The City of Brighton has received the U.S. Department of Energy’s Charging Smart Bronze Designation for advancing policies that facilitate the expansion of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging infrastructure.  

As a Charging Smart Bronze designee, Brighton has adopted nationally recognized best practices to accelerate the deployment of EVs in the community. The City of Brighton’s Sustainability office partnered with Charging Smart’s no-cost technical assistance team to expand community knowledge of EV infrastructure, advancing the city’s economic development and clean energy objectives. 

“Achieving the Bronze designation through the Charging Smart program is a proud moment for Brighton, and it’s the result of dedicated, collaborative work across our city,” said Traci McLean, sustainability coordinator for the City of Brighton. “Over the past year, I’ve worked closely with multiple departments to streamline EV charging installation and strengthen community engagement around clean transportation. This designation will help us to build momentum toward a more sustainable Brighton.”   

Charging Smart is led by a partnership that includes the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) and Drive Clean Colorado and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Vehicle Technologies Office.  

To achieve Charging Smart Bronze designation, the City of Brighton reviewed zoning requirements for anything that unintentionally prohibited EV supply equipment development. Additionally, Brighton adopted a standard EV charging permit process and met with the local utility to discuss EV collaboration opportunities. These and other actions make it faster, easier, and more affordable for residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations to install EV infrastructure and adopt EVs.   

Local governments achieve Charging Smart designation by meeting established criteria that are based on national best practices for building EV-friendly communities. Charging Smart’s no-cost technical assistance and resources help communities put these practices into action. Those that meet the criteria are designated Charging Smart Gold, Silver, or Bronze.