A Message from the Boulder County Commissioners

The U.S. Congress has passed a bill today (July 3) with devastating consequences for nearly everyone in this country – even those who do not directly access federally funded programs like SNAP or Medicaid. This decision by the U.S. Congress will hurt people - and it will disproportionally hurt communities of color. It prevents people from receiving necessary health care; it reduces support for low and moderate income families; and it guarantees that more people will go hungry.

Legislation with Dire Consequences

In June, we called on Boulder County residents to ask Colorado’s representatives in Congress to oppose the proposed Budget Reconciliation Bill (also referred to as H.R. 1 and the One Big Beautiful Bill). The House of Representatives passed the bill by one vote (216-215) at the end of May. A version then passed in the Senate by one vote (51-50). It went back to the House where it was approved today by a vote of 218-214.

The final legislation is over 900 pages long and the legislative process involved many changes. It will take time for the state and the county to determine exactly what the final legislation means in terms of funding and programming. For example, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit costs have been fully funded by the federal government for the entire 50-year history of the SNAP program in its modern form. The approved legislation shifts some of that cost to states – and Colorado is already facing a significant fiscal deficit of its own, which will require a reduction in other state services to prevent people from going hungry.

Financial support for other vital health and nutrition benefits has been drastically cut as well. This will cause reduced life-expectancy, delayed child development, lagging educational achievement, and, as a result, emotional harm.

Attack on Climate Action

Within the 900 plus pages of the bill are hundreds of billions in cuts to clean energy investments, including tax credits for wind and solar made possible through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This will mean over a million jobs lost, hundreds of billions in lost GDP and wages, and, critically, backsliding on the nation’s carbon reduction goals during the ongoing climate crisis.

Focusing on Local

We believe strongly in the power of local action. We believe that Boulder County can make a difference in our community. However, the county cannot possibly make up for what has been lost today in Washington D.C. and we need to be clear about that. Despite the collective best efforts of county staff, nonprofit partners, and our community, this budget will cause lasting harm to the well-being of county residents.

As we work through our analysis of the bill, the county’s existing budget schedule remains in place, and we remain committed to spending local dollars where they will make the most impact. Where we need to make reductions, we will focus on making data-driven decisions with thought and care.

We believe in a future with a healthy economy and a federal government that supports people to thrive by delivering food access, affordable healthcare, and a clean environment. We remain committed to the county’s values, our strategic priorities, and working alongside the county’s dedicated staff to provide the best in public service.

Claire Levy, Marta Loachamin, and Ashley Stolzmann

Boulder County Commissioners

Boulder County Budget Timeline

Developing Boulder County’s annual budget is a process that starts in May each year and involves hundreds of hours of work from county staff, elected officials, and the community. The result is a balanced budget adopted by the Boulder County Commissioners in December ahead of the new financial year.

The Boulder County fiscal year runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 of each year. This is in contrast to the State of Colorado fiscal year, which runs July 1 to June 30, and the Federal Government fiscal year, which runs Oct 1. through Sept. 31.

The Boulder County Commissioners and the Office of Financial Management lead the county’s budget development process. The guiding principles of the budget process are the commissioners’ current strategic priorities, which include:

• economic security and social stability
• climate action and environmental stewardship
• good governance

Underpinning all of these priorities is the belief that good governance is impossible without racial equity.

• Contact the Board of County Commissioners
• View the Commissioners' Meeting Documents and Records
• Visit the County Commissioners' webpage

Americans with Disabilities Act Notice

Special Assistance
Boulder County wants to ensure that everyone has equal access to our programs, activities, and services. To request an Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accommodation, please email the ADA Coordinator, or call 303-441-1386. Submit your request as early as possible, and no later than two business days before the event. Boulder County's ADA Policy