July 28Th, 2020

Town Manager’s Newsletter July 28th, 2020

1. July 15th Occupancy Notes and Report - The report includes 1,980 units of the 4,480 Licensed units in town (44%). Includes RBO units working with PMC’s but no single homeowner RBO units. The 7 – 21 days out booking window exceed last year, other dates do not. We have data through Jan 31, 2021 July 3 & 4 ended at 65% (1,287 room nights) & 66% (1,307 nights) Occupancy respectively 2. DMMO Download from the BTO - A. July 27th Issue 3. Summit County Government - A. Work Session Agenda - July 28th B. Regular Meeting - July 28th C. Board of Health Meeting - July 28th 4. Summit County Government Updates - A. Peak One Drive Closed for Construction 5. Local Organization Updates - A. BreckCreate Drive-In Movies B. National Repertory Orchestra 6. I-70 Mountain Corridor Improvements - A. Week of July 26th, 2020 7. Northwest Colorado Council of Governments - A. eNews - July 2020 8. Colorado Municipal League - A. Virtual Conference B. Elected Officials Digest - July 28th, 2020 C. Newsletter - July 31st Issue 9. Colorado Association of Ski Towns - A. Big Pivots Issue - July 23rd, 2020 B. 7 Rules of Virtual Meetings

July 15, 2020 Occupancy Forecast Notes

Hello Breckenridge Business Community,

The July 15, 2020 mid-month occupancy report includes 21 properties which includes 1,984 units, which is 44% of the short-term rental units licensed in Breckenridge. The data includes Hotels, Time Share, Condominiums, & Resorts. Rent by Owner units (RBO) are included if represented via a property management company. July 4, 2020 ended with 1,307 occupied units; a long way from 1,800; double the 671 on June 15 and only 114 more than on June 30. While last minute demand for lodging is prevalent, Breckenridge added 114 nights in 4 days for a Saturday night vs. adding 705 room nights for a Thursday night in 2019.

Notables:

• We have the final school break Report. While Universities demonstrated shifts in vacation periods, public schools remained consistent with the preliminary report. o Expect students to have virtual learning year round o Expect School districts to start the school year with some on campus learning. o Will Athletic and After School Activities exist? If they do not happen in the fall, then we will see changes in travel patterns that could level the peaks and valleys of “occupied” rooms. o Schedule and appointment to see the final school break report in person by mailing Bill @ [email protected] • For the nights of July 14 – Aug 2, the fill of rooms booked July 1 – 15, 2020 exceeded the fill of rooms booked July 1 – 15, 2019. • We have on the books occupancy thru January 31, 2021. It is early in the booking period. Historical times indicate by the end of August, roughly 24% of winter room nights are on the books.

Some Positive News: The Consume Confidence Index rose to 98, from May’s 85.9 figure. The GoBreck.com/JackRabbit referral system is averaging 148 referrals a day. In January 2020, the average was 96 per day and the July 2019 average was 113 per day. Searches for lodging during July 2020 are up 83% compared to July 2019.

The chart below looks at July 2020 occupancy with the black vertical line separating actual occupancy on the left vs on the books for future dates to the right. Notice July 25 – Aug 1 occupancy shows stronger fill than last year at the same time, and we have weekdays within single digit negative deficit numbers to last year. Saturday, July 25 is within 300 nights and August 1 is within 350 nights of matching last year (Approx. 1,200 overnight guests).

The August & September snapshot is included below. When you scan along the blue line, you can see the normal weekend bumps in occupancy have not developed as we are seeing in July. August rooms filled in early July was okay for nights in the first half of August and not good for the second half. In a general sense, August on the books occupancy is down 15% - 20% each day, with August 5 – 9 dates down 20% - 30%+. So much can happen to September nights as we begin the “summer flew by” commentary. Not to mention the “7 – 21 days from arrival” trend for booking is days away.

A snap shot of the first 3 months of the winter season is below. I remind you all we usually start to see Holiday bookings begin in earnest in July and as I mentioned above, this is less than 25% of normal winter nights on the books.

Thank You to the 21 properties who supplied the data to make these reports happen. Join us August 6 @ 9:30 for our next webinar when we focus on Breckenridge resiliency, the Breckenridge Business Survey and Community Focus Groups. The business survey will close on July 26. To participate: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LJCCX2B

To register for the webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4694993124382150416?source=E-mail

Stay Safe and have fun every day.

Bill Wishowski – Breckenridge Tourism Office Executive Summary Daily Occupancy Report as of Jul 15, 2020

Content & Overview

Contents Graph a. Rolling 6-month view b. Static summer view c. Static winter view d. 60-day advance view

Participating Properties

Ski Country Resorts & Peak Property Mgmt Pine Ridge Condominiums VRI - Breck - Crystal Peak Lodge Sports

VRI - Breck - Mountain Thunder VRI - Breck - One Ski Hill VRI - Breck - Village at Breckenridge Property VRI - Breck - Double Tree Lodge Place Mgmt

VRI - Breck - Gravity Haus WoodWinds Property Management Pinnacle Lodging VRI - Breck - River Mountain Lodge

Grand Lodge on Peak 7 Residence Inn Breckenridge Alpine Edge The Lodge & Spa at Breckenridge

Wyndham Vacation Rentals - Beaver Run Resort Blue Sky Lodge Grand Timber Lodge/Peak Resorts Breckenridge

Great Western Lodging

The Daily Occupancy Report tracks occupancy on a daily level of granularity. The report combines the data sets of participating properties into a destination wide view that features three data sets (providing that sufficient information is available) including: i) current YTD occupancy, ii) last YTD occupancy, iii) last season's ending occupancy.

The Daily Outlook Report is generated on a monthly or twice-monthly basis, usually for a 12 month subscription period, and is created from data provided by a group of properties participating in a cooperative manner,

As is the case in all Inntopia data, all information provided by individual properties is strictly confidential, except when aggregated with other data and indistinguishable as a result.

© 2020 Sterling Valley Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. No parts of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means, graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or information storage and retrieval systems - without the written permission of the copyright holder. Products that are referred to in this document may be either trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners. The publisher and the author make no claim to these Trademarks. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information contained in this document or from the use of programs and source code that may accompany it. In no event shall the publisher and the author be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damage caused or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly by this document. Breckenridge Total Occupancy (Most Recent Data) Daily Occupancy Report as of Jul 15, 2020

© 2020 Sterling Valley Systems, Inc. DBA Inntopia All Rights Reserved. Information provided here is CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION and is the exclusive property of Inntopia. It is expressly not for reproduction, distribution publication or any other dissemination without the express written permission of Inntopia. Sample reports may be provided to interested persons, specifically for purposes of their evaluation of a potential subscription and are subject to Copyrights of this product. Data and Metrics represented on this report are representative of the Sample Properties only and may not be representative of the entire Community or Industry. Persons using this data for strategic purposes do so at their own risk and hold Inntopia harmless. Breckenridge Total Occupancy (Summer-to-date) Daily Occupancy Report as of Jul 15, 2020

© 2020 Sterling Valley Systems, Inc. DBA Inntopia Inntopia's business practices, metrics, reports, systems and procedures and all subscriber data is CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, and protected by law. Reproduction or distribution is prohibited. All individual Inntopia subscriber data is kept strictly confidential and displayed only when aggregated with other similar data and indistinguishable as a result. Inntopia, [email protected] Breckenridge Total Occupancy (Winter-to-date) Daily Occupancy Report as of Jul 15, 2020

© 2020 Sterling Valley Systems, Inc. DBA Inntopia Inntopia's business practices, metrics, reports, systems and procedures and all subscriber data is CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, and protected by law. Reproduction or distribution is prohibited. All individual Inntopia subscriber data is kept strictly confidential and displayed only when aggregated with other similar data and indistinguishable as a result. Inntopia, [email protected] Breckenridge Total Occupancy (60-Day Advance View) Daily Occupancy Report as of Jul 15, 2020

© 2020 Sterling Valley Systems, Inc. DBA Inntopia Inntopia's business practices, metrics, reports, systems and procedures and all subscriber data is CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION, and protected by law. Reproduction or distribution is prohibited. All individual Inntopia subscriber data is kept strictly confidential and displayed only when aggregated with other similar data and indistinguishable as a result. Inntopia, [email protected] Calendar Events Daily Occupancy Report System and Destination Events

Event Name Start Date End Date Description Independence Day 07/03/2020 07/04/2020 Labor Day Weekend 2020 09/04/2020 09/07/2020 Halloween 2020 10/30/2020 10/30/2020 Thanksgiving 2020 11/25/2020 11/25/2020 Christmas 2020 12/24/2020 12/24/2020 New Years Day 2021 12/31/2020 12/31/2020 Independence Day 2019 07/03/2019 07/04/2019 Street Arts Festival 07/03/2019 07/04/2019 BIFA 08/08/2019 08/18/2019 Breck Epic 08/10/2019 08/16/2019 Labor Day Weekend 2019 08/31/2019 09/02/2019 25th Annual Breckenridge Oktoberfest 09/05/2019 09/08/2019 Breckenridge Film Festival 09/19/2019 09/21/2019 Breckenridge Strings, Ciders & Sours 09/26/2019 09/29/2019 Halloween 10/30/2019 10/31/2019 Dia De Los Muertos 10/30/2019 11/02/2019 Thanksgiving 11/28/2019 11/28/2019 Lighting of Breckenridge 12/07/2019 12/07/2019 Hartford Ski Spectacular 12/09/2019 12/14/2019 Ullr Festival 12/11/2019 12/15/2019 Christmas 12/25/2019 12/25/2019 New Year's Eve 12/31/2019 12/31/2019 New Year's Day 01/01/2020 01/01/2020 MLK Weekend 2020 01/18/2020 01/20/2020 International Snow Sculpting Championships 01/20/2020 01/29/2020

Community Update - Breckenridge Resilience Join Breckenridge Mayor Eric Mamula, Breckenridge Town Manager Rick Holman, Assistant Town Manager Shannon Haynes, and Host Lucy Kay, President/CEO of the Breckenridge Tourism Office for a Breckenridge Community Update. Join The Meeting

Business Reel

July 15, 2020 Occupancy Report The July 15, 2020 mid-month occupancy report includes 21 properties which includes 1,984 units, which is 44% of the

short-term rental units licensed in Breckenridge. The data includes Hotels, Time Share, Condominiums, & Resorts. Rent by Owner units (RBO) are included if represented via a property management company. Read The Full Report or Watch The Presentation

In Our Backyard

Virtual Town Council Meeting Tuesday, July 28th, 4:00-9:00pm The Town of Breckenridge will hold a Town Council meeting tomorrow starting at 4:00pm. View The Agenda & Join The

Meeting

2020 Census The 2020 Census is critical. A complete and accurate count will help shape the future of your community and inform how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding are distributed

for important programs and services in health care, emergency and disaster response, education, and infrastructure. Take The Census

The Breckenridge Tourism Office (BTO) is closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on the local economy and strives to be a valuable, timely resource. If there is any assistance or information we can provide to better serve you right now, please contact Tessa at [email protected]

COVID-19 TOOLBOX

One Breck Blog

Breck Giving Back Stories

Local, State, Federal, & Global Updates

Assistance Resources for Employees & Employers

Breckenridge Restaurants & Retailers Open for Orders

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 970.453.3402 ph | 970.453.3535 f 208 East Lincoln Ave. | PO Box 68

www.SummitCountyCO.gov Breckenridge, CO 80424

SUMMIT COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION AGENDA Tuesday, July 28, 2020 10:00 a.m. County Commissioners’ Meeting Room; Summit County Courthouse 208 Lincoln Avenue, Breckenridge, Colorado Please note change in time

Due to Public Health concerns and social distancing efforts, this meeting will be conducted virtually and the public is encouraged to join by following the instructions below:

To Join the Meeting, dial (669) 900-9128 or (346) 248-7799 Meeting ID: 488 540 949 Password: 542762 Press # to bypass the Participant ID

To join from your computer, tablet or smartphone: https://zoom.us/j/488540949 Password: 9VAd*6^tHH

10:00 a.m. Housing Funding Overview & Housing Helps Discussion (Housing)

11:00 a.m. Managers’ & Commissioners’ Issues

11:30 a.m. Discussion of SB20-217 and the Legal Issues related thereto (Sheriff, Attorney) (Executive Session Recommended)

12:00 p.m. Discussion of SBR20-001 and the Legal Issues related thereto (Attorney) (Executive Session Recommended)

12:30 p.m. Lunch

*This agenda and times, depending on length of discussion, are subject to change at any time. Please contact the Manager’s Office or visit our website to obtain updates at: http://www.summitcountyco.gov

Summit County Board of County Commissioners’ Meeting Agenda of July 28, 2020 SUMMIT COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 1ST AMENDED REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Tuesday, July 28, 2020, 1:30 p.m. County Commissioners’ Meeting Room; Summit County Courthouse 208 Lincoln Avenue, Breckenridge, Colorado

For assistance or questions regarding special accommodations, accessibility, or available audio/visual equipment, please contact 970-453-3403 as soon as possible.

Please use the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85899085477? pwd=MDVoa2sxSmtrYVRGbHB4UHBZTnRzdz09 Password: 7d.nU8XvZ0

Or Telephone: 346 248 7799 or 669 900 9128 or 253 215 8782 or 312 626 6799 or 646 558 8656 or 301 715 8592 Webinar ID: 858 9908 5477 Password: 4506126954

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

IV. CITIZEN COMMENT

A. Citizen Comment

Documents:

CITIZEN COMMENT - SHOOTING RANGE.PDF

V. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval Of 7-14-20 Regular Meeting Minutes

Documents:

CONSENT A - 071420 REG MIN.PDF

B. Warrant List Of 7-1-20 To 7-15-20 (Finance)

Documents:

CONSENT B - WARRANT LIST 07012020 - 07152020.PDF

C. Petition For Abatement Or Refund Of Taxes; Abatement No. 20AR-149; Schedule No.6512710; Legal Property Description: Lot 2 Silverthorne Automotive Sub; Owner: CARS-DB4 LP (Assessor)

Documents:

CONSENT C1 - 20AR-149 BOCC STAFF REPORT.PDF CONSENT C2 - 20AR-149 BAA ORDER ON STIPULATION.PDF CONSENT C3 - 20AR-149 STIPULATION AGREEMENT.PDF CONSENT C4 - 20AR-149 DPT PETITION.PDF CONSENT C5 - 20AR-149 BAA PETITION ATTACHMENT AND DOCUMENTS.PDF

D. Petition For Abatement Or Refund Of Taxes; Abatement No. 20AR-150; Schedule No. 6514916; Legal Property Description: Lot 1 Lowes Sub; Owner: LOWES HIW INC (Assessor)

Documents:

CONSENT D1 - 20AR-150 BOCC STAFF REPORT.PDF CONSENT D2 - 20AR-150 BAA ORDER ON STIPULATION.PDF CONSENT D3 - 20AR-150 STIPULATION AGREEMENT.PDF CONSENT D4 - 20AR-150 DPT PETITION.PDF CONSENT D5 - 20AR-150 BAA PETITION ATTACHMENT AND DOCUMENTS.PDF

E. Correction To Petition For Abatement Or Refund Of Taxes; Abatement No. 20AR-145; Schedule No. 6508534; Legal Property Description: Tract B Tenderfoot Sub #5; Owner: Vail Summit Resorts Inc. (Assessor)

Documents:

CONSENT E1 - 20AR-145 CORRECTED STAFF REPORT.PDF CONSENT E2 - 20AR-145 BAA ORDER ON STIPULATION.PDF CONSENT E3 - 20AR-145 STIPULATION.PDF CONSENT E4 - 20AR-145 CORRECTED DPT PETITION.PDF CONSENT E5 - 20AR-145 BAA PETITION.PDF CONSENT E6 - EMAIL ON SUMMIT COUNTY ABATEMENTS.PDF

F. Authorization Of Abatements For Contiguous Parcel Petitions (Assessor)

Documents:

CONSENT F1 - CONTIGUOUS LOTS - STAFF REPORT.DOCX.PDF CONSENT F2 - CONTIGUOUS PARCEL ABATEMENTS REPORT - AGENT AND OWNER SUBMITTED.PDF

G. Approval Of Resolution Adopting CC4CA Policy Statement Adoption (Sustainability)

Documents:

CONSENT G1 - STAFF REPORT CC4CA.PDF CONSENT G2 - RESOLUTION -SUPPORT FOR CC4CA POLICY STATEMENT.PDF

VI. NEW BUSINESS

A. Extension Of Resolution 2020-38 For The Waiver Of Interest On Delinquent 2019 Property Tax Due In 2020 (Treasurer)

Documents:

NB A1 - STAFF REPORT WAIVER OF INTEREST ON DELINQUENT 2019 PROPERTY TAX.PDF NB A2 - PROPERTY TAX RESOLUTION EXTENSION.PDF

VII. ADJOURNMENT

*This agenda is subject to change at any time. Please contact the Manager’s Office or visit our website to obtain updates at: http://www.summitcountyco.gov SUMMIT COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 1ST AMENDED REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Tuesday, July 28, 2020, 1:30 p.m. County Commissioners’ Meeting Room; Summit County Courthouse 208 Lincoln Avenue, Breckenridge, Colorado

For assistance or questions regarding special accommodations, accessibility, or available audio/visual equipment, please contact 970-453-3403 as soon as possible.

Please use the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85899085477? pwd=MDVoa2sxSmtrYVRGbHB4UHBZTnRzdz09 Password: 7d.nU8XvZ0

Or Telephone: 346 248 7799 or 669 900 9128 or 253 215 8782 or 312 626 6799 or 646 558 8656 or 301 715 8592 Webinar ID: 858 9908 5477 Password: 4506126954

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

IV. CITIZEN COMMENT

A. Citizen Comment

Documents:

CITIZEN COMMENT - SHOOTING RANGE.PDF

V. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval Of 7-14-20 Regular Meeting Minutes

Documents:

CONSENT A - 071420 REG MIN.PDF

B. Warrant List Of 7-1-20 To 7-15-20 (Finance)

Documents:

CONSENT B - WARRANT LIST 07012020 - 07152020.PDF

C. Petition For Abatement Or Refund Of Taxes; Abatement No. 20AR-149; Schedule No.6512710; Legal Property Description: Lot 2 Silverthorne Automotive Sub; Owner: CARS-DB4 LP (Assessor)

Documents:

D. Petition For Abatement Or Refund Of Taxes; Abatement No. 20AR-150; Schedule No. 6514916; Legal Property Description: Lot 1 Lowes Sub; Owner: LOWES HIW INC (Assessor)

Documents:

F. Authorization Of Abatements For Contiguous Parcel Petitions (Assessor)

Documents:

CONSENT F1 - CONTIGUOUS LOTS - STAFF REPORT.DOCX.PDF CONSENT F2 - CONTIGUOUS PARCEL ABATEMENTS REPORT - AGENT AND OWNER SUBMITTED.PDF

G. Approval Of Resolution Adopting CC4CA Policy Statement Adoption (Sustainability)

Documents:

CONSENT G1 - STAFF REPORT CC4CA.PDF CONSENT G2 - RESOLUTION -SUPPORT FOR CC4CA POLICY STATEMENT.PDF

VI. NEW BUSINESS

A. Extension Of Resolution 2020-38 For The Waiver Of Interest On Delinquent 2019 Property Tax Due In 2020 (Treasurer)

Documents:

NB A1 - STAFF REPORT WAIVER OF INTEREST ON DELINQUENT 2019 PROPERTY TAX.PDF NB A2 - PROPERTY TAX RESOLUTION EXTENSION.PDF

VII. ADJOURNMENT

For assistance or questions regarding special accommodations, accessibility, or available audio/visual equipment, please contact 970-453-3403 as soon as possible.

Please use the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85899085477? pwd=MDVoa2sxSmtrYVRGbHB4UHBZTnRzdz09 Password: 7d.nU8XvZ0

Or Telephone: 346 248 7799 or 669 900 9128 or 253 215 8782 or 312 626 6799 or 646 558 8656 or 301 715 8592 Webinar ID: 858 9908 5477 Password: 4506126954

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. ROLL CALL

III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

IV. CITIZEN COMMENT

A. Citizen Comment

Documents:

CITIZEN COMMENT - SHOOTING RANGE.PDF

V. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval Of 7-14-20 Regular Meeting Minutes

Documents:

CONSENT A - 071420 REG MIN.PDF

B. Warrant List Of 7-1-20 To 7-15-20 (Finance)

Documents:

CONSENT B - WARRANT LIST 07012020 - 07152020.PDF

C. Petition For Abatement Or Refund Of Taxes; Abatement No. 20AR-149; Schedule No.6512710; Legal Property Description: Lot 2 Silverthorne Automotive Sub; Owner: CARS-DB4 LP (Assessor)

Documents:

D. Petition For Abatement Or Refund Of Taxes; Abatement No. 20AR-150; Schedule No. 6514916; Legal Property Description: Lot 1 Lowes Sub; Owner: LOWES HIW INC (Assessor)

Documents:

F. Authorization Of Abatements For Contiguous Parcel Petitions (Assessor)

Documents:

CONSENT F1 - CONTIGUOUS LOTS - STAFF REPORT.DOCX.PDF CONSENT F2 - CONTIGUOUS PARCEL ABATEMENTS REPORT - AGENT AND OWNER SUBMITTED.PDF

G. Approval Of Resolution Adopting CC4CA Policy Statement Adoption (Sustainability)

Documents:

CONSENT G1 - STAFF REPORT CC4CA.PDF CONSENT G2 - RESOLUTION -SUPPORT FOR CC4CA POLICY STATEMENT.PDF

VI. NEW BUSINESS

A. Extension Of Resolution 2020-38 For The Waiver Of Interest On Delinquent 2019 Property Tax Due In 2020 (Treasurer)

Documents:

NB A1 - STAFF REPORT WAIVER OF INTEREST ON DELINQUENT 2019 PROPERTY TAX.PDF NB A2 - PROPERTY TAX RESOLUTION EXTENSION.PDF

VII. ADJOURNMENT

*This agenda is subject to change at any time. Please contact the Manager’s Office or visit our website to obtain updates at: http://www.summitcountyco.gov PUBLIC NOTICE

The Summit County Board of Health and Summit County Board of County Commissioners will hold joint recurring public meetings on

Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. until further notice

for the purpose of reviewing information, investigations, and other issues pertaining to the ongoing COVID-19 Local Disaster Emergency and take action on such matters as may be deemed necessary

Due to Public Health concerns and social distancing efforts, this meeting will be conducted virtually and the public is encouraged to join the meeting by following the instructions below:

Please click the link below to join the meeting as a public attendee, or enter the Meeting ID and Password through the Zoom app. https://zoom.us/j/91060163962 Meeting ID: 910 6016 3962 Password: 65GpkjKYI!

You will be able to post questions via Chat or email your questions to [email protected]. Provided, however, the Boards may not address questions or provide answers during the meeting.

Or Join via Phone (Please note that you will not be able to participate in the meeting if you only join via phone). (346) 248-7799 (669) 900-9128 (312) 626-6799 (301) 715-8592

Meeting ID: 910 6016 3962 Password: 050060

The Boards may on occasion move into a breakout Executive Session to review public health investigations, health information, or other confidential information and receive legal advice pertaining thereto. Peak One Drive to Close for Construction

Drivers must use Highway 9 to travel between Summit County Commons and St. Anthony Summit Medical Center

Contact: Robert Jacobs, Road & Bridge Director

SUMMIT COUNTY – On Thursday, July 30, work will begin on the final phase of reconstruction of Peak One Drive between the Summit County Commons and St. Anthony Summit Medical Center. The work on Peak One Drive will require a closure of approximately two weeks.

During construction, St. Anthony Summit Medical Center and the Summit County Medical Office Building will only be accessible at the upper entrance from Highway 9, and the County Commons will only be accessible from the lower entrance. Drivers should expect further delays due to CDOT’s ongoing work on Highway 9. The recreational pathway will remain open, with possible occasional detours.

The Peak One Drive reconstruction is one of several County road projects taking place this summer. Major improvements are slated for Huron Road, Heeney Road, Shekel Lane and Boreas Pass Road.

In July, construction began on Huron Road to repair the road surface and construct a recreational pathway connection between Huron Landing and Reiling Road. This long-awaited project will provide a safer pedestrian and bicycle connection between the residential neighborhood and community services and businesses, including the greater Summit County Recreational Pathway System.

Huron Road construction is scheduled to run through the end of August. This work will require some single-lane closures and occasional detours; it will involve significant work at the entrance to the neighborhood, so drivers and cyclists should anticipate traffic delays.

Summit County is planning to begin work in late August or early September to repair significant damage to Heeney Road that resulted from geologic movement. This work will involve extended road closures and will likely run through the end of October. The damaged area is on the west side of the Green Mountain Dam, north of the area’s residential neighborhoods. Drivers will be able to access residences only from the southern entrance to Heeney Road; access to the dam and recreational areas will be from the north entrance.

In addition to the larger construction and maintenance projects, Summit County Road & Bridge crews are working throughout the county to conduct seasonal dust mitigation, pothole and road failure repairs, drainage maintenance and other summer upkeep.

"It has already been a long summer of construction, but there’s a lot of work left, so we hope everyone continues to have a fun, safe and enjoyable summer out on our County roads and paved pathways," Summit County Road & Bridge Director Robert Jacobs said. "When you see our folks working out there, please help ensure their safety by slowing down, being patient and paying close attention to flaggers."

For more information about these or other projects, contact the Summit County Road & Bridge Department at 970-668-3590.

Sing along with your movie favorites this weekend

Mamma Mia! | July 31st

A bride-to-be in Greece tries to solve the mystery of her paternity by reading the diary of her mother. Based on the ABBA-inspired stage musical.

Reserve Tickets HERE

The Blues Brothers | August 1st

Two soul-singing brothers are sent on a "mission from God" to raise $5000 to save an orphanage in Chicago. On their fund- raising tour de force, they encounter a multitude of mishaps and mayhem.

Reserve Tickets HERE

BreckCreate Drive-In Details

Where | Colorado Mountain College located at 107 Denison Placer Road

in Breckenridge

When | Parking opens at 7:30 pm, the film begins at 9:00 pm.

Cost | Suggested donation of $20 per car.

Reservations are required.

Reserve Tickets HERE

Upcoming at the BreckCreate Drive-In

Throwback Film Favorites

The Princess Bride (8/14)

Jurassic Park (8/15)

Outdoor Adventure on the Big Screen Valley Uprising (8/28)

The River Wild (8/29)

A special thank you to

Our mailing address is: P.O Box 4269 Breckenridge, CO 80424

Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

YOUR PLACE SOUNDS GOOD Watch NRO Encore on Saturday, August 8

Join us on Saturday, August 8 at 6:00pm, MDT on the homepage at NROmusic.org! Enjoy musician performances, special messages from alumni, the "Secret Life of Carl Topilow", a live auction, a mini concert, and so much more from the comfort of your home.

Sign Me Up!

Honoree Carl Topilow

Emcee Ed Greene

Auctioneer Zan Aufderheide

Guest Alumni Performances Maria and Victor Beyens, Elizabeth Hainen, Mina Hong, Audrey Lee, Edwardo Rios, Thomas Steigerwald, Samual Viguerie, and more

Guest Alumni Mary Javian, Jesus Morales, Carrington Truehart

Other Guests Steve Corneillier, Bob Follett, and Sally and Bruce Queen

Mina Hong

"I am looking forward to playing pieces (for NRO Encore) that make the audience feel nostalgic and also hopeful of the future. These are particularly difficult times, and I wish nothing more but to bring a little light to everybody's lives."

We're so happy to have Mina as a violinist in the NRO Alumni String Quartet this summer! Mina served as co- concertmaster of the NRO in 2018 and 2019.

She's from Los Angeles, CA, and is currently preparing and auditioning for a position in a leading orchestra. She plays on a 1785 Ferdinandus Gagliano, Italian violin, and a French bow made by Charles Pecatte in the late 1800s.

Her desert island discs are: On the Sunny Side of the Street - Frank Sinatra, Cinema Paradiso - Ennio Morricone, A Lady Loves - Eartha Kitt, Dream a Little Dream of Me - Doris Day, and Estrellita - Manuel Ponce.

Some of her favorite memories of NRO are with her host parents. Mina shared, "Breckenridge/NRO wouldn't be half as memorable without them. I truly cherish all the moments I am able to spend with such wonderful people."

SUMMER OF STARS BROADCAST Listen to NRO for Colorado Public Radio's Summerfest

The “Summer of Stars” Concert Series broadcast starring the National Repertory Orchestra and the Colorado Symphony will air Saturday, 7/25 at 6:00pm, MDT and Sunday, 7/26 at 4:00pm, MDT.

Listen for Arturo Marquez’s "Danzon no. 2, the Colas Breugnon Overture" by Kabalevsky, and Mussorgsky’s "Pictures at an Exhibition."

Conductor: Carl Topilow

Learn More>>>

TOP MASTERCLASS PICKS

Violin Masterclass with Bassoon Masterclass with Charles Wetherbee Roger Nye

Assistant Professor of Violin, Second Bassoonist, College of Music at the University of Colorado NY Philharmonic at Boulder Tuesday, August 4 Tuesday, July 28 11:00am - 1:00pm, MDT 11:00am - 12:30pm, MDT

Horn Masterclass with Percussion Masterclass with Ellen Dinwiddie Smith Christopher Lamb

Horn, Principal Percussionist, Minnesota Orchestra NY Philharmonic Adjunct Professor of Horn, Head of Percussion, University of Minnesota Manhattan School of Music

Wednesday, August 5 Wednesday, August 5 11:00am - 1:00pm, MDT 3:00pm - 5:00pm, MDT

CONDUCTOR SEMINARS YOU HAVE TO SEE

Marcelo Lehninger

Music Director, Grand Rapids Symphony

"The Future of Orchestras"

Tuesday, July 28 3:00pm - 4:30pm, MDT

The National Repertory Orchestra and Breckenridge Music Festival Present a Joint Conductor Seminar with Steven Schick

Steven Schick

Artistic Director and Conductor, Breckenridge Music Festival Music Director, La Jolla Symphony, Chorus and Artistic Director, San Francisco Contemporary Music Players

"Contemporary Music and You"

Tuesday, August 4 3:00pm - 4:30pm, MDT

LEARN FROM THE BEST

All masterclasses and seminars are FREE and open for public view. Every 2020 NRO Fellow has the opportunity to participate in a masterclass or lesson on their instrument. Seminars will include a lineup of top conductors and guest artists discussing a variety of essential topics for the Arts. Registration is required so that we can send you a link. Take part in as many as you will like!

FREE POP-UP CONCERTS

Outdoors at the Riverwalk

Pop-up performances by the National Repertory Orchestra, local musicians, storytellers and performance artists take place on the Riverwalk Center’s outdoor stage Wednesday through Sunday at the lunch and dinner hours.

Don Your Mask to Support the Arts Help Breckenridge stay open so businesses and live music can thrive! The State of Colorado is now under a mandatory mask mandate and the core of downtown Breckenridge is a mandatory mask zone. Masks must be worn when in public, indoors and outdoors.

Breckenridge Associates Real Estate Wednesday, July 29 4:00pm - 5:00pm No Ticket Required

What you need to know when visiting Breckenridge, Co during COVID-19

Dillon Amphitheater Thursday, July 30 5:00pm - 6:00pm Ticketed

What you need to know when visiting Dillon, CO during COVID-19

Free Ticket

Silverthorne Performing Arts Center Stage Friday, July 31 5:30pm - 6:30pm - Updated Time! No Ticket Required

What you need to know when visiting Silverthorne, CO during COVID-19

Help the National Repertory Orchestra enrich the arts community and provide educational opportunities for the next generation of classical musicians.

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It's That Time of Year Again

2020 Best of Summit nominations are open until August 2, 2020. Celebrate those special businesses and organizations who have gone above and beyond during this unique time.

We appreciate it!

Nominate the NRO

THANK YOU! Education & Community Engagement Sponsors & Supporters

Steve Corneillier & Daughters Brittony & Nicole Pat & Steve Larson

In Memory of Kathleen Corneillier

Town of Dillon Blue River Sports

The NRO is here for you now and in the future.

Under the baton of Music Director, Carl Topilow, the National Repertory Orchestra is a preeminent intensive summer music festival creating diverse, thoughtful and socially conscious musicians through experiential learning. We inspire young musicians to be great leaders in their communities while Changing Lives Through Music! [email protected]

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I-70 Mountain Corridor Improvements

Final paving work progressing on west end

of project corridor

Overnight work to put down the top layer of asphalt pavement and stripe lanes is progressing between Mile Points 234 (Downieville) and 232 (the US 40/Empire interchange). This final work should be done along this stretch of westbound I-70 in the next week and paving operations will then move further east between Mile Points 236 and 234. Also on the west end of the project corridor, crews will start staining and painting the two finished retaining walls from Dumont to Downieville..

Closures for these and other construction activities in the coming week include:

 The westbound I-70 off-ramp to Exit 232 (US 40/Empire interchange) will be closed overnight Sunday for final paving work. The off-ramp will close at 5 p.m. Sunday and is scheduled to reopen Monday at 4 a.m. During this overnight closure, westbound I-70 drivers destined for Empire will need to use Exit 234 at Downieville and take County Road 308 west to US 40.  There will be various overnight lane closures along westbound I-70 between Mile Point 243 (Hidden Valley) and Mile Point 232 (US 40/Empire interchange) Sunday through Thursday nights for various work activities. These lane closures will go into effect at 5 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.  Along eastbound I-70, there will be an overnight right lane closure between Mile Points 232 and 236 (US 40/Empire interchange to east of Dumont) Tuesday starting at 7 p.m. and an overnight left lane closure at Mile Point 233 (Lawson) Thursday starting at 7 p.m.  Each weekday next week, the left lane of eastbound I-70 will be closed between Mile Point 236.5 (east of Dumont) and Mile Point 239 in Idaho Springs from 5 to 10 a.m. each day.  The Exit 239 on-ramp to westbound I-70 in Idaho Springs is again closed. Although the completion of rock mitigation work in this area allowed this on-ramp to reopen last week, it was closed again due to insufficient merge distance for drivers entering westbound I-70.  The westbound I-70 on- and off-ramps at Exit 234 (Weigh Station) will be closed intermittently during overnight and daytime hours Sunday through Friday. Detour signage will be in place directing drivers to use either Exit 238 at Fall River Road or Exit 235 at Dumont.

Fall River Road Bridge closed through Sat.

morning

The Fall River Road bridge over Clear Creek will be closed today and tomorrow morning for final paving and striping work. Stanley Road will also be reduced to one lane of travel with flaggers directing drivers through this area.

COVID-19

Safe transportation infrastructure is essential for all of us, particularly for emergency first responders and freight drivers as Colorado navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. With that in mind, CDOT maintenance and construction crews follow social distancing and other health safety measures to reduce COVID-19 exposure on the worksite. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced guidelines for construction activities. The public is urged to join the campaign for #DoingMyPartCO by practicing social distancing and wearing face masks. As traffic returns to normal levels, motorists must drive cautiously and heed the speed limit so all of us can return home safely.

With construction activities on the rise along the I-70 mountain corridor and crews working in various locations adjacent to moving traffic, we ask that drivers pay attention to posted speed limits and drive distraction free.

All construction activities are weather dependent and

schedules are subject to change.

Stay Connected

There are a variety of ways you can get more information about construction activities and associated traffic impacts along the I-70 mountain corridor. Call the Hotline 720-828-8299

Text alerts Text wbi70 to 21000

Visit CDOT's Facebook

Send us an Email

Visit CDOT's Twitter

Visit our Website

You are receiving this email because you requested information regarding construction updates for the I-70 Westbound Peak Period Shoulder Lane Project. Northwest Colorado Council of Governments eNews July 2020 From the Director's Desk: NWCCOG - The art of adding value

At NWCCOG, our strength is our challenge: we host a baker's dozen of diverse programs meeting needs that include a portfolio of vital services for aging adults, elevator safety inspections, critical loans to small businesses, broadband consulting, and energy-saving weatherization programs across a broad region. We represent jurisdictions that have often-changing leadership. When surveyed, we find that we are valued for diverse reasons, yet few know what we do. Our people, programs and our important good works are respected and highly valued, yet by doing so much across such a broad region it seems like we are constantly having to remind people who we are and how we impact their communities.

That is why we never stop sharing our stories. In this effort, we ask your help. This is a good time to share with your local elected officials specifically why you value NWCCOG. At the July NWCCOG meeting, Council approved freezing 2021 dues at 2020 levels.

Crib notes: Approximately $300,000 in total dues help us qualify for grants of $5 - $7M in funds from state and federal programs on behalf of the region - there is power in membership. We then use the grant funds to provide our communities with the services described above.

Expect to see the dues notice along with a memo further outlining the local benefits of NWCCOG Membership next month. Our intent is to provide talking points for internal NWCCOG advocates during the inevitable budget wrangling. You may know our "soft" benefits like bringing people together for the Economic Summit, and Disaster Prep for Elected Officials (both COVID casualties this year) as well as all the information sharing we do across jurisdictions, our regional policy work, the relationship building. Not that we can take credit for all of it, but it is clear in this situation that regional collaboration is as strong as ever. As important as all that is, at a time like this, some just want "value" translated into dollars. The memo addresses that.

This year we celebrate finally having all jurisdictions in our 5-County region (plus three others) as members. We also celebrate delivery of Project THOR, a middle-mile broadband resource that more than 13 jurisdictions are directly leveraging to support local broadband projects. Vintage (formerly AAAA) has pumped hundreds of thousands of additional dollars into critical services such as meals for seniors during this time. Our Economic Development District is poised to draw an additional $500,000 in federal funding to provide direct assistance to our members. We are looking to expand our Business Loan Fund and have hired additional staff to do so. Though it seems forever ago, in March we issued our Older Adult 2020 Housing Needs Assessment report. Today we are beginning a research project on how local law enforcement agencies are adapting to SB 217 and what that entails.

We know it is a challenging time for our members who rely on sales tax dollars from many retailers who in turn rely primarily on visitors, and confident local consumers. The pandemic does not have an expiration date. Already, many jurisdictions are planning for 10 - 15% mid-year budget revisions. Some, more than that. Though each county in our region has a clear roadmap, there is no clear indication yet of when the pandemic and our public health response may be safely relaxed to a point where the economy can operate on enough cylinders to flatten the economic curve. Health officials are concerned about a resurgence next winter. It is an unsure time. It is also a fascinating and vital time to be involved in public policy. To those on the front lines, we salute you. We will get through this together.

We at NWCCOG appreciate your support. We've been serving the region since the early 1970s, through many downturns, through battles with front- range entities over water, wrangling over funding priorities, bark beetle infestations, figuring out what it means to live in a rural resort region all the while developing and delivering programs as we adapt them to meet evolving needs. In the same year that we lit Project THOR, we closed down a call center because the state is taking over that service. With feedback from members, we adapt and learn as an organization. We look forward to finding innovative ways to serve you so we can emerge from COVID stronger together.

Jon Stavney Executive Director [email protected]

NWCOG Economic Development District awarded $71,000 in USDA Rural Development Grants to Assist Small and Emerging Businesses in the Region

Revolving Loan Fund Established

The USDA Rural Development has awarded the NWCCOG EDD $47,000 to establish a revolving loan fund to support the development of small and emerging businesses in the NWCCOG Region and will serve to build the capacity of the already-established Northwest Loan Fund. Loan funds from this program can be used for expansion, acquisition, startups, equipment, inventory, and working capital, and will offer very favorable rates. Businesses must have gross revenues under $1 million, fewer than 50 employees, and can show they have been unable to secure conventional financing (i.e. show proof of "no credit elsewhere"). NWCCOG EDD will use policies and procedures set forth by the already-existing Northwest Loan Fund as the application and approval process. The funds are available now.

Please contact Rachel Lunney, [email protected] or 970.485.0513 if your business is interested in applying for a loan through this program, or if you have any other information about this new tool for accessing capital for your business or businesses in your community.

Summit Prosperity Initiative CO.STARTERS Training Program for Small Businesses

The Summit Prosperity Initiative, comprised of partners NWCCOG EDD, Summit Chamber of Commerce, Summit County Government, Summit Foundation, and Freeport-McMoRan, has partnered with national organization CO.STARTERS, to create a 9-week program providing business training and technical assistance to existing business owners in Summit County. Business owners from 20 Summit County businesses have completed a 2.5 hour per week, virtual, facilitator-led, collaborative learning process. Over the 9 evening sessions, they focused on adapting and pivoting their business plans using the CO.STARTERS Canvas business model. The process allowed them to critically exam every part of their business and determine immediate next steps through real-time feedback, tools, and resources. Members of this first cohort were excited to use this collaborative process to enhance their business models. This $24,000 USDA Grant will allow SPI to offer two more cohorts over the next 6-9 months, for businesses to attend at low or no cost. For more information about the CO.STARTERS Rebuild Program, click here.

Alpine Area Agency on Aging Reveals New Name, New Brand

Vintage reflects the company's mission to bring aging expertise and services to clients and partners; solidifying leadership position in Northwest Colorado moving forward

SILVERTHORNE, Colo. - July 1, 2020 - The Alpine Area Agency on Aging, Colorado's alpine region aging expert, is formally changing its name to Vintage.

Partners, providers, clients, and interested parties will begin to see communications that look different, but the agency's commitment to service and excellence remains the same. Their service offerings are also not changing.

"Our brand at its core is still the same," Vintage Director Erin Fisher states. "We are excited to continue to serve older adults throughout this time and be able to share a brand that reflects our commitment to older adults in mountain communities. This is a time of rebirth for the world, and this is our time of rebirth as well."

Vintage is not only the alpine region aging expert, but Fisher and her team also provide deep content expertise to ensure older adults and service providers are informed, cared for, and not forgotten.

Vintage services include transportation, dental and vision assistance, options counseling, nutrition programs, caregiver support, respite services, evidence- based health programs, volunteerism, and educational programs. Vintage serves Eagle, Grand, Jackson, Pitkin, and Summit counties in Northwest Colorado.

Learn more about Vintage and its services for older adults at yourvintage.org.

Check out the quarterly news magazine MOMENTUM for tips and resources to enhance safe and healthy living.

Prepare Now: Energize Colorado Gap Fund

The Energize Colorado Gap Fund will provide more than $25 million in small business loans and grants to boost small businesses impacted by COVID- 19. Sole proprietors, businesses and nonprofits with less than 25 full-time employees can apply for up to a $15,000 grant and a $20,000 loan for a possible combined total of $35,000 in financial assistance.

The application is scheduled for an August 1, 2020 launch. Sign up to Energize Colorado's email list to be alerted when the application opens.

Eligibility You must be either a:

 small business or enterprise - Colorado sole proprietors and registered small businesses including LLCs, S-Corps and other business types.  nonprofit - Colorado nonprofits whose mission and/or programs directly support economic development, small businesses, or tourism.

You must also:

 have fewer than 25 employees - Applicants must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees. An employer may use its off- season employee count.  be impacted by COVID-19 - Applicants must be able to show the economic hardship their business is facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The business's story of hardship plus documents such as bank records, point of sale receipts, profit and loss statements, or other documents can be used to show economic harm.

Any eligible Colorado small enterprise is welcome to apply. Priority will be given to the following applicants:

 majority-owned by black, indigenous, people of color, veterans, or women  in rural areas with population of less than 50,000 people  in the tourism sector  with limited or no access to capital financing or other federal, state or local grants/loans

How to Apply In the coming weeks, the application will open on Energize Colorado's website. APPLICATIONS WITHIN THE NORTHWEST LOAN FUND REGION WILL BE MANAGED BY THE NORTHWEST LOAN FUND. Please request the NLF when you apply.

We recommend you gather these documents to show how you have been impacted by COVID-19:

 bank records  profit and loss statements  tax filings  expense receipts

Energize Colorado will provide a mentoring program to assist in filing this application including translation.

Please also review the answers to frequently asked questions.

Good-bye and Hello

Molly Tompkins, Mountain Ride Manager extraordinaire, is leaving the program in August. The stars aligned with the closure of the Mountain Ride program and new opportunities.

Molly started with the NWCCOG in 2015 as a part time Area Agency on Aging employee and Call Center Support for Mountain Ride, the broker for Non-Emergent Medical Transportation (NEMT) to coordinate rides and reimbursements for Health First Colorado (Medicaid) members without transportation to important medical appointments. The Mountain Ride program grew exponentially after its formation, added several employees, and this year surpassed its 40,000 ride. On July 1st, Mountain Ride came full circle when IntelliRide became Colorado's contracted NEMT broker. Historically, the NEMT benefit was administered by transit entities like Mountain Ride throughout the state, but Colorado's Department of Health Care Policy and Financing moved to a state-wide vendor, effectively shuttering the regional brokerage organizations, including Mountain Ride.

Molly's influence on, and dedication to Mountain Ride and her fellow NWCCOG colleagues is evident and she will be missed greatly. Her positivity and resilience in the midst of change is a lasting legacy and we wish her all the good vibes in the universe as she moves on to her next adventure. Thank you Molly!

Welcome Jason Broadbent - Energy Program Installer

With a background in the hospitality industry, Jason has always enjoyed helping others, but when the opportunity for trading a desk job staring at a computer screen much of the day, for working outside with his hands, he was all in.

As an Energy Program Installer, Broadbent will be helping to make homes more energy efficient for residents in the region. In addition to caulking, changing out windows, installing more energy efficient appliances and the like, he'll also be helping to make sure there are no unsafe gas leaks that can cause harm. Of the opportunity he says, "I am really looking forward to learning new skills and working with my hands."

When asked where he was from Jason replied, "Originally from Connecticut, but after spending 8-ish years in Vermont I moved to Summit County in May of 2016." He's never looked back - his hobbies include mountain biking, split-boarding camping and fishing and Colorado is the ideal place for him to play.

See NWCCOG Coronavirus Resource Guide here NWCCOG strives to not duplicate resources compiled elsewhere. For municipal actions taken, CML has the best resource. For current public health orders, those should be sought from your county website. There are numerous resources for businesses or individuals kept up to date regularly. If you would like guidance on what is the best resource for your needs, contact Jon and I will guide you there.

Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook THANK YOU So many of our Members are doing tremendous front-line public service through this difficult time; if you are one of them, Thank you, you are appreciated more than ever for your public service. I've been privileged to be on daily update calls with both Eagle County and Summit County EOC, and it is assuring to listen in to collaboration going on in real-time.

NWCCOG offices are closed to the public and most staff are working remotely so please contact them by phone or email. AAAA is in full-tilt mode adapting to meet the needs of Older Americans across the region. Energy Program Employees are working with strict safety protocols for themselves and their clients. The Elevator Inspection Program has suspended mosts field inspections and are catching up on a back-log of remote work. More than half of our programs and nearly 50 employees regularly work remotely. For more detailed and current status, please call your usual contact at NWCCOG.

If you know someone who would enjoy our newsletter, please forward them to this link.

Next NWCCOG COUNCIL MEETING

Thursday, August 20, 2020 Full Council & EDD Board Annual Planning Meeting Location: Virtual Time: 10:00 a.m. - TBD Agenda Items: Strategic Planning for 2021, approve 2021 meeting schedule

Northwest Colorado Council of Governments www.nwccog.org

970.468.0295

THANK YOU FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN NWCCOG!

Northwest Colorado Council of Governments, P.O. Box 2308, 249 Warren Ave., Silverthorne, CO 80498

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Join us for CML's Virtual Conference on Aug. 25-27, 2020!

This conference will have plenty of opportunities for interaction with your fellow municipalities, a virtual exhibit hall, and of course a wealth of valuable sessions, including general sessions on cybersecurity and NLC’s Race, Equity, And Leadership (REAL) initiative, to help your municipality adjust to the new normal.

We have worked to keep costs for this conference low and thank our sponsors for their generous support. Registration fees for the virtual conference are:

 Municipal members: $99  Associate members: $129  Non-members: $199

Registration closes Aug. 18!

Colorado Municipal League 1144 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 303 831 6411 / 866 578 0936

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This newsletter contains information for Colorado municipal officials related to COVID-19. You will receive this email digest every Tuesday. For questions, comments or suggestions, please email [email protected].

In this issue...

- And now a showdown over the next relief bill

- Governor’s “last call” order sparks confusion, conflict

- Water Utility COVID-19 Financial Impact Tool

- Upcoming events

And now a showdown over the next relief bill Kevin Bommer, executive director

After multiple delays last week caused by disagreements among Senate Republicans and with the White House, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell finally announced yesterday the introduction of the GOP’s proposed relief bill called the HEALS Act. The main focus of the legislation is economic assistance, liability protection, and schools, according to McConnell.

Senate Finance Chair Chuck Grassley said that the bill will allow greater flexibility for states to use CARES Act money distributed in April, including using the funding to replace lost revenue. This is an interesting, if not annoying, twist if it stays in the bill. Specifically, the bill says that Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) money can be used to cover a revenue shortfall if the state government has distributed 25% of the money downstream – for example, from a state to a city. Additionally, a government may only use 25% of allocated money to backfill lost revenue. Gov. Jared Polis only allocated 16% of the $1.67 billion the state received for local governments under 500,000 population and the state. Recent U.S. Treasury guidance states that 45% should be distributed to local governments. If this does stick, CML will immediately call on Gov. Polis to amend his executive order to reallocate a minimum of 25% to local governments, which is the amount CML was originally callin g for in early June.

Regardless, that aspect of the bill is a bit of a sideshow. CML’s position is that CRF money should be used for its original purpose of quickly mitigating direct expenses in response to COVID-19 and for the current relief bill to include direct aid to municipalities, counties, and the state. Since Senate Republicans are now suggesting that prior monies can be used for revenue replacement, the League believes that aid is much more likely to be in the final package. The National League of Cities (NLC) reiterated on Friday in a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that flexibility alone is insufficient. CML’s recent survey provides clear evidence that direct aid is need to stem cuts in personnel and services that will impact citizens and stall economic recovery.

It is worth noting that both Sen. Cory Gardner and Sen. Michael Bennet have stated their support for state and local aid. Sen. Bennet reiterated that support last week. CML thanks them for their support and urges municipal leaders to contact them to put pressure on their colleagues to get on board with direct aid.

The response from House and Senate Democrats was both swift and expected, as they called for renewed efforts to move on the HEROES Act passed on May 15 in the House. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer both blasted the GOP bill, and now the clock is ticking before a scheduled recess beginning August 7. CML and NLC believe that both sides feel significant pressure to get to “yes.” The League suggests that municipal leaders consider a letter to the editor or op-ed in your local paper to call for swift bipartisan agreement on a package that includes meaningful local financial aid. If anything is published, please send links to [email protected] and to both senators and your House member.

Governor’s “last call” order sparks confusion, conflict David Broadwell, general counsel

Included in the long list of emergency powers vested in the governor by Colorado statutes is the authority to, “suspend or limit the sale, dispensing or transportation of alcoholic beverages, firearms, explosives or combustibles.” Gov. Polis invoked this power on July 21, when he ordered licensed alcoholic beverage retailers to end sales at 10 p.m. each night.

In announcing the new executive order, the Governor explained that his purpose to was to limit community spread of the Coronavirus in bars and restaurants late at night, when relaxed inhibitions fueled by alcohol may have a greater tendency to cause people to behave irresponsibly. However, the language in the executive order also imposed a 10 p.m. cutoff on liquor stores and grocery stores. Two days later, another executive order clarified that the new curfew applies only to businesses licensed for on-premises consumption.

The new order also prompted questions from municipal officials about scenarios under which a “sale” of alcohol can occur before 10 p.m., but dispensing and consumption can occur for hours thereafter if the business decides to remain open. Since no specific penalty was provided in the order, presumably local licensing authorities will be called upon to interpret and enforce it through license sanctions.

In the meantime, a large group of businesses represented by the Tavern League of Colorado filed suit against the Governor seeking to enjoin the new last call order, along with earlier orders limiting business capacity. The case will be heard in the Denver District Court some time this week.

An interesting sidebar story also emerged. In announcing his new executive order, Gov. Polis also commented about how much he disliked the traditional 2 a.m. closing time in the Liquor Code, and how he would be working with legislators to eliminate it next year. As recently as 2017 the Colorado General Assembly defeated a bill that would have granted local option to extend the time and thereby potentially stagger business closings. CML supported the bill – even after it was amended in the House to allow only later closing times by removing the authority to establish earlier closing times – as it was still an expansion of local control. The bill passed the House but could not garner enough votes to pass the Senate. It was lost after being laid over until after the end of the session.

Water Utility COVID-19 Financial Impact Tool Heather Stauffer, legislative and policy advocate

The EPA’s Water Infrastructure and Resiliency Finance Center works directly with on-the-ground partners to provide financial technical assistance to communities. As part of their objective to help communities make informed decisions on funding drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects, they have made the Water Utility COVID-19 Financial Impact Tool available on their website. The tool is intended to help drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities assess the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the utility's cash flow. The EPA reports that water utilities across the country expect to experience revenue losses due to reduced commercial consumption, households that are unable to pay their bills, and deferred or cancelled rate increases. In addition to the financial impact tool, the EPA also offers a number of other resources to water utilities on their website.

Upcoming events

Registration now open! - CML Virtual Conference

 August 25-27, 2020

CML is excited to host our first virtual conference. Join us for three days of valuable sessions designed to help you navigate issues impacting our towns and municipalities. There will also be opportunities for interaction with your fellow municipalities and a virtual exhibit hall. More information.

CML Fall District Meetings* Join the CML staff for the annual Fall District Meetings. These meetings are a great chance to learn more about CML's legislative agenda and connect with other municipalities within your district. All meetings begin at 4 p.m., followed by a social hour and dinner before concluding around 7:30 p.m. Click on a location below for more information and to register!

 Sept. 9 - District 4 - Victor  Sept. 15 - District 5 - Limon  Sept. 16 - District 6 - La Junta  Sept. 17 - District 7 & 14 - Trinidad  Sept. 17 - District 13 - Rockvale  Sept. 22 - District 8 - La Jara  Sept. 23 - District 1 - Akron  Sept. 23 - District 10 - Gunnison  Sept. 24 - District 9 - Mancos  Sept. 29 - District 2 - Kersey  Sept. 29 - District 12 - Aspen  Sept. 30 - District 11 - Rangely  Sept. 30 - District 3 - Virtual

* At this time, CML is planning to hold these events in person, unless otherwise noted, with appropriate social distancing measures. If an in-person event is not possible, we will make the decision with our partners in a timely manner, update the CML website and any attendees who have registered.

View CML's COVID-19 resource page

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Colorado Municipal League | 1144 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 | 303 831 6411

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Newsletter Vol. 46, No. 15, July 31, 2020

Governor and legislators announce members of RTD accountability committee

Gov. Jared Polis, Sen. Faith Winter, chair of the In addition to gubernatorial and legislative • Jackie Millet, Lone Tree mayor Senate Transportation & Energy Committee appointments representing expertise in • Julie Mullica, Northglenn councilmember and former Westminster Councilmember Rep. transportation equity, urban planning, • Crystal Murillo, Aurora councilmember Matt Gray, chair of the House Transportation economic development, financial planning, & Local Government Committee, recently human resources, multi-modal transportation, The 11-member accountability committee announced appointments to the Regional and issues facing transit riders with will review and recommend changes to the Transportation District (RTD) Accountability disabilities, three CML members have transit agency’s operations and planning by Committee. The committee was created and been appointed as representatives of local next year. announced by Gov. Polis, legislators, and RTD governments served by RTD. They are: after it was approved by RTD.

New round of funding for water infrastructure projects made available to states

The EPA recently announced the 2020 efficiency projects at water and wastewater letters of interest from prospective WIFIA notice of funding availability under its Water facilities, aquifer recharge, alternative water borrowers for 90 days after publication in Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act supply, water recycling projects, or drought the Federal Register. EPA is also, for the (WIFIA) program, including new funding prevention, reduction or mitigation projects. first time, providing funds under the State for the new State Infrastructure Financing This year’s funding will mark the fourth Infrastructure Financing Authority (SWIFIA) Authority (SWIFIA) program. round of WIFIA funding and will provide up program. SWIFIA, which was authorized by Established by the Water Infrastructure to $6 billion to support water infrastructure Congress as part of the America’s Water Finance and Innovation Act of 2014, the WIFIA projects. EPA will prioritize construction-ready Infrastructure Act of 2018, offers low-interest program is a federal loan and guarantee projects in three critical areas: projects that loans to state water infrastructure programs program at EPA that aims to accelerate update aging infrastructure, reduce exposure (i.e., the State Revolving Funds) that then help investment in the nation’s water infrastructure to lead and address emerging contaminants, finance needed water infrastructure projects by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental and water reuse and recycling projects. in local communities. This round of funding loans for regionally and nationally significant Of note to potential applicants, EPA will will provide SWIFIA borrowers up to $1 billion projects. WIFIA financing can be used to evaluate submitted projects using additional to support $2 billion in water infrastructure support projects including drinking water criteria (https://bit.ly/33bJTb5) that were projects. To submit a letter of interest for treatment and distribution, wastewater developed to help clarify project and federal WIFIA funding please visit the EPA website treatment and conveyance, enhanced energy budgetary considerations. EPA will accept bit.ly/301ieHM.

2020 Census: Nonresponse followup As part of its Nonresponse Followup will enter the answers on their secure Census and all applicable state and local requirements Operation (NRFU), the U.S. Census Bureau is Bureau smart phone. If a family member is not with regard to health and safety. visiting every household that has not already home when the census taker visits, they will Until Oct. 31, 2020, households can continue responded to the 2020 Census to ensure a leave a notice of their visit with information to respond online or by phone. complete and accurate count. about how to respond online or by phone. As The NRFU operation was originally scheduled necessary, they will make additional visits to Census takers are scheduled to visit the for May 13 through July 31, 2020, but has collect responses from the household.Census nonresponding household between Aug. 11 been adjusted in light of the COVID-19 takers will follow social distancing protocols and Oct. 31, 2020 to ask a few questions and pandemic.

Empowered cities and towns, united for a strong Colorado GOCO’s Resilient Communities Program CML Fall District In response to the unprecedented disruption Meetings caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Great Join the CML staff for the annual Fall Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) has launched a District Meetings. These meetings are a $15 million Resilient Communities Program great chance to learn more about CML's (RCP) to help fund one-time, immediate needs legislative agenda and connect with other or opportunities that have emerged in direct municipalities within your district. All response to the pandemic, which include: meetings begin at 4 p.m., followed by a capacity and operations support, stewardship, social hour and dinner before concluding community vitality, and urgent and emergent around 7:30 p.m. Visit bit.ly/2BqknmJ for land acquisitions. For more information, more information and to register! including eligibility criteria and application Sept. 9 - District 4 - Victor forms, please visit bit.ly/3f1nf7j. Sept. 15 - District 5 - Limon Sept. 16 - District 6 - La Junta 2020 Colorado Laws Enacted Affecting Sept. 17 - District 7 & 14 - Trinidad Municipal Governments Sept. 17 - District 13 - Rockvale Sept. 22 - District 8 - La Jara CML Releases 2020 Colorado It is not a comprehensive listing of all Sept. 23 - District 1 - Akron Laws Enacted Affecting Municipal new legislation enacted into law affecting municipal government. 2020 Colorado Laws Sept. 23 - District 10 - Gunnison Governments Enacted Affecting Municipalities is available to Each year, CML analyzes the laws passed by Sept. 24 - District 9 - Mancos all for free — along with several past editions the General Assembly that affect cities and — online at bit.ly/3f7aRTn. Sept. 29 - District 2 - Kersey towns. 2020 Colorado Laws Enacted Affecting Sept. 29 - District 12 - Aspen Municipal Governments focuses on selected For information or assistance on any legislative questions, contact the listed CML Sept. 30 - District 11 - Rangely acts that have a particular significance for municipal operations, services, and powers. lobbyist at 303-831-6411 or 866-578-0936 or Sept. 30 - District 3 - Remote via email. Unless otherwise noted, CML is planning to hold these events in person, with appropriate social distancing measures. SEH promotes Paul Wells to regional leader If an in-person event is not possible, we will make the decision with our partners Short Elliott Paul has been with SEH for seven years in a timely manner and update the CML Hendrickson when he first joined the company as regional website and any attendees who have Inc. (SEH®) leader of the highway design practice. registered. recently named Since that time, he has taken on additional Paul Wells responsibilities, including serving as the as regional regional leader for the traffic engineering, leader and vice transportation planning and structural president in engineering practices. Paul currently serves Colorado and on the SEH Board of Directors, where he was Wyoming. elected in October 2019 to a two-year term. Newsletter Wells, formerly the west region leader for Paul replaces outgoing regional leader, John the transportation and structural engineering Simmer, who retired. CML Newsletter (ISSN 7439903) is published practices, took on the new role in July 2020. Paul began in the engineering industry in biweekly by the Colorado Municipal League, 1144 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203-2207, for ″Paul's proven leadership, staff engagement, 1995, after graduating from Arizona State Colorado's municipal officials. (USPS 075-590) and growth mentality will serve SEH well in his University in Tempe, Ariz. Periodical postage paid in Denver, Colorado. new role″ says SEH CEO and President Dave Designer and editor: Leslie Hough Ott. Circulation/mailing lists: Mark Vanderbrook

POSTMASTER: Send address change form 3579 to Colorado Municipal League, 1144 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203-2207; (p) 303-831-6411 / 866-578-0936; (f) 303-860-8175.

Subscription to CML Newsletter is offered as a portion of member dues. Cost to nonmembers is $300 a year.

2 CML Newsletter Advancing front range communities up the ″Zero Waste Ladder″

The FRWD Board is now accepting applications Colorado State Legislature in 2019, and collects Blackbaud account to access a previously for projects that advance community-based funds from an increase in user fees at front started application. diversion programs. To promote community- range landfills to provide grants and technical Applications are due no later than 3 pm on based waste diversion, the board recognizes assistance to front range communities to Monday, Aug. 10, 2020. For more information, how important it is to meet each community increase recycling, composting, and waste please contact Front Range Waste Diversion where they are, and help them move up the reduction. Program Manager, Haley Gabbard – haley. rungs of the ″Zero Waste Ladder.″ Download the RFA document for complete [email protected]. The Front Range Waste Diversion Program information. To get started, create a new and Enterprise Fund was approved by the application for RFA #31245 or log in to your

Business is back! Northglenn small business grant to and customers under local governmental ″Northglenn provided almost $500,000 to 130 alleviate COVID-19 impacts guidelines and regulations due to COVID-19. businesses in rent/mortgage assistance grants, and it was obvious there was more need,” said Northglenn City Council voted to allocate Qualifying businesses can apply for up to Northglenn Director of Economic Development $500,000 to support small businesses moving $5,000 of reimbursable expenses they have Debbie Tuttle. “Trying to keep a small business into the recovery stages of re-opening. CARES incurred after March 15, 2020 for purchases afloat during a pandemic is challenging, Act funding allocated to Northglenn by Adams of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and offering assistance with unanticipated County made the grant program possible. equipment/operating supplies, and workspace and other physical space modifications needed expenses will help during this recovery phase.″ The Business is Back (BIB) Recovery Grant to operate because of COVID-19. Grants will be awarded generally on a first- will assist businesses with costs incurred to come, first-served basis based on the submittal maintain the health and safety of employees The program opens at 8 a.m., Friday, July 17. The application, grant details, and qualifications date and funding availability. The grant closes are online bit.ly/2WYVoP9 on Sept. 30, 2020.

Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission proposes increased mill levy

The Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation production projections for Fiscal year 2020-21, Commission (COGCC)’s revenue is generated COGCC staff proposed that the commission through a mill levy on producers, which is increase the Conservation Levy to 1.5 mills. calculated based upon the amount of oil The proposed levy rate will not increase and gas produced in Colorado and the price revenue, but will instead offset the impact at which the commodity is sold. COGCC is of the decrease in price and production to This conference will have plenty of projecting a decrease in revenue due to the maintain stable revenue for COGCC operations. opportunities for interaction with your reduction in oil and gas commodity prices, The COGCC will consider the mill levy increase fellow municipalities, a virtual exhibit likely resulting in a reduction in production. In at the commission hearing on Aug. 4 at 9 a.m. hall, and 22 valuable sessions including response to the projected decline, the COGCC For virtual meeting information and instructions a legislative update, cybersecurity, and has requested an increase in the mill levy rate, on how to make a comment, please visit the race and equity discussions to in addition to steps to reduce spending. On COGCC website at bit.ly/3g5xKYK. affordable housing, economic July 23, 2020, based on updated price and sustainability, and law enforcement integrity, designed to help your municipality adjust to the new normal.

State Demography Office launches new essions run from am to pm COVID-19 data tools ees for te irtual Conference are Non The State Demography Office (SDO) created the concentration of job loss, unemployment, unicipal Associate embers embers embers COVID-19 Map Series (bit.ly/303Zpnl) to help traffic counts, locations of hospitals and group local governments and others understand the quarters, and large employers. The SDO will be current and potential impacts from COVID-19. adding more information monthly. Take a look Currently, there are tabs showing cases, and provide feedback to todd.bleess@state. Register at cml.org/virtualconference outbreaks, social vulnerabilities, counties by co.us.

3 July 31, 2020 In memory

Legendary city said, “George was a great personal friend much better control of its own destiny under manager passes and wonderful supporter of the League. His a unified structure. When the question passed away positive imprint on Broomfield will stand the in November 1998, Broomfield became the test of time.” first and only other unified city and county George Di Ciero, government to be created since the 1902 Broomfield’s city and Although his accomplishments are numerous, creation of the City and County of Denver. county manager for Di Ciero may be most remembered for his In the three years leading up to officially 43 years, passed away leadership in planning for the creation and becoming a city and county, Di Ciero guided recently after a battle implementation of the City and County of Broomfield through the establishment of with cancer. He is remembered among his Broomfield. In 1998, he and other Broomfield all the services the city would need to also colleagues and peers as a manager that leaders devised the plan and convinced function as a county. ″He seemed larger than cared deeply about his community and the two-thirds of the General Assembly to refer a life when I first started at CML in 1999,″ said residents that lived in it. His dedication to state constitutional amendment to the ballot Kevin Bommer, CML executive director. ″His the profession of city management has long to establish Broomfield as a city and county. legacy not only lives on in Broomfield, but also served as an example to anyone in the field. At the time, the territorial boundaries of the City of Broomfield straddled four different in all those he has influenced and continues Sam Mamet, who retired as CML executive counties, and the goal was to give Broomfield to influence. All of us at CML extend our director in 2019, after 40 years with CML, condolences to his family and friends.″

Remembering name of the National Institute of Law Officers Colorado, particularly during the early days Boulder City to the International Municipal Lawyers of TABOR implementation in the 90s. Former Attorney Joe de Association, Joe presented himself as a CML Executive Director Sam Mamet recalled Raisme citizen of the world. the decision to pick a chair for CML’s TABOR implementation task force: “Ken Bueche On July 10, Joe de It is no surprise that after Joe retired from said to me that it had to be Joe because he Raismes passed away Boulder, he served in a national role as was the smartest guy in the room. We both after a remarkable lifetime General Counsel for Mental Health America. worked with Joe over those formative years of public service, including his tenure as Joe’s contributions as Boulder City Attorney of understanding TABOR, and he truly was Boulder City Attorney from 1979 to 2003. were legion, but he would confide that the best of the best.” Indeed, Joe personally helping the city to assemble and preserve As city attorneys go, Joe was the ultimate coined the term “de-Brucing” in those days. embodiment of the credo: “Think globally, act Boulder’s incredible system of green belts Mamet added, “He was a pleasure to work locally.” Whether it was pride in his French and open spaces was among his proudest with, learn from, and he had a wicked sense heritage, his tendency to break into Russian accomplishments. of humor. All whose lives were touched by song at holiday parties, his European flair And Joe was a huge influence and a true Joe are better for it. May his memory be a for fashion, or his leadership in changing the leader among municipal attorneys in blessing for us all."

DOLA/CGFOA Budget, Audit and Demography 101 Webinars

Budget and demography session years. This webinar will also cover topics such Each session will be offered twice, split description: as the aging of Colorado's population, growing into budget and demography in one set diversity in the labor force and the implications of sessions, and audit on its own for two This webinar is designed for those new to these changes could have on public finance sessions. The sessions will repeat content, so local government budgeting in Colorado. It will and local government budgets. no need to attend sessions twice. cover local government budget law require- Sign up is through this link: bit.ly/3hzsOLU. ments and the budget adoption process. The Audit session description: webinar will also include the basics of revenue Sessions are $25 for CGFOA members and limits (TABOR and ″5.5%″ limits) and how the This webinar is designed for those new to $40 for CGFOA non-members. local government in Colorado. It will cover Gallagher Amendment impacts local govern- Aug. 11, 9 a.m–noon Budget 101 and local government audit law requirements ments that levy property tax. Demographic Update and things to keep in mind when selecting an This webinar will also provide details on auditor. The webinar will also cover the basics Aug. 18, 9 a.m.–noon Audit 101 demographic and economic trends that are of an audit, including key responsibilities of the Aug. 25, 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Budget 101 and occurring in the U.S. and Colorado. It will detail auditor and local government management, Demographic Update the changes in population and employment what the final auditor's report really says, and Sept. 1, 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Audit 101 currently occurring in Colorado's counties and what the Office of the State Auditor does with municipalities as well as covering forecasts your audit once it is completed. in population and employment for the next 25

4 CML Newsletter Advocacy, information, and training to build strong cities and towns

Research corner: COVID-19 Fiscal Impact Survey

A new survey of Colorado municipalities drives home the crucial importance of federal stabilization assistance in ensuring that municipalities can avoid layoffs, deliver services, and maintain infrastructure. Municipalities are bracing themselves for continued financial losses, including those for whom summer months typically see the most tourism, and those whose winter ski seasons could be entirely canceled should another wave occur in winter 2020/2021. Also concerning is the future of local economies as the recession continues; the increased federal aid to individuals who have lost their jobs ends; and restaurants, bars, or other businesses permanently close.

Almost The average anticipated general fund 80% of respondents reduction reported was 17% with the actual dollar amount ranging from thousands are anticipating a general fund shortfall of dollars to hundreds of millions of dollars Of those who offered estimates of a general fund decrease— 11% 53% 36% anticipate a anticipate a loss of anticipate loss of a loss of > $100 and > $1000 < $1000 < $100 per capita per capita per capita of total respondents 39 of total respondents 2 of total respondents

Reported a decrease in sales/use tax revenue in March, 43% as compared to 2019 48% Reported a decrease in April

44% Reported a decrease in May

Approximately reported that their sales tax revenue dropped by more than a third each month between 10% March and May. The municipalities that saw no decline or even an increase in sales tax give credit to taxes brought in by essential businesses such as grocery stores, wholesale club stores, and hardware stores, as well as the sales tax now being collected from online sales that municipalities could not collect previously.

Other revenue source that have seen a decrease include:

lodging taxes, licenses and Utility charges Other reported by permitting fees and fees taxes 59% of respondents 40% 39% 34%

The survey was conducted between June 30 and July 8, and 99 municipalities responded (37 response rate).

5 July 31, 2020 July 23, 2020 Issue No. 15 https://mountaintownnews.net

customers, both residential and business, in Colorado. Regulated utilities are permitted And now the pivot to earn profits based on their investments. The settlement agreement proposes to define a long view of 10 to 20 years when from natural gas considering natural gas infrastructure. Unlike a toaster or even a kitchen stove, begins in Colorado which you can replace with relative ease and cost, gas infrastructure comes with an enormous price tag—and expectation of a by Allen Best long, long time of use. At Basalt Vista, an Colorado has started a conversation affordable housing project, the cost of about how natural gas in new buildings installation of gas pipes was estimated at might be curtailed, a difficult but necessary $30,000 per unit—not counting the furnace step in achieving dramatic reductions in and other infrastructure inside the units. greenhouse gas emissions during the next 10 Once in place, the gas infrastructure can to 30 years as specified by also be expensive to replace. state law. Energy use in As such the conversation Agreement has been buildings must be part getting underway is how to reached among the four limit additional gas distribution companies of the silver buckshot infrastructure – and in the regulated by the state’s Public for Colorado to process minimize new Utilities Commission and achieve emissions greenhouse gas emissions. “Given the long useful several state agencies, to reductions conduct discussions focusing lives of natural gas on future plans for pipelines infrastructure investments, and other infrastructure projects of more the (Colorado Energy Office) suggests that than $15 million. this type of forward-looking assessment This could lead to the Colorado Public should include any significant upgrades to Utilities Commission drawing up formal existing natural gas infrastructure or policies governing what the four natural gas expansion of the gas delivery system to new utilities under its regulation can recover in residential developments,” the state agency costs to customers. The four utilities said in a June 8 filling. altogether deliver gas to 1.74 million In addition, if the PUC commissioners customers' needs that will lead to a more approve the settlement that proposes the efficient system, reduce overall costs and stakeholder discussions, Xcel Energy agrees reduce greenhouse gas pollution.” to inspect its pipelines for leaks every 3 Roughly 1.47 million housing in Colorado years, instead of the current 5. use natural gas as their primary fuel source. A 2019 state law charged the PUC and That means 70% of Coloradans use natural other state agencies with using regulatory gas for heating. tools to dramatically shrink greenhouse gas In filings with the PUC, two of the gas emissions from Colorado’s economy 50% by utilities that are party to the settlement 2030 and 90% by 2050. tartly observed that they cannot refuse gas Utilities in Colorado have said they to customers. intend to close most of the coal plants now However, several real estate developers operating no later than 2030. The coal from Arvada to Pueblo and beyond have generation will be replaced primarily by started crafting homes and other buildings renewables. That alone, however, will not be that do not require natural gas. Instead, they nearly enough to meet the state’s ambitious can use electricity, passive solar, and a decarbonization goals. Carbon emissions technology called air-source heat pumps to must also be squeezed from transportation. meet heating, cooling and other needs. Heat buildings, and other sectors. pumps provide a key enabling technology. "No single strategy or sector will deliver A glimpse of this low-carbon future can the economy-wide greenhouse gas be seen at Basalt Vista, a housing project for reductions Colorado needs to meet its employees of the Roaring Fork School science-based goals, but natural District. The concept employed at Basalt and gas system planning is part of the silver elsewhere is called beneficial electrification. buckshot that can get us there,” said Keith In setting out to create a path to lower- Hay, director of policy at the Colorado carbon living, Colorado ranks among the Energy Office in a statement. front-tier of states, lagging only slightly work “When it comes to gas planning, CEO is already underway in California, Minnesota focused on opportunities to meet and New York. “Meeting California’s GHG reduction Who is directly affected by this? goals, a statewide priority and absolute The Colorado Public Utilities necessity to combat climate change, regulates 4 local-distribution companies: inevitability means a substantial decline gas • Xcel Energy, i.e. Public service Co. through the state,” says Gridworks, an of Colorado), 1.4 million customers. advocacy group focused on decarbonizing • Black Hills Colorado, 192,000. the grid, in a 2019 report. • Atmos Energy, 120,000. With its stakeholder process, Colorado • Colorado Natural Gas, 25,000. would follow in the footsteps of a similar Total: 1.73 million customers. process launched by New York in March. Municipal providers can opt out of PUC regulation, and most all of them missions can occur at several places have. E along the natural gas supply chain The PUC also regulates transmission beginning with extraction. Methane—the companies that provide transmission primary constituent of natural gas and one within Colorado. with high but short-lived heat-trapping Source: Colorado Energy Office abilities—is commonly found in conjunction Also, see map of service territories. with oil in the Wattenberg Field north and east of Denver and also in the Piceance,

2 Raton and San Juan basins elsewhere in Natural gas burned in houses and other Colorado. Colorado ranked 6th in the nation buildings creates carbon dioxide. An in natural gas production in 2018, according inventory released in December 2019 to the U.S. Energy Information Agency. concluded that combustion of natural gas in In 2017, according to the houses was responsible for 7.7% of Environmental Protection Agency, 4% of all Colorado’s energy-related greenhouse gas greenhouse gas emissions in the United emissions. States were the result of extraction, Just how the shift from natural gas to transmission, and distribution of natural gas. electricity will affect utilities depends upon However, several studies have the company. For Atmos Energy, a company concluded that the EPA estimate skews low. with 120,000 customers in Colorado, from One striking study in 2018 estimated that Greeley to Craig, from Salida to Cortez, gas is methane emissions from the oil and gas just about everything. In a June 8th filing, supply chain could be as much as 60% higher Gary W. Gregory, the president of the than the levels estimated in EPA inventories, company’s Colorado/Kansas divisions, said according to an E&E report published on the that “continued use of natural gas is fully Scientific American website. compatible” with Colorado’s goals for State regulators in the last year have emission reductions. taken several steps to curb leaks, but His evidence was a report by the officials from the Colorado Department of American Gas Association, which relied upon Public Health and Environment admit that a 2013 study by the Gas Technology they’re only now beginning to get reliable Institute, comparing gas against electricity estimates of the extent of fugitive methane from coal-fired sources. emissions. A formal inventory of emissions in Colorado will begin in January. cel Energy, the state’s largest utility, Xsells both gas and electricity. In Social cost of methane? theory, it will come out whole. But it has Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Democrat, been leery about moving too rapidly. introduced a bill in Colorado’s covid- In a May filing, Erin T. O’Neill, the PUC’s shortened legislative session in February chief economist, needled Xcel. It had said that would have created a renewable much about electricity, but little about gas standard, similar to that first natural gas, she pointed out. specified by voters in 2004 for “Apparently, the company believes its electricity, with elevating targets of 5%, natural gas utility can continue with business 10% and 15% for regulated utilities. as usual into a ‘carbon-free future,’” she In an interview, Hansen said he wrote. “Staff does not see how that is expects to reintroduce the idea, which possible.” ran as SB-150 the last session. Jeff Lyng, director of energy and Hansen said he may also introduce a environmental policy for Xcel, responded in bill that would require the PUC to apply a June 8th filing with a rebuttal that said, in the filter of a social cost of methane to essence: Not fair! its decisions when evaluating Unlike the electric sector, he said, alternatives. This would be similar to the technology advances and costs declines have cost of carbon, currently at $50 a ton, not yet arrived in the natural gas sector. now applied to resource generating Still, Xcel is willing to have the alternatives. conversation—and there’s evidence it’s shifting its thinking about the role of technology.

3 Condominiums at Mt. Crested Butte burn natural gas supplied by Atmos. 2017 photo/Allen Best

“We recognize that we have a role to management is key to ensuring these new play in emissions reporting and directly electric devices interact with the power grid assisting our customers in achieving and are programmed to operate as much as emissions reductions,” wrote Lyng. possible during times when there is excess Lyng pointed to efforts by Xcel to renewable energy or the lowest cost improve efficiency of natural gas use. The electricity on the system.” company is also participating in industry programs, including One Future, which are ot least, Xcel will now concede a trying to limit methane emissions from the Nrole for air-source heat pumps, the natural gas supply chain to less than 1%. For crucial piece of technology employed in Xcel, he explained, that includes replacing most places to avoid natural gas hookups. older pipes with new materials that result in Heat pumps can be used to extract both cool fewer emissions. It also means using the and warm air from outdoor air. Xcel sees the company’s purchasing power to push best technology being an option when customers practices that minimize emissions. upgrade air conditioning units with spillover The company intends to offer options to benefits for heating. customers. One is incentives for electric “Through this option, given the cooling water heaters programmed to take and heating capacity of air source heat advantage of renewable energy when it is pumps, some portion of customer heating most readily available. That tends to be at load can be offset through electrification, night. while maintaining their natural gas furnace Xcel sees an opportunity to work with or boiler as a back-up.” builders and developers to design all-electric This position on air-source heat pumps new building developments to avoid the cost represents a shift in the last 10 months. Last of installing natural gas infrastructure. September Lyng spoke at an event called “This may require high-performance Colorado’s Energy Future held on the building envelope design, specifying certain Auraria campus in downtown Denver. Heat appliances and, especially load pumps, Lyng said then, were not quite ready management,” Lyng wrote. “Load for prime-time.

4 This flew in the face of the use of heat Longer term, Xcel wants to explore pumps by Holy Cross Energy at Basalt Vista. opportunities to produce hydrogen from Asked for explanation, Lyng responded renewable energy to blend into the natural with a statement in October: gas distribution system at low levels or converted back to synthetic gas. “We’re encouraged by the promise of The Sierra Club may push back on efforts these heat pumps as a primary heating to convert to synthetic gas. The organization source and we’re watching as the technology last week released a report (see: Natural gas continues to evolve. However, for their questions and tensions) that found successful use, they need to provide reliable significant problems with renewable natural heat for the coldest of winter days – without gas, a phrase that is now being used by any back up. “When serving our customers, we some companies—not necessarily Xcel—to always plan for extreme weather, such as the include far more than the biogas from bomb cyclone and polar vortex earlier this landfills. The Sierra Club estimates that year. While these heat pumps show promise, there’s enough “natural” biogas to meet 1% there are some concerns about their of the nation’s current needs for natural gas. performance and efficiency during cold Lyng, in his testimony, warned against weather, which may impact their ability to trying to ramp up electrification too quickly. reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2019, he pointed out, the maximum daily “We are interested in the advancement demand for natural gas had the energy of this technology and what it could provide equivalence of 26,000 megawatts of customers. For example, from a cost and electricity—more than three times the system perspective, we see heat pumps working best in new buildings designed company’s electrical peak demand. specifically for this heat source. Another There will be implications left and right technology we’re pursuing are heat pump from this transition from gas to electricity. water heaters because they have the ability Lyng pointed out that solar energy will have to ‘load shift,’ or operate during periods lower value, because of its inability to when renewable generation is high, which deliver replace natural gas on winter nights. reduces carbon emissions.” Short-term costs may be higher for electrified buildings. Lyng calls its cel has also explored the “challenging.” Xopportunities with renewable “This will improve over time as electric natural gas. At its most basic level, technologies decline in cost and as the renewable natural gas involves harvesting electric system becomes cleaner,” he said. biogas from wastewater treatment plants, Xcel, he added, favors a voluntary approach: landfills and dairies. In its first such venture pilot programs that expand. in Colorado, Xcel last fall began getting 500,000 cubic-feet per day of methane from n the meantime, there are worries of the treatment plant serving Englewood, Iadverse impacts of beneficial Littleton and smaller jurisdictions along the electrification to people of low income. The South Platte River in Denver. thinking is that as the demand for natural In May, Xcel asked for interest in other gas declines, the cost will actually go up per RNG projects across its eight-state service individual consumers. territory. This came after surveys conducted “As a smaller and smaller pool of by the company in March showed potential customers is left to pay for infrastructure customer interest in a “premium RNG costs, the large the cost impact will be for product.” Reponses are due July 24. each remaining customer,” explained Dr.

5 Scott England, from the state’s Office of PNAS and other journals, that it is feasible to Consumer Counsel, in a filing. construct a grid for the entire country that The broader, overarching issue for the would be powered entirely by wind, solar coming discussions are the pace of and water energy (hydropower), with Colorado’s decarbonization efforts. In additional help from forms of energy setting the goals, legislators delegated the storage. ‘No natural gas, biofuels, nuclear primary authority to create policy to the Air power, or stationary batteries are needed,’ Quality Control Commission. Jacobson and his colleagues wrote in 2015.” In the PUC filings, there was a subtle In 2017, Clack argued in the same background argument. One side maintained publication, PNAS, that Jacobson’s idea was that it was premature to act on natural gas not only infeasible but also that his until the Air Quality Control Commission sets work used “invalid modeling tools, rules. The counter argument—and the one contained modeling errors, and made that appears to be prevailing at the PUC—is implausible and inadequately supported that there’s no need to wait for rules from assumptions.” He and his co-authors said the air commission before beginning a the transition toward cleaner energy will dialogue. What may also matter is that the require “a broad portfolio of energy Air Quality Control Commission has no options,” which presumably includes nuclear scheduled rule-making on the issue. power, carbon capture and storage, and more. Claims of errors in modeling was at the Boulder researcher gets heart of the disagreement. That, in turn, legal fees after dustup revolved a dispute over how much U.S. electricity could be provided by hydropower about 100% renewables and how much the current system of dams can be altered to increase their electricity- A Colorado energy researcher stands to get $75,000 after a legal dustup about how generating capacity. rapidly the United States can achieve a 100% Jacobson sued, but the next year renewable energy grid. dropped the lawsuit. However, he did not drop his argument, as GreenTechMedia Boulder-based Christopher Clack, founder of Vibrant Clean Energy, will recover reported at the time. his legal costs and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, or PNAS, is to Errata from Issue No. 14 get $535,000 as per a court order from a A story in Big Pivots Issue No. 14 District of Columbia Superior Court judge, misstated the position of Western according to Retraction Watch. Resources Advocates in regard to The decision was rendered in April, and whether the social cost of carbon should Mark Jacobson, the Stanford researcher who be integrated into the PUC’s review of had originally filed litigation, asking for $10 transmission planning. The sentence million in damages from Clack and PNAS as should have said, (Xcel Energy says no, well as an apology, appealed the decision, Western Resource Advocates says yes.) but the judge reaffirmed her decision in late And from Florence, along the June. Arkansas River in central Colorado, What was it all about? Steve Andrews writes to point out that a In 2017, the Washington Post’s Chris stove is not the same as a furnace. A Mooney explained that the dispute “turns story in Issue No. 14 left room for on Jacobson’s idea, itself published in the confusion

6 trash trucks with the compressed natural Gas from wastewater gas, or CNG. Having a customer for the gas was facility to soon power crucial for Boulder, says Carolyn Elam, garbage trucks in Boulder’s energy strategy program manager. The city will sell the gas at a 5% discount Boulder/Broomfield from the monthly energy index. Boulder conducted two calculations. by Allen Best One was how much the city’s carbon BOULDER, Colo. – Seeds planted by footprint might be trimmed. The net-savings Congress in 2005 are now bearing fruit in comes to 265,000 gallons of diesel fuel per Boulder. The city is the newest among four year. jurisdictions in Colorado to use a financing The other calculation was financial. The tool created by the federal legislation to biogas had been used to produce electricity, create new uses for biogas from wastewater for use at the wastewater plant. That treatment plants, and more such projects equipment needed to be replaced. are being studied Electricity is relatively cheap, and renewable Boulder’s late this month will begin generation has flattened cost increases. The converting biogas from it’s wastewater better economics were in creating a treatment plant into compressed natural gas transportation fuel. for use in 38 trash trucks operated by This takes the money trail back to the Western Disposal in Boulder and Broomfield Energy Policy Act of 2005 and a 2007 counties. revision, the Energy Independence and Biogas from Boulder is piped from the Security Act. Congress wanted to instigate plant’s anaerobic digester to BioCNG™ greater domestic production of System, called Tetra Tech. It removes the transportation fuels. Keep in mind that this (pee-ew!) hydrogen sulfide, moisture, was before application of fracking and other siloxanes, volatile organic compounds and techniques that have allowed the plentiful carbon dioxide from the biogas. The cleaner extraction of hydrocarbons from shale fuel is then piped—in this case using Xcel formations. Energy pipes—to a station for fueling of the The most discernible outcome came quickly: a great ramping up of biofuels,

7 mostly from corn. In Colorado, 32% of corn carbon dioxide per year. The net effect is to goes to ethanol plants, the most prominent produce the equivalent of 400 gallons of source being a plant near Yuma. gasoline. In its energy legislation, Congress “Each utility will have different financial created the Renewable Fuels Standard drivers. For us, the RINs are an important Program. To implement the intent, the aspect, I couldn’t say whether they would Environmental Protection Agency created make or break the project, but they are a the RIN credits, which can be sold to refiners significant factor on the economic return on such as Suncor, which is located north of investment,” says Carson. downtown Denver, to satisfy their With aid of the RIN credits and the requirements of meeting the federal reduced need for diesel fuel, the return-on- obligations to have a percentage of investment of the new infrastructure was produced fuel from renewable sources. The reduced to eight years. financial device is called the renewable Carson also notes that the size of the identification number, or RIN, which project influences its feasibility. His district operates much like a renewable energy serves a population of 85,000 to 90,000 credit, or REC. people. These credits come into play at Boulder’s program and also the other three wo projects along the Front Range biogas projects in Colorado. T went on line last fall. Longmont also tapped biogas to create rand Junction was the first city in what it calls renewable natural gas. Of the Gthe nation to create a city’s 21 diesel-powered garbage trucks, 11 transportation fuel from its biogas. Before, can burn the fuel. The remaining are nearly all the biogas was flared. Around expected to be replaced in 2024, 2006 city employees began asking The city’s website lays out the finances: themselves whether there was a more Assuming diesel fuel of $3 per gallon, the productive way to avoid the problem of city saves $270,000 in fuel costs. The RIN emitting dangerous gases into the credits produce $150,000 to $250,000 per atmosphere. year. The conversion project completed in Flaring biogas eliminates methane but 2019 got a $1 million grant from the produces carbon dioxide. Both are Colorado Department of Local Affairs. greenhouse gases, but methane has 84 Colorado’s biggest biogas conversion times as much heat-trapping potential in the project lies near the intersection of Santa Fe first 20 years than does carbon dioxide. But Drive and Dartmouth in southwestern then disintegrates, while C02 very slowly metropolitan Denver. There, the South breaks down over hundreds, even thousands Platte Renewal Partners treated sewage of years. from 300,000 people in Englewood, Littleton “We were wasting a valuable resource,” and 19 other, smaller districts. It’s the third- says Kurt Carson, wastewater services largest wastewater treatment facility in manager for Grand Junction. Colorado. The thought process included some Unlike other biogas conversions in consideration of the environmental impacts Colorado, however, South Platte Renewal of flaring. Those impacts, if important, can’t Partners produces natural gas that is be monetized. In fact, creating the ability to injected into Xcel Energy pipelines for use in produce compressed natural gas to power buildings and other purposes. The facility 62 vehicles for Grand Junction has resulted produces about 500,000 cubic feet a day. in the reduction of 3 million pounds of

8 Anna Schroeder, an engineer at the municipal utilities to report emissions from wastewater plant, says the district lacked a natural gas. partner, such as the three municipalities The bill was shelved in the rushed have, for the compressed natural gas. But session in May after legislators returned the payback on this still looks good – from an extended covid-caused recess. perhaps even better than some others: 4 to Hansen says he plans to reintroduce the 6 years, she reported in a telephone bill next winter. If it gets adopted, says Luna, conversation. The credits for the renewable it would have result in more and also smaller fuels standard program were a “big driver.” plants converting. It would also encourage In the conversion, South Platte had to more landfill operators to tap the methane, merge the specialists of “two different as Fort Collins and several others already do, worlds, the gas world and the water world,” instead of flaring the gas. she says. “There was an initial barrier, where people were more comfortable working Bye Aerospace closes within their own sector, to overcome.” Once the barriers were overcome and the ground $10 million in funding rules established, “it worked pretty well,” for eFlyer prototypes she says. Bye Aerospace has received $10 million

in funding, the first half from a venture ecky Luna, a consultant with Corrola capital group earlier this year followed by a Engineering, says the economics B $5 million venture raise. work out best at larger plants. Longmont is George E. Bye, chief executive of Bye relatively small, though, and found a way to Aerospace, said the investments have make it work, she observed. allowed his company to begin work on RIN payments are crucial to the “Serial #001,” the first production- districts, if finances matter—as they always conforming prototype of its two-seat eFlyer seem to. Reduction of greenhouse gas 2 aircraft. emissions is also driver among some The company is based in Englewood, in districts. Denver’s South Metro area. In addition to the four existing biogas Bye set out more than a decade ago to conversions in Colorado, two more are being figure out how to create electric plane that studied. This puts Colorado roughly equal meet market needs of five-fold lower with California in the adoption of this operating costs, zero emissions, and technology and well ahead of surrounding decreased noise. states. Bye Aerospace is developing the FAA More yet may come if Colorado FAR 23-certified family of all-electric eFlyer ultimately adopts a renewable fuels general aviation aircraft, starting with the standard. Senate Bill 20-150, which was two-seat eFlyer 2, for professional flight introduced by Sen. Chris Hansen, D-Denver, training missions and the eFlyer 4 for air-taxi would have required Public Service Co. of and advanced training uses. The company Colorado, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy, to use estimates the eFlyer will eliminate the 5% renewable natural gas by 2025 and 15% release of five million metric tons of within a decade. The proposal would also CO each year for flight training alone. required the state’s Public Utilities 2

Commission to develop renewable natural gas programs for smaller utilities and require

9 gas emissions. Trucks are the fastest growing More questions about source of emissions. In Colorado, as coal plants begin closing whether Colorado can and lingering ones get used less, transportation has become the largest hit emissions targets source of air pollution. And, if the effects of covid-19 linger, suppressing in-person by Allen Best shopping in favor of deliveries by Amazon A subtle tension was evident in a and others, it will be “critical that we subcommittee meeting of the Air Quality development a thoughtful and balanced Control Commission on July 16. The approach,” to use the words of a press subcommittee spent an afternoon hearing release from three Colorado state agencies. from state agencies and others about strategies for achieving emissions from the ill Toor, director of the Colorado transportation and building sectors needed WEnergy Office, told air commission to meet state carbon reduction goals. members that there was a broader strategy, Two days before, Colorado had including an effort to replace older and more announced it was part of an agreement polluting diesel vehicles. He described an among 15 states and the District of effort to work with stakeholders and Columbia to develop a broad set of perhaps ultimately the Legislature to create strategies for heavy-duty vehicles. the necessary infrastructure that “could For this, Colorado and the other states have a big impact in the short term.” are hitching their wagons to California, but Is this enough? Or does there need to be trying to use the bulk of numbers to achieve something more, a broader strategy to deep market penetration, 100% by mid- disincentivize pollution while also delivering century. revenue to Colorado’s efforts to A Boston-based group, NESCAUM, says decarbonize? trucks and buses account for only 4% of Travis Madsen, who took over vehicles on the road but produce nearly 25% transportation program at the Southwestern of total transportation sector greenhouse Energy Efficiency Program from Toor when

10 Toor joined the Polis administration in 2017, Aug 12 session about roadmap made the case for a low-carbon fuel Colorado agencies plan a Zoom standard. conversation about the Governor's “First, we should increase the cost of Greenhouse Gas Pollution Roadmap on polluting,” he said. That, he added, would Aug. 12th at 6-8:30 p.m. State staff will increase the advantage of climate friendly provide a brief overview and will take options but also generate revenue necessary questions and feedback. Comments to: to accelerate the transition. [email protected] or at The plan that would limit on carbon the Colorado Energy Office website. dioxide emissions from transportation wold require fuel distributors to get permits, so think we can do without involvement from the tax is applied at the wholesale level. The the Legislature.” permits would be limited to allow the state Toor also suggested some “real world to hit a 40% reduction by 2030.The state’s constraints.” He described it as “very goal for 2030 is a 50% economy wide complicated and divisive approach to reduction. generating revenue.” He said he supports a This could be done, Madsen said, more “straight-forward approach” to without violating the Tabor limits on tax revenue whether it’s the need for hydrogen revenue. California conducts its programs infrastructure or incentives for the state to with a market-based program of credits. This switch to zero-emissions trucks. could be put in place as early as 2022-23, he said, causing the gradual replacement of he subcommittee also took on how fleets to lower-emission vehicles. T the state can move ahead more briskly to lessen emissions from buildings. ohn Putnam, who directs Toor described several bills that didn’t make Jenvironmental programs for the it through the covid-disrupted legislative Colorado Department of Public Health & session this year that would have sought to Environment, responded that the earlier the reduce emissions. Among them was a bill for start, the greater the cumulative benefits, benchmarking of new buildings starting at “because it takes a lot of time for the polices 50,000 square feet. This falls under the to manifest them. You won’t see immediate heading of performance standards, one that large reductions, but you will over time, the air commission can move forward on especially as you get out to 2030 and with its rule-making authority. beyond.” It was a long session, and Putnam at one A study about the low-carbon fuel point admitted to many small reductions standard for the Colorado Energy Office iss that the state agency hope will yield the expected to be completed next week. numbers. Representatives of several Putnam said he believes the air environmental groups I spoke with commission has the legal authority, afterward were unpersuaded. especially given the specific delegation of “It’s clear they have a lot of reasons authority under SB 1361. “The bigger each of these policies won’t work and the challenge will be the resources to develop policies that are left on the table don’t add what would be a very complicated rule- up to the emission reductions we need,” making, especially the consequences of said Stacy Tellinghuisen, of Western missing those rules,” he said. Resource Advocates “I think it’s an interesting concept and I’ll write about this much more deeply in one worth exploring, but it’s one I don’t a future issue.

11 climate scientists issuing throat-clearing warnings about the grave risk if emissions are not tamed rapidly, environmental advocates have turned their attention to gas. The bridge, they say, has been crossed. This new tension has flared prominently in California, where scores of jurisdictions last year banned natural gas in new buildings. None have done so in Colorado—yet. But the Colorado oil and gas industry has taken hurrying to get a ballot measure that would Heading toward a preclude local bans of natural gas. A new report from the Sierra Club and showdown about its legal arm, EarthJustice, warns against the dangers of what’s being called renewable role of ‘renewable natural gas. Better, says the report, “Rhetoric vs. Reality: The Myth of natural gas’ ‘Renewable Natural Gas’ for Building Decarbonization,” is to electrify new homes.

by Allen Best he fundamental problem is the Several years ago, a speaker at the tendency of methane, the primary Colorado Oil and Gas Association annual T constituent of natural gas, to leak. Methane conference became exuberant. At the time, is far more potent in the shorter term than natural gas was hailed as a bridge fuel, one carbon dioxide. The report cites research that burned cleaner than coal. That simple published in the journal fact had produced a tenuous Science in 2018 that found alliance between Sierra Club report urges the leakage rate in the U.S. environmental groups and caution even as gas gas supply chain equaled drillers, who both saw 2.3% of U.S. gross gas advantages in dismantling industry pushes for ballot production, 60% higher coal, with Democratic initiative in Colorado to than the EPA’s official governors Bill Ritter and ward off local bans of estimate. John Hickenlooper enjoying natural gas such as have The Sierra Club is support in both camps. particularly worried about Enough talk about occurred elsewhere the rise of what it calls natural gas as a bridge, the fossil gas alternatives, speaker at the Denver conference including what some companies are calling exclaimed. It was the future. RNG, or renewable natural gas. RNG can Now, that future is being challenged as include biogas, such as comes from renewables, not natural gas, fill the void wastewater treatment plant, landfills and created in the retreat of coal. And, with livestock operations, or—using thermal

12 gasification – forest and agriculture residues. can extract heat from the outside air, and There’s also synthetic gas, in which better understanding of circulation, natural electricity is turned into hydrogen and then gas is being eliminated from some buildings. synthetic methane. Geos neighborhood in Arvada, Colo., is one Of these, the only one that meets the such project, and Basalt Vista in Basalt, smell test, so to speak, is Colo., another. Boulder biogas, as it would otherwise be “If passed, local and and Boulder County are emitted into the atmosphere. state governments could using a program But the study estimates that not enact any laws called Comfort 365 to only enough methane from banning natural gas encourage fuel and landfills, wastewater treatment technology switching. plants, and similar sources usage in new Those are voluntary. could be captured to meet less construction.” Now come bans of new than 1% of current gas demand. Protect Colorado natural gas infrastructure. “The rest must be On Initiative 284 In July 2019, Berkeley, intentionally produced and will Calif., adopted the first pose the risk of additional ban in the country on methane leakage that can offset any natural gas in new buildings. By February, potential emission reductions.” when the New York Times took note of the trend, 22 other California cities and counties he Sierra Club report says these had also adopted similar bans, as had T fossil gas alternatives have roles, but several jurisdictions across the country. very limited ones, such as for delivering high None have in Colorado, although a industrial heat for steel production or climate change task force report to Denver’s powering air or marine transportation. elected officials issued last week calls for “Biogas and synthetic gas as well as building electrification when natural gas other renewable liquid fuels, have several infrastructure fails but also net-zero homes advantages over electricity. Though costly, and buildings being part of all new buildings limited and inefficient to produce, they are in the 2027 base building code. energy dense, can be stored and transported more readily than electricity, and work with n California, battle lines have been existing infrastructure that must rely on Idrawn. The Los Angeles Times in combustion,” the report says. October 2019 reported that Southern “In optimizing their use, the advantages California Gas Co., which has 22 million of renewable fuels (e.g. flexible, customers in California, had already started combustible, dispatchable) should be working to convince local officials that weighed against their disadvantages (cost, policies aimed at replacing gas with leakage, limited supply) and the availability electricity would be wildly unpopular. Called of alternatives such as electrification and SoCalGas, the company had already released demand management. Because heat pumps a strategy paper that calls for the company and electric vehicles offer super efficiency to replace 20% of the fossil gas in the and eliminate end-use air pollution, direct company’s pipelines with renewable gas by use of electricity should be used to the 2030 and later add large amounts of maximum extent feasible in buildings and hydrogen and other non-fossil fuels. It transport.” makes its case on this web page. Building electrification is not the same as Maximilian Auffhammer, an that which occurred in the 1970s. With the environmental economist at UC Berkeley, aid of efficient air-source heat pumps, which compared SoCalGas’ dilemma to that of a

13 company selling hay to feed horses at a moment in time when horse-drawn carriages were being replaced by cars. Electrification, he said, poses a similarly existential threat to gas utilities. Colorado looks to be hurrying toward a similar battle over public minds. In a July 6 posting, S&P Global Platts reported that a group backed by the Colorado oil and gas industry is pursuing a ballot initiative meant to prevent local governments from banning the use of natural gas in new residential and commercial developments. The ballot initiative must get signatures from 142,632 registered voters by Aug. 3 to qualify for Colorado’s election ballot in October. Protect Colorado bundles the ballot initiative as a message for consumer choice. “Initiative 284 prevents governments A smidge more about from removing your consumer choice when it comes to what energy is used in homes future of Comanche 3 and businesses for cooking, heating homes My story about the woes of Comanche and water, and generators,” it says on its 3—and the tentative decision by the website. “If passed, local and state Colorado PUC to conduct an investigatory governments could not enact any laws docket in regard to its future operations— banning natural gas usage in new was published in the Vail Daily on July 20, in construction.” the Summit Daily News on July 21.

The same story – slightly updated from he measure has already received what was in Big Pivots in May—may be support from the dominant T published in several other newspapers. newspaper in Colorado Springs, the Gazette. The most significant update to the story “Stop the fringe from prohibiting natural is the confirmed by Xcel Energy that gas.” Comanche 3 has been down since early in But the majority of the Colorado 2020 and is now expected to resume Legislature in 2019 adopted laws calling for production of electricity in early autumn. rapid decarbonization of Colorado’s Meanwhile, the PUC commissioners last economy. The first target of 26% by 2025 week—after the story was submitted to the can be met by closing coal plants and some newspapers—issued a decision in regard the other measures. Much harder will be the Xcel Energy rate increase request. The 50% reduction by 2050. For that, decisive written decision hews very closely to oral steps will be required in the built comments in May in regard to Comanche 3. environment. This is even more true of the The PUC commissioners say Xcel is a swell 2050 deadline of 90% reduction. company, but it has some answering to do.

The decision in proceeding 19AL-0268E This story was posted to the Mountain can be found on the PUC website using this Town News website on July 14. link.

14 United Power exit fee would be $235 million per preferred formula by Allen Best United Power would pay $234.8 million to leave Tri-State Generation & Transmission under a methodology recommended by an administrative law judge to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. capital,” or what the individual co-ops own Using a somewhat similar methodology, of those assets. Subtracting the patronage Durango-based La Plata Electric would pay a capital from that member’s share of trifle less than $97 million. indebtedness would yield a figure that United Power is by far the largest would leave Tri-State in a position had the member co-operative of Tri-State, with member never joined, Garvey said. about 93,000 members in Denver’s northern But most important, he added, this suburbs and exurbs and roughly a 15% share methodology results in exit charges that are of electrical demand. La Plata is the third comparable to the exit charges paid by Kit largest. Carson Electrical Cooperative and Delta- Both electrical co-operatives asked Tri- Montrose Electric Association. State for what it would cost them to leave “There is no better evidence of what an short of their contracts, which expire in exit charge from Tri-State is than the agreed- 2050. They could not agree on what upon exit charge for two former Tri-State constitutes a fair and just fee, and the two members,” Garvey wrote. “The Tri-State co-ops then appealed to the Public Utilities Board determined that these charges made Commission to arbitrate. The PUC it members whole and were just and commissioners referred the case to reasonable. There is no other evidence that administrative law judge Robert Garvey, is nearly as helpful in determining a just and who took testimony for nearly a week in reasonable exit charge rate.” May. Kit Carson, a much smaller cooperative In his decision filed on Friday, July 10, based in Taos, N.M., which has fewer Garvey ruled that the methodology customers and hence less demand, left Tri- recommended by United Power’s expert State in 2016 after paying an exit fee of $37 witness, Sandra Ringelstetter Ennis, a million. Details of the exit agreement with consultant with more than 30 years of Delta-Montrose were more complicated, but experience in the electricity industry would the bottom-line figure in Garvey’s ruling was provide members of Tri-State a “just, $62.5 million. reasonable and non-discriminatory exit charge.” n other words, the judge had two exit See: 2020-07-10 PUC ALJ Recommended Ifees to study, creating a pattern. The Decision number yielded by the methodology Key elements are the indebtedness of recommended by United’s expert witness Tri-State, including the money it owes on lined up with those two previous cases. coal and gas plants, but also solar and wind Tri-State, in a press release several hours farms, minus something called “patronage after the Garvey decision was filed, provided

15 numbers that argued that the buy-out was “Access to today’s energy marketplace far below what would be appropriate. The requires a utility to be nimble and most important number cited by Tri-State is responsive to both the energy mix and the that United Power’s share of the cost of the members at the end of the line,” wholesaler’s outstanding debt and other said Hubbuck. obligations is approximately $762 million. In an interview, he explained that Tri- in a statement, United Power said that State has a challenge in both its geographic Tri-State tried to block United Power from diversity and the diversity of its member’s leaving by proposing a charge of $1.25 sizes and profiles. United is a giant and on billion. In a statement in response to the the edge of a metropolitan area with 93,000 Garvey ruling, United called that that figure members while some cooperatives have just a ‘discriminatory amount that would have a few thousand. resulted in an unfair windfall to Tri-State’s “What satisfies one may not satisfy the remaining members.” other, and the utility industry is changing The PUC commissioners will have the quickly,” he explained. With our proximity to final decision. However, Tri-State had also the Denver metro area we are seeing change filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory fairly routinely, and we need to be able to Commission, arguing that that agency keep up with that.” One example, he said, is should have jurisdiction, not the state, the adoption of electric vehicles. Smaller and because Tri-State operates in four states and more rural member cooperatives may not not just Colorado. As such, it should have see the same EV adoption rates for another one decision-making body for exit fees. decade. Even if the Colorado PUC commissioners The diversities among its members, he accept Garvey’s recommendation and FERC said, “make it very difficult for somebody does not get involved, it’s not certain the like Tri-State to keep up with those two co-ops will be leaving Tri State. Dean changes,” he said. Hubbuck, chief energy resource officer for Tri-State was created in 1952 by several United, said in an interview that the exit fee co-operatives to transmit power from the is one piece of information needed as United federal dams. Over time, its mission evaluates its options going forward. While broadened. When the hydropower contracts he and other senior staff members can make fell short of meeting demand, it added recommendations based on studies, the generation. One major growth was the financial decision of whether United leaves addition of the assets and members of Tri-State will be made by elected directors. Colorado Ute in the early 1990s. Assets But it’s still early in the process, he said. included the coal-generating plants in Craig. That model of large, central fossil-fuel he broader issue may be whether power stations has come under assault in T Tri-State, because of its size, and the last 10 to 15 years with the arrival of organizational structure, can meet the needs more dispersed and renewable generation of a diverse membership amid the great assets. La Plata believes it can develop solar fluidity of the changing energy landscape. resources extensively in its service territory The wholesale cooperative, No. 2 to Xcel of southwestern Colorado much as Kit Energy among Colorado utilities, has been Carson has been doing in New Mexico and changing rapidly after a time of stagnation. which is planned for Delta-Montrose. The outstanding question as two of Tri- State’s three largest members consider their This story was posted to the Mountain options is whether it’s capable of moving Town News website on July 11. rapidly enough.

16 wants to call itself 100% solar powered, but A hurrah in Colorado that claim can only be validated through the artifice of net metering. for FERC decision (I have been unable to confirm that the solar deal, for all the fuss that went into this about net-metering announcement, is going forward. Sen. Cory Gardner and Gov. Jared Polis sat side by side There was a hip-hip-hurray or two in in chairs assembled on the asphalt parking Colorado last week after the Federal Energy lot, along with Alice Jackson from Xcel, Regulatory Commission ruled unanimously Pueblo Mayor Nick Gradisar, and others). to uphold existing policies governing net Forbes said that utilities have fought metering. The decision was seen as net-metering because it costs them money. important for the solar industry. “When a solar customer is paid retail rates Will Toor, executive director of the for their excess electricity production, the Colorado Energy Office, called net-metering utility is paying a significant premium above a “crucial tool for meeting the greenhouse the wholesale power rates it pays to gas pollution goals set last year by the commercial producers.” Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Polis.” he second decision by FERC A secretive group called the New revised rules governing application England Ratepayers Association had asked T of the Public Utility Regulatory FERC to set federal policy for net-metering, Policies Act, a 1978 law mean to promote taking it away from the states. the adoption of small-scale, independent In Colorado, net metering was approved wind and solar projects. by voters in a 2004 initiative adopting a E&E described it as a party-line vote, renewable energy standard, or RPS, of 10% with the 3 Republicans on FERC supporting on the state’s two investor-owned utilities. the shift and the one Democrat dissenting. Toor said that had FERC favored the Advocates of renewable energy said it will group’s position, it would have harmed the be disastrous for renewable deployment in low-income solar program sponsored by the vertical integrated electricity markets. Colorado Energy Office. The PURPA case was the central focus of Forbes explained that net-metering a story in Big Pivots No. 14 (July 9 issue). began 40 years ago in the United States as a See: Solar more expensive than necessary? way to compensate small-scale wind and The story featured an interview with solar owners. Michael Milligan, formerly of the National “Since solar panels only generate power Renewable Energy Laboratory. when the sun shines, a consumer may end Richard Glick, the Democrat on FERC up producing too much electricity during the who dissented, issued a lengthy statement middle of day and too little in the evenings that said he believes it is not the role of the and at night. Net-metering solve this FERC to determine whether a statue has problem by paying the consumer retail rates outlived its usefulness. He acknowledged for their excess electricity during one questions, but quoted testimony that portion of the day to offset the costs of “resolving these sorts of questions by power when the sun isn’t shining.” regulatory edict rather than congressional Last September, in Pueblo, a solar farm legislation is neither a durable nor desirable on the Evraz steel mill property was approach for developing energy policy.” announced in what had been described as the largest net-metering solar facility. Evraz

17 to review major projects by other Closer but still no governments. Eagle County used that same authority cigar for Denver in 1991 to deny a permit sought by Aurora and Colorado Springs to conduct a major Water in Gross water diversion project from within the Holy Cross Wilderness Area near Minturn and Red Reservoir expansion Cliff. The two Front Range cities fought the denial but lost and ultimately participated in by Allen Best a collaborative process designed to produce Denver Water has been awarded its final a more acceptable solution. That process is federal permit for expansion of Gross ongoing, with many opposed to the lighter, Reservoir but may still need a permit from gentler approach. But by any measure, the Boulder County. current proposal in the Homestake Valley A permit from the Federal Energy would have much less impact upon the Regulatory Commission announced today wilderness area. wraps up all the federal permitting needed This case of Gross Dam is different in to raise the existing 340-foot-tall Gross Dam that the water being diverted only passes across South Boulder Creek by 131 feet. through Boulder County. The water would The dam has a hydro plant with a come from Grand County via the Moffat capacity of producing up to 7.6 megawatts. Tunnel. The county itself signed off on the But the most difficult permit may be the expansion after a lengthy collaborative one that it still lacks: a 1041 permit from process that was in many ways modeled Boulder County. The Boulder Daily Camera after what was created in the wake of the explains that a district court decision Homestake II denial. affirmed the county’s authority to review Denver Water in this case committed to the project under a 1973 law. That law, a collaborative process called Learning by commonly known by its legislative bill title, Doing. The intent is to allow Denver to use gives local governments land use authority its water rights in the Fraser Valley and also

18 in the adjoining Williams Fork Valley but in needed for our existing customers as well as ways that avoid the harshest of impacts. a growing population. We are seeing The process earned Denver the support extreme climate variability and that means of Trout Unlimited, and also some fierce we need more options to safeguard a Denver critics such as Kirk Klancke, a Fraser reliable water supply for 1.5 million people Valley resident. in Denver Water’s service area,” he said.

ome Fraser Valley residents continue Sto oppose the project. “We don’t John Stulp says that have any more water to send to Denver,” says Andy Miller, a Fraser town trustee, as farmers a solution, elected members of the governing council are known. “With the water that is being not the problem, in diverted now, we are barely keeping the system alive.” global warming Miller said additional diversions would It was probably no accident that former mean that at times the only water in the Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper chose John Fraser River will be the releases from the Stulp to be his “water czar” for 8 years. wastewater treatment plants in Winter Park He’s genial, has a dry wit, and despite and Fraser. “That’s not enough,” says Miller, being a life-long farmer, could not be who is also a member of the Upper Colorado accused of having a horse in Colorado’s so- River Watershed Group. called water wars. His farm south of Lamar is Denver began pursuing the expansion of dryland, dependent upon what falls from the the dam after the drought of 2002 exposed sky. the vulnerability of water delivery to Arvada Raised in Yuma, Stulp began farming 50 and other suburbs in the northwest years ago south of metropolitan area that contract with Denver Lamar, and there’s Water for supplies. The next year, Denver no doubt the began the federal environmental permitting climate has process. Denver already received approvals changed, he said in a from the Colorado Department of Public webinar sponsored Health and Environment and the U.S. Army by the Colorado Corps of Engineers in 2016 and 2017. Renewable Energy Colorado’s largest water provider, Society. John Stulp Denver Water provides water not just for “There is no the city’s residents but a broad swath of the question in my mind about climate change,” metropolitan area, a quarter of the state’s he said. “It’s happening and it seems to be 5.8 million residents. accelerating.” For example, he said, more In a statement, Jim Lochhead, the chief corn and soybeans are being grown in the executive of Denver Water, said the FERC Dakotas than ever before. As for his part of permit—it’s technically called an order— Colorado, droughts have deepened and brings a comprehensive 17-year federal and lengthened and overall precipitation state permitting process to a close. declined. Lochhead also characterized the project It has dried out sufficiently in as a necessary given the increasing weather southeastern Colorado, he said, to the point variability in a warming climate. that road runners now think they’re home “The project provides the system when in Prowers County. balance, additional storage and resiliency

19 As for the cause of this warming, Stulp talked like the commissioner of agriculture that he was in the administration of Gov. Bill Ritter. “I sometimes think livestock gets a bad rap,” he said. He was talking about cows belching and farting, which is not an inconsiderable amount when you consider that there are twice as many cows in Weld County as there are people. “Because agriculture is just 2.5% of the population, sometimes I feel we’re getting picked on.” Rather than the cows, he tends to think people have a problem with food waste. In 2018, solid waste landfills were the third largest source of human-related methane emissions, 17%. Americans annually toss more than 200 pounds of useable food per person, the highest rate of any wealthy country. But again, Stulp defends agriculture, taking great pride in the advances that have Carbondale has public allowed milk production to increase even as faster-charger for EVs the carbon footprint decreases and overall CARBONDALE, Colo. — Carbondale now productivity to have gained enormously. has a Level 3 DC fast charger located just off Colorado’s state government has begun Highway 82, between two hotels. It is to grapple with the emissions from the capable of charging most EVs to 80% various sectors. Representatives of the capacity in 20 to 30 minutes. Colorado Department of Public Health and In a little less than two months, the Environment admit that they struggle a bit charging station was used 20 times, but to get strong numbers they can defend from Kevin Schorzman, public works director for the agriculture sector. County emissions Carbondale, said he expects use to increase from a few dozen smokestacks is far more as people become aware of the station. The easily done than from the millions of acres cost is $0.14 per kWh for charging. of land. Holy Cross Energy, the electrical In any event, Stulp hopes to see the cooperative, covered the cost of the effort to drive down emissions being an transformer upgrade. In a recent survey, opportunity for agriculture. Through 40% of HCE members indicated they wanted incentives, more can be done to promote to see more electric vehicle charging rotational grazing, no-till and other stations in HCE’s service territory. techniques to sequester carbon. A press release noted that EV sales in

Colorado have steadily grown at 28% year By the way, do you want to send this issue over year since 2012, putting Colorado on of Big Pivots to somebody – with a pace with the state’s goal of 12% of the total reminder they can subscribe for free by population owning EVs by 2030. going to: Bigpivots.com

20 Video-meeting apps have grown up—now users need to, too.

Zoom saw daily meeting participants soar to a peak of 300 million in the latest quarter, up from 10 million before the pandemic. Roughly two-thirds of U.S. workers who have been working from home would prefer to continue working remotely as much as possible when pandemic restrictions lift, according to a recent Gallup poll.

So it’s time to get serious about video meetings. No more dogs and cats; no more avatar stand-ins. It’s time to enter a remote meeting as if it were a conference room. Here are a few rules from the pros.

Don’t Multitask

It’s really tempting. It’s also really obvious. At the start of each meeting, InspireHUB, an all-remote company since its start seven years ago, asks everybody to close all other windows on their screens so they can be fully present. Workday, a provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources, asks employees to provide their full attention in meetings, says Ashley Goldsmith, the company’s chief people officer. “This supports our belief that you’re invited to a meeting for a reason.”

Don’t Be Late

Video meetings make it obvious when colleagues show up late, wasting the time of those who log in promptly. One Cisco marketer recommends locking the door of a meeting on a Webex video conference five minutes after it starts. Zoom’s waiting room allows a host to decide how long laggards must cool their heels before being granted entry. A rule of thumb: There’s no need to recap for a late arrival.

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Avatars and stock photos are no longer acceptable stand-ins at many workplaces. They’re difficult to take seriously and make everybody wonder what you’re up to. Even for introverts, even on bad hair days, it’s important to show up in person unless there’s a good explainable reason (you’re sick; you’re starving, you have a muscle cramp from too much Zoom). Increasingly those who use avatars are known as “lurkers.”

Sit Still

Don’t pace. Colleagues stop listening because they’re watching you. If you need to change location, don’t just grab the laptop and go, making everybody else feel like they’re on a wild amusement ride. Turn off the video momentarily so you don’t make them dizzy. “I think a lot of people understood working from home as ‘sitting by my pool taking a call,’ ” says Doug Hanna, COO at Grafana Labs, a software-monitoring and visualization platform. “I’m generally in my home office, focused and paying attention. We take it pretty seriously.”

No Eating

Don’t eat on a video call—and especially don’t eat chips. As Zoom becomes a way of life, more and more attendees are using high-fidelity headsets that amplify the sound of chewing. “The crunchy crunch of chips is just gross. Stop it!” says Samantha Castro, director of video production at the digital platform InspireHUB, a software company and creator of a digital platform that allows customers to build intranets, extranets and other apps. “If you’re going to eat, do us all a favor and mute yourself.” Better yet, she says, excuse yourself and come back when you’re finished.

Get Good at Interrupting

Conventional wisdom has been: Don’t interrupt. But that makes it too easy for grandstanding by the so-called loudest voice in the room. Asking permission to talk via chat or raising your hand is awkward. Those moves make it impossible to achieve what’s becoming the ultimate video chat: when everybody in attendance forgets they’re meeting remotely. Video gamers know how to volley through conversations naturally. They anticipate and watch for signals; coming off mute means “I’m about to say something.” A good moderator is also a gatekeeper, drawing people into the conversation or giving them the hook.

Close the Office Door

Turn off your phone. Stop notifications and Twitter alerts. Arrange for family to stay out of the way. At many places, pets and children are no longer the cute intrusions they were in the early days of the pandemic. Nobody wants to hear a housemate in the background unloading a dishwasher. Of course, there are always exceptions. Gap Inc.’s culture allows for “some informal check-ins and chit-chat” at the start of a video meeting, says communications manager Mark Snyder. “If we’re lucky, someone will show us their dog or be Zoom-bombed by a frisky cat.”