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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/15/2025 - NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD - AGENDA - Regular Meeting Natural Resources Advisory Board REGULAR MEETING – Wednesday October 15, 2025 Location: 222 Laporte Ave. and via fcgov.com/nrab-teams-meeting 5:30 CALL TO ORDER / ROLL CALL 1. AGENDA REVIEW 2. COMMUNITY MEMBER PARTICIPATION 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 4. NEW BUSINESS 5:40-6:30 Building Code Updates Planning and Development and Energy Services staff will discuss Building Code Updates, including several major changes to code that address multi-family housing, wildfire resiliency, accessory dwelling units, electric vehicles, water demand, temporary emergency shelters, and a path to zero carbon new construction. This code package will be brought before City Council on December 2nd. (Discussion) 6:30-7:00 Building Performance Standards – Council Memo Discussion Board Chair, Kelly Stewart, will lead finalizing of content for a memo to City Council on the subject of Building Performance Standards policy, which will be an agenda item discussed at a Council Work Session October 28th. (Action) 7:00-7:20 2026 NRAB Workplan Board Chair, Kelly Stewart, will review 2025 NRAB Workplan and discuss additions/focus areas for 2026. (Discussion) 5. OTHER BUSINESS / UPDATES a. Board Member Reports b. Six Month Calendar Review https://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/planning-calendar.php c. Revisit action items from previous meetings & preview of next meeting City Websites with Updates: • Air Quality Advisory Board webpage: https://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/boards/air-quality -advisory • Natural Resources Advisory Board webpage: https://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/natural-resources.php • Our Climate Future: https://ourcity.fcgov.com/ourclimatefuture 6. ADJOURN 1 09/17/2025 - Minutes Air Quality Advisory Board and Natural Resources Advisory Board JOINT MEETING Wednesday, September 17, 2025 – 5:30 PM 222 Laporte Avenue, Colorado River Room 1. CALL TO ORDER: 5:31 PM 2. ROLL CALL a. Board Members Present– • AQAB • Dan Welsh (Chair) • Mark Houdashelt (Vice Chair) • Howard Gebhart • Maria Moore • NRAB • Kelly Stewart (Chair) • Dawson Metcalf (Vice Chair) • Kelen Dowdy • Leslie Coleman • Sharel Erickson • Xavier Pereira • Teagan Loew b. Staff Members Present – • Selina Lujan de Albers, AQAB Staff Liaison • Honore Depew, NRAB Staff Liaison • Katherine Bailey, Utilities Energy Services Program Manager • Grant Stump, Environmental Services Lead Specialist c. Guest(s) – • Emily ??? • Adam Hirschhorn 3. AGENDA REVIEW No changes. 2 09/17/2025 - Minutes 4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Emily ???, stated she is a new City employee and is present to observe the meeting. Adam Hirschhorn stated he is present to expand the Boards’ knowledge base and discussed climate warming and implications on air quality and natural resources. Depew noted Mr. Hirshhorn forwarded an email to staff that will be sent on to Board Members. 5. NEW BUSINESS a. Building Performance Standards (BPS) Update Katherine Bailey, Utilities Energy Services Program Manager, stated Building Performance Standards support the Our Climate Future big move 6 related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2030. She noted buildings are the number one contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and most of the opportunity to improve that is in the performance of existing buildings, primarily with regulatory pathways as opposed to incentive-based pathways. Bailey stated Building Performance Standards are the single most powerful, impactful policy action that can be taken to improve the performance of existing buildings. She noted BPS requires buildings to meet carbon or energy performance targets by specific deadlines and can include multiple standards thereby allowing for flexibility. She also noted the targets become stricter over time. Bailey commented on the environmental health, physical health, and economic health benefits of BPS, many of which benef it the community as a whole. Bailey outlined some recent Council direction, including the formation of a customer journey map and a technical support pilot wherein the City partnered with building owners to explore compliance options for six covered buildings, including a technical assessment, contractor bids and/or estimated costs, and direct support to building owners. Bailey detailed the customer journey map objectives: creating a shared understanding of the BPS journey for a variety of stakeholders including City Council, City staff, building owners, property managers, and tenants, supporting a smooth and effective rollout by addressing key barriers early, complementing existing engagement and communication strategies to enhance stakeholder buy-in, and identifying potential points of friction and mitigation strategies. Bailey discussed the key themes that resulted from a review of historical documentation and engagement findings as well as interviews with building owner representatives. Those themes included the need for clear, accessible, and responsive information, uncertainty about the hidden costs of compliance, concerns about a cumbersome process, the need for timeline adjustments, planning tools, and vetted vendor lists, the importance of understanding the ‘why’ behind the policy to improve buy-in and reduce resistance, and the importance of vetting and selecting qualified contractors. Bailey showed the visual representation of the building owner representative BPS journey map and noted detailed information is available for each of the identified potential pain points and City support and mitigation strategies. AQAB Vice Chair Houdashelt noted building energy use has been monitored for some 3 09/17/2025 - Minutes time and questioned whether building owners are truly in the dark about what to expect. Bailey noted all buildings have been benchmarked per an ordinance that has been in place since 2019; therefore, all buildings that would be covered by BPS are already familiar with their current energy use. However, telling owners that they need to do something to change energy use can still be a large ask. A Board Member asked about the initial communication with building owners. Bailey replied there is an implementation guide and initial contacts will include a variety of options for people to acquire information. Bailey provided additional details on the technical support pilot, which examined six buildings: municipal (the City Spring Creek Parks Shop), multifamily, two office buildings, a mixed-use historic building, and a restaurant. She stated participating buildings were intended to demonstrate potential pathways to compliance and real -world scenarios. She noted all buildings must meet a maximum reduction cap. Bailey outlined the key takeaways from the pilot, including significant variability in costs for upgrades, variability in the recommended upgrade measures, and the fact that maximum reductions were technically feasible in all six buildings. She noted some of the pathways were easy wins, pathways exist that avoid potential legal challenges and that do not require fuel switching. AQAB Member Moore stated it seems as if much of this work should have already started given the 2030 goals and asked if the BPS will take effect next year. Bailey replied staff will be going before Council for a fourth work session next month and they may provide guidance to go to a First Reading. AQAB Member Moore recommended having different plans and thresholds for different types of buildings. She also commented on the importance of protecting small businesses in Fort Collins and encouraged leniency on penalties for small businesses. She stated she would prefer to see penalties assessed on corporate buildings and offices. Additionally, she suggested using some of the 2050 tax revenue to help subsidize improvements for small businesses. Bailey replied there are different targets for different buildings and noted buildings under 5,000 square feet are not covered, which totals about 900 buildings. She stated about 1,400 buildings are covered, and they use over 40% of the entire electricity use. She noted the smaller buildings that are covered, between 5,000 and 10,000 square feet, have a maximum reduction of 15%, which should be very achievable. Bailey noted the City was recently invited to apply for a grant of potentially up to $5 million that would specifically go to help building owners navigate BPS, including augmenting existing rebates. She also commented on a Denver pilot project’s initial findings related to most building representatives not being aware of existing financial resources which have covered an average of 40% of project costs and through navigator-style technical and financial support, participants have achieved double the requi red reduction on average. Bailey stated it is likely 5-8% of the total greenhouse gas reduction would occur regardless of BPS adoption given regular improvements and equipment replacement 4 09/17/2025 - Minutes that are part of ‘business as usual.’ In summary, Bailey stated BPS involves an upfront investment with gradual payback, and by 2050, rate payers in BPS covered buildings would avoid $630 million in energy costs. Additionally, she noted BPS supports positive health outcomes community-wide and reduces natural gas use through efficiency and support of strategic electrification. She stated the local BPS policy protects business owners by mitigating upfront costs and focusing on achievable goals. Bailey outlined the topics for the next Council work session, including final BPS policy framework recommendations, an extended compliance timeline, maximum reduction caps, and alternatives to prioritize expanding the incentive-based framework using 2050 tax dollars. A Board Member asked about the discussion between the desired reduction of use and the infrastructure investment still necessary to maintain levels of service. Bailey replied having enough efficiency should assist with being able to push out the time for construction of local renewables. AQAB Member Moore stated there are many things that are not costly that can be done now. A Board Member asked how wide sweeping the technical support navigator program will be and whether owners will need to apply. Bailey replied the hope is that it can be offered to everyone. NRAB Chair Stewart stated it seems both Boards are intending to submit memos on the topic prior to the next Council work session. b. Our Climate Future (OCF) Strategic Funding Plan Overview Grant Stump, Environmental Services Lead Specialist, stated the OCF Strategic Funding Plan is a strategic guidance document that can be used for priority setting and the Council budget process to help inform a strategic approach to spending 2050 tax dollars and other revenue sources. He provided some background on Our Climate Future, which is meant to guide Fort Collins toward a more sustainable future while focusing on the needs of its people. He stated OCF has three goals: an 80% below 2005 baseline level reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, 100% renewable electricity by 2030, and 100% landfill diversion by 2030. Stump noted the 2050 sales tax was approved in 2023 with half of the dollars going to Parks, ¼ going toward transit, and ¼ going towards climate. He stated a full year of those funds is about $5 million for climate. Stump stated the purpose of the OCF Strategic Funding Plan is to create a strategic guidance document that includes a projection of the revenue coming in that funds and supports OCF efforts over the next 15 years, proposes and recommends how those funds are spent, and provides a Next Moves plan. He stated the goal is to provide the Plan by the first quarter of 2026. 5 09/17/2025 - Minutes Stump outlined the allocation criteria process, which aims to ensure alignment of allocations with revenue forecasts and to make recommendations on the most strategic allocations to achieve the community’s goals while incorporating OCF big moves and Council priorities. Additionally, he noted the allocation approach includes multiple time horizons, identification of allowable uses for funds, the inclusion of resilience, mitigation, and equity impacts, and a process for allocation recommendations. Stump identified the allowable uses for each funding stream: the climate portion of the 2050 tax, remittance fees from disposable bags, and Utilities funds for energy services. He also detailed the allocation criteria for mitigation, resilience, and equity and summarized the Next Moves Plan. He commented on upcoming key dates and next steps. Stump requested suggestions for how to connect this Plan to the broader climate initiative context and what criteria should be considered during the allocation process for air quality and natural resource impacts. NRAB Vice Chair Metcalf?? commented on the importance of ensuring tangible outcome items are provided in order to maintain community trust. AQAB Member Moore commented on the importance of emphasizing education and outreach. A Board Member commented on Depew’s presentation on this topic and how it emphasized how the Strategic Funding Plan would help balance the long-term pull of what is needed with short-term cycles. She stated that piece seemed to be missing a bit in this presentation. AQAB Vice Chair Houdashelt commended the long-term vision which he stated was missing in the original climate action framework. He stated he would like to see additional information about the impacts of various initiatives and expressed concern about this bridging two different Councils. He also encouraged collaboration across the City organization in terms of department buy-in and budget. Stump replied there are cross-departmental teams working on developing next moves to help with budget alignment. Depew stated the direction has been to try to create a process that is more proactive as opposed to the responsive manner in which the first couple years of 2050 tax allocations have occurred. 6. ADJOURNMENT • 7:10 pm Minutes approved by a vote of the Board on 10/XX/2024 1 9/17/2025 - Minutes Natural Resources Advisory Board REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, September 17, 2025 – 5:30 PM 222 Laporte Avenue and via Microsoft Teams 1. CALL TO ORDER: 7:12 PM 2. ROLL CALL a. Board Members Present – • Kelly Stewart (Chair) • Dawson Metcalf (Vice Chair) • Kelen Dowdy • Leslie Coleman • Sharel Erickson • Xavier Perei ra • Teagan Loew b. Board Members Absent – • Barry Noon • Sara LoTemplio c. Staff Members Present – • d. Guest(s) – • None 3. AGENDA REVIEW Chair Stewart reviewed the agenda items. 4. COMMUNITY MEMBER PARTICIPATION None. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JULY 2025 Dowdy made a motion, seconded by Erickson , to approve the Ju ly 2025 regular meeting minutes as written. The motion was adopted unanimously. 2 9/17/2025 - Minutes 6. NEW BUSINESS a. Building Performance Standards – Council Memo Discussion Chair Stewart stated she has drafted a memo for Board consideration which can be edited and finalized at the October meeting. She suggested she would meet with AQAB Chair Welsh in early October after members have made edits to compare the Boards’ respective memos for alignment in overall messaging. Vice Chair Metcalf asked if the navigator position mentioned as part of the journey process would mean new hired positions. He commended the idea and stated he would like to mention that specifically in the memo. Members discussed calling it out whether or not it means new hired positions. A Board Member suggested referencing Denver’s success with the navigator position. A Board Member commented on this type of regulatory policy being an economic driver. A Board Member asked Depew what types of items should be addressed in the memo in terms of areas that might be somewhat of a roadblock for Council. Depew replied overall cost of living affordability has been the main driver for this Council’s decision - making, and it is the number one concern in community survey results. He added that anything that could potentially increase costs for residents or businesses is being highly scrutinized. Members agreed to have edits made to the memo by October 3rd . 7. OTHER BUSINESS/UPDATES a. Board Member Reports None. b. Six Month Calendar Review Depew reviewed Council’s Six Month Calendar noting the October 28th work session will include a staff report on the renewable electricity goal, the Our Climate Future Strategic Funding Plan, the Transfort Optimization Study, and Building Performance Standards. c. Revisit Action Items from Previous Meetings and Preview of Next Meeting Depew stated Councilmember Ohlson would like to attend a meeting prior to the end of the year to say farewell. Members discussed inviting him to the November meeting. 8. ADJOURNMENT • 7:31 pm 3 9/17/2025 - Minutes Minutes approved by a vote of the Board on X/XX/2025 Headline Copy Goes Here Chief Building Official Marcus Coldiron 2024 Building Codes 10/15/2025 Sr Project Manager – Building Energy Code Brad Smith Headline Copy Goes Here 2 Feedback •What questions do you have related to the proposed package of building codes? •Do you have feedback or suggestions ahead of building code adoption? Headline Copy Goes Here 3 Background •The International Code Council (ICC)generates new International Building Codes every three years through the ICC Code Development Process. •The City has reviewed, amended and adopted the latest nationally recognized building standards available every three years, since 2006 and has adopted building codes since 1924. •Typically, 9 codes + National Electric Code are adopted. Due to recent additions to state law and changing climatic concern in the region, the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code will be an addition for the 2024 cycle. Headline Copy Goes Here 4 Timeline Fort Collins steps to building code adoption (January 2025 – January 2026) ICC Code Release Staff Review Code Review Committee Council work Session Boards and Commissions City Council Regular Session Dec 2nd Headline Copy Goes Here 5 Approach •Building codes are a critical piece of accomplishing community goals and vison, closely aligning with many City plans. •Collaboration and alignment regionally, where able to. •Simplify and clarify existing local amendments. •Consider the impact to housing affordability. •Incremental change to support incremental impact and cost Headline Copy Goes HereResidential Building Stair Modernization (IBC) 6 •HB – 1273 requires any jurisdiction with a population over 100k to adopt a building code to allow up to a 5- story multifamily building to be served by a single exit •Must meet specific life/safety requirements: fire suppression, fire rated stairwell, egress width etc. •Increases design options and especially useful for infill projects •Encourages higher density Headline Copy Goes Here 7 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code •HB23-166 established a Wildfire Resiliency Code Board tasked with defining the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and adopting rules for jurisdictions within the WUI •Jurisdictions within the WUI must adopt a code by 4/1/2026 •Includes exterior hardening and material requirements, establishes a landscaping buffer area and provides ongoing maintenance requirements •Proposed to adopt with the larger building code adoption but setting an effective date of 4/1/2026 Headline Copy Goes Here 8 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Map •Most of Fort Collins does not fall within the WUI •Largest impacts to NW and SW Fort Collins •Some impact NE and SE Fort Collins 2025 Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code Map Headline Copy Goes HereEV Charging (IBC) 9 •Revised language to align with newest Land Use Code •Provided parking spaces vs required parking spaces •Separated new buildings and additions requirements for clarity. •Additions providing new parking must comply with the percentages required for new buildings •Additions not providing new parking must provide at least one EVSE installed space •Design flexibility added •Trade offs provided for installing above minimum requirements •Encourages additional EV installed and EV Ready installations Headline Copy Goes HereEV Charging - Example 10 New residential project -100 parking spaces provided EVSE Installed EV Ready (receptacle installed) EV Capable (conduit only) Standard compliance path 10 20 40 Alternative 1 15 20 10 Alternative 2 10 30 10 Headline Copy Goes HereAccessory Dwelling Unit – Appendix (IRC) 11 •Provides additional flexibility when adding an ADU to an existing dwelling. •Requires interconnected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that alerts occupants in both dwellings simultaneously in lieu of a 1-hour fire rated assembly. •Prioritizes early alert over fire resistance •This lessens complexity, construction waste, financial impacts while maintaining life/safety considerations Headline Copy Goes HereWater Demand Calculator (IPC & IRC) 12 •Water Demand Calculator is a method used to right size plumbing distribution systems in buildings •Required for multi-unit residential projects and an option for single unit residential projects •Can result in savings on water development fees (ECLO and FCLWD) and material cost during construction •This method requires designing to modern peak flows which can save energy, water use after occupancy and improve water quality Headline Copy Goes HereTemporary Emergency Uses – Appendix E (IEBC) 13 Community Based Shelters •Facilities must obtain a building permit and meet minimum life/safety requirements. •Limited to 180 days per 12- month period. •15 occupants maximum Codifies a long-standing program allowing facilities to act as Community-Based Shelters and Seasonal Overflow Shelters without the need to perform a change of occupancy. Provides the ability to extend temporary uses to other existing structures in the case of an emergency event declared by local, state or federal entities. Seasonal Overflow Shelters •Facilities must obtain a building permit and meet minimum life/safety requirements. •Allows operation from November- April •Occupants limited by floor area Emergency Events •Facilities must obtain a building permit and meet minimum life/safety requirements. •Requires emergency event declaration •Code official authorized to increase number of occupants during an emergency Headline Copy Goes HereEnergy Code: Enhanced outcomes using Modeled Performance 14 •Meeting required Colorado Electric Ready and Solar Ready code. •Developed “Path to Zero Carbon New Construction by 2030” •Moves from traditional “Prescriptive” path to “Performance” modeling Prescriptive Path •Follow set rules •Component-based (insulation, window, HVAC) •Limited flexibility •Less utilized path for new builds Modeled Performance Path •Utilizes energy modeling / simulations •Allow trade-offs (e.g. better windows vs less insulation) •Energy and Carbon targets de-bias code from fossil fuel •Emphasis on QA and verification Benefits of Modeled Performance Path Flexibility for designers and builders Supports innovation & new technologies Optimized energy savings Better alignment with community goals Headline Copy Goes Here Building model developed from performance energy modeling Energy Code – Setting a Trajectory to Zero Carbon 15 •Spans three code cycles: 2024, 2027, and 2030⎻Building community sees future energy targets years in advance Commercial Residential Building Type 2024 code EUI target 2027 code EUI targetb 2030 code EUI targetb Apartment 29 26 24 Medium Office (5k-50k ft2)23 21 20 Strip Mall 35 30 25 Energy Rating Index (ERI) - not including renewable energy CO2e Index - including renewable energy Adopted IECC code year Adopted IECC code year 2024 2027b 2030b 2024 2027b 2030b 50 46 42 50 25 0 b. These are projected ERI and CO2e targets for buildings constructed under the 2027 and 2030 code cycles. These are not required for the 2024 code cycle. Headline Copy Goes Here 16 Code Update Cost Impact Analysis •Staff is actively working on a comprehensive cost impact analysis. •Cost impact analysis to date from: •U.S. Department of Energy through Pacific Northwest National Laboratories •National Association of Home Builders through Home Innovation Research Labs. •Preliminary estimates appear to show that the adoption of the 2024 building codes and local amendments will increase the cost of construction less than 1% when compared to the 2021 building codes. Headline Copy Goes Here MEMORANDUM NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY BOARD DATE: October 16, 2025 TO: Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Natural Resources Advisory Board SUBJECT: Building Performance Standards Dear Mayor and Councilmembers, On September 17, 2025November 20, 2024, Katharine Bailey (Project Manager, Energy Services) presented to the Natural Resources Advisory Board (“Board”) regarding the proposed Building Performance Standards (BPS) policy. Buildings are among the largest contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in urban areas. Sitting at the intersection between economic, environmental, and physical health, Tthe proposed policy would allow for a significant reduction of GHG emissions through increased efficiency in addition toas well as substantial avoided costs (estimated at $630 million by 2050) throughout the community in the future. The Board would like to express its strong support for the adoption of the BPS policy. Rebates and incentives have been in place since 2002, and while these programs have accounted for a large portion of historic savings, theythese programs have not been able to decrease the community’s overall electricity use, which indicates a regulatory pathway is needed. As a Board dedicated to addressing the climate and energy crisis, we are deeply concerned our 2030 GHG reduction goals will not be met without adoption of this policy. This policy also directly supports City Council Priority #6: Reduce climate pollution and air pollution through best practices, emphasizing electrification and Our Climate Future Big Move 6: Efficient, Emissions Free Buildings. The Board wishes to highlight key areas of support within the policy and implementation plan: ● Covered Buildings - Multi-family and commercial buildings greater than or equal to 5,000 square feet ● Efficiency Targets - Adoption of Energy Use Intensity Efficiency (EUI) targets ● Alternative Compliance Pathways - Resources and off-ramps such as EUI reduction caps, timeline and target adjustments, waivers, and additional support for under-resourced buildings Commented [1]: Could be worth mentioning that gas- burning furnaces and other appliances also produce NOx (an ozone precursor), plus carbon monoxide and other indoor air quality hazards. Performance standards would reduce those pollutants. Commented [2]: Is this language meant to indicate that the Board supports these elements? If so, I'd recommend using active voice, as it is a little confusing. I also think it would be helpful to include more explanation of why we support these things. Commented [3]: Multi-family Commented [4]: Could say something about how this strikes an appropriate balance between capturing a meaningful amount of buildings/energy use while limiting up-front costs to entities that are in a better position to make investments? ● A part- time technical and financial navigator position to provide personalized support to building owners throughout their adoption journey as well as expansion of the incentive- based framework using dollars from the 2025 Tax dedicated to climate initiatives Adopting a BPS policy is not just a climate imperative but a strategic investment in the health, economic prosperity, safety, and resilience of our community. Improvements in building efficiency will mitigate rising costs for Fort Collins ratepayers, as they will enable Platte River Power Authority to avoid or defer investments in new generation resources that may otherwise have been necessary due to electricity demand increases from electric vehicles, population growth, buildling electrification, and other contributors. The BPS policy will also support the development of small businesses and skilled workforces that will be necessary for the deployment of clean technologies and services to implement the policy. Thank you for your time and consideration of this policy decision that will have positive long- term impacts on future community resilience and health. Very respectfully, Kelly Stewart Chair, Natural Resources Advisory Board cc: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager Jacob Castillo, Chief Sustainability Officer Kelly Ohlson, City Council Liaison to the NRAB Honore Depew, Sr. Manager Environmental Sustainability & NRAB Staff Liaison Katherine Bailey, Project Manager, Energy Services Commented [5]: Is that what's actually in there? Is that enough capacity? Commented [6]: especially in light of federal and state budget cuts for tax incentive programs targeting GHG emissions. These issues call on the City to take a firmer stance in meeting 2030 goals. Economic benefits of energy efficiency include reduced operating costs for building owners, potential job creation in green construction/retrofits, and improved resilience to energy price fluctuations. Social equity benefits of energy-efficient buildings can improve public health (indoor air quality, thermal comfort), lower utility bills for tenants, and reduce health and financial burdens on vulnerable populations. NRAB 2025 Work Plan The Natural Resources Advisory Board serves as an advisor to the Fort Collins City Council regarding sustainability policy and programs to achieve the goals and visionary "Big Moves"for Our Climate Future.This board advises on many aspects of community resilience and sustainability with a focus on water quality and availability for fish,wildlife and people,greenhouse gas mitigation,waste reduction and recycling,sustainable behavior change,and supporting the City's commitment to environmental justice. With an understanding that environmental processes (e.g.,photosynthesis,the water cycle,etc.)are the building blocks of life and that human behaviors are leading to an expanding human footprint and accelerating climate change effects on our natural and social environments,the NRAB works to ensure the sustainability of the Fort Collins community.Utilizing the perspective that the natural environment provides life sustaining services,which is not exclusive to human life,the NRAB prioritizes sustaining ecosystem health and function,as well as building social resilience,to maximize positive systems-level impacts in our approaches and recommendations.The NRAB is particularly interested in and supportive of programs and initiatives that recognize: ●the interconnectedness of social and ecological systems and taking bold action to prioritize environmental health, ●the importance of identifying community vulnerabilities and implementing approaches to increase the capacity to adapt to change, ●and that inequity acts as a driver of climate change. To address these priorities,the NRAB will also collaborate with other boards by actively engaging in joint board initiatives to encourage the goals of high functioning government and high impact civic engagement as they pertain to the natural resource management challenges and opportunities faced by the community. Regarding those challenges and opportunities,NRAB has identified the following areas of specific interest in 2025,with an overall view of integrating the principles of sustainability in each target area: ●City Planning ○City Council Priority #8:Advance a 15-minute city by accelerating our shift to active modes ○OCF Big Move:Live,Work and Play Nearby ○Nature in the City ○Land Use Code Updates -Phase 2 ●Climate Change and Sustainability ○City Council Priority #6:Reduce climate pollution and air pollution through best practices,emphasizing electrification ○OCF Big Move:Climate Resilient Community ○OCF Big Move:Electric Cars and Fleets ○OCF Big Move:Efficient,Emissions Free Buildings ○OCF Big Move:100%Renewable Electricity ○OCF Big Move:Local,Affordable and Healthy Food ○Urban Agriculture Promotion ●Equity and Environmental Justice ○Public Health ○Oil and Gas /Well Abandonment and Remediation ○Issues of Access ●Waste Reduction and Recycling 3 ○City Council Priority #5:Accelerate zero waste infrastructure and policies ○OCF Big Move:Zero Waste Economy ○OCF Big Move:Zero Waste Neighborhoods ○Circular Economy ○Regional Wasteshed Matters ●Water Resources and Quality ○City Council Priority #7:Protect community water systems in an integrated way to ensure resilient water resources and healthy watersheds ○Halligan Reservoir ○River Health Assessment ○Water Efficiency Plan ●Wildlife and Forestry ○OCF Big Move:Healthy Natural Spaces ○Resilient Urban Forest ○Night Sky Protection and Outdoor Lighting Requirements ○Monarch Butterfly Habitat Conservation ○Impact of City Projects on Natural World 4