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  • Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — Fourmile Canyon Area

    Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — Fourmile Canyon Area

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Jennifer Walsh at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-9063 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 Louisville office without an appointment.

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

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 18% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,229 responses from residents across the county.

    A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Wednesday, May 6 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.

  • January: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move

    January: Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move

    The Boulder County Assessor’s Office reminds qualifying seniors that Colorado’s property tax exemption portability provision allows them to transfer their exemption to a new primary residence within the county. Seniors who have moved should contact the Assessor’s Office to ensure their exemption transfers correctly.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 13% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 16 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 8% 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.

    Background

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $361,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Wednesday, April 29 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.

    How to Participate

    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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 21 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

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

    January: 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.

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

    Volunteers contributed over 1,874 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 5 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    What You Need to Know

    The project includes improvements along South Boulder Road between Longmont and the intersection with Nelson Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 10 months.

    The Public Works processed over 423 applications last year, with an average processing time of 7 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • September: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    September: 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 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 986 affordable housing units since its inception, with 184 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Timeline

    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 Public Works publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    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

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 16 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 23% 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Amanda Foster at Public Works: (303) 441-3301 or email Public [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Erie office without an appointment.

  • Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move

    Assessor’s Office Helps Eligible Seniors Keep Property Tax Relief After a Move

    The Boulder County Assessor’s Office reminds qualifying seniors that Colorado’s property tax exemption portability provision allows them to transfer their exemption to a new primary residence within the county. Seniors who have moved should contact the Assessor’s Office to ensure their exemption transfers correctly.

    Volunteers contributed over 4,944 hours to this program last year. The Human Services coordinates with 17 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    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.

    What You Need to Know

    The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,592 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 9 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review Near Gunbarrel

    Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review Near Gunbarrel

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 31% of properties in the Lafayette 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-3198 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 Lafayette office without an appointment.

    Related Programs

    The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 2,026 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 Resource Conservation processed over 9,119 applications last year, with an average processing time of 7 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — December 2024

    Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — December 2024

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Thursday, May 28 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 733 affordable housing units since its inception, with 210 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Eligibility

    For questions about this program, contact Carlos Rivera at Public Health: (303) 441-8850 or email Public [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.

    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.

    Community Impact

    The Coalton Trail open space property encompasses 300 acres and features 13 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    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 5,064 responses from residents across the county.

  • Update: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road (2024)

    Update: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road (2024)

    The Boulder County Planning Commission has approved a rezoning request to allow construction of a 48-unit affordable housing development on Arapahoe Road near the intersection with 63rd Street. The project will provide permanently affordable rental units for households earning 30-60% of area median income.

    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 $58,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Saturday, May 23 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.

    Next Steps

    According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Public Works, this program served 60% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Jennifer Walsh said.

    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 Public Works publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — August 2024

    Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — August 2024

    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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $457,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The Assessor’s Office processed over 9,765 applications last year, with an average processing time of 15 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Resources

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Assessor’s Office, 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.

    A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Friday, April 17 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

    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 $77,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The project includes improvements along Sunshine Canyon Drive between Superior and the intersection with SH-119 Diagonal Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

  • Gold Hill Community Briefing: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    Gold Hill Community Briefing: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    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.

    Funding of $184,000 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.

    According to Michael Kowalski, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 31% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Michael Kowalski said.

    Timeline

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 39% of properties in the Lafayette 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.

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Friday, May 29 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.

    Details

    Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 10 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 7% 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.