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  • Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Water quality monitoring at 15 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.

    The Sheriff’s Office processed over 11,935 applications last year, with an average processing time of 21 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Community Impact

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $73,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    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 2069 county employees across 46 departments and offices.

    Contact Information

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • 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.

    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 2218 county employees across 46 departments and offices.

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 11 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Related Programs

    Volunteers contributed over 11,903 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 11 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $120,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • January: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    January: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    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.

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Planning & Permitting at (303) 441-1034 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Volunteers contributed over 12,764 hours to this program last year. The Community Planning & Permitting coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Eligibility

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 41 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 5% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Flagstaff Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    The project includes improvements along Flagstaff Road between Niwot and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

    Community Impact

    According to Kevin Larsen, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 56% 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,” Kevin Larsen said.

    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.

  • Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Allenspark

    Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills Near Allenspark

    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.

    The Betasso Preserve open space property encompasses 1,142 acres and features 5 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 30% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Jennifer Walsh said.

    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 1841 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

    Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Planning & Permitting at (303) 441-4491 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Timeline

    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.

  • March 2025: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

    March 2025: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

    Boulder County is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Parks & Open Space Director. The incoming director brings over 20 years of experience in public land management and conservation. They will oversee the department’s 100,000+ acres of protected land and 150 miles of multi-use trails.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,100 affordable housing units since its inception, with 199 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Volunteers contributed over 10,009 hours to this program last year. The Resource Conservation coordinates with 13 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Eligibility

    The Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 1,863 acres and features 5 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Water quality monitoring at 18 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Resource Conservation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Pine Brook Hills Area

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Pine Brook Hills 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 54% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The Housing & Human Services processed over 1,844 applications last year, with an average processing time of 4 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Eligibility

    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 2,912 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 Lafayette and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

    Resources

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,566 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Funding of $487,000 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.

  • Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 Near Nederland

    Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 Near Nederland

    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.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $85,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 10 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Housing & Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Timeline

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 33% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,311 seniors participated in center programs last year.

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

    Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road Near Louisville

    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.

    The Public Works processed over 607 applications last year, with an average processing time of 18 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    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 $65,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Details

    Volunteers contributed over 3,629 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 6 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Water quality monitoring at 10 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Public Works publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • Update: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 (2024)

    Update: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 (2024)

    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 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 1,770 affordable housing units since its inception, with 248 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-6248 or email Area Agency on [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lyons office without an appointment.

    Funding of $36,000 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.

    Community Impact

    The Area Agency on Aging processed over 2,915 applications last year, with an average processing time of 10 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • May: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment

    May: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment

    The City of Boulder and Boulder County have released the draft 2026 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update for public review and comment. The plan addresses land use, housing, transportation, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. Public comments will be accepted through May 15.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $454,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The project includes improvements along Left Hand Canyon Drive between Erie and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

    Eligibility

    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 1803 county employees across 40 departments and offices.

    The application deadline is May 6, 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 6 business days.

    Contact Information

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 29 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 27% 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.