WordPress Search

Tag: news

  • $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — April 2026

    $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — April 2026

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 64% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    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

    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 2256 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 36% 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.

  • Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — December 2026

    Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — December 2026

    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.

    Funding of $243,000 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 2024 budget session.

    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.

    Resources

    The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,101 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 42% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,850 responses from residents across the county.

    Timeline

    Volunteers contributed over 13,618 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 18 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    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.

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

    Gunbarrel 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.

    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 $66,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    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 2282 county employees across 41 departments and offices.

    How to Participate

    Funding of $455,000 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 81% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Community Impact

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,678 affordable housing units since its inception, with 180 additional units in the development pipeline.

    A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Friday, May 1 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.

  • Update: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt (2026)

    Update: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt (2026)

    The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

    For questions about this program, contact Maria Gonzalez at Community Planning & Permitting: (303) 441-2599 or email Community Planning & [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.

    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.

    Related Programs

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 67% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,605 responses from residents across the county.

    According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 67% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons 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 2026, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    The project includes improvements along Flagstaff Road between Lyons and the intersection with Flagstaff Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

  • New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment — December 2026

    New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment — December 2026

    The Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department has proposed updates to the General Floodplain Development Permit process. Changes include streamlined review timelines, updated fee structures, and new requirements for climate-adjusted flood risk assessments. Comments are due by April 30.

    According to Emily Chen, director of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, this program served 84% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Emily Chen said.

    The application deadline is April 25, 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 28 business days.

    Background

    Funding of $419,000 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.

    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 2026: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    November 2026: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $116,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 3 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Eligibility

    Volunteers contributed over 5,934 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 20 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Water quality monitoring at 12 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Housing & Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Contact Information

    The project includes improvements along Coal Creek Canyon Road between Nederland and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

  • Fourmile Canyon Community Briefing: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits

    Fourmile Canyon Community Briefing: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits

    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.

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-9744 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Volunteers contributed over 4,653 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 21 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Eligibility

    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 $50,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 453 affordable housing units since its inception, with 144 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $170,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Longmont and the intersection with Baseline Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 13 months.

    Community Impact

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 42% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,420 responses from residents across the county.

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

  • Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons Near Hygiene

    Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons Near Hygiene

    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 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.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 58% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,247 responses from residents across the county.

    Next Steps

    According to James Rodriguez, director of Transportation, this program served 58% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.

    Water quality monitoring at 14 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Transportation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • Ward Community Briefing: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    Ward Community Briefing: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    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.

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 976 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 1,933 affordable housing units since its inception, with 131 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Details

    Funding of $20,000 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Diana Orozco at Human Services: (303) 441-1020 or email Human [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lafayette office without an appointment.

    Timeline

    The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 440 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.