Agenda Date: 07/15/2025
Subject:
Title
Resolution 69-2025: Adopt the Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA) Policy Statement and join the coalition
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Brent Soderlin, Director of Public Works & Utilities |
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Laura Rosenbaum, Sustainability Coordinator |
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Presentations: |
N/A |
PURPOSE:
Does city council support the City of Littleton aligning with the Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA) policy statement and becoming a member of the coalition?
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Sustainable Community with Natural Beauty
DISCUSSION:
CC4CA is a coalition of local governments from across the State of Colorado that collaboratively advocate for more effective state and federal climate policies. CC4CA’s policy statement represents collective agreement among its members regarding key legislative, regulatory, and administrative actions that should be pursued-often in partnership with local governments-to support statewide and local efforts to address climate change. By participating in CC4CA, the City of Littleton would have the opportunity to join 45 other local governments in a unified, strategic effort to advance policies that enable Colorado communities to lead in climate protection. Membership of CC4CA offers several strategic benefits to the City of Littleton. Each member jurisdiction appoints a representative to the CC4CA board, ensuring that local voices are actively engaged in statewide climate discussions while fostering relationships with elected officials and sustainability professionals across Colorado. That representative can be a Littleton City Council member, chosen by council, or it can be the city’s lead sustainability staff. The coalition also facilitates informed participation through regular workshops, briefings, and trainings that interpret emerging climate science and explain relevant federal and state policy developments. As a member, Littleton would gain access to timely analyses of legislative and regulatory actions affecting local governments, helping the city anticipate and respond to policy changes. Importantly, CC4CA empowers its members to shape climate policy at the state level by effectively representing local interests before the legislature, regulatory agencies, and the governor’s office.
BACKGROUND:
CC4CA was formed in 2016 and was created as “an association of political subdivisions of the State of Colorado” under state law. Similar to local governments, the organization is not a 501(c)(3) and does not file 990s or make other federal tax-related filings. It is incorporated under state law as a state nonprofit. CC4CA utilizes a fiscal agent when it receives grants that require the recipient to be a 501(c)(3) organization. CC4CA receives a significant portion of its funding from membership dues; however, some of its funding also comes from foundations. Such foundations are the Energy Foundation, Western Conservation Foundation, and Aspen Ski Company’s Environmental Foundation. The Energy Foundation and Western Conservation Foundation are both registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as legally tax-exempt organizations. The Aspen Ski Company’s Environmental Foundation is not a traditional nonprofit. Employees contribute funds from their paycheck, funds are matched by the Aspen Skiing Company Family Fund and the Aspen Community Foundation, and a board of directors, comprised of Aspen employees, governs the foundation and decides which projects to fund. More than 1,600 employees contribute annually. This research verifies the legitimacy of CC4CA and its funding sources.
Prior Actions or Discussions
• April 23, 2024, council study session: ESB presented their finalized version of the Environmental Stewardship Action Plan.
• June 4, 2024, council study session: Council supported and endorsed the Horizon 2027 Strategic Plan, which includes implementing ESB’s Environmental Stewardship Action Plan. Specifically, item 1.2.11, “Remove subsidies for natural gas hookups,” with the recommendation from ESB stating: “The cost of hooking up new homes to natural gas pipelines are subsidized by all users, causing increases to everyone’s bills. Remove these subsidies to balance the upfront costs of electric and fossil-fueled building construction projects,” is directly in ESB’s Environmental Stewardship Action Plan and thus linked to Horizon 2027 and the city’s broader strategic goals. This item would be driven by the State of Colorado, rather than a single jurisdiction, making CC4CA the ideal coalition for Littleton to join in supporting such initiatives. Additionally, broader goals in the plan, such as “get people out of cars,” are often best achieved through regional and state coordination, as greenhouse gas emissions are driven through ozone, nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, and others, and therefore have no jurisdictional boundaries. CC4CA will be a great resource to leverage as the state considers new bills and legislation, and will allow Littleton to have a seat at the table and meaningfully contribute to important conversations.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
The annual membership contribution cost is approximately $5,400.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends council approve CC4CA’s 2023 policy statement and join the coalition.
ALTERNATIVES:
Council may decide to delay joining CC4CA. However, given the current landscape of federal and state environmental policy , it’s important for Littleton to participate in regional coordination efforts. These policies will still be introduced in the Colorado legislature, regardless of our membership status. By joining CC4CA, Littleton has the opportunity to take a proactive role in shaping climate policies in Colorado, ensuring that our community’s perspectives are represented in these discussions.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve Resolution 69-2025, adopting the Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA) Policy Statement and joining the coalition.