[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6249225,"mediaKeyId","3206695-698393d631a035f20f1fa83d9e145207","parentId",3206695,"title","Regional agencies and utilities form Building Decarbonization Network to coordinate incentives, messaging and contractor supports","audioSeconds",1241,"startMs",2123000,"endMs",3364000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3206695-698393d631a035f20f1fa83d9e145207&start=2123&end=3364","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3206695-698393d631a035f20f1fa83d9e145207/thumbnail_2123000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6249225/Colorado/Regional-agencies-and-utilities-form-Building-Decarbonization-Network-to-coordinate-incentives-messaging-and-contractor-supports","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6249225-9cea0a402c0869fc67f623a940f605c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770688762&Signature=TpNw~0G7r5Q5AEP~6xFvCj1OI7p01X4Ub-wM7xyduAPCugt9jlbk7ANMFZ~EyDX0iBNKt2ysv5n1kY4p11sI--MQbYDG2I6lKcszduHgQ-JbmKpHUxalPFahjlAwzg8MDcZCe2rjn~uTgtaFyWfFaU04cMTCnGcQXZ6lmwPdV4vE1-Wsf-OfGMqEiNeNO7hRHEQbrXqxwjE5b9ZAzrwRsJRC8LTMSLRBe0YzZZ1sgVz4hJIP-OVZdqCarIcWPiR3RxqWvAzPT8e9K8yKaWbT6wAGHaaTwJftXa8Mc1W8rMLdxTUf1V~Q27-jgoKDGm~HmAU6uatEqB6nlzQwS-l8YQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Denver Regional Council of Governments","date","2025-05-07T05:45:49.793Z","article","DRCOG staff described a new collaborative called the Building Decarbonization Network (BDN), a cross‑sector effort to coordinate program design, market‑shaping messaging and workforce and contractor supports as large federal, state and utility funds flow into Colorado for heat pump and efficiency programs.

DRCOG staff member Mac said the network includes DRCOG, Xcel Energy, the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), Rewiring America, the Collective Clean Energy Fund and other regional partners. He noted major investments across the state — the Colorado Energy Office’s $140 million award tied to Inflation Reduction Act programs, Xcel Energy’s approximately $441 million Clean Heat plan and DRCOG’s $200 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant — and said the scale of funding makes coordination essential to avoid duplicative or confusing programs.

Clay and other staff described how the BDN convened in November and has since formed three working groups focused on program mechanics, market shaping and messaging, and workforce/contractor support. The groups have worked on journey mapping, a shared contractor list, common application and technical specifications and aligning contractor training and quality‑installation verification standards. Clay said the effort aims to “streamline the customer experience” and to treat contractors as a key customer group.

Participants discussed workforce pipeline and contractor capacity. DRCOG noted five green workforce hubs are being launched in the region with the goal of adding 3,800 new workers to the industry; Xcel Energy has launched a clean energy careers program and other trainings have seen substantial contractor attendance. Sergio Cordova of the local Pipefitters Union described the union’s apprenticeship program and said interest is strong; he reported the union is conducting ongoing interviews for new apprentices and works with dozens of service and mechanical contractors across the metro region.

BDN participants said they have mapped 12 program mechanics issues to resolve — from shared contractor lists to consistent equipment specifications and quality installation verification — and plan a May in‑person workshop and continued frequent meetings. DRCOG staff said they are working toward hosting an aggregated contractor list on DRCOG’s website as a single resource for consumers and contractors across programs.

Why it matters: multiple large funding streams and program administrators operating in the same geography can create market confusion, inconsistent technical requirements and administrative burden for contractors. The BDN’s explicit goal is to coordinate program rules, messaging and workforce supports to accelerate market transformation without fragmenting the contractor marketplace.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","DRCOG| Regional Building Decarbonization Technical Committee","oneSentenceSummary","DRCOG outlined the Building Decarbonization Network (BDN), a regional coordination effort among DRCOG, Xcel Energy, the Colorado Energy Office, Rewiring America, Collective Clean Energy Fund and others to align program design, messaging, contractor lists and workforce training as major federal and utility funds are deployed.","taxTitle","Denver Regional Council of Governments, Governor's Boards and Commissions, Organizations, Executive, Colorado","taxId",27825,"location","Colorado","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6249228,"DRCOG decarbonization team announces hires and several vendor contracts including $6M pilot with VEIC",189,115000,304000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3206695-698393d631a035f20f1fa83d9e145207&start=115&end=304","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3206695-698393d631a035f20f1fa83d9e145207/thumbnail_115000.jpg","/articles/6249228/Colorado/DRCOG-decarbonization-team-announces-hires-and-several-vendor-contracts-including-6M-pilot-with-VEIC","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6249228-9fba3f68d7276e2258320ce87c96bd40/orig.mp4?Expires=1770688762&Signature=kmlG~fzwgq1G7Kdp4rTas051V8pcg-F5F577u~hV0iHD~UZdvbndYhm2PWfylxjDzb26qpIwc6yYiWZisPcP4-dA9-l9gEfuo1nGm-yXctauGTc-z3ntrYTtCM7nHj~bEwN7G5kJ-Y1rEkOehWL82uR92mrNfhuq0CMvFmAn8qFzDkzTQNhF3oUeMnvzsH2fUtc2LV7SoEfN6uvELAXHyEjzdndqv4AddN64tsfJjXyaLZ38ywkztv~201KZIEBZo-IjSpM4K7A6kJ2-7SmkoSL8NF~cNBOKLtDe1x5Cl8DXtnodBUhzQhfv2zNvZtbE19mkjjmj6PbMG9~nSVMxsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","DRCOG staff gave a program update reporting stable reimbursements, ongoing coordination with EPA Region 8, several new hires and recent contract awards tied to the agency’s building decarbonization work.

Chris, a DRCOG presenter, opened the update by saying funding “remains really positive” and that DRCOG has “had no problems, getting reimbursed for expenses.” He also said DRCOG maintains “full and transparent contact” with EPA Region 8.

New staff announced on the decarbonization team include Andy Burkey (senior communications specialist), Fernando Briones (senior LIDAC specialist), Devon Riefsnyder (senior workforce specialist) and Katie Maxted (decarbonization contracts lead). Chris described their backgrounds in communications, climate and resilience research, workforce development, and federal grants and contracts.

Several procurement outcomes and vendor awards were detailed:

- VEIC was selected to implement DRCOG’s innovation pilot program under a $6,000,000 contract. VEIC also operates the Tech Clean California Quick Start Grant Program.

- AD Works received $5,200,000 for green workforce hubs.

- The Building Decarbonization Coalition was awarded $4,500,000 to run a contractor navigation hub.

- Lotus signed DRCOG’s first facilitation contract and held a kickoff meeting to facilitate the building policy collaborative.

- DRCOG said it is finalizing a contract with Karsh Hagen for marketing services and is close to selecting an incentives and energy‑advising vendor. DRCOG will also release an RFP for a low‑income program administrator to provide a clearinghouse for home upgrade services.

Chris said DRCOG had completed interviews for a senior policy specialist and expects to make an offer. A kickoff meeting with the marketing vendor is planned for mid‑May. The presenter said the team is “eyebrow deep” in procurement and program rollout.

Why it matters: these hires and vendor contracts operationalize DRCOG’s building decarbonization programs—covering communications, workforce development, contractor navigation and direct incentives design—and position the agency to coordinate incentives and workforce supports across the region.","DRCOG's decarbonization team introduced new staff, reported steady funding and announced multiple contracts and awards, including a $6 million innovation pilot with VEIC and signed contracts for contractor and facilitation services.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6249232,"DRCOG technical committee approves $34.8 million subaward policy for local building decarbonization support",1665,445000,2110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3206695-698393d631a035f20f1fa83d9e145207&start=445&end=2110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3206695-698393d631a035f20f1fa83d9e145207/thumbnail_445000.jpg","/articles/6249232/Colorado/DRCOG-technical-committee-approves-348-million-subaward-policy-for-local-building-decarbonization-support","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6249232-7ddac20776c597b424acd2dbc15c8471/orig.mp4?Expires=1770688762&Signature=DJmCMwrT68SDdkwYFf79B3I1LETi7~v3yiu6SwkxawUG9mQBk7lrfdzeyed2hhonR0KjzQ5~HqcQxhNg~f3wAVguDcCnPh8NLqBW0mp~C~UgiNSc6~MLJTMSOEz2Ksly-e6UqRNbK~oZgrORgsW8UyFhGrzN6ZDEzDtWScS-1QCEu-ely2OCOCe8GwuFMi8FDkMmJmNb5tZsTrairqhJkkSwPOFqHKjeorK1NquPdlEGkR3zQ-YDKlgXn7~dsKnu2N1oPijOyzGrjlkHPuCodi7vBtnfOKEB0I4vj8bWeYqiWAtHZvLwregFgGeylPHxn178kGAyPDFSSeO5cuD0TQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Regional Technical Committee approved a jurisdictional support subaward policy to distribute $34,800,000 in first‑round subawards to local jurisdictions for building decarbonization policy work.

The policy, presented by a DRCOG staff member identified in the meeting as Greg, establishes eligibility for all 59 jurisdictions in the DRCOG region, sets program priorities — with staff capacity as the highest priority — and creates an eight‑tier funding structure with maximum awards ranging from $50,000 to $2,000,000 over the roughly 3½–4 year grant period.

Greg said the program is intended to help jurisdictions implement local building decarbonization policies consistent with DRCOG’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) work. The policy requires a letter of intent signed by a senior administrative official or chief elected official; Greg emphasized that the letter is “not a formal... obligation” but an expression of political intent to participate.

The committee discussed application and contracting timelines: DRCOG plans to open the application on June 2, keep it open through Oct. 31, and, if approved, bring recommended awards to the finance and budget committee for contract authorization. Greg told members he expects an initial staff review and request for clarifications within one to two weeks of receiving applications, monthly F&B approvals, and a contracting window of roughly two weeks to a month after approvals. The goal is to have local contracts in place by the end of the calendar year and for jurisdictions to begin drawing down funds by January 2026.

Committee members asked for clarifications on eligible signatories, technical assistance from DRCOG during application development, whether intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) are required for multi‑jurisdiction proposals, and the award period end date. Greg confirmed DRCOG staff will work with applicants on proposals, that formal IGAs are not required at application time (the lead applicant will receive and manage the award), and the team will add a clear final date for the award period in the policy document.

A motion to approve the jurisdictional support subaward policy was made and seconded during the meeting; the committee approved the policy by voice vote with no opposed or abstentions recorded in the meeting transcript.

Why it matters: the subaward program is the primary mechanism DRCOG will use to fund local staff, technical work and engagement needed to translate regional decarbonization goals into local policy and permitting changes. The policy is specifically limited to supporting policy, administrative capacity and related local planning and does not fund local infrastructure, rebates, or incentive programs, which DRCOG plans to administer regionally.

The committee signaled next steps that include one‑on‑one jurisdiction outreach, a prelaunch webinar scheduled for May 27, template application materials to be published, quarterly check‑ins with subawardees and a competitive second round planned for spring 2026 to target innovation and replication.","The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) Regional Technical Committee voted to approve a jurisdictional support subaward policy that will distribute up to $34.8 million to local governments for staff capacity, technical assistance, permitting upgrades and community engagement tied to building decarbonization planning.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Regional agencies and utilities form Building Decarbonization Network to coordinate incentives, messaging and contractor supports

DRCOG decarbonization team announces hires and several vendor contracts including $6M pilot with VEIC

DRCOG technical committee approves $34.8 million subaward policy for local building decarbonization support