CIPA launches emergency rental assistance and new grant programs in Colorado

The Joint Technology Committee of the Colorado State Legislature convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss significant advancements in emergency rental assistance and grant programs aimed at enhancing digital access to government services.

A key highlight of the meeting was the rapid deployment of a bilingual application for emergency rental assistance, developed in collaboration with the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). The application was created to address urgent needs, with over 25,000 submissions received since its launch. The team successfully implemented the solution within 60 days, showcasing their ability to respond quickly to community demands. A queuing feature was also integrated to improve user experience during high-demand periods.

In addition to the rental assistance application, the committee reviewed three grant programs designed to support digital technology initiatives across Colorado. The CIPA micro grants program, established in 2010, continues to provide funding for projects under $10,000, with nearly $220,000 awarded last year. A new discretionary grant program was introduced to enhance accessibility, offering 4,000 software licenses at a reduced cost to local governments. Furthermore, the flagship CIPA gov grants program has distributed over $9 million since its inception in 2024, focusing on civic technology projects.

The discussions underscored the committee's commitment to leveraging technology to improve government services and accessibility for Colorado residents. As these initiatives progress, the committee aims to continue refining and expanding their support for local governments and communities.