Senate panel confirms multiple gubernatorial appointments to EIF advisory committee and MIHA board

The Senate Local Government & Housing Committee advanced several gubernatorial appointees during its afternoon session.

Energy Impact Assistance Advisory Committee: DOLA Director Eric Bergman introduced three appointees to the Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance (EIF) advisory committee: Jillian Laycock (town manager, Akron) was presented for reappointment and Jared Biggs (deputy county manager, San Miguel County) and Jeff Schroll (Eagle County manager) for new appointments. After brief statements about the program’s role filling funding gaps for wastewater, infrastructure and housing projects, Vice Chair Snyder moved the slate with a favorable recommendation; the committee recorded a 5–0 vote and added the appointments to the consent calendar. Bergman emphasized EIF as "one of the most important infrastructure grant programs in the state." Jillian Laycock said she was "very humbled and feel very privileged to be sitting here today." Jared Biggs and Jeff Schroll described prior experience with EIF-funded projects.

Middle Income Housing Authority (MIHA): Peter Lufari, MIHA chair, introduced a slate of reappointments and a new appointee (Tim Hoppin) to the Middle Income Housing Authority board, which is focused on financing and tax-exempt bond tools for middle-income housing projects. Witnesses and appointees described recent MIHA financing milestones and the board’s continuing role. Vice Chair Snyder moved to advance the nominations; the committee's poll returned a 6–0 vote to send the appointments to the full Senate.

Next steps: Appointments advanced to the full Senate; the EIF appointees were placed on the consent calendar.