HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 - AIR QUALITY ADVISORY BOARD - WORK PLANWork Plan
City of Fort Collins
Air Quality Advisory Board
2026 Work Plan
The Air Quality Advisory Board’s (AQAB’s) primary purpose is to advise the Fort Collins
City Council on policies, plans, programs, and ordinances that impact the City’s air quality.
A more detailed statement of the AQAB’s purpose and function, is available at
https://library.municode.com/co/fort_collins/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=CH2AD_ARTIII
BOCO_DIV2ADBOYP1_S2-103AIQUADBO
The AQAB may also coordinate with and advise other City boards, City staff, and regional
authorities on air quality issues. When appropriate, the AQAB will advise City Council on
any opportunities that may arise for the City to participate in and influence air-quality-
related decisions affecting Fort Collins but falling under the jurisdiction of county, regional,
state, or national air quality authorities. Regional issues of particular importance include:
● Ozone mitigation
● Air quality monitoring (e.g., ozone precursors, methane, air toxics, particulate
matter)
● Climate change mitigation and adaptation
Expected AQAB Work Plan Tasks for 2026 (not in priority order):
● Track State and Federal regulatory initiatives and their impact on the City
● Collaborate with stakeholders on regional air quality issues including but not limited
to the Regional Air Quality Council and the County Environment and Science
Advisory Board.
● Provide input to City staff and advise City Council on policies and programs related
to the Our Climate Future plan's goals and implementation, including its greenhouse
gas mitigation, zero waste and renewable energy goals for 2026, 2030 and 2050,
and its environmental justice and climate resiliency initiatives.
● Support City staff and develop recommendations to improve indoor air quality,
especially through enhancements to the City's Healthy Homes Program. This could
include:
o increased education, testing, and mitigation for radon and mold;
o reducing wildfire smoke impacts on indoor air quality through encouraging
behavioral changes and improved technology;
o reducing the use of natural gas for heating, hot water, and cooking; and
o eliminating exposure to emissions of harmful chemicals commonly found in
household products.
● Support the City’s ongoing efforts to improve outdoor air quality through projects/
initiatives related to, for example:
o maintaining and improving existing air quality monitoring;
o reducing ozone levels and exposure to air toxics;
o investigating regulatory approaches to promote the electrification of lawn and
garden equipment used by community members, commercial service
providers, and City employees and contractors;
o mitigating wildfire smoke impacts through safety and preparedness planning,
including the Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan, public outreach, and
community education; and
o protecting, managing, and enhancing the City's urban forest and natural
areas.
● As needed, support City goals for improvement of outdoor air quality and
greenhouse gas reduction due to energy generation by reviewing current and
proposed operations at Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) and supporting
operations that align with City/Council priorities.
● Support City staff and advise City Council on ways to improve the City’s
transportation system through, for example:
o development of a safe, year-round pedestrian, bicycle, micro-mobility and
assistive devices mobility network within the City and regionally;
o development of an expanded, reliable transit system that will increase
ridership;
o wider adoption of electric vehicles by both the City's operations and its
residents and workforce;
o reduction in idling and traffic congestion; and
o promotion of other alternative modes of transportation.
● Examine ways for the City to improve public outreach and education to better inform
citizens about air quality conditions and their health impacts, grow public support for
air quality improvement programs, and incentivize behavior change that improves
indoor and outdoor air quality and public health. This could include:
o advising staff on AQ website updates;
o assisting with a City anti-idling campaign;
o attending and supporting public outreach and education events; and
o exploring options for an ozone garden.
● Promote environmental justice in the City’s air quality programs and initiatives
through active participation in its Air Quality Monitoring Advisory Committee.
● Address unanticipated air quality issues and respond to requests from City Council
for advice on any air quality relevant topics.
● Advise council on budget issues relating to air quality.