The impacts of climate change are already being felt across our state. As these challenges grow, local governments are on the frontlines of both responding to climate emergencies and building long-term community resilience.
The “Guidance for Local Government Climate Adaptation” provides Colorado municipalities, counties, and special districts with over 25 implementable actions across five sectors. This resource was developed to help communities of all sizes—from rural towns to urban centers—take meaningful steps toward climate preparedness and adaptation.
Each action includes comprehensive guidance, funding resources, case studies from Colorado communities, and connections to state and federal programs that can provide technical and financial support.
Every Colorado community has different needs, capacities, and climate vulnerabilities. This tool is designed to meet you where you are—whether taking your first steps in climate adaptation or enhancing existing resilience efforts. Browse the actions below to find starting points that align with your community's priorities and resources.
The actions below are also listed in the downloadable Actions Spreadsheet.
Strengthen critical systems and infrastructure to withstand climate impacts while working with natural processes to enhance protection.
- Assess and Plan for Climate Risks/Vulnerabilities
- Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)
- Green and Resilient Buildings
- Grid Resilience Planning and Implementation
- Participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS)
- Stormwater Ordinance and Best Management Practices
- Strategic Relocation or Acquisition of High Risk Infrastructure
- Wildfire Mitigation Programming
- Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Code
Build social cohesion and involve residents in resilience planning while ensuring local government continuity during disruptions.
Develop economic systems that can adapt to climate impacts while creating new opportunities.
Protect public health and support vulnerable populations during climate-related events.
Preserve and enhance the natural systems that provide critical services and protection.
The Colorado Resiliency Office developed this resource in close collaboration with many State and local partners. Have a suggestion? We look forward to updating and evolving these resources and value your suggestions, which can be submitted through our Suggestion Box: Guidance for Local Government Climate Adaptation. You may also reach out to Marguerite Harden, the Local Resilience Manager.
Interested in climate mitigation guidance for local governments? Climate mitigation relates to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions with the intention of reducing the extent of climate change. This work is led by the Colorado Energy Office.