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  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — April 2026

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — April 2026

    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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 22 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    The Public Health processed over 9,977 applications last year, with an average processing time of 7 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Eligibility

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 39% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

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

    Timeline

    For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Public Health: (303) 441-5322 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.

    The Bald Mountain open space property encompasses 2,201 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.

  • Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — Follow-Up Report

    Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    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 2000 county employees across 37 departments and offices.

    Safety data from the Louisville area shows 29 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 5% 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.

    What You Need to Know

    Water quality monitoring at 8 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Parks & Open Space publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The Parks & Open Space processed over 5,389 applications last year, with an average processing time of 18 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Eligibility

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

  • $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — Follow-Up Report

    $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 39% 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.

    For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Public Works: (303) 441-9624 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 Gunbarrel office without an appointment.

    Eligibility

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 30 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 1927 county employees across 44 departments and offices.

  • Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Gold Hill Area

    Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Gold Hill Area

    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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,992 affordable housing units since its inception, with 94 additional units in the development pipeline.

    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 2053 county employees across 50 departments and offices.

    Resources

    The Anne U. White open space property encompasses 149 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.

    Funding of $236,000 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.

  • Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — Follow-Up Report

    Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 20% 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.

    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.

    How to Participate

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 70% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $98,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Water quality monitoring at 11 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Sheriff’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Resources

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 222 affordable housing units since its inception, with 136 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 56% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • Eldora Community Briefing: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons

    Eldora Community Briefing: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has acquired a 340-acre conservation easement on a working ranch near the town of Lyons. The easement permanently protects critical wildlife habitat along the St. Vrain Creek corridor and preserves agricultural land from future development while keeping the property in private ownership.

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-9721 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 Nederland office without an appointment.

    Community Impact

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 14% 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 $311,000 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.

  • Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal Near Boulder

    Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal Near Boulder

    Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting has launched an updated online building permit portal with improved search functionality, real-time status tracking, and mobile-friendly document uploads. The new system reduces average permit review times by 15% and allows applicants to schedule inspections online.

    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 $91,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    For questions about this program, contact Emily Chen at Community Justice Services: (303) 441-6145 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 Gunbarrel office without an appointment.

    Next Steps

    Funding of $191,000 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.

    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

    The Community Justice Services processed over 2,226 applications last year, with an average processing time of 3 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month — Superior Area

    Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month — Superior Area

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed March 2026 as Women’s History Month, recognizing the contributions of women leaders, activists, and community builders throughout Boulder County’s history. Special events and exhibitions will be held at libraries and community centers throughout the month.

    Volunteers contributed over 640 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 22 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Lafayette and the intersection with Sunshine Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 10 months.

    Related Programs

    The Transportation processed over 8,170 applications last year, with an average processing time of 5 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 50% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,417 responses from residents across the county.

    Eligibility

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-7 / Ute Highway found 11 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road Near Sunshine Canyon

    Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road Near Sunshine Canyon

    The Boulder County Planning Commission has approved a rezoning request to allow construction of a 48-unit affordable housing development on Arapahoe Road near the intersection with 63rd Street. The project will provide permanently affordable rental units for households earning 30-60% of area median income.

    Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 27 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 27% 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.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 50% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,325 responses from residents across the county.

    What You Need to Know

    Volunteers contributed over 12,502 hours to this program last year. The Resource Conservation coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Funding of $238,000 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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.

  • Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions

    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.

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

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-4902 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    What You Need to Know

    The Coalton Trail open space property encompasses 810 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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Nelson Road found 5 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Next Steps

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 78% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,713 responses from residents across the county.