Golden CSAB Meeting: Water, Energy Benchmarking, Budget - Oct 28, 2026

The Community Sustainability Advisory Board (CSAB) of Golden, Colorado, held its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. All seven board members were present. Staff members Clare Nowalk and Kathleen Duke led the meeting in the absence of Sustainability Manager Theresa Worsham and staff member Samantha Neumeyer. The meeting featured an in-depth water conservation update, a public hearing and extensive deliberation on the proposed Commercial Energy Benchmarking Program, and discussions on the 2027–2028 sustainability budget.

Consent Calendar

• The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda.
• Minutes from the September 23, 2026 meeting were approved with a noted correction (Section B was missing the word 'not').

Public Comments & Testimony

• Garrett Baum (real estate developer, properties in Golden): Expressed strong concerns about the Commercial Energy Benchmarking Program. He argued that reporting costs and administrative burdens would negatively impact struggling businesses, citing challenges seen in Denver and Boulder. He strongly advocated for the city to apply rules to its own buildings first and to focus on using incentives ("carrots") rather than mandates. He encouraged direct engagement with businesses through existing community organizations.
• Chris Ball (downtown property owner, commercial real estate professional): Urged the board to clearly define the program's primary goal (GHG reduction vs. energy cost savings). He recommended exploring a voluntary pilot program with meaningful incentives and case studies. He highlighted the "split incentive" challenge (landlords pay for capital improvements, tenants pay utilities) and suggested outreach via the Chamber of Commerce and DDA.

Discussion Items

• Water Conservation Update: Staff (Kathleen Duke) and consultant Nels Bjarke (Western Water Assessment) provided a year-end review. The 2026 drought response was detailed: Stage One restrictions began May 1st, with an amended order on July 19th clarifying irrigation rules. Potable water production declined roughly 15% in July, 20% in August, and 15% in September compared to 2025. Total water use was approximately 14% lower than during the 2020 drought. Reservoir storage drawdown was 677 acre-feet compared to 855 acre-feet in 2020. Of 1,510 enforcement notices issued, 969 were warnings and 541 carried surcharges; only 10 cases reached the highest violation level. Mr. Bjarke presented a new Weather Normalization Model using a Random Forest algorithm to validate water conservation efforts by accounting for climate and weather variability. The board discussed the need to shift toward year-round outdoor watering rules.
• Commercial Energy Benchmarking Program: The board reviewed public feedback and deliberated on the proposed program. Members expressed strong reservations about mandating reporting without a clear plan for how the data would be used, noting the city has not yet acted on existing data for large buildings. There was strong consensus to pivot the city's strategy toward a voluntary pilot program with meaningful incentives and direct technical assistance rather than an immediate mandate. The board emphasized that the program should be framed around helping small businesses save money and should be coordinated with the city's incoming grant-funded Energy Manager position.
• Energy in Existing Buildings: The planned staff presentation on this topic was postponed due to unexpected staff absences. The board requested it be rescheduled for the December 8th meeting with presentations from the city's Chief Building Official and a SWEEP representative (Christine Brinker).
• Board Updates & 2027 Budget: The board reviewed a draft letter to City Council requesting an additional $85,000 annually ($75,000 for sustainability rebates, $10,000 for construction and demolition waste reduction). Members strengthened the letter by adding context that the 2026 rebate budget of $85,000 was fully exhausted by early summer, with total commitments reaching approximately $165,000, demonstrating high demand for solar and battery backup incentives. The board also expressed strong interest in creating a new rebate for plug-in solar panels to expand access for renters and condo owners.

Key Outcomes

• Endorsed the use of the Weather Normalization Model for tracking future water conservation goals. Staff will provide final 2026 water metrics after drought restrictions conclude on October 31st.
• Directed staff to develop a recommendation for a voluntary commercial energy benchmarking pilot program for the December 8th meeting.
• Postponed the "Energy in Existing Buildings" agenda item; it is rescheduled for December 8th with specific guest speakers requested.
• Finalized edits to the 2027–2028 budget request letter to City Council, emphasizing the rapid exhaustion of 2026 rebate funds. The letter will be submitted after the meeting.
• The next regular meeting is Tuesday, December 8, 2026 at the Public Works building (1445 10th St.).