Tag: news

  • July 2025: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    July 2025: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    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.

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

    The Clerk & Recorder processed over 5,234 applications last year, with an average processing time of 13 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Background

    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 53% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,297 responses from residents across the county.

    Eligibility

    Volunteers contributed over 5,391 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 25 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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

    Superior 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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 6 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    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 2043 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

    Timeline

    Funding of $157,000 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.

    Safety data from the Nederland area shows 20 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 30% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along 63rd Street and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — April 2024

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — April 2024

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has closed all trails and trailheads west of Highway 36 due to sustained winds exceeding 80 mph and extreme fire danger conditions. The closure includes all mountain parks, open space properties, and county trails in the foothills. Closures will be reassessed when wind conditions subside.

    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.

    Funding of $244,000 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.

    Resources

    Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 7 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $244,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    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 1965 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

    Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-5947 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — Follow-Up Report

    Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Works at (303) 441-7553 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    According to Kevin Larsen, director of Public Works, this program served 77% 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,” Kevin Larsen said.

    Next Steps

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway found 6 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Details

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,105 affordable housing units since its inception, with 266 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 $138,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — Pine Brook Hills Area

    Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — Pine Brook Hills Area

    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.

    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.

    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 $63,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Timeline

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 10 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-6813 or email Resource [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.

  • Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move Near Gold Hill

    Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move Near Gold Hill

    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.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 80% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,390 responses from residents across the county.

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 9 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 15% 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.

    What You Need to Know

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 16 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    A community information session will be held at the Niwot 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.

  • All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Jamestown Area

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Jamestown Area

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has closed all trails and trailheads west of Highway 36 due to sustained winds exceeding 80 mph and extreme fire danger conditions. The closure includes all mountain parks, open space properties, and county trails in the foothills. Closures will be reassessed when wind conditions subside.

    The project includes improvements along Nelson Road between Nederland and the intersection with Baseline Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 6 months.

    The application deadline is May 3, 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 18 business days.

    Eligibility

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 15% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Volunteers contributed over 3,459 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 17 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Timeline

    Water quality monitoring at 9 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Assessor’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • Gold Hill Community Briefing: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

    Gold Hill 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.

    The project includes improvements along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway between Superior and the intersection with Foothills Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

    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.

    Related Programs

    Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-8320 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    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.

    Community Impact

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 29 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Volunteers contributed over 14,492 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 23 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Update: Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election (2026)

    Update: Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election (2026)

    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.

    The project includes improvements along Nelson Road between Louisville and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

    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.

    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 Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,784 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • 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.

    The application deadline is May 4, 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 13 business days.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $58,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Resources

    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 2226 county employees across 42 departments and offices.

    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.

    How to Participate

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

    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.