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  • All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Follow-Up Report

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    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.

    The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Lyons and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

    Timeline

    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 $55,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

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

    Erie 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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 37% of properties in the Erie 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.

    According to Diana Orozco, director of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, this program served 33% 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,” Diana Orozco said.

    Details

    The application deadline is July 20, 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 5 business days.

    A community information session will be held at the Erie library on Thursday, April 16 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

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 33% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,017 responses from residents across the county.

    The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,254 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    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 $69,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 194 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.

    Resources

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,009 affordable housing units since its inception, with 107 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 83% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Related Programs

    Water quality monitoring at 18 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Sheriff’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections

    Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections

    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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 318 affordable housing units since its inception, with 261 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Safety data from the Boulder area shows 17 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 30% 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.

    Contact Information

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $498,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Friday, June 5 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 Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — April 2026

    Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — April 2026

    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 project includes improvements along Left Hand Canyon Drive between Lafayette and the intersection with Left Hand Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 6 months.

    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.

    Details

    Environmental review of the project area near Left Hand Canyon Drive found 8 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    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 2068 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

    Contact Information

    Funding of $111,000 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,483 affordable housing units since its inception, with 123 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Update: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter (2025)

    Update: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter (2025)

    The February edition of the Boulder County Resource Conservation newsletter features updates on the 2026 composting grant program, tips for reducing food waste at home, upcoming zero waste events, and a spotlight on local businesses achieving zero waste certification.

    Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-5807 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 29% of properties in the Gunbarrel 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.

    Next Steps

    The application deadline is May 30, 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 28 business days.

    The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,225 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 26 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

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

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

    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.

    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 $81,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $437,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Timeline

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 23 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Safety data from the Nederland area shows 29 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 23% 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.

    Background

    A community information session will be held at the Nederland library on Wednesday, May 27 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.

  • Eldorado Springs Community Briefing: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

    Eldorado Springs Community Briefing: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

    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.

    For questions about this program, contact Sarah Mitchell at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-5825 or email Area Agency on [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.

    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 $87,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Eligibility

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

    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.

  • Gunbarrel Community Briefing: Human Services Safety Net Initiative Awards $2.1 Million to Nonprofits

    Gunbarrel Community Briefing: 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.

    Funding of $94,000 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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 23 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Eligibility

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 14% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,729 responses from residents across the county.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,005 affordable housing units since its inception, with 231 additional units in the development pipeline.

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

    Commissioners Proclaim March as Women’s History Month — Superior 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.

    The project includes improvements along Coal Creek Canyon Road between Louisville and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

    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.

    Eligibility

    The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 1,476 acres and features 7 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 Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,156 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Background

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their July 5 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.