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  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 Near Lyons

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 Near Lyons

    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 Caribou Ranch open space property encompasses 2,117 acres and features 7 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 $329,000 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.

    Eligibility

    The Nederland Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,510 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    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.

    What You Need to Know

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 5 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Assessor’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Hygiene Community Briefing: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects

    Hygiene Community Briefing: $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.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 75% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,953 responses from residents across the county.

    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.

    Timeline

    The Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,962 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    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 2257 county employees across 41 departments and offices.

  • Hygiene Community Briefing: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment

    Hygiene Community Briefing: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment

    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.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 20% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,549 responses from residents across the county.

    For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Housing & Human Services: (303) 441-3953 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 Boulder office without an appointment.

    Community Impact

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — Follow-Up Report

    Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Tuesday, May 12 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.

    The Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 781 acres and features 14 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Related Programs

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,899 affordable housing units since its inception, with 197 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 10 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Resource Conservation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Timeline

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $230,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

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

    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.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Community Justice Services, 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 project includes improvements along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway between Lafayette and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

    Next Steps

    The Community Justice Services processed over 4,592 applications last year, with an average processing time of 15 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 12% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Timeline

    Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 19 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.

  • Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month — April 2024

    Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month — April 2024

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed March 2026 as Women’s History Month, recognizing the contributions of women leaders, activists, and community builders throughout Boulder County’s history. Special events and exhibitions will be held at libraries and community centers throughout the month.

    The Public Works processed over 4,047 applications last year, with an average processing time of 17 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Works at (303) 441-5635 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    How to Participate

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

    The Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 2,177 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.

  • 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 application deadline is April 30, 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 20 business days.

    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.

    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 1937 county employees across 35 departments and offices.

    The Area Agency on Aging processed over 770 applications last year, with an average processing time of 3 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • July 2024: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    July 2024: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    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.

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 8,915 hours to this program last year. The Human Services coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Eligibility

    Funding of $347,000 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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 29% of properties in the Lyons 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    A community information session will be held at the Lyons library on Friday, May 22 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 Human Services processed over 11,065 applications last year, with an average processing time of 17 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • March 2026: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

    March 2026: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 26% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The project includes improvements along Flagstaff Road between Superior and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

    Next Steps

    According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Public Health, this program served 26% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Superior and the surrounding area,” Sarah Mitchell said.

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

    Eligibility

    The Caribou Ranch open space property encompasses 1,283 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.

  • May: Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month

    May: Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed March 2026 as Women’s History Month, recognizing the contributions of women leaders, activists, and community builders throughout Boulder County’s history. Special events and exhibitions will be held at libraries and community centers throughout the month.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 30 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Transportation, this program served 53% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Erie and the surrounding area,” Maria Gonzalez said.

    Timeline

    Volunteers contributed over 9,104 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 21 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 44 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 13% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Niwot Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.