Volunteer, Clyde Grindell

Town Manager’s Newsletter February 15th, 2021

1. January 31st Occupancy Forecast Notes & Report -

 President’s weekend was HOT during the last 15 days of January. One significant sized property stated they are now ahead of last year over this weekend. All season this property has been hit hard due to a lack of Groups this season.

 For the Winter Season 2020/21; during January 2021, Breckenridge properties booked 23.1% more room nights into the winter season than was booked during the same period in 2020  January was +40%, February +34% and March +13%.

 During the spring Break period of March 6 – April 3, room nights on the books are up YOY by 1%. From January 16 – 31, 2021, 2021; 8,496 nights were added to the 2021 dates vs. 2,720 nights added during the same time in 2020, a 212% increase 2. DMMO Download from the BTO - A. COVID Update - February 10th B. COVID Update - February 12th C. COVID Update - February 15th 3. Summit County Government Meetings - A. Work Session - February 16th B. Board of Health Meeting - February 16th & 18th 4. Summit County Government Updates - A. COVID-19 Vaccine Offered to Phase 1B.2 B. Public Health Order Extended through March 31

Town Manager’s Newsletter February 15th, 2021

5. Local Organization Updates - A. Breckenridge Chapter of the Chamber Meeting B. Breckenridge Film Festival: - Update - Tonight’s Show C. Breckenridge Grand Vacations Update D. Breckenridge Music Festival E. Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center F. Colorado Mountain College - The Eagle Newsletter G. Mountain Towns 2030 H. National Repertory Orchestra I. Summit Chamber 6. Colorado Municipal League - A. Sam Mamet Good Governance Award Nominations deadline of March 31 B. Elected Officials Digest - Feb. 16, 2021 C. Annual Conference Postponed 7. Colorado Association of Ski Towns - A. Big Pivots - February 5th, 2021 B. Big Pivots - February 12th, 2021

January 31, 2021 Occupancy Forecast Notes

Hello Breckenridge,

During January 2021, Breckenridge added 7,986 more room nights to the books than were added in January 2020. Last minute bookings were strong as 3,613 more January room nights were added than the year before. February arrivals experienced an increase of 4,373 more room nights than the year before. For the winter season, Breckenridge has 18,222 fewer room nights on the books (-9.2% YOY). On December 31, 2020, Breckenridge had 26,190 fewer room nights on the books (-16% YOY).

The President’s weekend of February 11 – 14 has an average daily occupancy on the books of 80% and is now pacing to match levels reached in 2020. The volume of last minute bookings this season may threaten to push occupancy above last year when we hit 94% on Saturday.

The Spring Break period of March 6 to April 3 also experienced strong fill during the final 15 days of January. Currently the average occupancy on the books during this period is 48% vs. 53% a year ago (Pre pandemic shut down). However, with the growth in available room nights in 2021, Breckenridge has 1% more room nights on the books than one year ago.

The week of March 13 – 20, the peak week, now has days when the volume of room nights exceeds 2020. The March 21 to March 26 dates remain behind in occupancy, but the gap between the pink line and the vertical black lines demonstrate how the fill of rooms during the last 15 days of January exceeded last year. The Mesa week of March 27 to April 3 now has 5 days when we exceed occupancy from one year ago. The gray line is a painful reminder of our entry into COVID quarantines nearly one year ago.

January 2021 occupancy closed at 54% vs. 62% in January 2020, a 13% drop. Conversely, the volume of room nights on the books was down 9% year over year (YOY). February shows an 8% decline in occupancy while the March shows a 17% decline in occupancy YOY.

The chart below provides an example of how occupancy levels for each winter season month is pacing and how the YOY variance shifted in 30 days.

YOY Variance on December YOY 31, 2020 2020 2019 Variance Report November 28.3% 29.8% -5.0% -5% December 51.8% 54.8% -5.5% -5.5% January 54.0% 62.2% -13.2% -21.7% February 57.9% 63.2% -8.4% -26.1% March 33.8% 41.1% -17.8% -31.4% April 8.8% 17.1% -48.5% -52.5% Season 40.3% 45.8% -12.0% -17.9%

How is Breckenridge performing relative to the industry? For the winter season, The DestiMetrics West Region reports a 29% YOY decrease in room nights on the books vs. Breckenridge’s decrease of 9%. Breckenridge reports a 1.5% increase in rate vs. DestiMetrics West Region reporting a 6% decline in rate. Based on the number of available room nights in Breckenridge and the DestiMetrics West region, Breckenridge has 12.5% of the available rooms. Currently, Breckenridge has 15.8% of the booked rooms indicating a growth in market share.

Thank you to the Lodging companies who provide the data for the reports. We cannot forget to thank our second homeowners in this equation as well. If you are a lodging company and are interested in participating in this program, please contact me @ [email protected] or 970.4553.5022. The cost to participate is your time and the benefits are multiple.

Stay Safe and have fun every day.

Bill Wishowski – Breckenridge Tourism Office

The January 31, 2021 DestiMetrics reports include 2,940 units (22 properties) of the 4,480 licensed units in town. The numbers represented above use this data sample set.

Executive Summary Daily Occupancy Report as of Jan 31, 2021

Content & Overview

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

Participating Properties

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

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 Vacasa - Breckenridge - Main Street Station

Vacasa - Breckenridge - Condos The Lodge & Spa at Breckenridge Beaver Run Resort Vacasa - Breckenridge - Blue Sky

Grand Timber Lodge/Peak Great Western Lodging Resorts

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.

© 2021 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 Jan 31, 2021

© 2021 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 (Winter-to-date) Daily Occupancy Report as of Jan 31, 2021

© 2021 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 (Summer-to-date) Daily Occupancy Report as of Jan 31, 2021

© 2021 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 Jan 31, 2021

Breckenridge Community Update Friday, February 12th, 9:30-10:30am Join Summit County Public Health Director Amy Wineland, Environmental Health Manager Dan Hendershot, Breckenridge Mayor Eric Mamula, Town Manager Rick Holman, Asst. Town Manager Shannon Haynes, & Breckenridge Tourism Office President/CEO Lucy Kay, for a Breckenridge Community Update on Friday, February 12, 9:30-10:30am, previously scheduled for Thursday, February 4. Register Now

Business Reel

Summit County Updates 5 Star Program

Guidelines to Align with Dial 2.0 The new Dial 2.0 will allow 5 Star facilities to operate in Yellow level capacities sooner than the original dial. 5 Star businesses in Summit County will now be eligible to operate in Yellow once the county has met Orange Level metrics for 7 days. Learn More

Recording - Summit County 5 Star Town Hall Summit County held a town hall earlier today discussing updates to the 5 star program following the release of the State of Colorado Covid-19 dial 2.0. Watch The Recording

Town Of Breckenridge Requests Proposals For New Reusable Bag Design Deadline - Friday, March 5th 2021

The Town of Breckenridge is soliciting proposals from local artists and design professionals interested in redesigning Town’s reusable bag. The Town is currently seeking letters of interest from design professionals for selection as one of the finalists to design the bag. Learn More

The Town of Breckenridge Amends Disposable Bag Fee Ordinance The Town of Breckenridge amended the Disposable Bag Fee Ordinance, specifically in regards to the definition of a disposable bag. Effective September 21, 2021, the $.10 disposable bag fee will apply to plastic bags and paper bags with less than 40% recycled content. Read The Ordinance

In Our Backyard

CO Avalanche Conditions Remain Dangerous More people were killed in avalanches in the U.S. this week than any other 7-day stretch in more than 100 years. Avalanche conditions remain dangerous in many parts of Colorado. The snowpack is weaker than most years. Refer employees and guests often to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, which provides daily reports designed to help people travel safely in the backcountry and is a MUST read before planning any type of backcountry travel. Learn more about avalanche awareness through Know Before You Go

Social Equity Advisory Committee Meeting Thursday, February 11th, 9:00-10:30am

The Social Equity Advisory Committee will hold their monthly meeting on February 11th from 9:00-11:30am. Join The Meeting

Childcare, The Work Force, & The Economy Thursday, February 11th, 12:00pm Join the Summit chamber of Commerce, Catherine Schaaf,

Early Childhood Options, and Nicole Riehl, Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), in discussing the economic implications of early child care and education, exploring workforce trends and impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, and identifying business-driven solutions for Summit County. Register Now

Recording - Town Council Meeting The Breckenridge Town Council held a regular meeting yesterday, Tuesday, February 9th. Watch The Recording / Read The Meeting Notes

COVID-19 TOOLBOX

Concierge Box

One Breck Blog

Breck Giving Back Stories

Local, State, Federal, & Global Updates

Assistance Resources for Employees & Employers

Recording - Breckenridge Community Update Summit County Public Health Director Amy Wineland, Environmental Health Manager Dan Hendershott, Breckenridge Mayor Eric Mamula, Town Manager Rick Holman, Asst. Town Manager Shannon Haynes, & Breckenridge Tourism Office President/CEO Lucy Kay held a Breckenridge Community Update this morning, February 12th. Watch The Recording / View The Summit County Board Of Health Presentation

Business Reel

Call For Service Champion Nominations Every season, the BTO’s One Breckenridge Committee recognizes individuals and businesses for providing exceptional guest service. Have you experienced exceptional service this

winter season? Nominate a Service Champion. Winners are recognized at a breakfast ceremony and treated to a prize package. Nominate A Service Champion

January 31st Occupancy Report The Breckenridge Tourism Office published the January 31st

Occupancy Report. Read The Report / Read The Notes

In Our Backyard

WATCH Special Presidents Day Update From The Colorado Avalanche Information Center Ethan Greene, CAIC Director, explain why someone who has been backcountry skiing for 10 years in Colorado probably has never seen a snowpack like this one. Watch The Video

FIRC Temporary COVID Rental Relief Assistance Program

FIRC’s temporary Rental Relief Program for December 2020 and/or January 2021 rent is now open. To be considered for rental assistance funding, you must live or work in Summit County and have been affected by COVID-19. Learn More.

Solicitud de Renta El programa temporal de alivio de alquiler de FIRC para el alquiler de diciembre de 2020 y / o enero de 2021 ya está abierto. Debe vivir o trabajar en el condado de Summit, Colorado y haber sido afectado por COVID para presentar la solicitud. Solicitud de Renta

Building Hope Summit Offers Mental Health

Resources Building Hope Summit offers resources and options to support you, a loved one or a co-worker with your mental health

needs. You are not alone and help is available. Learn More / View Resources

Breck Pride Festival Postponed Unfortunately in 2020, and now 2021, the festival will pause in- person celebrations based on guidance from our trusted public

health officials. Breck Pride will continue to live on in our hearts and spirit with hopes of returning us together in 2022.The Breck Pride festival is a community generated initiative lead by the Breckenridge Ski Resort and Breckenridge Tourism Office to support and celebrate the LGBTQ community by fostering an environment that every person can be out, proud, and living their best authentic self. Learn More

COVID-19 TOOLBOX

Concierge Box

One Breck Blog

Breck Giving Back Stories

Local, State, Federal, & Global Updates

Assistance Resources for Employees & Employers

Breckenridge Restaurants & Retailers

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]

Summit County Extends Public Health Order To March 31st Summit County Public Health issued an amended and restated Public Health Order Friday. The new order includes updated requirements for businesses that receive 5 Star program certification from Summit County Public Health, as well as restaurants that do not have 5 Star certification. Learn More

In Our Backyard

Support Services For Individuals & Families Summit County held a forum on resources and support services

available to individuals and families in Summit County. Watch The Recording

BGV Opens Spring Grant Applications BGV Gives is accepting applications for spring grants. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, April 1st. The program supports organizations in Summit and Park Counties through fundraising, sponsorships, grants, volunteering and in-kind donations, with a focus on areas including health, human services, education, art and culture, environment, sports and recreation. Learn More / Apply

Governor Polis Delivers 3rd State Of The State Address Wednesday, February 17th, 11am Governor Jared Polis will deliver his third State of The State Address on Wednesday, February 17th. Watch The Address

Congressman Neguse To Hold Wildfire Summit Thursday, February 18th, 12-1pm Congressman Joe Neguse is holding a wildfire summit on this Thursday from 12:00-1:00pm. The purpose of the Summit is to bring together stakeholders from around the state to discuss the problems associated with wildfires and to seek collaborative solutions. Learn More / Register For The Summit

USA today - Skiing In The Pandemic: Here's What a Colorado Ski Trip Is Like Right Now

USA Today published an informative article on what it is like skiing in Breckenridge during the pandemic. Read The Article

COVID-19 TOOLBOX

Concierge Box

One Breck Blog

Breck Giving Back Stories

Local, State, Federal, & Global Updates

Assistance Resources for Employees & Employers

Breckenridge Restaurants & Retailers

Copyright © 2020 Breckenridge Tourism Office, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in for the weekly BTO newsletter, the DMMO Download. Mailing Address: 111 Ski Hill Road PO Box 1909 Breckenridge, CO 80424

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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, February 16, 2021 9:00 a.m. County Commissioners’ Meeting Room; Summit County Courthouse 208 Lincoln Avenue, Breckenridge, Colorado

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 by phone, dial (669) 900-9128 or (346) 248-7799 Webinar ID: 830 6865 8032 Password: 0831525490 Press # to bypass the Participant ID

To join from your computer, tablet or smartphone: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83068658032 Password: zCp?w9L+gN

9:00 a.m. BOH/BOSS Quarterly Update

10:30 a.m. Blue River Horse Center

11:30 a.m. Managers’ & Commissioners’ Issues

Noon Lunch

______Extended Afternoon

1:00 p.m. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

2:30 p.m. Adjourn

*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 February 16, 2021 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 HEALTH & BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION AGENDA TUESDAYS AT 3:30 PM THURSDAYS AT 3:00 PM County Commissioners’ Meeting Room; Summit County Courthouse 208 Lincoln Avenue, Breckenridge, Colorado

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 by phone, dial (669) 900-9128 or (346) 248-7799 Webinar ID: 910 6016 3962 Password: 050060 Press # to bypass the Participant ID

To join from your computer, tablet or smartphone: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/91060163962 Password: 65GpkjKYI!

I. Standing Agenda Items/Updates

a. Local and Regional/State COVID Case and Hospitalization Statistics and Trends

b. Local Testing Statistics and Program Update

c. Vaccine Distribution Update

d. Transmission Trends

e. Public Health Order Update – Discussion of Any Changes

f. Communications Update and Discussion

g. Emergency Management Update

h. Economic Recovery and Support Program Updates

i. Community Indicators and Programs

II. Critical Topics Not Covered Above

III. Open BOH/BOCC Discussion, As Needed

IV. Executive Session, As Needed

*Agenda topics are subject to change at any time. Summit County Offering COVID-19 Vaccine to Phase 1B.2

Educators and Coloradans age 65 and older will be eligible for vaccine appointments starting this week

SUMMIT COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), announced that it will allow local public health agencies to begin vaccinations of Phase 1B.2 individuals ages 65 and older, along with Pre-K-12 educators and licensed child care providers starting Monday, Feb. 8. In addition, CDPHE updated it’s Phased vaccine distribution guidance, removing the dotted line, and updating Phases 1B.1 and 1B.2.

Summit County has adjusted its criteria to abide by the newly announced guidance, and will begin opening vaccination appointments to adults 65 and older today. Pre-K-12 educators and licensed child care providers will be eligible to receive vaccine this week and should reach out to their employer for information on scheduling their vaccination appointments.

“We are so happy to be able to open vaccination to our community members ages 65 and older this week as well as educators,” said Public Health Director Amy Wineland. “We know our community has been waiting for this. Our allocation of vaccine each week will be limited, however, so we ask for patience. We will open additional vaccination appointments each week, so long as we receive vaccine from the State.”

COVID-19 vaccination in Summit County is occurring in phases outlined by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Summit County is currently scheduling Phases 1A, 1B.1, and 1B.2. These groups include health care workers, emergency responders, unlicensed home care providers, individuals ages 65 and older, Pre-K-12 educators and licensed child care providers. Summit County Public Health cannot grant any exceptions to the criteria listed in state guidance on vaccine eligibility or phasing.

More information on the phased COVID-19 vaccination distribution plan is available on the Summit County COVID-19 Vaccination webpage.

Summit County will notify the public when vaccination appointments open via SC Alert. An SC Alert will be sent to provide immediate notification when the online scheduler is opened and available for individuals to make appointments. To subscribe to SC Alert to receive notifications via phone, text, or email, or to manage your account, visit www.SCAlert.org.

Summit County will be sending out an SC Alert and opening vaccination appointments for this Saturday’s drive-through clinic, at 3:30 p.m. today, for individuals ages 65 and older, on the Summit County webpage for Scheduling COVID-19 Vaccinations: https://www.summitcountyco.gov/1423/Scheduling- Vaccinations.

“Summit County has been a leader in distributing the COVID vaccine through our drive-through clinics and community partnerships,” said Commissioner Elisabeth Lawrence. “This has enabled us to distribute the vaccine quickly and efficiently to our eligible populations each week and has allowed us to move quickly to the next eligible population. Our limitation at the moment is vaccine. We hope that the State will have the ability to give us larger allocations of vaccine going forward so that we can offer more appointments to our community.” Summit County encourages the public to sign up for SC Alerts to receive the most up-to-date vaccination information. In addition, Summit County will notify the public weekly via Press Release and the following channels when the next round of vaccine appointments will be opened:

Summit County website: www.SummitCountyCO.gov

Summit County Government News Flash (subscribe via text or email to Summit County press releases) Summit County Facebook page Summit County Twitter account Summit County Instagram account

Public Health reminds the community that everyone, including those who receive both doses of vaccine should continue to follow Public Health recommendations for wearing face coverings, washing hands and physical distancing to help slow the spread of the virus in Summit County. More research is needed to determine the length of immunity to the virus and whether individuals who receive the vaccine have the ability to spread the virus to others.

Summit County Extends Public Health Order through March 31

Includes Updated Requirements for Businesses under Summit County 5 Star Certification Program

Contact: Nicole Valentine, Director of Communications

SUMMIT COUNTY – Summit County Public Health issued an amended and restated Public Health Order Friday. The new order includes updated requirements for businesses that receive 5 Star program certification from Summit County Public Health, as well as restaurants that do not have 5 Star certification. The order extends alcohol consumption limits for all restaurants by 30 minutes, as well as clarifies requirements for verification of the 2 household limit on group sizes seated at tables.

All prior requirements and restrictions will remain in place, including gathering size restrictions of no more than 2 households and 10 people, requirements for short-term lodging operations, limits on non- critical office-based businesses and limits on restaurant operations included in the most recent public health order.

The new order takes effect at 12:00 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 13.

"The updated requirements for restaurants in the Public Health Order are in response to the Dial 2.0 released by CDPHE, and the balance that Summit County has tried to strike between implementing mitigation measures to suppress the virus and allowing businesses to open to the greatest extent possible,” Commissioner Josh Blanchard said. “We are working as a community to protect our residents as well as our businesses.”

Limitations on Restaurants and Bars that are not 5 Star Certified Under the updated local public health order, and pursuant to CDPHE PHO 20-36, Restaurants may operate at 25% of the posted occupancy limit indoors not to exceed 50 people, excluding staff, whichever is less, per room. Restaurants may also use any existing, licensed outdoor space for in-person dining. Dining parties are limited to a group of 10 individuals from no more than 2 households per table. Patrons in different parties must be a minimum space of 6 feet apart. Open seating is strongly discouraged unless minimum spacing of 6-feet between parties can be effectively maintained at all times. Restaurants must have or obtain approval from their local government’s permitting, building and fire code oversight agency for any new outdoor dining space prior to use.

Restaurants must cease all alcohol beverage sales, service, possession, and consumption to end consumers (including employees) for on-premises consumption between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. daily. Takeout alcohol sales must also end at 10:00 p.m.

Restaurants must confirm patrons are aware of, and are in compliance with, the dining party group limits specified in the local public health order. Such confirmation may occur by requiring at least one member of each household within a party sign, initial, or check-mark a hard copy or digital document indicating they are aware of and in compliance with the gathering size limits.

Limitations on 5 Star Program Restaurants and Bars Restaurants that have been certified for the Summit County 5 Star Program may operate with the capacity restrictions of the next less restrictive level for their business sector (e.g. Level Yellow instead of Level Orange) in compliance with local and state public health orders. Dining parties continue to be limited to a group of 10 individuals from no more than 2 households per table. Patrons in different parties must be a minimum space of 6 feet apart. Open seating is strongly discouraged unless minimum spacing of 6-feet between parties can be effectively maintained at all times. Restaurants must have or obtain approval from their local government’s permitting, building and fire code oversight agency for any new outdoor dining space prior to use.

All 5 Star Program certified restaurants must cease all alcohol beverage sales to end consumers (including employees) for on-premises consumption between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. daily. All possession and consumption of alcohol beverages by end consumers (including employees) on-premises must cease by 10:30 p.m. Takeout alcohol sales must also end at 10:00 p.m.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) released updates to the COVID- 19 dial framework last week, with Dial 2.0. The new Dial 2.0 will allow 5 Star facilities to operate in Yellow level capacities sooner than the original dial framework. 5 Star businesses in Summit County will be eligible to operate in Yellow once the county has met Orange Level metrics for 7 days. This means 5 Star businesses will be allowed to operate in Yellow, starting on Saturday, Feb. 13.

The Summit County 5 Star webpage has been updated to reflect current operating options for 5 Star businesses. The 5 Star program is currently open to qualifying Restaurants, Personal Recreation (incl. gyms and fitness centers), and Personal Services. Personal Services includes barber shops, hair and nail salons, body art studios, pet groomers, etc.

Under the amended local public health order, any business that receives a 5 Star Program certification from Summit County Public Health will be required to follow all applicable 5 Star Program requirements, Governor’s orders, CDPHE orders, DORA and State rules, regulations and mandatory guidance documents.

The new local health order will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m., March 31.

The order may be amended prior to March 31, should conditions improve or deteriorate as indicated by Summit County’s COVID-19 case numbers, positivity rate, and hospitalizations.

To view the local public health order, including the mitigation measures for events, businesses, short-term lodging, restaurants and bars, visit www.SummitCountyCO.gov/covid.

Breckenridge Chapter Meeting

Wednesday, February 17 at 12:00 p.m.

WHO is invited? All Breckenridge Businesses

WHAT is the meeting about? An opportunity for Breckenridge Business owners and managers to get together to discuss the successes and challenges that they are facing.

WHEN are these meetings held? Breckenridge Chapter meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday of the month, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

WHERE are the meeting located? Right now all meetings are being held via Zoom (see information below), but we look forward to meeting in person again soon.

WHY join these meetings? This is a great opportunity to come together with like-minded people and discuss the state of affairs in the Breckenridge community. The Breckenridge Chapter is committed to identifying and addressing the needs of their particular communities, while simultaneously working with the Summit Chamber to unite the unique communities across our County.

Zoom Meeting Information:

Topic: Breckenridge Chapter Meeting

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83099991121?pwd=bXdjYXlhSFRMNDhZRng5RWdEUG5Bdz09

Meeting ID: 830 9999 1121 Passcode: 570855

Time: Dec 16, 2020 12:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada) Every month on the Third Wednesday

Feb 17, 2021 12:00 PM Mar 17, 2021 12:00 PM Apr 21, 2021 12:00 PM May 19, 2021 12:00 PM Jun 16, 2021 12:00 PM

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Monthly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZctfuChpzorGNUFra0mpF3GuxRQia7lCPYK/ics?icsToke n=98tyKuGrrjIjE92UsRuGRpwqAor4XfPxmH5cjY1oug3kUy1DRFDRI_pwA7t-R9Tz

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A Love Letter from Us to You YOU’VE GOT MAIL We know half the world celebrates today and the other half prefers to wear black and smash things. Either way, we decided to use this Hallmark holiday to share our love for your love o

YOU’VE GOT MAIL

We know half the world celebrates today and the other half prefers to wear black and smash things. Either way, we decided to use this Hallmark holiday to share our love for your love of film. Below is a love letter from us to you using some of the most famous lines from our favorite love stories.

Dear fans, friends and filmmakers,

“To me, you are perfect.” You stuck by us during one of the toughest times in history. When we asked for help you simply replied “As you wish.” It was like we “had you at hello.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Breck Film revamped its membership program, launched a virtual streaming platform and hosted a festival in 41 states all because you believe in us.

“Can you feel the love tonight (and everyday)?!” We can!

Unlike Leo, “you never let go” of the possibilities because “you know a life without [film] is no life at all.”

Your support has "‘bewitched us in body and soul and we love…we…love…we love you.”

But alas the struggle — “It’s not over. It still isn’t over!”

We’re just an arts non-profit, writing to a fan, asking him (or her) to continue to love us because ‘nobody puts baby in the corner.’” (RIP Patrick Swayze)

“Here’s lookin’ at you, kid.”

-Breck Film Yes, this newsletter took as long as you think it did to write and it’s possible some serious creative licensing was used to make the “Notting Hill” quote fit.

This love letter contained references to “The Lion King,” “Casablanca,” “Pride & Prejudice,” “Love Actually,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “Titanic,” “The Princess Bride,” “Notting Hill” “Ever After” “You’ve Got Mail” and “Dirty Dancing.” Can you match the quotes?!

In all seriousness, thank you for all the love. If you are looking to love a little more, please consider renewing or joining our membership program or sponsoring one of our upcoming programs.

If you’re looking for a stellar list of films to binge this weekend, Oprah’s team compiled a list of their favorite 40 Valentine’s Day films.

And remember, when a woman says she doesn’t care about Valentine’s Day…it is a test!

Breckenridge Film Festival, 103 South Harris Street #205, Breckenridge, CO, 80424, United States

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The Mauritanian MEMBERS ONLY EVENT TONIGHT! We are pleased to invite you to our first members only event of the year: a sneak preview of "The Mauritanian!" "The Mauritanian" stars Jodie Foster, Tahar Rahim, Shailene

MEMBERS ONLY EVENT TONIGHT!

We are pleased to invite you to our first members only event of the year: a sneak preview of "The Mauritanian!" "The Mauritanian" stars Jodie Foster, Tahar Rahim, Shailene Woodly and Benedict Cumberbatch and tells the story of a defense attorney, her associate and a military prosecutor who uncover a far-reaching conspiracy while investigating the case of a suspected 9/11 terrorist imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for six years. Directed by Kevin Macdonald and based on the NY Times best-selling memoir "Guantanamo Diary" by Mohamedou Ould Slahi (Tahar Rahim), this is an inspiring true story of Slahi's fight for freedom after being detained and imprisoned without charge by the U.S. Government for years. Staff can attest, this film will have you glued to the screen; we didn't pick up our phones once during the film while screening at home. This film is available to watch one night only — Tuesday, February 16 at 6:30pm MST. Watch the trailer here. We hope you'll join in for this special event! Please reach out with any questions — for technical issues, please email [email protected]

Breckenridge Film Festival, 103 South Harris Street #205, Breckenridge, CO, 80424, United States

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Breckenridge Grand Vacations Opens Applications for Spring Grants through April 1 BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO (February 15, 2021) – Local nonprofits have until Thursday, April 1, before midnight to submit their applications to Breckenridge Grand Vacations’ (BGV) Spring Grants Program. The program was created to support organizations in Summit and Park Counties through fundraising, sponsorships, grants, volunteering and in-kind donations, with a focus on areas including health, human services, education, art and culture, environment, sports and recreation. Grants are awarded during two annual cycles, one in the spring and another in the fall. Managed by BGV Gives, the company’s philanthropic arm, the program awarded a total of $300,800 during the most recent fall cycle and $159,100 last spring, to 31 and 28 organizations respectively: funding capital projects, special event sponsorships, programs, equipment, scholarships, educational materials, and general operating support, among other needs. In 2020, more than $1.19 million in cash and in-kind contributions was provided to support community needs. Applications may include requests for cash and in-kind support. BGV Gives strongly recommends applicants review the program’s funding guidelines and priorities prior to completing and submitting an application. Among many requirements of the grant, nonprofit organizations must demonstrate the grant request will offer a measurable benefit to the community. This is especially important and significant as we continue to live and work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications must be submitted in PDF format only by April 1, 2021 via email to BGV Gives Program Manager, Deb Edwards, at [email protected]. For inquiries regarding grant eligibility and for the current application, please visit BGVGives.org or contact Edwards at (970) 406-0391. Breckenridge Grand Vacations has a history of playing an active role in the community, encouraging its employees to volunteer at local events and for philanthropic causes through its paid volunteer hours program. Annually, BGV employees donate thousands of hours of volunteer service to community organizations. BGV also supports our community as one of the largest local employers with more than 700 staff members and sales agents, fostering a culture of excellence in customer service that develops and supports its employees. To learn more about the BGV Gives Program, contact Deb Edwards at [email protected] or 970-406-0391. For BGV Corporate information, contact Juli Rathke at [email protected] or 970-423-4251.

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ABOUT BGV GIVES

Founded in 2016, the BGV Gives Program was established to facilitate and further extend Breckenridge Grand Vacations’ philanthropic reach and impact in Summit County and the surrounding area. Inspired by the late BGV Owner/Developer, Rob Millisor, this charitable program honors his example of service to others by supporting the local nonprofit community.

BGV is excited and humbled to continue Rob’s legacy of giving through fundraising, sponsorships, grants, volunteering and in-kind donations on behalf of those in need, with a primary focus on health, human services, art and culture, education, sports and recreation and environment. With guidance from BGV Gives Program Manager Deb Edwards, BGV Gives is committed to growing BGV’s local contributions and inspiring fellow community members to give more by providing resources and opportunities to help others in need.

NEW YEAR, NEW REASONS TO CELEBRATE

PLANNING FOR SUMMER IS UNDERWAY Thanks to our loyal donors and music enthusiasts, Breck Music is now planning a summer of live music for our mountain community that is more innovative, relevant, and accessible than ever before. We are working diligently to allow for in-person performances while also constructing thorough safety measures that keep your health paramount. Yes, our season will be different than the past, and we can't wait to share it with you in March. In the meantime, stay in touch for regular updates and get ready for some big surprises.

NEW YEAR, NEW LEADERSHIP

MERGER UPDATES Last year at this time Breckenridge Music and Breckenridge Creative Arts (BCA), the two largest broad-based arts organizations in the area, merged to strengthen efforts to support a vibrant arts community in Breckenridge. As a division of BCA, Breck Music continues its mission to present diverse and high- quality live music performances and broad-based community music education, now with greater visibility and shared resources to support year-round artistic and outreach activities.

WELCOME TO THE NEW CHAIR OF THE BCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MARTIN INGLIS Martin Inglis retired from Battelle, a research and development enterprise headquartered in Columbus, Ohio in July 2014. He had served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Through July 2013 he had also served as Chief Financial Officer. Previously, he had retired after 32 years with Ford Motor Company where he had held various finance and operations positions around the world including Group Vice President Business Strategy; Chief Financial Officer; President Ford South America; head Ford North America; and VP Global Product and Business Strategy. He was elected a corporate officer in 1996.

Mr. Inglis continues to serve on the Board of Carpenter Technology Corporation, a NYSE company, where he chairs the Finance & Audit Committee. He is an NACD Governance Fellow and also is on the Advisory Board of Fletcher Spaght Ventures. Mr. Inglis supports a variety of charities. He chaired the

Board of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra from 2008 to 2014.

Welcome New Board Members Jill Desmond, Director of Exhibitions, Strategy and Gallery Design at the Denver Art Museum Wendy Wolfe, former Town Council Member

Board Officers Non-Voting Board Members Martin Inglis, Chair Jim Anderson, Breckenridge Howard Carver, Treasurer Backstage Theatre Ken Nelson, Secretary Matt Hanson, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre Voting Board Members Gary Martinez, Breck Film Laura Dziedzic Bob McIntosh, Breck Film Debra Fox Pam Piper, NRO Kelly Owens, Town Council Member Rick Poppe, NRO Elisabeth Lawrence, County Dick Carleton, Breckenridge Town Commissioner Council Susan Propper Rick Holman, Town Manager David Rossi Lucy Kay, President of Breckenridge Bill Taylor Tourism Office

Jill Desmond Wendy Wolfe

BRECK MUSIC ADVISORY BOARD The Breck Music Advisory Board represents the donors and constituents of the Breck Music Division. The Advisory Board acts on their behalf to enable two- way communication and provides a forum for their input and feedback. New Chair Geri Gasperut will guide the Advisory Board on matters related to the Breckenridge Music Festival, Presents and Education programs. Members are advocates for Breck Music programs and are fully engaged in events and fundraising activities.

Advisory Board Members: Laura Dziedzic Heidi Jarski Howard Carver Sandy Kuschnerus Sue Carver Janey Trowbridge Geri Gasperut Carole Weller Elisabeth Lawrence Jill Ludowese Paul Finkel Martin Inglis Mary Jane Wurster Margaret Barradas ONeal

Hans Wurster

GERI GASPERUT Breck Music Advisory Board Chair

Geri Gasperut has been an active member of Applause for the past couple of years and has enjoyed the comradery this association has afforded. Geri and her husband Louis have enjoyed living in Breckenridge on a part time basis and share their love of the outdoors with the families of their three children. Geri originates from Detroit, Michigan and holds a BS degree in Psychology from Michigan State University. She held the position of Vice President of Global Human Resources in the automotive supply industry and retired in 2016.

NEW YEAR, NEW FUNDRAISING DESIGN

Breck Music programs have always been and continue to be dependent on philanthropic support from the community. The merger with Breckenridge Creative Arts (BCA) enabled the centralization and sharing of some back-end administrative costs, but it did not replace the need for private funding.

The Applause affiliate program is now the sole designated fundraising apparatus for the institution, with a Team structure led by one Advisory Board member and with three Team Leads serving as the Steering Committee. The former Applause Committee along with the existing Annual Fund program of Breck Music, will be branded as Breck Music Applause, with this mission:

Breck Music Applause is the designated fundraising division of our organization, providing the sustaining philanthropic revenue that is the lifeblood of every performing arts organization. This effort focuses on engagement of community members in Breck Music programs and opportunities, sustained solicitation of individuals and corporations to support Breck Music programs through renewable annual support, and fellowship and stewardship opportunities for members, donors and patrons of Breck Music. We build community, and together we make Breckenridge an extraordinary place to live, work, and visit.

Breck Music extends its thanks to Laura Dziedzic, Geri Gasperut, Sandy Kuschnerus, Janey Trowbridge and Carole Weller for their thoughtful leadership and dedication to redesigning Applause with the support of Robert Swaney Consulting.

JANEY TROWBRIDGE Applause Chair

Janey has been an active member of Applause since 2009 and served as head of the Ways and Means Subcommittee from 2017-2019. She and husband Russ have hosted a sold-out Breck Music champagne brunch for the past 10 years. Janey has a Ph.D. in Communication and a Project Management Professional certification and has taught at the Norwegian School of Business, George Mason University, and Texas State University.

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BOEC's Inspirations The Official Newsletter of the BOEC February 10, 2021

Dear Peyton,

As we near the halfway point of this year's ski season it’s hard not to look back to last winter at this time when everything was humming along quite nicely. Since then we have adapted and reinvented, and can proudly say that we are operating the Adaptive Ski & Snowboard Program safely for our participants, staff and volunteers, we had a record- breaking annual appeal with generous donors stepping up to show their support, and we’re looking forward to a slightly more “normal” summer than last year.

The ski program is operating at 50% capacity with participants returning from Colorado and across the U.S. BOEC's Internship Program, also reduced in size by half, brought together an incredible group of passionate and talented young people who have met the challenges of this season head on. The Banff Film Festival, while not our usual gathering of friends, is happening virtually (see below) and we hope to present a whole new slate of films this summer when we are able to gather together safely in an outdoor setting.

In this month’s newsletter we share with you the stories that inspire us to work hard every day to do the important work we do. You will meet Clyde Grindell, a BOEC volunteer who has missed his first winter season in 25 years due to COVID-19. We also share a story about a friend and supporter of many years, Dick Carleton, who has served on BOEC’s board, is a local council member and owner of two of Breckenridge’s most beloved eateries, The Hearthstone and Mi Casa. Finally, our Donor Spotlight this month introduces you to a grandfather and grandson who joined together through a family Secret Santa event to learn about and donate to the BOEC.

We would like to extend our gratitude to our participants and their families for coming back this winter and trusting us to keep them safe while enjoying a day of fresh air and fun on the mountain. I am personally grateful to our amazing staff, interns and volunteers for continuing to be so committed to keeping each other safe and healthy so that we CAN offer lessons and programs for our participants and local teens. And we cannot do what we do without those many generous donors who helped to make this year’s Annual Appeal a record-breaker, raising over $170K for BOEC’s adaptive programs.

We thank you all for your continued support and encouragement as we keep on going through these challenging times.

Stay safe and healthy,

Sonya Norris Executive Director Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center

It's the People Who Make BOEC So Special: Volunteer, Clyde Grindell

BOEC is extremely fortunate to have a robust and thriving Volunteer Program with a pool of volunteers over 400 strong. And, in all honesty, we could not do what we do without the generous support of this amazing group of giving individuals. However, out of a group of 400-plus you're always going to find some outliers ... some that are just a bit different in what they do and how they do it. And one of these unique individuals is Clyde Grindell. This is his story of how and why he chose to get involved with the BOEC.

Photo courtesy of the Summit Daily News

Growing Up Together: Dick Carleton, BOEC and the Town of Breckenridge

Breckenridge was a different town and Dick Carleton was a different person when he decided to make this place his home over 40 years ago. The Breckenridge Town Council Member's story is as unique as the town itself, especially as his journey also intertwines with the BOEC, whom he still supports today. Check out his story.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT: James Bartlett & Family

BOEC's Holiday Annual Appeal raised a record $172K this year and it is in large part due to the 387 donors who so generously contributed these much needed funds. Out of the 387 donors comes Jim Bartlett and his grandson Jack. The unique story on how their gift came to the BOEC is this month's donor spotlight. Take a look.

Banff Film Festival Moves Virtual! Thank You to Limber Grove

Because of restrictions on group gatherings BOEC is very grateful to local retailer, due to COVID-19, the in-person live Limber Grove, who donates a percentage screening of the Banff Film Festival this of their sales to BOEC every year. February will not take place. However, be on the lookout for news of a possible Shop now to support this local business live summer event. In the meantime, get and the BOEC.

your Banff fix virtually from the comfort of your own living room while still supporting BOEC. Just click on the button below to choose a single program or program bundle LIMBER GROVE

and enjoy this year's show.

PURCHASE TICKETS

MORE INFORMATION

SKI & SNOWBOARD PROGRAM UPDATE

While the coronavirus pandemic forced the early closure of BOEC's Adaptive Ski & Snowboard Program in the spring of 2020, our diligent staff spent the summer updating protocols and making staff and participant safety the top priority for 2020-21's season. The following are few updates to keep you in the know:

 The program is operating at approximately 50% capacity at both Breckenridge and Keystone Resorts.  Longtime groups started in January and include Evergreen Parks and Rec. District, Griffith Center, Summit Middle School and Summit High School.  Snow Sports Alliance returned to BOEC thanks to Alpine Bank, The Summit Foundation and Beaver Run Resort.  The Volunteer Program, while limited this season, is ramping up with training in January and more opportunities arising daily.  The Internship Program, also reduced by half this year, has been excellent with six amazing Breckenridge interns and three Keystone interns.  There is still lesson availability for February and March. Please call the ski office at 970-453-5633 to make a reservation.

LEARN MORE

WHAT'S COMING UP?

THANK YOU TO OUR KEY PARTNERS

The EAGLE News from the Colorado Mountain College Foundation

MAKE

A GIFT

LEARN

ALUMNI

INFO

VF Foundation supports programs and students Thanks to two grants awarded in the past year totaling $100,000 from the VF Foundation, Colorado Mountain College is expanding the range of its sustainability and outdoor leadership offerings to a diverse population. The VF Foundation supports organizations that promote participation in the outdoors, environmental sustainability, education and diversity. Learn more»

Deadline for scholarship applications CLICK HERE TO APPLY

is March 1 - spread the word!

Scholarship helps ReFUND Colorado is Internships with Ski Ops students an easy way to USDA Forest Service reach their goals support CMC available

Stanley, Terryl and Craig Do you expect a refund on Colorado Mountain Brue established an your Colorado state taxes? College and the USDA endowed scholarship to Now you can give some or Forest Service are together assist students who are all of it to the CMC offering a valuable committed to obtaining a Foundation to support opportunity for those degree in Ski Area students and educational interested in land Operations at CMC programs in our mountain management, sustainability, Leadville. Their hope with communities. and outdoor recreation the scholarship is to inspire careers. students to achieve their It’s a simple, fast way to give goals. where you want. Visit Rocky Mountain Land refundwhatmatters.org and Management interns will “We believe that CMC’s enter Colorado Mountain study with college faculty variety of degree and College Foundation in the while participating in certificate programs are search bar. Then choose intensive fieldwork with extremely important to the how much of your refund you forest service personnel. diverse populations the want to donate. Steamboat Springs students college serves. Our son had will work on the Medicine a great experience in the ski In 2019, Colorado returned Bow-Routt National Forests, area operations program and more than $1 billion in while Leadville and Spring was able to get an internship refunds to 1.9 million state Valley students will conduct that launched into a career.” taxpayers. Now you can their fieldwork on the White ~Terryl Brue refund what matters. River National Forest.

Learn more about Learn More » Learn More » endowed scholarships »

EVENTS For a full list of events at CMC please visit coloradomtn.edu/events

Reserve your spot now, for one of our Common Reader author events with Anthony Ray Hinton!

Join us at a live stream talk with Anthony Ray Hinton, author of The Sun Does Shine, as part of CMC's Common Reader program. February 24 or 25 at 7 pm.

Learn More »

February 17 ONLINE - CMC Summit County DESSERT IN A FLASH / Get an interactive experience that's just like having a chef with you in your home kitchen while you cook. On the menu: Baked Pears with Chocolate and Almonds in Puff Pastry; Mango, Raspberry and White Chocolate Bread Pudding; and Apple Olive Oil Cake! Learn More »

February 18 ONLINE - CMC Glenwood Springs FREE LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES: TASTY TURMERIC / Learn why turmeric is called “The Spice of Life.” Acting as a free radical scavenger and supporting healthy inflammatory levels in the body, turmeric supports healthy skin, immune system functioning, joints, and over-all mobility. Learn More »

February 18 ONLINE - CMC Steamboat Springs FEBRUARY WEDDING PLANNING 101 / If you are planning a wedding or would like to become a wedding planner, this online course will cover all the elements you'll need to plan a bespoke wedding that you and your guests will be talking about for years to come. Learn More »

“Three Viewings” by Sopris Theatre Co. opens February 19

Explore three darkly comedic monologues set in a Midwestern funeral parlor: “Tell-Tale,” “The Thief of Tears” and “Thirteen Things About Ed Carpolotti.” The show opens February 19, with CMC theater graduate Jesse Monsalve hosting a post-show, moderated discussion – from his apartment in Brooklyn! – with the audience each weekend. Learn More »

February 23 ONLINE - CMC Summit County NORTHERN ITALIAN FAVORITES / Cook along with us live from your home kitchen as we prepare some specialties from Northern Italy: Salad of Tart Greens, Prosciutto and Balsamic Vinaigrette, Braised Chicken with Wild Mushrooms, and Risotto Milanese. Learn More »

February 24 & 25 ONLINE - Collegewide COMMON READER AUTHOR TALK WITH ANTHONY RAY HINTON / Join a live stream talk with Anthony Ray Hinton, author of The Sun Does Shine, as part of CMC's Common Reader program. Learn More »

Helpful Links: CMC Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Make a gift to Colorado Mountain College Our tax exempt ID # is: 74-2393418. CMC Foundation Contact the CMC Foundation Staff Gifts to the CMC Foundation can be made in honor of, in memory of, or to thank a loved one. For more information call 970.947.8378.

Colorado Mountain College | 802 Grand Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

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MT2030 Community,

We hope you are having a safe and healthy start to the New Year.

Since our Mountain Towns 2030 Net Zero Summit in Park City in 2019, we’ve received so much incredible feedback from the attendees and our community stakeholders, crediting MT2030 with providing them with the inspiration, the tools and the confidence to make bold climate commitments within their own communities and businesses.

In fact just last week, as a result of their involvement in the Summit, Boyne Resorts announced a renewable energy commitment with utility provider CMS Energy to offset their entire electric energy consumption at all of their resorts and facilities in 2021. The commitment is part of the company’s “ForeverProject,” their long-term sustainability initiative with a goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030. Boyne joins other leading resort operators, Vail Resorts and POWDR with the most ambitious and forward-thinking climate commitments in the ski industry.

Despite all the challenges we’ve faced this year, we’ve spent this time focused on developing the Mountain Towns Solutions Project; bringing over twenty communities and counties together on a collaborative effort to inventory their greenhouse gas emissions as a fundamental step to determine how to reduce their local contribution to climate change. Spearheaded by MT2030 and ICLEI, we’re providing a forum for collecting and sharing actionable data and accelerating the ability for communities that share the same interests to reach their climate goals.

We are also excited to announce that we’ve brought on Chris Steinkamp as our Executive Director to help us build and execute MT2030’s strategic, marketing and business plan this year. Many of you may know Chris from his 10 years as the Executive Director of Protect Our Winters, and we’re thrilled to have his deep winter outdoor industry and climate advocacy experience on the MT2030 team.

While we know that it’s tough to think beyond the current challenges we’re facing with COVID-19, the pandemic has illuminated the fact that we have to be prepared to take on the next big challenge; using our collective resources and ingenuity to accelerate our progress against climate change. We have to act quickly to avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis by working together, aligning our efforts with science, and scaling our emissions reductions accordingly. Empowering our mountain communities to reach this goal is MT2030's mission and in the last few weeks, we’ve also seen aggressive climate action at the federal level, giving us real hope that we’re finally on a trajectory to make real progress.

As we put 2020 in our rearview mirror, there is a lot of good work to be done ahead. We’re optimistic and ready for a new 2021, and we look forward to working with you. Thank you for your support. Stay tuned for more news soon!

MT2030

Our mailing address is: MT2030 1918 Prospector Ave. Park City, UT 84060

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New Collaboration Supports Summit County Schools’ Music Programs

The National Repertory Orchestra and Breckenridge Music join forces to enhance music education and increase access to one-on-one instrumental and vocal instruction.

The National Repertory Orchestra (NRO) and Breckenridge Music (BrM) are partnering to support music programs in local schools. Through Summit County Music Lesson Scholarships (SCMLS), music students will have equitable access to private instruction with professional musicians and teachers.

The initiative is a coordinated response to the COVID-19 Pandemic’s impact on school-based music programs. Typically, the NRO and BrM offer in-person assemblies and workshops at the elementary, middle and high school levels. However, public health restrictions have significantly limited Summit County teachers' abilities to provide music training in the hybrid learning model.

Scholarships will fully or partially fund after school studies in

Piano, Voice, Guitar, Violin, Cello, Flute, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone and Percussion. Instruction is available for scholars, 6th through 12th grades, who are already engaged in a music program.

Read More and Apply

This spotlight is part of a Premium Member Benefit. For more information, contact [email protected].

Summit Chamber of Commerce SummitChamber.org

Summit Chamber | PO Box 5450, Frisco, CO 80443

Application deadline for the Sam Mamet Good Governance Award is March 31 In 2019, CML announced the creation of the Sam Mamet Good Governance Award in honor of retired CML Executive Director Sam Mamet. Beginning in 2020, the award is presented annually to one to three individuals who exemplify and seek to expand the application of principles of good governance, which may include:

1. Efficiency and effectiveness of government 2. Responsiveness to need 3. Openness and transparency 4. Respect for the rule of law 5. Accountability to self and others 6. Inclusivity 7. Ethical behavior and conduct 8. Innovation 9. Representation of all constituencies 10. Fiscal accountability

The award will be presented during the CML Annual Conference. Recipients will be given a complimentary registration to the following year’s annual conference and invited to assist in presentation of the award to their successor or successors. A plaque containing the names of all recipients and the year of the award will be maintained at CML.

Any municipal elected official, staff member, or other individual in public service who exemplifies principles of good governance is eligible to receive the award. Eligible individuals may be presented for consideration through the completion and submission of this form or CML Board members and the CML executive director, with approval from the CML Board president, may also add nominees for consideration.

Final selection of the recipient will be made by the CML Executive Board at its regular April meeting prior to the Annual Conference, and recipients will be notified and provided with a per diem reimbursement for expenses and one night of lodging, if not already registered to attend the conference.

Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, March 31, 2021.

Information on last year's winner is available at www.cml.org/mametaward.

Please share with anyone who you think may be interested.

Submit a nomination

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

In this issue...

- Local fiscal aid on the move

- Latest news on the state’s COVID-19 Dial

Upcoming events -

Local fiscal aid on the move Kevin Bommer, executive director

Late Friday, the House Government and Oversight Committee passed $350 billion in aid for states and local governments as well as tribal and territorial governments. The aid was one of the components of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, which House and Senate leadership will attempt to pass through the budget reconciliation process.

Out of the total aid, municipalities would receive $65.1 billion. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement municipalities would receive $45.57 billion directly from the US Treasury. Non-entitlement municipalities would receive $19.53 billion in a mandated state distribution formula using population. The State of Colorado is tentatively slated to get $3.984 billion and local governments within Colorado are looking at $1.879 billion. The House Committee on Oversight provided tentative funding estimates for all municipalities and counties, which are available here. Most towns and cities can find their estimate on the “Non-entitlement Rough Calcs” tab on the spreadsheet and in the “No Overlap” column – the smaller of the two. Entitlement communities are on the “CDBG Cities & All Other” tab. These numbers are only estimates and are subject to change.

This week, the various pieces of budget reconciliation items for the president’s plan will be put into a single bill. By next week, we expect the bill to come to the House floor.

The Senate hopes to move quickly because extended unemployment benefits that Congress enacted in December expire on March 14. With the Senate able to conclude the impeachment trial on Saturday, that becomes more likely presuming the majority has the votes to pass the legislation. In the Senate, the expectation is that no Republicans will support the bill, meaning all 50 Democrats will have to vote for it with Vice President Harris casting the tie-breaking vote for passage.

That is not necessarily a slam dunk, especially with the announcement from Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) on Friday, who said she is not supportive of a $15 federal minimum wage, which is in the House reconciliation bill. Senate majority leadership will ultimately need to determine if that portion will need to come out to ensure passage, assuming that is the only objection from the majority. As a reminder, since the vehicle for the bill is budget reconciliation, the normal rules requiring 60 votes for cloture in order to proceed with a bill do not apply. Only a majority is required and the process for debate and amendments is limited.

If changes are made to the House package by the Senate, the bill will need to go back to the House for a final vote. Removing the minimum wage would cause problems for Speaker Pelosi from the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which has made a point that they want the $15 minimum wage in the bill. With a slim majority in the House, the stage could be set for a very close vote and a risk to final House passage.

Latest news on the state’s COVID-19 Dial David W. Broadwell, CML general counsel

On Friday, Feb. 12, CDPHE issued its Seventh Amended Public Health Order 20-36, adopting additional refinements to the COVID-19 Dial. Recent changes to the PHO reflect two trends: the acceleration of business reopening in all counties of the state, as well as early indications of how the vaccine roll-out will affect the Dial.

Certainly, the two biggest changes since the first of the year have been the Governor’s decision to shift all RED counties into the ORANGE category over New Years, and then the changes to the Dial’s county-level metrics on Feb. 5. The second change immediately allowed 50 counties to again shift from ORANGE to either YELLOW or BLUE.

The most recent tweaks last week offered even more regulatory relief, particularly for businesses with a larger indoor footprint (larger than 7,200 square feet).

In YELLOW counties, for larger restaurants and indoor event venues, the cap on patrons has now been increased from 100 to 150. In BLUE counties, the cap on patrons was increased from 175 up to 225. Meanwhile, in Colorado’s three gambling towns, casinos are again allowed to reopen “table games,” whether their county is in ORANGE, YELLOW, or BLUE.

Governor Polis has spoken about how the availability of vaccines will eventually be a game changer for the Dial. But so far, vaccines are expressly mentioned in only one narrow provision of the PHO, a provision relevant to counties and municipalities that have adopted Five Star certification programs for businesses that go above and beyond the public health standards set forth in state regulations. Five Star businesses in YELLOW counties will not be able to increase to increase their capacity limits to BLUE standards until at least 70% of the Coloradans age 70 and over are vaccinated.

Once a Five Star business is allowed to operate at BLUE levels of capacity, current language in the PHO prohibits the business from reopening any further than that.

The Governor has said that more vaccinations will lead to fundamental changes to the state’s public health orders in the future, but it is still unclear when. For now, whether a particular person is vaccinated makes no difference under current state orders. For example, the Dial PHO requires all employers to allow any employee to work from home if the employee is an “Individual at Risk of Severe Illness from COVID-19” (formerly known as a “Vulnerable Individual”), regardless of whether the employee has received the vaccination. Indeed, ongoing advice from the CDC and others is that, at least in the early stages, the vaccination roll-out does not alter the need for mask-wearing, social distancing, etc. When a critical mass of vaccinations is achieved, Colorado’s COVID-19 Dial and other public health orders will be completely re-tooled.

Upcoming events

Governor's Office Local Government Meetings These meetings, hosted by the Governor’s COVID-19 Response Team, DOLA, CDPHE and CDPS now take place on a fixed monthly schedule organized by DOLA region. The meetings are open to municipal officials, and the meeting day, time, and Zoom connection info can be found in the schedule. For questions about the meetings or schedule, please email Xander Martin, deputy coordinator for COVID-19 response, at [email protected].

Colorado Resiliency Office Climate Adaptations and Futures Webinar Series

 First Wednesday of each month from noon-1 p.m.

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Colorado Municipal League 1144 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203 303.831.6411 / 866.578.0936

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TO: CML municipal members FROM: Kevin Bommer, CML executive director

Valued CML members:

I am writing to share news about CML’s 2021 Annual Conference that I know many of you have been anticipating. CML’s Annual Conference is the premiere training event for Colorado municipal officials. It is an opportunity to learn from experts and each other, as well as to network with your colleagues from around the state. Putting on a conference that you expect and deserve is a major point of pride for the CML Executive Board and staff.

Unfortunately, our hotel and conference center host in Snowmass Village has determined that they will be not able host events on their properties in 2021 and canceled our contract for the June conference. Indeed, we agree that there is little chance that an in-person event would be possible in June, given the restrictions on gatherings that are anticipated at the time based on where we are today. The good news is that knowing this now gives CML staff time to adjust our planning.

First and foremost, the League remains committed to having an in-person event in 2021, and we will take advantage of the opportunity to move the timeline. We hope to have an announcement very soon for an in-person Special Annual Conference, likely in September. In recognition that some level of social distancing will likely still be necessary at this time, there will likely be attendance limitations for the in-person conference, and that not everyone may be able to travel, we will also be holding a virtual event.

On behalf of the entire CML Board and staff, I am so disappointed we will not be able to have our conference in Snowmass Village this year. I cannot thank the Town of Snowmass Village enough for their help and support, especially over the past year, as we navigated the possibilities related to our planned Annual Conference.

We are grateful to our slate of speakers and panelists for their willingness to share their expertise with our conference attendees. We are hoping to include as many of them as possible in our event later this year.

Also, we could not put on the conference without the support and partnership of our sponsors, and we will be reaching out to all of them regarding next steps.

Annual Business Meeting & CML Board elections

In order to ensure consistency of CML Board terms, the Annual Business Meeting will be held virtually in June. As soon as a date is selected, we will send out a notice and ask you to save the date. The Annual Business Meeting is your municipality’s opportunity to vote on board members, the CML policy statement, and receive the announcement of 2022 dues.

Again, we thank all of you for your patience while we worked through this process. We sincerely hope that you will be able to attend our Annual Conference, either virtually or in- person, later this year. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at

[email protected] .

Colorado Municipal League 1144 Sherman St., Denver, CO 80203

303 831 6411 / 866 578 0936

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February 5, 2021 Issue No. 29 https://mountaintownnews.net

In the 133-page report, they identified a wide variety of alternative management ideas, not simple tweaks but “significant The need for hard modifications or entirely new approaches.” Some may consider these proposed thinking about the approaches radical, they say, but the situation of the Colorado River Basin Colorado River demands more than small, incremental changes. by Allen Best “If the Millennium Drought, which has now persisted for more than two decades, Much has been said about a “new has become the ‘new normal,’ or if the normal” in the Colorado River Basin. The progressive decline of runoff resulting from phrase describes reduced flows in the 21st climate change becomes even more century as compared to those during much apparent, major structural changes to water of the 20th century. management in the basin will Authors of a new study Basin might be urgently required,” the contemplate something become far drier authors say in an executive beyond, what they call a "new summary. abnormal." than what They say they hope their The future, they say, might managers have research triggers further be far dryer than water been planning for thinking and proposals. managers have been planning Colorado will have to make for. This needs to change. do with what it has. This is despite projected In the white paper, Kevin Wheeler and population growth during the next three 11 others affiliated with the Utah State decades that will expand the current 5.8 University-based Center for Colorado River million population by 3 million residents by Studies argue for the need for “wide-ranging mid-century. Think of another Aurora, and innovative thinking about how to Colorado Springs, and Pueblo every 10 years. sustainably manage the water supply, while The era of massive new diversions from simultaneously encouraging the negotiators Colorado’s Western Slope ended decades of new agreements to consider their effects ago. Relatively small—the key word is on ecosystems.” relatively—new diversions are planned: two in Grand County, where both Denver Water and Northern Colorado Water Conservancy It could get worse—and it has been District have projects using existing worse in the past. Tree rings indicate flows infrastructure. Aurora also wants to divert of 11.8 million acre-feet for the last quarter additional water from Eagle County. century of the 1500s. That’s natural. Now come unnatural conditions, the ig, new diversions, such as from the influences of the greenhouse gas emissions B Yampa River near Craig, face difficult that have been accumulating in the and likely prohibitive economics, with the atmosphere. Climate change will make some need to cross two mountain ranges to places wetter, and some places drier. In the deliver water to the northern Front Range. Colorado River Basin the evidence points Too, with warming very probably decreasing strongly toward drier in the basin altogether. flows over coming decades, there’s Colorado State University's Brad Udall uncertainty whether water will be available and others have already documented a with any reliability, given Colorado's drying underway, the increased evaporation commitments under compacts governing the and transpiration caused by rising Colorado River. temperatures. Udall’s research has found Between 85 and 90 percent of the roughly half of the Millennium Drought can Colorado River originates in snowmelt, be attributed to those rising temperatures. mostly from Colorado but also Wyoming. A He calls it a “hot drought.” century ago there was plenty for the taking As for future warming, the authors of by all these states as well as the three lower- the report used temperature projections basin states, Arizona, Nevada, and California. from two pathways identified by the Many, however, could see ahead to a time International Panel on Climate Change. They when there would not be plenty for all. analyzed reductions of flows ranging from The Colorado River Compact drawn up 3% to 10% for each degree Celsius of by representatives of the seven states in warming. 1922 assumed plentiful supplies of that time. The river delivered 17.7 million acre- here does all this take the 40 feet from 1906 to 1930 at Lees Ferry, at the W million of us who live in the top of the Grand Canyon, the dividing point Colorado River Basin or depend in part on between the upper and lower basins. They imported water from the basin? The latter accordingly allotted 7.5 million acre-feet to includes the nearly 5 million people along Colorado and its neighboring headwater Colorado’s urbanized Front Range corridor states and 7.5 million acre-feet to California and the nearly 24 million people of southern and its neighbors, leaving water left over for California. delivery to Mexico. “Probable climate change conditions” At times, the river has delivered well will cause flow declines of 6.5% for each enough. Keeping in mind that 90% of the degree of warming, the study says. With less flows come from the upper basin, the Lees water available, less must be used. Ferry gauging station recorded an average “Aggressive commitments to water annual natural flow of 14.8 million acre-feet conservation by both the Upper and Lower between 1906 and 2018. Basins will become critical in the next 25 The drought since 2000 has bent down years” to avoid drawing down the reservoirs the numbers. From 2000 to 2018, the in the basin, most notably Mead and Powell, average estimated flows have been 12.4 below 15 million acre-feet. million acre-feet. This is the Millennium Colorado and other upper-basin states Drought. should not try to use more water beyond 4 million acre-feet, despite the compact

2 apportionment of 7.5 million acre-feet. They aren’t. Total consumptive use flattened out beginning in 1988. As for lower-basin states, they need to reduce demand to 6 million acre-feet. They’ve cinched their belt down to 7.5 million acre-feet in the 21st century and, in the last 5 years reduced it further to an average 6.9 million acre-feet. The report was posted on the same day John Fleck, the author of one book that I spoke with a resident in Colorado’s about the Colorado River and the co-author Summit County, who said that in 30 years of a second book and former water reporter she had never seen it so dry during mid- for the Albuquerque Journal, wrote in his winter. blog on inkstain.net that the report clearly As of mid-January, the U.S. Bureau of calls for water managers to commit publicly Reclamation projected 5.72 million acre-feet to deeper reductions in water use. flow into Lake Powell. That’s 53% of He also credits the level of details in the average. report, “a credible incorporation of the best This comes after a subpar runoff in 2020 climate science into the current Colorado followed by a hot and dry summer, with River Basin policy framework, with an massive wildfires from August to November, analysis done using CRSS, the modeling tool and now a winter that is, like the children of the management community uses to think Lake Wobegone, above average—for about the Colorado River. This report, in warmth, that is. other words, is written by a team deeply See Fleck’s blog here. fluent in the language of Colorado River The executive summary here. management.” And the full report here.

3 With a grin and a wink, Adam Palmer had missions in life far beyond himself

“I just can’t stop thinking of his smiling

face,” my wife, Ellen, said. It wasn’t quite a smile, though. It was “…my heart went out to lonely the sly grin. sounds in the misty springtime Along with two companions, Adam died night of wild sweet America in Feb. 1 in an avalanche near Silverton in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. her powers, the wetness on the Adam was the Norse God Loki of Eagle wire fence bugled me to belief, I County, the Coyote of the climate stood on sandpiles with an movement and of our community. He was a open soul, I not only accept loss trickster, an Odysseus, a delighted warrior, forever, I am made of loss―I highly dangerous to the status quo, whether that status quo was the serious thread of am made of Cody, too.” your conversation or the global order. If he ― Jack Kerouac had been born in China or Russia, I can tell Visions of Cody you where he would live: in jail. Instead, in America, he was a town councilman, utility board member, a family man and leader on by Auden Schendler climate solutions for the country. His chosen work was serious indeed, Adam Palmer is sitting next to you on a incredibly discouraging labor because it is so chairlift. You are lost in thought. But you feel hard, and yet Adam performed it with eyes. You turn, and there’s that smirk, the energy and joy because he saw in it a penetrating stare, waiting for you to respond hopeful future for the world. It wasn’t his to the wisecrack that was so dry you already community Adam cared about so much as missed it. everyone.

4 He achieved what the physician and signatures had been invalidated. It was a anti-poverty activist Paul Farmer described nadir for us: It felt like we would never win as an almost unmanageable task, which was this fight, would never turn the ship of this the ability to love a stranger’s child as your coal-based utility, would never make own. To love your community as your family. progress on climate change and clean energy. Randy and I were there to give him es, he struggled and succeeded succor and counsel. Over a decade later, Y mightily for his wife, Kalie, and his Adam had become an essential element in daughters, Montana and Savannah, but he what led to Holy Cross’s complete did it just as much for you. His friend Jason transformation and commitment to 100% Blevins summed up the Palmer worldview: renewables. “He would haul a cabinet-style speaker But it’s hard for me to know if I was his down to the surf wave in Eagle he fought so mentor or he was mine. I never knew hard to build … blasting his punk tunes, he someone to so persistently care about the would set up lights on towers and we would success of others, to so joyously celebrate surf all night long, drinking beer and and foster their progress, even as he himself shredding … (well, he was excelled. shredding … most everyone When I wrote a book, else, except for the pre-teens I never knew someone to my Eagle County party and Adam, were crashing.)” was at his house, he For such a jokester and a so persistently care about insisted. When I had a funny guy, Adam was the success of others, to new idea, he brought me insistently mission-driven. so joyously celebrate and over to speak. And then “The two most important foster their progress, in-between it was Adam days in your life,” he quoted who kept our friendship from Mark Twain, “are the even as he himself going: “Amigo, (this was day you are born, and the day excelled. how all his emails began) you find out why.” But you’d we had an email thread be forgiven if you weren’t going around soil carbon quite sure which was Adam’s why: the sequestration and they were suggesting a mission, or the joke. Making them almost Zoom meeting which I said blows and equal was the core of his resilience and his meetings on the slope are much more empathy. Tacked onto an email on the social productive. It looks like Friday, Feb. 26th cost of carbon and clean energy works for us, can you join us hiking the percentages, he’d add a picture of himself in bowl?” a new ‘Energy Smart’ trucker hat, or his This active connection is why so many of “badass Freddy Mercury” moustache he was you loved him so much, but it is also the rare admiring while poring over some code trait of a good and great friend: he’d as document. much as say, as Paul Verlaine wrote to poet A memory I recalled to him often was Rimbaud: “Come, dear, great soul. We await not a happy one, but because of that it you. We desire you.” defined who he was. He is sitting with his head bent in his hands, in despair over a dam was massively talented, but his plate of huevos, 15 or so years ago at Atalent was beyond himself, a talent Breakfast in America in El Jebel with Randy for the world. He was a music prodigy (I Udall and me. He had just been disqualified think he actually was a prodigy as a kid.) Our from running for the board of our utility, friend John Gitchell first learned about his Holy Cross Energy, because his petition skills when Adam played keyboard at John’s

5 grandmother’s nursing home some 25 years feeling that the world takes the best, and ago. He biked across America, but spent leaves the rest of us to muddle along, summer weekends building single-track in lonelier, slightly crippled. I have to his neighborhood. He was known as a remember Adam’s relentless faith in us, his dreamer and a doer, as one fan wrote to the urging and encouragement and certainty in newspaper. our eventual success. He was a physical animal, but unlike some of the vapid people we know in the ome years ago, Adam was playing Colorado backcountry, who are just out for S with his band at Bonfire Brewing, the stoke, Adam’s badassery was laced with wearing a big floppy Mad Hatter top hat, a potent drug: kindness and an outward singing and moving from keyboard to guitar, focus. five o’clock stubble glistening with sweat, Jason Blevins again: “he would always accepting beers and joyously reveling for break trail when skinning … he was oblivious hours and hours, the king of the room, Robin to gear … wore his bike helmet skiing, a Hood of his merry band, the groom at the jacket from the 90s. He was indefatigable … wedding, the center of the world. literally could not be worn down …. he And yet, if you looked his way, he’d grin fought hard for his community… every time and wink. you saw him you were stoked … Every. Maybe I will leave him there. Time.” His talents were also imbued with Auden Schendler, of Basalt, is the senior humility and self-awareness: “We just got vice president of sustainability at the Aspen the baby bike trailer thingy hooked up and Skiing Co. and author of “Getting Green took Montana out for a ride. It was Done: Hard Truths from the Front Lines of awesome until I rode by a big store window the Sustainability Revolution.” and saw our reflection. I suddenly realized I had become the dad-with-the-munchkin-in- the-trailer-with-reflectors-who-cruises-on- the-bikepath guy.” Adam liked to quote his dad. “As my dad, who spent some quality time on the front of a Patrol Boat in the Mekong Delta says, always be ready for an ambush.” We got ambushed by Adam’s death. As we age, especially if we are involved in a difficult, maybe impossible battle greater than ourselves—which, well, we all are—it is hard to escape the creeping and desolate

6 February 12, 2021 Issue No. 30 https://mountaintownnews.net

investments to meet our environmental, social, and governance expectations.” Aspen takes step In this divestment from fossil fuels, Aspen joins Denver, Los Angeles, and New Orleans, all of whom have washed their toward divesting hands of carbon investments, but also Boulder and Boulder County. The biggest divestment of all was the from fossil fuels New York State pension fund with its $226 billion in assets. That’s enough clout to by Allen Best accelerate the transition to cleaner energy In August, when the $3.1 million in sources, the New York Times noted in a Berkshire Hathaway bonds that the City of December 2020 report. In 2019 the fund Aspen holds mature, the city will owned $12 billion in fossil fuel not be repurchasing. Bill McKibben’s call companies. It’s not for lack of for divestment Representatives of the performance. The funds have Roaring Fork chapter of 350 done tolerably well. Rather, the slowly expanding in Colorado say they have begun Berkshire Hathaway bonds are Colorado outreach efforts to Carbondale tainted by a bad environmental and Glenwood Springs record. governments to persuade them The city wants its $131 million in to divest. Other 350 Colorado members say investments to reflect Aspen’s chapters will undertake similar efforts in environmental values. That most Fort Collins and Colorado Springs. prominently means walking away from Divestment campaigns and the creation carbon. of 350.org chapters were initiated by an “The City of Aspen is taking the first article that climate activist Bill McKibben steps to putting our money where our wrote for Rolling Stone in 2012. The article, mouth is,” says Mayor Torre (he goes by one “Global Warming’s Terrifying New Math,” name). “I anticipate a two-year process to laid out the argument that fossil fuels fully divest from the investments that don’t already documented and much of it reflect our community values. Our intention “owned” but still in the ground could not be is to be fiscally responsible as we get policy possibly burned if the climate of the Earth is in place to guide our banking and to remain habitable for most of today’s result of a staff decision to align investments population of humans. with the community’s environmental values. “We have five times as much oil and coal But what about those who finance fossil and gas on the books as climate scientists fuel companies? think is safe to burn,” McKibben wrote. As with Boulder, Aspen is wrestling with “We’d have to keep 80 percent of those this issue. City staff wants direction from the reserves locked away underground to avoid elected officials. It’s not part of the official that fate.” matrix of risk, return and liquidity that McKibben followed up with a guides the city’s current tour of the United States in investment policies. which he made the case why the Eighty percent of the global concentration of carbon city’s investments go to the dioxide needed to be lowered to public sector, including 350 parts per million. That spring municipal bonds. That sector they had surpassed 400 ppm for yields generally lower but the first time. (They’re now at safe returns as compared to 417 ppm). the private sector. The private In Colorado, McKibben spoke or corporate sector generally at the Glenn Miller Ballroom at delivers higher returns, if not the University of Colorado- necessarily so of late, Boulder to a standing-room-only Strecker’s memo to the crowd of about 1,100 people. council said. Boulder was among the first The city’s corporate municipalities in the country to holdings—Microsoft, US divest its investments from fossil Bank, and Apple Inc., for fuels. But Boulder has found that it’s hard to example—do not directly involve fossil fuels. entirely remove the carbon from its money, The possible exception is the city’s $3.4 as the Boulder Daily Camera explained in million investment in Toyota Motor Credit 2017. Even now it continues to bank with JP Corp. Morgan Chase, a financier of controversial The Roaring Fork Valley chapter of Bakken and Dakota Access pipeline projects. 350.org, the activist group created in the One alternative—but not in Colorado—is wake of McKibben’s tour, has been pushing for municipalities and counties to conduct Aspen to divest. The group’s Will Hodges, at their banking through credit unions and the Feb. 1 meeting urged the city council to public banks. Colorado requires banks be “adopt a policy against investing in the FDIC insured, and public banks and credit financing, production, and delivery of fossil- unions are not. Legislation is expected to be fuel energy.” introduced this legislative session that would The public conversation began in early end this prohibition. November. The upshot of the Feb. 1 meeting was agreement that staff will work up a spen has no formal policy governing scoring guide to govern investments. Aits investments in carbon-based “I suspect we will be learning more and capitalism. The city bought ExxonMobil stock refining this policy going forward,” says in September 2017 but liquidated the stock, Torre. “We are looking at other Colorado then worth $2 million, in March 2919. This communities that are divested and divesting said Peter Strecker, the city’s finance to learn how to best evaluate investment director, in a memorandum to the city opportunity and strategy.” council before a Feb. 1 meeting, was the

2 Boulder County has divested from fossil fuels in its investments, but Weld County—well, can you possibly imagine how the idea would go over in Greeley?

A test case for developing the criteria says Torre. “I have already had an exchange used in this potential policy is the $2.9 with them about our desire to be smart, million in bonds that Aspen has invested in conscientious, fiscally responsible investors. Wells Fargo. The bonds mature in October Wells Fargo is working on their ESG 2022. (environmental, social and corporate Insight Investment, the city’s financial governance) scoring and examining their advisor, has a team of analysts who conduct policies.” research on environmental, social, and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock governance issues for publicly traded firms. announced in April 2019 that the city had Based on this consultant’s research, Wells sold $50 million in corporate bonds issued Fargo has a sweet smell, despite that little by ExxonMobil and Chevron. problem of some slithery come-hither 350 Colorado and others wanted Denver hucksterism a few years ago. That public to also divest of the city’s holdings in JP relations shiner seems to have disappeared Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo, Westword in this rating. reported at the time. Doubts remain among city council members. Hodges, the 350 Roaring Fork welve cities around the globe, Chapter representative, told the Aspen T including 4 in the United States, council at its Feb. 1 meeting that Wells Fargo announced divestment in 2020. has financed $198 million in coal, oil, and gas Perhaps most surprising was New projects since 2016. Orleans. After all, Louisiana is an oil state “Using Wells Fargo as an example will be and, even more, natural gas. About 70% of helpful as we look at various rating programs the state’s electricity is generated using and setting our thresholds for investment,” natural gas. In Triple Pundit, Kate Zerrenner

3 pointed out that New Orleans is a different retirees and other investors is to maximize city after the devastation of Hurricane profits. Katrina, one more acutely aware of its DiNapoli, New York’s fund manager, had vulnerability to climate change. A 2017 plan long advocated for engagement with called for the city to reduce carbon companies over divestment. emissions 50% by 2030. And in February Alice Hill, a senior fellow at the Council 2020, the governor of Louisiana announced on Foreign Relationships, said that pension a plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. funds have been conservative investors, This was part of a coastal restoration and reluctant to make decisions that could be flood preservation plan. seen as political. “For a major investor to say In New York, the divestment announced we’re getting out of this business sends a was the result of an agreement by the state very strong market signal that climate controller, Thomas DiNapoli, and state change is a financial risk,” she said. legislators, who were poised to pass legislation requiring him to sell fossil-fuel olorado 350 and allied groups have stocks. The New York Times in December C been trying to get the Colorado explained that legislators wanted quicker Public Employees’ Retirement Association to action, and he persuaded them a broader, divest its $45 billion in holdings of fossil more nuanced approach would accomplish fuels. PERA provides retirement and other more. In the next 5 years, the pension fund benefits to more than 650,000 current and will drop many of its fossil fuel stocks and former teachers, state troopers, snowplow sell its share in other companies that drivers, corrections officers, and other public contribute to global warming in 2040. employees. The litmus test for the New York fund A bill was introduced in the 2019 will be the ability of the companies to show legislative session by State Rep. Emily Sirota, “future ability to provide investment returns a Democrat from Denver, that would have in light of the global consensus on climate ordered PERA to conduct a study. It didn’t change.” get out of committee. The PERA Board of The decision was a setback for oil and Trustees pre-empted the discussion with a gas companies and industry groups. The lengthy statement that urged legislators Times said a slide in the value of their “thoughtfully consider such proposals with stocks—ExxonMobil wrote down $20 billion caution and fiduciary care” and described in assets in November—undermined their divestment as a slippery slope. Their main argument against divestment: that statement cited several arguments: fund managers’ first responsibility to

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4 • Divestment, by its nature, adversely affects diversification by limiting the Jeff Ackermann joins Bill investment universe. Ritter’s Center for the • Divestment comes with significant associated costs to search for and certify New Energy Economy those companies that have the Jeff Ackermann joining former Colorado characteristics of affiliation as targeted by a Gov. Bill Ritter’s Center for the New Energy divestment effort, plus the transaction fees. Economy as a senior policy advisor. • The money held by PERA for retirees is Ackermann had been chairman of the not actually public money, but the money of Colorado Public Utilities Commission for four the retirees. years until replaced in January by Eric Blank, • PERA’s funds will constitute a “very an appointee of Colorado Gov. Jared Polis. small fraction of the company’s total global “This is a perfect time to have a former operations” and hence there’s no assurance regulator of Jeff’s caliber join our staff,” said the impact of that pressure will be felt as Ritter. “Jeff’s deep intended, and there might well be subject matter expertise unintended consequences. will prove crucial in our A bill was planned last year to propose efforts to help Western prodding PERA into study of divestment but States and Western got bumped because of the covid-shortened utilities improve regional session, says Deborah McNamara, the energy system planning campaign director for 350 Colorado. Another and expand renewable bill will be introduced this year, again by energy and storage Jeff Ackermann Rep. Sirota, but the exact proposal is still resources.” being worked out, she says. Ackermann will be involved in the Fossil Free PERA in 2020 released a Western Interconnect Regional Electricity study that found that PERA had already lost Dialogue, an ongoing conversation with $1.77 billion because of a decline in the Western utilities and energy experts to value of fossil fuel companies in the last address regional transmission planning, decade. resource adequacy, and state energy and Whether in Aspen or at PERA climate policies. headquarters a few steps from the Colorado As a PUC commissioner, Ackermann had Capitol in Denver, the broad, overarching been co-chair of the National Task Force on question is what ultimately is the value of Comprehensive Electricity Planning during divestment? the last two years. The task force was The setting and circumstances were charged with focusing on how states can different last summer when a member of better integrate resource, transmission, and the Air Quality Control Commission distribution system planning. wondered out loud whether the best way to The task force website points out that make technology shifts is to offer superior utilities nationally spend more than $130 technology. billion on capital expenditures. With growing Julia Williams, the community and installation by customers of distributed development director for 350 Colorado, had generation, “electricity planning needs to thought about this before. “Market-based account for the quantity, location, strategies may get us there eventually,” she capabilities, and load shapes of resources answered, “but they will not get us there added to the distribution system and the nearly as fast as we need to avoid climate bulk power system.” catastrophe.”

5 Fourth, the fuel will be cheaper. Despite the $100 million cost of conversion, 5 benefits of closing the Benyamin said switching from coal to natural gas will save Colorado Springs so Drake coal plant in 2022 much money it can use the money to finance By the end of 2022 and quite likely by the transmission rebuild in the city without summer, 2022, the 200-megawatt coal-fired raising rates. Martin Drake Power Plant near downtown Fifth, the coal plant required water; not Colorado Springs will cease operations, to be so these gas plants. replaced by six 34-megawatt natural gas Colorado Springs is the third largest units. The gains: electrical utility in Colorado, responsible in The new units can fire up in eight 2018 for 8.3% of all electrical sales, behind minutes, compared to 12 to 18 hours for the Xcel Energy and Tri-State Generation and coal plant, said Aram Benyamin, chief Transmission. executive of Colorado Springs Utilities. That Like nearly all other of the state’s makes them more useful in backing up new electrical utilities, Colorado Springs has renewable generation. “They will run when committed to reducing carbon dioxide we need them, and don’t when we don’t emissions from its power generation 80% by need them,” said Benyamin. 2030 as compared to 2005 levels. “That is Second, natural gas plants, by most the minimum,” said Benyamin. measuring criteria, produce half the carbon Colorado Springs also operates the Ray dioxide emissions of coal combustion. Nixon plant about 20 miles south of the city. Third, the gas units being manufactured It plans to close it by 2030. by General Electric, the first for this After the coal plant is decommissioned, particular technology, will be portable. After the 79-acre site will be repurposed following new transmission is built by the end of 2024, a public process. It lies near the center of they can be moved to military bases or other Colorado Springs and is close to museums locations around Colorado Springs. and other facilities.

6 vehicles than those imposed on automakers What decisions by the by the EPA. The Obama administration adopted big automakers mean pollution rules that were modeled on those adopted by California. The California and for Colorado’s EV goals Obama rules required auto companies to Were there virtual high-5s among make and sell vehicles that reached an Colorado’s architects of decarbonization? average fuel economy of about 54.5 miles Surely there were in the wake of the per gallon by 2025. It was, says the New York announcement by General Motors that it Times, the most salient effort by the Obama was shifting its production and sales from administration to reduce emissions of the internal combustion engine to electric greenhouse gases. vehicles in the next 15 years. Arriving in the White House, Donald Ford Motors followed up late last week Trump set out to roll back those standards, that it was doubling its investment in EVs by the centerpiece of his deregulatory agenda. 2025. “We’re not going to cede the future to The Trump administration last year rolled anyone,” Jim Farley, the chief executive of the standard back to 40 miles per gallon by Ford, told CNBC. 2026. This should make it far easier for Meanwhile, Colorado in 2019 joined the Colorado to achieve its goal of 42% coalition of California and 12 other states penetration of the automotive fleet by 2030. requiring zero-emission vehicle regulations. That goal, announced soon after Gov. Jared Within the automotive industry, some Polis took office in 2019, calls for 940,000 automakers—including General Motors and EVs by 2030. Toyota—sided with the Trump Asked for comment after GM’s administration rollback. They filed suit announcement, Will Toor, executive director against California. But five automakers— of the Colorado Energy Office, agreed that it Ford, Honda, BMW, Volkswagen, and Volvo, is “very good news for Colorado’s EV goals, together with 30% of the market in and we look forward to working with GM California—had agreed last August to abide and other automakers to transition to a fully by California’s standards. The agreement electric fleet.” GM was, he noted, the first required them to increase their average fuel major automaker, beyond the EV-only economy from about 38 mpg to about 51 companies like Tesla and Rivian, to mph by 2026. announce EV plans that match the scale of changes needed to confront the climate ast week, Toyota, Fiat Chrysler, and crisis. L others who had banded together The GM announcement was part of a under the name of Coalition for Sustainable broader somersault by the automotive Automotive Regulation dropped the lawsuit. sector since the November election of This comes after the Alliance for President Joe Biden. Automotive Innovation, which includes 99% The short story is that Trump lost, of of automakers, offered principles for a course, and California won—and so did national program of clean car standards and Colorado. a long-term focus on electric vehicles. The decision to drop the lawsuit was ome history: California by virtue of a described by Travis Madsen, the Sruling in the 1990s had the authority transportation program director at the to set stricter emissions standards for Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, as important for Colorado as the clean-car

7 standards are a “central part of Colorado’s More is coming. One mechanical strategy to accelerate vehicle electrification engineering professor at Carnegie Mellon and deliver on our climate goals, and it will University expects $80 per kilowatt-hour in be important to have all automakers moving two or three years. in the same direction.” And companies are working on new Polis, in a statement, had much the configurations-such as solid-state batteries, same to say. which don’t transfer ions through liquid— “We are also encouraged to see the auto that could significantly enhance the power industry come to the table with a willingness and further lower battery prices. to support stronger year over year “The battery has reached a tipping improvements to fuel economy and point,” reports the Journal’s Russell Gold greenhouse gas emissions than the rules and Ben Foldy. “It is poised to transform the adopted by the previous administration,” he way the world uses power.” said. They speak to the change in the “Moving forward, we are focused on automotive and power sectors. achieving large scale electrification, which is One change—already starting to show what is required to meet the climate crisis up in Colorado, such as at trial experiments we face. With most of the real-world by Holy Cross Energy and Xcel Energy—is in manufacturing decisions for the next few homes. That could threaten the natural gas years already made, we encourage all peaker-plants. They are called that because parties to put the fighting of the past behind they can be fired up to generate electricity us and chart a new path to successfully on short order to meet peak demands. electrify the light-duty fleet as soon as Batteries could make them unnecessary or possible." deliver the same service at lower cost. One renewable generation developer asserts that batteries could render uneconomic 100 Disruption poised to gigawatts of capacity in existing gas- and occur from lower-cost coal-fired power plants. As for cars, EV battery packs and motors lithium-ion batteries currently cost $4,000 more than comparably-sized vehicles using internal- Disruption is coming in energy sectors, combustion engines. That cost differential reports the Wall Street Journal, the result of will disappear by mid-decade, according to rapidly falling prices of lithium-ion batteries. investment bank USB Group AG. In the story, “The Battery is Ready to There are problems. No one country had Power the World,” the newspaper also more than 20% of the world’s total explains that the ICE age is coming to an production of oil, while China currently end. Confused? We’ll get to that. controls 60% of the production of First, the raw numbers. lithium-ion batteries. And charging In January 2010, a consultant infrastructure is still not adequate (and in Boston estimated battery costs some say the batteries themselves at between $1,000 and $1,200 remain unsuitable for cold-weather per kilowatt-hour. climates like Colorado). Now, they’re about $125 per kilowatt- But innovations have just begun on hour, the result of increases in battery-powered EVs, which caused an auto- manufacturing capacities that lowered costs industry consultant, Sandy Munro, to deliver and also tweaks to chemistry and design.

8 this line: “Right now, we’re basically scratching the surface,” he told the Journal. “The ICE age is coming to an end,” he said, using the acronym for internal- combustion engine.

Durango to have fast EV LaBuda on Jan 25, denied the request by charger by this summer Suncor Energy to move the lawsuit filed by A high-speed electric vehicle charger, Boulder and Boulder County to Denver. capable of topping out most EVS to full San Miguel County’s lawsuit against within 20 minutes, will be available in Exxon stays in Boulder County—unless, Durango’s transit center by early summer. possibly, ExxonMobil wants it moved. The city government chipped in $11,000 More confusingly, the judge agreed with toward the $306,600 cost. The majority of Suncor that the same claims by San Miguel the cost was covered by the Colorado Energy County need to be moved to another Office—which is using proceeds from the jurisdiction. That said, without ExxonMobil Volkswagen settlements several years ago— being a party to Suncor’s filing, San Miguel’s along with help from La Plata Electric case stays in Boulder. Association and ChargePoint, the company Why does it matter whether the case that won the contract in Colorado to gets heard in Boulder or Denver, as Suncor develop a high-speed charging prefers? That’s not clear. Residents in both infrastructure. jurisdictions walk in veritable lock-step in The fast-charger will be next to two their political beliefs. Level 2 chargers, which take 4 hours to give Suncor operates Colorado’s largest oil an EV a full charge. refinery, located along Sand Creek northeast As of Jan. 1, Colorado had nearly 33,000 of downtown Denver. ExxonMobil is also a EVs registered. It aims for 940,000 by 2030. defendant. North of Durango 107 miles, a fast- The April 2018 lawsuit filed by charging station has already been erected as EarthRights International, Niskanen Center part of the state program. Delta-Montrose and others says that Suncor and ExxonMobil Electric, one of the partners, had become have “known about the consequence of involved believing that it would initially be fossil fuel use for more than 50 years, yet useful for the tourism economy. The amount they continued to promote and sell their of use, even in mid-winter, has surprised products, while deceiving the public and Delta-Montrose. policymakers about the dangers,” according to a press release issued at the time. Climate liability suit against They seek damages to help offset the impacts of climate change “caused by the 2 fossil fuel companies to defendants’ tortious conduct, that have stay in Boulder County occurred and will occur within their A small twist in the long wrangle geographic boundaries.” between three Colorado jurisdictions and They estimate $100 million in damages two fossil fuel companies came with a ruling over the next three decades to deal with by Boulder District Court Judge Judith impacts of climate change caused by LaBuda. products like those made, promoted, and sold by Suncor and Exxon.

9 Lawsuits by the three Colorado 5 states through a program called Scale Zero jurisdictions align with those filed that seeks to build coalitions of supporters elsewhere, primarily California and New to influence regulatory, legislative, and York. The difference, obviously, is that it’s in utility programs that drive market-demand the interior. See 2018 story, “Climate for zero-emission buildings. hypocrisy unbridled or something else?” “Our implementation efforts will focus on catalyzing thousands of affordable, multifamily housing retrofits,” RMI’s Colorado well represented summary says. “By prioritizing historically marginalized communities, we ensure that among finalists for Lever for they benefit first from the health and Change $10 million award economic advantages of zero-emission Colorado-based organizations are well buildings. Building on our existing work and represented among the five finalists for an deep expertise, we will push the market inaugural $10 million award launched last towards a “tipping point” that leads to year to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in catalytic national transformation.” buildings, industry, and/or transportation sectors by 2030. Building with Biomass: Using Buildings The Lever for Change, using money from to Sequester Carbon at Gigaton-Scale an anonymous donor, points out that these The University of Colorado is part of a sectors account for more than half of U.S. team led by the Carbon Leadership Forum at greenhouse gas emissions. the University of Washington that proposes to use biogenic building materials and to First Statewide Virtual Power Plant: reduce carbon emissions in all other Equitable Transition in Clean Energy buildings in order to make buildings into The National Renewable Energy carbon sinks. Laboratory, of Golden, and Boulder-based Two others among the 68 applications Resource Media are part of a proposal to made the final cut. Applications were based push the pedal to the floor on an inclusive on 4 criteria: whether they were impactful, financing tool that enables home energy feasible, scalable, and durable. upgrades to reach mass scale by assuring all The two other finalists: One would households can participate regardless of accelerating transportation electrification in their income, credit score, or renter status. the Southeast, and the second aim to drive “It will create the first demonstration for the investments in technology, markets, and nation of full statewide residential sector policy to double industrial renewable decarbonization and creation of a statewide thermal energy by 2030. virtual power plant—all through equitable “While the world is rolling out a rapid energy transition,” the team says. The team response to the coronavirus pandemic, there also includes Solar United Neighbors and is no vaccine for climate change,” said Cecilia Liberty Homes, both of whom have a Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change. presence in Colorado. Lever for Change is modeled on the MacArthur Foundation’s $100 million Scale Zero: Healthy, Zero-Emission, competition called 100&Change program. A companion effort is the Bold Solutions Affordable Housing for All Network, which seeks to match donors with Boulder-based Rocky Mountain nonprofits and social enterprises. Institute has a proposal focused on accelerating the pace of building retrofits in

10 powerful and productive regional sharing of electricity. Utility managers universally agree A market launches that this regional sharing of electricity across far broader areas will be crucial to even deeper decarbonization of electricity. and a sales pitch The question remains whether Colorado and other utilities in the Rocky Mountains to look eastward will look east or west in this to-be-decided regional alignment. Think Arkansas or by Allen Best California. More on that duality later. At the stroke of midnight on Feb. 1, a Western utilities have been, to a great small, even tiny, but still important step was extent, islands unto themselves. That has taken along the path toward deep started to diminish, but more so on the West decarbonization in Colorado. Coast and on the Great Plains The Southwest Power Pool Why this matters in than in the Rocky Mountain launched Western energy Colorado’s path states. The arrival of low-cost imbalance services, or WEIS, a toward renewables in the last 15 market-based system that years and government allows electrical utilities to decarbonization mandates to decarbonize share electricity, allowing deeper electricity several years ago penetration of renewables and saving began driving conversations about the need money. for an energy imbalance market, or EIM, in If of immediate benefit to a significant Colorado. But the far greater prize would be minority of electrical customers in Colorado, creation of a RTO, or regional transmission the new imbalance market is best organization. understood as the prelude to an even more

11 Hang on. The world of electricity is an “The fact that we are talking about alphabet soup. But don’t let the acronyms markets in the West is, I think, a major get in the way of understanding what is at change and a major shift,” said Mark stake here. Duane Highley, the chief Gabriel, administrator of WAPA. The West executive of Tri-State, explained it well not long ago was described as a “great open during a Feb. 3 press conference. wasteland” when it came to energy Tri-State, he reported, is constructing markets,” he said. Now, “markets are 1,000 megawatts of new wind and solar and, coming to the West hard and fast.” after 2024, plans to construct another 2,000 In the Missouri Valley, where WAPA also megawatts of renewables even as it operates, markets have delivered $145 continues closing coal plants. Last year, it million in direct benefits since 2015, he closed Escalante, in New Mexico, and plans pointed out. to close three units in Colorado, at Craig, Gabriel suggested the Rocky Mountains between 2024 and 2030. will get an RTO in two or three years. Highley described the new imbalance f still coal-heavy now, Tri-State has market as having “very low cost of entry, Icommitted to decarbonizing its with immediate benefits for us.” Tri-State electrical supply 80% by 2030 as compared spent $3.5 million as its share for software to 2005 levels. It delivered 18.5% of all and other costs, but expects to see savings electricity consumed in Colorado in 2018, of $2 million in the first year of operation second only to Xcel Energy’s 51%. Tri-State and rising benefits in years beyond. also delivers electricity to cooperatives in “It’s not the end point,” Highley said. New Mexico, Wyoming, and Nebraska. Alphabet soup “As we try to achieve SPP Southwest Power Pool our green energy goals, we CAISO California Independent System Operator don’t believe it’s possible to EIM energy imbalance market get there without integrating WEIS Western Energy Imbalance Service (SPP) these massive amounts of WEIM Western Energy Imbalance Market (CAISO) renewables across a much RTO regional transmission organization larger footprint,” said ISO independent system operator, similar to RTO Highley at the Feb. 3 press conference. “Hence our desire to see a full “Our ultimate goal is to see a full RTO in the RTO in the West.” West.” Tri-State was joined by the Western He ticked off the benefits of a full RTO: Area Power Administration, or WAPA, two • elimination of pancaking of major players serving Colorado in transmission rates (like having to pay a toll committing in September 2019 to every time you pass through a new town). participating in the EIM created by the • ability for renewable energy to flow Arkansas-based Southwest Power Pool, or across multiple regions; SPP. • a more diverse footprint for Also participating in the new energy renewables, which makes them more imbalance market is the Municipal Energy reliable for everyone. Agency of Nebraska, or MEAN. MEAN • broader geographic and resource delivers electricity to Aspen, Gunnison, diversity also allows utilities to operate with Lyons, and Oak Creek but also Fort Morgan, fewer reserves, meaning a reduction of Holyoke, and 7 other municipal utilities in capital expense on projects. It might, for Colorado.

12 example, mean one less wind farm, or one At least two studies were completed in less natural gas-fired power plant. 2020 on the question of the best alignments. An RTO, said Highley, would deliver at A Brattle study found RTO membership least 10 times the financial benefits of an could produce an annual savings of $49 energy imbalance market. And, he said, it million for both SPP and the Western will be imperative for Tri-State as it moves entities. past 50% renewables, because “we can’t do A different study, conducted by Vibrant that just within our (operating) area.” Clean Energy, found that alignments with both the Arkansas-based SPP and with the or those who have studied the future California-based CAISO would benefit F of electrical transmission, these were utilities, but with somewhat greater benefits familiar talking points. But the press resulting from the sun-soaked CAISO. conference was an orchestrated effort to CAISO, however, makes some in persuade whoever was listening that Colorado nervous, because California Colorado utilities will best align with legislators have so far been unwilling to let Southwest Power Pool. loose of oversight of CAISO. There have been SPP operates an RTO that is almost other questions as well. That said, Tri-State entirely in the Central Time Zone. It’s already operates in CAISO territory in New drenched with wind, with up to 27 Mexico. megawatts of electrical generation by the Xcel Energy and three partners—Platte end of last year. It was the dominant River Power Authority, Colorado Springs resource in the SPP last year, and Barbara Utilities, and Black Hills Energy—cut a deal Sugg, the chief executive, reports developers with CAISO in late 2019 to create an energy want to get in. imbalance market for them. That EIM is But governance was the selling point. expected to begin operations in early 2022. The word was used probably 15 times during Meanwhile, the Colorado Public Utilities 25 minutes of talking. Commission has commissioned a study due Highley, who came to Colorado from this summer to evaluate potential RTO Arkansas, said there’s no need to create an alignments. entirely new RTO when Colorado utilities can And, in the coming Colorado legislative join SPP. “I am very familiar with the PP session, State Sen. Chris Hansen has a governance model. It’s one of the things we transmission bill that will, in part, try to give really admire about SPP.” SPP is member- the PUC guidance about how to sort out driven and its governance transparent, he alignments. Separate RTOs have operated in said—similar to the cooperative model, he the state previously, he says, sometimes added. with success and sometimes not. “Sometimes that has been described as painfully collaborative, but it gets the results. Everyone gets heard, and at the end of the day we come to solutions that work Please recommend Big Pivots to for everybody.” those interested in Colorado’s great Supp, the CEO of SPP, asked directly why transitions in climate, energy and Rocky Mountain utilities should align with more. SPP, replied: “It’s the governance and the Subscribe at BigPivots.com track record.”

This includes state regulatory commissions—presumably including the Colorado PUC.

13 The company will file a proposal with Colorado regulators by the end of March that enumerates its plans. Xcel, in a statement, said the plan is “expected to include continued expansion of wind resources.”

Guzman Energy adds Daniela Shapiro as the chief financial officer Denver-based wholesale power provider Guzman Energy has hired Daniela Shapiro as chief financial officer. Shapiro will oversee Guzman Energy’s finance activities and capital strategy. “Guzman continues to grow and as we A wind turbine at Cheyenne Ridge. expand into new markets, Daniela will be integral to enhancing Xcel Energy boasts of our strategy,” said wind energy milestone Christopher Miller, president of Guzman Xcel Energy reached 10,000 megawatts of Energy. wind energy capacity in its eight-state Shapiro has more than 20 years of service territory by the end of 2020. The energy infrastructure experience, having led company expects to achieve 31% of its teams and transactions in excess of $5 nameplate energy capacity from wind by the billion in capital. Before joining Guzman, she end of 2021. led ENGIE’s distributed renewables finance In Colorado, Xcel expects to have 4,135 and advisory team in North America. megawatts of wind-generating capacity by In addition, for the last 11 years, Shapiro the end of 2021. That will represent 35.3% has served other leadership and executive of the utility’s electrical sales in Colorado. roles in early-stage and growth companies in Four wind farms were completed in 2020. the renewables industry. She also had a The largest was the 500-megawatt banking career over a cumulative period of Cheyenne Ridge, located east of Denver near 10 years when she originated, advised, the Kansas border. Xcel owns the farm. structured, and closed landmark deals Others were 300-megawatt Bronco spanning from project financing, Plains, the 162-megawatt Colorado Green, infrastructure advisory, tax equity and the 171-megawatt Mountain Breeze. investments, and working capital solutions. Two of the above are power-purchase agreements, and Colorado Green was a You can sign up to get Big Pivots repowering of an existing project. at https://bigpivots.com Rush Creek, a 600-megawatt project east of Denver, near Limon, was completed in 2018 and is owned directly by Xcel.