Tag: news

  • $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects Near Lafayette

    $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects Near Lafayette

    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.

    The Housing & Human Services processed over 10,448 applications last year, with an average processing time of 6 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 56% 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,” Maria Gonzalez said.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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.

    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 1955 county employees across 40 departments and offices.

    Resources

    Funding of $495,000 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 $495,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Update: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations (2024)

    Update: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations (2024)

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 3,994 hours to this program last year. The Human Services coordinates with 19 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    According to Diana Orozco, director of Human Services, this program served 82% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Diana Orozco said.

    What You Need to Know

    The project includes improvements along Flagstaff Road between Lafayette and the intersection with Coal Creek Canyon Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 6 months.

    Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 34 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 11% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Flagstaff Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Community Impact

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 379 affordable housing units since its inception, with 184 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 82% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,206 responses from residents across the county.

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

    Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — Lafayette Area

    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 Brian Nakamura at Sheriff’s Office: (303) 441-1280 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 Lyons office without an appointment.

    A community information session will be held at the Lyons library on Friday, June 5 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.

    Community Impact

    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.

    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.

    How to Participate

    The application deadline is April 27, 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 14 business days.

  • Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway Near Pine Brook Hills

    Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway Near Pine Brook Hills

    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.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Assessor’s Office, 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 71% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Details

    Volunteers contributed over 2,864 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 18 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 Louisville and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

  • Update: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 (2026)

    Update: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 (2026)

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the 2026 Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Program. Grants fund equipment, training, and trail safety improvements for volunteer search and rescue teams and trail patrol organizations operating in Boulder County.

    For questions about this program, contact Lisa Patel at Transportation: (303) 441-4996 or email [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.

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

    Next Steps

    The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,521 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    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 2107 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

    Resources

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 18% of properties in the Boulder 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 Flagstaff Road found 12 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — Boulder Area

    Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — Boulder Area

    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.

    The Transportation processed over 3,462 applications last year, with an average processing time of 6 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 24 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 26% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Left Hand Canyon Drive and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    What You Need to Know

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,128 affordable housing units since its inception, with 71 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 13% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Background

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

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

  • New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities Near Gunbarrel

    New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities Near Gunbarrel

    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 Area Agency on Aging processed over 2,583 applications last year, with an average processing time of 5 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-3350 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Eligibility

    A community information session will be held at the Nederland library on Thursday, April 30 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 37% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Contact Information

    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.

    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 2030 county employees across 40 departments and offices.

  • July 2026: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move

    July 2026: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move

    The Boulder County Assessor’s Office reminds qualifying seniors that Colorado’s property tax exemption portability provision allows them to transfer their exemption to a new primary residence within the county. Seniors who have moved should contact the Assessor’s Office to ensure their exemption transfers correctly.

    According to Lisa Patel, director of Sheriff’s Office, 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 Boulder and the surrounding area,” Lisa Patel said.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 26% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,442 responses from residents across the county.

    Community Impact

    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 $47,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 8 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sheriff’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Timeline

    For questions about this program, contact Lisa Patel at Sheriff’s Office: (303) 441-7918 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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 38% of properties in the Boulder 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.

  • Update: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds (2025)

    Update: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds (2025)

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $463,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,514 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Eligibility

    Volunteers contributed over 12,426 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 19 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 15% 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.

  • September: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events

    September: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office invites residents to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4. Community events will be held in neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Boulder County featuring safety demonstrations, K-9 unit appearances, crime prevention information, and family-friendly activities.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $193,000, 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 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $118,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,430 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    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.