Local Government Electric Vehicle Readiness Planning Grants

Local governments are uniquely positioned to advance emission reduction strategies in buildings, energy generation, and transportation. The Polis Administration’s Roadmap to 100% Renewable Energy By 2040 and Bold Climate Action acknowledges that local governments “…have significant authority over building codes, transportation investments, and other key clean energy policy levers.” The Roadmap calls for local governments to lead by example, and for the State of Colorado to support local government electric vehicle (EV) planning and investment in rural EV charging infrastructure. 

The readiness plans developed through this grant program will support the 2020 Colorado Electric Vehicle Plan target of 940,000 EVs on the road by 2030 and numerous local, state, and federal climate action plans  to increase use of electric vehicles throughout the region.

In addition to the numerous environmental benefits of an EV readiness plan, there are also economic benefits for local communities, including new revenue sources and fuel and maintenance cost savings for community members.

The Community Access Enterprise (CAE), in partnership with the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), will provide funding to local, county, and Tribal governments and their regional partners to develop EV readiness plans that will allow communities to establish a shared vision for EV readiness, identify key partnerships and actionable strategies needed to achieve the vision, and prepare for and encourage community adoption of electric vehicles. 

This is a competitive grant. CAE/CEO intends to make four to six awards in Fiscal Year 2024.

Applicants must be a local, county, or Tribal government. EV readiness plans must be regional in nature, and the development process should ensure engagement with a wide variety of public and private stakeholders. Local, county, or Tribal government partnerships with other entities are allowed.

CAE and CEO are no longer accepting applications for this program. Award winners for the RFA round outlined above will be notified in late January 2024.