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Westminster council votes 6-1 to rejoin Colorado Communities for Climate Action
Summary
City council approved a $15,000 membership in Colorado Communities for Climate Action after staff described the policy and data support the decision; one councilor voted no, preferring tree-planting spending instead.
The Westminster City Council on Feb. 10 voted 6-1 to adopt Resolution No. 3 to rejoin Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA), a statewide municipal coalition that advocates on climate and related policy.
Council members debated whether the $15,000 membership fee—budgeted in the city's 2025 priorities—will produce tangible benefits for Westminster. Bridget Tomlin, the city’s sustainability administrator, told the council the main value is policy and regulatory monitoring: "We're securing Westminster's voice on policy, rule making, other regulatory actions occurring at the state and federal level," she said, adding that membership gives the city access to briefings, data and a seat on CC4CA’s board.
Councilors in favor said the coalition amplifies municipal influence on statewide issues that are larger than any single city can manage, including transportation and air-quality policy. Councilor Christine Ireland said she preferred spending the money on tree planting instead of a membership: "I propose that we use the $15,000 to plant trees rather than join a climate change club," she told colleagues during debate.
Staff said the membership was included in the adopted 2025 budget and noted the city previously belonged to CC4CA and left because it did not see sufficient value; staff and supporters said rejoining would give Westminster access to analysis and collaborative leverage the city lacks in-house.
The motion to adopt Resolution No. 3 was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Nirmala and seconded by Councilor Hutton. Roll call showed six votes in favor and one against; the motion passed.
Councilors asked staff for periodic reports on what the membership yields. Bridget Tomlin said she could provide six-month updates on benefits and outcomes.
The council also voted on several consent and ordinance items later in the meeting (see separate articles). No legal obligations attach to the membership beyond the annual fee, and staff said the city will retain discretion in how to use information or advocacy provided by CC4CA.
Looking ahead, councilors requested continued briefing on the city’s sustainability work and asked staff to build a short report schedule so council can evaluate the return on the membership.
Votes at a glance: Resolution No. 3 (join CC4CA) — moved by Mayor Pro Tem Nirmala; seconded by Councilor Hutton; outcome: approved 6-1 (Councilor Ireland opposed).
