Brownfield redevelopment is gaining momentum in Colorado, transforming underutilized properties into valuable community assets while addressing environmental and economic challenges.
Colorado brownfield properties present significant opportunities for redevelopment, particularly due to the state’s proactive, state-led approach to mitigation. A brownfield is defined as a property whose expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.
Across the country, the redevelopment of these sites offers numerous advantages, including access to existing infrastructure and eligibility for economic incentives. Reinvesting in brownfields not only supports community revitalization but also helps protect human health and the environment. Conversely, when such sites remain underutilized or abandoned due to real or perceived contamination, communities may miss valuable opportunities for economic growth and sustainable development.
Colorado’s State-Led Approach to Brownfields
Colorado’s approach to brownfield redevelopment is distinctive, as most sites are addressed at the state level through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), rather than relying exclusively on federal programs. Although federal funding supports some brownfield projects, the state model emphasizes strong coordination between state oversight and local redevelopment objectives.
Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCUP): A Critical Enabler
The Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCUP), established by the CDPHE, facilitates cleanup efforts for both public and private property owners while reducing regulatory uncertainty. The program enables property owners to obtain state and federal approval through a single process, a key advantage that helps address liability concerns and improves eligibility for financing.
Through this dual approval, lenders are more willing to accept a “No Action Determination” letter assuring that neither state nor federal regulators will require a costly, traditional cleanup. As a result, environmental liability risks in property transactions are significantly reduced.
Funding Pathways: Turning Brownfields into Redevelopment Opportunities
Despite the state’s emphasis on brownfield programs, federal funding remains an important resource. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brownfield grants support site assessments, cleanup activities, and redevelopment planning, and are available to local governments, nonprofit organizations, and other eligible entities.
In 2025, the EPA announced more than $11.6 million in funding to assess and clean up brownfield sites across Colorado. Seven communities were selected to receive a share of these funds to support the assessment, remediation, and revitalization of local properties. A full list of EPA grants and funding opportunities is available online.
In addition to the VCUP, Colorado brownfield sites may be rehabilitated through the state’s Brownfields Program, which provides assistance to property owners through several mechanisms:
- Environmental site assessments (Phase I and II): These assessments use records research, sample collection, and analysis to better define the nature and extent of site contamination.
- Tax credits: Colorado Senate Bill 14-073 reinstated a state tax credit for qualifying projects that undertake environmental remediation as part of capital improvement or redevelopment efforts.
- Revolving loans: The Colorado Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund supports cleanup through reduced-interest financing, flexible loan terms, and adaptable collateral requirements.
- Statewide project funding: Under House Bill 00-1306, grant funding is available, providing limited state authority to allocate up to $250,000 annually for eligible cleanup activities.
Who are the Key Players Supporting Colorado Brownfield Redevelopment?
The Colorado Brownfields Partnership (CBP) is a nonprofit organization that serves as a connector and facilitator among stakeholders. It provides communities with technical and planning support, cleanup assistance, and access to financial resources.
Because brownfield cleanup can strain both time and financial capacity, CBP offers free guidance in areas such as planning assistance, capacity building, education, and funding strategies to support revitalization efforts. This support helps align redevelopment goals among stakeholders, clarify contamination risks, and identify available funding sources.
The Broader Impact of Brownfields: How Do You Move from Challenge to Opportunity?
When left unaddressed, brownfield sites can depress property values and deter investment within a community. Conversely, redevelopment can deliver significant benefits—not only improving environmental quality and public health, but also stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and increasing the local tax base. Brownfields should not be viewed solely as environmental liabilities, but rather as high-potential redevelopment opportunities.
That said, brownfield redevelopment presents a range of challenges, including regulatory complexity, environmental uncertainty, and the need for layered and often complex funding strategies. Successfully advancing a brownfield project in Colorado requires coordination across federal and state agencies to understand eligibility pathways and navigate technical and regulatory requirements.
Whether assessing site conditions, securing funding, or progressing through the Voluntary Cleanup Program (VCUP), navigating Colorado’s brownfield landscape can be complex. Working with an experienced environmental consultant can help streamline the process, align projects with available funding sources, and advance redevelopment more efficiently.
Cameron-Cole maintains strong, long-standing relationships with federal and state agencies, including the EPA, and has extensive experience navigating applicable programs. From initial public outreach and planning through assessment, remediation, and long-term monitoring, Cameron-Cole’s brownfield specialists help ensure regulatory compliance while keeping development projects on track.
.jpg "Andrew Jones")
