The Colorado Department of Local Affairs Colorado Resiliency Office (DOLA-CRO) has released new guidance to help communities of all sizes — from rural towns to urban centers — take meaningful steps toward climate preparedness and adaptation.
“Here in Colorado we know just how devastating major disasters can be for our communities, which is why we have taken important steps to prevent future disasters while also helping our communities get ready for the next major event. This new useful information is part of that work and will give communities options for how they can be more climate prepared,” said Governor Jared Polis.
The new Guidance for Local Government Climate Adaptation provides Colorado municipalities, counties, and special districts with over 25 implementable actions across five sectors:
- Built & Natural Infrastructure
- Community
- Economy
- Health & Social
- Watersheds & Natural Resources
Each action includes comprehensive guidance, funding resources, case studies from Colorado communities, and connections to state and federal programs that can provide technical and financial support. These actions will be updated on an ongoing basis with continuous input from partners.
“With the impacts of more frequent and intense wildfires, flooding, drought, and extreme heat, we know that local governments are on the frontlines of both responding to climate emergencies and building long-term community resilience,” said DOLA Executive Director, Maria De Cambra. “This guidance helps strengthen local communities by empowering them to take the actions that are best suited to their built and natural environments.”
The Colorado Resiliency Office developed this resource in close collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Climate Preparedness and Disaster Recovery, with resilience leads at each State agency, as well as many local partners.
“In 2024, global average temperatures breached the 1.5 celsius warming threshold and we know that many local governments in Colorado are looking for ways to adapt to a changing climate,” said Colorado Resiliency Office Director, Anne Miller. “This guidance packages resources from across State and federal agencies into one place, and makes the actions accessible to all Colorado communities.”< More information on DOLA’s resiliency work can be found on the Colorado Resiliency Office website.