Funding of $223,000 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.

  • Pine Brook Hills Community Briefing: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds

    Pine Brook Hills Community Briefing: 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 845 affordable housing units since its inception, with 237 additional units in the development pipeline.

    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.

    Community Impact

    The Area Agency on Aging processed over 8,498 applications last year, with an average processing time of 4 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 69% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,432 responses from residents across the county.

    Next Steps

    The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 1,893 acres and features 13 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

  • Update: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment (2025)

    Update: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment (2025)

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 22% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    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.

    Details

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

    The application deadline is May 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 16 business days.

    How to Participate

    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 $81,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Funding of $266,000 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.

  • Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — Jamestown Area

    Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — Jamestown Area

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Diana Orozco at Assessor’s Office: (303) 441-5421 or email Assessor’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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 24% 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.

    Related Programs

    Funding of $28,000 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.

    Safety data from the Superior area shows 19 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 28% 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.

    Timeline

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,899 seniors participated in center programs last year.