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

    May: 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-6967 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 Superior office without an appointment.

    A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Monday, June 1 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.

    Contact Information

    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 application deadline is May 10, 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 7 business days.

  • Longmont Community Briefing: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    Longmont Community Briefing: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 16% 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Community Justice Services: (303) 441-6915 or email Community Justice [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.

    Timeline

    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 1973 county employees across 50 departments and offices.

    The application deadline is May 16, 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.

    Next Steps

    The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 953 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment — Follow-Up Report

    New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    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 3,126 responses from residents across the county.

    The Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 306 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.

    Community Impact

    For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Public Health: (303) 441-2721 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 Longmont office without an appointment.

    Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 3 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Health worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    How to Participate

    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.

  • Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Allenspark

    Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Allenspark

    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.

    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 $108,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 88% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Environmental review of the project area near South Boulder Road found 9 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 19 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    How to Participate

    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.

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

  • Update: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review (2026)

    Update: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review (2026)

    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 Longmont area shows 41 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 23% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Foothills 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 Housing & Human Services, 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

    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 2417 county employees across 50 departments and offices.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $46,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Niwot Community Briefing: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    Niwot Community Briefing: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    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 Sheriff’s Office processed over 6,718 applications last year, with an average processing time of 15 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 22 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 23% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Coal Creek Canyon Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Eligibility

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 27% of properties in the Lyons 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 455 affordable housing units since its inception, with 288 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Contact Information

    A community information session will be held at the Lyons library on Sunday, May 24 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.

  • Update: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway (2025)

    Update: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway (2025)

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Wednesday, May 13 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 15 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.

    Next Steps

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 72% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,603 responses from residents across the county.

    Volunteers contributed over 9,541 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 7 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • September: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    September: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 12 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The project includes improvements along Coal Creek Canyon Road between Erie and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

    Next Steps

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience at (303) 441-7072 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    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.

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

    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.

    According to James Rodriguez, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 87% 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,” James Rodriguez said.

    Funding of $459,000 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.

    Resources

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,837 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Volunteers contributed over 12,201 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 11 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds Near Gold Hill

    Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds Near Gold Hill

    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.

    The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Niwot and the intersection with Left Hand Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 16 months.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 89% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Resources

    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 Public Health publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 1,471 acres and features 6 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.