Tag: news

  • New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — August 2026

    New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities — August 2026

    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 $122,000 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 9,773 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 18% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Jennifer Walsh said.

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

    Details

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $122,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Superior

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Superior

    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.

    Water quality monitoring at 18 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Transportation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The Transportation processed over 10,521 applications last year, with an average processing time of 9 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Community Impact

    Funding of $183,000 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.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 75% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,947 responses from residents across the county.

    How to Participate

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

  • Erie Community Briefing: Boulder County Adopts $745 Million Budget for 2026

    Erie Community Briefing: 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.

    The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,417 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Funding of $216,000 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.

    Background

    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 $216,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter Near Hygiene

    Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter Near Hygiene

    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.

    The Area Agency on Aging processed over 6,669 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Volunteers contributed over 3,333 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 20 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Contact Information

    For questions about this program, contact Lisa Patel at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-2568 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.

    Safety data from the Boulder area shows 38 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 25% 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.

    Background

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 23% of properties in the Boulder 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.

    Funding of $397,000 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.

  • Update: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities (2026)

    Update: New Funding Opportunity to Support Housing for People with Disabilities (2026)

    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.

    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 application deadline is June 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 17 business days.

    Contact Information

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 25% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-1842 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • January: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

    January: 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.

    The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,043 seniors participated in center programs last year.

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

    Resources

    The Legion Park open space property encompasses 2,462 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.

    The Community Justice Services processed over 3,466 applications last year, with an average processing time of 11 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Contact Information

    Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 4 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Justice Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

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

  • Update: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway (2024)

    Update: Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway (2024)

    Boulder County Public Works announces a temporary median closure on Niwot Road near the CO-119 Diagonal Highway intersection for utility infrastructure improvements. The closure will affect left turns from Niwot Road onto the Diagonal Highway for approximately six weeks. A signed detour route will be in place.

    The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 2,015 acres and features 5 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 $337,000 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.

    Related Programs

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 41 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 18% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Foothills Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    A community information session will be held at the Lyons library on Sunday, April 26 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.

    Next Steps

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $337,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Jamestown Community Briefing: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    Jamestown Community Briefing: 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.

    Water quality monitoring at 12 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Area Agency on Aging publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    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.

    Resources

    According to Robert Kim, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 65% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” Robert Kim said.

    Funding of $424,000 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.

    Contact Information

    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 2445 county employees across 36 departments and offices.

  • Update: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (2025)

    Update: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (2025)

    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.

    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.

    Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-5530 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Timeline

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 63% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Water quality monitoring at 13 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Transportation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Eligibility

    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 2085 county employees across 36 departments and offices.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 63% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,350 responses from residents across the county.

  • July 2024: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    July 2024: 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.

    Safety data from the Superior area shows 27 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 7% 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,202 affordable housing units since its inception, with 79 additional units in the development pipeline.

    What You Need to Know

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 15% 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.

    Funding of $319,000 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.

    How to Participate

    Water quality monitoring at 13 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Resource Conservation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.