2025 All-America City Finalist – Denver, CO

When it comes to protecting the city and the planet for future generations, every second counts, and every choice matters. Denverites understand this well. In 2020, a groundbreaking step was taken when Denver voters approved a dedicated sales tax to fund climate action and resilience efforts. This funding supports a wide range of projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and ensuring environmental justice for historically underserved neighborhoods.

The city’s approach is rooted in collaboration, with the Climate Action Task Force playing a key role in shaping strategies. Through partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and local leaders, Denver has been able to implement projects such as solar installations, equitable transportation options like e-bikes, and neighborhood resilience programs. These efforts are designed to directly benefit residents, particularly those most affected by environmental challenges, and help Denver become a model for a sustainable and resilient future. By combining data-driven strategies with inclusive engagement, Denver is fostering a greener future that values both people and the planet.

Denver’s Nation-Leading E-Bike Rebate Program

In 2022, the City and County of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR) launched a groundbreaking e-bike rebate program to tackle transportation’s role in greenhouse gas emissions—then 34% of the city’s total. With most car trips under 10 miles, the program aimed to make e-bikes a practical alternative. The launch saw overwhelming demand: more than 3,000 applications flooded in, with 40% from income-qualified residents.

To prioritize equity, the city engaged community stakeholders and, in 2023, rolled out $300 standard rebates, $1,200 income-qualified rebates, and special incentives for adaptive bikes. In 2024, the program expanded to include middle-income rebates, safety trainings, battery recycling, and distribution through 64 community-based organizations.

The impact has been significant. As of March 2025, over 9,400 vouchers have been redeemed—more than 45% for e-cargo bikes—displacing 4.1 million vehicle miles and avoiding 1,447 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Residents have saved more than $1 million in fuel and maintenance costs.

Denver’s innovative approach has inspired dozens of cities and states, including Colorado’s own statewide e-bike incentive. By centering equity and data, Denver has created a national model for sustainable, community-driven climate action.

Denver’s Climate Champions Program

The City and County of Denver and Denver Public Schools (DPS) have partnered to meet community expectations for sustainable schools and prepare students for careers in clean energy and resource management. Driven by student advocacy, particularly from DPS Students for Climate Action, the district adopted a Climate Policy and Action Plan aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2050. Community assessments identified youth, especially students of color, as underserved in climate education and resilience efforts.

In response, DPS and Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR) launched the Climate Champions Grant Program, funded by the city’s Climate Protection Fund. With $225,000 in its first year (2023–24), the program supported student-led, teacher-supported projects focused on real-world climate solutions. CASR and DPS offered workshops and one-on-one support to guide students through the proposal process.

Fifteen projects were funded across the city, involving an estimated 2,000 students. Projects ranged from solar-powered picnic tables and reusable dishware kits to tree planting, bike infrastructure, and waste diversion campaigns. The program received more submissions than it could fund, underscoring strong interest and potential for growth.

Now entering its second year, the program continues to empower Denver youth as the next generation of climate leaders.

Promotoras Climácticas Program

The City of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR) recognized that financial incentives alone wouldn’t drive broad climate action without the development of strong social norms, especially in under-resourced neighborhoods. Through community rapid assessments, it was revealed that many Denverites felt unheard and underserved by the city, particularly those in vulnerable areas. In response, CASR launched a request for proposals from community-based organizations to create culturally competent climate literacy and engagement campaigns that were neighborhood-focused.

In 2022, CASR selected five community organizations to serve as Promotoras Climácticas, with the goal of raising awareness about climate resiliency, particularly regarding extreme heat and drought. Over two years, CASR engaged with the Promotoras quarterly, offering support, connecting them to city and state agencies, and fostering collaboration among the groups. These Promotoras served as neighborhood navigators, reaching more than 100,000 Denverites with initiatives like composting education and energy efficiency improvements.

The Promotoras’ climate engagement campaigns led to measurable success, with survey data showing increases in climate literacy, personal action commitment, and engagement in sustainability practices. The program’s effectiveness was also reflected in the influence the Promotoras had on residents’ actions, with many citing the program’s impact on their decision to take climate action. As a result, the city is using this data to inform and improve the program for the next cycle in 2025.

Return to the complete list of the 2025 All-America City Award Finalists.