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DRCOG's $200 million decarbonization grant could bring funds, training and code support to Englewood
Summary
Commissioners discussed the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) subgrant of EPA funding for building decarbonization, possible allocation methods, eligible uses (energy codes, staff capacity, workforce training), and next steps for Englewood to position projects for funding.
The Englewood City Sustainability Commission spent a substantive portion of its meeting discussing a $200 million EPA award passed to the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) for building decarbonization, and how a regional subgrant could be used in Englewood.
Commissioner Christine Brinker, who is serving on DRCOG subcommittees, briefed the panel on the program’s Building Policy Collaborative and other “pillars” including workforce, incentives and community engagement. Brinker said the overall DRCOG award is $200,000,000 and that the pool to be divvied among jurisdictions in the region is “around $40,000,000,” though she said the local allocation method is still to be decided.
Commissioners discussed how DRCOG might allocate funds — equally by formula, by population or need, competitively, or with a hybrid approach such as a baseline formula round followed by competitive rounds. Brinker said eligible uses being discussed include strengthening and implementing energy codes, funding staffing to support code plan review and inspections, regional training, permitting reform to streamline electrification projects, and direct incentives for residential and multifamily upgrades.
Brinker told the commission the program is intended to support both new and existing buildings and emphasized workforce funding to train contractors and technicians for heat pumps and other electrification measures. She said multifamily residential components are expected to be included in the residential rollout and noted the timeline discussed by DRCOG: multifamily is “wrapped into the residential piece” with planning toward 2026 and extended producer responsibility rollouts referenced in 2027–2028.
Commissioners urged early engagement so Englewood priorities can be included when DRCOG distributes funds. The commission noted that the city’s DRCOG board seats are filled by city council members and recommended coordination with those council members so local needs — such as staff capacity for code enforcement or targeted incentives for high-impact projects — can be considered when applications or formulas are finalized.
No formal direction to staff or vote was recorded on a specific funding request; commissioners proposed forming topic-focused follow-ups, inviting city staff and program staff such as the city’s program coordinator for green initiatives to present in a future meeting, and tracking DRCOG rounds as details are released.
