We are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the next round of Project Accelerator—focused specifically on Colorado communities! Offering 250 hours of pro-bono assistance to support innovative projects in sustainable and equitable water management, the Accelerator is open to cities, towns, or special districts responsible for drinking water, wastewater, and/or stormwater services.
This application round will build on the first Regional Project Accelerator, piloted last winter in Colorado. Participating communities, including Steamboat Springs, Wellington, and the Ruedi Water and Power Authority, are continuing to work towards success on funding and financing sustainable water projects, developing outreach and communications strategies, and creating unified approaches to water conservation. This second round of Colorado projects will aim to build on the existing library of water project examples and resources, foster knowledge-sharing and collaboration, and lay the groundwork for innovative, regional solutions.
Depending on each community’s goals, the support provided by Project Accelerator can encompass program design and management, policy and legal analysis, community stakeholder outreach, communications strategy, data analysis, and sustainability expertise. Past projects have developed a direct installation program of high-efficiency appliances for income-qualified customers, researched the water savings potential of urban agriculture, and developed graywater and waterwise outdoor landscaping ordinances.
While there is an endless list of potential projects, they share goals of implementing sustainable solutions, supporting under-resourced communities, advancing social equity, and building climate resilience. To view additional examples of past projects, view responses to frequently asked questions, or apply, visit the Project Accelerator web page.
Are you a water leader interested in Project Accelerator, but not located in Colorado? Consider becoming a WaterNow Alliance member to be notified of future application rounds, including national rounds to which any water service provider can apply. Stay tuned for more!