WordPress Search

Tag: news

  • Update: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 (2026)

    Update: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 (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.

    According to David Thompson, director of Human Services, this program served 90% 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,” David Thompson said.

    Water quality monitoring at 16 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Funding of $484,000 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.

    For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Human Services: (303) 441-9390 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 Lafayette office without an appointment.

    Resources

    The application deadline is July 15, 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.

  • Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions Near Superior

    Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions Near Superior

    Boulder County is accepting applications for Youth Corps Team Leader positions for the 2026 season. Team Leaders supervise crews of young adults working on conservation projects including trail construction, habitat restoration, and wildfire fuel reduction across Boulder County open space properties. Positions start in May.

    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 2144 county employees across 46 departments and offices.

    Water quality monitoring at 8 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.

    Details

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 2 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    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) 441-3685 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • November 2024: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

    November 2024: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

    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.

    The Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 2,356 acres and features 15 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 August 2, 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 11 business days.

    Contact Information

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 58% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,824 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.

    Next Steps

    A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Saturday, May 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.

  • Lafayette Community Briefing: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits

    Lafayette Community Briefing: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits

    Boulder County Human Services has awarded $2.1 million through the Safety Net Initiative to 18 local nonprofit organizations. Funded programs provide food assistance, emergency shelter, behavioral health services, legal aid, and transportation assistance to vulnerable populations throughout Boulder County.

    The Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 1,521 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.

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

    Next Steps

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,498 affordable housing units since its inception, with 258 additional units in the development pipeline.

    According to David Thompson, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 90% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Louisville and the surrounding area,” David Thompson said.

    Related Programs

    Funding of $175,000 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.

  • Fourmile Canyon Community Briefing: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway

    Fourmile Canyon Community Briefing: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway

    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.

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-9106 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 49% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,213 responses from residents across the county.

    Timeline

    Water quality monitoring at 10 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Transportation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    For questions about this program, contact Amanda Foster at Transportation: (303) 441-9106 or email [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.

  • May: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    May: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    The Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department has proposed updates to the General Floodplain Development Permit process. Changes include streamlined review timelines, updated fee structures, and new requirements for climate-adjusted flood risk assessments. Comments are due by April 30.

    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.

    Funding of $102,000 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.

    Details

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-5260 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Saturday, May 16 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: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review (2026)

    Update: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review (2026)

    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.

    According to David Thompson, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 85% 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,” David Thompson said.

    Volunteers contributed over 7,937 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 22 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    How to Participate

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 10 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Contact Information

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Niwot and the intersection with Left Hand Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

  • January: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    January: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 7 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 15% of properties in the Nederland 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.

    How to Participate

    Water quality monitoring at 13 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Clerk & Recorder publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Volunteers contributed over 9,865 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 11 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Contact Information

    Funding of $114,000 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.

    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 2328 county employees across 43 departments and offices.

  • March 2026: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events

    March 2026: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 27% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    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 1998 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

    Related Programs

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 27% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,789 responses from residents across the county.

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 12 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 19% 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.

    What You Need to Know

    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 $108,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 18% 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.

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

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

    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.

    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.

    The application deadline is August 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 25 business days.

    How to Participate

    Environmental review of the project area near CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway found 5 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 18% of properties in the Nederland 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

    For questions about this program, contact Robert Kim at Transportation: (303) 441-8655 or email [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.

    Water quality monitoring at 17 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Transportation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.