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Economic Advisory Commission
2021 Annual Report
2021 ANNUAL REPORT Page 1
Overview:
The Economic Advisory Commission (EAC) consists of nine appointed members, who
represent a cross-section of the community and have experience in economics,
business, or finance; and an interest in supporting economic health and sustainability.
EAC meets on the third Wednesday of every month and is supported by Staff Liaison
Josh Birks and Council Liaison Mayor Wade Troxell.
2021 Members include: Chair Connor Barry(Resigned in July)/Renee Walkup, Vice-
chair Renee Walkup(Moved to Chair in August)/John Parks, Ted Settle, Julie
Stackehouse, Braulio Rojas, Spencer Clark (Dismissed for lack of attendance), Aric
Light, George Grossman
The duties and functions of the Commission are:
1. To advise City Council on matters pertaining to the economic health and
sustainability of the city, including, but not limited to, (a) events and trends occurring
outside the Fort Collins community that may affect the local economy; (b) immediate
and long-term threats to the local economy; (c) ways in which to enhance the City's
competitive position in relation to other communities; and (d) possible partnerships with
other public and private entities.
2. To recommend programs and strategies that may enhance the economic health and
sustainability of the city.
3. To be aware of and coordinate with other City boards and commissions whose
actions may affect the economic health and sustainability of the City.
4. To advise Council on existing or proposed policies, practices or regulations of the
City that may affect the local economy.
Economic Advisory Commission
2021 Annual Report
2021 ANNUAL REPORT Page 2
2021 goals and priorities:
1. Support the on-going COVID-19 pandemic recovery efforts.
2. Align priority areas with Council initiatives and priorities, with a special emphasis on:
• Talent (Workforce education and regional planning)
• Affordable Housing by engaging in the Housing Strategic Plan
• Business Retention and Expansion
• Industry Cluster Reboot
• Board and Commission Structure Rework and Experiment Follow-Up
Key topics and action summary:
1. COVID RESPONSE SUPPORT
• EAC received regular updates on the COVID pandemic response from the Economic
Health Office, including:
Updates on the Small Business Relief program, which provided direct relief to
small businesses across the community;
Updates on the partnership with NoCo Nosh to reduce the cost burden of
Third Party Food Delivery on small businesses; and
Updates on minority business outreach.
• In May, the commission received an update from Travis Storin, Chief Financial Officer
on the city’s financial situation as a result of the pandemic. Additionally, SeonAh
Kendall, City Recovery Manager, provided an update on the recently passed American
Rescue Plan Act and potential funding opportunities for the City of Fort Collins.
• In November, Josh Birks provided an update on the City’s Recovery Plan, specifically
the economic section.
• ACTION: None
Economic Advisory Commission
2021 Annual Report
2021 ANNUAL REPORT Page 3
2. HOUSING STRATEGIC PLAN
• EAC received regular updates on the Housing Strategic Plan providing input throughout
on the progress and potential economic impacts.
• In October, Sue Beck-Ferkiss provided an update on the on-going Land Use Code
Phase I review and updates.
• Updates occurred in January, February, June, October and
• ACTION: In January, EAC submitted a memo to Council in support of the proposed
Housing Strategic Plan, highlighting certain issues of interest that Council should note.
3. BOARDS AND COMMISSION REWORK
• Ted Settle provided regular updates on the project to the commission.
• In July, the commissions new Council liaison, Councilmember Peel met with the group
to discuss their purpose, understand their perspective, and provide some direction.
• ACTION: None
4. REVISED METRO DISTRICT EVALUATION PROCESS
• In February, Cameron Gloss presented the revised Metro District evaluation process to
the commission. The commission was complimentary of the new approach and
appreciated creating greater certainty regarding future implementation of the tool.
• ACTION: The commission unanimously approved recommending to Council the
adoption of the updated evaluation process and criteria.
5. NEW COUNCIL PRIORITIES
• In April, the EAC discussed what topics they would recommend City Council consider
as they develop their priorities for the next two-year term.
• ACTION: The board agreed to send a memo to Council identifying several topics they
felt would be important from an economic perspective to focus on over the next Council
term.
6. REQUIRED PERIODIC REVIEW
• ACTION: A subgroup of the commission prepared a draft response to the periodic
review, which the entire board then revised and submitted to the City Clerk’s office.
7. BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE LIAISON
• ACTION: Spencer Clark volunteered to represent the EAC at the committee.
Economic Advisory Commission
2021 Annual Report
2021 ANNUAL REPORT Page 4
8. UPDATE ON NORTHERN COLORADO REGIONAL AIRPORT
• In July, Jason Licon, Airport Director, presented to the commission and gave an update
on activities on the airport, including an update on the remote tower, master plan, and
other strategic initiatives.
• ACTION: None.
9. CONNEXION UPDATE
• In December, Chad Crager provided the commission with an update on the progress of
the fiber installation and uptake of the new service.
• ACTION: None.
10. BUDGET AND STRATEGIC PLAN OVERVIEW
• In September, the commission received an update from Josh Birks on the City
Manager’s recommended budget. The board discussed making a formal statement on
the budget.
• ACTION: None