News Article

Big Ideas - Small Communities

2023 Small Communities Workshop

The Department of Local affairs 2023 Small Communities Workshop, takes place at the Larimer County Emergency Operations Center (4872 Endeavor Drive, Johnstown) on October 10-11. This workshop looks at important issues facing Colorado’s small communities and showcases how some are approaching them.

Tuesday, October 10

5-7 p.m. Networking Reception

Lazy Dog Bar & Grill, 4801 Thompson Parkway, Johnstown

Wednesday, October 11

9-9:20 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks

August Resiliency Conversation: Resiliency and Sustainability in Agriculture

Agriculture in Colorado contributes $47 billion annually to the state's economy and employs over 195,000 people. Agriculture and its place in the resiliency conversation is essential to the sustainability of Colorado’s financial, social, and environmental systems. Read more about this month’s resiliency conversation.

Impact Funds Leverage Other Opportunities

The Town of Ridgway, working through Space to Create Colorado and with Artspace, leveraged Energy Impact & Assistance Fund dollars with a variety of public and private resources to make a blend of affordability and creativity a reality.

July Resiliency Conversation: Community Collaboration

The Colorado Resiliency Office's (CRO) July "Resiliency Conversation" highlights the importance of collaboration to strengthen resilience. As part of the role of the CRO in raising awareness of resilience action happening across the state with partner agencies, we are are spotlighting the story of the Clement Park Inclusive Playground shared with us by our partners at Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Free Technical Assistance on Proposition 123

The Department of Local Affairs is engaging a consulting firm to provide free technical assistance to local governments in establishing their baseline and 3% growth commitments.

Agencies on the Road for Housing Discussions

Community Development Office staff will join Housing Colorado, the Division of Housing, and CHFA at meetings in the hopes of hearing from communities about needs, as well as to provide information on the Division of Local Government's More Housing Now and Land Use Initiative, Strong Communities, and Proposition 123.

Upcoming Water and Wastewater Regional Workshops

This summer, the Colorado State Revolving Fund Program is hosting two full-day in-person regional workshops.

Southeast Regional Workshop (June 22nd): La Junta, Colorado
Northwest Regional Workshop (August 9th from 9am-4:15pm): Rifle, Colorado – RSVP
below!

Who should attend

Local government decision-makers, finance staff, and operators, along with private nonprofits that operate drinking water systems.

Legislation Impacts the Division of Local Government

The 2023 legislative session ended May 8, with most of the bills affecting the Division of Local Government's funding programs merely extending the sunset or spending deadlines beyond their original date. Note that not all bills have received Gov. Jared Polis’ signature as of May 16, 2023.

Join Us in Celebrating Main Street

Favorite Business? Local Product? Bit of history? Share Your Thoughts by May 31!

Program Updates (April 2023)

Gov. Jared Polis, alongside the Department of Local Affairs, has proclaimed April 10-14, 2023, as National Community Development Week in Colorado. In 1986, National Community Development Week was created to bring nationwide attention to the Community Development Block Grant program through grassroots support. The main objective of the week is to provide education on the importance of this program, its impact, and the need for increased program funding.