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

    Lafayette 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.

    According to David Thompson, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 79% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” David Thompson said.

    The Clerk & Recorder processed over 4,996 applications last year, with an average processing time of 3 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    What You Need to Know

    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.

    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 2493 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

    Resources

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 6 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 7% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    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.

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

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — Lyons 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 project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Niwot and the intersection with Foothills Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

    The Clerk & Recorder processed over 2,396 applications last year, with an average processing time of 20 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Details

    Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 12 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

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

    Contact Information

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

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,348 affordable housing units since its inception, with 57 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — August 2024

    Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — August 2024

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has acquired a 340-acre conservation easement on a working ranch near the town of Lyons. The easement permanently protects critical wildlife habitat along the St. Vrain Creek corridor and preserves agricultural land from future development while keeping the property in private ownership.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 30% of properties in the Longmont 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 Community Planning & Permitting processed over 6,661 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Background

    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 $77,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 1,372 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.

    Eligibility

    For questions about this program, contact Amanda Foster at Community Planning & Permitting: (303) 441-2380 or email Community Planning & [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Longmont office without an appointment.

  • January: Commissioners Approve Accessory Dwelling Unit Code Amendment

    January: 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.

    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 $117,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Water quality monitoring at 9 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Clerk & Recorder publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Resources

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 712 affordable housing units since its inception, with 201 additional units in the development pipeline.

    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.

    Details

    The project includes improvements along 75th Street between Nederland and the intersection with Baseline Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 13 months.

    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.

  • Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Longmont Area

    Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Longmont Area

    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.

    The application deadline is July 12, 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 29 business days.

    Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 7 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Resources

    Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-5760 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Funding of $112,000 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.

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

    Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Nederland 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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Arapahoe Road found 5 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Planning & Permitting worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The Community Planning & Permitting processed over 7,608 applications last year, with an average processing time of 9 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Timeline

    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.

    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

    The project includes improvements along Arapahoe Road between Gunbarrel and the intersection with Baseline Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 9 months.

    Water quality monitoring at 11 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Community Planning & Permitting publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • May: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road

    May: Planning Commission Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing on Arapahoe Road

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 38% of properties in the Lafayette 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.

    Volunteers contributed over 6,690 hours to this program last year. The Area Agency on Aging coordinates with 25 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Community Impact

    For questions about this program, contact Jennifer Walsh at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-5108 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 Lafayette office without an appointment.

    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 2449 county employees across 44 departments and offices.

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

    Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    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.

    Volunteers contributed over 7,750 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 631 affordable housing units since its inception, with 153 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Resources

    A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Saturday, May 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.

    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 2259 county employees across 37 departments and offices.

    Details

    Environmental review of the project area near South Boulder Road found 5 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Parks & Open Space worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    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.

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

    May: 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.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,774 affordable housing units since its inception, with 147 additional units in the development pipeline.

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

    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.

    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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    For questions about this program, contact Carlos Rivera at Assessor’s Office: (303) 441-4175 or email Assessor’s [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.

    Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Assessor’s Office at (303) 441-4175 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — April 2025

    Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — April 2025

    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.

    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.

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

    Background

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 71% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

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