Resiliency Hub Pilot Program

The Resiliency Hub Pilot Program is an initiative launched by the City of Boulder to strengthen community preparedness and continuity of essential services during extended power outages. As a local government effort, the program reflects the city’s broader strategy to enhance energy reliability and resilience in response to increasing frequency and duration of outages. The initiative is implemented in coordination with Boulder County’s Partners for a Clean Environment, which provides technical advising support to participating organizations. The primary purpose of the program is to support nonprofit organizations that deliver critical community services and whose operations are significantly impacted by power disruptions. The program aims to equip these organizations with backup energy systems that allow them to maintain essential functions during emergencies. In doing so, the city seeks to create a network of resiliency hubs across the community that can serve vulnerable populations and provide continuity of care, communication, and basic needs during outages or disasters. Funding through this pilot program supports the installation of battery storage systems or battery-plus-solar energy systems. Each selected organization may receive up to fifty thousand dollars toward eligible project costs. These systems are intended to power essential services such as refrigeration for food and medicine, medical equipment, communication systems, and charging infrastructure. While the funding contributes to capital installation costs, participants also benefit from advisory services that guide system evaluation, design, and implementation tailored to each organization’s operational needs. Eligibility for the program is limited to nonprofit organizations that either currently provide critical services disrupted by power outages or are seeking to expand their role in supporting community needs during such events. The program specifically targets organizations that can function as community anchors during emergencies, such as those offering shelter, health-related services, or access to essential resources. The selection process focuses on identifying organizations whose services are vital to community resilience and whose facilities can effectively serve as resiliency hubs. The application process is straightforward, requiring eligible organizations to submit an application through the city’s designated portal. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend an informational workshop scheduled for July 27, 2026, which provides an overview of the program, guidance on application preparation, and opportunities to engage with city staff and peer organizations. While attendance is not stated as mandatory, it serves as a valuable resource for understanding program expectations and requirements. Applications for the pilot program are open through August 14, 2026. The city intends to select up to six nonprofit organizations for participation in this pilot phase. Although specific evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed, the program emphasizes alignment with community resilience goals, the ability to maintain critical services during outages, and readiness to implement energy solutions. The pilot is also designed to generate insights into effective resilience strategies, informing future investments and potential program expansion. In addition to funding and technical support, the program contributes to broader municipal efforts to improve energy reliability and emergency preparedness. The City of Boulder continues to collaborate with utility providers and invest in infrastructure improvements, while recognizing that decentralized, community-based solutions like resiliency hubs play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of power disruptions. The pilot program serves both as a direct funding opportunity and as a learning initiative to shape long-term resilience planning.