D1A66C0E357BF6DC872584420058114F Hearing Summary

Anne Miller, Colorado Resiliency Office, distributed her presentation (Attachment C).  The office is part of the Department of Local Affairs, moving there in 2017.  The office was established as part of the Governor's Office in response to the devastating fires and floods in Northern Colorado in 2012 and 2013.  The office assists communities in preparing for wildfire and supports recovering communities.

The Colorado Resiliency Working Group was formed in 2014 with membership from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and local organizations.  The goal is to think proactively and respond with a multi-sector approach.  Resiliency, as defined in statute, is the ability of communities to rebound and positively adapt or thrive in response to changing conditions and challenges.  It is important to preserve quality of life for healthy growth, a strong environment, and to protect resources.

The office partnered with the University of Colorado at Denver to survey local governments about their attitudes, experiences, and needs pertaining to challenges or disruptions facing communities.  Responses indicated that local governments see adaptation broadly and are concerned with impacts to public health, infrastructure, local businesses, and the economy.  Communities are also concerned about risks pertaining to drought and wildfire and acknowledge that climate change may be increasing the risks.  

Ms. Miller stated that resilient communities understand risk and take measures to prepare for the risk.

She discussed that the resiliency office is the state lead for the Resiliency and Community Recovery Program.  Work includes long-term recovery and technical assistance for local governments and other state agencies.

Ms. Miller mentioned how the resiliency office assisted with recovery efforts related to the Spring Fire, especially flood risk from fire and how recovery plan grants funded preparation and early warning.

She also mentioned how tools that support local governments in understanding risks and preparing are helpful, including model codes and information on different hazards and how to prepare.  Planning workbooks are on the resiliency website.  Other options include workshops and peer networks.

In response to a question about climate, Ms. Miller responded that the Colorado Resiliency Office is looking at climate and drought trends in participation with other groups.  A committee member commented that peer networks have been helpful in rural colorado.

All local communities have participated in programs and developed local plans. The survey with the University of Colorado at Denver revealed that more communities are developing resiliency plans.

Ms. Miller indicated that furthering efforts should include additional resources and creating a sense of urgency, look at resources needed to support activities and fund planning efforts and land use codes, and a sense of urgency in completing resiliency work on this issue across groups is important, including regional, statewide and federal groups.