Tag: news

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

    Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — Hygiene Area

    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.

    Water quality monitoring at 14 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Community Justice Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Funding of $395,000 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.

    Contact Information

    The Community Justice Services processed over 3,346 applications last year, with an average processing time of 14 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    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 2483 county employees across 45 departments and offices.

    Background

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their July 4 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Louisville Community Briefing: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    Louisville Community Briefing: 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 290 affordable housing units since its inception, with 259 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Human Services at (303) 441-3840 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Eligibility

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Human Services: (303) 441-3840 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 Louisville office without an appointment.

  • New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — August 2026

    New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — August 2026

    Boulder County Housing & Human Services announces a new funding opportunity for projects that create or preserve affordable, accessible housing for people with disabilities. Up to $500,000 is available for capital improvements, accessibility modifications, and supportive housing development. Applications are due May 1.

    Volunteers contributed over 10,220 hours to this program last year. The Transportation coordinates with 11 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The Transportation processed over 5,137 applications last year, with an average processing time of 8 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-1359 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 2076 county employees across 45 departments and offices.

  • January: Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions

    January: Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions

    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.

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

    Funding of $58,000 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

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 18% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,837 responses from residents across the county.

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 8 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 6% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Baseline Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Contact Information

    For questions about this program, contact Carlos Rivera at Human Services: (303) 441-8278 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 Lyons office without an appointment.

    Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 4 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Update: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment (2025)

    Update: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment (2025)

    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.

    Water quality monitoring at 15 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Community Planning & Permitting publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    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 2382 county employees across 49 departments and offices.

    Eligibility

    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.

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 13 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 9% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Flagstaff Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Contact Information

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

    Funding of $131,000 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.

  • Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Eldorado Springs Area

    Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Eldorado Springs Area

    Boulder County has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to install electric vehicle charging stations at county facilities and public trailheads. The project will add 40 Level 2 chargers and 8 DC fast chargers at 12 locations across the county, with priority given to underserved communities.

    The application deadline is May 5, 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 8 business days.

    Funding of $244,000 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

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 23 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 14% 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.

    According to Carlos Rivera, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 91% 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.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Follow-Up Report

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Follow-Up Report

    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.

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

    The Parks & Open Space processed over 2,156 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.

    Contact Information

    The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,231 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Environmental review of the project area near Arapahoe Road found 11 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Parks & Open Space worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Resources

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 28 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 27% 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.

  • Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — Longmont Area

    Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — Longmont Area

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Monday, May 18 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 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 19 business days.

    What You Need to Know

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 15% 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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Sunshine Canyon Drive found 4 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Works at (303) 441-2650 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    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.

  • Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections — Follow-Up Report

    Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    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.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $51,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Next Steps

    Water quality monitoring at 19 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Transportation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Environmental review of the project area near 75th Street found 7 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Community Impact

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $425,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 107 acres and features 9 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

  • Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections — Allenspark Area

    Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections — Allenspark Area

    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.

    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.

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 13 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 23% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Nelson Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Details

    The Caribou Ranch open space property encompasses 1,027 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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 30% 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.

    What You Need to Know

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 16% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.