Colorado Resiliency Framework

The Colorado Resiliency Framework, first published in 2015 and updated in 2020 by the Colorado Resiliency and Recovery Office, identifies strategies to strengthen and increase resilience to hazards throughout Colorado.  The framework establishes an updated vision for resilience in the state: “Colorado creatively implements forward-thinking solutions that are sustainable and resilient to changing conditions and result in strong, equitable communities that can adapt to and thrive in the face of adversity.” The plan describes the risk and vulnerabilities faced by the State, adaptive strategies and monitoring metrics for six key resiliency sectors and cross-sectoral strategies identified to be implemented at the state level. 

Colorado faces natural disasters of wildfires and flooding. In 2012 and 2013, wildfires and flooding impacted 24 out of 64 counties in Colorado and caused over $5 billion in damages. The results of a statewide Risk and Vulnerability assessment are outlined including further analysis of impacts from acute shocks and chronic stresses. The Framework is designed to address resiliency for all hazards, whether natural or man-made, across the four themes of 1) adapting to our changing climate, 2) understanding risks from natural and other hazards, 3) addressing social inequities and unique community needs, and 4) pursuing economic diversity and vibrancy. The Framework states that establishing a statewide resilience and regional program as well as securing and utilizing resiliency funding opportunities are foundational activities to move priorities forward. 

The Colorado Resiliency Office was formed in 2013 following the wildfire and flooding events of 2012-2013, and the Office subsequently convened the Colorado Resiliency Working Group (CRWG) to “collectively coordinate resiliency activities.” CRWG was formed to better coordinate recovery and resiliency planning among state agencies. CRWG served as a steering committee for the Framework development process, and organized committees around six core resiliency sectors:

  • Community
  • Economic
  • Health and Social
  • Housing
  • Infrastructure
  • Watersheds and Natural Resources

For each of these sectors, the Framework describes impacts from acute shocks and chronic stresses and details broad goals and comprehensive resiliency strategies. The CRWG aimed to bring the six resiliency planning sectors together as an integrated framework, which also offers many cross-sectoral strategies. Chapter 4 lays out Colorado’s resiliency priorities, which were developed through stakeholder engagement:

  • Future-Ready Economy and Workforce
  • Climate and Natural Hazard Resiliency
  • Building and Infrastructure Sustainability
  • Agriculture and Food Security
  • Housing Attainability
  • Community Capacity

Section 5 “Taking Action” outlines the actions to be initiated by the Resiliency and Recovery office within the first year following the adoption of the Framework with designated first steps, timelines, and lead agencies.

Appendix A and B include acknowledgments and abbreviations. Appendix C includes resiliency Metrics while Appendix D includes details on the framework’s planning and engagement process. Finally, Appendix E explores risks and vulnerabilities through scenario planning.

The five year framework update was funded through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development with Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funds. It expands the framework to include all communities within the state from communities within federal disaster areas.

Publication Date: May 2020

Related Organizations:

  • Colorado Resiliency and Recovery Office

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  • Plans (other)

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