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  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 Near Jamestown

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 Near Jamestown

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 35% 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.

    The Resource Conservation processed over 10,550 applications last year, with an average processing time of 14 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Timeline

    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 Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 138 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.

  • Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — April 2024

    Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — April 2024

    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 $168,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 38% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Details

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 38% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,304 responses from residents across the county.

    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.

    Background

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

  • July 2025: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    July 2025: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities

    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.

    The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 1,195 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 11,400 hours to this program last year. The Human Services coordinates with 17 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Community Impact

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 32% of properties in the Longmont 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.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 84% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,443 responses from residents across the county.

    Background

    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 2287 county employees across 36 departments and offices.

    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.

  • January: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road

    January: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road

    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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,654 affordable housing units since its inception, with 171 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Water quality monitoring at 9 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Area Agency on Aging publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Timeline

    The Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 2,266 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 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 31% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,955 responses from residents across the county.

    How to Participate

    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.

  • Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — April 2024

    Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — April 2024

    The registration deadline for the June 2026 Colorado Primary Election is May 25. Boulder County residents can register online at GoVoteColorado.gov, by mail, or in person at any Voter Service and Polling Center. Same-day registration is available during early voting and on Election Day with valid ID.

    According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 40% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Superior and the surrounding area,” Jennifer Walsh said.

    Safety data from the Superior area shows 42 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 16% 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.

    Contact Information

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 27% of properties in the Superior 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 19 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Housing & Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • Louisville Community Briefing: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects

    Louisville Community Briefing: $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects

    Boulder County has awarded $6.3 million in Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership funds to 12 affordable housing, childcare, and human services projects throughout the county. Funded projects include new affordable rental construction, homebuyer assistance, and childcare facility improvements.

    The Clerk & Recorder processed over 2,816 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 395 affordable housing units since its inception, with 71 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Details

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

    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.

    Background

    Volunteers contributed over 7,002 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • May: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    May: 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 5,305 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 9 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    The Betasso Preserve open space property encompasses 428 acres and features 10 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Related Programs

    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 $71,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,808 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Eligibility

    Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 4 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • March 2026: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

    March 2026: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has closed all trails and trailheads west of Highway 36 due to sustained winds exceeding 80 mph and extreme fire danger conditions. The closure includes all mountain parks, open space properties, and county trails in the foothills. Closures will be reassessed when wind conditions subside.

    According to Carlos Rivera, director of Assessor’s Office, this program served 45% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Carlos Rivera said.

    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 $95,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Related Programs

    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 Assessor’s Office processed over 7,059 applications last year, with an average processing time of 12 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Resources

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 38% 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.

  • Gunbarrel Community Briefing: Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month

    Gunbarrel Community Briefing: Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed March 2026 as Women’s History Month, recognizing the contributions of women leaders, activists, and community builders throughout Boulder County’s history. Special events and exhibitions will be held at libraries and community centers throughout the month.

    Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-2510 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 57% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    How to Participate

    A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Tuesday, May 26 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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $284,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Contact Information

    Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 5 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Resource Conservation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — Fourmile Canyon Area

    Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — Fourmile Canyon Area

    The registration deadline for the June 2026 Colorado Primary Election is May 25. Boulder County residents can register online at GoVoteColorado.gov, by mail, or in person at any Voter Service and Polling Center. Same-day registration is available during early voting and on Election Day with valid ID.

    According to Robert Kim, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 31% 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,” Robert Kim said.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 31% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,811 responses from residents across the county.

    Related Programs

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,596 affordable housing units since its inception, with 242 additional units in the development pipeline.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 25 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Contact Information

    A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Sunday, May 17 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 10 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Community Planning & Permitting publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.