Tag: boulder-county

  • Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work Near Louisville

    Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work Near Louisville

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 12,231 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 10 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 $413,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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 2038 county employees across 41 departments and offices.

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Lyons and the intersection with Flagstaff Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 13 months.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Longmont Area

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Longmont Area

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 53% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 260 affordable housing units since its inception, with 244 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Resources

    For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Clerk & Recorder: (303) 441-4550 or email Clerk & [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lafayette office without an appointment.

    The project includes improvements along South Boulder Road between Lafayette and the intersection with CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 9 months.

  • Sunshine Canyon Community Briefing: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    Sunshine Canyon Community Briefing: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    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.

    The project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Gunbarrel and the intersection with Baseline Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 9 months.

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

    What You Need to Know

    The Assessor’s Office processed over 6,513 applications last year, with an average processing time of 7 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 107 acres and features 9 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Contact Information

    Volunteers contributed over 2,066 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 13 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — August 2025

    Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — August 2025

    The registration deadline for the June 2026 Colorado Primary Election is May 25. Boulder County residents can register online at GoVoteColorado.gov, by mail, or in person at any Voter Service and Polling Center. Same-day registration is available during early voting and on Election Day with valid ID.

    A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Tuesday, June 2 at 6:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,132 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Background

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 35 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 18% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along 75th Street and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $203,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — August 2025

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

    According to Carlos Rivera, director of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, this program served 30% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” Carlos Rivera said.

    For questions about this program, contact Carlos Rivera at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-4349 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 Boulder office without an appointment.

    Eligibility

    Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience at (303) 441-4349 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 27 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — December 2026

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — December 2026

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Thursday, May 21 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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $130,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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.

    Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-3760 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Timeline

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 36% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 36% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,189 responses from residents across the county.

  • September: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections

    September: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections

    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.

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 39 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 11% 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 4,412 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Contact Information

    The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 2,226 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.

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Thursday, April 30 at 6:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

  • Update: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 (2024)

    Update: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 (2024)

    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.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 89% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,443 responses from residents across the 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    Volunteers contributed over 9,366 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 22 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    What You Need to Know

    Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 11 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.

    The application deadline is July 28, 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 8 business days.

  • 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,430 affordable housing units since its inception, with 135 additional units in the development pipeline.

    According to Robert Kim, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 14% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Robert Kim said.

    Next Steps

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Area Agency on Aging, 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 Area Agency on Aging processed over 5,517 applications last year, with an average processing time of 19 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Resources

    Funding of $358,000 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.

    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 1814 county employees across 41 departments and offices.

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

    Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move — Gunbarrel 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Lisa Patel at Parks & Open Space: (303) 441-9461 or email Parks & Open [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.

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 8 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 24% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-119 Diagonal Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Timeline

    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 6,942 responses from residents across the county.

    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.

    How to Participate

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 664 affordable housing units since its inception, with 186 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $408,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.