Boulder County awards sustainability grants to local communities

Boulder County’s Environmental Sustainability Matching Grant Program provides an opportunity for governmental organizations in the county to undertake environmental sustainability priorities within their communities. In addition to supporting local efforts, Boulder County’s Environmental Sustainability Matching Grant Program will help the county leverage community resources for a coordinated, countywide approach to environmental sustainability.

The Sustainability Matching Grant Program in 2022 will be funded by the Sustainability Tax revenue. In November 2016, voters approved the Sustainability Tax ballot initiative, to allocate a portion of sales and use tax revenue to fund sustainability infrastructure and programs, including grant funding to cities and towns for sustainability-focused initiatives that will address the priority needs of local communities.

The 2022 Sustainability Grant recipients are pursuing diverse projects, including, but not limited to, implementation of a climate vulnerability and risk mapping project, assistance to small businesses for transitioning from styrofoam to sustainable takeout containers in partnership with Boulder County Partners for a Clean Environment (PACE), renewable energy planning and solar system installations, and radon testing for homes.

“The Environmental Sustainability Matching Grant Program, funded by Boulder County voters through the Sustainability Tax, is helping communities create programs that meet the needs of their residents," said Commissioner Claire Levy. "As examples, City of Boulder will use funds to continue its reusable takeout food container initiative while Erie will support water conservation incentives. It’s great to see how each community is using these funds to address their own sustainability priorities.”

"From sustainable restaurant takeout containers to water conservation rebates, the diversity and innovation of projects in the 2022 grant program is inspiring,” said Commissioner Marta Loachamin. “We’re looking forward to continuing and developing our partnerships throughout Boulder County to create more sustainable communities in the years to come.”

The Sustainability Matching Grant Program was established in 2014 as a way to support efforts that propel sustainability priorities in Boulder County communities. Any incorporated city or town located within Boulder County was eligible to apply for funding proportionate to community population. The municipality must provide a 25% match of the dollar amount requested.

Recipients and projects selected for award:

City of Boulder proposed funding of $152,520 to continue supporting a reusable food takeout container program launched in 2021, in support of a circular economy, efficient use of resources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Town of Erie proposed funding of $15,000 to offer water conservation rebates and services to residents, in partnership with Resource Central.

Town of Jamestown proposed funding of $14,900 to support diversion of waste from the landfill through the continuation of recycling and hard-to-recycle material diversion, and to continue to enhance and expand the community ditch for agricultural purposes.

City of Lafayette proposed funding of $42,838 to support five projects, including business sustainability by augmenting the incentives provided by Boulder County PACE as well as marketing support for the Green Business program. Grant funding is proposed to support a part-time staff member, purchase electric and handheld tools and native plants for volunteer open space restoration events, offer a community hard-to-recycle event, and organize an electric vehicle and eBike event in partnership with nearby municipalities.

City of Longmont proposed funding of $137,965 to support the continuation of the climate vulnerability and risk mapping project, partner with Boulder County PACE to help small businesses transition from styrofoam to sustainable takeout containers, support the climate work of an equity and engagement specialist position, and update the community-wide sustainability plan with support from a consultant.

City of Louisville proposed funding of $29,856 to continue to support a sustainability specialist to implement the city’s Sustainability Action Plan and coordinate the achievement of adopted climate action goals.

Town of Lyons proposed funding of $15,000 to explore a transition plan for the Lyons community that promotes the use of renewable energy and electrification with the help of a subject matter expert.

Town of Nederland proposed funding of $15,000 to contract with a sustainability expert for program management, valuable sustainability expertise, and streamlined communication to the town and community, in support of Nederland’s sustainability goals.

Town of Superior proposed funding of $18,000 to support residential solar adoption and radon testing, to organize an electric vehicle and eBike event in partnership with nearby municipalities, and to fund a part-time sustainability intern.

The county looks forward to seeing these grant-winning projects come to fruition.

Click here to view a presentation providing an overview of last year's grant recipients. To hear accompanying audio, view in slide show mode.

To learn more about this program, please contact Boulder County Senior Sustainability Strategist Lea Yancey at 720-564-2723. For more information about Boulder County’s sustainability mission and to learn about other programs, visit www.boco.org/Sustainability.