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E3 quarterly: nearly $1.2M DRCOG grant, demo gardens under construction and an air‑sensor loan program
Summary
E3 staff reported a Denver Regional Council of Governments grant (~$1.2M) for training and capacity, a $47,000 Colorado Water Conservation Board award for demonstration gardens, a 'garden‑in‑a‑box' pilot and a new indoor air sensor loan program with Anythink Library.
Melody Mascarinas, the city's sustainability manager, told council the E3 division secured a Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) grant worth close to $1.2 million to support training, staffing capacity, and implementation planning. The division also received a $47,000 Colorado Water Conservation Board grant to support Zurich demonstration gardens and design work.
Libby Charter and other E3 staff described two planned demonstration (Zurich) gardens — roughly 1,700 square feet each — at Bison Ridge and Monaco Park, with a construction contract awarded to DesignScapes and buildout anticipated from mid‑August to mid‑October. The division is also piloting a garden‑in‑a‑box program to encourage xeric conversions; demand has outpaced supply this year.
E3 announced an indoor air‑quality sensor and radon detector loan program launched in partnership with Anythink Library: residents with a library card can check out sensors to test indoor air and view guidance on next steps via the E3 web pages. Staff also previewed ongoing EV charger equity planning with Xcel Energy and monthly oil‑and‑gas coordination meetings with Adams County and CDPHE.
The E3 updates included a recommendation to continue cross‑departmental work and to pursue grant funding to expand staffing and program implementation. Council members praised the work and raised questions about partnerships and program alignment; staff said they would continue outreach to partners and report back on pilot outcomes and grant uses.
