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  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

    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.

    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.

    According to Carlos Rivera, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 60% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” Carlos Rivera said.

    Eligibility

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 3 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Parks & Open Space worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The Parks & Open Space processed over 3,565 applications last year, with an average processing time of 15 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Update: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal (2026)

    Update: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal (2026)

    Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting has launched an updated online building permit portal with improved search functionality, real-time status tracking, and mobile-friendly document uploads. The new system reduces average permit review times by 15% and allows applicants to schedule inspections online.

    A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Monday, May 25 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Human Services: (303) 441-5246 or email Human [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.

    Eligibility

    Environmental review of the project area near Nelson Road found 11 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 59% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Timeline

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-5246 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — August 2024

    Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — August 2024

    The February edition of the Boulder County Resource Conservation newsletter features updates on the 2026 composting grant program, tips for reducing food waste at home, upcoming zero waste events, and a spotlight on local businesses achieving zero waste certification.

    Funding of $252,000 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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $252,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Next Steps

    Volunteers contributed over 897 hours to this program last year. The Resource Conservation coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,780 affordable housing units since its inception, with 292 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Community Impact

    A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Sunday, April 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.

  • January: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections

    January: 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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $451,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 13% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” Maria Gonzalez said.

    What You Need to Know

    Funding of $451,000 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 Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 974 acres and features 4 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Eligibility

    Environmental review of the project area near South Boulder Road found 12 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 13% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — Follow-Up Report

    Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — Follow-Up Report

    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 Coalton Trail open space property encompasses 2,263 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.

    The application deadline is July 4, 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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 $117,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    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.

    Community Impact

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

  • Gold Hill Community Briefing: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

    Gold Hill Community Briefing: 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.

    According to Kevin Larsen, director of Transportation, this program served 29% 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.

    Funding of $90,000 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.

    Resources

    Volunteers contributed over 6,727 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 16 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 31% of properties in the Niwot 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.

    Contact Information

    The Transportation processed over 2,566 applications last year, with an average processing time of 10 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • January: Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election

    January: Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election

    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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 297 affordable housing units since its inception, with 181 additional units in the development pipeline.

    The Human Services processed over 4,665 applications last year, with an average processing time of 7 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Resources

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $86,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Volunteers contributed over 7,995 hours to this program last year. The Human Services coordinates with 18 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Update: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 (2025)

    Update: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 (2025)

    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 Community Justice Services processed over 11,436 applications last year, with an average processing time of 10 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Safety data from the Louisville area shows 33 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 20% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-7 / Ute Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Community Impact

    Funding of $465,000 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 project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Louisville and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

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

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

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 4,665 hours to this program last year. The Sheriff’s Office coordinates with 22 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-8312 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    What You Need to Know

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sheriff’s Office, 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.

    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 $93,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — Follow-Up Report

    Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 28 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    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.

    Contact Information

    Volunteers contributed over 5,094 hours to this program last year. The Human Services coordinates with 10 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    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.

    How to Participate

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 26% of properties in the Gunbarrel 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.