|
Division of Local Government (DLG) Newsletter - July 2026 |
|
Notes from the Director
Hello my friends,
We have started July on a somber note as local, state, and federal teams continue to battle multiple large wildfires across our state and we collectively mourn the loss of wildland firefighters Emily Barker, Sydney Watson, and Nick Hutcherson, who gave their lives fighting the Snyder Fire in Mesa County. Our thoughts are also with the evacuees whose lives have been impacted by the blazes, and with those facing immense uncertainty that comes from living near active wildfires.
The Aspen Acres Fire has now become the seventh largest wildfire in our state’s history, and our regional managers are working closely with Pueblo and Custer County officials and other state agencies and nonprofits to support a disaster assistance center and to offer compassion and resources to folks who lost their homes or were evacuated and seeking updates and information.
During these times of fear and uncertainty, I’m always reminded of that now famous interview with Fred Rogers, where he recounts how when he was young and there was some catastrophe being shown on the news, his mother would say “Look for the helpers. There are always people who are helping.” In our state’s darkest moments, you will always find people looking out for each other, lifting each other up. It is comforting to me and provides a measure of hope, knowing that when things are at their very worst, our neighbors rise up and show us their very best. I salute our firefighters, first responders and emergency managers along with our friends and colleagues in state and local government who are out there helping their fellow Coloradans during this most difficult time.
- Eric Bergman, Director, Division of Local Government
|
 Division of Local Government Director Eric Bergman (center) speaks with Colorado Resiliency Office Director Anne Miller (left) and DOLA Southeast Regional Manager Amy Tanabe (right) at the Disaster Assistance Center for the Aspen Acres Fire.
Proposition 123 Update
 Proposition 123 Commitment Filing Portal Open
The commitment filing portal for the 2027-2029 Proposition 123 Cycle is open. The deadline to file a commitment is November 1, 2026. Learn more about the steps to opt in to Proposition 123 on DOLA’s webpage or by watching the recently recorded webinar.
Fast Track Early Adoption Incentive Submission Deadline Approaching
Local governments that adopted a Proposition 123-compliant expedited development review process by June 30, 2026 are eligible to receive up to a $45,000 early adoption incentive, with no local match required.
Important: policy must be submitted to DOLA by July 31, 2026 to qualify for incentive funding.
Please Note: The statutory deadline for effective implementation of fast track is December 31, 2026 in order to remain eligible for Proposition 123 starting in 2027 and beyond.
Visit DOLA’s Fast Track Website for guidance, resources, examples from peer communities and more.
Civic Solutions Summer Innovation Workshops Continue
 This summer, the DOLA Civic Solutions Hub is proud to offer a series of free workshops. Designed specifically for local government teams and public servants, these sessions provide the tools and frameworks necessary to foster innovative, forward-thinking practices within your jurisdiction. Participants will learn how to define innovation in a civic context, apply design thinking to real community issues, and build lasting solutions.
- July 17, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Civic Solutions Hub Innovation Workshop (Focus on large jurisdictions) at the Englewood City Center
- July 23-24, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m: Two-day Civic Solutions Hub Innovation Workshop at the Town of Hayden Community Center
- July 31, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m: Civic Solutions Hub Innovation Workshop at the Buena Vista Community Center
Workshop descriptions, addresses, and registration are posted on the Civic Solutions Hub Workshop webpage.
DOLA-Wide Updates
 Discover Housing Funding Opportunities with DOLA's New Funding Directory
DOLA has launched the new Division of Housing Funding Directory, a centralized, searchable resource designed to help nonprofit organizations, housing authorities, developers, local governments, and other community partners quickly identify funding programs that support housing initiatives across Colorado.
The new directory lets users filter opportunities by funding source and project type, simplifying the search process and brings DOLA's housing funding opportunities together in one convenient location.
Be sure to explore the directory regularly, as new funding opportunities will continue to be added over time.
|
|
Funding Opportunities
 For a comprehensive list of Federal and State funding opportunities, check out the DLG Local Community Funding Guide
Housing Planning Grant Program (HPLN)
The Housing Planning Grant Program offers funding to support Housing Needs Assessments, Housing Action Plans, and Comprehensive Plan Elements (i.e., strategic growth and water supply elements).
- The next funding cycle will be open July 13 to August 17, 2026.
- An informational session will be held on July 9, 2026 at 10 a.m.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant Program (ADUG)
The third round of the Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant Program (ADUG) opens to applications on August 3, and closes on Monday, August 31, 2026. This program supports local governments in activities that make it easier to build ADUs.
- Interested applicants are also encouraged to fill out a 1-minute ADUG interest survey.
- Informational webinar: recording and slides are available on the ADUG web page.
Local Planning Capacity Grant Program (LPC)
The LPC Grant Program supports local governments with Proposition 123 and generally advancing affordable housing goals.The fall funding cycle opens on August 24, 2026 and closes September 24, 2026 at noon.
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.
Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) Grant Program
The ATTAIN Competitive Grant Program will provide funding to deploy, install, and operate advanced transportation technologies to improve safety, mobility, efficiency, system performance, intermodal connectivity, and infrastructure return on investment. Applications are due July 27, 2026.
Rural Emergency Medical Services Training Grant Program
The purpose of the Rural Emergency Medical Services Training (R-EMS) Program is to
improve emergency medical services in rural areas or to residents of rural areas by recruiting and training emergency medical services (EMS) workers. Applications are due on July 16, 2026.
WaterSMART Grants
The Bureau of Reclamation currently has several WaterSMART grant programs open for applications, including the Cooperative Watershed Management Program (first round applications due October 7, 2026), the Enhancing Water Resources Projects Program (first round applications due September 8, 2026), and the Drought Response Program (applications due July 28, 2026).
|
|
Events, Trainings, and Conferences
Local Government Resources Call
July 15, 2026, 11 a.m. | Virtual | Register for Resources Call
This bi-monthly call provides updates from DOLA and partner agencies before diving into the topic of the month.
July Topic: Wildfire Support.
Since the beginning of this call during the COVID-19 pandemic, this call was designed to be dynamic and responsive to local government needs.The originally scheduled topic, Planning 101, has been postponed due to the wildfires impacting our communities statewide. Instead, we will focus the July call on wildfire updates and resources, whether your community is responding to, recovering from, or planning for wildfire events.
Housing Strategies Peer Exchange
July 16 at 9 a.m. | Virtual | Register for Housing Peer Exchange
This is a monthly peer exchange series for 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.
July topic: Land Use Strategy Impact Calculator (Next- Aug 20: ADUs)
Land Use and Housing Legislation Monthly Webinar
Every fourth Friday, 10:30 – 12:00 p.m. | Virtual | Register for Land Use Engagement Webinar
This recurring meeting provides information on tools and resources being developed by DOLA to support implementation of state land use and housing laws.
- Exciting update: These webinars are now eligible for AICP CM credits!
- The next meeting is Friday, July 24, 2026 (Featuring: Implementation Workshop - Live interactive Q&A sessions to support local governments)
- To ensure these sessions remain a high-value resource, please complete our brief 5-10 minute participant survey.
Peer Exchange for Colorado’s 2025 Wildfire Resiliency Code (CWRC) Implementation
August 5, 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.
DOLA Has Moved!
Going forward, please send mail to our new address:
Department of Local Affairs
1570 Grant Street
Denver, CO 80203
|
|
|
|
|
