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  • Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move — Erie Area

    Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move — Erie Area

    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.

    According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Public Works, this program served 66% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” Sarah Mitchell said.

    The Public Works processed over 4,035 applications last year, with an average processing time of 11 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    What You Need to Know

    For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Public Works: (303) 441-1687 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 Boulder office without an appointment.

    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

    Environmental review of the project area near Arapahoe Road found 12 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Eldorado Springs Area

    Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Eldorado Springs Area

    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.

    According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 90% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Louisville and the surrounding area,” Maria Gonzalez said.

    Environmental review of the project area near Left Hand Canyon Drive found 11 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Planning & Permitting worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Details

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 90% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,743 responses from residents across the county.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,680 affordable housing units since its inception, with 63 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Update: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills (2026)

    Update: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills (2026)

    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.

    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.

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Planning & Permitting at (303) 441-3986 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    How to Participate

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their July 2 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

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

    Background

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,341 affordable housing units since its inception, with 300 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 54% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,580 responses from residents across the county.

  • Update: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections (2025)

    Update: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections (2025)

    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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 692 affordable housing units since its inception, with 244 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Volunteers contributed over 14,514 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    What You Need to Know

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 30% 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.

    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.

    Resources

    A community information session will be held at the Nederland library on Tuesday, May 19 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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 10 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Health worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — December 2024

    Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — December 2024

    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.

    Funding of $117,000 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.

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-2948 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Details

    According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 18% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Jennifer Walsh said.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 15 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Contact Information

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,557 affordable housing units since its inception, with 158 additional units in the development pipeline.

    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.

  • May: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway

    May: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway

    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.

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 8 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 11% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Baseline Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    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 $102,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Community Justice Services processed over 1,391 applications last year, with an average processing time of 11 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 8 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Justice Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    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.

    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 $78,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,235 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Background

    Environmental review of the project area near Left Hand Canyon Drive found 4 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Health worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Funding of $395,000 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

    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 2169 county employees across 49 departments and offices.

  • Gold Hill Community Briefing: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road

    Gold Hill Community Briefing: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road

    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.

    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 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

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

    What You Need to Know

    Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 3 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Assessor’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    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.

  • Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment Near Nederland

    Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment Near Nederland

    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.

    Funding of $136,000 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.

    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 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    Related Programs

    The Community Planning & Permitting processed over 9,676 applications last year, with an average processing time of 20 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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

    Details

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Boulder and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

  • Eldora Community Briefing: Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions

    Eldora Community Briefing: 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.

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-6816 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $42,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 1,217 acres and features 8 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    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.