Local Municipality outlines $600K energy policy funding strategy through 2029

The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) recently hosted a webinar focused on the Building Policy Collaborative Jurisdictional Support Grant Application, aimed at assisting municipalities in Colorado with their grant applications. The meeting highlighted the importance of strategic planning and collaboration among local jurisdictions to effectively utilize grant funding for building policy improvements.

One of the key discussions centered around the timeline for hiring personnel to manage building policy initiatives. It was noted that some municipalities may not be able to hire until 2026 due to budget constraints. To address this, the DRCOG proposed a phased approach, allowing municipalities to allocate funds over a shorter timeline, thereby maximizing available resources. The initial hiring will focus on sustainability and building policy, with an anticipated budget of approximately $338,000, which includes salaries and fringe benefits.

The webinar also emphasized the need for technical assistance in establishing effective building policies, particularly in light of new energy codes like the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Municipalities are encouraged to engage external experts to help set up necessary systems and policies, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle both new and existing buildings.

Additionally, the meeting discussed the potential for partnership applications between counties and municipalities. This collaborative approach allows smaller jurisdictions to leverage county resources, with a maximum award of $1.5 million for counties and $100,000 for municipalities. Such partnerships can enhance the effectiveness of grant applications by combining different areas of focus, such as permit support and community engagement.

The DRCOG reiterated its commitment to supporting local jurisdictions throughout the grant management process, allowing for flexibility in timelines and budgets to accommodate any unforeseen delays. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that municipalities can fully utilize the funds allocated to them, ultimately enhancing building policies and sustainability efforts across the region.

In conclusion, the webinar underscored the importance of strategic planning, collaboration, and flexibility in grant applications, setting the stage for municipalities to effectively address building policy challenges in the coming years. As jurisdictions prepare for the 2026 hiring timeline, the focus will remain on building capacity and establishing robust systems to support sustainable development.