This section explains the countywide goals that inform the budgeting process. In response to requests from employees and partners to understand the Board of County Commissioners’ (BOCC) priorities and goals, and to help better identify and support key initiatives across the county, the BOCC implemented a process in May 2018 to define the five-year strategic priorities. In December of 2018, the board adopted a set of five-year strategic priorities to guide the county in all aspects of public service. The identified priorities go above and beyond the core services and functions that we are proud to deliver in Boulder County.

• Affordable Living
• Climate Action
• Equity & Justice
• Land & Water Stewardship
• Organizational & Financial Stewardship

The five priority areas identified align with existing programs and projects within departments, and with work that has been developed using community input and feedback via the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan, the Regional Affordable Housing Plan, the Public Health Improvement Process, the Transportation Master Plan, the Parks & Open Space Vision2020 initiative, and the Sustainability Plan among other planning efforts.

In addition to the values listed above, there are specific areas in which the Boulder County organization takes special care to support. The Boulder County Commissioners, along with other elected officials and leadership in the organization, have made it clear through the passing of multiple resolutions that Boulder County is an open, welcoming, and inclusive community:

• Guest Opinion by the Board on Inclusivity
• Resolution 2015-133
• Resolution 2017-26
• Creating a more inclusive and welcoming work environment

Major values, and some resources connected with them, are listed below.

Environmental Protection & Sustainability

Boulder County expends effort into conserving our precious natural resources and promote healthy lifestyles. Residents can learn how to adopt sustainable ways of living by recycling, composting, and commuting in ways that protect our air, land, and water, or learn how to defend yourself and your family against environmental health risks.

• Recycling & Composting
• Sustainable Living for Residences & Businesses

Immigrant Supports & Services

All community members are welcome in all county buildings. Services are available for both documented or undocumented people unless funding is federally restricted. Residents are encouraged to visit our offices and talk with staff members to determine which services will provide the best support. Boulder County has also compiled a list of resources which may be useful to all immigrants.

• Immigrant Resources

LGBTIQ Resources

Boulder County has a long history of supporting LGBTIQ members of the community including being the first county to administer same-sex marriage licenses, to providing day-to-day support for all LGBTIQ residence from youth to seniors.

• Issuing Same Sex Marriage Licenses
  • Applying for a Marriage License
  • LGBTIQ Resources
  • Older Adults
  • Youth (OASOS)

Healthcare Coverage

Regular doctor visits and healthcare coverage or important pieces to living a healthy, productive lifestyle so Boulder County works to make sure all residents are covered. Boulder County provides a wide variety of support services for finding the right healthcare coverage for each person.

• Health Insurance Assistance

Vision Statement:

“As trusted stewards of Boulder County’s future, we provide the best in public service.”

Guiding Values:

Inclusion – We value, respect, and support all individuals by being an inclusive, culturally responsive county government.

Stewardship – We honor our county’s past and work in partnership with our community to ensure a thriving, healthy quality of life for present and future generations.

Service – We work with passion and integrity in a supportive, positive environment to ensure accountability, responsiveness, efficiency, and justice.

Engagement – We listen to and provide opportunities for all community members to actively collaborate and engage with us in order to continually improve our services.

Sustainability – We are committed to environmental, social, and economic sustainability and build partnerships to help make the broader community more sustainable.

Innovation – We are motivated, progressive, and visionary. We continually challenge ourselves to lead with innovation, collaboration, and creativity.

Resilience – We plan for the future and forge strong partnerships that allow us to adapt quickly to challenges and manage community impacts.

The Guiding Values were last updated in 2018.

The final report produced by the BOCC to communicate the Strategic Priorities features can be found here.