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  • Pine Brook Hills Community Briefing: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    Pine Brook Hills Community Briefing: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    The Board of County Commissioners has approved amendments to the Boulder County Land Use Code to streamline the process for building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on residential properties in unincorporated areas. Changes include reduced setback requirements, simplified design standards, and by-right approval for units under 800 square feet.

    Water quality monitoring at 13 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.

    The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 773 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Related Programs

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $244,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    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 $56,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Update: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 (2025)

    Update: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 (2025)

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 9 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    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 2026, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    Eligibility

    The Longmont Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,861 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    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.

    Related Programs

    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.

  • May: Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment

    May: 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.

    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.

    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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    For questions about this program, contact Michael Kowalski at Community Justice Services: (303) 441-9231 or email Community Justice [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.

    A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Sunday, May 10 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.

  • Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter Near Superior

    Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter Near Superior

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Michael Kowalski at Parks & Open Space: (303) 441-4241 or email Parks & Open [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.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Parks & Open Space, 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.

    Resources

    The project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Nederland and the intersection with Nelson Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

    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 $72,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Next Steps

    Volunteers contributed over 14,095 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 13 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    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.

  • Update: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills (2024)

    Update: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills (2024)

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $172,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Volunteers contributed over 7,381 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 6 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Background

    Safety data from the Niwot area shows 22 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 7% 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.

    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.

    Details

    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 $66,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 254 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.

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — Superior Area

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — Superior Area

    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.

    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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,569 affordable housing units since its inception, with 92 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Eligibility

    The project includes improvements along Left Hand Canyon Drive between Louisville and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 67% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,141 responses from residents across the county.

  • Update: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations (2025)

    Update: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations (2025)

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 19% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The Area Agency on Aging processed over 6,769 applications last year, with an average processing time of 4 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Community Impact

    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 Baseline Road found 9 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Lyons and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

  • 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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $405,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    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 $59,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Timeline

    The Nederland Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,896 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    The application deadline is July 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 19 business days.

    Related Programs

    Volunteers contributed over 12,170 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 14 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment

    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.

    The project includes improvements along Nelson Road between Longmont and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $114,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Eligibility

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 84% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,976 responses from residents across the county.

    The Longmont Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,094 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — December 2026

    Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — December 2026

    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.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $68,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The application deadline is July 19, 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.

    Related Programs

    Environmental review of the project area near 75th Street found 12 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,713 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Timeline

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 33% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,933 responses from residents across the county.

    The Clerk & Recorder processed over 10,967 applications last year, with an average processing time of 5 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.