CML Newsletter
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Current edition
Current Articles
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Application period for CML Executive Board candidacy open through June 8
April 22, 2022
CML is now accepting applications for members interested in running for the CML Executive Board. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8.
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Build Back Better Act heads to U.S. Senate
December 1, 2021
After weeks of political wrangling between the various factions of Congressional Democrats, the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 19 passed the budget reconciliation bill commonly known as the Build Back Better Act (BBBA). In the end, the vote was party line, except for one Democrat who sided with the Republican opposition.
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Flexibility for American Rescue Plan Act funds advances but likely depends on infrastructure deal
November 2, 2021On October 28, President Joe Biden announced he will present a scaleddown version of his Build Back Better Act following negotiations between key factions in the House and Senate. While it isn’t immediately clear that it will satisfy differing demands from within the Democratic party, its successful passage would likely allow an up or down vote in the House on the bipartisan Investment in Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA).
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League able to quickly fill vacant senior team positions
October 19, 2021General counsel
Robert Sheesley, currently the city attorney in Commerce City, will start as CML’s general counsel in mid-November. Sheesley is well known in the Colorado municipal legal community and will be the same excellent resource to city and town attorneys that David Broadwell, current general counsel, has been since he came on board in May 2019. -
Gov. Jared Polis to speak at CML Special Conference; early registration prices extended
September 7, 2021Gov. Jared Polis has confirmed that he will speak at the Thursday lunch at the CML Special Conference. Don't miss this opportunity to hear the latest from the Governor's Office and to see this year's Sam Mamet Good Governance Award presentation.
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Only route to infrastructure aid may be from D.C.
August 24, 2021Toward the end of the 2021 legislative session, Gov. Jared Polis and legislative leaders worked out an agreement to immediately appropriate $2 billion of the $3.8 billion the state received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
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Bipartisan infrastructure bill advances but future uncertain
August 10, 2021However, the legislation is likely to stall in the House once it passes the Senate, casting doubt on when it might ultimately pass or if the entire effort will be scuttled due to political disagreements over how much to spend. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has indicated she will hold the bill unless a separate budget reconciliation bill that includes significantly more infrastructure spending goes along with it.
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Federal broadband grant opportunities
July 27, 2021In 2020 and 2021, several pieces of federal legislation were passed to improve broadband infrastructure nationwide. Below are some grant opportunities that are available for your communities.
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Focus shifts from American Rescue Plan to infrastructure
July 13, 2021Now that all Colorado municipalities have received or will shortly receive the first half of American Rescue Plan (ARP), funding CML and the National League of Cities (NLC) are focusing on infrastructure conversations in Washington, D.C.
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CML holds Annual Business Meeting virtually, elects 2021-2022 Executive Board
June 29, 2021On Monday, June 21, over 100 municipal officials representing 75 municipalities from throughout the state participated in CML’s Annual Business Meeting.
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Registration now open for CML's Special Conference!
June 15, 2021
Registration is now open for CML's Special Conference, Sept. 22–24 in Westminster, and CML's Virtual Special Conference, Sept. 30–Oct. 1. Space at the in–person conference is limited, so register early to ensure your spot at the premiere training event for municipal officials in Colorado!
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U.S. Treasury releases additional American Rescue Plan guidance for non-entitlement municipalities
June 1, 2021With the U.S. Treasury recently issuing additional American Rescue Plan (ARP)
Act guidance for the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSLFR) program, a clearer picture exists for both "metropolitan cities" that are receiving a direct allocation from Treasury, as well as non-entitlement units of local government (NEUs), which are local governments typically serving a population under 50,000.
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Application period for CML Board open through June 6
May 18, 2021Municipal leaders, both elected and staff, are encouraged to consider applying to run for the CML Executive Board and be part of charting the direction of the League.
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Public sector collective bargaining bill coming soon
April 20, 2021The Colorado General Assembly will take up sweeping legislation soon that seeks to mandate collective bargaining rights on local governments, higher education, and other public employers.
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Framework for transportation funding legislation unveiled
April 6, 2021On Thursday, March 18, legislative leaders released new details on legislation that will be introduced in the weeks ahead intended to be a "comprehensive transportation funding plan to modernize our state’s transportation system," according to one of the bill's sponsors, Sen. Faith Winter, D-Westminster.
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Executive Board election application period will open in April
March 23, 2021Beginning on Monday, April 5, CML will start accepting applications for members interested in running for the CML Executive Board. Applications will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9.
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CML Special Conference 2021
March 9, 2021The Colorado Municipal League will be holding a Special Conference Sept. 22-24, 2021 at the Westin in Westminster
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CML now accepting nominations for Sam Mamet Good Governance Award
February 9, 2021Applications are now open for the 2021 Sam Mamet Good Governance Award. To apply, please visit bit.ly/Mamet21. -
CML Board’s first meeting of 2021 features special guests
January 26, 2021The CML Executive Board held its first meeting of 2021 on Friday, Jan. 22 and kicked off the New Year by filling a vacancy and hosting two special guests. -
CAST members elect 2021 board
January 12, 2021Recently, members of the Colorado Association of Ski Towns (CAST) elected the association’s board members for 2021.
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CML congratulates this year’s MCAA award recipients
December 29, 2020Each year, the Metro City Attorney Association (MCAA) honors municipal attorneys who make significant contributions to their cities. This year’s award recipients skillfully assisted their cities in the response to the pandemic and exceeded the expectations of their positions.
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CML accepting applications to fill Executive Board vacancy
December 15, 2020
Letters of application are being accepted to fill a position on the Colorado Municipal League (CML) Executive Board in the medium category.
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Downtown Colorado, Inc. announces municipal, individual award winners
December 1, 2020
Downtown Colorado, Inc., is pleased to announce the winners of the 2020 Governor's Awards for Downtown Excellence! Since 2003, the Governor's Awards for Downtown Excellence have recognized outstanding projects and people in Colorado that demostrate creativity in the face of challenges, unlikely and enduring partnerships, and dedication to community to further downtown initiatives.
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Gov. Polis releases budget proposal; directs $160M toward rural broadband connectivity
November 17, 2020
As part of his budget proposal to the Joint Budget Committee on Nov. 12, Gov. Jared Polis announced his intentions to direct $160 million to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and establish rural broadband connectivity around the state.
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October CML Board meeting first step in establishing legislative agenda
November 3, 2020
On Oct. 16, the CML Board met virtually for the primary purpose of reviewing recommendations from the CML Policy Committee on member proposals and positions on legislation or policy.
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Expanding barrier-free access to COVID-19 testing
October 20, 2020Currently, Colorado is experiencing an increase in positive COVID-19 cases. -
CML takes positions on state ballot initiatives
September 22, 2020On Sept. 18, the CML Board met and took positions on four ballot initiatives. Those initiatives are listed below as well as the rationale for the position.
Amendment B — Gallagher Repeal
Amendment B repeals provisions related to the residential and nonresidential assessment rates from the state constitution, including the provisions commonly referred to as the Gallagher Amendment. The Gallagher Amendment requires that residential and nonresidential property make up unvarying proportions of total statewide taxable property over time. -
Colorado Springs Mayor Suthers named inaugural recipient of Sam Mamet Good Governance Award
September 8, 2020The Colorado Municipal League announced Aug. 26 that Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers has been named the inaugural recipient of the Sam Mamet Good Governance Award. The award, named in honor of retired CML Executive Director Sam Mamet, honors an individual who exemplifies and seeks to expand the application of principles of
good governance. -
DOLA awards $16.8M to local governments through energy and mineral impact assistance funds amid declining severance tax revenue
August 25, 2020The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) recently awarded $16.8 million to 39 local governments through Tier II and Tier I of the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Funds (EIAF) program.
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Department of Local Affairs provides $23M in federal emergency rental assistance, affordable housing in July for Colorado
August 11, 2020Up to $19.65 million in federal CARES Act funding for emergency rental assistance is now available to property owners on behalf of their tenants through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs Division of Housing. -
Governor and legislators announce members of RTD accountability committee
July 28, 2020Gov. Jared Polis, Sen. Faith Winter, chair of the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee and former Westminster Councilmember Rep. Matt Gray, chair of the House Transportation & Local Government Committee, recently announced appointments to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) Accountability Committee.
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City of Arvada introduces "Story Map"
July 14, 2020
The Community and Economic Development work system within the City of Arvada is continuing to innovate by creating a more streamlined and transparent process to update the public about upcoming public hearings and all development projects going on in the city.
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New members elected to CML Executive Board; Centennial City Attorney Bob Widner named president
June 30, 2020At the virtual Annual Business Meeting on June 25, around 90 voting delegates cast their municipality's votes for candidates in CML's four population categories where 11 of the 21 Board seats were up for election.
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CML's Virtual Annual Business Meeting will feature elections for CML Executive Board
June 16, 2020The Annual Business Meeting of the Colorado Municipal League (CML) will be held virtually at 10 a.m. on June 25.
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CML to hold virtual Annual Business Meeting on June 25
June 2, 2020The Annual Business Meeting of the Colorado Municipal League (CML) will be held virtually at 10 a.m. on June 25.
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Prospective CML Executive Board candidates are encouraged to apply early
May 19, 2020While applications for members interested in the CML Executive Board will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, members planning to seek a position on the Board are encouraged to submit their application and endorsement as soon
as possible. -
Update on the Colorado Municipal League's 98th Annual Conference
May 5, 2020
Over CML's history, the Annual Conference has been the premiere training event for Colorado municipal officials. It is an opportunity to learn from experts and each other, as well as to network with your colleagues from around the state. Since 1923, as near as we can tell, CML's ability to hold the conference has never been threatened until this year.
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Spring municipal election results
April 21, 2020On April 7, clerks in approximately 100 Colorado municipalities executed their carefully crafted plans to keep voters and election judges safe while ensuring that municipal elections could occur as scheduled.
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CML Executive Board application reminder
April 7, 2020
Applications for members interested in the CML Executive Board will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10. In anticipation of the CML Annual Conference that is still scheduled for June 23–26, members interested in running for one of the 10 positions up for election on the CML Executive Board are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
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Message from CML Executive Director Kevin Bommer
March 24, 2020
On behalf of the entire staff at CML, I want to convey to you our thanks and appreciation for your dedication and commitment to your community. This is an unprecedented time, filled with uncertainty, fear, and confusion, as the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) continues to impact every aspect of our lives.
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Coronavirus information
March 10, 2020
As more cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) are identified throughout the United States, municipal leaders and residents are increasingly asking how to prepare.
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Introducing the Colorado Health Insurance Option
February 25, 2020
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Sam Mamet Good Governance Award
February 11, 2020
In 2019, CML announced the creation of the Sam Mamet Good Governance Award in honor of retired CML Executive Director Sam Mamet.
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CML welcomes new Executive Board members
January 28, 2020The Colorado Municipal League is excited to Welcome Colorado Springs City Attorney Wynetta Massey and Woodland Park City Manager Darrin Tangeman to the CML Executive Board.
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Millions available in rural broadband grant funding
January 14, 2020
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Cortez City Council votes to name courtroom after police chief
December 31, 2019
The municipal courtroom at Cortez City Hall has a new name: the “Roy Lane Courtroom,” in honor of the retiring police chief of 38 years.
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CML Board Approves Policy Committee Recommendations
December 17, 2019CML’s Policy Committee met on Friday, Dec. 6 to consider several recommendations from staff on known or expected legislation.
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CML accepting applications for board vacancies
December 3, 2019
Letters of application are being accepted to fill positions on the Colorado Municipal League (CML) Executive Board in both the medium and largest municipality categories.
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Fall municipal election results
November 19, 2019
On Nov. 5, voters in nearly 80 cities and towns across Colorado voted on a combined total of more than 100 municipal tax issues and other questions.
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Census 2020: It's important, it's easy, it's safe
November 5, 2019The Census 2020 count will begin in five months, and preparations are in full swing: -
Colorado Municipal League releases fall municipal election preview
October 22, 2019On Nov. 5, electors in nearly 80 cities and towns across Colorado will have their say on a combined total of more than 100 municipal tax issues and other questions, in addition to the many decisions they will make regarding state, county, and district concerns.
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Employer increases, new benefit proposed for fire and police pensions
October 9, 2019On Monday, Oct. 21, the Colorado General Assembly's interim Pension Reform Commission will consider draft legislation approved for drafting at its last meeting. If approved by the commission, the legislation would be introduced as a committee bill in the upcoming legislative session.
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Municipalities Tackling Traffic Congestion with "Smart" Technologies
September 24, 2019Centennial, Lone Tree, and Greenwood Village are collaborating on a pilot project along South Yosemite Street from Lincoln to Belleview Avenues, known as Project Mercury, to gather data on prevailing traffic patterns to see where improvements can be made.
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What You Need to Know about the Recent FCC Cable Order
September 10, 2019On Aug. 1, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3–2 to approve a report and order (bit.ly/2kkonNj) that will make dramatic changes to the way franchise fees are calculated under cable franchise agreements granted by local governments. The degree to which your municipality will be affected by the new order depends on the details of your particular franchise.
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Governor Talks Policy with CML
August 27, 2019Gov. Jared Polis and members of his staff visited CML on Aug. 15 to meet with CML's executive officers and members of CML staff.
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Affordable Housing Funding: New Dates, Locations, and Webpage for 2019 Statewide Outreach and Engagement
July 30, 2019The Colorado Department of Local Affairs Division of Housing (DOH), Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), and Housing Colorado have added two new events to the series of outreach and engagement forums taking place across Colorado in 2019.
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Family Leave Task Force Members Named
July 16, 2019As enacted, SB 19-188, the Family Medical Leave and Insurance, requires the creation of a Family and Medical Leave Task Force made up of appointees of House and Senate leadership and Gov. Jared Polis.
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97th CML Annual Conference
July 2, 2019Nearly 1,300 people, including close to 700 municipal officials, ascended to Breckenridge from June 18–21 to participate in the largest annual gathering of municipal officials in the state.
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FPPA Board Seeks Legislation for Employer Contribution Increase
June 24, 2019
In 2018, the Fire and Police Pension Association (FPPA) Board of Directors voted to direct staff to prepare a legislative request for an increase in employer contributions by 4 percent.
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25 Outreach Meetings, Nearly 3,000 Miles
June 8, 2019From May 6 through May 23, CML Executive Director Kevin Bommer had the distinct pleasure of crisscrossing this great state conducting a listening tour and outreach meetings.
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Immediate Attention: New Laws Affecting Municipalities
June 8, 2019The First Regular Session of the 72nd General Assembly adjourned sine die on May 3. CML would like to bring to the attention of our members several new laws that have an immediate impact on municipal interests. Short summaries of the bills are provided. Several bills await final action by Gov. Jared Polis and are not effective unless signed or become law without his signature.
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Finding Equitable Ways to Assess and Reform Fines and Fees
April 25, 2019The National League of Cities (NLC) is assisting six member cities with assessing and reforming their use of local fines and fees and develop equitable collections strategies as part of the new Cities Addressing Fines and Fees Equitably (CAFFE) technical assistance and grant initiative.
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Colorado Tourism Leadership Journey
April 25, 2019The Colorado Tourism Leadership Journey aims at creating benefits not only for participants but for employers and the industry as a whole.
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News from the State Demography Office
April 25, 2019Updates to data tools and 2020 Census.
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