New Energy Communities
Awardees Program Contact Overview Application Partners Resources
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Awardees
The Governor announced the recipients of the New Energy Communities Grant program - 14 projects that will stimulate economic growth, enhance sustainability and lead to more livable communities all across Colorado (announced October 14, 2008).
press release project summaries grantee map
Program Contact
All interested communities should contact their DOLA field managers for more information about the program and grant cycle dates.
Overview
The Department of Local Affairs partnered with the Governor's Energy Office (GEO) to offer a new program in 2008 designed to:
- Maximize energy efficiency and conservation;
- Enhance community livability;
- Promote economic development in downtowns; and
- Address climate change by reducing carbon emissions.
The New Energy Communities Initiative rewarded local governments working collaboratively to position their communities at the forefront of the state's New Energy Economy. The program directed approximately $10 million in Energy Impact Assistance funds to (maximum of $2 million per project) striving to create integrated, vibrant and sustainable communities. By bundling existing GEO energy efficiency and conservation programs and offering them in a packaged format with DOLA financial and technical assistance programs, the initiative created a comprehensive strategy for promoting local sustainable community development efforts.
The program has three areas of focus:
Greening Public Facilities – Assist county and municipal governments to upgrade, retrofit or develop energy efficient public facilities such as county courthouses, city halls, public works facilities, libraries, judicial facilities and community centers. |
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Greening Downtowns –
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Greening Homes – Provide the necessary technical resources to aid local governments in both educating homeowners on programs to incorporate energy efficient upgrades/retrofits and adopting model building codes to ensure that new housing stock meets higher energy efficiency standards. |
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Application
While the department does not anticipate another NEC initiative, applicants are encouraged to submit projects meeting the NEC criteria directly to the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance program (specifically, Tier II). All potential applicants should contact their DOLA field managers to express an interest in the program.
New Energy Communities Funding Criteria
New Energy Communities Intiative - Available Program Options
Partners
The Department of Local Affairs continues is partnership with the Governor's Energy Office (GEO). GEO's mission is to lead Colorado to a New Energy Economy by advancing energy efficiency and renewable, clean energy resources.
Resources
There are many ways to make your community more energy efficient, including looking at land development patterns, transportation planning, locating affordable and other housing, and more. All of these factors contribute to building sustainable communities.
Below are some resources you may find pertinent and helpful as your community develops its project.
Governor's Energy Office (GEO) GEO is the best resource for communities wanting information about energy efficiency issues. Check out their site for program information, publications and links.
Sustainable Community Development Code (Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute)
Healthy Community Design: Success Stories from State and Local Leaders (Active Living Leadership)
10 Steps to a Living Downtown (Brookings Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy)
A Residents' Guide to Creating Safe and Walkable Communities (US Dept. of Transportation)
Bringing Home the Benefits of Energy Efficiency to Low-Income Households (Smart Growth Network)