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  • Update: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects (2025)

    Update: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects (2025)

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $280,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The project includes improvements along 75th Street between Erie and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

    How to Participate

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

    Funding of $280,000 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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 2066 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

  • $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — August 2024

    $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — August 2024

    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.

    Water quality monitoring at 13 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    For questions about this program, contact Amanda Foster at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-7923 or email Sustainability, Climate Action & [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Longmont office without an appointment.

    Timeline

    According to Amanda Foster, director of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, this program served 26% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” Amanda Foster said.

    Funding of $450,000 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $450,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Lyons Area

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Lyons Area

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 9,395 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 25 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    For questions about this program, contact Michael Kowalski at Parks & Open Space: (303) 441-7669 or email Parks & Open [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Erie office without an appointment.

    Next Steps

    The Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 701 acres and features 10 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    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 $52,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    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 2025, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

  • Erie Community Briefing: Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month

    Erie Community Briefing: Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month

    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.

    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 1926 county employees across 43 departments and offices.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 4 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Related Programs

    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 1,059 acres and features 4 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Contact Information

    The Transportation processed over 5,236 applications last year, with an average processing time of 7 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — December 2025

    Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment — December 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.

    The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 1,651 acres and features 4 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,063 affordable housing units since its inception, with 143 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Eligibility

    The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience processed over 4,867 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Diana Orozco at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-7010 or email Sustainability, Climate Action & [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.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Allenspark

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Allenspark

    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.

    Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Health at (303) 441-8222 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    For questions about this program, contact Maria Gonzalez at Public Health: (303) 441-8222 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 Nederland office without an appointment.

    How to Participate

    Water quality monitoring at 14 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.

    Funding of $458,000 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.

    Timeline

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

  • Update: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations (2025)

    Update: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations (2025)

    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.

    Water quality monitoring at 12 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Parks & Open Space publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 86% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Timeline

    Volunteers contributed over 3,202 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 15 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The project includes improvements along Coal Creek Canyon Road between Longmont and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

    Contact Information

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Saturday, April 18 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.

  • Fourmile Canyon Community Briefing: Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month

    Fourmile Canyon Community Briefing: Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near 75th Street found 11 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The Area Agency on Aging processed over 2,827 applications last year, with an average processing time of 20 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Timeline

    The application deadline is July 12, 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 17 business days.

    A community information session will be held at the Lyons 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.

    Community Impact

    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 2463 county employees across 48 departments and offices.

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 25 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 6% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along 75th Street and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • Eldorado Springs Community Briefing: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

    Eldorado Springs Community Briefing: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 8 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,769 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Eligibility

    The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 1,688 acres and features 7 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience processed over 10,648 applications last year, with an average processing time of 15 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Community Impact

    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.

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

    Allenspark 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.

    Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 31 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 5% 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.

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,769 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Related Programs

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,393 affordable housing units since its inception, with 91 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 $97,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    How to Participate

    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 $119,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 91% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,315 responses from residents across the county.