Headlines Thursday, July 16, 2026
Ferris fire is 10th largest in Colorado history; tax relief offered to affected individuals and businesses
The Ferris fire is the 10th largest in Colorado history, according to state data. As of Wednesday, the fire has consumed 64,000 acres with a 43% containment rate.
The Ferris wildfire is one of six active wildfires in Colorado that in total have consumed about 208,000 acres.
Gov. Jared Polis announced this week that any people or businesses affected by any recent wildfires that have been considered a disaster emergency are eligible for tax relief.
These fires include the Aspen Acres, Big Sheep, Ferris, Gold Mountain, Green Ridge, Poitrey Canyon, Sharpe, Snyder and Willow fires.
State income tax and sales tax deadlines can be extended to December 31, according to the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Boulder residents rally to raise funds to buy their $42.5M mobile home park
San Lazaro Mobile Home Park residents have started a donation campaign as they continue to rally to raise funds to buy the park in unincorporated Boulder County from a private owner.
San Lazaro Park properties bought the park in 1983 and recently sent a notice of a plan to sell. State law allows residents the first right of refusal to buy the park, which gives them 120 days to organize and raise money.
Park owners have said the price San Lazaro residents need to buy the park is $42.5 million dollars.
So far, more than 80% of the community has organized in favor of forming a resident owned cooperative, and are currently working on the donation campaign.
In their campaign, residents talked about the diversity of the community and the importance of preserving affordable housing. For example, 60% of the residents are Latino, and the community includes essential workers, veterans, and people with disabilities.
They’re planning to share the campaign with businesses and private foundations, and are also hoping to put together a large community fundraising event around the end of August.
Construction of Rock Creek Parkway in Superior could be closed for nearly a month due to delay
The Rock Creek Parkway construction project in Superior is experiencing a 24-day delay, potentially blocking access for nearly a month.
During the Monday night meeting of the Superior Town Council, Christine Katz, the town’s civil engineer, stated that the project is about 24 days behind schedule. The project includes the removal of some turn lanes, road repair, and the addition of a roundabout.
Rock Creek Parkway experiences heavy traffic during the school year, since it is one of the main roads used to reach nearby schools.
Katz says the delay is primarily due to “contractor inefficiencies,” and hopes to get the project completed before the coming school year.
Measure adding members to Boulder County commission expected for November ballot
A measure to expand the Boulder County Commission from three members to five is likely headed to the November ballot.
The advocacy group Big Tent Boulder County collected over 18,000 signatures petitioning to add the measure to the ballot, exceeding the required 13,000.
Supporters, such as Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann, say a larger board would allow commissioners to better respond to constituents. Opponents, such as commissioners Marta Loachamin and Claire Levy, say more members would mean slower decision-making and added costs to an already tight budget.
Currently, the three commissioners oversee a county budget of $745 million dollars. In comparison, the Boulder City Council has nine members that oversee a budget of $521 million.
If the signatures are verified, this would be the first ballot measure in over nine years to qualify through signature collection alone.
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