Elizabeth Babcock, Executive Director
Elizabeth (Liz) Babcock is a visionary leader at the forefront of Denver's climate action initiatives. As the Executive Director of the City and County of Denver's Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency (CASR), Babcock brings more than two decades of expertise to her role. Her mission is clear: to transform Denver into an equitable, resilient, sustainable city that stands strong against the challenges of climate change.
With a profound commitment to environmental stewardship, Liz is entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing and expanding Denver's climate action initiatives. Her primary goal is to eliminate 100% of Denver's greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Liz’s strategic vision extends beyond mitigation; she focuses on helping the city adapt to the changing climate, ensuring that Denver's communities are not just surviving but thriving in the face of environmental challenges. She has a particular passion for working with and for underserved communities.
Liz’s experience includes over 20 years of managing collaborative and transformational projects. She played a pivotal role in the development of Denver's climate office and the implementation of programs under the Climate Protection Fund. Her diverse portfolio encompasses energy, electrified mobility, building decarbonization, workforce development, and environmental justice. Liz’s expertise has been instrumental in securing multimillion-dollar grants, such as the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge, the Denver Energy Challenge, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, and a significant $5 million grant from the U.S. Forest Service for CASR's Equitable Community Tree Planting Initiative, bringing much-needed shade to Denver's heat-vulnerable neighborhoods.
Liz holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with highest honors from the University of Florida and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Chicago.
Elizabeth.Babcock@denvergov.org
Jonathan Wachtel
Deputy Executive Director
Jonathan.Wachtel@denvergov.org
Trina Kennedy
Business Operations Administrator
Trina.Kennedy@denvergov.org