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Home My WebLink About05/21/2025 - Economic Advisory Board - AGENDA - Regular Meeting Economic Advisory Board REGULAR MEETING May 21, 2025, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. HYBRID MEETING OPTIONS Physical Location: 215 Laporte Ave EOC Training Space. Virtual option via Microsoft Teams: https://www.fcgov.com/eab-meeting 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. AGENDA REVIEW 4. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Land Use Code Update b. Dinner Break (4:55-5:05pm) c. Economic Health Council Priority Update 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 8. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS 9. OTHER BUSINESS 10. ADJOURNMENT 4/19/2025 – AGENDA 4/16/2025– MINUTES Economic Advisory Board REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, April 16, 2025 – 4:00 PM 215 N Mason, EOC, or Microsoft Teams 1. CALL TO ORDER: 4:00 PM 2. ROLL CALL a. Board Members Present – • Braulio Rojas (Chair) • Chris Denton (Vice Chair) • Thierry Dossou • Val Kailburn • Tim Cochran • Phillip Callahan • Brad Kreikemeier (arrived late) b. Board Members Absent – • Kim Palmer c. Staff Members Present – • Tyler Menzales, Staff Liaison • SeonAh Kendall, Economic Health Director d. Guest(s) – • None 3. AGENDA REVIEW Menzales noted the agenda could be reversed to have the presentation first. Chair Rojas made a motion, seconded by Denton, to adopt that change. The motion was adopted unanimously. 4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MARCH 2025 Chair Rojas made a motion, seconded by Denton, to approve the minutes of the March 2025 meeting as presented. The motion was adopted unanimously. 4/16/2025– MINUTES 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Welcome of New Board Members, Introductions, and Ice Breakers Chair Rojas welcomed new member Phillip Callahan and current members introduced themselves and discussed their business experience and time on the Board. New member Phillip Callahan introduced himself and discussed his business experience. b. City of Fort Collins Economic Snapshot – SeonAh Kendall and Tyler Menzales (**Secretary’s Note: The agenda was amended per the previous motion.) SeonAh Kendall, Economic Health Director, discussed her history with the Economic Health Office and service on various boards. Tyler Menzales, Senior Economic Health Manager and staff liaison, discussed his professional experience, time with the City, and service on various boards. Kendall discussed the role of the City’s Economic Health Office and presented the annual Community and Business Profile document to the Board Members. She noted Fort Collins is currently the fourth largest community in Colorado and includes 30,000 CSU students; however, Greeley is set to take that place in the next five to ten years. She went on to provide information about Fort Collins’ workforce and businesses, noting the top employers are Colorado State University, Woodward, Broadcom, City of Fort Collins, UC Health, and Poudre School District. Cochran asked if businesses that are wholesale only still have a retail sales license. Kendall replied they should. Callahan asked what percentage of businesses are manufacturing versus services. Kendall replied manufacturing businesses make up a lower percentage of businesses than restaurant/retail business; however, they are the largest employers. She also noted there is a NoCo Manufacturing Partnership of Larimer and Weld County businesses which includes over 125 active participants. Menzales noted the economic data by Council district holds interesting information, including the number of renters versus owners, percent of poverty, and other statistics. Kendall noted the Chamber of Commerce is hosting a talent summit next Wednesday and the City is one of the presenting sponsors. Additionally, she noted TIP Strategies has been hired to complete the Job Quality and Access Tool, which has been used since COVID to show the average wages and diversity mix across various job categories. Kendall commented on the importance of a resilient economy which includes primary employers and main street businesses. She discussed the City’s 4/16/2025– MINUTES CHIPS Zone and Enterprise Zone. She noted economic health has never been a Council priority until 2024 and commented on the importance of emphasizing an integrated and intentional approach to economic health. Kendall stated the Economic Health Strategic Plan was adopted in December of 2023 with a focus on business retention, expansion, and attraction in bio life sciences and clean technology. Menzales further detailed the Economic Health Strategic Plan and it’s focus on business support and workforce development. He noted the Plan’s priorities include policy and structural shifts for good business environment, business retention, expansion, and attraction, small business resiliency, increase employment representation, and innovation to meet community goals. Kendall and Menzales discussed the components that go into bidding for businesses and attracting businesses, including electricity and water availability. Callahan asked how successful the City has been in attracting start-up companies or venture capital funded businesses. Kendall replied the City partners with Innosphere to help support start-up companies. She noted CSU creates a number of start-ups. Menzales commented on the role of the Economic Health Office as a connector and convener for start-ups. Chair Rojas suggested including data related to rent amounts per room or per square foot. Cochran suggested another data point could be looking at the progression of getting into housing. Members discussed housing affordability and trade-offs with community services and opportunities, including commuting costs. (**Secretary’s Note: The Board took a brief recess at this point in the meeting.) Chair Rojas welcomed Kreikemeier to the meeting. c. Vice Chair Nominations Chair Rojas commented on the role of the Vice Chair. Chair Rojas made a motion, seconded by Denton, to call for a Vice Chair nomination. The motion was adopted unanimously. Denton expressed interest in the role. Denton made a motion, seconded by Cochran, to nominate Chris Denton as Vice Chair. The motion was adopted unanimously. Brad Kreikemeier briefly introduced himself and discussed his business experience. 4/16/2025– MINUTES 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 8. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Chair Rojas noted the City’s economic environment is not disconnected from the national and international economic environment and suggested it may be beneficial for the Board to have a review of how forthcoming tariffs will impact the City. Kendall noted the City has an internal group that is discussing the overall federal government impacts on the city and businesses. Menzales encouraged businesses who expect to be impacted by the tariffs to reach out to the City. Cochran stated he has been attending the meetings of the local legislative affairs committee of the Chamber of Commerce, which he has found to be very beneficial. 9. STAFF REPORTS Kendall outlined upcoming economic related Council items. She also noted there were a number of comments at the last Council meeting regarding a large methane user fee proposed by a community group which could impact 30 industrial users and 700 commercial buildings. She noted she has been asked to do some analysis on those impacted. 10. OTHER BUSINESS None. 11. ADJOURNMENT a. 5:52 PM Minutes approved by the Chair and a vote of the Board/Commission on XX/XX/XX Signature: Headline Copy Goes Here •May 21, 2025 The Future of Commercial Corridors and Centers Land Use Code Updates Headline Copy Goes HereWhat is the Focus of this update? The Future of Commercial Corridors and Centers: Land Use Code Updates The Future of Commercial Corridors and Centers is focused on updating the Land Use Code governing commercial zone districts,corridors and development standards to ensure they align with current city policies and community needs. •Advancing the City’s 15-Minute City goals •Aligning with existing City policy plans •Balancing desired outcomes •Adding clarity to the City's Development Review Process 2 Headline Copy Goes Here 3 Structure Plan P P P P P P Priority Place Types Designated in City Plan Headline Copy Goes Here 4 Purpose of the Land Use Code Updates: To Align the LUC with Adopted City Plans and Policies Headline Copy Goes Here Headline Copy Goes Here 6 Timeline 2024 September October November December 2025 January February March April May June July Project Work Begins Draft Code Release Council Work Session Council Work Session Focus Groups StartCommunity Engagement Kick-Off Internal and Legal Review Boards and Commissions Review Staff and Consultant Code Iteration Finalize Scope Draft Refinement September 2025: First and Second Reading of Code Council Work Session Engagement Summary Headline Copy Goes HereFall Public Engagement Summary & Themes 7 •Hosted 6 neighborhood visits, one in each City Council District, with over 50 participants •Business Kick-Off Event with around 35 attendees •Community Forum with around 70 attendees Themes from Neighborhood Visits: Likes: •Locally-owned businesses, outdoor seating •Public art •Accessibility to surrounding neighborhoods and transit options •Amenities like childcare, diverse housing options, retail like coffee shops Dislikes: •Expansive parking lots and lack of sidewalks or walkways •Pedestrian crossings that feel unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians •Bus stops that feel disconnected from their surroundings •Bike racks that are difficult to locate, poorly designed Headline Copy Goes Here 8 Focus Groups and Recent Engagement Winter 2025 Focus Group Themes: •Code-Related changes •Change of Use Clarity •Connecting Walkway Standards •Building Types •Mismatched Uses and Zone Districts •Some uses require too complex a review process (Planning and Zoning, Hearing Officer, BDR) •Process-Related Changes •Consistency in code interpretation •Ability for staff to make decisions (could be resolved with some code changes for clarity) •Conflicting comments between different departments •Lack of clarity in what is required vs. what is “nice to have” Headline Copy Goes Here 9 April Open Houses •Virtual Open House: Monday, April 7th, 6-7:30pm o Hosted on Zoom •In-Person Open House: Wednesday, April 9th, 3- 7pm o Hosted at the Center for Creativity, 200 Matthews St. Feedback from the boards showed: •Strong support for lowering or removing parking minimums and reducing parking maximums •Reflected a desire to move away from car-centric development—particularly in Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) areas. •Most participants opposed adding additional auto-focused uses. •Enthusiasm for greater flexibility in the Employment and Harmony Corridor zone districts, especially to allow for more mixed-use development, housing, and a stronger emphasis on multimodal access. •When asked about site improvements to prioritize, participants expressed a wide range of preferences, with the most support going to bike parking, connecting walkways, sidewalk improvements, and water quality/low impact development (LID) strategies. 4 Stations for Feedback: •Commercial Buildings and Site Design •Types of Development in Transit Areas (TOD) •Harmony Corridor and Employment Zoning •Development Review Process Changes Headline Copy Goes Here Headline Copy Goes Here 11 Council Priority Council Priority No. 1: Operationalize City resources to build and preserve affordable housing Council Priority No. 3: Advance a 15-minute city by igniting neighborhood centers Council Priority No. 4: Pursue an integrated, intentional approach to economic health Council Priority No. 8: Advance a 15-minute city by accelerating our shift to active modes Guiding Principles Enable more housing and mixed-use buildings, especially along roads with frequent bus service Create resilient commercial and employment centers that are adaptable to future needs Create clearer building and site design standards that promote transit use, walking, and rolling along roads with frequent bus service Improve predictability of the Land Use Code, especially to support small business owners Updated after November Work Session 8 Af f o r d a b l e h o u s i n g 1 Ec o n o m i c H e a l t h 4 Ig n i t e N e i g h b o r h o o d Ce n t e r s 3 Headline Copy Goes Here 12 Content Presented to City Council: TOD Overlay Headline Copy Goes Here 13 City Council Work Session Feedback: TOD Overlay •Councilmembers asked/discussed the following: •How the existing TOD Overlay was related to the requirements of House Bill 1313, Transit Oriented Communities, which establishes Transit Areas along transit corridors. •Subarea Plans: the relationship between subarea plans and the Land Use Code. •Council asked questions about whether the current updates would address increasing commercial uses within neighborhoods. •Limiting auto-centric uses: how other municipalities have addressed this in their Land Use Codes. •Other incentives available to encourage TOD development. •Councilmembers were supportive of: •Limiting auto-centric uses within the TOD •Adjustments to parking requirements •Appreciated pro-forma data to support what type of development is feasible under current market conditions Headline Copy Goes HereRecommended Land Use Code Changes 14 Draft Guiding Principle: Enable more housing and mixed-use buildings, especially along roads with frequent bus service. Recommended Land Use Code Changes:How does this translate to draft code? Recalibrate incentives: Easier to achieve height bonuses for standalone residential Update Land Use Code to allow 5-story standalone residential within the TOD Adjust permitted uses: Limit additional low-intensity or excessively auto-centric uses •Introduce proximity standards for spacing certain uses in the TOD like gas stations (for example, ¼ mile, ½ mile, etc.) •Introduce additional form-based design standards •Remove some uses from permitted use list in TOD Recalibrate non-residential parking: consider lowering surface parking minimums and/or maximums for commercial uses •Retain maximums, but lower for some uses •Lower parking minimums for some uses Leverage other City incentives outside of the LUC to encourage desired TOD development No associated Land Use Code changes Headline Copy Goes Here 15 Content Presented to City Council: Harmony & Employment Zones Headline Copy Goes Here 16 City Council Work Session Feedback: Harmony & Employment Zones •Councilmembers asked/discussed the following: •How much remaining buildable land remains in the Harmony Corridor and Employment Districts⎻Provided in Work Session Summary: Approximately 197 acres of vacant or buildable land remaining within Harmony Corridor and 284.5 acres within the Employment zone district. •Discussed the ongoing purpose of the primary and secondary use ratios •Asked about whether the speed of traffic on Harmony would be a future consideration if more residential uses are introduced to this area. •Asked about whether the Harmony Corridor Plan would be updated following the Land Use Code updates •Councilmembers were supportive of: •Staff received general support for all recommendations presented •Encouraged efforts to simplify and ensure consistency Headline Copy Goes HereRecommended Land Use Code Changes 17 Draft Guiding Principle: Create resilient commercial and employment centers that are adaptable to future needs. Recommended Land Use Code Changes:How does this translate to draft code? Adjust the primary/secondary use ratio to allow for a greater mix of uses, including housing. •Adjust the primary/secondary use ratio to 50:50 in both Harmony Corridor (HC) and Employment (E) zone districts Adjust primary use requirements in mixed-use buildings. •Introduce additional flexibility for mixed use buildings in HC and E zones Allow more secondary uses as part of a multi-story, mixed-use development. •Introduce additional flexibility for mixed use buildings in HC and E zones Allow standalone secondary uses to be developed if replacing an existing surface parking lot. •Pair adjustment to primary/secondary ratios with other applicable incentives Headline Copy Goes Here 18 Content Presented to City Council: Building Types & Design Standards Headline Copy Goes Here 19 City Council Work Session Feedback: Building Types & Design Standards •Councilmembers asked/discussed the following: •Building articulation and height •Consistent interpretation of form-based code •Councilmembers were supportive of: •Staff received general support for all recommendations presented •Councilmembers emphasized the importance of pedestrian walkways Headline Copy Goes HereRecommended Land Use Code Changes 20 Draft Guiding Principle: Draft Guiding Principle: Create clearer building and site design standards that promote transit use, walking, and rolling along roads with frequent bus service Recommended Land Use Code Changes:How does this translate to draft code? Develop new Non-Residential Building Types to be added to the LUC •Consolidate and organize standards addressing non- residential buildings •Create Division 3.2 Non-Residential Building Types Consolidate and organize standards addressing non- residential buildings. Convert text standards to illustrations and graphics •Update and clarify standards in Division 5.15, Building Standards to promote pedestrian-oriented design that is calibrated to existing context and lot conditions. Update pedestrian-oriented design standards: •Connectivity and site circulation •Frontage and ground floor activity •Building massing and articulation •Update Block Requirements and Connectivity Standards to better promote pedestrian-oriented development. •Orientation to a Connecting Walkway - clarify standards and acceptable modifications based on typical lot configurations •Block Requirements - require smaller blocks in pedestrian-oriented areas, and/or consider regulating the number of intersections for greater flexibility Headline Copy Goes Here 21 Content Presented to City Council: Change of Use Process Headline Copy Goes Here 22 City Council Work Session Feedback: Change of Use Process •Councilmembers asked/discussed the following: •Asked staff to walk through current Change of Use Process with some examples •Experience of applicants navigating the development review process •Emphasized the need for clarity and predictability •Asked what process improvements are being pursued outside of the Land Use Code project •Councilmembers were supportive of: •Staff received general support on the direction presented Headline Copy Goes HereRecommended Land Use Code Changes 23 Draft Guiding Principle: Create resilient commercial and employment centers that are adaptable to future needs. Recommended Land Use Code Changes:How does this translate to draft code? Design an approach that makes requirements clear from the beginning and is commensurate with the impact of the proposed changes: •Decrease the threshold for change of use requirements when a site is not undergoing intensification. Delay site upgrades until larger redevelopment occurs. •Allow lower priority site upgrades to occur on a more graduated basis. 1.Reduce the amount of change of use applications required: •If no site changes are occurring or intensity of the site is not greatly increasing, site upgrades not required. 2.Graduated Approach concept: •Upgrades are limited to a percentage of the cost of the project. 1 & 2 would be applied together Headline Copy Goes Here 25Next Steps April Council Work Session Community Engagement Info Sessions Code Iteration Draft Code release June Code Refinement Public Review of DraftFocus Groups WINTER / SPRING SPRING SPRING/SUMMER July Council Work Session Community Engagement SUMMER Headline Copy Goes Here Chief Sustainability Officer Jacob Castillo Director, Economic Sustainability SeonAh Kendall, CPA 05-27-2025 Council Priority #3: Pursue an Integrated, Intentional Approach to Economic Health Tyler Menzales Sr. Economic Manager Headline Copy Goes Here 2 Agenda 1.Economic Health Context •Preview Discussion Questions •2024 – 2026 Council Priorities Background •Council Priority #3: Pursue an Integrated, Intentional Approach to Economic Health •Why it matters 2. Current Efforts •2024 accomplishments and Aha's •A changing landscape •Curiosities and monitoring 3. Building to the Future •Discussion Headline Copy Goes HerePreparing for Discussion 3 Are there other things Council is hearing from the community about the economic health of Fort Collins that we should be considering? Does the work plan align with Council expectations? What additional strategies would Council like staff to explore? Headline Copy Goes Here2024 – 2026 Council Priorities 4 Economic Health •Advance a 15-minute City by Igniting Neighborhood Centers •Pursue an Integrated, Intentional Approach to Economic Health Environmental Health •Accelerate Zero Waste Infrastructure and Policies •Reduce Climate Pollution and Air Pollution Through Best Practices, Emphasizing Electrification •Protect Community Water Systems in an Integrated Way to Ensure Resilient Water Resources and Healthy Watersheds High Performing Government •Develop a Hughes Site Master Plan •Make Government More Accessible, Approachable and Fun •Modernize and Update the City Charter Neighborhood & Community Vitality •Operationalize City Resources to Build and Preserve Affordable Housing •Improve Human and Social Health for Vulnerable Populations Transportation & Mobility •Advance a 15-minute City by Accelerating Our Shift to Active Modes Headline Copy Goes Here 5 Headline Copy Goes Here 6 What We're Tasked With – Economic Health Strategic Plan •Many focus on small business OR primary businesses. In Fort Collins, it is small businesses AND primary businesses. •The economic health of Fort Collins is not done in a vacuum. •There is no easy button. •True engagement, relationship/trust building takes time. •Willingness to fail, be vulnerable, talk about it and iterate is hard. •Economic health is not done by one department, one customer segment, or one physical location. Vision Statement Fort Collins is a healthy, equitable, and resilient community where people and businesses can thrive. Headline Copy Goes HereFort Collins Economic Profile 7 BUSINESS OVERVIEW •Number of Businesses: 7,000 •Average Annual Wage: $67,000 •96% of businesses are small businesses (less than 50 employees) TOP EMPLOYERS •Colorado State University •Woodward •Broadcom •City of Fort Collins •UC Health •Poudre School District WORKFORCE DEMOGRAPHICS •70% Labor Force Participation •67% of women in the labor force •59% of the workforce has an advanced degree POPULATION DEMOGRAPHICS •Fort Collins: 170,000 •Median Age: 30.6 •Growing but more slowly •Aging and slowly more diverse Headline Copy Goes Here 8 Problem Statement Good jobs and opportunities for economic mobility, especially in key economic sectors like climate-tech and bioscience, are missing for many in our community, particularly those from underrepresented, underserved populations. Processes related to doing business in the City of Fort Collins can be unclear, unnecessary, and unfriendly to business customers. Headline Copy Goes Here 9 A Resilient Economy Headline Copy Goes HereWhat is an Integrated, Intentional Approach to Economic Health? 10 •Moving from reactive to proactive •Helping businesses navigate challenges before they become crises •Policy & Structural Shifts •Aligning City systems with economic sustainability, and ease of doing business •Business Support •Building resiliency and growth potential across all business sizes and stages •Economic Mobility •Ensuring local talent can access quality jobs in our key industry clusters, and have mobility within those target industries Implementation while Adapting Headline Copy Goes Here 11 Headline Copy Goes Here 12 1 – Expand Business Retention & Expansion Program to Include Attraction (BREA) SelectUSA Representation What we’re doing: •Invited by the State of Colorado represented the City of Fort Collins at the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit •Focused meetings with site selectors in clean tech and bioscience Why it matters: •Competing for high-quality jobs and investment means being visible in national and international conversations, especially in clean tech and innovation sectors where Fort Collins can lead. Headquarter Visits What we’re doing: •2 visits planned in 2025 with companies headquartered outside Fort Collins. •Nurturing relationships, identifying opportunities for collaboration and alignment on community values Why it matters: •Many companies in Fort Collins have deep local roots but still have options on where to grow. •Direct engagement reinforces that Fort Collins is invested in their long-term success. Shared Business Visits What we’re doing: •Proactive, coordinated outreach to minimize fatigue and maximize value •Ongoing partnership with multiple ecosystem partners Why it matters: •Businesses benefit when local institutions collaborate. •Partnerships strengthens trust, improves responsiveness, and makes it easier for companies to engage. Headline Copy Goes Here 13 1 – Expand Business Retention & Expansion Program to Include Attraction (BREA) Our Role Extends Beyond What We Lead While the Economic Health Office directly leads several intentional initiatives, we also play a critical support and advisory role in many others. Because the voice of the business community is often overlooked in broader City and regional discussions, we work to ensure business needs and perspectives are integrated, even when we’re not in the lead. Other initiatives: •Economic Roundtable •NoCO REDI Marketing Strategy •Aligning with Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade (OEDIT) Headline Copy Goes Here 14 Headline Copy Goes Here 15 2 – Understand Barriers to Business to Support Small Businesses Land Use Code What we’re doing: •Partnering with Planning and Community Development to ensure the Land Use Code supports employment centers, small-scale production, and clean tech growth, not just residential development. Why it matters: •Economic development is shaped by where and how businesses operate. •Code must be conducive to good jobs and diverse industry Barriers to Business What we’re doing: •Institute for Justice to conducted internal and external engagement •Identifying friction points in City processes, especially for small and underrepresented businesses. Why it matters: •City processes can be complex, time-consuming, and costly •Businesses are choosing/relocating to other more business-friendly communities Improving Access to the Small Business Ecosystem What we’re doing: •Working with partners to reduce barriers to access resources •No wrong door approach Why it matters: •Businesses have a hard time accessing resources •The business community should have a consistent experience regardless of which resource partner they interact with Headline Copy Goes Here 16 2 – Understand Barriers to Business to Support Small Businesses Our Role Extends Beyond What We Lead While the Economic Health Office directly leads several intentional initiatives, we also play a critical support and advisory role in many others. Because the voice of the business community is often overlooked in broader City and regional discussions, we work to ensure business needs and perspectives are integrated, even when we’re not in the lead. Other initiatives: •NOCOBiz Connect •Larimer Small Business Development Center •Development Review Exec •Affordable Housing Exec •Customer Experience Steering •15 Minute Cities •Capital Projects •Building Performance Standards Headline Copy Goes Here 17 Headline Copy Goes Here 18 3 – Support Region with Access to Quality Economic & Market Data for Decision Making Job Quality Access Tool What we’re doing: •In development with TIP Strategies; map access to high-quality jobs by income race/ethnicity, and geography. •Beta version expected Q3 2025. Why it matters: •Advancing equity in the economy means understanding where disparities exist. Regional Labor Force Update What we’re doing: •Produced in partnership with the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce and Larimer and Weld County partners; the first update since 2017. •Includes participation trends, wage growth, and skills gaps and will serve as a strategic guide for future workforce initiatives. Why it matters: •Helps us understand how our workforce is changing, and who’s being left out •Equips partners with shared data to better align workforce, education, and business support strategies. Headline Copy Goes Here 19 3 – Support Region with Access to Quality Economic & Market Data for Decision Making Our Role Extends Beyond What We Lead While the Economic Health Office directly leads several intentional initiatives, we also play a critical support and advisory role in many others. Because the voice of the business community is often overlooked in broader City and regional discussions, we work to ensure business needs and perspectives are integrated, even when we’re not in the lead. Other initiatives: •Regional Business Climate Survey •Retail Analysis •Labor Force Dashboard Headline Copy Goes Here 20 Headline Copy Goes Here 21 EHO 4 – Support & Accelerate Workforce Training Programs LIGHTR Grant What we’re doing: •$50,000 awarded to __ small businesses. •60+ employees trained in roles ranging from welding to digital marketing. •Administered jointly with Larimer County Why it matters: •Creating local access to workforce training programs that businesses cannot access from the State. NoCo Works What we’re doing: •Continued development of one- stop regional workforce website. •SourceLink platform soft launched in Q2 2025 Why it matters: •Many business owners experience barriers to accessing resources •NoCo Works is focused on reducing barriers to accessing vital workforce resources Sector Partnerships What we’re doing: •Active support for healthcare, hospitality, construction, clean energy, and bioscience. •Participation in monthly convenings to match training to employer demand. Why it matters: •Industry specific problems often require industry-specific solutions •Collaboration is key Headline Copy Goes Here 22 EHO 4 – Support & Accelerate Workforce Training Programs Our Role Extends Beyond What We Lead While the Economic Health Office directly leads several intentional initiatives, we also play a critical support and advisory role in many others. Because the voice of the business community is often overlooked in broader City and regional discussions, we work to ensure business needs and perspectives are integrated, even when we’re not in the lead. Other initiatives: Headline Copy Goes Here 23 Headline Copy Goes Here 24 EHO 5 – Coordinate & Leverage Economic Opportunities in Innovation with Institutional Partners Supporting Innovation in Clean Tech and Bioscience What we’re doing: •Advancing efforts to support clean tech, climate tech, and bioscience as strategic growth industries that align with Fort Collins’ community values. This includes ecosystem development, business attraction, and partnerships with organizations like Innosphere Ventures and Colorado State University. We’re also exploring how innovation can support broader goals in sustainability, equity, and economic mobility. Why it matters: •Fort Collins has the research, talent, and infrastructure to lead in sectors that solve big problems — from climate change to health outcomes. But innovation doesn’t thrive in isolation. It requires a connected ecosystem, clear incentives, and intentional strategies that make space for emerging industries to grow in ways that benefit the whole community. Headline Copy Goes Here 25 EHO 5 – Coordinate & Leverage Economic Opportunities in Innovation with Institutional Partners Our Role Extends Beyond What We Lead While the Economic Health Office directly leads several intentional initiatives, we also play a critical support and advisory role in many others. Because the voice of the business community is often overlooked in broader City and regional discussions, we work to ensure business needs and perspectives are integrated, even when we’re not in the lead. Other initiatives: •Marvel •Xcimer •CSU Strata •Our Climate Future Headline Copy Goes Here 26 Monitoring and Curiosities •Softening sales and use tax •Particular softening in retail and hospitality sector •Changing consumer spending habits attributed to general economic uncertainty •Federal policies and impacts to the local economy •Rapid changes at the federal level causing high levels of uncertainty •Particular sensitivity in Fort Collins surrounding federal office and lab space,research funding •Trade & Foreign Policies, Tariffs – impact on the supply AND demand •Business Owner Mental Health & Burnout •Many small business owners are experiencing fatigue, stress, and anxiety at higher-than-usualy levels •"Uncertainty is a business killer" •Restaurants profit margins are at a record low •Industry benchmarks and local reports suggest average margins hovering around 2% •Rising food costs, labor expenses, and price sensitivity among customers Headline Copy Goes HereCouncil Discussion 27 Are there other things Council is hearing from the community about the economic health of Fort Collins that we should be considering? Does the work plan align with Council expectations? What additional strategies would Council like staff to explore? Headline Copy Goes Here Visit fcgov.com/business Thank you! 28