WordPress Search

Tag: boulder-county

  • Gunbarrel Community Briefing: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026

    Gunbarrel Community Briefing: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 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.

    Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Works at (303) 441-8888 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    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 Public Works publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Timeline

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Monday, June 1 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 8,307 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 15 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Update: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director (2024)

    Update: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director (2024)

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $79,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Assessor’s Office at (303) 441-4814 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The project includes improvements along Arapahoe Road between Erie and the intersection with Sunshine Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 10 months.

    The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 1,941 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.

    How to Participate

    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 2470 county employees across 42 departments and offices.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 31% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,445 responses from residents across the county.

  • Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — December 2024

    Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — December 2024

    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.

    The project includes improvements along Coal Creek Canyon Road between Superior and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

    Volunteers contributed over 10,632 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 19 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Eligibility

    The Parks & Open Space processed over 10,907 applications last year, with an average processing time of 4 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Funding of $410,000 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    According to Brian Nakamura, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 45% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Superior and the surrounding area,” Brian Nakamura 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 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

  • Update: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway (2025)

    Update: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway (2025)

    Boulder County Public Works announces a temporary median closure on Niwot Road near the CO-119 Diagonal Highway intersection for utility infrastructure improvements. The closure will affect left turns from Niwot Road onto the Diagonal Highway for approximately six weeks. A signed detour route will be in place.

    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 2026 budget session.

    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.

    Community Impact

    The Resource Conservation processed over 7,032 applications last year, with an average processing time of 8 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Water quality monitoring at 9 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Resource Conservation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Details

    For questions about this program, contact Michael Kowalski at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-1519 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 Boulder office without an appointment.

    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.

  • Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move — April 2026

    Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move — April 2026

    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 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 78% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Community Impact

    The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 1,333 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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 33% of properties in the Lafayette 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.

  • Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway — Allenspark Area

    Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway — Allenspark Area

    Boulder County Public Works announces a temporary median closure on Niwot Road near the CO-119 Diagonal Highway intersection for utility infrastructure improvements. The closure will affect left turns from Niwot Road onto the Diagonal Highway for approximately six weeks. A signed detour route will be in place.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 56% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,163 responses from residents across the county.

    Water quality monitoring at 20 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Area Agency on Aging publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Resources

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 70% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $97,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    For questions about this program, contact Lisa Patel at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-8160 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 Erie office without an appointment.

    Eligibility

    Funding of $419,000 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.

    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.

  • All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Follow-Up Report

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-7113 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    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 2466 county employees across 42 departments and offices.

    Contact Information

    For questions about this program, contact Robert Kim at Clerk & Recorder: (303) 441-7113 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 Boulder office without an appointment.

    According to Robert Kim, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 53% 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,” Robert Kim said.

    Eligibility

    Volunteers contributed over 11,694 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 11 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • January: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds

    January: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds

    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.

    The project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Louisville and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 13 months.

    A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Sunday, May 3 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.

    Timeline

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $276,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    According to Carlos Rivera, director of Human Services, this program served 33% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Louisville and the surrounding area,” Carlos Rivera said.

  • Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal Near Eldora

    Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal Near Eldora

    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.

    The Anne U. White open space property encompasses 780 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.

    The project includes improvements along Sunshine Canyon Drive between Niwot and the intersection with CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

    Next Steps

    The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,743 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $490,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Resources

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 58% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,295 responses from residents across the county.

    Volunteers contributed over 3,180 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 22 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • July 2026: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move

    July 2026: 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.

    According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 87% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Jennifer Walsh said.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $414,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Timeline

    Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 44 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 9% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Arapahoe Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Saturday, June 6 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.

    Community Impact

    The Community Planning & Permitting processed over 5,468 applications last year, with an average processing time of 5 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.