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  • Jamestown Community Briefing: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    Jamestown Community Briefing: 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.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 69% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,229 responses from residents across the county.

    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.

    Eligibility

    Volunteers contributed over 1,543 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 69% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Contact Information

    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 $58,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • May: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    May: 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.

    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.

    Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-8531 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Related Programs

    For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Housing & Human Services: (303) 441-8531 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 Nederland office without an appointment.

    The Betasso Preserve open space property encompasses 1,341 acres and features 6 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 823 affordable housing units since its inception, with 141 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — Nederland Area

    Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — Nederland Area

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Diana Orozco at Assessor’s Office: (303) 441-3632 or email Assessor’s [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.

    The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 1,427 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The application deadline is July 31, 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 9 business days.

    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.

    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 2172 county employees across 48 departments and offices.

  • Louisville Community Briefing: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    Louisville Community Briefing: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    Boulder County Housing & Human Services announces a new funding opportunity for projects that create or preserve affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities. Up to $500,000 is available for capital improvements, accessibility modifications, and supportive housing development. Applications are due May 1.

    The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,221 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Volunteers contributed over 3,269 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 23 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Community Impact

    The Public Health processed over 5,186 applications last year, with an average processing time of 15 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Louisville and the intersection with Flagstaff Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

    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 $132,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Public Health, this program served 70% 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.

  • Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — Lafayette Area

    Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — Lafayette Area

    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.

    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 1848 county employees across 48 departments and offices.

    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 $74,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    How to Participate

    Water quality monitoring at 10 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $457,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Hygiene Area

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Hygiene Area

    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 July 25, 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 22 business days.

    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.

    Community Impact

    Environmental review of the project area near Nelson Road found 10 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Water quality monitoring at 8 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Next Steps

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

  • $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects Near Lafayette

    $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects Near Lafayette

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $138,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    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 $67,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Community Impact

    For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-6029 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 Louisville office without an appointment.

    A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Thursday, April 16 at 5:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    Background

    Volunteers contributed over 11,131 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 18 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Update: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment (2025)

    Update: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment (2025)

    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.

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-2061 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    For questions about this program, contact Amanda Foster at Community Justice Services: (303) 441-2061 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 Erie office without an appointment.

    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 2026, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 9 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Justice Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — Longmont Area

    Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road — Longmont Area

    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.

    Water quality monitoring at 17 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Community Justice Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 38 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 8% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Nelson Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Background

    The application deadline is July 14, 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 19 business days.

    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 $61,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • 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.

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,738 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 12 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Assessor’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 37% of properties in the Superior 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.

    A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Wednesday, April 22 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.

    Community Impact

    The Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 2,141 acres and features 10 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.