SUBJECT:
Title
Draft Resilience Action Plan Presentation and Discussion
Department
DEPARTMENT: Environmental Services
Presenter
PRESENTER(S): Emma Marino, Sustainability & Water Conservation Specialist
Eryka Thorley, Sustainability Manager
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Time
TIME ESTIMATE: 45 minutes
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Fiscal
FISCAL SUMMARY:
Cost as Recommended: $10,000
Balance Available: $3,675.81 (pending payment of final invoice)
Fund General Fund
Line Item Number: 100-25-780-570000-000000
New Appropriation Required: No
Policy
POLICY ISSUES:
Erie’s first Resilience Action Plan (RAP) draft supports resilience related goals and best practices identified in Erie’s 2019 Sustainability Plan, 2025 Beneficial Electrification Plan, 2024 Comprehensive Plan, and 2023 Home Rule Charter.
Recommendation
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend a thorough review and discussion of this draft plan. Staff will then integrate feedback into a final version for Council’s consideration on Nov. 4. Following adoption, resilience efforts will transition to implementation, including a second project (if accepted) with CU Boulder’s Masters of the Environment Capstone program focused on various implementation areas (Resilience Hub(s), HOA engagement, etc.).
Body
SUMMARY/KEY POINTS
• Erie’s first RAP draft identifies and solidifies the Town’s support and commitment to increase resilience of residents and businesses through intentional strategies and focus areas.
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimated that for every one dollar spent in resilience investment, $13 is realized through avoided future impacts in economic loss and infrastructure rebuilding. This plan will allow the Town to target strategic investments including State and federal grant opportunities.
• Next steps include high level integration of the RAP into the Sustainability Action Plan update as well as a second project (if accepted) with the CU Boulder Masters of the Environment Capstone program to begin implementation of the plan.
BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
Town staff are proud to present the Town’s first ever Resilience Action Plan (RAP). This new plan is designed to strengthen the Town’s ability to adapt, thrive, and grow in the face of climate, economic, and social challenges. The plan identifies risks and adaptive strategies for the Town to improve community preparedness for extreme weather events and social vulnerabilities. Erie stands at a pivotal point in its development with evolving environmental concerns, rapid population growth, and increasing infrastructure demands. The draft RAP outlines a forward-looking vision with concrete actions to ensure the Town remains secure, sustainable, and equitable in the future.
This plan is grounded in an understanding of Town priorities, research, environmental sustainability, and best practices for long-term growth. Development of the plan was supported by a Vulnerability Assessment conducted by the University of Colorado Boulder’s Masters of the Environment (MENV) students. This assessment evaluated environmental risks and social equity hazards and was complemented by robust community engagement. Town staff, local and regional partners, and Erie residents played a vital role in shaping the recommendations presented in this plan.
The three key areas for building long-term resilience included in this plan are:
1. Infrastructure
2. Land Management
3. Community
Each chapter provides background on the topic, a list of current progress, accomplishments, goals, strategies, and potential community partnerships.
priorities
TOWN COUNCIL PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
☒ Attractive Community Amenities
☒ Engaged and Diverse Community
☒ Prosperous Economy
☒ Well-Maintained Transportation Infrastructure
☒ Small Town Feel
☒ Safe and Healthy Community
☒ Effective Governance
☒ Environmentally Sustainable
☒ Fiscally Responsible
attachments
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Presentation
2. Draft Resilience Action Plan