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Boulder County reorganization: commissioners outline 2026 priorities; budget includes pay increases and targeted investments
Summary
At its annual reorganization, the Boulder County Board highlighted 2025 accomplishments and set 2026 priorities — economic security, climate action and good governance — and approved resolutions, auditor appointment and staff pay increases including a $152 monthly COLA and a new $52,000 living wage.
At the Jan. 13 reorganization meeting, the Boulder County Board of County Commissioners reviewed strategic priorities for 2026 and approved routine reorganization resolutions, appointments and administrative matters.
Commissioner Claire Levy said voters’ approval of local funding measures created opportunities to expand mental and behavioral health services: "Now it's our job to meet that need and put those funds to work," she said, urging the county to turn ballot‑issue revenues into services. Commissioners and staff highlighted 2025 program results including a direct‑cash pilot (Nurturing Futures) that provided $300 a month to 533 low‑income families, distribution of nearly $2.1 million in rental assistance through the Affordable & Attainable Housing Fund, and the addition of more than 200 affordable housing units.
The board adopted its reorganization resolutions (appointments of chair and vice chair), designated the official county newspaper, approved the 2026 county holiday schedule, and appointed CliftonLarsonAllen as county auditors for 2026. The county also reported budget priorities: $9.2 million for roads and bridges capital projects, $8.5 million for county buildings and facilities, and continued allocations from voter‑approved taxes to support housing, wildfire mitigation and other priorities. Commissioners noted a negotiated employee compensation increase — a $152 per month cost‑of‑living adjustment plus standard pay increases — and the county’s living wage was raised to $52,000 effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Commissioners thanked staff and department leaders for their work and repeated a focus on racial equity, climate action, and good governance. The morning session recessed for the afternoon land‑use public hearing, which the board later held and concluded with action on the Riverside Cabins application.
