Agenda Date: 09/01/2026
Subject:
Title
Resolution 50-2026: Approving an amendment to a subaward agreement with Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) for building decarbonization policy work
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:
To seek council approval of an amendment to the subaward agreement with Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) to advance energy efficiency and sustainability goals by utilizing funds for technical assistance and additional staff capacity to conduct critical evaluations, develop tailored strategies, and draft policies.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
Sustainable Community with Natural Beauty
DISCUSSION:
Littleton is proposing an amendment to the BPC subaward with DRCOG. With this funding, Littleton would like to hire a temporary position: an Energy and Sustainability Specialist. This new use of funds will allow for a successful building decarbonization program, as current staff lack the capacity to do this work, even with a consultant. To add this position, the baseline energy assessment is still in scope, but is considered an added provision and possibility as time and funding allow. DRCOG is conducting a similar study, and due to the changed nature of that timeline from external factors, Littleton does not want to pursue a study if that will “reinvent the wheel.” Ideally, Littleton planned to model a study based on gaps in DRCOG’s findings - ultimately working to further the research. However, with timeline changes, Littleton no longer has enough time and information to conduct the study with the same efficiency and efficacy. As such, Littleton requests an amendment to make the most use of these funds before September 30, 2029. Littleton would still like to include an option to explore a baseline energy assessment, but it would depend on time and funds with an added position, as well as what findings DRCOG has from their work.
Even with the added position, Littleton will still go through a formal procurement process to recruit highly qualified consultants who possess the specialized knowledge required to assess energy performance, evaluate building codes, and provide input on ordinances to drive meaningful change. These experts will work closely with the city and the newly hired temporary position to provide critical policy recommendations, technical research, and data-driven strategies to ensure that the city’s efforts to reduce energy consumption, improve building performance, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are grounded in data and best practices. Littleton will work toward the following goals from this project: Align climate models and goals with preliminary models and work in tandem with Littleton plans as they are finalized; Adopting, with possible exceedance, Colorado’s Low Energy and Carbon Code; Exploration of embodied carbon city ordinance; Baseline energy performance evaluation for existing residential structures, determining what percentage of Littleton’s residential housing stock needs retrofits to reach as close to net-zero by 2050 across all sectors. The last goal, “Baseline energy performance evaluation,” is the only goal that will depend on time and funds due to this shift in the scope of work.
BACKGROUND:
The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) received a $199.7 million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a Building Decarbonization Program focused on reducing climate pollution from the building sector. Within this larger program lies the Building Policy Collaborative (BPC), a subprogram designed to support jurisdictions across the region in implementing new, above state minimum building energy codes and performance standards, permitting reform, and other building policies.
As part of this support, the BPC allocated $34.8 million as formula subawards across all jurisdictions in the DRCOG region. The subawards support local jurisdictions by providing funding for staff capacity, training and professional development related to decarbonization policies, enhancements to permitting processes, technical assistance on policy development and adoption, community engagement support, and any other activities designed to reduce climate pollution from the building sector.
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. Section 1.0 of the Environmental Stewardship Action Plan focuses on “Air Quality/Emissions.” The following sub-items from Section 1.0 directly relate to the scope of work for this subaward: 1.2.9, 1.3.1, 1.3.2, 1.3.3, 1.3.7, and 1.3.9. Section 2.0 of the Environmental Stewardship Action Plan focuses on “Built Environment.” The following sub-items in the plan directly relate to the scope of work for this subaward: 2.1.2, 2.1.5, 2.2.1, and 2.3.4. The Environmental Stewardship Action Plan is attached for reference.
April 21, 2026, council approved Resolution 16-2026 approving the subaward agreement.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
This $900,000 subaward requires no matching funds from the City. Also to note, as part of an annual evaluation of the subaward project conducted by DRCOG, the City may submit modifications to its scope of work or budget, or do so at the request of DRCOG. The requested temporary staff position is fully funded by this subaward, including the full salary, benefits, and any associated technology needed to perform job duties.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the amendment to the subaward agreement with DRCOG.
ALTERNATIVES:
Council may decide to delay or deny approval of this amendment of the subaward for additional changes or discussions. If this amendment to the subaward agreement is not approved, the City of Littleton will not be able to amend the current contract. Work will move more slowly, and the city will not make the most of these funds.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve Resolution 50-2026 approving an amendment to a subaward agreement with Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) for building decarbonization policy work.