Grants for local governments aim to reduce emissions and strengthen climate resilience

To receive this information in another language, please contact Emily Sandoval at esandoval@bouldercounty.gov.

Key Points

• Eight cities and towns will receive $540,510 total in grants to address climate change.
• The money will fund clean energy, increase energy efficiency, reduce extreme heat in neighborhoods, and more.
• The grants come from the Sustainability Tax.

Boulder County, CO — Boulder County Commissioners have approved $540,510 in Environmental Sustainability Municipal Matching Grants to eight cities and towns across the county. These funds will support local governments in advancing climate action through residential energy efficiency and electrification, climate resilient landscaping, tree planting, solar and improved streetlighting. Municipalities committed an additional $135,128 in matching funds.

“The sustainability matching grant program is a collective effort to address the climate crisis,” said Commissioner Claire Levy. “This investment across eight communities signifies our shared commitment to a sustainable future. Together, we're building a healthier and more resilient community for all.”

“The cities and towns in Boulder County have all undertaken meaningful efforts to address climate change,” said Lea Yancey, grant program manager. “This program is designed to give communities additional resources to accelerate their climate work.”

The Environmental Sustainability Matching Grant Program, funded by the voter-approved Sustainability Tax, supports projects and policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or improve climate resiliency.

Grant awards by municipality

Grant amounts were awarded proportional to population.

• Longmont – $199,235: Whole Home Health Program for efficiency, electrification, and health/safety upgrades for low-income households.
• Boulder – $168,000: Climate resilience initiatives, including resilient landscaping showcase and workshops.
• Lafayette – $61,965: Urban tree canopy protection and expansion, plus first comprehensive tree inventory.
• Louisville – $40,344: Support for existing sustainability coordinator position to implement the Sustainability Action Plan.
• Superior – $25,966: Replacement of solar inverters to restore pool solar array functionality.
• Jamestown – $15,000: Solar-powered emergency communication equipment and waste diversion.
• Lyons – $15,000: Conversion of streetlights to energy-efficient LED fixtures.
• Nederland – $15,000: Support for existing part-time sustainability coordinator for program management and communication to advance sustainability goals.

The Towns of Erie and Ward did not apply for funding.

About the Sustainability Tax

In 2019, Boulder County voters approved a 15-year extension of the Sustainability Tax, a 0.125% sales and use tax that funds local sustainability initiatives through 2034.

Mission of the Office of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience

Our mission is to advance policies and programs that conserve resources, protect the environment, and safeguard our climate in order to build a sustainable, just, and resilient community.

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