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  • Eldora Community Briefing: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

    Eldora Community Briefing: 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.

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-6885 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.

    How to Participate

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 25% 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 Bald Mountain open space property encompasses 1,457 acres and features 12 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Community Impact

    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.

    Funding of $227,000 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.

  • $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — Nederland Area

    $6.3 Million Awarded for Affordable Housing and Human Services Projects — Nederland Area

    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 Public Health processed over 2,817 applications last year, with an average processing time of 12 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Water quality monitoring at 15 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Public Health publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Community Impact

    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.

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Health at (303) 441-3484 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Background

    The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 1,540 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.

    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.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Pine Brook Hills Area

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Pine Brook Hills Area

    Boulder County is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Parks & Open Space Director. The incoming director brings over 20 years of experience in public land management and conservation. They will oversee the department’s 100,000+ acres of protected land and 150 miles of multi-use trails.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 805 affordable housing units since its inception, with 168 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $469,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Eligibility

    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.

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

    Timeline

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 19 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 20% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along 75th Street and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

  • Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — December 2024

    Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — December 2024

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Maria Gonzalez at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-6835 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 Gunbarrel office without an appointment.

    According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 41% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Maria Gonzalez said.

    Background

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 41% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,143 responses from residents across the county.

    Funding of $465,000 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.

    What You Need to Know

    Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 10 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Resource Conservation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,535 affordable housing units since its inception, with 142 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections Near Lyons

    Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections Near Lyons

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has issued a resolution reaffirming the county’s commitment to protecting immigrant community members and ensuring equal access to county services regardless of immigration status. The resolution directs county staff to review and strengthen existing policies.

    Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Health at (303) 441-3294 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Saturday, May 30 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

    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.

    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.

    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.

  • Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month — Sunshine Canyon Area

    Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month — Sunshine Canyon Area

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 13,703 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 12 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Health at (303) 441-4994 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Timeline

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,942 affordable housing units since its inception, with 286 additional units in the development pipeline.

    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 15 business days.

  • 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 14% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    The Housing & Human Services processed over 10,199 applications last year, with an average processing time of 5 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    How to Participate

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,110 affordable housing units since its inception, with 206 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-4398 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Eligibility

    The application deadline is July 11, 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 30 business days.

    According to James Rodriguez, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 14% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.

  • Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — August 2026

    Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — August 2026

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the 2026 Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Program. Grants fund equipment, training, and trail safety improvements for volunteer search and rescue teams and trail patrol organizations operating in Boulder County.

    The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 1,885 acres and features 6 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Funding of $461,000 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.

    What You Need to Know

    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.

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

    Contact Information

    The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience processed over 4,895 applications last year, with an average processing time of 10 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • September: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    September: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    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.

    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.

    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 2381 county employees across 44 departments and offices.

    Eligibility

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $302,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Erie and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

  • November 2024: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

    November 2024: 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.

    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 $57,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    According to Robert Kim, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 23% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Louisville and the surrounding area,” Robert Kim said.

    Eligibility

    The Housing & Human Services processed over 2,836 applications last year, with an average processing time of 12 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Safety data from the Louisville area shows 45 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 16% 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.