The start of a new year often brings fresh goals and a renewed sense of direction. For Weld County Government, the approach in 2026 is no different.

As one of Colorado’s fastest-growing counties, Weld County continues to evolve. Growth brings opportunity, but it also brings responsibility. County leaders are looking ahead with a focus on planning thoughtfully and investing in projects that will support residents today and into the future.

In 2026, three major initiatives will help guide that work: the development of a new judicial center, an update to the Weld County Comprehensive Plan, and continued progress on transportation projects across the county, including improvements to the Greeley-Weld County Airport.

1. New Judicial Center

For many residents, the justice system is one of the most important services the county provides. As Weld County’s population has grown, so has the demand for court services. The existing judicial facilities were built for a much smaller community and are no longer equipped to meet today’s needs.

Looking ahead, the county is working toward the development of a new judicial center designed to better serve residents, court staff, and the 19th Judicial District overall. The focus is on creating a facility that improves safety, efficiency, and accessibility while allowing room for future growth.

The planned judicial center is expected to include modern courtrooms, enhanced security features, and improved public access, helping ensure the justice system can continue to operate effectively for decades to come.

2. Comprehensive Plan

While some projects focus on buildings and infrastructure, others shape the county in less visible but equally important ways. One of those efforts is the update to the Weld County Comprehensive Plan.

The comprehensive plan serves as a long-range guide for land use, growth, and development in unincorporated Weld County. It helps inform decisions that affect residents, businesses, and property owners and plays a key role in balancing growth with the county’s rural character.

The 2026 update will reflect current conditions and future needs while remaining grounded in the values that define Weld County. Main considerations include preserving agriculture, respecting private property rights, supporting economic opportunity, and coordinating planning efforts with the county’s 32 municipalities.

Public input will be central to the process. Residents, stakeholders, and community partners will have opportunities to share their perspectives and help shape the plan’s direction.

3. Transportation 

Maintaining roads, bridges, and an overall transportation system that safely and efficiently connects communities is crucial when it comes to supporting a growing population.

In 2026, the county will continue advancing transportation projects focused on safety, improved mobility, and connectivity. Such commitment is shown in the effort to expand the Greeley-Weld County Airport and in the creation of High Plains Boulevard, a new road east of Mead to run east of Interstate 25.

But projects like these don’t just happen, they are born out of long-range planning visions and partnerships. Discussions in 2024 identified a need to update the airport to handle larger planes and greater air traffic. Following an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Greeley, Weld County and Greeley-Weld Airport Authority Board, the expansion started, with the first notable improvement being the start of the Echo and Bravo Complex. As part of that project, a new ramp has been installed, which has helped the airport’s layout, enhancing aircraft parking and overall traffic flow. The acceptance of three federal grants totaling more than $1.2 million in 2025 will ensure improvements continue.  

High Plains Boulevard was born out of a similar commitment, first envisioned in 2003, following a safety study that included representatives from Weld County, Larimer County, the Colorado Department of Transportation and the towns of Mead, Berthoud, Johnstown, and Loveland. The goal? Build another north/south corridor east of Interstate 25, specifically expanding Weld County Road (WCR) 9.5 east of Mead from WCR 32 to WCR 36. The county is working on the boulevard from WCR 32 to WCR 34, while Mead is spearheading the road from WCR 34 to WCR 36. The project is underway, with the county’s portion expected to be complete in the fall of this year.

As we step into the new year, these three priorities offer a clear picture of what lies ahead for Weld County Government. From strengthening public safety and guiding future growth to improving transportation networks, each initiative reflects a shared focus on planning responsibly and investing wisely.