Headlines — May 4, 2022

Headlines for May 4, 2022

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Boulder County Hears Proposals For $63m In Federal Relief Money

At a meeting last night, Boulder County Commissioners heard recommendations for how to spend the second half of the $63 million dollars grant from the American Rescue Plan Act. Working groups presented a business grant program, direct cash assistance to low-income families, affordable housing investment, and increased access to mental health resources.

Also on the list, groups suggested a behavioral health mobile response team that would respond to 911 calls, and include eight responders serving all of Boulder County. 

As part of the assistance to low-income families, the group proposed building an early childhood village that would provide child care and family resources.

The commissioners expressed support for the proposals but asked for a more specific breakdown of hiring and budget needs. 

Thousands Rally Around Colorado For Abortion Rights

Thousands of people rallied at the state capitol building yesterday to protest the recently leaked Supreme Court draft decision to overturn federal-level abortion protection.

They joined thousands across the state, including in Boulder, to voice support for a women’s right to an abortion. Reproductive rights advocates and others who feel threatened by the implications of the language contained within the draft opinion say they plan to keep up the pressure, including with a rally in Longmont Saturday.

Boulder Commissioners Consider Ignition-Resistant Construction 

The Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department is proposing an update to the ignition-resistant requirements for construction in Wildfire Zone 2.

This area includes eastern unincorporated Boulder County. The new plan would update construction standards to use Class-A roofing materials and ignition-resistant materials.

 Other requirements feature a mandatory 3-foot, non-combustible perimeter around homes. It also requires homeowners to build non-combustible fences. 

Commissioners will review the proposed changes at a public hearing next week.

Coloradans Encouraged To Prepare For Wildfire As Risk Increases

May is Wildfire Awareness Month. As Colorado experiences a record-breaking fire season, State and Federal officials encourage residents to join the effort to reduce wildfires. 

Some steps of prevention include removing dry leaves and pine needles from your property and registering for emergency notifications. 

NBC News Correspondent To Speak To Cu Boulder Students About Pursuing The Truth

Nearly nine thousand CU Boulder students will graduate on Thursday, which is the campus’s first in-person commencement since 2019. NBC News correspondent Tom Costello will speak at the ceremony. 

According to The Daily Camera, Costello says his speech will tell students about the “important role they play in society and how — despite differences in their fields of study — their ability to vet information and find the truth is crucial.”

Boulder To Expand In-person Services Starting May 5

The City of Boulder announced Monday, that they will begin offering in-person services at a new customer service hub on Arapahoe Blvd. Community members will be able to talk with staff from the Department of Housing and Human Services, and the Department of Planning.

The services center will initially be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting this week.

The Penfield Tate II Municipal Building, on Broadway, will also be open for community members to connect with city staff.

Finally, the City Council will open back up their meeting to in-person attendees. Across services, they will continue to provide video and digital access.

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