To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Katherine Smith, Director, Community Resources
Prepared By:
prepared
Katherine Smith, Director, Community Resources
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presenter
Presenter: Katherine Smith, Director, Community Resources
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Subject:
title
2:30 PM *Weatherization and DRCOG Grant Applications
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this request is to obtain approval from the Board of County Commissioners to apply for future Requests for Proposals released by the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) related to the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant.
Background and Discussion: DRCOG has been awarded $199.7 million in climate Pollution Reduction Grant funds to implement a regional building decarbonization program. The Weatherization division and Arapahoe Douglas Works! has been partnering closely with DRCOG and other energy partners in our area in order to inform the best use of these funds and ensure partnership for these funds into the future.
The $199.7 million is a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and will fund and ambitious and comprehensive regional program aimed at transforming the building sector in the Denver area, with focused investments in underserved, low-income, and disadvantaged communities. This funding will support several coordinated initiatives that will reduce carbon pollution from buildings, foster workforce development, and offer financial incentives for home services and electric appliances. Each initiative will address specific environmental and industry challenges and improve air quality and public health in the Denver region. The budget includes the ability to apply for funding in the following areas:
1. Low-income and disadvantaged communities decarbonization
2. Energy advising services
3. Rebates and Incentives
4. Building policy collaborative
5. Innovation
6. Workforce and Industry development
DRCOG has released the RFP for the “Innovation” category of funding, to be applied for by March 10, 2025. We anticipate that additional RFP’s will be released in the coming weeks, with short application turnarounds. We would like to seek approval to apply for funding for our Weatherization and Workforce Development programming through these sources to assist in increasing our service delivery in our area, as well as diversifying our funding sources, to meet our already established goals.
Fiscal Impact: There would be no fiscal impact to the County as these funds do not have a required match. There would be no need to hire or approve additional positions or software.
Alternatives: The Board of County Commissioners could opt not to approve these applications and continue current programming at current funding levels.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☐Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: Community Resources staff recommend the approval to apply for these grant opportunities.
Concurrence: Finance, IT, Human Resources