Scientific research can help inform policy decisions, especially when research is integrated into the legislative process. This paper explores research included in Colorado House Bill 23-1237, which was passed in 2023. This bill tasked our research team at the Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado Boulder to conduct a study on inclusive emergency alerting in Colorado. Throughout this project, our research team worked with policy makers, practitioners, and members of the public to carry out a rigorous and community-grounded study. The research and collaborative process resulted in several key lessons, including: (a) ensuring that the research scope aligns with the language of legislation, (b) involving key partners to build trust and impact, (c) being transparent throughout the study and communicating constraints, and (d) providing opportunities for feedback from diverse members of the public. Lessons outlined in this paper can help guide researchers interested in contributing to research funded through legislative appropriations.
Painter et al. (2026) studied this question.