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Division of Local Government (DLG) Newsletter - January 2026 |
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Notes from the Director
Hello my friends,
We are all very energized here at the Division of Local Government as we enter 2026. Last year threw us a BUNCH of curveballs and challenges, but I’m proud of the manner in which DOLA rode out the storm. We are excited to turn the page on a difficult year and lean into some great news as we start 2026:
- New funding cycles (and a brand new Community Schoolyards Grant program coming soon). I am especially excited about the return of the Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF), which remains a critical program for local governments to fund infrastructure repair and replacement in their communities.
- Four new communities (including my hometown of Woodland Park!) were welcomed into the Colorado Main Street program, which helps communities develop a sense of place while supporting economic development.
- New milestones! The Town of Silverton became the first local government to fully meet its Proposition 123 commitment, one year ahead of the December 31, 2026 statutory deadline, increasing affordable housing opportunities in that community.
On a personal note, my 2026 had a VERY strong start as my oldest son married his high school sweetheart on January 2. I am looking forward to what else 2026 might bring!
- Eric Bergman, Director, Division of Local Government
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From the Community Development Office (CDO)
 Vital Landscapes and Resources Report (VLAR) and Planning Guide Published
In December 2025, DOLA published the final Vital Landscapes and Resources Report (VLAR) and supplemental materials to support local governments.
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SB24-174 directs municipal, county and regional planning commissions to consider this report, where applicable and appropriate, when adopting or amending a comprehensive plan.
- The accompanying Planning Guide, Toolbox, and Checklist support local governments and regional entities in considering the report and what vital landscapes and resources Colorado protects and connects.
We sincerely thank the local governments, regional entities, NGOs and state agency subject matter experts, and others who provided feedback on the draft versions.
CDO Welcomes Four New Communities to the Colorado Main Street Program
 City of Cripple Creek
DOLA’s Colorado Main Street Program has designated the City of Cripple Creek, City of Woodland Park, City of Fort Morgan, and Town of Kiowa as official Main Street Communities in the Colorado Main Street Program. These communities join 27 others in the program, which provides a proven framework, direct technical assistance, and mini-grants to support community-led downtown revitalization.
Now Accepting Local Government Requests for Regional Roundtable Support
Counties and municipalities can now request assistance from the Regional Planning Roundtable Commission within DOLA to address an opportunity or challenge using the regional roundtables approach established in HB25-1198. For the pilot year in 2026, DOLA will accept requests and select one to test this new resource, working in consultation with the requesting local government and the Regional Planning Roundtable Commission.
While DOLA will continue to accept requests on a rolling basis to help identify potential future support needs, if a county or municipality would like their issue to be considered for the 2026 pilot round, please submit requests by January 30, 2026.
Learn more in the “Submitting a Request” section of the Regional Roundtable page and access the request form by clicking the button below.
Best and Brightest Fellowship Program Still Seeking Host Communities and Fellows
 Help us spread the word! DLG’s Best and Brightest Management Internship and Fellowship Program application cycle is still open through March 3, 2026.
This program partners with counties, municipalities, and universities across the state, striving to meet the needs of communities, engage future leaders, and meet students where they are in their professional development, connecting them to community work in public service.
How to Participate
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Interested local governments should contact their Regional Manager to explore candidacy. A mentoring plan and a community profile is due February 2, 2026.
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Students: Contact your academic program director to determine if this program is right for you, or contact Program Manager Randi Snead.
DOLA-Wide News
Town of Silverton is the First Jurisdiction to Fulfill its Proposition 123 Commitment
 The Town of Silverton is the first local government to fully meet its Proposition 123 commitment, one year ahead of the December 31, 2026 statutory deadline. Silverton met this milestone through a coordinated approach that leveraged multiple housing programs and strong local partnerships to advance affordable homeownership while also working to implement a fast track permit or expedited review process.
While Silverton is leading the way, local governments statewide are achieving their own Proposition 123 successes. DOLA has so far verified 91 local governments that met the fast track requirements by December 31, 2025, thereby eligible to receive a $50,000 early adoption incentive award from DOLA. Fifty-five jurisdictions have awards pending. DOLA is also tracking at least 34 jurisdictions that we expect to achieve early adoption of fast track by June 30, 2026 that will also qualify for incentive funding.
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Funding Opportunities
Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF) Returns - Cycle Opens January 12, 2026
The Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund Grant (EIAF) program assists local governments that are socially and/or economically impacted by the development, processing, or energy conversion of minerals and mineral fuels to facilitate essential community improvements, including water and wastewater systems, resilient public facilities, comprehensive plans, and housing infrastructure.
A total of $15M will be available with Tier I (up to $200,000) and Tier II ($200,001 to $1,000,000) applications accepted.
Municipalities, counties, school districts, special districts, and other political subdivisions are eligible to apply by February 13, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Coming Soon: New Community Schoolyards Grant Program
The application cycle for the brand new Community Schoolyards Grant Program, an initiative created under HB25-1061 designed to fund the planning, design, and capital construction of innovative community schoolyards across Colorado, will open March 2 through April 1, 2026.
This program offers a single grant opportunity that encompasses both the planning and design, and capital construction phases for innovative community schoolyards. This unified approach aims to streamline the funding process, supporting projects from formal design to completion.
Proposition 123 Local Planning Capacity Grant Cycle Opens January 26, 2026
Is your community ready for the Proposition 123 “fast track” implementation deadline of December 31, 2026? The upcoming spring LPC funding cycle is the final opportunity to secure funding that can support your jurisdiction with implementing the Proposition 123 requirements to expedite the development review process in time to meet that deadline.
The spring funding cycle runs from Monday, January 26 through Thursday, February 26, 2026 at noon. An informational webinar recording, application materials, and other resources are available on the LPC Program website. Interested applicants must also schedule a pre-application meeting by mid-February with LPC Program staff in order to access the grant application form online.
Need assistance with Fast Track requirements? Don’t forget about our weekly Fast Track Office hours every Wednesday, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Open Through February 4, 2026
Are you REDI to build some economic resilience in your community? The Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) is intended to support rural communities in creating jobs locally and building economic resilience. Program details and informational webinar recording are available on the REDI webpage.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant Program (ADUG)
ADUG provides grants to certified accessory dwelling unit (ADU) Supportive Jurisdictions for activities that promote the construction of ADUs.
Housing Planning Grant Program (HPLN)
The HPLN Grant Program offers funding to support Housing Needs Assessments, Housing Action Plans, and Comprehensive Plan Elements (strategic growth and water supply).
For a comprehensive list of Federal and State funding opportunities, check out the DLG Local Community Funding Guide
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Events, Trainings, and Conferences
Housing Strategies Peer Exchange Webinar
January 15, 2026, 9 a.m. | Virtual | Register for Housing Peer Exchange
January topic: Housing Needs Assessments and Housing Action Plans in small communities. This monthly peer exchange series supports local governments working on affordable housing strategies and land use issues. Each month will feature a different topic with presentations from selected Colorado communities, with ample time allowed for questions and discussion.
Main Street Webinar: AARP Funding for Main Street
January 20, 2026, 11 a.m.– 12 p.m. | Virtual | Register for the January Main Street Webinar
Join Colorado Main Street to learn about AARP opportunities to support your Main Street goals.
Land Use and Housing Legislation Monthly Engagement Meeting
Every fourth Friday, 10:30– 2:00 p.m. | Virtual | Register for Land Use Engagement Webinar
Featured topic: Vital Landscapes and Resources Report
This recurring meeting provides information on tools and resources being developed by DOLA to support implementation of state land use and housing laws.
Peer Exchange for Colorado’s 2025 Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) Implementation
February 4, 2026, 2–3 p.m. | Virtual | Register for CWRC Peer Exchange
The Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), in partnership with the DLG’s Colorado Resiliency Office (CRO), hosts a monthly Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) Implementation Peer Exchange for adoption of the recently released CWRC. Please register to attend and receive peer exchange-related email updates.
NOTE: The meetings are not open to the general public; the Peer Exchange is for implementing agencies and partners only.
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