The Charging Smart Program supports Colorado communities in preparing for electric vehicles while improving air quality, strengthening local economies, expanding transportation access, and building modern, resilient infrastructure.
Communities can earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold designations by meeting a mix of required and optional criteria across six categories: Planning, Regulation, Utility Engagement, Education & Incentives, Government Operations, and Shared Mobility.
Drive Clean Colorado recognizes the following participants in the inaugural cohort:
Adams County, City of Brighton, City and County of Broomfield, City of Commerce City, City and County of Denver, City of Edgewater, Town of Erie, City of Fort Collins, City of Louisville, City of Loveland, Town of Nederland, City of Northglenn, City of Pueblo, City of Westminster, and Town of Winter Park.
Bronze Designations
Town of Erie
Erie made history as the first community in Colorado and the western United States to earn a Charging Smart designation. The town eliminated zoning barriers, adopted a streamlined permitting process, and began electrifying sections of its fleet. Thank you to Eryka, Sustainability Manager, and Dylan, Sustainability and Water Conservation Specialist, for their leadership and dedication.
City of Brighton
Traci McLean has been the driving force behind Brighton’s success. As a sustainability team of one, she has led city staff in testing alternative fuel vehicles, built partnerships with utility providers to expand charging infrastructure, and pursued funding to grow Brighton’s alternative fuel fleet.
Silver Designation
City and County of Broomfield
Broomfield’s Silver designation reflects a strong commitment to EV readiness. The city integrated EV planning into broader community strategies and coordinated across departments and partners. Their clear and effective approach to permitting and zoning has become a model for other communities working to reduce barriers and streamline processes.
Gold Designation
City of Northglenn
Northglenn earned the highest level of recognition—Gold—and is the first community in Colorado and the western United States, and one of only three in the nation, to achieve this level. The city completed more than 300 points’ worth of actions, including adopting an EV-ready ordinance, integrating clean mobility practices into community plans, developing educational materials on managed charging and utility incentives, and implementing electric micro-mobility programs. This achievement demonstrates Northglenn’s leadership and long-term commitment to clean transportation.
Colorado’s Charging Smart communities are leading the way in creating a stronger, cleaner, and more resilient future for everyone.