|
|
|
|
|
About Reeves Brown,
DOLA Executive Director
|  | |
Reeves Brown is the executive director for the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). Prior to his appointment by Governor John Hickenlooper, on February 1, 2011, he served as executive director of CLUB 20, a non-profit political advocacy organization representing the interests of the 22-county Western Colorado region.
|
|
|
| News from the Department of Local Affairs |
Greetings!
Here is the latest news from the Department of Local Affairs.
|
|
Deb Downs Retiring
 Longtime DOLA employee, Deb Downs, is retiring as of the end of July. Deb, who has been invaluable as the Regional Manager for DOLA's South Central Region, has been a force of nature, helping communities in some of the state's most challenged counties build capacity and realize goals.
DOLA will miss Deb tremendously and commends her for more than 26 years of dedicated service to the State of Colorado and its citizens. We wish her well in all her future endeavors.
|
|
Streamlining Government
 DOLA continues to work with partner state agencies, local communities and organizations in identifying the barriers to more streamlined government administration. In his very first days of office, Gov. John Hickenlooper created Executive Order D 2011-05, directing state agencies to work in collaboration with local governments to reduce red tape. In doing so, he set forth in motion a deliberate effort to make delivery of state services more elegant, efficient and effective.
Since January, DOLA has convened monthly meetings with stakeholder groups to get vital input on how state government can eliminate red tape and be a more accessible resource for
local governments.
We look forward to keeping you updated on the progress made throughout this effort. |
|
Fort Lyon Correctional Facility
 When faced with the difficult decision to close the Fort Lyon Correctional Facility, the Hickenlooper administration immediately directed DOLA to convene a team of state agencies, Congressional delegates and community representatives to explore the re-purposing of the facility. DOLA, the Department of Corrections, members of Colorado's Congressional Delegation and other state and local representatives, have been gathering weekly to discuss options to help make the Fort Lyon Correctional Facility a viable, thriving asset for the community.
About the proceedings, DOLA Executive Director, Reeves Brown said, "We value this opportunity to apply our mission of 'Strengthening Colorado Communities' to this effort. Bringing local, state and federal government together to assist Bent County and this region in identifying the options that will be most viable and sustainable, is key. We all have resources from subject matter expertise to technical assistance that can be brought to bear and we are committed to this process."
To view a slideshow of the Fort Lyon Correctional Facility, go to 
|
|
DOLA & CGFOA to Host Budget 101 Workshops
 The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA ) and the Colorado Government Finance Officers Association (CGFOA) have been making training available for beginning budgeters. Workshops have been held in Alamosa, Durango and Rifle. Another training is scheduled for Westminster on Tuesday, August 2. We will also be offering a Budget 101 webinar on Aug 4th for those who have been unable attend previously held trainings. About the Program: - Whether you've never budgeted, gone through one cycle, or just want a little better understanding and knowledge of "where to go from here?"
- Whether you're with a County, City, Town or Special District.
- Whether you're a Budget Officer, an employee, a newly Elected Official or a volunteer.
- We can relate to you!
- We'll review Colorado Local Government Budget law, Basic Calendar, Legal Limits on the Budget, and you'll hear from experienced Budget Officers who have been through the ringer (many times!) and learned "hands on" how it really works.
CPE credits can be earned and a certificate will be issued to those who sign the CPE attendance sheet. The cost is $20 for CGFOA members and $30 for nonmembers. For questions or more information about future training opportunties, contact Jarrod Biggs, (303) 866-4493. |
|
Private Activity Bond Workshops
 Private activity bond workshops have been designed for local officials, potential developers & others who want to learn how to best utilize Private Activity Bond (PAB) financing to benefit their communities, especially given all the recent changes in our economy and the bond market. Did you know that this year, 49 cities & counties received direct allocations of PAB authority worth over $225 million? And that last year, out of the $210 million given to local governments, $52 million was returned to the Statewide Balance? Make sure that your community is taking full advantage of this valuable resource! For local governments that do not receive a direct allocation of PABs, did you know that you can apply for it from the Statewide Balance through Colorado's Department of Local Affairs? Come learn about the potential projects and programs that you could provide to your community! A workshop will be held on August 3, from 1 - 4 p.m., featuring presentations from experts including: - Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Housing
- Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
- El Paso County (Colorado Springs workshop only)
- Kutak Rock, LLP.
Workshop details: August 3, 2011; 1pm - 4pm Pikes Peak Regional Building Dept. 2880 International Circle Colorado Springs, CO 80910 For more information, contact: Ann E. Watts CO Dept of Local Affairs Division of Housing Phone: (303) 866-4652 E-Mail: ann.watts@state.co.us
|
|
|
|
|
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs' mission "Strengthening Colorado Communities," is carried out through a wide range of essential services to citizens and local governments including specialized training, technical and financial assistance. A diverse agency, DOLA includes the Offices of Emergency Management, Division of Housing, Division of Local Government, Board of Assessment Appeals and Division of Property Taxation. For more information, go to www.dola.colorado.gov.
|
|
|
|
|
|
