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  • Update: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects (2025)

    Update: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects (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.

    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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 951 affordable housing units since its inception, with 271 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Contact Information

    Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 34 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 23% 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.

    The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,235 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Details

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

    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.

  • Update: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work (2025)

    Update: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work (2025)

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space announces a temporary closure of the Boulder Canyon Trail between Elephant Buttresses and the Dome trailhead for rockfall mitigation work. Crews will be scaling loose rock and installing mesh netting along a 400-foot section of cliff face above the trail. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

    The application deadline is May 1, 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 25 business days.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $497,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Contact Information

    According to David Thompson, director of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, this program served 19% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” David Thompson said.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 23% 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.

    Next Steps

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-7 / Ute Highway found 10 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,063 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — Superior Area

    Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — Superior Area

    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.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 65% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,898 responses from residents across the county.

    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.

    Contact Information

    For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-9691 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 Louisville office without an appointment.

    The project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Louisville and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

    Next Steps

    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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,427 affordable housing units since its inception, with 150 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    The project includes improvements along Flagstaff Road between Gunbarrel and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 9 months.

    The Anne U. White open space property encompasses 1,283 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.

    How to Participate

    Volunteers contributed over 4,330 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 11 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    For questions about this program, contact Jennifer Walsh at Housing & Human Services: (303) 441-6363 or email Housing & Human [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Gunbarrel office without an appointment.

  • March 2025: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move

    March 2025: 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.

    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 Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,336 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Community Impact

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 725 affordable housing units since its inception, with 137 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 $404,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

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

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

    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.

    According to Emily Chen, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 36% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Erie and the surrounding area,” Emily Chen said.

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-5055 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    What You Need to Know

    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 2463 county employees across 38 departments and offices.

    The project includes improvements along Foothills Highway between Erie and the intersection with SH-119 Diagonal Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 16 months.

    Details

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 11 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Resource Conservation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — Follow-Up Report

    Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 31% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The Community Justice Services processed over 566 applications last year, with an average processing time of 18 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Next Steps

    The Caribou Ranch open space property encompasses 2,161 acres and features 9 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-4755 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits Near Pine Brook Hills

    Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits Near Pine Brook Hills

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 2,541 hours to this program last year. The Sheriff’s Office coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    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.

    Background

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $362,000, 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 May 23 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Related Programs

    Safety data from the Nederland area shows 44 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 8% 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.

  • Update: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move (2024)

    Update: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move (2024)

    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.

    Safety data from the Louisville area shows 41 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 7% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Sunshine Canyon Drive and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 76% 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

    Water quality monitoring at 20 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.

    Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-2827 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — Erie Area

    Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — Erie Area

    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 Louisville 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 Transportation, 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.

    Resources

    Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-2648 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 314 affordable housing units since its inception, with 155 additional units in the development pipeline.