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DRCOG decarbonization program reports stable funding, four new hires and several signed contracts

3286503 · May 12, 2025

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Summary

DRCOG staff reported the decarbonization program’s funding is secure, introduced four new hires for communications, technical and contracts roles, and announced multiple vendor contracts including a $6 million innovation pilot award to VEIC and other multi‑million dollar awards.

DRCOG staff told the oversight committee the decarbonization program’s funding remains “in a very good place” and that staff are in frequent contact with the EPA Region 8 grants contact.

Program staff introduced four recent hires: Andy Burkey, senior communications specialist; Fernando Briones, senior technical specialist (listed as senior lidoc specialist in the presentation); Devon Riefsneider, senior workforce specialist; and Katie Maxted, DRCOG decarbonization contracts lead. Staff highlighted the new hires’ experience in communications, climate resilience, workforce development and federal grants management.

Staff also announced several contract awards and selections. DRCOG selected VEIC to implement an innovation pilot program under a $6,000,000 contract. AD Works was awarded a $5,200,000 contract for green workforce hubs and the Building Decarbonization Coalition received $4,500,000 for a contractor navigation hub. DRCOG said two contracts are fully signed: LOTUS for facilitation of the building policy collaborative and ImageX Media for website development; a contract with Karsh Hagen for marketing services was described as finalizing and a kickoff meeting was planned.

Staff noted a pending RFP for a low‑income program administrator to provide a clearinghouse for home upgrade services and full‑service, no‑cost energy efficiency and beneficial electrification measures. Staff said they would provide additional guidance materials and templates on the website to support applicants and vendors.

Chair Steve Barr congratulated the team on hires and contracts and thanked staff for responding to outstanding questions from the prior meeting.