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  • Update: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (2026)

    Update: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (2026)

    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.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 78% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,161 responses from residents across the county.

    A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Thursday, April 23 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.

    Background

    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 CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway found 10 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Parks & Open Space worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Transportation: (303) 441-3843 or email [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Longmont office without an appointment.

    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.

    Details

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 40% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $46,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    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.

    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 85% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • July 2024: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work

    July 2024: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space announces a temporary closure of the Boulder Canyon Trail between Elephant Buttresses and the Dome trailhead for rockfall mitigation work. Crews will be scaling loose rock and installing mesh netting along a 400-foot section of cliff face above the trail. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

    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 20 business days.

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

    What You Need to Know

    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 2351 county employees across 37 departments and offices.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 46% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Next Steps

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,287 affordable housing units since its inception, with 71 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • March 2025: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    March 2025: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

    For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-4409 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 Longmont office without an appointment.

    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.

    Timeline

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Friday, May 22 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.

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 7 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 9% 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.

    What You Need to Know

    The Resource Conservation processed over 4,351 applications last year, with an average processing time of 8 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    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.

  • Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway

    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.

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

    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 2286 county employees across 41 departments and offices.

    Eligibility

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,687 affordable housing units since its inception, with 250 additional units in the development pipeline.

    The Public Health processed over 1,611 applications last year, with an average processing time of 19 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Background

    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.

  • Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County’s Wildfire Partners program is accepting registrations for the 2026 community chipping season. Residents in the wildland-urban interface can have tree limbs, brush, and other woody debris chipped at no cost. Last year the program processed over 2,400 loads of material from 1,100 properties across the county.

    The project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Lafayette and the intersection with Coal Creek Canyon Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 9 months.

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

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $87,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 275 affordable housing units since its inception, with 264 additional units in the development pipeline.

    What You Need to Know

    The application deadline is June 25, 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.

    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 1891 county employees across 44 departments and offices.

  • July 2026: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    July 2026: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    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 Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 1,438 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.

    The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Lyons and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 6 months.

    Next Steps

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 1 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 32 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 12% 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.

  • Update: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work (2026)

    Update: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work (2026)

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space announces a temporary closure of the Boulder Canyon Trail between Elephant Buttresses and the Dome trailhead for rockfall mitigation work. Crews will be scaling loose rock and installing mesh netting along a 400-foot section of cliff face above the trail. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

    Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 7 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Justice Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    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.

    Contact Information

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 16% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,962 responses from residents across the county.

    The Caribou Ranch open space property encompasses 2,102 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.

    What You Need to Know

    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.

    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 $86,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Longmont Community Briefing: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal

    Longmont Community Briefing: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal

    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 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 Parks & Open Space processed over 5,897 applications last year, with an average processing time of 11 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Background

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 55% 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 SH-7 / Ute Highway between Boulder and the intersection with Foothills Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 16 months.

    Community Impact

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 80% 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.

  • Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — Follow-Up Report

    Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — Follow-Up Report

    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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 22 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    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.

    Details

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 72% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 72% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,583 responses from residents across the county.

    What You Need to Know

    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 $60,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.