As communities face increasing disruptions from extreme weather and other emergencies, residents need safe and accessible places to go. Resilience hubs—enhanced community centers or spaces that support the community daily, as well as before, during, and after emergencies—are one solution.
Many organizations and local governments already operate resilience hubs or hub-like facilities. Increasing climate impacts present an opportunity to enhance existing community-serving facilities, making them resilient to hazards such as wildfires, heat waves, and power outages.
This toolkit serves as a go-to resource for community-based organizations, local governments, and supporting partners in the North Front Range of Colorado and beyond who are interested in developing or enhancing resilience hubs. It draws on existing resources and incorporates input from over 65 key stakeholders who play a role in supporting resilience hubs. Leading examples, primarily from the North Front Range, are included throughout to illustrate real-world applications.
The toolkit covers:
- The spectrum of resilience hub and microgrid models, including existing examples in the region
- Local, state, and national expertise on how to prioritize locations, tailor hubs for local needs, and ensure intended community benefits
- The diverse local support system that can accelerate and strengthen hub implementation
- Current funding and technical resources
- Considerations for a regional network of resilience hubs
Microgrids are presented as an optional component of a resilience hub, offering energy security and operational continuity during disruptions while enabling local energy generation sources.
More on C2ES’s work in the North Front Range
Read more about the C2ES Climate Resilient Communities Accelerator here.