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  • March 2026: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    March 2026: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    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.

    The application deadline is May 3, 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 27 business days.

    Funding of $364,000 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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 2,923 responses from residents across the county.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 67% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Eligibility

    For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-4166 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 Nederland office without an appointment.

  • Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment Near Ward

    Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment Near Ward

    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 42% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,478 affordable housing units since its inception, with 216 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Background

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Boulder and the intersection with Flagstaff Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 6 months.

    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 Resource Conservation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 1,864 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.

  • November 2026: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026

    November 2026: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026

    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.

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 42 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 12% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Sunshine Canyon Drive and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Wednesday, April 22 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.

    Related Programs

    The application deadline is May 3, 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 21 business days.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 29 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Update: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal (2026)

    Update: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal (2026)

    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.

    According to Brian Nakamura, director of Transportation, this program served 72% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Erie and the surrounding area,” Brian Nakamura said.

    Environmental review of the project area near Nelson Road found 7 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    What You Need to Know

    A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Thursday, May 7 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 685 affordable housing units since its inception, with 122 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Lafayette Community Briefing: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    Lafayette Community Briefing: 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.

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 4,061 hours to this program last year. The Resource Conservation coordinates with 6 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Details

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 52% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 39% 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.

  • Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Gold Hill Area

    Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Gold Hill 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 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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $167,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Details

    Funding of $167,000 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.

    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.

  • Gold Hill Community Briefing: Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work

    Gold Hill Community Briefing: 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.

    Funding of $352,000 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.

    The application deadline is June 28, 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 13 business days.

    How to Participate

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

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-9719 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — Follow-Up Report

    Voter Registration Deadline Approaching for June Primary Election — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    The application deadline is May 14, 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 15 business days.

    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 $120,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Eligibility

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 58% 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 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 58% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,810 responses from residents across the county.

    Timeline

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-8920 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • September: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits

    September: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits

    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.

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

    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 $54,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    How to Participate

    For questions about this program, contact Diana Orozco at Housing & Human Services: (303) 441-2446 or email Housing & Human [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Niwot office without an appointment.

    Volunteers contributed over 5,670 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 21 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • 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.

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

    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.

    Contact Information

    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 $65,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 54% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,847 responses from residents across the county.

    Background

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Monday, May 25 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 54% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.