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  • Sunshine Canyon Community Briefing: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    Sunshine Canyon Community Briefing: 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.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Public Works, 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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 18 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Community Impact

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 12% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,413 responses from residents across the county.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $415,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Details

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 21% of properties in the Nederland 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.

    According to James Rodriguez, director of Public Works, this program served 12% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Nederland and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.

  • January: Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions

    January: Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions

    Boulder County is accepting applications for Youth Corps Team Leader positions for the 2026 season. Team Leaders supervise crews of young adults working on conservation projects including trail construction, habitat restoration, and wildfire fuel reduction across Boulder County open space properties. Positions start in May.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 19% 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 Planning & Permitting: (303) 441-8052 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 Boulder office without an appointment.

    What You Need to Know

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $328,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 32% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,613 responses from residents across the county.

  • Update: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections (2024)

    Update: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections (2024)

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has issued a resolution reaffirming the county’s commitment to protecting immigrant community members and ensuring equal access to county services regardless of immigration status. The resolution directs county staff to review and strengthen existing policies.

    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.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 81% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,434 responses from residents across the county.

    Eligibility

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

    Funding of $202,000 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.

    Resources

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 22% of properties in the Nederland 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: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations (2025)

    Update: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations (2025)

    Boulder County’s Resource Conservation Division has awarded $50,000 in grants to five local organizations through the 2026 Circular Economy Fund. Recipients include projects focused on food waste reduction, textile reuse, construction material salvage, and community repair events.

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

    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 2025, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    For questions about this program, contact Lisa Patel at Housing & Human Services: (303) 441-3786 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 Longmont office without an appointment.

  • Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — August 2025

    Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — August 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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 27 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 14% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,388 responses from residents across the county.

    Timeline

    Funding of $184,000 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 Longmont Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,620 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • Eldorado Springs Community Briefing: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    Eldorado Springs Community Briefing: 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.

    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 $92,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 637 acres and features 3 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Resources

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 4 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Health worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

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

    Fourmile Canyon 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.

    Funding of $110,000 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.

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

    Related Programs

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Gunbarrel and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 6 months.

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

    Details

    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.

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

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026

    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.

    The application deadline is June 30, 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 26 business days.

    According to Amanda Foster, director of Human Services, this program served 23% 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,” Amanda Foster said.

    How to Participate

    Water quality monitoring at 20 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 590 affordable housing units since its inception, with 293 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    Boulder County’s Resource Conservation Division has awarded $50,000 in grants to five local organizations through the 2026 Circular Economy Fund. Recipients include projects focused on food waste reduction, textile reuse, construction material salvage, and community repair events.

    For questions about this program, contact Amanda Foster at Community Justice Services: (303) 441-8621 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 Superior office without an appointment.

    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) 441-8621 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Related Programs

    Safety data from the Superior area shows 19 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 24% 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.

    Funding of $386,000 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.

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

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events Near Ward

    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 application deadline is May 8, 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 27 business days.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,546 affordable housing units since its inception, with 199 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Contact Information

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

    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 $110,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Background

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

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 58% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.