UPDATES: Federal Shutdown and SNAP impacts (and more)

[Kelly Flenniken]

Happy Friday,

As you may have heard, we met earlier this morning with CDHS regarding the Federal government shutdown and its impact on SNAP.

During the meeting, a request was made that CCI consider sending a letter to Colorado’s U.S. Senators encouraging support for the continuing resolution to end the shutdown and resume negotiations on healthcare before the final budget is passed.

Following the meeting, Commissioner Felix Lopez (Las Animas County) called to ask me to consider sending such a letter, or at least, for the Board’s thoughts on such a letter. I shared that I believe this could be a controversial action among both our Board and membership. I offered a few alternative thoughts, which I’ll share here for your consideration:

• It may be more appropriate to send a letter to the full federal delegation, urging all members to do what they can to protect Coloradans from the impacts of the shutdown—particularly those at risk of going without food.
• I suggested we discuss and, if appropriate, vote on this at our November 7 non-session steering committee meeting.

If the Board would like, I’m happy to draft a letter—either one we could issue as a Board (with awareness that it could be viewed as politically sensitive) or one we hold for a membership vote (recognizing that the shutdown may be resolved by then). Please share your thoughts on the best path forward.

Other Updates

• We’ve communicated with proponents of the policy issues that did not advance following our audit. While there has been some frustration, the discussions have been productive, and commissioners are aware we’re available for support or handoffs where appropriate.
• We continue to coordinate with CDHS and CHSDA on SNAP messaging and will keep you and our members informed as the situation evolves.
• Next week, I’ll be in New Hampshire for the National Council of County Association Executives conference. I’ll be part of a panel presentation titled “County Storytellers – Be Inescapable,” discussing best practices for building public relations teams, engaging media, reaching policymakers, and effectively shaping public narratives around policy issues.

Thank you, and I hope you all have a good weekend.

Kelly Flenniken

Executive Director

Colorado Counties, Inc.

1120 Lincoln, Suite #904

Denver, CO 80203

303.861.4076 (office)

970.778.1118 (mobile)

 

[Lesley Dahlkemper]

Thanks, Kelly, for the in-depth email – I would agree with this option for the reasons you have wisely suggested below and because it will likely garner greater bi-partisan support among CCI members:

• It may be more appropriate to send a letter to the full federal delegation, urging all members to do what they can to protect Coloradans from the impacts of the shutdown—particularly those at risk of going without food.

I would support your drafting a letter for the board’s review. A good next step! The board can then review, discuss, and see if we’re comfortable with sending it to the delegation… or whether we need (depending on draft content) to ask membership to approve.

 

Thanks so much for the other updates and I’m thrilled to hear CCI and Colorado counties will be in the spotlight in your role as a panelist at the National Council of County Association Executives conference. It’s a real testament to you and the CCI team’s strategic communications efforts!

 

Safe travels –

 

Lesley

 

Lesley Dahlkemper

Jefferson County Commissioner

o 303.271.8510 │ c 303.638.3433

ldah...@jeffco.us │ jeffco.us

Twitter: @LDahlkemper

 

[Kristin Stephens]

Hi Kelly,

I agree with Lesley that sending a letter to the full delegation would be best. Given the impacts to our residents from SNAP and WIC cessation, we need  a resolution to this issue asap. Using the November 7 meeting sounds great.

Thank you for handling those difficult conversations around the audit. Do we lay out the ground rules more clearly in future years so this doesn’t happen again?

Yes, thank you for representing Colorado at the conference. Can you share your presentation? Would love to see it.

Best wishes,

Kristin 

Kristin Stephens 

Larimer County Commissioner 

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 17, 2025, at 5:55 PM, Kelly Flenniken <kflen...@ccionline.org> wrote:



Happy Friday,

As you may have heard, we met earlier this morning with CDHS regarding the Federal government shutdown and its impact on SNAP.

During the meeting, a request was made that CCI consider sending a letter to Colorado’s U.S. Senators encouraging support for the continuing resolution to end the shutdown and resume negotiations on healthcare before the final budget is passed.

Following the meeting, Commissioner Felix Lopez (Las Animas County) called to ask me to consider sending such a letter, or at least, for the Board’s thoughts on such a letter. I shared that I believe this could be a controversial action among both our Board and membership. I offered a few alternative thoughts, which I’ll share here for your consideration:

• It may be more appropriate to send a letter to the full federal delegation, urging all members to do what they can to protect Coloradans from the impacts of the shutdown—particularly those at risk of going without food.
• I suggested we discuss and, if appropriate, vote on this at our November 7 non-session steering committee meeting.

If the Board would like, I’m happy to draft a letter—either one we could issue as a Board (with awareness that it could be viewed as politically sensitive) or one we hold for a membership vote (recognizing that the shutdown may be resolved by then). Please share your thoughts on the best path forward.

Other Updates

• We’ve communicated with proponents of the policy issues that did not advance following our audit. While there has been some frustration, the discussions have been productive, and commissioners are aware we’re available for support or handoffs where appropriate.
• We continue to coordinate with CDHS and CHSDA on SNAP messaging and will keep you and our members informed as the situation evolves.
• Next week, I’ll be in New Hampshire for the National Council of County Association Executives conference. I’ll be part of a panel presentation titled “County Storytellers – Be Inescapable,” discussing best practices for building public relations teams, engaging media, reaching policymakers, and effectively shaping public narratives around policy issues.

Thank you, and I hope you all have a good weekend.

Kelly Flenniken

Executive Director

Colorado Counties, Inc.

1120 Lincoln, Suite #904

Denver, CO 80203

303.861.4076 (office)

970.778.1118 (mobile)

<Outlook-bkig2kq1>

 

[Kelly Flenniken]

Good morning everyone,

Attached is a DRAFT letter to our Federal delegation. I tried to thread the political needle and share our desire for the delegation to work together and reopen the federal government. Of course, I welcome any and all feedback. From this point I think our options are:

• Board decides to send; or
• We bring this to our members for a full vote on 11/7

As far as my presentation goes, this was a NACO-ish panel. We responded to questions and shared our experiences. I didn't have a formal presentation/ppt. My colleague, Ginger Delegal from Florida did share this amazing video: https://www.fl-counties.com/understanding-floridas-property-tax-system/

As you may know, FL is currently debating full elimination of property taxes.

--Kelly

---

From: Kristin Stephens <step...@co.larimer.co.us>
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2025 9:15 AM
To: Kelly Flenniken <kflen...@ccionline.org>
Cc: Scott Weaver <swe...@yumacountyco.gov>; tony...@lasanimascounty.org <tony...@lasanimascounty.org>; mli...@co.grand.co.us <mli...@co.grand.co.us>; Wendell Koontz <wko...@deltacountyco.gov>; ldah...@jeffco.us <ldah...@jeffco.us>; Kristin Stephens <KSte...@larimer.org>; sodo...@adcogov.org <sodo...@adcogov.org>; cwarre...@arapahoegov.com <cwarre...@arapahoegov.com>; Kristin Dunn <kd...@ccionline.org>
Subject: Re: UPDATES: Federal Shutdown and SNAP impacts (and more)

[Lesley Dahlkemper]

Thanks, Kelly, for your thoughtful approach to this letter! The content is strong and well-balanced. 

While I’d lean in favor of a CCI membership vote, I’m concerned it’s two weeks away and time is of the essence. 

One thought: We could email the draft to membership after the board weighs in on this draft and give membership until COB Friday (10/24) to share questions and concerns, consider members’ feedback, refine letter as needed with board input and approval, and then send by end of week/early next. 

I’m also comfortable moving forward,  if that’s the consensus of the board. But with highly sensitive issues like this one—as well written as this letter is—it may wise to allow members to weigh-in. 

One other thought for you all—to reinforce the geographic diversity and bi-partisan approach of the CCI letter, what if we added the names and counties of all CCI board members along with Scott’s and your signatures? 

My husband and I are about to board a flight for Portugal and will be out of pocket for awhile. Obrigado and até logo! (This is all I remember from my Duolingo Portuguese lessons… we’re doomed😆).

All my best,

Lesley

Get Outlook for iOS

---

From: Kelly Flenniken <kflen...@ccionline.org>
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 7:34:32 AM
To: Kristin Stephens <step...@co.larimer.co.us>
Cc: Scott Weaver <swe...@yumacountyco.gov>; tony...@lasanimascounty.org <tony...@lasanimascounty.org>; mli...@co.grand.co.us <mli...@co.grand.co.us>; Wendell Koontz <wko...@deltacountyco.gov>; Lesley Dahlkemper <ldah...@co.jefferson.co.us>; Kristin Stephens <KSte...@larimer.org>; sodo...@adcogov.org <sodo...@adcogov.org>; cwarre...@arapahoegov.com <cwarre...@arapahoegov.com>; Kristin Dunn <kd...@ccionline.org>
Subject: --{EXTERNAL}-- Re: UPDATES: Federal Shutdown and SNAP impacts (and more)

 

Good morning everyone, Attached is a DRAFT letter to our Federal delegation. I tried to thread the political needle and share our desire for the delegation to work together and reopen the federal government. Of course, I welcome any and all

Good morning everyone,

Attached is a DRAFT letter to our Federal delegation. I tried to thread the political needle and share our desire for the delegation to work together and reopen the federal government. Of course, I welcome any and all feedback. From this point I think our options are:

• Board decides to send; or
• We bring this to our members for a full vote on 11/7

As far as my presentation goes, this was a NACO-ish panel. We responded to questions and shared our experiences. I didn't have a formal presentation/ppt. My colleague, Ginger Delegal from Florida did share this amazing video: https://www.fl-counties.com/understanding-floridas-property-tax-system/ [fl-counties.com]

[Carrie Warren-Gully]

This is an excellent letter, Kelly!!  I think it does a good job humanizing the situation.  The only other input I might give is that in rural communities we already see grocery stores not accepting EBT cards today for fear of not getting reimbursed.  There is real concern that small local stores in rural communities may not be able to remain open which is so impactful.

I like the idea of sending to the membership so we have a feel for the appetite of our members to send this type of letter.

Thank you Kelly for your leadership and excellent writing skills,

Carrie

 

 

CARRIE WARREN-GULLY

Commissioner, District 1

5334 South Prince Street

Littleton, Colorado 80120

O: 303-795-4285 

Arapahoegov.com

 

---

From: Lesley Dahlkemper <ldah...@co.jefferson.co.us>
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 12:08 PM
To: Kelly Flenniken <kflen...@ccionline.org>; Kristin Stephens <step...@co.larimer.co.us>
Cc: Scott Weaver <swe...@yumacountyco.gov>; tony...@lasanimascounty.org <tony...@lasanimascounty.org>; mli...@co.grand.co.us <mli...@co.grand.co.us>; Wendell Koontz <wko...@deltacountyco.gov>; Kristin Stephens <KSte...@larimer.org>; sodo...@adcogov.org <sodo...@adcogov.org>; Carrie Warren-Gully <CWarre...@arapahoegov.com>; Kristin Dunn <kd...@ccionline.org>

Subject: Re: UPDATES: Federal Shutdown and SNAP impacts (and more)

 

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

[Kristin Stephens]

Hi Kelly,

Thank you for preparing a draft of this letter. I like what you have put together, but I do wonder if some of our counties might have a problem with the part about the negotiations about health insurance  costs. I believe many feel as though those costs also present an emergency situation. I like Lesley's suggestion about sending it out for the membership to weigh in. Interestingly, Scott James also seems to be working on a letter. I know that these things can be tricky. Thanks for your work on this.

Best,

Kristin

	Kristin Stephens  County Commissioner, District 2
	Commissioners' Office 200 W Oak St, Fort Collins, 80521 | 1st Floor W: (970) 498-7002| Cell: (970) 443-9577 kste...@larimer.org | www.larimer.org

[Scott Weaver]

Good morning, 

We have only heard from a few of you on this letter, I think it is very important that we hear from all of you concerning your thoughts on this letter. I did have a concern that this should go to the full membership for approval but really CCI is not taking any type of political stance, we are only stating facts here. This is one of those letters that can be approved by just the board. If there was any type of stance being taken, we would definitely channel this through the steering committee process.

It is important to reply with your thoughts as soon as possible please.

Get Outlook for iOS

---

From: Kelly Flenniken <kflen...@ccionline.org>
Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 7:34:32 AM
To: Kristin Stephens <step...@co.larimer.co.us>

Cc: Scott Weaver <swe...@yumacountyco.gov>; tony...@lasanimascounty.org <tony...@lasanimascounty.org>; mli...@co.grand.co.us <mli...@co.grand.co.us>; Wendell Koontz <wko...@deltacountyco.gov>; ldah...@jeffco.us <ldah...@jeffco.us>; Kristin Stephens <KSte...@larimer.org>; sodo...@adcogov.org <sodo...@adcogov.org>; cwarre...@arapahoegov.com <cwarre...@arapahoegov.com>; Kristin Dunn <kd...@ccionline.org>
Subject: Re: UPDATES: Federal Shutdown and SNAP impacts (and more)

 

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

[Merrit Linke]

Kelly and all,

Thanks for putting this all together. I support this letter as written.-I believe it addresses the direct impacts that we as county leaders have to deal with. It emphasizes that we need to find a solution ASAP.  It does not appear to have a direct political position implication so I am OK with having it be a Board action.

Thanks,

 Merrit Linke 

Grand County 

Commissioner District II

970-531-4304

On Oct 22, 2025, at 7:36 AM, Kelly Flenniken <kflen...@ccionline.org> wrote:



<Govt Shutdown SNAP Impact.docx>

[Tony Hass]

I approve and support this letter. Great letter Kelly. States facts, non partisan and addresses needs of CCI counties period. Thanks Tony

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 23, 2025, at 11:06 AM, Merrit Linke <mli...@co.grand.co.us> wrote:

 Kelly and all,

[Carrie Warren-Gully]

I think I only responded to Kelly yesterday - sorry.  I am in full support of sending this letter.  How do we communicate this to our membership and HS directors?

Carrie

 

 

CARRIE WARREN-GULLY

Commissioner, District 1

5334 South Prince Street

Littleton, Colorado 80120

O: 303-795-4285 

Arapahoegov.com

 

---

From: Tony Hass <tony...@lasanimascounty.org>
Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2025 11:52 AM
To: Merrit Linke <mli...@co.grand.co.us>
Cc: Kelly Flenniken <kflen...@ccionline.org>; Kristin Stephens <step...@co.larimer.co.us>; Scott Weaver <swe...@yumacountyco.gov>; Wendell Koontz <wko...@deltacountyco.gov>; ldah...@jeffco.us <ldah...@jeffco.us>; Kristin Stephens <kste...@larimer.org>; sodo...@adcogov.org <sodo...@adcogov.org>; Carrie Warren-Gully <CWarre...@arapahoegov.com>; Kristin Dunn <kd...@ccionline.org>
Subject: Re: [External Sender] UPDATES: Federal Shutdown and SNAP impacts (and more)

 

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

[Wendell Koontz]

Kelly,

I support the draft as written. This captures the intent of what counties are espousing and is non-political.

Regards,

Wendell

On Wed, Oct 22, 2025 at 7:34 AM Kelly Flenniken <kflen...@ccionline.org> wrote:

--

Wendell A. Koontz

Delta County Commissioner District 3

wko...@deltacounty.com

O: (970) 874-2113

C: (970) 200-4251

NOTICE: This email transmission from the County of Delta, and any documents, files, or previous email messages attached to it, are intended solely for the individual(s) to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is confidential, legally privileged, and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any unauthorized review, forwarding, printing, copying, distribution, or use of this transmission or the information it contains is strictly prohibited. A misdirected transmittal of this email does not constitute waiver of any applicable privilege. If you received this transmission in error, please immediately notify the sender and delete the original transmission and its attachments. Notwithstanding the foregoing, sender and receiver should be aware that all incoming and outgoing emails may be subject to the Colorado Open Records Act, C.R.S. 24-72-200.1 et seq. Thank you.

[Kelly Flenniken]

Good morning everyone!

Thank you for your input and hustle on this issue. I really appreciate the opportunity for CCI to lead and unify on this!!

I have asked Kieran to work with your offices to obtain your e-signatures so we can get them added to this letter. We will then add address blocks for each member of Congress and convert this to a pdf and get it out as soon as possible today.

Following that, we will send a communication to members sharing the final letter and informing them that the CCI board reviewed and authorized this communication.

Should you have any questions or concerns with this plan, please let me know. I will be driving (and hopefully in decent cell coverage) until about noon (mountain time) at which point I will board my flight to return home.

Thank you for your leadership!

--Kelly

---

From: Wendell Koontz <wko...@deltacountyco.gov>
Sent: Thursday, October 23, 2025 3:38 PM
To: Kelly Flenniken <kflen...@ccionline.org>
Cc: Kristin Stephens <step...@co.larimer.co.us>; Scott Weaver <swe...@yumacountyco.gov>; tony...@lasanimascounty.org <tony...@lasanimascounty.org>; mli...@co.grand.co.us <mli...@co.grand.co.us>; ldah...@jeffco.us <ldah...@jeffco.us>; Kristin Stephens <KSte...@larimer.org>; sodo...@adcogov.org <sodo...@adcogov.org>; cwarre...@arapahoegov.com <cwarre...@arapahoegov.com>; Kristin Dunn <kd...@ccionline.org>