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  • Update: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits (2024)

    Update: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits (2024)

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 20% of properties in the Lafayette 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 has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $212,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    According to Robert Kim, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 62% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Robert Kim said.

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,467 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — December 2025

    $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — December 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.

    The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 2,138 acres and features 11 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    According to Michael Kowalski, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 65% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Superior and the surrounding area,” Michael Kowalski said.

    Next Steps

    Funding of $366,000 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.

    Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-6610 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Community Impact

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

    A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Tuesday, May 19 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.

  • Lafayette Community Briefing: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026

    Lafayette Community Briefing: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026

    The Board of County Commissioners has adopted the 2026 Boulder County budget totaling $745 million. Key investments include $42 million for affordable housing initiatives, $28 million for transportation infrastructure, and $15 million for wildfire mitigation and climate resilience programs.

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Sunday, May 3 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.

    According to Amanda Foster, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 71% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Amanda Foster said.

    Timeline

    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 20 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    How to Participate

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

  • Pine Brook Hills Community Briefing: Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election

    Pine Brook Hills 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.

    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 $83,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 6 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Resource Conservation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Community Impact

    A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Monday, April 27 at 7:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,973 affordable housing units since its inception, with 120 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Update: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills (2026)

    Update: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills (2026)

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 13,392 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 21 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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

    Resources

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

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

    Timeline

    The Area Agency on Aging processed over 316 applications last year, with an average processing time of 19 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • March 2025: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    March 2025: 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 14,120 hours to this program last year. The Sheriff’s Office coordinates with 21 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    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 $103,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    How to Participate

    A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Wednesday, May 6 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 Sheriff’s Office processed over 7,178 applications last year, with an average processing time of 10 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Related Programs

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

    The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,036 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • September: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    September: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    Boulder County has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to install electric vehicle charging stations at county facilities and public trailheads. The project will add 40 Level 2 chargers and 8 DC fast chargers at 12 locations across the county, with priority given to underserved communities.

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

    The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,606 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Gunbarrel and the intersection with Sunshine Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 6 months.

    Volunteers contributed over 4,151 hours to this program last year. The Sheriff’s Office coordinates with 5 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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

    September: 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.

    Environmental review of the project area near CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway 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.

    The Sheriff’s Office processed over 10,985 applications last year, with an average processing time of 8 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    How to Participate

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 10 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 11% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

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

    Next Steps

    The application deadline is June 28, 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 11 business days.

    Volunteers contributed over 13,596 hours to this program last year. The Sheriff’s Office coordinates with 23 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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

    January: 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.

    Funding of $277,000 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.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $101,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    According to Lisa Patel, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 28% 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,” Lisa Patel said.

    Volunteers contributed over 4,243 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 13 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Background

    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 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    Water quality monitoring at 17 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Area Agency on Aging publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — April 2024

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — April 2024

    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.

    The Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 915 acres and features 11 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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 26 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Resources

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 32% 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 38% 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

    The application deadline is June 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 8 business days.