Notes from the Director: Wildfire Preparedness Month
Alongside our partners, we acknowledge May as Wildfire Preparedness Month! Wildfire is a natural part of our ecosystem. However, historical management practices, climate change, and in this year in particular, severe drought conditions, exacerbate conditions for major wildfires - and our preparedness is crucial.
The CRO is supporting many efforts that have connections to wildfire resiliency, including:
May is also a good reminder for us to take some time to explore the Live Wildfire Ready website, which serves as a comprehensive resource for wildfire preparedness for individuals and property owners.
We hope you will help us in spreading the word amongst your networks!
Be well,
Anne Miller and the CRO team
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What's New at CRO?
Reminder: The Updated Colorado Resiliency Framework is Here!
 Video: Explaining the Updated Colorado Resiliency Framework
On Earth Day last month we released the latest iteration of the Colorado Resiliency Framework! This updated Framework includes new information and data as well as fresh priorities, strategies, and actions Colorado agencies will take to position the State for the future.
In case you missed it, Shayle Sabo, Resiliency Program Manager at the CRO, presented a deep dive into the new Framework at the most recent Local Government Resources Call.
CRO Hosted Annual Camp Resilience in Fort Lupton
 The CRO Team, alongside Regional Managers, Chris La May and Todd Leopold, hosted the latest Camp Resilience Workshop with regional partners in Fort Lupton.
Teams from Gilpin County and the Towns of Fort Lupton, Platteville, Hudson, Gilcrest, and Pierce spent time assessing their community’s shocks and stresses as well as opportunities for strengthening their ability to adapt to future conditions.
Championing Resilience Nationally and Locally
 Conferences and events continue to be an opportunity to share the work being done in Colorado on a broader scale. Anne Miller, CRO Director, spoke alongside other Chief Resilience Officers on a panel at the National Adaptation Forum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and as the keynote speaker at the 2026 Resiliency Fair in Denver.
May Resiliency Conversation: How Colorado Communities are Implementing the New Wildfire Resiliency Code
 May is Wildfire Awareness Month. In addition to providing some information and resources on wildfire preparedness, we are exploring the new statewide Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code and how local jurisdictions are adopting it. Learn more in this month’s Resiliency Conversation.
Resiliency News
 America 250 - Colorado 150 Climate Actions
To honor the 150th anniversary of our State, the Colorado Energy Office has put together a list of 150 ways the State of Colorado is showing up to help individuals, communities, and businesses achieve goals to address climate change.
FEMA Review Council Releases Final Report
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council, charged with conducting a review of FEMA’s capabilities, challenges, and opportunities for reform, released their final report on May 7, 2026.
The report provides 10 key recommendations to shape disaster response and coordination. Some of the recommendations may have implications for state and local governments across the country impacted by disasters - such as changes to the criteria for Federal disaster assistance eligibility and shifting responsibilities for disaster management to state and local levels. Additionally the report proposes operational changes to FEMA and reforming the National Flood Insurance Program.
DOLA Drought Webpage
To support statewide communications and in collaboration with the Colorado Drought Task Force, DOLA’s Division of Local Government (DLG) created a webpage to provide information and resources to local governments who may be impacted by the ongoing and severe drought.
Colorado Disaster Recovery Navigation Tool Launched
The State is striving to make it easier for people impacted by disasters to better access needed resources and information in disaster recovery. This resource hub provides support across several “pathways” with tailored resources to meet specific situations including individuals, business owners, agricultural producers, and community members who are unhoused.
Funding Highlights
 Federal Funding Opportunities that Qualify for DOLA’s Local Match Program and Grant Writing and Technical Assistance Program
The Local Match grant program (LOMA) supports local governments in meeting their non-federal match requirement when they are applying directly to the federal government for Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding.
The IIJA and IRA Grant Writing and Technical Assistance Program provides on-call for grant writing and technical assistance for project planning for local governments applying for IIJA and IRA grants.
Three federal funding opportunities are now open to Local Governments, which are eligible for LOMA and Grant Writing assistance.
Federal Fire Grants
The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grants, Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER), and Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) grants are now open and available. See the below Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) for specific application instructions and further funding information. Applications are due June 22, 2026.
Natural Disaster Mitigation Enterprise Grant
The Natural Disaster Mitigation Enterprise (NDME) will fund grants to local governments to implement resilience and natural disaster mitigation measures, and match funds required by federal grants dedicated to implement pre-disaster mitigation measures. Applications are due August 31, 2026.
Events
 Peer Exchange for Colorado’s 2025 Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) Implementation
June 3, 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.
2026 National Access and Functional Needs Symposium
July 7-8, 2026 | Virtual | Registration and Event Information
Hosted in partnership by the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the International Association of Emergency Management, and New York University, registration is now open. The event will highlight strategies, lessons learned, and innovative approaches to advancing access and functional needs integration across preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts.
2026 Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Conference
September 1 - 4, 2026 | Glenwood Springs | Register for LEPC Conference
Registration is now open and closes August 1, 2026, for the 2026 LEPC Conference. This will be hosted in Glenwood Springs, and for Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) members, first responders and local, state and federal partners responsible for hazardous material transportation response planning.
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