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  • July 2024: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

    July 2024: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

    The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

    Funding of $268,000 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.

    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.

    Timeline

    The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Niwot and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

    According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 80% 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,” Maria Gonzalez said.

    Background

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 39 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 5% 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons Near Allenspark

    Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons Near Allenspark

    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.

    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 2378 county employees across 46 departments and offices.

    Funding of $499,000 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.

    How to Participate

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $499,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Volunteers contributed over 11,500 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 13 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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

    Eldora 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 70% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-8772 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Timeline

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 39 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 10% 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.

    According to Rachel Stein, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 70% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” Rachel Stein said.

  • Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Niwot Area

    Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Niwot Area

    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 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.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 50% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,423 responses from residents across the county.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $422,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,848 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • January: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects

    January: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects

    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.

    Funding of $221,000 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.

    The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 771 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.

    Background

    For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-8958 or email Resource [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Niwot office without an appointment.

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

  • September: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    September: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    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.

    The Legion Park open space property encompasses 1,033 acres and features 13 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 $483,000 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.

    How to Participate

    The project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Superior and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,107 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Background

    Safety data from the Superior area shows 29 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 10% 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.

    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 2175 county employees across 42 departments and offices.

  • Louisville Community Briefing: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    Louisville Community Briefing: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    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.

    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 $81,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Volunteers contributed over 4,444 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 6 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Details

    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 47 departments and offices.

    The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 2,143 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.

  • Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — April 2025

    Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — April 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.

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 64% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Resources

    A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Monday, April 20 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.

    The application deadline is July 27, 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 24 business days.

    Eligibility

    According to Amanda Foster, director of Transportation, this program served 64% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” Amanda Foster said.

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — August 2026

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — August 2026

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $168,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    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.

    Contact Information

    Volunteers contributed over 13,170 hours to this program last year. The Community Planning & Permitting coordinates with 13 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Community Planning & Permitting: (303) 441-4078 or email Community Planning & [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.

  • Update: Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election (2024)

    Update: Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election (2024)

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $382,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The application deadline is June 23, 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 15 business days.

    Background

    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.

    Water quality monitoring at 18 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Clerk & Recorder publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Resources

    Volunteers contributed over 11,063 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 7 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Clerk & Recorder: (303) 441-7086 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 Nederland office without an appointment.