Tag: boulder-county

  • Update: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds (2026)

    Update: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds (2026)

    Boulder County residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste including paint, solvents, pesticides, batteries, and electronics at a free collection event on Saturday, April 19 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. No appointment is necessary. Commercial waste is not accepted.

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Friday, May 8 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.

    The Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,476 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    What You Need to Know

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 28% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,297 responses from residents across the county.

    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.

    How to Participate

    According to Robert Kim, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 28% 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,” Robert Kim said.

    The application deadline is April 22, 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 22 business days.

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — December 2025

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — December 2025

    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.

    According to Brian Nakamura, director of Public Works, this program served 64% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” Brian Nakamura said.

    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 $109,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Next Steps

    The Betasso Preserve open space property encompasses 1,806 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.

    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 1995 county employees across 37 departments and offices.

    Related Programs

    The application deadline is April 24, 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 24 business days.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,683 affordable housing units since its inception, with 163 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — April 2025

    Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits — April 2025

    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 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 222 affordable housing units since its inception, with 164 additional units in the development pipeline.

    How to Participate

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 70% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,879 responses from residents across the county.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $118,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Background

    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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 70% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month Near Longmont

    Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month Near Longmont

    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.

    The Longmont Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,423 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Water quality monitoring at 20 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Background

    Volunteers contributed over 9,598 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 15 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Funding of $248,000 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.

  • All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Niwot Area

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Niwot Area

    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 application deadline is July 22, 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 11 business days.

    Water quality monitoring at 17 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Housing & Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    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 1903 county employees across 49 departments and offices.

    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.

    Timeline

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,282 affordable housing units since its inception, with 127 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — December 2024

    New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — December 2024

    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.

    Funding of $38,000 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.

    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.

    Related Programs

    Volunteers contributed over 10,170 hours to this program last year. The Housing & Human Services coordinates with 17 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    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.

  • Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections Near Pine Brook Hills

    Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections Near Pine Brook Hills

    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.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Community Planning & Permitting, 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 997 affordable housing units since its inception, with 108 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Community Impact

    The Betasso Preserve open space property encompasses 1,779 acres and features 11 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Planning & Permitting at (303) 441-8440 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Details

    Safety data from the Louisville area shows 30 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 19% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-119 Diagonal Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    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 $113,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Update: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events (2025)

    Update: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events (2025)

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office invites residents to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4. Community events will be held in neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Boulder County featuring safety demonstrations, K-9 unit appearances, crime prevention information, and family-friendly activities.

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Thursday, June 4 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.

    The Sheriff’s Office processed over 7,435 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.

    Resources

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 27% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,483 responses from residents across the county.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $210,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    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.

  • Update: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road (2026)

    Update: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road (2026)

    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.

    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.

    Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-4163 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Related Programs

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 42% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,774 responses from residents across the county.

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

  • Update: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds (2026)

    Update: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds (2026)

    Boulder County residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste including paint, solvents, pesticides, batteries, and electronics at a free collection event on Saturday, April 19 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. No appointment is necessary. Commercial waste is not accepted.

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

    The Public Works processed over 4,035 applications last year, with an average processing time of 15 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Eligibility

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,416 affordable housing units since its inception, with 154 additional units in the development pipeline.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their July 1 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.