HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 03/16/2021 - RESOLUTION 2021-031 APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE OUR (2) Agenda Item 15
Item # 15 Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY March 16, 2021
City Council
STAFF
Molly Saylor, Senior Sustainability Specialist
Judy Schmidt, Legal
SUBJECT
Resolution 2021-031 Approving and Adopting the Our Climate Future Plan.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Our Climate Future Plan has been revised to consistently and accurately represent community quotes
associated with each Big Move and associated with Plan Ambassador and Community Partner features.
Several small typos and grammatical errors were also addressed with this revision.
The purpose of this item is consideration of a resolution adopting the Our Climate Future Plan, which describes
thirteen Big Moves and a flexible portfolio of related Next Moves, a two -year community review and calibration
cycle and updated energy and waste goals.
The Our Climate Future Plan presents implementation strategies to simultaneously address climate, waste and
energy goals and improve our community equity and resilience outcomes. The Plan articulates an unwavering
commitment to mitigating climate change with a systems-approach, centering solutions in people and
community priorities, and implementing the Big Moves in an evergreen review cycle.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
Our Climate Future is the combined and comprehensive update to the Climate Action Plan, Energy Policy, and
Road to Zero Waste Plan. This plan is about the future of everyone in Fort Collins and provides an innovative
guide to creating the carbon neutral, zero waste, and 100% renewable electricity future articulated by Fort
Collins policy goals and community priorities.
Our Climate Future was initially appropriated $120,000 from the General Fund in the 2019 -2020 budget, which
was then scaled back to $100,000 due to COVID-19 related budget adjustments. Councilmembers provided
feedback on Our Climate Future at three Work Sessions:
• July 19, 2019 Summary (Attachment 1)
• November 24, 2020 Summary (Attachment 2)
• February 9, 2021 Summary (Attachment 3)
The full text of the work session materials are available at: https://www.fcgov.com/cityclerk/agendas.php.
The Resolution under consideration adopts the Our Climate Future Plan, which descr ibes thirteen Big Moves
and a flexible portfolio of related Next Moves, a two-year community review and calibration cycle and updated
energy and waste goals.
Agenda Item 15
Item # 15 Page 2
Our Climate Future - A New Approach to Climate Action, Energy and Zero Waste
The Our Climate Future Plan (Exhibit A to Resolution) and companion Two-year Tactical Plan (Attachment
4) present implementation strategies to simultaneously address climate, waste and energy goals and improve
our community equity and resilience outcomes. Together, these ex press and articulate an unwavering
commitment to mitigating climate change with a systems-approach, centering solutions in people and
community priorities, and implementing the Big Moves in an evergreen review cycle.
The Plan articulates the following goals:
• Climate
o Reduce 2030 greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 2005 baseline levels .
o Fort Collins is carbon neutral by 2050.
• Energy
o Provide 100% renewable electricity by 2030 with 5% from local distributed renewable sources .
o Achieve a 20% reduction in forecast electricity use between 2021 and 2030 through efficiency and
conservation programs.
• Waste
o Achieve zero waste, or 100% landfill diversion, by 2030.
o At least 85% of what is recoverable in any given year is recovered .
o Decrease in residential pounds landfilled per capita per year.
Our Climate Future - Final Engagement and Plan Evolution
Councilmembers’ feedback at the February 9 Work Session directly resulted in revisions to the Our Climate
Future Plan, Tactical Plan and Appendices. Table 1 summarizes these changes, and community member
feedback is summarized in the Public Outreach section on page 3.
Table 1. Summary of 2.9.2021 Council Work Session Feedback and Plan Revisions
Council Feedback Revisions to Our Climate Future Documents
Questions on definitions related to
equity and the use of acronyms
Added clarifications
Ask to acknowledge other partners Added acknowledgements page; highlighted in context section
Concern over waste goal Maintained current goal of 100% diversion by 2030
More circular and climate economy Added call out boxes and highlighted circular strategies
Downplayed carbon mitigation
ambition
Highlighted ongoing commitment to mitigation and urgent nature of
climate change
Missing regionalism and broader
partnerships
Added a Next Move on regionalism; new context section on broad
partnerships beyond City borders
Missing metrics Created an additional Metrics and Measurement appendix
IPPU emissions not in strategies Described IPPU Next Move in the Tactical Plan
Interest in interim CAP goals Proposed evaluating CAP goals in 2024, in alignment with the 5-year
commitment set forth in the Climate Emergency resolution)
Agenda Item 15
Item # 15 Page 3
Our Climate Future - Implementation and Calibration
Past policy processes for climate, energy and waste had similar structures of brief, intensive community
outreach and a review and update cycle about every five years. The Our Climate Future model for
implementation and updates will be very different. With an adaptive and flexible approach, Our Climate Future
will continue to evolve with new solutions and partnerships with community leaders over the next several
years.
The companion Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan presents details for implementation of Next Move
strategies that are intended to begin or continue implementation in 2021 and 2022. Note that the Tactical Plan
is intended to be a flexible, living document and is therefore not included as a formal element in the resolution.
Each two-year calibration and review cycle will include:
• Evaluation and prioritization of Next Moves;
• Increased opportunities for community partnerships and engagement;
• A check-in with the community to review results and revise Next Moves; and
• An updated Two-Year Tactical Plan which can align with the City’s biennial budget process.
CITY FINANCIAL IMPACTS
The Resolution does not commit any funding for implementation. Consideration of future City investments will
follow standard budget processes and include evaluations of each initiatives' benefits and costs,
communication of relative cost effectiveness, and consideration of community costs and investments.
BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Staff met with the Air Quality Advisory Board and Energy B oard (multiple meetings) to discuss Our Climate
Future. Our Climate Future was also discussed at the Super Issues Board meeting on January 11, 2021. The
Energy Board will consider a recommendation for Our Climate Future at their March 11 meeting, and the
Natural Resources Advisory Board is sending a letter of support to Council regarding Our Climate Future. Draft
Energy Board meeting minutes will be included in a read before memo for March 16.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
Our Climate Future has engaged over 1,000 community members over the course of the last 18 months for
input on priorities, barriers and solutions related to sustainability, climate, energy and waste goals. Based on
the draft plan which was published as part of the February 9 work session, community m embers expressed a
number of questions, concerns and kudos about the draft Our Climate Future Plan via an online survey, Board
and Commission Super Issues meeting, Climate Action Community Advisory Committee meeting, and
additional conversations and interactions.
Table 2 summarizes themes from the feedback and associated revisions to Our Climate Future documents.
Agenda Item 15
Item # 15 Page 4
Table 2.
Community Feedback Revisions to Our Climate Future Documents
Need to maintain equity focus in
implementation and define “equity”
• Added “Equity in Implementation” section to Tactical Plan
• Added Equity Appendix and equity definition
Use less jargon and acronyms • Staff worked to reduce jargon and use of acronyms
throughout the document
Add urgency to acting on climate and
mitigation
• Added letter from the Mayor and City Manager
• Added letter from the Climate Action Community Advisory
Committee
• Added Executive Summary
Clarity on how individuals can take
action
• Added companion document Our Climate Future Action
Guide
Need summary of history of climate
action in Fort Collins
• Added timeline
• Added “Climate Action Requires a Community” section
Many comments of support were also shared; here are two such examples:
• I like where the plan is headed and am proud to be a Fort Collins resident with these types of initiatives.
• Dear Council - It's OK to adopt a plan that sets a trajectory toward goals and values we would all
appreciate (even if we don't exactly know how to get there or how to pay for it). Adopting this Plan help s us
set a vision and outlines the path.
Throughout the Our Climate Future planning process the goal has been to seek equitable solutions and this is
the first major City planning effort with a defined intent to center in equity and lead with race. Past plans for
climate action focused primarily on technical solutions. This plan keeps technical solutions as important pieces
and adds people at the center of the effort.
As we make this about people’s daily lived experience, we increase the effectiveness, innovation, and scale of
what is possible over the next thirty years. Our Climate Future must be for all of us for it will take all of us to get
there.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Work Session Summary, July 19, 2019 (PDF)
2. Work Session Summary, November 24, 2020 (PDF)
3. Work Session Summary, February 9, 2021 (PDF)
4. Our Climate Future Two-Year Tactical Plan (2021-2022) (PDF)
5. Our Climate Future Action Guide March 2021 (PDF)
6. Powerpoint Presentation (PDF)
ATTACHMENT 1
Utilities
electric · stormwater · wastewater · water
222 Laporte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
970.212.2900
V/TDD: 711
utilities@fcgov.com
fcgov.com/utilities
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: November 30, 2020
TO: Mayor Troxell and City Councilmembers
THRU: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Jacqueline Kozak-Thiel, Chief Sustainability Officer
Theresa Connor, Interim Utilities Executive Director
FROM: John Phelan, Energy Services Senior Manager
Molly Saylor, Senior Sustainability Specialist
RE: November 24, 2020 Work Session Summary: Our Climate Future Planning Update
Councilmembers present virtually: Troxell, Stephens, Summers, Gorgol, Cunniff, Pignataro,
Gutowsky
Topic Summary:
Staff summarized the Our Climate Future planning process and sought feedback from Council regarding
proposed Big Moves, next steps towards Council consideration and the integration of the three plans.
Our Climate Future has proceeded with an intentionally different approach to updating planning
documents. The integration of updating three plans in one process acknowledges the interconnections
between waste, energy, and climate and identifies opportunities for connected solutions. Centering the
planning process and strategies in community-defined priorities will result in increased buy-in to meet
goals while simultaneously positively impacting other Fort Collins priorities.
Staff presented the fifteen Big Moves that describe in plain and accessible language the outcomes which
will lead to the achievement of Fort Collins climate, energy and waste goals while simultaneously
positively impacting other community priorities.
Councilmembers generally expressed:
Support for the Our Climate Future planning project and acknowledged its alignment with
Council priorities, importance from a triple bottom line perspective and for the changes in
approach for community engagement.
Support for the Big Moves presented with emphasis on supporting connections and helping the
community understand linkages.
Recognition that the community-centered planning approach has resulted in a very broad and
interconnected set of Big Moves.
Recognition of the historical disparities in community outcomes based on race and ethnicity and
support for continued focus on equity.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3DF6BF02-5B13-4433-A40E-027CAC4B53F2
ATTACHMENT 2
Eagerness to hear details of specific strategies and tactics (aka Next Moves).
Additional councilmember comments included:
Confusion about the basis for leading with race when it comes to planning and implementation
models which are centered in equity and a request for more data about local inequities;
Questions about the carbon savings results for specific programs and their impact on the
community carbon inventory;
Concern that the plan would not include specific goals for waste;
The need to continue engagement with the business community;
The importance of a focus on innovation and solutions which support the local economy;
The importance of integrating walkable community concepts as a model;
The importance of continuing with a human-centered approach to climate action;
How transportation systems are changing fundamentally and need to be incorporated into
thinking about 2030 and 2050 objectives, and
That they did not see Big Move objectives targeting thermal energy.
Next steps
Staff will be sending a follow-up Council memo summarizing program carbon savings and how
the annual community carbon inventory tracks progress.
Proceed with development of a single integrated Our Climate Future plan which also includes
specific goals for waste, in addition to those for climate and energy.
Proceed with analysis of the Next Moves in preparation for the February 9th work session.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 3DF6BF02-5B13-4433-A40E-027CAC4B53F2
Page 1 of 2
Utilities
electric ·stormwater ·wastewater ·water
222 Laporte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580
970.212.2900
V/TDD: 711
utilities@fcgov.com
fcgov.com/utilities
DATE:
TO:
M E M O R A N D U M
February 12, 2021
Mayor Troxell and City Councilmembers
THRU:Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Jacqueline Kozak Thiel, Chief Sustainability Officer
Theresa Connor, Interim Utilities Executive Director
FROM:John Phelan, Energy Services Senior Manager
Molly Saylor, Senior Sustainability Specialist
RE:February 9, 2021 Work Session Summary: Our Climate Future Planning Update
Councilmembers present: Troxell, Summers, Gorgol, Cunniff, Pignataro, Gutowsky, Potyondy
Topic Summary
Staff summarized the Our Climate Future draft plan and sought feedback from Council regarding the
proposed implementation approach, review cycle, revised energy and waste goals and the draft plan.
Staff also asked for feedback on the scope of the Our Climate Future 2021/22 Tactical Plan.
The draft Our Climate Future plan presented the equity-centered approach to planning and
implementation, proposed new goals for energy and waste, progress on all goals to date,a critical path
of strategies required to accomplish the goals by 2030 and a flexible portfolio of additional strategies
that moves Fort Collins further toward the goals. The flexible portfolio and an evergreen update cadence
are intended to allow the community to continue refining a path that intensifies our commitment to
2030 goals while being responsive to rapidly evolving market conditions,
partnerships, and action at other levels of government.
Councilmembers generally expressed:
Support for the accessible and inviting styl e of the draft plan
Support for centering equity, leading with race, with some questions
about how the plan balances equity with being relatable for everyone
Support for the community engagement model,including an ambassador approach and for the
focus on shared leadership for implementation
Additional Councilmember comments included:
Consider broader acknowledgement of community partners and stakeholders who have
contributed to these policies
Concerns about changing the waste goal and that the City should retain a zero waste goal/100%
diversion target
ATTACHMENT 3
Page 2 of 2
Interest in emphasizing the commitment to greenhouse gas mitigation and the continued urgency
climate goals
Interest in seeing specific strategies that were developed based upon engagement with BIPOC
and historically underrepresented group stakeholders
Interest in exploring interim goals for climate action
Appreciation for the neighborhood focus on sharing
Interest in emphasizing the Healthy Local Economy and Jobs Big Move and to specifically
highlight circular and climate economy principles and innovation
Improve recognition of the critical role of water resources and use
Improve recognition of regional efforts and partners (e.g. Platte River Power Authority, Regional
Wasteshed, regional transportation and transit)
Improve descriptions of metrics and accountability for ongoing implementation, including equity
indicators
Expand the level of detail for a Next Move exploring additional strategies to reduce Industrial
Process and Product Use emissions
Next steps
Staff will be revising the Our Climate Future Plan to capture the feedback from Council
including an executive summary, acknowledgements section and a comprehensive review of the
document. These revisions will highlight systems approaches;the urgency of climate action and
;retaining the existing zero waste goal;
commitment to taking action on ambitious goals;equity and accountability;recognizing more
partners;and shared leadership across the local and regional economy.
Staff will be finalizing the Our Climate Future 2021/22 Tactical Plan to be shared with Council
via memo in advance of the Council materials for March 16. This memo will also reference
specific strategies which are included based upon engagement with BIPOC and historically
underrepresented group stakeholders.
OUR CLIMATE FUTURE
TWO-YEAR TACTICAL PLAN
(2021 - 2022)
A detailed description of Our Climate Future Next Moves
for implementation in 2021 and 2022
ATTACHMENT 4
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 1 of 60
Our Climate Future – Two-year Tactical Plan (2021 - 2022)
Introduction
Our Climate Future (OCF) is our community guide
to creating the carbon neutral, zero waste, and
100% renewable electricity future we desire. This
Tactical Plan presents details for implementation
of Next Move strategies while addressing equity,
climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience with
a triple bottom line approach.
This document can also help advocacy groups and
other partners see where the City is seeking
partners or leaders and is a complementary
resource to the Our Climate Future Action Guide
which provides flexible options for businesses,
residents, industries, and institutions to find their
place of action and leadership.
This tactical plan provides detailed descriptions for
implementation actions for the next two years,
2021 and 2022, and begins to increase community
capacity to:
• Draw down greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and energy use, while increasing
renewable electricity, carbon sequestration, and waste prevention;
• Co-create and share community leadership to develop partnerships for implementation;
• Adapt to a changing climate to improve community resilience;
• Plan for investment in a portfolio of strategies which provide net benefits;
• Ensure all parts of the community are included and see themselves in the solutions
proposed; and
• Track the goals to measure success and progress toward achieving sustainability and
resilience.
Our Climate Future uses an intentional, systems approach for solutions which address climate, energy
and waste goals while positively impacting the daily lives of residents, business operations, and
supporting community-defined sustainability priorities. The natural resources upon which we all depend
– air, water, and land – are distributed across the Big Moves in many interrelated and interdependent
Next Moves.
The following pages describe in detail the Our Climate Future Next Moves for each of the Big Move
categories identified for the next two years. The two-year focus aligns with the Our Climate Future
calibration cycle which provides ongoing opportunities for the community to review and reprioritize
Next Moves based on changing conditions.
Big and Next Moves
Big Moves is the OCF way of describing
the transformational outcomes which
connect our specific goals for climate,
energy and waste with the
community’s definition of a
sustainable Fort Collins. Next Moves
are the specific strategies and tactics
that lead to transformational
outcomes of the Big Moves. Each Big
Move has an associated set of Next
Moves. The Next Moves are evaluated for
their impact on goals, benefits and costs,
potential results for improving equity and
resilience.
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 2 of 60
This two-year Tactical Plan takes into context the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on residents,
businesses and local government. The pandemic has severely impacted the community’s capacity to
take on new initiatives, from financial, engagement and participation perspectives.
The primary opportunity of this first cycle of Next Moves is to further develop partnerships and leverage
community expertise to improve the equitability and accessibility of existing efforts. Partnership
development also helps broaden leadership and action across the community. This allows the most
ambitious decade of climate action to begin with a solid foundation.
The intent of a two-year review and calibration cycle is to be able to refine the Next Moves over time to
align with the community targets. Recognizing the flexibility and opportunity inherent in the evergreen
approach described above, staff suggests considering the majority of Next Moves (those that are not
“critical path” strategies) as a flexible portfolio that can be adjusted within a two-year period and over
time to fit the community’s needs and respond to market and technology developments. Tactical Plan
strategies may change accordingly and will be reviewed annually alongside key metrics like the carbon
inventory. Some strategies may be revised as needed on the climate action plan dashboard.
2021-2022 Next Moves
Criteria for selecting Next Moves in the two-year
tactical plan included:
• Alignment with existing and near-term
resources
• Priorities from the community
• What needs to “get started” now to be
successful over time
• Where there is already momentum from
community partners
These Next Moves are identified by shaded rows in
the Our Climate Future plan (also organized by Big
Move) for cross-referencing.
The Next Move descriptions in this Tactical Plan
include:
• Case studies (where applicable);
• A description for How this could look in
Fort Collins over the next ten years;
• A description of actions for 2021 and
2022;
• Lead and support partners, and
• Impact and investment tables
Investments and Impact Estimates
Two types of investments are shown in this
tactical plan in standard and expanded tables:
Two-year start-up investments that may be
funded by the City through existing program
budgets or budget offers for 2022. For these
enabling or small-scale strategies, the
indicated investment may be for the
development phase only.
Cumulative community investments to 2030
(for large-scale direct actions). For these,
investment scoring is based on the total
investment necessary for the Next Move.
Distinctions between community investment,
City resources or external funding are
described where available in the related
bullets.
Impacts shown reflect the full mitigation,
equity, or resilience potential at scale in 2030.
Mitigation and equity impacts are a new
feature of climate, waste and energy work
and continuous improvement from one
tactical plan to the next will be key.
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 3 of 60
How to read the tables
Big Move: The transformational outcome that helps achieve the waste, climate, and energy goals while
addressing community priorities.
Next Move: The strategy or tactic that will help achieve the Big Move.
Estimated new investment: Initial community-wide investments that will be made in the 2021/22
timeframe to advance the Next Move. City investment are noted in the descriptions where relevant.
Mitigation: The potential of the strategy to lower carbon emissions.
Equity: The potential of the strategy to address equity.
Resilience: The potential of the strategy to address resilience.
2030 Cumulative Community Investment (for direct, large-scale actions only): The estimated total
investments that need to be made through 2030 related to this Next Move.
2030 Annual Carbon Savings (for direct, large-scale actions only): The estimated impact on carbon
emissions in 2030 (the next milestone year).
Note: Many Next Moves are marked as “enabling” which means there is not a direct impact on carbon
reductions but are necessary for direct actions to be successful.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030 Annual
carbon
savings (MT)
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 4 of 60
Mitigation, Equity and Resilience
Critical Path and High Impact Strategies
The Next Moves included in this tactical plan represent the first steps to large-scale reductions in
carbon, including both the first steps on critical path strategies (composting, transit, and 100%
renewable electricity) and other high impact strategies that support a flexible portfolio of next moves
that will evolve over time (e.g. efficiency programs, electrification, electric vehicles).
Resilient Community
Though Our Climate Future is not intended to be a comprehensive community resilience and
adaptation plan, climate resilience has been woven into the plan and will be a core consideration in
implementing Next Moves. In the next two years, we have focus on water resources and conservation,
air quality, sheltering and integrating climate considerations into City operational and strategic plans.
Future calibration cycles (every two years) offer ongoing opportunities to further explore and develop
Next Moves related to preparedness, land management and infrastructure.
Equity in Implementation
Like the Our Climate Future Plan itself, implementation of OCF centers in equity, leading with race.
Some ways this is reflected throughout this tactical plan are below, and this list will continue to grow
as we continue our equity journey and learn from community leaders and partners.
• Making space at the table, seeking community partners and leaders for Next Moves
• Applying the Government Alliance on Race and Equity’s (GARE) Equity Toolkit to
improve the equitability of a Next Move or tactic
• Seeking community input on the design and implementation of a Next Move
• Co-creating improvements with Plan Ambassadors and Community Partners
• Incorporating a language justice approach (i.e., ensuring all community members can
have their voices heard without their preferred language being a barrier)
• Applying the principles of targeted universalism (i.e., designing for all by acknowledging
and addressing a spectrum of needs and experiences)
• Considering disaggregated community demographic data (i.e., data split out by
identities) to understand and address disparities in our services and programs
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 5 of 60
Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................1
How to read the tables .......................................................................................................................3
Mitigation, Equity and Resilience........................................................................................................4
Big Move 1 - Shared Leadership and Community Partnership: .............................................................6
Big Move 2 - Zero Waste Neighborhoods: ......................................................................................... 11
Big Move 3 - Climate Resilient Community: ....................................................................................... 16
Big Move 4 - Convenient Transportation Choices: ............................................................................. 23
Big Move 5 - Live, Work, Play Nearby: .............................................................................................. 26
Big Move 6 - Efficient, Emissions Free Buildings: ............................................................................... 28
Big Move 7 - Healthy Affordable Housing: ......................................................................................... 34
Big Move 8 - Local, Affordable and Healthy Food: ............................................................................. 37
Big Move 9 - Healthy Local Economy and Jobs................................................................................... 39
Big Move 10 - Zero Waste Economy. ................................................................................................. 43
Big Move 11 - Healthy Natural Spaces: .............................................................................................. 44
Big Move 12 - 100% Renewable Electricity. ....................................................................................... 47
Big Move 13 - Electric cars and fleets. ............................................................................................... 52
Summary of Tactical Plan Next Moves .............................................................................................. 55
Summary of Quantified Direct Greenhouse Gas Reduction Next Moves ............................................. 58
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 6 of 60
Big Move 1 - Shared Leadership and Community Partnership: Centered
in equity and leading with race, all parts of our community lead,
implement and benefit from Our Climate Future
As highlighted in the Centering Equity, Leading with Race section, Our Climate Future acknowledges that
in Fort Collins, as in the entire country, there has been a history of racism and discrimination and its
effects continue into the present. Many Fort Collins community members and institutions are
committed to changing this, so that moving forward, identity is not a predictor of one’s outcomes in life.
Our Climate Future is one effort of many that will help dismantle systemic racism in our
community. Instead of continuing to treat climate action like a math problem that only requires
technical solutions, this Big Move focuses on the changes needed to ensure our efforts are influenced by
and support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and other economically disadvantaged and
historically underserved community members, to ensure they all have equitable access to the same
resources and opportunities as other parts of the community.
Additionally, this Big Move is the acknowledgment that the City is one of many actors working toward
Our Climate Future’s emissions, waste, and energy goals, and we can’t and aren’t doing it alone. We
need every part of the Fort Collins community to be able to participate and take on leadership
roles if we are going to address our community priorities and achieve our ambitious community
environmental goals.
Next Move: Identify opportunities where the City and the community can partner on
funding applications to advance Our Climate Future Big Moves
How it could look in Fort Collins: Staff and community members will actively seek opportunities to jointly
apply for funding which serve community needs and work to accomplish the OCF Big Moves. For
example, an organization local to Fort Collins that is actively working on equity and transportation issues
might identify a state or federal grant focused on providing subsidized sustainable transportation
alternatives such as e-bikes to low-to-moderate income households. This organization could reach out
to City staff and partner to apply for the grant, ideally serving community needs and increasing the
possibility of being awarded grant funds. The City could also identify partners for grants.
2021/22 efforts: The City will identify at least one community partner who is interested in jointly
applying for funding and begin seeking out funding opportunities that address mutual needs.
Lead partners: City of Fort Collins, various departments, Seeking Leaders
Support partners: Community organizations and individuals who wish to partner, Seeking Partners
Impact and investment: This work will utilize existing staff and associated budgets.
Estimated investment could include the following and will be determined according to specific
partnerships and funding applications:
• Staff time devoted to partnerships and grant proposals.
• Possible matching funds for grant proposals.
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 7 of 60
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Enabling Low Low
Next Move: Design an equitable implementation structure of the Our Climate Future
Plan
How it could look in Fort Collins: To equitably implement the Our Climate Future Plan, it is critical that
action is taken by all parts of the community, including historically underrepresented groups,
businesses, residents, neighborhoods, institutions, industries, local government, and advocacy groups.
Key to making sure that every part of the community has a place of action and leadership, we will need
to design an equitable implementation structure that prioritizes partnerships of all kinds, including with
historically underrepresented groups. Previous environmental plans’ implementation structures could
be adapted to put equitable engagement and partnership/leadership models at the core of design in
order to implement the Our Climate Future Plan.
2021/22 efforts: In partnership with local leaders (of equity work, historically underrepresented groups,
the business community, neighborhoods, advocacy, etc.), staff will refine the implementation structure
(e.g. staff and community teams, ongoing communications) for Our Climate Future. This process will
take place throughout 2021 and 2022.
Lead partners: Local leaders and the City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department, Seeking
Leaders
Support partners: Our Climate Future Plan Ambassadors and Community Partners; City Equity Office
(once established), Seeking Partners
Impact and investment: Investment to implement this Next Move may show up across several Next
Moves.
Estimated investment could include the following and will continue to be developed through 2021 with
the community:
• Compensation for community partners (e.g., Plan Ambassador and Community Partner
program: $13,000 in 2020)
• Engagement and outreach
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Enabling High Medium
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 8 of 60
Next Move: Reimagine the Community Advisory Committee to align with the City’s
Strategic Objective to center equity for all, leading with race and explore
opportunities to share decision-making
How it could look in Fort Collins: A key part of redesigning equitable implementation of Our Climate
Future will be transforming the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to center equity for all, leading
with race in how the committee operates. This may require that the Committee add additional members
with strong relationships to a diverse spectrum of historically underrepresented groups. The Community
Advisory Committee is currently an advisory body that reviews staff documents, City policy and budget
proposals and provides feedback. While staff often incorporate feedback from the Community Advisory
Committee, the committee members do not currently have the ability to make decisions. This
reimagining process would explore possibilities for increased decision-making abilities of the Community
Advisory Committee. The focus of the Community Advisory Committee could also expand to function as
an equity accountability committee for Our Climate Future implementation.
2021/22 efforts: In partnership with current CAC members and local leaders in equity, staff will facilitate
a reimagining process for the scope of CAC’s role and exploration of possible decision-making
capabilities in Our Climate Future implementation. This process will take place throughout 2021 and
2022.
Lead partners: CAC members, local equity leaders (will identify partners during implementation), and
City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department,
Support partner: City Equity Office (once established)
Impact and investment: The Environmental Services climate budget has historically contributed between
$3,000 - $10,000 annually towards the CAP Community Advisory Committee. Staff time coordinating the
CAC utilizes existing staff and associated budgets. Estimated investment could include translation and
interpretation, childcare, transportation, and meals to reduce barriers to participation on the CAC.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Enabling High Medium
Next Move: Partner to provide greater access to environmental education for Spanish -
speaking community members
How it could look in Fort Collins: It has been identified that current City environmental education
programs are rarely offered in Spanish. To effectively provide access to environmental education for
Spanish-speakers, the long-term effort to resource programs in other languages will start with this Next
Move. Eventually, a guide to best practices for City Staff in creating multilingual communications and
education will be needed to make multilingual education programs a standard.
2021/22 efforts: In 2021, staff will identify and study best practice environmental education programs
offered by the City that are currently offered in both Spanish and English such as the Healthy Homes
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program. Then, staff will focus on creating a pilot Spanish-speaking Shift Your Ride project that could be
used as a template for other programs as the City expands and continues to work with community
partners to enhance environmental education programs. In 2022, staff and community leaders will
expand to additional environmental education programs.
Lead partners: Environmental Services Department, Spanish-speaking community leaders
Support partner: FC Moves Department
Impact and investment: Estimated investment could include:
• Compensation for Spanish-speaking community leaders’ guidance and expertise.
• Translation and interpretation of education programs.
• Staff time to coordinate this new work, utilizing existing budgets.
• The pilot Spanish-speaking Shift Your Ride focus group project is budgeted for $2,500
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Enabling Medium Low
Next Move: Provide unconscious bias training to staff and partners involved in Our
Climate Future implementation
How it could look in Fort Collins: To center the implementation process in equity for all, leading with
race, it will be essential that community partners and staff engaged in implementation are provided
with unconscious bias and racial equity training. This will improve the equity education, capacity, and
awareness of those involved. This education will provide participants with the language and concepts
needed to address and undo inequities, racism, and bias as we work to embed equity in
implementation. Equity and inclusion is also an identified Council priority.
A virtual education curriculum could be developed as a training for staff and partners participating in
Our Climate Future implementation. During the curriculum, participants could meet periodically to
discuss and become more comfortable having conversations about unconscious bias and racial equity
together. The training will be optional, but staff may identify specific projects where the training would
be mandatory.
2021/22 efforts: In 2021, staff and community partners will identify best practices for deploying large-
scale unconscious bias and racial equity training and select an approach for providing education for all
people participating in Our Climate Future implementation. Then, in 2022, the curriculum and approach
could be deployed as a pilot after being tested, reviewed, and improved. This will likely require
resources through the BFO process to implement.
Lead partners: City of Fort Collins, local community leaders
Support partners: Local community leaders, City Equity Office (once established)
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Impact and investment: New investment will be determined through implementation by identifying
existing trainings and external facilitators to guide this work. Staff do not know how much this could cost
at this time as it is still in early stages of development and more details about how to implement will be
needed to estimate costs. Estimated investment could include:
• Purchasing curricula, paying trainers, or buying a license for online training tools
• Staff time to coordinate this new work, utilizing existing budgets.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Enabling High High
Next Move: Continue, and where appropriate expand, upon durable partners beyond
Fort Collins to achieve climate, energy, and waste goals
How it could look in Fort Collins: This next move recognizes that achieving the Our Climate Future Big
Moves requires action at the community, regional, statewide, national and international scales and
partnerships across all sectors. It continues existing partnerships, such as those with Colorado
Communities for Climate Action, Platte River Power Authority, Colorado State University, the Urban
Sustainability Directors Network, and many, many more. Where a partnership might be expanded upon,
and thus, require any new investments, it is addressed in a separate Next Move.
Fort Collins partners with 36 Colorado local governments to advance statewide policy action in
alignment with Our Climate Future. Larimer County has adopted a climate smart Larimer County
Framework and continues to seek input related to how the County can support residents impacted by
climate hazards. The County seeks to act as a regional convener and support local partners in their
efforts to address climate action. As one more example, Fort Collins is one of four communities in the
municipal utility that is Platte River Power Authority. As work expands beyond Fort Collins’ borders, the
potential to impact environmental goals, equity and resilience can increase significantly depending on
the effort.
2021/22 efforts: Partner with these various entities to advance the Our Climate Future Big Moves, the
State’s efforts to reduce emissions, and support national and international best practices toward a more
people-centered approach to sustainability.
Lead partners: Varies by partnership, e.g., Fort Collins Utilities is the lead on the Platte River Power
Authority partnership, Fort Collins Environmental Services is the lead on the Colorado Communities for
Climate Action partnership, etc.
Support partners: Numerous internal City departments and community, regional, state, national, and
international partners depending on the specific topic.
Impact and investment: No new investments are included within this Next Move; any new investment
would come as a result of implementing another Next Move, see specific examples above.
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Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Enabling Medium Medium
Big Move 2 - Zero Waste Neighborhoods: We can all share and reuse
so we don't have to buy things we won't regularly use and are able to
recycle or compost the rest
On average, Fort Collins residents and businesses throw away just under 100,000 tons of trash a year
(about 3 lbs. per person per day), much of which could have been recycled or composted.1 Some of that
trash is stuff we didn’t need; or bought, didn’t often use, and then discarded. Often things we throw
away didn’t mean much to us but did have a high impact on greenhouse gases and natural resources.
Zero Waste Neighborhoods is about helping people and businesses reduce waste and emissions, reuse,
and feel comfortable sharing, which saves money and supports a more circular economy. By connecting
with each other more, we build and strengthen relationships to create a stronger community now and in
times when neighbors need to work together through floods, extreme cold, and heat waves.
This Big Move acknowledges that sometimes we are left with materials that need to be recycled or
composted and that not everyone in Fort Collins currently has access to these services. While creating
this plan, we learned that More Reuse, Recycling, and Composting was the number one priority of
historically underrepresented groups in Fort Collins. Making sure that services are available to all parts
of the community is crucial to creating Zero Waste Neighborhoods.
Next Move: Explore additional community-needs donation options
How it could look in Fort Collins: This strategy was suggested by a community member who wanted to
see additional donation bins around the community that would be flexible to the needs of the
community. The idea was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic when there were unanticipated needs
across the community for PPE, hygiene articles, dry food goods, etc. This also recognizes that even
without a pandemic, community needs fluctuate and flexibility is needed for collecting donations.
Donations could be new items or represent an important form of community reuse.
2021/22 efforts: In 2022, community groups who wish to take the lead role on this strategy could be
supported by the City’s Waste Reduction and Recycling team to develop this idea, possibly leveraging
the Timberline Recycling Center as a test site for a flexible donation bin.
Lead partners: Community groups and organizations that provide services to the community, Seeking
Partners
Support partners: City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department, other City Departments as
appropriate
1 Source: 2019 Fort Collins Community Waste & Recycling Summary.
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Impact and investment:
• The primary investment would be staff time to support, if a leader in the community took this
Next Move on. If no community leader is identified, no new investment would be expected in
this two-year timeframe.
• Once the strategy is ready to pilot, marginal costs to purchase bins would be expected.
• Estimated new investments include the cost of bin(s) and associated awareness work about the
bin system.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
$20,000 Enabling High Medium
Next Move: Expand recycling education campaign
Case study: Atlanta’s “Feet on the Street” is a Recycling Education Campaign. The Department of Public
Works (DPW) is working to improve the quantity and quality of recyclables collected from single-family
homes across Atlanta, to better serve residents and achieve the city’s waste diversion goals. The Feet on
the Street program puts a team of people on the streets of Atlanta to audit residential recycling carts for
contamination, provides residents real-time feedback on the quality of their recycling through the
“Oops” tags left on the cart if contamination is found, and delivers a broad-based educational campaign
across the city to improve recycling outcomes.
How it could look in Fort Collins: The City of Fort Collins already conducts recycling education and would
explore ways to conduct smaller scale waste audits, like Atlanta’s approach, to improve City
programming and metrics tracking, awareness campaigns, education materials, and possibly even give
real-time feedback to recyclers. Part of expanding campaigns would include applying an equity lens,
creating more culturally relevant messages, and incorporating language justice. The goal of expanding
recycling education, using small-scale waste audits and other mechanisms, is to get more people
recycling and recycling right (and reducing contamination in the recycling stream as behavior improves!)
2021/22 efforts: In 2021, staff would look at models in other cities more closely and use this information
to request funds in the future to implement the program. Visioning work in 2021 around the City’s
Recycling Ambassador program could also consider how volunteers could contribute to expanded
recycling education. Staff would also work with BIPOC community members and organizations to
improve the cultural relevance of messaging and have more materials in different languages.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department
Support partners: Seeking Partners
Impact and investment:
• A vehicle (potentially electric) outfitted with tipping equipment for rolling waste sorts
o Recognizing the importance of transitioning to electric vehicles, staff would explore if
available electric options could meet this need.
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• Waste auditing materials
• Volunteer coordination or staff members to conduct campaigns in neighborhoods
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
$150,000 Enabling Low Low
Next Move: Implement universal recycling ordinance
Case study: The City of Austin has a Universal Recycling and Composting ordinance that requires
commercial property owners to ensure that tenants and employees have access to recycling.
How it could look in Fort Collins: The City of Fort Collins passed a Community Recycling Ordinance in
2016 that requires waste haulers to provide recycling services to all their commercial and multi-family
customers by June 30, 2021 unless the location is granted a variance by the City for specific reasons
outlined in the ordinance. This strategy is a “critical path” Next Move because it is critical to reaching
our waste and carbon goals.
2021/22 efforts: Staff will focus on supporting the haulers, the multi-family community, and businesses
through this change by providing educational materials, in-person assistance, and evaluating variance
requests.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department
Support partners: Private trash and recycling haulers, commercial and multi-family property owners
Impact and investment: Investments shown in the table below represent community costs of recycling
for businesses and multi-family properties getting recycling services per the Community Recycling
Ordinance. There are no anticipated new investments to the City in 2021-22.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030
Annual
carbon
savings
(MT)
$4.7M High Medium Medium $27.6M 12,740
Next Move: Explore universal composting ordinance and related composting
infrastructure/facilities
Case study: The City of Austin has a Universal Recycling and Composting ordinance that requires food-
permitted businesses to ensure that employees have convenient access to diversion methods that keep
organic materials (like food scraps) out of landfills.
How it could look in Fort Collins: Exploring a Universal Composting ordinance and related
infrastructure/facilities is a “critical path” strategy that is required to meet our waste and carbon goals.
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This Next Move is a continuation of work that the City has already begun over the past five years
through the Regional Wasteshed planning efforts and is part of the critical path to getting to Zero Waste
and 80% carbon reduction in 2030.
2021/22 efforts: Staff will explore pathways to food scrap and enhanced yard waste composting,
through infrastructure and policy, for implementation in subsequent years. Continuing participation in
the Regional Wasteshed effort will be a key part of this work.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department
Support partners: Regional partners
Impact and investment: There are no new community or City investments anticipated in the 2021-22.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030
Annual
carbon
savings
(MT)
No new
investment High Medium Medium $40M 59,600
Next Move: Implement disposable grocery bag policy
How it could look in Fort Collins: The Fort Collins City Council passed a disposable bag policy that, if
supported by a ballot referendum, would ban plastic bags and put a 12-cent fee on paper bags at large
grocers starting May 1, 2022. This strategy aligns with Council’s priority to reduce plastic pollution.
2021/22 efforts: If voters support the Council-adopted disposable bag ordinance in 2021, staff will work
to transition the community through outreach, the provision of free reusable bags, and work with
grocers to develop implementation plans.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department
Support partners: Large grocers, various service providers that work with low-income households
Impact and investment: The investment shown below would cover implementation and initial ordinance
administration in the first two years. These costs would be covered by the bag fee revenue. More
specifically, the investment includes:
• Outreach and awareness efforts
• Free reusable bags for low-income households
• Staff resources for implementation and administration
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
$175,000 Low Low Medium
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Next Move: Identify barriers to accessing recycling services
How it could look in Fort Collins: This strategy is about understanding the barriers that different parts of
the community, including BIPOC and historically underrepresented community members, have in
accessing recycling services. Gaining a better understanding will require staff to work with groups,
organizations, and individuals in the community to understand their lived experience around our waste
system.
2021/22 efforts: City staff will build new relationships and partnerships to explore these barriers,
understanding whether some barriers are addressed through the Community Recycling Ordinance and if
not, to understand possible solutions.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department
Support partners: Community organizations and individuals, including BIPOC and historically
underrepresented community members, Seeking Partners
Impact and investment: Compensating community partners for their lived experience in support of
applying an equity lens.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
$7,000 Enabling Medium Low
Next Move: Facilitate the sharing of commonly needed items through libraries
Case study: Libraries all around Finland lend tools, musical instruments, sporting equipment, games, etc.
How it could look in Fort Collins: Fort Collins is already home to a Tool Lending Library and the Poudre
River Public Library District. Both library systems already support the sharing economy. The Library
District has a “Gadgets and Things” collection that allows community members to borrow passes to local
museums, take home technology, crochet kits, telescopes, cake pans, bakeware, Fitbit Zips, solar lights,
Colorado State Parks passes, birdwatching backpack kits, GoPro camera kits, karaoke systems,
indoor/outdoor screen projectors, noise-cancelling headphones, energy monitoring kits, and more. The
Tool Lending Library lends a variety of tools and home maintenance equipment.
2021/22 efforts: In 2021, the Poudre River Public Library staff will use available resources to expand the
collection in response to community needs and requests. The City of Fort Collins will continue to help
the library cultivate connections within the community in order to create partnerships. These
partnerships could help avoid duplicating what is already being done.
Lead partner: Poudre River Public Library District
Support partners: City of Fort Collins, Ecothrift Tool Lending Library
Impact and investment: This strategy is funded through City-external sources.
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Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Enabling High Medium
Big Move 3 - Climate Resilient Community: People, buildings,
watersheds and ecosystems are prepared for the threats of climate
change
Adjusting to our changing climate and preparing for future changes make a big difference in how our
community is able to thrive. The threats of climate change cannot be tackled by a single organization or
business. It is crucial to plan for disruption and to foster and strengthen regional, community, and
personal networks by supporting each other so we are better prepared to handle those effects. Fort
Collins has a significant history of resilience work in stormwater planning and infrastructure, expanding
and protecting our drinking water sources, and addressing regional outdoor and indoor air quality
concerns, and still there is plenty more to do. Moving forward, there continue to be opportunities to
partner with community members and organizations as our community plans and prepares for the
increasing effects of climate change in Fort Collins.
Next Move: Expand and enhance water efficiency programs and incentives
Case study: There are many Cities and Utilities to look to that offer programs that could be
complementary to Fort Collins. Often communities with more constrained water resources and less
available supplies lead the way with ever-changing technology and innovation. California, Texas and
other front range communities in Colorado can provide examples of successful programs or variations to
existing programs that could enhance current services.
How it could look in Fort Collins: Fort Collins Utilities currently offers numerous water efficiency
programs and incentives, but our offerings are not exhaustive and as climate change creates more of a
strain on our water resources, we will need to be even more innovative and responsive to changing and
growing needs in our community. This next move is in alignment with the Water Efficiency and Water
Supply and Demand Management Plans.
2021/22 efforts: There are three main efforts currently underway:
1) With free technical assistance made possible by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Fort Collins
Utilities is developing residential water budgets in 2021. Budgets will be unique to each property, based
on the number of occupants and irrigable area. These budgets provide customers with improved water
literacy, better understanding of what their use should be compared to what their use is. They can be
used as program eligibility criteria and help target messaging to those whose use is consistently higher
than their budget. In other communities, budgets are used as an innovative mechanism to address
water shortage in lieu of water restrictions and as a budget-based rate structure.
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2) The Xeriscape Incentive Program expanded in 2020 to offer rebates to HOAs and commercial water
customers interested in reducing outdoor water use by swapping out high-water landscapes for water-
wise ones. These projects save millions of gallons of water annually, and most have converted to native
and regionally-adapted plant species that overall require less water, nutrient and maintenance/mowing
inputs. 2021 marks the second year of this program. Rebates are entirely funded by grants. Unless
pending grant funding is approved, the Xeriscape Incentive Program will not have budget to support
customers in 2022.
3) Fort Collins Utilities Water Conservation staff are conducting program evaluations to identify
opportunities to increase the diversity of participation, remove barriers and improve inclusivity, starting
with the Sprinkler Assessment Program.
Lead partner: Fort Collins Utilities – Water Conservation
Support partners: Water Budgets, Utilities: Water Resources, Customer Connections Service Unit (CCSU)
-Communications and Marketing and Finance, Colorado Water Conservation Board; Xeriscape Incentive
Program, Utilities: Water Conservation, CCSU-Communications and Marketing, CCSU-Community
Engagement, Colorado Water Conservation Board, United States Department of Interior, Bureau of
Reclamation
Impact and investment: Water Budgets’ 2021 costs are limited to communications and currently
budgeted at $2,000. The majority of current Xeriscape Incentive Program for HOAs and Commercial
customers budget goes toward customer rebates:
• 2021 budget - $100,000,
• 2022 budget - $0 unless grant funding approved. Pending grant amount is $200,000.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
$300,000 Low Low Medium
Next Move: Update codes to address existing and new developments’ indoor and
outdoor water efficiency
Case study: There are many communities to look to with above-code energy and water efficiency
standards and land use codes that have successfully and comprehensively incorporated water efficiency
into planning and development standards. Castle Rock, CO; Austin, TX; and Santa Fe, NM have
developed efficiency standards associated with new development’s existing indoor and outdoor water
use. Standards that could be adopted entirely or in part include, International Green Construction Code
(IGCC), RESNET HERS H20, and/or Water Efficiency Rating Score (WERS). Colorado Water Conservation
Board and its partners offer examples and guidance for greater integration of water efficiency into land
use practices and codes: https://westernresourceadvocates.org/land-use-planning-for-water-efficiency/
How it could look in Fort Collins: While Fort Collins has standards codified in the Municipal Code
(Chapter 5 – Buildings and Building Regulations and Chapter 26 - Utilities) and Land Use Code, there are
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areas of development that currently lack efficiency standards. Example code areas that could increase
efficiency and conservation standards, but would likely need additional resources to implement include:
• Single-family residential outdoor water efficiency (landscapes and irrigation standards)
• Indoor water fixture efficiency standards outlined in plumbing codes, which are mostly
minimum standards, consistent with Colorado State’s minimum fixture efficiency
standards
• Year-round outdoor watering schedules to minimize day-time watering and over-
irrigation associated with daily watering
Codes can provide mechanisms for above-code development incentives, such as Metro Districts. Often
communities begin with voluntary programs and incentives and progress towards codifying certain
elements to ensure efficiency is achieved in all developments, as appropriate. This next move is in
alignment with the Water Efficiency and Water Supply and Demand Management Plans.
2021/22 efforts: There are currently three efforts underway:
1) Water Conservation is updating Utilities’ Water Supply Requirements and currently plans to
include incentives for more water efficient developments in 2021.
2) Municipal Code updates presented to Council in Q4, 2021 will propose to improve energy and
water efficiency in Chapter 5 Building and Building Regulations.
3) The creation of a revised Metro District process is being considered in 2021 and will propose
above-code energy and water efficiency requirements to receive approval as a Metro District.
Lead partner: Water Supply Requirements: Utilities’ Water Resource and Water Conservation; Municipal
Code, Chapter 5 updates: Building Services
Support partner: Metro Districts, Utilities’ Water Conservation and Energy Services; Municipal Code,
Chapter 5 updates: Utilities’ Energy Services and Water Conservation
Impact and investment: The code work utilizes existing staff and associated budgets. The cumulative
cost impact for these three efforts will depend on the number of developments that occur and based on
a defined timeframe. These efforts will result in ongoing benefits. Impacts should be calculated based on
any incremental cost increase to comply with new codes and the net cost or benefit associated with
development in a Metro District or Water Supply Requirement compared to traditional costs. Further
impacts and costs resulting from the above-code updates are planned for evaluation concurrently with
the update work and are currently unknown.
Estimated new investment is dependent on the number of developments in 2021/22 and includes the
costs to builders and developers in meeting code.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
<$1M Low Low Medium
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Next Move: Adopt a holistic approach to integrated water resource planning and
management (One Water Approach)
Case study: One Water is a progressive planning and implementation approach to managing water
resources for long-term resilience and reliability, meeting both community and environmental needs.
The One Water approach is an effective business practice being used by cities, utilities, and other water
sectors around the world that encourages holistic thinking and practices toward managing water. The
Water Research Foundation published a “Blueprint for One Water” that outlines a systematic process
that can be used to guide the development and implementation of a One Water framework.
How it could look in Fort Collins: The current and predicted future impacts of climate change threaten
water resources in the Cache la Poudre River watershed, creating significant challenges for the City’s
water managers. The City can most effectively meet these challenges by developing a One Water
framework that can be used to improve cross-departmental and multi-organizational integration and
collaboration; encourage innovative planning, projects, and programs that achieve multiple benefits;
identify opportunities and synergies that maximize the use of the City’s finite budgetary and water
resources; and ultimately, build long-term resilience and reliability for both the community and
environment. This next move is in alignment with future updates to the Water Efficiency and Water
Supply and Demand Management Plans.
2021/2022 efforts: In 2021 and 2022, staff will continue to maintain momentum toward developing a
One Water framework by forming a cross-departmental One Water Leaders team; improving cross-
departmental communication; providing outreach and education opportunities to other City staff and
leadership; continuing to engage and participate on the Water Research Foundation’s “One Water Cities
Development of Guidance Documents and Assessment Metrics” Project; and convening the One Water
Leaders team to “practice” the One Water approach on 1 – 2 One Water Pilot Projects.
Lead partner: Fort Collins Utilities Water Quality Services Division – Watershed Program
Support partners: Utilities: Water Production Division, Water Resources Division, Water Reclamation &
Biosolids Division, Water Systems Engineering Division, Environmental Regulatory Affairs Division,
Customer Connection -Water Conservation; Community Services: Natural Areas, Parks, and Parks
Planning
Impact and investment:
• 2021/2022 costs will be limited to staff time dedicated from One Water leaders.
• The information collected in 2021 will be used to inform the development of a budget offer
in 2022 to formally develop a One Water framework in 2023/2024, which can help inform
longer term costs for implementation and staffing.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Low Low High
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Next Move: Educate and communicate existing emergency sheltering process and
explore expanded options for disproportionately affected groups
Case study: Ensuring that community members know and understand what to do during community
emergencies that may include displacement from homes is a crucial component of emergency response.
Expanding sheltering options for disproportionately affected groups such as those experiencing
homelessness or groups located in disaster zones with fewer financial resources, will provide assistance
to those most in need and/or those directly affected.
How it could look in Fort Collins: More information can be shared about the existing process for
evacuations and sheltering on the City’s website with additional education and outreach in partnership
with regional groups, such as Larimer County, local service agencies and community groups, especially
those that work with and serve non-English speaking community members. The City and community
partners can also begin exploring how to expand options for sheltering for marginalized groups during
smaller emergencies such as wildfire smoke events.
2021/22 efforts: The City can begin researching best practice examples of ways to set up clean air spaces
for community members who are disproportionately impacted during wildfire smoke events and explore
what options may be available with partners.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins
Support partners: Larimer County, Fort Collins Rescue Mission, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities,
Murphy Center/Homeward Alliance
Impact and investment: This work utilizes existing staff in multiple departments.
While not anticipated at this time, future investments could include:
• Engagement and outreach regarding sheltering and translation to Spanish.
• Investments from community partners such as expanded operational hours, facility use,
staffing and other resources needed to expand sheltering options.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
No new
investment Low Medium High
Next Move: Partner with trusted community sites to provide resources and
information during community emergencies (Resilience Hubs)
Case study: Urban Sustainability Directors Network has developed guidance for cities to use existing or
new trusted sites to provide resources and information during community emergencies.
How it could look in Fort Collins: Facilities such as community centers, faith-based organizations and
others could be used to provide coordination and communication and distribute resources and other
services during disruptive events.
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2021/22 efforts: Northside Aztlan Community Center will be modified in 2021 to increase the building’s
energy resilience with battery storage and could operate at a limited function for up to 72 hours in the
event of power outages. This would enable the site to have multiple functions during emergencies,
while offering reduced daily operational costs. This is one example of how this type of resource can be
developed and used to improve community preparedness and response during community-level events.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins
Support partner: State of Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA)
Impact and investment: Total project cost: $425,000 with a $200,000 match from DOLA. This funding is
already appropriated as a capital project.
Estimated investments include:
• New battery storage and control system
• Energy efficiency upgrades
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Low High High
Next Move: Ensure that air quality levels and information about related health
concerns is representative, easily accessible, and broadly communicated
Case study: Monitoring and reporting air pollution data contributes to increased awareness of air quality
issues and potential health impacts, and identification of opportunities to improve local air quality
conditions. Measured data are also used to forecast future air quality impacts, such as ozone alert days,
and to determine compliance with Federal and State standards. The Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) leads in these communication efforts (https://www.epa.gov/outdoor-air-quality-data), and many
local communities augment this with local monitoring and communication efforts. Improving air quality
is an identified Council priority.
How it could look in Fort Collins: To reduce health risks during adverse air quality events, it is important
to:
• Effectively communicate when and where air quality conditions pose a health risk;
• Communicate actions that community members can take to protect themselves from
smoke and other pollution exposure; and
• Empower community members to take actions to reduce pollution.
The City could improve communication strategies by expanding monitoring efforts and identifying which
agents and methods in the community are best positioned to communicate about air quality.
Furthermore, engaging interested community members, such as students, in the science of air quality
and data evaluation in conjunction with an expanded monitoring network could be implemented. This
next move is in alignment with the Air Quality Plan.
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2021/22 efforts: Localized air quality monitoring data, real-time visibility camera images and air quality
alerts are available through www.fcgov.com/AQdata. With changes in technologies, and increased
accessibility of low cost, high quality air quality monitors, the City is beginning to invest in additional air
quality monitors that increase areas represented. Near term efforts include further development and
promotion of the City’s air quality and health impact summaries, and resources to protect from adverse
health impacts.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department
Support partners: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Larimer County Public Health
and Environment
Impact and investment: Anticipated 2021 communication efforts are supported by the Environmental
Services Department ongoing budget. Current efforts will require a continuation of these resources,
while additional efforts, such as expanded monitoring, and outreach, may require additional resources
through grants or other funding opportunities. Funding for additional efforts would depend on scale and
scope, ranging from approximately $20K - $100K per year, depending on the number of monitors.
Estimated new investment could include:
• Funds to procure, install, operate and maintain expanded low-cost particulate monitoring
network
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
Seek grant
funding, as
appropriate
Low Low Medium
Next Move: Integrate climate resilience considerations into city strategic and
operational plans
Case study: The City of Austin adopted a Climate Resilience Action Plan to determine which City assets
and operations are vulnerable to climate-related disruptions and how to mitigate those impacts.
How it could look in Fort Collins: As one example, safety plans and operating procedures can be updated
to include climate related risks and the actions that will be taken to protect staff and community
members in City buildings and programs.
2021/22 efforts: In the near term, a small group of staff from various City departments are convening to
develop a safety protocol on how to address poor indoor air quality in City buildings during smoke
events. This includes how to track complaints about smoke exposure, operational actions to reduce
smoke in buildings and actions staff can take to reduce their exposure and protect their health.
Additionally, staff will collaborate across City departments to ensure climate-related impacts are
considered and included as community plans are created and/or updated. A forthcoming update to the
Natural Areas Master Plan and water planning (contingent on budgetary funding) updates could have
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opportunities to advance this strategy. This next move is in alignment with future updates to the Water
Efficiency, Water Supply and Demand Management and Stormwater Master Plans.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department
Support partners: Fort Collins Utilities, Safety and Risk Management and Operation Services
Impact and investment: This work utilizes existing staff resources.
Estimated new investment could include the following and will be determined by planning process:
• Funding for building upgrades, such as new ventilation systems
• Additional analysis and modeling by consultants/content experts on a plan-to-plan basis.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
Staff time Low High High
Big Move 4 - Convenient Transportation Choices: It is safe, easy, fast
and affordable to get around without a car
We know that some places in Fort Collins feel safe and reasonable to get around without a car, but that
this isn’t true in all of Fort Collins or for all individuals. With this Big Move, we imagine that getting
around the city will be a safe and easy experience without a car for everyone, especially for those who
choose to bike, walk, or use transit. In the future, using a car won’t have to be the first choice residents
generally make because investments in transit make it a fast, convenient, safe, and accessible choice,
and investments in bicycling and walking infrastructure make emissions-free choices the top pick in Fort
Collins. Using a car can eventually be typically a shared experience, reducing dependence on car
ownership while improving mobility and access for all residents, especially the Disabled Community and
other historically marginalized groups.
Next Move: Expanding local and regional public transit coverage and frequency
Case study: Local data suggests the biggest barrier to residents using transit more frequently include
frequency of service and transit route coverage. While services like Bus Rapid Transit are planned for
expansion in Fort Collins, other innovative approaches should also be explored. Current models such as
vanpool could serve as a case study to explore variable and flexible scheduling or service areas.
Increasing regional transit options from Loveland and Greeley could also help to reduce the number of
commuters driving alone.
How it could look in Fort Collins: Transit routes could be rerouted and consolidated in an effort to
increase frequency of certain routes, including routes serving historically underrepresented groups. In
order to continue to reduce barriers to transit use, Fort Collins should begin exploring micro-transit
options and other innovative options that provide flexibility in coverage to meet real-time transit
demands. The strategy supports City Council’s priority “encourage and increase Transfort use/additional
bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors.” In coordination with the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning
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Organization, which already specializes in planning regional transit, more exploration could be done to
determine the best approach to reducing regional commuters’ dependence on single occupancy
vehicles. This next move is directly aligned with the Transit Master Plan (2019).
2021/22 efforts: Planning for N. College BRT underway in 2021.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins FC Moves
Support partners: City of Fort Collins Transfort, CSU Parking & Transportation Services, North Front
Range Metropolitan Planning Organization
Impact and investment: Near term funding is part of ongoing budgets over two years.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030
Annual
carbon
savings
(MT)
$1.6M Medium High Medium $191M 16,650
Next Move: Create mobility hubs to support convenient transportation connection
options
Case study: Mobility hubs seek to create seamless connection between transit and other modes of
transportation and will be strategically located where the transit network intersects other major
components of the transportation network, such as intersections with multiuse trails and near local
service providers or community amenities.
How it could look in Fort Collins: The Transportation Master Plan identifies several possible locations for
Mobility Hubs. One such location is the Transit Center at Colorado State University. This transit center
currently features high frequency transit and intersects on-campus bikeways and a robust pedestrian
network. A fully realized Mobility Hub would include bike and scooter share stations nearby, dedicated
parking spaces for EV charging and car share, a loading zone for ride share services, and other amenities
to secure and support multiple transportation modes. This next move is in alignment with City Plan.
2021/22 efforts: TBD
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins FC Moves
Support partners: City of Fort Collins Transfort, CSU Parking & Transportation Services, micromobility
companies, ride share and car share companies.
Impact and investment
• Estimated annual city costs depends on funding and operational model
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Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030
Annual
carbon
savings
(MT)
No new
investment Low Medium High $42M 2,870
Next Move: Provide travel trainings program
Case study: Providing regular trainings in a variety of settings can allow residents to learn how to
integrate multiple modes of transportation, such as taking bicycles on transit, and could further provide
an opportunity for residents to learn how to be mobile using all available transportation choices.
How it could look in Fort Collins: Currently, Transfort and FC Moves provide a suite of travel training
classes, including transit Travel Training, bicycle-specific classes, and could evolve into another modal-
specific trainings or better target specific audience segments through marketing, curriculum
development, and training delivery methods (e.g. in-person, virtual, and at a variety of locations
throughout the city).
2021/2022 efforts: Develop plans for audience segmentation and integrate a common marketing
approach, such as Shift Your Ride to existing trainings, and begin to expand offerings to include other
modes, such as e-scooters.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins FC Moves, Transfort
Support partners: CSU Parking & Transportation Services, micromobility companies
Impact and investment: This work utilizes existing staff and associated budgets
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Low Medium Medium
Next Move: Continue to build bicycle facilities as identified in the Bicycle Master Plan
Case study: The best cities for bicycling in the world include a robust, interconnected system of
separated bicycle facilities where bicycle users rarely mix with vehicular traffic. Academic literature and
professionals world-wide suggest that best way to increase bicycle use for transportation purposes is to
provide separated bicycle facilities along corridors and at intersections.
How this could look in Fort Collins: Fort Collins has already piloted protected bike lanes, most notable on
Laurel Street and W. Mulberry Street. New construction also features grade-separated bicycle facilities,
such as Suniga Road, and current standards call for separated facilities wherever possible. Fort Collins’
Bicycle Master Plan and Transportation Master Plan outline plans for future separated bicycle facility
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construction as well as spot improvements and retrofits to existing infrastructure to increase safety and
comfort.
2021/2022 efforts: City Park Ave. and W. Elizabeth St. are currently being planned for redesign and
could include separated bicycle facilities as well as protected intersection design.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins FC Moves
Supporting partners: City of Fort Collins Traffic Operations, Streets, Planning; CSU Parking &
Transportation Services
Impact and investment: Community investments based on Bicycle Master Plan forecast from 2018.
Annual city investment includes $450k of ongoing operating budget.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030
Annual
carbon
savings
(MT)
$700k Low High High $33.9M 17,200
Big Move 5 - Live, Work, Play Nearby: No matter where they live,
everyone can meet their basic daily needs without driving across town
The way the City guides land use and development patterns plays an important role in each of our
transportation decisions. Many of us probably spend a lot of time in our cars, getting to work, taking kids
to after-school activities, and making sure we have food for the week. If housing is not close to where
we work, shop, or recreate, it forces us to take longer trips, usually by car, and emissions from cars and
other vehicles contribute to about 20% of our community carbon inventory. This need to drive leads to
more congested roads and lots of space spent on parking lots, and also means that we’re farther away
from resources in times of personal or community-wide emergencies. If we cut down on reasons to
drive, we’ll all have a little more time in the day, we may feel more connected to those living close to us,
and we’ll reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Next Move: Evaluate opportunities within the Land Use Code to better encourage the
development of “complete neighborhoods” that include a variety of housing options,
access to services and amenities, and proximity of housing to jobs
Case study: Fort Collins currently has a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Overlay Zone within the Land
Use Code. The purpose of this TOD zone is to encourage land uses, densities and design that enhance and
support transit stations along the transit corridors in particular the MAX Bus Rapid Transit Corridor.
Provisions allow for a mix of goods and services within convenient walking distance of transit stations to
foster development patterns that support live, work, and play.
How it could look in Fort Collins: The creation of complete neighborhoods has long been a focus of land use
policy in Fort Collins and is emphasized in both City Plan and the Land Use Code. There may be a number of
policy options to create stronger links between the places people live, work, learn and recreate. Increasing
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density allowances in areas where amenities are likely to develop, recalibrating the incentives in the TOD
overlay (e.g., height allowance, density increase, parking reductions), expanding the TOD overlay to other key
activity centers and travel corridors, allowing for a broader range of land uses in more restrictive zone
districts, and other strategies that support complete neighborhoods should all be explored with future Land
Use Code updates. This priority overlaps with numerous goals and strategies in the 2021 Housing Strategic
Plan and the 2019 City Plan.
2021/2022 efforts: City staff have begun to explore updates to the Land Use Code and a mid-cycle
budget appropriation has been passed at first reading by City Council. Collaboration between staff in
Community Development & Neighborhood Services, FC Moves and Social Sustainability will be key to
updating the Land Use Code to better support encourage walkable, accessible and inclusive
neighborhoods.
Lead Partner: Community Development & Neighborhood Services
Supporting partners: FC Moves, Social Sustainability, City Attorney’s Office
Impact and investment
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
No new
investment Medium High Medium
Next Move: Enhance partnerships with schools to ensure safe ways for kids to get to
school
The City of Fort Collins currently funds a robust Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program that aims to educate
8,000+ school-aged youth annually on safe walking and bicycling behaviors. Students who learn and engage
in safe walking and bicycling behaviors on a regular basis have been shown to have increased productivity
and engagement in school, suggesting a strong connection to physical activity and success in school.
Transportation to school by car also represents a significant factor in greenhouse gas emissions, especially
considering local School of Choice policies allowing community members to choose the school that fits their
student’s needs. Enhancing partnerships with schools could allow for more education on safe behaviors and
encourage a shift to active transportation to help reduce emissions.
Case study: Fort Collins’ Safe Routes to School program already excels at encouraging 8,000+ school-aged
youth to increase rates of walking and bicycling to school. SRTS also coordinates Walking/Bicycling School
Buses, or groups of students who are chaperoned to and from school in a group by walking or bicycling.
Enhanced partnerships could lead to more Walking/Bicycling School Buses, increased reach within existing
frameworks, and expand coordination with Middle and High Schools.
How it could look in Fort Collins: Using existing SRTS engagement models though physical and wellness
education classes, the City and partners could expand frequency of in-school education at elementary schools
and middle schools and enhance engagement at high schools through the Bicycle Ambassador Program.
Partnerships could also identify opportunities to bring SRTS curriculum to parents and youth identified as at-
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risk. Partnerships could also aim to introduce safe driving curricula to high school students to augment
existing Drivers’ Education curricula.
2021/2022 efforts: SRTS regular School rotation schedule already identifies 1/3 of elementary schools to host
education through regular PE classes, in addition to targeting every middle school and high school once per
year. Efforts are underway to enhance High School Bicycle Ambassador Programs and bicycling clubs in high
schools.
Lead Partner: Safe Routes to School, FC Moves
Supporting partner: Transfort, Bike Fort Collins, Poudre School District, individual school principals
Impact and investment
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
Pending
assessments Low Medium Low
Big Move 6 - Efficient, Emissions Free Buildings: Everyone lives and
works in healthy energy and water efficient buildings which transition
to become emissions free
We spend up to 90% of our time indoors, mostly at home, at school, and at work. Our buildings and
homes represent the physical fabric of our community, are the places where we connect with family,
friends and colleagues, and are often where we feel the safest. Changing our buildings, and our habits in
them, has the potential to positively impact our lives more than any other actions.
The buildings in our community comprise over two thirds of our community’s carbon emissions to
provide for heating, cooling, lighting, cooking, entertainment, business and manufacturing. They also
contribute to the physical and financial health of community members that occupy them. The
investments in improving building performance create jobs, improve indoor air quality and health and
enable hard-earned dollars to go toward other family needs and not utility bills. You can get started by
monitoring your home energy and water use online or review tips and tricks for conserving energy
within your business. Check out other actions listed in the Our Climate Future Action Guide.
As we move away from relying on natural gas and oil to power our lives, we also protect habitat and
people who are negatively impacted in the supply chain of those energy sources. While renewable
energy is not impact free, it is an important step forward.
Efficient, Emissions Free Buildings means working to improve efficiency in all existing buildings and new
development of homes and commercial buildings to:
• Improve building efficiency to save resources and improve indoor air quality;
• Change our habits for conservation and becoming active participants in the future
energy system;
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• Transition away from the use of natural gas and other fuels (electrification) for heating
and cooking while improving grid flexibility, and
• Engage local manufacturing partners to reduce industrial process emissions.
Next Move: Continue and expand homes and business efficiency programs
Case study: One of the most cost-effective ways to reduce energy use in existing homes and businesses
is to provide rebates and other incentives to support building upgrades. Utility sponsored rebate
programs across the country support local contractors, and other trade partners, resulting in a boost to
the local economy and lower utility bills.
How it could look in Fort Collins: Fort Collins Utilities has existing energy and water efficiency programs
for homes and businesses. This Next Move extends the range of rebates to customers and increase
outreach to areas of the community that haven't typically participated in programs. Strategies to
increase participation in programs might include investment in workforce training for energy upgrades,
increased engagement with local organizations that offer services specifically to income qualified
communities, and enhanced marketing efforts to increase awareness and improve the customer
experience. The portfolio of programs works together to meet various segments, such as how the
Building Energy and Water Scoring (BEWS) program links to business efficiency incentives.
2021/22 efforts: Utilities staff recently joined the initiative to participate in the American Council for an
Energy Efficiency Economy (ACEEE) Leading with Equity working group, which will focus on increased
transparency to organizations success in engaging underrepresented groups. Utilities staff also intends
to review community and program data to improve the existing delivery strategies to eliminate barriers
for participation for all community members. Recognizing the linkages between efficiency programs,
electrification and grid flexibility, incentives will also be reviewed from the perspective of optimizing
results across these outcomes. The proposed funding levels are consistent with current budgets for
Energy Services in Utilities. Funding may move within the portfolio to achieve optimal results.
Lead partner: Fort Collins Utilities
Support partners: Platte River Power Authority (Efficiency Works programs), participating contractor
networks, real estate trade ally network, local and national energy organizations and consultants.
Impact and investment: The near term investment is primarily from participating customers with $7M
over two years from ongoing utility rebate programs.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030
Annual
carbon
savings
(MT)
$30M High Medium High $155M 267,000
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Next Move: Develop an energy performance path for new construction to zero carbon
building by 2030
Case study: Energy codes establish minimum construction or major renovation requirements that result
in more efficient buildings and are consistently reported as one of the most significant and impactful
step cities can take to reduce emissions. Cities across the country and in other parts of the world are
establishing clear, long term plans for advancing energy codes to achieve significant reduction in
emissions while savings owners money for the lifetime of the building.
How it could look in Fort Collins: Fort Collins adopts and enforces the current International Energy
Conservation Code (IECC) within one year of issuance, and often amends code sections to align with
community goals. Coupling adoption of the IECC with complimentary International codes and the
National Fire Protection Associations National Electrical Code ensures the city is utilizing the most up to
date codes and technology available within the built environment. Colorado, being a home rule state,
allows municipalities to independently amend and adopt codes. With input from the building
community, local stakeholder groups and consultants the city will develop a long term plan to achieve
emissions free new construction and alterations that will help set clear expectations for builders and
developers. The modeling for this Next Move assumes adoption of IECC 2021 for both residential and
commercial buildings, moving toward net zero carbon building code in 2030. Financial investments are
calculated for years 2025 through 2030, with benefits accruing through 2050.
2021/22 efforts: The building department, with support from Utilities, will convene a stakeholder code
review committee in 2021 to review the 2021 international codes with local amendments prior to
Council consideration, with a likely effective date in the first quarter of 2022. The creation of revised
Metro District standards is also being considered in 2021 and will propose above-code energy and water
efficiency requirements to receive approval as a Metro District. A stakeholder group will be convened to
initiate the development of a long term plan for building codes, and to explore the role of natural gas for
space and water heating in a clean energy future.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins Building Department
Support partners: Fort Collins Utilities Energy Services, Urban Land Institute, US Green Building Council,
National Home Builders Association, Institute for the Built Environment (CSU), Northern Colorado
Renewable Energy Society, Southwest Energy Efficiency Partnership, local building industry
Impact and investment
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030
Annual
carbon
savings
(MT)
No new
investment Low Medium High $1.8M 4,900
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Next Move: Expand programs for electrification of space and water heating
Case study: Electrification, or the process of heating using electricity instead of natural gas, will be a
transformational step in how the community uses energy in homes and buildings. Fort Collins has been
collaborating with Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) as they are a national leader in the
development and implementation of programs for electrification.
How it could look in Fort Collins: Fort Collins already has a comprehensive single family home efficiency
program with Epic Homes. Epic Homes currently supports a wide range of efficiency improvements,
including those for space heating, water heating and air conditioning. These types of retrofits will need
to quickly evolve towards high efficiency electric heat pumps. While these measures are already in
place, they will need a boost from education and training of homeowners and contractors, as well as
adjustments to rebates.
2021/22 efforts: Fort Collins Utilities is currently working on a project which will form the foundation of
future electrification offerings. The project includes efforts to review current electrification programs,
engage with contractors and customer to understand their perspective on the electrification market and
create a Utilities specific electrification cost effectiveness framework. The results of this analysis will
drive proposed changes to program offerings and incentives to support electrification.
Fort Collins Utilities is also working with Platte River Power Authority and the other member cities on a
distributed energy resources strategic framework which will include electrification.
Lead partner: Fort Collins Utilities
Support partners: Platte River Power Authority, Apex Analytics (consultant), local contractors
Impact and investment
• The 2030 cumulative community cost is modeled on a gradual transition to all furnace and
water heater replacement going to efficient electric sources by 2025
• 2021/22 Utility costs included are in ongoing budgets
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030
Annual
carbon
savings
(MT)
See description Medium Medium Medium $20.3M 31,000
Next Move: Continue and expand demand response and grid flexibility programs
Case study: Fort Collins is already a leading utility with various options within demand response
programs. Demand response programs have traditionally been focused on demand reduction and/or
“peak shaving” but have increasingly been focused on grid flexibility strategies such as increased energy
use at times of surplus renewable energy.
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How it could look in Fort Collins: Fort Collins Peak Partners program currently includes various types of
thermostats, hot water heater controllers and the ability to communicate with businesses through
standard communication protocols. Moving forward, the program is demonstrating grid-integrated
water heaters which can both store energy and reduce energy use. Future integrations will include both
stationary batteries and electric vehicles as well as new standardized industry communication protocols.
The system has also started to leverage fiber communications through Connexion, both at customer
sites and eventually in the electric distribution system as well. Peak Partners provides support to both
homes and businesses to more easily manage their usage in response to dynamic pricing, such as time of
day.
2021/22 efforts: Peak Partners is embarking on a planned capital project to upgrade existing hot water
heater controllers over this two year period. A grid interactive water heater pilot will continue as will
ongoing optimization of other program elements. Fort Collins Utilities is also working with Platte River
Power Authority and the other member cities on a distributed energy resources strategic framework
which will include demand response.
Lead partner: Fort Collins Utilities
Support partners: Itron, Platte River Power Authority
Impact and investment: Ongoing budget is approximately $1M for 2021 and 2022 with a gradual
increase expected through 2030
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Enabling Medium Medium
Next Move: Provide focused energy efficiency and indoor air quality incentives for
historically underserved households
Case study: The Energy Advice Points are a Barcelona City Council service that offers the necessary
information, assistance and intervention for people to meet basic standards to avoid energy poverty
https://energy-cities.eu/best-practice/fighting-energy-poverty/
How it could look in Fort Collins: Energy efficiency and linked indoor air quality programs will evolve to
better meet the needs of historically underserved households, such as low and moderate income and
BIPOC residents, rental properties and mobile homes. Initiatives can leverage the principles of targeted
universalism to design programs which address the most persistent barriers for underserved households
and therefore serve all households more effectively.
2021/22 efforts: This Next Move is expected to first focus on specifically identifying segments of Fort
Collins who are burdened with high energy costs and community partners who may be able to help
reach underserved households and neighborhoods. The next steps will be to use energy cost burden
data to focus services which improve efficiency and reduce the cost burden. The analysis assumes there
is no direct savings from this service and the savings are included in additional participation in other
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Next Moves. Existing programs such as Epic Homes, CARE, Larimer County Energy Program and state
weatherization will all play a role in improving services.
Lead partner: Fort Collins Utilities
Support partners: City of Fort Collins Social Sustainability Department, Platte River Power Authority,
Larimer County, Energy Outreach Colorado
Impact and investment
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
Staff time Enabling High Medium
Next Move: Support Incentives and Regulations to Reduce Industrial Air Pollution
How it could look in Fort Collins: Fort Collins is home to a small number of large industrial greenhouse
gas emitters who are required to report emissions under the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule.
These gas emissions come from electricity for buildings and industrial processes, fossil fuel combustion
to generate heat and in some case special gases used for industrial purposes. One example of the last
category are fluorinated gasses that contribute are reported as Industrial Process and Produce Use
Emissions (IPPU).
Fort Collins Utilities and Platte River Power Authority have incentive programs to support industrial
businesses in increasing efficiency or renewable energy that can address electricity-related emissions.
And as more companies make commitments to reduce their carbon footprint, businesses are also
responding to demands for improvements in supply chain carbon footprint.
Fort Collins has one industrial source, Broadcom, that reports IPPU emissions. Other IPPU emission
sources may exist in Fort Collins but fall below the current EPA reporting threshold. In 2019, IPPU
emissions contributed 9% of Fort Collins total community GHG inventory. Locally, Broadcom has been
installing abatement devices of their own volition to mitigate IPPU emissions since 2011 and
is committed to continuing to install them. Broadcom is a member of the State’s Environmental
Leadership program and commits annually to various environmentally driven projects.
2021/22 efforts: In 2021, Broadcom is working with Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment, as one of many stakeholders, as they develop plans to implement HB1261 to address GHG
emissions at the state level. This rule-making is anticipated to require large emitting facilities to conduct
a third party audit of their emissions and to assess the use of emissions related Best Available Control
Technology.
While large industrial emissions are not typically addressed at the local level, Fort Collins staff is
committed to meeting periodically with Broadcom. In addition, City staff will follow up with other
communities who have large sources of IPPU emissions in their inventory to see if there are new ways
that other local governments have supported these larger sources in reducing emissions.
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Fort Collins is also a member of Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA.) CC4CA works to
advance state legislation and rule-making to reduce GHG emissions based on a policy agenda approved
annually by all member communities.
Lead partners: Fort Collins Utilities, Environmental Services Department
Support partners: Economic Health Office, local industrial partners
Impact and cost
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030
Annual
carbon
savings
(MT)
No new
investment Medium Medium Medium Pending 20,500
Big Move 7 - Healthy Affordable Housing: Everyone has healthy stable
housing they can afford
This Big Move is critical because today not all community members have affordable, safe, and healthy
places to live. Nearly 20% of homeowners and 60% of renters in Fort Collins cannot afford their monthly
housing costs.2 We know that while all community members are impacted by the rising house prices,
our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) as well as low-income residents are
disproportionately impacted by these costs. Because so many community members have to live out of
town, they end up commuting into Fort Collins – which usually increases greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, having a stable housing situation positively contributes to people’s ability to respond and
recover from a disruptive event and their capacity to engage with topics like climate change and
reducing emissions. While it may be new to see healthy, affordable housing addressed in a climate,
energy, and waste plan, a plan that is shaped around humans and their lives can’t go without this topic.
Note that six of the strategies in this Big Move are also included in the Housing Strategic Plan. These
strategies not only advance the Housing Strategic Plan’s vision that everyone has stable, healthy housing
they can afford, they also have the potential to reduce carbon emissions, increase community resilience,
and advance more equitable solutions for all community members. In other words, like many of the
moves included in Our Climate Future, these strategies benefit more than just any one area.
2 Source: American Community Survey, 2018. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development defines
cost-burdened households as those that pay more than 30% of their income for housing.
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Next Move: Increase the number and diversity of housing types and allow more
homes per lot (density) via an update to the City’s Land Use Code
Case study: Communities throughout the United States are modernizing their Land Use Codes to align
with current best practices and community demand. Examples include Colorado Springs, Loveland,
Denver, Portland, and many more.
How it could look in Fort Collins: Today, Fort Collins’ daily population grows by almost 28% from
commuters traveling into and out of Fort Collins, representing almost 13% of our emissions. By creating
more housing opportunities either in our existing housing or in the land we have left, we can reduce
transportation emissions and create more walkable, livable communities. As noted in the 2020 Land Use
Code (LUC) Audit, barriers to fully realizing allowed densities include multifamily unit number
maximums, square footage thresholds for secondary or non-residential buildings, and height limitations
that restrict the ability to maximize compact sites using tuck-under parking. Such requirements should
be recalibrated or removed entirely.
2021/22 efforts: Funding has been approved for phase one of the LUC audit. Beginning the LUC update
is an important step to advancing several strategies included in the draft Housing Strategic Plan that will
also address new housing types, recalibrate of incentives for affordable housing, and simplify the
development process. City staff will lead this effort, supported by outside consultants to help balance
daily work assignments with the demands of this complex update to the LUC regulations. This strategy is
also included in the Housing Strategic Plan and is aligned with City Plan.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins Community Development and Neighborhood Services Department
Support partners: Builders/Developers, Special Districts and Government Entities, other partners
Impact and investment
• First phase of the Land Use Code update for housing-related changes
$290K from the 2021 budget
$60K matched from Home2Health grant funding
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
$350,000 Low High Low
Next Move: Continue the Housing First model for supporting persons experiencing
homelessness and provide wraparound services
Case study: Homeward 2020 has employed this model since its founding.
How it could look in Fort Collins: According to Homeward 2020, “a successful homelessness response
system is a coordinated, regional response centered in the principles and practices of Housing First and
Supportive Housing. The system is data and performance driven and strives to achieve Functional Zero,
where homelessness is prevented whenever possible, and if it is experienced, there is a supported
return to housing as soon as possible.” This strategy is also included in the Housing Strategic Plan.
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
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2021/22 efforts: Continue partnership with the Northern Colorado Continuum of Care, which
coordinates funding and delivery of housing and services for people experiencing homelessness in
Northern Colorado, bringing together agencies in Larimer and Weld Counties to develop a strategic,
regional approach to homelessness.
Lead partner: Northern Colorado Continuum of Care
Support partners: City of Fort Collins, Homelessness Service Providers, Builders/Developers, Larimer
County
Impact and investment: New City investment in 2021 to create a staff position entitled Homelessness
response and Solutions Lead Specialist; future investments pending additional analysis
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Low High Medium
Next Move: Expand foreclosure and eviction prevention and legal representation,
especially in times of crisis
How it could look in Fort Collins: Housing counseling generally takes the form of providing assistance
with mortgage debt restructuring and mortgage and/or utilities payments to avoid foreclosure; short-
term emergency rent and utilities assistance for renters. Cities often partner with local nonprofits
experienced in foreclosure counseling. Landlord-tenant mediation is similar but generally conducted by
local Legal Aid for more involved disputes between the landlord and tenant. CARES Act funding is
currently dedicated to a legal defense fund for renters, but additional resources are necessary to carry
this strategy beyond the duration that CARES resources allow. This is a high impact, best practice
strategy that leverages success of existing program; addresses acute needs exacerbated by the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic (and related levels of unemployment). This strategy is also included in the Housing
Strategic Plan.
2021/22 efforts: Seek additional funding to continue this work beyond 2020
Lead partners: City of Fort Collins Community Development and Neighborhood Services & Social
Sustainability Departments
Support partners: Manufactured Housing Neighborhoods, Homeowners, Renters
Impact and investment
• Promoting housing stability through eviction prevention educational materials, training
sessions, legal advice clinics for tenants and landlords, and legal representation in eviction
court hearings ($125,000 annually, funded in 2020 via CARES resources).
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
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Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
$250,000 Low High Medium
Next Move: Explore revisions to the City’s occupancy policy (U+2) to determine
opportunities to streamline processes and right size the policy for today’s needs for
achieving stability, health, and affordability citywide
How it could look in Fort Collins: Occupancy limits and narrow family definitions often create
unintended constraints on housing choice and options, including those on cooperative housing
opportunities for seniors and people with disabilities or low-income renters desiring to live with
unrelated adults in a single family home setting. Occupancy limits can also pose fair housing liabilities to
the extent that they have a disparate impact on people with disabilities. Current best practices allow up
to eight unrelated or base occupancy on building code requirements instead of family definitions.
Occupancy limits do not always have a direct relationship to neighborhood livability, and there may be a
better way to address livability concerns. This strategy is also included in the Housing Strategic Plan.
2021/22 efforts: Form an internal task force to develop a proposal for policy and community
engagement.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins Community Development and Neighborhood Services Department
Support partners: Numerous City Departments, Community, Homeowners, Renters
Impact and investment:
• This work utilizes existing staff in multiple departments
• Estimated new investment for administration and community costs for potential registration
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
Pending
implementation
of the Housing
Strategic Plan
Low High Medium
Big Move 8 - Local, Affordable and Healthy Food: Everyone has access
to healthy and affordable food, sourced or rescued from local and
regional producers
Like housing, food is an essential component of each of our lives. Being intentional about what we eat
can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on types of foods and where they’re coming from,
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
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and considering how much we buy can help reduce food waste. A sustainable, local food system can
have other broad reaching and positive impacts ranging from improved soil, water, and ecosystem
health to providing a healthy and reliable food source for all members of our community. Nearly 40,000
residents in Larimer County are considered food insecure, while one third of school-aged children
receive free or reduced meals. Through innovative partnerships, all of us can have increased access to
healthy, fresh foods grown and raised close to home. Affordable, accessible local food will require
support across the food system – decreasing barriers for farmers to establish and expand their efforts,
while building an efficient and effective system for affordably distributing this food to the community.
To be successful, this Big Move will require deep and sustained partnerships between governmental
entities, nonprofits, and private enterprises. The City as an organization has had limited focus on our
food systems, but there are many leaders in this space in Fort Collins, and as a community, we can begin
to shift our food systems to be more focused on local, affordable, and healthy food options.
Next Move: Promote local food through education
How it could look in Fort Collins: By establishing and leveraging strong partnerships, Fort Collins
community members would be better informed about the benefits of eating locally grown and raised
food. They are aware of local food sources and resources available to help secure local foods and grow
their own food.
2021/22 efforts: City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department will be working to highlight the benefits
of integrating conservation agriculture into its suite of land management practices. A conservation
agriculture webpage will describe the practice and Natural Areas partnerships with Poudre Valley
Community Farms and their member farmers. Additionally, Natural Areas will be partnering with Poudre
River Public Library District to host a community education offering in late Summer 2021. Finally, the
Gardens on Spring Creek offers a diverse catalog of courses to support home gardeners looking to
increase their knowledge about growing fruits and vegetables, as well as integrating sustainable
practices into their gardening efforts.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins Natural Areas and Gardens on Spring Creek
Support partners: Community partnerships need to be cultivated and may include government agencies
such as Larimer County and CSU Cooperative Extension, as well as numerous regional non-profit
organizations working in this space.
Impact and investment: This work utilizes existing staff and associated budgets in multiple departments.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
Staff time Low High Medium
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
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Big Move 9 - Healthy Local Economy and Jobs. The community
supports a healthy innovative local economy with new opportunities
for all people and businesses to thrive
Supporting the creation of jobs and a healthy economy is something our community has been co-
creating for decades. Along with hundreds of businesses, both local and international, our diverse
economy has become known as a place of innovation. With innovation so deeply embedded in our DNA,
Fort Collins can and has supported businesses from start up to established who are creating solutions
that act on climate change locally and globally - solutions such as job training and development in
renewable energy, energy efficiency, and transformation of waste into resources, and solutions that
shift to more sustainable operations that save businesses time and money while positioning them to be
successful in a world that increasingly favors sustainable business. Finally, creating more high paying
jobs locally that work to solve these critical issues ensures more people that work in Fort Collins are able
to live here instead of commuting from other communities and increasing transportation emissions.
Next Move: Update the Economic Health Strategic Plan to adapt to rapidly changing
economic conditions
Case Study: The City’s Economic Health Strategic Plan was last updated in 2015. The region, state, and
world have undergone significant changes since the last plan was adopted. An update to the plan could
reflect those changes and adapt the City’s priorities and strategies to the rapidly changing economic
conditions, specifically the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerating climate change.
How it could look in Fort Collins: Fort Collins and Northern Colorado have changed significantly since
2015 and the economic forces affecting Fort Collins businesses are different. For example, the laborshed
has continued to grow with a significant amount of the labor working in Fort Collins on a daily basis
coming from outside the community. As people are increasingly moving outside Fort Collins to find
affordable housing and then driving into Fort Collins for work (as noted the Healthy Affordable Housing
Big Move, Fort Collins daily population grows by 28%), the importance of high paying jobs and
affordable living become crucial to reducing transportation emissions from commuting. Additionally, the
economic crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic will necessitate both an economic and social
recovery. Developing a plan for this recovery could form the foundation of an update to the City’s
broader economic strategy. With a continued focus on innovation in the face of the economy broadly
recognizing climate risks, this plan update aligns with many Our Climate Future Big Moves.
2021/22 efforts: The Economic Health Office would partner with the community to update the Economic
Health Strategic Plan building upon the work completed as part of the region’s economic recovery plan
called “Reignite Our Economy.” and the City’s own economic and social recovery plan.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins Economic Health Office
Support partners: Northern Colorado Regional Economic Development Initiative (NoCo REDI), Larimer
County Economic and Workforce Development (LCWED), Larimer County Small Business Development
Center, Innosphere, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce
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Impact and investment: The plan update would depend upon funding which will be determined later in
2021
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Enabling Medium Medium
Next Move: Support small businesses and workforce development in times of crisis
Case study: The COVID-19 crisis has reinforced the importance of Main Street businesses which are
locally owned, serve the community and typically employ community members. Developing systems to
support these businesses and the associated workforce during both crisis and good times should be an
essential part of the City’s economic health work. The influx of funds from both the Federal and State
government have given the City an opportunity to support hundreds of local businesses. This work will
need to continue as rebuilding the economy will likely take longer than reopening our society post
COVID-19 pandemic.
How it could look in Fort Collins: Leveraging Federal, State, and even local dollars the City should
continue to develop programs like the Small Business Assistance Program, Small Business Relief
Program, Restaurant Training Program, De-escalation Training, and numerous others to support Main
Street businesses. Additionally, outreach should continue to inform businesses about changing public
health orders and operational considerations through activities like – NoCoRecovers, For Fort Collins,
and Keep NoCo Open. These resources should be made available in both English and Spanish with added
support for outreach to traditionally underserved businesses.
2021/22 efforts: Continue to leverage funding when available to develop specific programs targeted at
supporting both small businesses and workforce development, pending Federal and State funds.
Continue to communicate changes in public health orders to businesses and promote shopping local and
supporting local businesses through outreach and marketing.
Lead partners: City of Fort Collins Economic Health Office (locally), Northern Colorado Regional
Economic Development Initiative, Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development (regionally)
Support partners: Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, Upstate Colorado, Larimer County Small
Business Development Center, Colorado State Minority Owned Business Office
Impact and investment: Investment will depend on Federal and State funds
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Enabling Medium High
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
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Next Move: Support small businesses and workforce development in times of stability
Case study: Ensuring that small businesses remain vibrant, resilient and strong through coordination of
technical support, funding, education, and policy initiatives is essential for our local economic health.
The City has learned a lot about the needs of small Main Street businesses during the COVID-19
pandemic response. These learnings should be leveraged to develop specific programs (supported with
funding and resources) to help small business flourish within Fort Collins. These programs should be
identified and refined as part of an update to the Economic Health Strategic Plan. Small business support
is also an identified Council priority.
How it could look in Fort Collins: The biggest challenges that small businesses face are, (a) evaluating
and understanding their financial information, (b) keeping current with operational requirements, (c)
identifying and implementing cost savings measures, and (d) building lasting and effective relationships
with banking partners. Fort Collins working with its partners should identify and implement programs
that address these business pain points. These programs could include technical assistance, training,
software licenses, relationship building, and mentoring and peer learning.
2021/22 efforts: Continue to sponsor the Larimer SBDC and participate in program development with
LCEWD. Develop and request funding for additional programs aimed at meeting the challenges
identified during the crisis.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins Economic Health Office, Larimer Small Business Development Center,
Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development
Support partners: Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, North Fort
Collins Business Association, Midtown Business Improvement District
Impact and investment: Funding is currently included in 2021 Economic Health Office and community
partner budgets
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Enabling Medium Medium
Next Move: Reimagine a sustainable business program
Case study: ClimateWise has been a successful business recognition program for sustainability for 20
years in Fort Collins and there are numerous business recognition programs across Colorado and the
United States with measurable success. Now that ClimateWise has ended as a Fort Collins program it is
time to imagine a new business sustainability program that is adapted to a changing environment and
uses industry benchmarks to measure success.
How it could look in Fort Collins: A new iteration of a sustainable business recognition program needs to
adapt to an evolving business climate to educate, incentivize, and support businesses becoming more
financially resilient and environmentally sustainable. Businesses and nonprofits in Fort Collins need to
support and lead each other to become more resilient and sustainable while also being incentivized and
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
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supported by the City. The design of the new program should include input from the business
community or be designed by the business community.
2021/22 efforts: Staff will partner with the Sustainable Living Association, a local nonprofit focused on
sustainability in Fort Collins, and local businesses and nonprofits to envision a new sustainable
recognition program that is adapted to the current business climate.
Lead partner: Sustainable Living Association
Support partners: Fort Collins Utilities, Economic Health Office, Environmental Services Department
Impact and investment: Funding will depend upon the planning and assessment for a new model.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Enabling Low Medium
Next Move: Explore opportunities and best practices for multilingual business and
workforce development programs
How it could look in Fort Collins: Engage businesses and community members who have historically
been underserved by multilingual business and workforce development programs to learn what
opportunities and best practices there might be for designing more linguistically accessible and
culturally relevant business support and job training. Through partnerships with local and state agencies
and leveraging one-time money available due to the COVID-19 crisis, pilot a number of programs aimed
at supporting underserved populations. Based on the success of these pilot programs present the most
successful programs for ongoing funding to the City, County and partners.
2021/22 efforts: Leverage the 1-year contractual Opportunity Specialist in the Economic Health Office
to provide boots on the ground outreach and technical support to underserved populations, while
simultaneously identifying pilot programs that could be developed and tested for future ongoing
multilingual business support and workforce development programming.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins Economic Health Office
Support partner: Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development
Impact and investment: Funding is currently included in 2021 Economic Health Office budget and is
short-term at this time.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Enabling Medium Medium
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 43 of 60
Big Move 10 - Zero Waste Economy. Business, industry, institutions,
and government collaborate to recirculate resources and eliminate
waste
Creating a zero waste or “circular” economy is about rethinking systems so the materials used in
processes, products, and projects are used thoughtfully, are long-lasting, and have somewhere to go
when they are no longer needed. Every year Fort Collins generates over 200,000 tons of materials like
asphalt, concrete, wood, soil, and other materials from industrial activities and a little over one-third of
that ends up in the landfill.3 When these materials can instead be recycled or used by another local or
regional business, companies save money and avoid using new materials. By closing loops closer to
home, businesses can increase resilience to supply chain disruptions and reduce environmental impacts.
Keeping materials in circulation can also create new jobs in our region as remanufacturing, renovating,
and recycling are often labor-intensive professions. Creating a Zero Waste Economy will change our
systems as much as our perceptions about the value of materials, perhaps even making the term
“waste” feel old fashioned.
Next Move: Support work on a digital marketplace for industrial waste
Case study: The City of Rotterdam has implemented a digital marketplace that connects companies that
can use the outputs of one industry as inputs to another.
How it could look in Fort Collins: Recycle Colorado, a statewide organization, has been working to
develop ReCircle, a statewide digital marketplace for trading materials to increase the communication
between all parts of the manufacturing, waste, and recycling industry. Currently, the platform allows
users to search, buy, sell, or donate available or wanted materials. Recircle partners include a variety of
large industries, recyclers, and waste management companies active in the State.
2021/22 efforts: City staff will support Recycle Colorado’s efforts to support the platform as capacity
allows and will share the opportunity with partners in Fort Collins who may be interested in using the
platform.
Lead partner: Recycle Colorado
Support partner: City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department
Impact and investment: This Next Move is funded by Recycle Colorado. Fort Collins pays a small
membership fee of $350/year.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Medium Low Medium
3 Source: 2019 Fort Collins Community Waste & Recycling Summary.
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Next Move: Continue to explore ways to further reuse and recycle soil from City
projects
How it could look in Fort Collins: The City of Fort Collins already has systems in place to sort and reuse
much of the substantial amounts of soil generated from City operations. This strategy would seek to
expand these systems, helping reduce unnecessary transportation and making sure soil can be used
circularly instead of landfilled or downgraded to material used to cover trash at the landfill (known as
“alternative daily cover”).
2021/22 efforts: A study was done in 2019 to help understand the best opportunities to support and
expand existing systems. This Next Move would work toward implementing some of those
recommendations, including exploring systems to equitably distribute excess soil to interested
community members and integrate soil need or generation as part of the capital projects planning
system. City Waste Reduction and Recycling staff will work in a convening role to support implementing
strategies in 2022 in collaboration with other City departments.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins departments
Support partner: NA
Impact and investment: This Next Move would involve primarily staff time in 2021/22.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Low Low Medium
Big Move 11 - Healthy Natural Spaces: We all are stewards of healthy
natural spaces and honor the deep and historical human connection to
this land
Fort Collins is loved for its natural spaces. Spending time outside has valuable physical and mental health
benefits for everyone, and nature has particular significance for people who identify as Native or
Indigenous and have a long history of stewardship of the land as a way of life. For thousands of years,
many Indigenous peoples lived in this area and cultivated a deep culture and tradition of relationship to
the land, and some of our community members still honor those traditions.
Conserved lands at the local level can support species’ habitats and travel corridors that would
otherwise be disconnected by urban development, while sequestering carbon. To maintain and enhance
this vital part of the city, we can all take responsibility for ensuring that as the city’s landscape becomes
increasingly developed, we are maintaining healthy landscapes and implementing nature-based
solutions to address a changing environment. By nurturing diverse ecosystems that range in size from
front yards to large spans of open space, we can all more easily connect to nature where we live, work,
and play, while supporting the wildlife that also calls this region home.
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Next Move: Protect and expand natural habitats as growth occurs
How it could look in Fort Collins: A connected open space network made up of both publicly conserved
lands and smaller patches of privately owned habitat, can ensure natural spaces are accessible to the
entire community. These natural habitats support healthy environments where plants and wildlife
thrive, while facilitating opportunities for people to engage with nature in a meaningful way.
2021/22 efforts: Many City departments support this area of work on an ongoing basis. The Natural
Areas Department continues to actively conserve and enhance habitat for plants and wildlife. Utilities
pursues green infrastructure opportunities to manage stormwater and supports turf to native grass
conversion efforts. Programs such as Nature in the City and the Xeriscape Incentive Program support
community-driven efforts on smaller scales, as well. This next move is in alignment with the Natural
Areas Master Plan and the Nature in the City Plan.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins Natural Areas, City of Fort Collins Parks Planning and Development, City
of Fort Collins Utilities
Support partners: Residential and commercial properties owners, managers, renters, including
interested community members and HOAs.
Impact and investment
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
Staff time Enabling Low Medium
Next Move: Pursue habitat protections in the case of oil and gas development within
natural areas and/or in close proximity to natural habitat features
How it could look in Fort Collins: Per State statute, local regulations must match or exceed Colorado Oil
and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) requirements to ensure the protection of public health,
safety, welfare, the environment, and wildlife resources. The City could adopt more protective
standards through a combination of setback distances, zoning regulations and design standards. These
regulations will influence where and how new oil and gas development could occur within the
community, providing greater protection for humans, wildlife, and natural resources.
2021/22 efforts: Building on broad community engagement, the City of Fort Collins will make progress
toward updating regulations to oil and gas development within City limits. The City will explore
regulatory options and seek public input. Additionally, for city-owned properties outside City Limits,
staff will work with Larimer County’s Planning and Natural Resources teams to provide input and
encourage the strongest possible protections for natural areas and habitats. This next move is in
alignment with the Natural Areas Master Plan
Lead partners: City of Fort Collins Community Development and Neighborhood Services, City of Fort
Collins Environmental Services, Larimer County Planning
Support partners: City of Fort Collins Natural Areas, Larimer County Natural Resources
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Impact and investment
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
Staff time Enabling Low Medium
Next Move: Explore partnerships for habitat management and education for wildfire
mitigation
How it could look in Fort Collins: With the largest wildfires in Colorado history fresh in our minds from
2020 and the recent memories of other fires and floods, it is clear that issues related to watershed
wildfire recovery will be a priority in the coming years. These efforts will also need to be aligned with
water quality and potential water restrictions.
2021/22 efforts: Fire recovery at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area is a top restoration priority for the Natural
Areas Department. Goals will include habitat management for continued fire resilience, as well as
integrating education and resources into the visitor experience, focusing on the role of wildfire in
ecosystem management. Late summer 2021 is the goal date for reopening the site to the public.
Utilities is coordinating with a wide range of partners for broad-based watershed recovery including an
intergovernmental agreement with Greeley, Larimer County and others. Emergency watershed
stabilization methods will be focused on aerial mulching and erosion control techniques, particularly in
areas of moderate to severe burn severity. Utilities Water Production Division have been developing
costs associated with changes to operations and maintenance from post-fire water supply and water
quality impacts, and a team from Customer Connections is working on communications, social media,
education and outreach to begin planning for 2021.
This next move is in alignment with the Natural Areas Master Plan.
Lead partners: Fort Collins Utilities, City of Fort Collins Natural Areas
Support partners: City of Greeley, Larimer County, State and Federal agencies
Impact and investment
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
See description Enabling Medium High
Next Move: Explore opportunities for the City to recognize historical BIPOC
connections to the land, especially indigenous connections, and explore ways to
support BIPOC-led efforts around land
How it could look in Fort Collins: BIPOC Partners and City staff could explore opportunities to recognize
BIPOC connections to the land and ways to support BIPOC-led efforts around land by:
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
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• Making space for more dialogue with existing and new BIPOC partners;
• Listening to understand BIPOC priorities related to land;
• Building trust through initial implementation opportunities to partner around land (for
example supporting efforts around indigenous farming and gardening practices that are
possible to support immediately), and
• Thinking creatively together about non-traditional approaches to meeting priorities (for
example through third-party funding).
Finally, part of the exploration will be monitoring when conditions are right (budget, community
capacity, organizational capacity, etc.) to move from “explore” to “design” or “implement” this Next
Move.
2021/22 efforts: City staff will increase internal coordination around these issues, continue current
discussions with BIPOC partners and leaders who are interested in conversations about historical BIPOC
connections to the land as described above, and explore new relationships as community trust allows.
Lead partner: Local indigenous and native partners, City of Fort Collins
Support partners: Seeking Partners
Impact and investment
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
Staff time Enabling High High
Big Move 12 - 100% Renewable Electricity. Everyone in the community
receives affordable and reliable 100% renewable electricity, including
from local sources
Electricity powers our lives, local economy, homes, and businesses and comprises nearly 50% of current
community carbon emissions. This Big Move envisions a future electric system very different from the
legacy systems in use for nearly 100 years. Solar panels, wind turbines and batteries will support an
interconnected system across many states. Individual homes and businesses will be able to choose to
provide some of their energy directly. Our buildings and electric vehicles will become part of the system,
adjusting use up or down to help align the demand with the supply. This is one area of action that will
include substantial technological innovation while also being paired with meeting daily needs.
Critically, this evolution needs to ensure that electricity remains an affordable and accessible to
everyone in Fort Collins. This new electric system also needs to remain reliable as it relies on dynamic
sources and the likelihood of more frequent weather-driven extreme events due to climate change.
Fort Collins has traditionally been served by coal power plants and long-established hydro-electric
sources. Fort Collins Utilities is a municipally-owned electric utility and a part owner with three other
cities of Platte River Power Authority, giving us substantial influence and control over electricity supply
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
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options. Currently, non-fossil resources account for over 50% of our electricity sources, resulting in a
sharp decrease in emissions from previous years.
In October 2018, City Council adopted a goal of 100% Renewable Electricity by 2030. Months later,
Platte River Power Authority adopted a Resource Diversification Policy which includes a target of 100%
non-carbon resources by 2030.
Looking out towards electricity emissions in 2030, Platte River has announced that a new 150-megawatt
solar project will be online by 2024 and that a Rawhide Unit 1 coal generator will be closed by 2030.
Their Integrated Resources Plan calls for 90% non-carbon sources by 2030. Since electricity makes up
about half of Fort Collin’ community inventory, these commitments will have an immense contribution
towards reducing emissions. You can get started by learning more about renewable energy options from
City of Fort Collins Utilities, including a subscription to 100% renewable energy, purchasing renewable
energy to power your business, or exploring how to generate your own electricity (I.e. adding solar
panels to your roof). Check out other actions listed in the Our Climate Future Action Guide.
The 100% renewable electricity Big Move means:
• Working with Platte River to increase utility scale renewable electricity sources;
• Continuing to expand the capacity of local solar and battery storage;
• Deploying new capabilities and strategies to support variable renewable energy, and
resources with responsive homes, businesses, and electric vehicles.
Next Move: Increase utility scale renewable generation by Platte River Power
Authority
Case study: Platte River Power Authority Integrated Resources Plan
https://www.prpa.org/irp/
How it could look in Fort Collins: Fort Collins receives all of its electricity from Platte River Power
Authority and is also a member owner. Platte River’s current resource plan calls for them to be 90% non-
carbon by 2030. This will include additional wind and solar energy, as well as adequate storage and
participation in future electricity markets.
2021/22 efforts: Additional detailed planning will occur for a 150 megawatt solar project, as well as joint
planning for additional distributed energy resources such as solar and batteries. The Green Energy
Program provides a program delivery model to deliver renewable energy to customers who want to
reduce their personal carbon footprint for electric consumption.
Lead partner: Platte River Power Authority
Support partner: Fort Collins Utilities
Impact and investment
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Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030
Annual
carbon
savings
(MT)
No new
investment High Medium Medium $5.1M 423,700
Next Move: Continue to implement distributed solar programs
Case study: Fort Collins has extensive experience with this strategy with over 2,000 distributed solar
systems installed.
How it could look in Fort Collins: Fort Collins Utilities has existing solar programs for homes and
businesses. This next move supports continued investment by Utilities to leverage private investment in
new solar projects, which in turn offset electricity use and export electricity which is used by nearby
customers. The incentives will be adjusted to meet customer interest levels with similar levels of Utilities
funding.
2021/22 efforts: Staff intends to review existing programs from an equity perspective to identify
opportunities for improvements in outcomes. Opportunities to streamline the application and
interconnection processes will also be reviewed. The proposed funding levels are consistent with
current budgets for Energy Services in Utilities. Funding may move within the portfolio to achieve
optimal results.
Lead partner: Fort Collins Utilities
Support partners: Participating Solar Contractor Network
Impact and investment: The near term investment is primarily from participating customers with
$1.25M from ongoing utility rebate programs over two years.
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030
Annual
carbon
savings
(MT)
$14M Medium Low High $70M 36,270
Next Move: Explore new community solar options
How it could look in Fort Collins: Platte River has recently committed to a large utility scale solar project
of 150 megawatts. This next move would explore options to increase the size of that array by ten
megawatts with the incremental output allocated to Fort Collins. Fort Collins Utilities would then create
a model where customers “buy into” the program and then receive bill credits associated with the solar
production. This next move is related to the one to provide solar for low and moderate income
customers by apportioning 10% of the community solar for that purpose.
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 50 of 60
2021/22 efforts: Investigate options with Platte River for expansion of the next utility scale solar project.
Develop a program business model for customer investment and receipt of benefits.
Lead partner: Fort Collins Utilities
Support partner: Platte River Power Authority
Impact and investment
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030
Annual
carbon
savings
(MT)
No new
investment Medium Low Medium $15M 12,100
Next Move: Explore options for renewable energy for low-income households
How it could look in Fort Collins: Platte River has recently committed to a large utility scale solar project
of 150 megawatts. This next move is tied to the new community solar one and would carve out one
megawatt of the proposed ten megawatt addition with benefits provided to low and moderate income
customers.
2021/22 efforts: Investigate options with Platte River for expansion of the next utility scale solar project.
Develop a program business model for customer investment and receipt of benefits. Explore integration
of solar with the Weatherization Assistance Program, which is eligible only for income-qualified
customers.
Lead partner: Fort Collins Utilities
Support partner: Platte River Power Authority
Impact and investment
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030
Annual
carbon
savings
(MT)
No new
investment Low High Medium $1.5M 1,350
Next Move: Develop systems to implement shared solar solutions
How it could look in Fort Collins: Fort Collins has one community solar project (Riverside) where the
common output of the solar system is apportioned to participating customers based on their ownership
share of the system; however, this system relies on non-standard billing tools that prevents scaling. This
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 51 of 60
enabling Next Move would develop the systems in order to have this option in place as a standardized
approach which could apply to multi-family properties, mixed-use commercial properties or future
community solar projects. Once implemented, shared solar projects could enhance the equity of access
to local rooftop solar for customers who rent or otherwise are unable to install solar on their own roof.
This Next Move is closely aligned with Utilities implementation of a new billing system.
2021/22 efforts: Continue to refine requirements of the Utilities billing system. Review associated
electric service standards, interconnection standards and codes to facilitate shared solar and remove
potential barriers to implementation.
Lead partner: Fort Collins Utilities
Support partner: City Attorney’s Office
Impact and investment
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
Staff hours Enabling Medium High
Next Move: Continue to implement battery storage programs
How it could look in Fort Collins: Fort Collins has a pilot program which provides incentives for
residential battery installation and research on a commercial battery demonstration. This next move
proposed to continue the development and optimization of these pilots to refine the business case and
define additional benefits. See www.fcgov.com/utilities/residential-battery-storage-program.
2021/22 efforts: Continue pilot implementation, refine requirements for communications and control
capabilities, gather additional data for improving business case and necessary metrics. Coordinate with
the DER Strategic Planning project.
Lead partner: Fort Collins Utilities
Support partners: Platte River Power Authority, Participating Solar Contractors Network
Impact and investment: Funding is included in ongoing Utilities Energy Services budgets
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
No new
investment Low Low High
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 52 of 60
Big Move 13 - Electric cars and fleets. Residents can afford and use
electric cars, including shared electric cars, and conventional fleets are
converted to electric
Though Our Climate Future imagines a future with less dependence on cars, single occupancy vehicles
and cars will undoubtedly still play a role in getting us around, such as in times of emergencies. In line
with market shifts and our priorities of equity and climate action, over the next several years, those cars
will continue to transition to be electric, rely on renewable electricity, and be easy to connect to
community charging infrastructure. Electric cars can be made more affordable for private purchase
through business, City, State, or Federal incentives. Car use can also become a more frequently shared
experience, such as through carpools or a shared neighborhood electric car. This will be even more
possible when most of our daily transportation needs can be met through transit, biking, or walking.
Commercial and municipal fleets, such as trucks, buses, and business-related vehicles, will also continue
a transition to electric, improving local air quality, reducing noise, and improving our health.
Next Move: Support market driven adoption of electric cars
Case study: The City completed the Electric Vehicle Readiness Roadmap in 2018. The Roadmap outlines
strategies to implement to support electric vehicles. The City will continue to engage internal and
external stakeholders regarding the Roadmap and strategies outlined therein.
How it could look in Fort Collins: The City will continue collaboration with residents, policy makers at
various levels and stakeholder groups to support initiatives which facilitate EV adoption. These could
include education and awareness, charging infrastructure or data initiatives. The City can also help to
facilitate opportunities for additional external funding and workplace charging by Fort Collins
businesses. In planning to implement these strategies, the City will focus on equitable engagement and
seek opportunities to make electric cars more widely available to all.
2021/22 efforts: The State recently adopted its version of an EV Roadmap, with which the City will
continue to align. The City will also continue pursuit of external funding opportunities. The City can also
coordinate and support group buy events with local auto dealers, which have been shown to increase EV
sales in Fort Collins more than six times over average monthly sales.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins FC Moves
Support partner(s): City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department, Northern Colorado Clean
Cities, Fort Collins Utilities, Drive Electric Northern Colorado
Impact and investment: The near term and 2030 community investments are based on EV purchases
assuming the mid-range scenario for EV adoption from the Colorado Energy Office
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030
Annual
carbon
savings
(MT)
$7.6M High Low Medium $38M 93,400
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 53 of 60
Next Move: Assess community needs for electric vehicle infrastructure and programs
Case study: The City completed the Electric Vehicle Readiness Roadmap in 2018. The Roadmap outlines
strategies to implement to support electric vehicles. The City will continue to engage internal and
external stakeholders regarding the Roadmap and strategies outlined therein.
How it could look in Fort Collins: The City will coordinate ongoing assessment of how public charging
infrastructure is meeting the needs of local and visiting EV drivers and how the electric system is
performing to meet home, business and public EV charging. The assessment scope will also review
needs for programs, services or code-related opportunities to facilitate EV use in Fort Collins.
2021/22 efforts: The City will also continue pursuit of external funding opportunities for public charging
infrastructure. The City can also coordinate and maintain data which provides insights into charging
behavior and future infrastructure needs. Staff will seek community input to improve the equitability of
these efforts.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins FC Moves
Support partner(s): Fort Collins Utilities, City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department,
Northern Colorado Clean Cities, Drive Electric Northern Colorado
Impact and investment
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
Pending
assessments Enabling Low Medium
Next Move: Transition to an emissions-free public transit
Case study: The City has received external funding to purchase our first three all-electric buses. The City
will continue to purchase electric buses as funding becomes available and focus on seeking external
funding sources as capacity allows. Denver has case study info at https://www.rtd-
denver.com/projects/battery-electric-bus-fleet.
How it could look in Fort Collins: As current buses are phased out at the end of their life-cycle, electric
buses will be considered as replacements. This could allow the City to plan for funds, charging
infrastructure needs and cadence needed to replace vehicles and a realize a fully electric fleet. However,
there are significant growing pains documented from larger communities across the world that should
serve as collaborators to avoid pitfalls experienced by peer communities. The City is also transitioning to
electric vehicles within other fleets on an ongoing or replacement basis.
2021/2022 efforts: City staff will continue to identify opportunities for external funding while also
planning for eventual transition of City funds towards electrification.
Lead partner: City of Fort Collins Transfort
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 54 of 60
Support partner: City of Fort Collins FC Moves
Impact and investment: $4.4M CMAQ funds have been awarded for 2022 and 2023 for the purchase of
five electric buses and two depot chargers
Estimated new
investment
(2021-2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030
Annual
carbon
savings
(MT)
$4.4M Low Low Medium Pending 330
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 55 of 60
Summary of Tactical Plan Next Moves
Big
Move Next Move Mitigation Equity Resilience
1
Continue, and where appropriate expand, upon
durable partners beyond Fort Collins to achieve
climate, energy and waste goals. Low Medium Medium
1
Design an equitable implementation structure of the
Our Climate Future Plan Low High Medium
1
Identify opportunities where the City and the
community can partner on funding applications to
advance Our Climate Future Big Moves Low Low Low
1
Partner to provide greater access to environmental
education for Spanish-speaking community members Low Medium Low
1
Provide unconscious bias and racial equity training to
staff and partners involved in OCF implementation. Low High High
1
Reimagine the Community Advisory Committee to
align with the City’s Strategic Objective to center
equity for all, leading with race and explore
opportunities to share decision-making Low High Medium
2 Expand recycling education campaign Low Low Low
2 Explore additional community-needs donation options Low High Medium
2
Explore Universal Composting Ordinance and Related
Composting Infrastructure/Facilities High Medium Medium
2
Facilitate the sharing of commonly needed items
through libraries Low High Medium
2 Identify barriers to accessing recycling services Low Medium Low
2 Implement Disposable Grocery Bag Policy Low Low Medium
2 Implement universal recycling ordinance Medium Medium Medium
3
Adopt a holistic approach to integrated water resource
planning and management (One Water Approach) Low Low High
3
Educate and communicate the current emergency
sheltering process and explore expanded options for
disproportionally affected groups Low Medium High
3
Ensure that air quality levels and information about
related health concerns is representative, easily
accessible and broadly communicated. Low Low Medium
3
Expand and enhance water efficiency programs and
incentives Low Low Medium
3
Integrate climate resilience considerations into city
strategic and operational plans Low High High
3
Partner with trusted community sites to provide
resources and information during community
emergencies (Resilience Hubs) Low High High
3
Update codes to address existing and new
developments’ indoor and outdoor water efficiency Low Low Medium
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 56 of 60
Big
Move Next Move Mitigation Equity Resilience
4
Continue to build bicycle facilities as identified in the
Bicycle Master Plan Low High High
4
Create mobility hubs to support convenient
transportation connection options Low Medium High
4
Expanding local and regional public transit coverage
and frequency Medium High Medium
4 Provide travel trainings program Low Medium Medium
5
Enhance partnerships with schools to ensure safe
ways for kids to get to school Low Medium Low
5
Evaluate opportunities within the Land Use Code to
better encourage the development of “complete
neighborhoods” that include a variety of housing
options, access to services and amenities, and
proximity of housing to jobs Medium High Medium
6
Continue and expand demand reponse and grid
flexibility programs Low Medium Medium
6
Continue and expand home and business efficiency
programs High Medium High
6
Develop an energy performance path for new
construction to zero carbon building by 2030 Low Medium High
6
Expand programs for electrification of space and
water heating Medium Medium Medium
6
Provide focused energy efficiency and indoor air
quality incentives for historically underserved
households Low High Medium
6
Support incentives and regulation to reduce industrial
(air pollution) emissions Medium Medium Medium
7
Continue the Housing First model for supporting
persons experiencing homelessness and provide
wraparound services Low High Medium
7
Expand foreclosure and eviction prevention and legal
representation, especially in times of crisis Low High Medium
7
Explore revisions to the City’s occupancy policy (U+2)
to determine opportunities to streamline processes
and right size the policy for today’s needs for
achieving stability, health, and affordability citywide Low High Medium
7
Increase the number and diversity of housing types
and allow more homes per lot (density) via an update
to the City’s Land Use Code Low High Low
8 Promote local food through education Low High Medium
9
Explore opportunities and best practices for
multilingual business and workforce development
programs Low Medium Medium
9
Reimagine a sustainable business recognition
program Low Low Medium
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 57 of 60
Big
Move Next Move Mitigation Equity Resilience
9
Support small businesses and workforce development
in times of crisis Low Medium High
9
Support small businesses and workforce development
in times of stability Low Medium Medium
9
Update the Economic Health Strategic Plan to adapt
to rapidly changing economic conditions Low Medium Medium
10
Continue to explore ways to further reuse and recycle
soil from City projects Low Low Medium
10
Support work on a digital marketplace for industrial
waste Low Low Medium
11
Explore partnerships for habitat management and
education for wildfire mitigation Low Medium High
11 Protect and expand natural habitats as growth occurs Low Low Medium
11
Pursue habitat protections in the case of oil and gas
development within natural areas and/or in close
proximity to natural habitat features Low Low Medium
11
Explore opportunities for the City to recognize
historical BIPOC connections to the land, especially
indigenous connections, and explore ways to support
BIPOC-led efforts around land. Low High High
12 Continue to implement battery storage programs Low Low High
12 Continue to implement distributed solar programs Medium Low High
12 Develop systems to implement shared solar solutions Low Medium High
12 Explore new community solar options Medium Low Medium
12
Explore options for renewable energy for low-income
households Low High Medium
12
Increase utility scale renewable generation by Platte
River Power Authority High Medium Medium
13
Assess community needs for electric vehicle
infrastructure and programs Low Low Medium
13 Support market driven adoption of electric cars High Low Medium
13 Transition to emissions-free public transit Low Low Medium
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 58 of 60
Summary of Quantified Direct Greenhouse Gas Reduction Next Moves
Big
Move Next Move
Estimated
new
investment
(2021-
2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030
Annual
carbon
savings
(MT)
2 Implement universal
recycling ordinance $4.7M High Medium Medium $27.6M 12740
2
Explore Universal
Composting Ordinance
and Related
Composting
Infrastructure/Facilities
No new
investment High Medium Medium $40M 59600
4
Expanding local and
regional public transit
coverage and
frequency
$1.6M Medium High Medium $191M 16650
4
Create mobility hubs to
support convenient
transportation
connection options
No new
investment Low Medium High $42M 2870
4
Continue to build
bicycle facilities as
identified in the Bicycle
Master Plan
$700k Low High High $33.9M 17200
6
Continue and expand
home and business
efficiency programs
$30M High Medium High $155M 267000
6
Develop an energy
performance path for
new construction to
zero carbon building by
2030
No new
investment Low Medium High $1.8M 4900
6
Expand programs for
electrification of space
and water heating
See
description Medium Medium Medium $20.3M 31000
6
Support incentives and
regulation to reduce
industrial (air pollution)
emissions
No new
investment Medium Medium Medium Pending 20500
12
Increase utility scale
renewable generation
by Platte River Power
Authority
No new
investment High Medium Medium $5.1M 423700
12
Continue to implement
distributed solar
programs
$14M Medium Low High $70M 36270
Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
Page 59 of 60
Big
Move Next Move
Estimated
new
investment
(2021-
2022)
Mitigation Equity Resilience
2030
Cumulative
Community
Investment
2030
Annual
carbon
savings
(MT)
12
Explore new
community solar
options
No new
investment Medium Low Medium $15M 12100
12
Explore options for
renewable energy for
low-income
households
No new
investment Low High Medium $1.5M 1350
13
Support market driven
adoption of electric
cars
$7.6M High Low Medium $38M 93400
13
Transition to
emissions-free public
transit
$4.4M Low Low Medium Pending 330
ACTION GUIDE
Updated on 3.9.2021
ATTACHMENT 5
Our Climate Future Action Guide March 2021
Page 2 of 13
Our Climate Future is all about our community and region taking action to achieve carbon neutrality,
zero waste, and 100% renewable electricity in an equitable and resilient way. The Our Climate Future
Plan lists many high-level strategies to shape our path to those goals but people may not see them
directly in their everyday lives or know how to take action to support them. The Our Climate Future
Action Guide is intended to help residents, businesses, and industries find their place of action and
leadership – there is a role for everyone, including you!
This guide makes suggestions for Action, Getting Involved, and Leadership and we know we haven’t
thought of everything! We’ll keep updating this guide with the most impactful actions and resources and
we’ll rely on you and the Fort Collins community to share other ideas, stories, successes, and
opportunities with us and each other. We also suggest checking out the Shift Foco platform with more
actions and challenges to help make taking action more fun. If you take an action listed in this guide or
from the Shift Foco platform, let us know and pay it forward by sharing your story on social media
#shiftfoco.
Zero Waste Neighborhoods: We can all share and reuse so we don't have to buy things we
won't regularly use and are able to recycle or compost the rest
At Home
• Action:
o Sign up for Shift Foco to make taking many of the following actions more fun and
engaging!
o Start a backyard compost, an indoor worm compost, or compost pick up.
o Sign up for yard waste pick up with your local waste hauler
o Consider right-sizing your trash cart and paying only for what you throw away
o Take a virtual or in person tour of the Timberline Recycling Center and learn about other
items that can be recycled
o Prioritize buying reusable items, high-quality products, and items made with recycled
content. In the long-term you’ll save money, waste, and natural resources.
o Reach out and tell your favorite companies what you would like to see in their products.
Consumer preferences have a big impact.
o Meet your neighbors and let them know what you are willing to lend – don’t be
surprised if they do the same! Take the same approach with friends and acquaintances.
o Join the Poudre River Library and check out their book and non-book collections or the
EcoThrift Tool Lending Library to get a sense of what you could avoid buying by
borrowing
o Check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, other Social Media groups dedicated to sharing,
or one of Fort Collins’ many thrift stores before you buy new. You can even do hand-offs
at the Fort Collins Police Services Exchange Zone to ensure safe exchanges.
o Clean out your garage and get things with value back into circulation so others don’t
have to buy new
o Start a “free” box or little library to get things back in circulation on a regular basis
Our Climate Future Action Guide March 2021
Page 3 of 13
• Getting involved:
o Join and help facilitate a zero-waste group on Social Media
o Help a neighbor set up their own compost or worm bin
o Make sure neighbors know they can right-size their trash can and that you are happy to
lend them tools or other household items so they don’t have to buy their own
• Leadership:
o Become a Recycling Ambassador at the Timberline Recycling Center
o Join or lead an advocacy group that organizes sharing events, repair clinics, composting
workshops, etc.
o Share your zero-waste successes on Social Media using #shiftfoco
At Your Business or Place of Work
• Action:
o If you haven’t already, sign up for recycling service
o Check out the City’s resources for businesses related to recycling.
o Conduct a waste audit to see what your business’s greatest opportunity to reduce waste
is
o Conduct a single-use product audit to see where you could save money by switching to
reusable versions or making products upon request only
o If you are a food-based business, consider food donation options to support others in
the community and avoid food waste.
• Get involved:
o Approach your suppliers about non-recyclable, single-use packaging alternatives and
choose leading brands who take action whenever possible.
• Leadership:
o Share your zero-waste story with other businesses, including how you did it and what
benefits your efforts are having on your operations and the planet.
Industry and Institutions
• See Zero Waste Economy below for Industry and Institutional actions
Climate Resilient Community: People, buildings, watersheds and ecosystems are
prepared for the threats of climate change.
At Home
• Action:
o Develop and practice an emergency plan for your household.
o Enroll in emergency notifications.
o Register yourself or a loved one with the Larimer County Whole Community Emergency
Network.
o Monitor the daily air quality.
Our Climate Future Action Guide March 2021
Page 4 of 13
o Create a clean room to protect indoor air quality during wildfires.
o Sign up for the Air Quality Newsletter.
o Sign up for a free Healthy Home assessment for indoor air quality.
o Install a rain barrel for your garden.
o Sign up for a free home efficiency assessment through Larimer County
o Get a free sprinkler audit to see if you can reduce your outdoor water use.
o See if you qualify for the Income Qualified Assistance Program if you need help paying
your utility bills. Call 970-212-2900 for more information.
o Weatherize your house and ensure that gutter and other drainage systems are free of
debris to handle big summer storm precipitation.
• Getting involved:
o Connect more with your neighbors to increase safety and social connections.
o Volunteer with the Community Emergency Response Team.
o Volunteer for the Adopt a Neighbor program.
• Leadership:
o Offer to help your neighbors or friends with creating their own emergency plan.
o Suggest enrolling in emergency notifications to neighbors or friends.
o Create a community hub with your neighbors to hear and share critical information
during emergencies through Larimer Connects
o Apply for a neighborhood grant and check out other Neighborhood Services programs.
o Host a neighborhood block party to get to know your neighbors and connect for
Neighborhood Night Out.
At Your Business or Place of Work
• Action:
o Check out NoCo Recovers the one stop shop location for information on potential
funding sources available to support business, nonprofit, & workforce community of
Northern Colorado.
o Check out ForFortCollins- a hub of education, marketing materials and information for
Fort Collins businesses and nonprofit community to reopen during COVID.
o Develop and practice an emergency and communication plan for your business and
employees.
o Enroll in emergency notifications.
o Cross train your employees.
o Protect your data.
o See if your building qualifies for energy retrofits or efficiency upgrades through C-PACE.
o Check out the Fort Collins Business Resource Guide.
• Getting involved:
o Connect with the Economic Health Office
Our Climate Future Action Guide March 2021
Page 5 of 13
Convenient Transportation Choices: It is safe, easy, fast and affordable to get around
without a car.
At Home
• Action:
o Go car-free one extra trip per week than you currently do. If you drive for 6 trips per
week, start by driving for just 5 trips per week and use a bicycle, walk, scoot, take
transit, or share a ride.
o Encourage a neighbor, family member, or friend to go car-free one extra trip per week.
o Log near misses and damaged infrastructure using Access Fort Collins so City staff can
work to address problems quickly.
o If you can, consider asking your neighbors how you can help them eliminate a trip, such
as running an errand for them especially if it’s close to your destination.
o If you cannot get to a transit stop via walking/biking, drive and park there. Let the Max
take you the rest of the way.
• Getting involved:
o Provide input on upcoming transportation projects, and help people who aren’t typically
involved in providing input by finding a way to help them have their voice heard.
o Contribute to County, Regional, and State-wide initiatives by providing input when
available.
o Organize a neighborhood group ride.
• Leadership:
o Become a Bicycle Ambassador to help model safe, legal bicycling behavior, to help with
data collection and event support, and get in the know on upcoming bicycle and
pedestrian projects.
o
At Your Business or Place of Work
o Ride your bike or walk to work as often as possible.
o Bicycle, walk, scoot, or take transit for lunch breaks, off-site meetings, or conduct
business virtually to save work-day trips.
o Ask your leadership to support bicycling by requesting additional, secure bicycle parking.
o Ask your leadership or human resources department to start incentive programs to
encourage people to save car trips, such as promoting walking/bicycling meetings,
walking or bicycling to work, and much more.
• Getting involved:
o If your work place has an existing sustainability committee, ask to join to present your
ideas on how to make your workplace more bicycle-friendly. Keep in mind that some
ideas are easier to implement, such as installing additional bicycle parking and establish
incentive programs. Others are more challenging, like changes to infrastructure.
Our Climate Future Action Guide March 2021
Page 6 of 13
• Leadership:
o Take the lead to establish teams for Shift activities, or establish a sustainability
committee if one doesn't yet exist. Staff can collaborate to find ways to encourage
colleagues to take action, too.
o Model safe, legal behaviors.
o Take Bicycle Friendly Driver.
o Submit an application on behalf of your organization to be designated as a Bicycle
Friendly Business through the League of American Bicyclists.
Live, Work, Play Nearby: No matter where we live, we all can meet our basic daily needs
without driving across town.
At Home
• Action:
o Look into businesses nearby to see if they can meet your needs- decide to frequent
close to home businesses, even if they aren’t all encompassing, AKA “work them into
the rotation”
o The next time you move, move close to work and attractions so you can walk/bike/take
transit to get around. Encourage your friends to do the same.
o Community/at-home gardens for growing veggies/produce in the summer to reduce
trips to the store.
o Determine if desired destinations can be reached by walking, biking, transit, etc. by pre-
planning and “trip chaining” to avoid heavy traffic and single errand trips.
• Getting involved:
o Learn about the City’s land use plan and policies and participate in local planning
processes
o Get in touch with the City’s FC Moves program to request that a Bicycle Ambassador
help you find and try out bike routes to get to your typical destinations
o Check out the low-stress network
• Leadership:
o Share your story with others. Talk about how your life has been positively impacted by
being able to live, work and play nearby your home.
At Your Business or Place of Work
• Action:
o Install or champion installation of indoor bike racks and showers so employees are more
comfortable riding bike, walking, or exercising.
o Offer loaner bikes that employees can borrow to run short errands, travel to work
meetings, go to lunch etc.
• Leadership:
o Mentor other businesses – share your story of change, the actions you took and the
impact your actions have had
Our Climate Future Action Guide March 2021
Page 7 of 13
o Coordinate carpooling or bike share systems with other nearby places of work
Industry and Institutions
• Action:
o Offer loaner bikes that employees can borrow to run short errands, travel to work
meetings, go to lunch etc.
o Install or champion installation of indoor bike racks and showers so employees are more
comfortable riding bike, walking, or exercising.
• Leadership:
o Mentor other businesses – share your story of change, the actions you took and the
impact your actions have had
o Coordinate carpooling or bike share systems with other nearby places of work
Efficient, Emissions Free Buildings: Everyone lives and works in healthy energy and
water efficient buildings which transition to become emissions free.
At Home
• Action:
o Learn more about how you are billed on the residential time-of-day electric rate.
o Monitor your home energy and water use online.
o Review Energy Star’s tips for conserving energy and water at home.
o Sign up for Epic Homes for an in-home assessment and learn actions you can take to
make your home more efficient and earn rebates on efficiency equipment.
▪ Take a virtual tour of an epic home
o Save instantly on efficiency products by shopping online at Efficiency Works Store or
search available rebates for other energy and water efficiency products
o Make your home more efficient and reduce emissions by taking action at
https://www.shiftfoco.com/
• Getting involved:
o Review how building energy use impacts the carbon inventory in Fort Collins.
o Listen to a Podcast about the impact of building energy use on climate change.
o Learn more about emissions and efficiency buildings with resources from Fort Collins
Utilities
• Leadership:
o Volunteer to help others make their lives more efficient - Fort Collins Engage
At Your Business or Place of Work
• Action:
o Review tips and tricks for conserving energy within your business.
o Learn about programs to improve efficiency at your business from Fort Collins Utilities
o Sign up for an assessment of your business through Efficiency Works
o Consider upgrading equipment and earning rebates in your business to save energy.
Our Climate Future Action Guide March 2021
Page 8 of 13
o Benchmark your facility by starting to monitor and improve your building's energy and
water efficiency fcgov.com/BEWS
• Getting involved:
o Explore the connection between efficient facility upgrades and worker productivity.
o Host a training for your employees about how they can make their homes more efficient
and reduce emissions.
o Sign up for updates and communications from Fort Collins Utilities business-related
programs and rebates
• Leadership:
o Advocate for policy that will help our community be more efficient with less emissions
o Share your story about how your business took action to improve efficiency and reduce
emissions
Industry and Institutions
• Action:
o Learn what industry specific rebates are available
o Sign up for an assessment of your business through Efficiency Works
o Benchmark your facility by starting to monitor and improve your building's energy and
water efficiency fcgov.com/BEWS
• Getting involved:
o Host a training for your employees about how they can make their homes more efficient
and reduce emissions
o Sign up for updates from Fort Collins Utilities business-related programs and rebates
• Leadership:
o Design efficiency into your new building through the Integrated Design Assistance
Program
o Share your story about how your industry took action to improve efficiency and reduce
emissions
Local, Affordable and Healthy Food: Everyone has access to healthy and affordable food,
sourced or rescued from local and regional producers.
At Home
• Action:
o Buy Local, Buy Organic - Take the pledge at shiftfoco: Shop locally, shop at local food
vendors and look for products that are produced locally at the grocery store
o Visit a Farmers Market for tasty local food
o Choose the Wonky Fruit - Take the pledge at shiftfoco: many stores have clearance food
sections, “ugly” produce corners with food that is good to eat, just not beautiful
o Sign up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program
o Eat Lower Down the Carbon Chain - Take the pledge at shiftfoco
o Make a Meal Plan - Take the pledge at shiftfoco
Our Climate Future Action Guide March 2021
Page 9 of 13
o Support the Food Bank of Larimer County with food donations.
o Host a “local food” potluck for friends and family
o Sign up for a community garden plot
• Getting involved:
o Take a class at the Gardens on Spring Creek related to local food, gardening, cooking
and more
o Volunteer at a local farm, Farmers Market or food bank
o Take a tour of a local farm, Farmers Market or food bank
o Plant if Forward, plant extra produce in your garden to donate when harvested
o Learn how to preserve and store food, by taking a class from CSU Extension or Gardens
on Spring Creek
• Leadership:
o Encourage friends and family to eat locally, and take action
o Advocate for action to create more opportunities for all to have access to healthy,
affordable, local food
o Host a food drive to support the food bank in your neighborhood.
At Your Business or Place of Work
• Action:
o Set up a shared food program – have a place in your office where employees can take,
leave and access food (snacks, produce, garden harvests etc.)
o Buy local and healthy food for staff meals and events
o Grow vegetables as part of your landscaping.
o Host a food drive for the food bank that employees and customers can contribute to.
• Getting involved:
o Host a class for your employees related to local food, gardening, or cooking
• Leadership:
o Share your story with other businesses and community leaders. Encourage them to take
action
Industry and Institutions
• Action:
o Set up shared food program – have a place in your office where employees can take and
leave access food (snacks, produce, garden harvests etc.)
o Buy local and healthy food for staff meals and events
o Grow vegetables as part of your landscaping.
o Host a food drive for the food bank that employees and customers can contribute to.
• Leadership:
Our Climate Future Action Guide March 2021
Page 10 of 13
o Share your story with other businesses and community leaders. Encourage them to take
action
Healthy Local Economy and Jobs: The community supports a healthy innovative local
economy with new opportunities for all people and businesses to thrive.
At Home
• Action:
o Shop locally. Support local restaurants, shops and grocery stores.
o Buy gift cards from locally owned restaurants and stores
o Visit ForFortCollins.com to learn more tips and tricks for supporting our local economy
At Your Business or Place of Work
• Action:
o Buy local supplies, shop locally for supplies for your business, when ordering food for a
meeting or event order from a local store
o Visit ForFortCollins.com to learn how your business can take action
• Getting involved:
o Connect with the Economic Health Office
o Partner with other local businesses
• Leadership:
o Share your stories of innovation and ways you have impacted our community
o Encourage other businesses to source supplies locally
o Mentor other business owners, students and entrepreneurs
o Advocate for policies that will improve the health of our local economy and create new
opportunities
Zero Waste Economy: Business, industry, institutions, and government collaborate to
recirculate resources and eliminate waste.
Industry and Institutions
• Audit your business or institution to understand your biggest opportunities to reduce, reuse,
recycle, or donate whether in your industrial operations or in your office operations.
• Review your biggest raw material inputs and/or largest procurement materials, could any of
these be filled using recycled materials or outputs from another local or regional industry?
• Use Recycle Colorado’s material exchange platform to see if you could get any recycled
materials closer to home or help by-products from your industry avoid the landfill
• Connect with your employees to raise awareness and encourage zero-waste at work and at
home, and even incentivize it when possible!
• Get involved: Consider ways to broaden your scope of influence beyond just the last step of a
product’s life-cycle.
Our Climate Future Action Guide March 2021
Page 11 of 13
o Can your products be made to be more easily repaired, recycled, have recyclable
packaging or last longer?
o Could you ask your suppliers to take actions in their business and give procurement
preferences to those who do?
• Lead:
o Share your story with other industries to raise awareness
o Make a public commitment to reducing waste and stick to it!
Healthy Natural Spaces: We all are stewards of healthy natural spaces and honor the deep
and historical human connection to this land.
At Home
• Action:
o Pick up litter around your neighborhood or volunteer for a local cleanup event.
o Plant a drought tolerant tree species that is either native or regionally adapted to
Northern Colorado.
o Add pollinator friendly plants to your landscaping or flowerpots.
o Take it to the next level in your landscaping and get your garden certified either through
National Audubon Society’s Backyard Habitat program or the National Wildlife
Federation’s wildlife habitat program.
• Getting involved:
o Volunteer with the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program or the Parks Department.
Leadership:
o Apply for a Nature in the City Grant to support your own project for your neighborhood
to improve our natural environments
At Your Business or Place of Work
• Action:
o Volunteer for a local cleanup event as a staff activity
o Schedule a visit to a local natural area with a Naturalist as a staff activity
o Host an event at a natural area or City park
o Plant a drought tolerant tree species that is either native or regionally adapted to
Northern Colorado.
o Add pollinator friendly plants to your landscaping or flowerpots.
o Take it to the next level in your landscaping and get your garden certified either through
National Audubon Society’s Backyard Habitat program or the National Wildlife
Federation’s wildlife habitat program.
Our Climate Future Action Guide March 2021
Page 12 of 13
100% Renewable Electricity: Everyone in the community receives affordable and reliable
100% renewable electricity, including from local sources.
At Home
• Action:
o Make your home more efficient and reduce emissions by taking action at
https://www.shiftfoco.com/
o Learn more about renewable energy options from City of Fort Collins Utilities, including
a subscription to 100% renewable energy or installing solar on your own roof.
o Learn how homes are billed by Fort Collins Utilities for energy produced by solar panels.
o Discover the benefits a residential battery installation can have when installing with
solar.
• Getting involved:
o Review how renewable energy use impacts the carbon inventory in Fort Collins.
o Learn the difference between utility scale and local, rooftop solar and the benefits that
both solutions bring to the community.
• Leadership:
o Share your thoughts about increasing renewable energy in our community.
At Your Business or Place of Work
• Action:
o Purchase renewable energy to power your business
o Explore generating your own electricity (I.e. adding solar panels to your roof)
o Research innovative ways to finance renewable energy projects at your facility.
• Getting involved:
o Host a lunch and learn for your staff on the benefits of renewable energy.
• Leadership:
o Encourage other businesses and peers to take action
o Share your story and the impact more renewable energy has had on your bottom line.
Industry and Institutions
• Action:
o Purchase renewable energy to power your business
o Research innovative ways to finance renewable energy projects at your facility.
o Explore options for installing solar arrays across your campus.
• Getting involved:
o Generate your own electricity (I.e. adding solar panels to your roof)
• Leadership:
o Encourage other industry leaders to take action.
o Share your story and the impact more renewable energy has had on your bottom line.
Our Climate Future Action Guide March 2021
Page 13 of 13
Electric cars and fleets: Residents can afford and use electric cars, including shared
electric cars, and conventional fleets are converted to electric.
At Home
• Action:
o Replace your existing gas or diesel vehicle with an electric car.
o Learn how charging and electric vehicles at home will impact your utility bill time-of-day
electric rate.
o Consider adding a home charger for your EV.
o If you own an EV, talk to your neighbors about the benefits of owning an EV.
• Getting involved:
o Take the lead on setting up Ride-and-Drive events for your neighborhood.
o Consider learning more and networking with other EV drivers at Drive Electric Northern
Colorado events.
• Leadership:
o Participate in processes that maintain and strengthen incentives to purchase or lease
EVs.
o Participate in processes to increase installation of more Level 3/DC Fast Chargers around
your community
At Your Business or Place of Work
• Action:
o If your company has a work vehicle, advocate for an EV when it is time to replace
current work (gas powered) vehicle
• Getting involved:
o Advocate for your business fleet to be replaced with EVs.
o Advocate for your business to install a charging station.
Our Climate Future
1
ATTACHMENT 6
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
Primary outcomes
•4.1 Climate Action
•4.3 Zero Waste
BUDGET
$100k split between
General and Enterprise
Funds
Our Climate Future
2
Tr ansition to 2030: Our Climate Future
3
INCLUDES UPDATES TO:
Climate
Action Plan
Energy Policy Road to Zero
Wa ste Plan
Council Action
Adopt: Our Climate Future Plan
•Implementation structure and process
•Big Moves and portfolio of Next Moves
•Evergreen Approach: Tw o-year review
and update cycle
•Critical Path + Flexible Portfolio
•Updated waste and energy goals
Reference
•Tw o-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
4
Plan Evolution
Key Themes from Council
•Concern over waste goal
•Interest in more on:
•Circular and climate economy
•Carbon mitigation and ambition
•Acknowledgement of partners
•Regionalism
•Metrics
•Interest IPPU strategies and interim
CAP goals
Key Themes from Community
•Maintain equity focus in implementation
•Use less jargon and acronyms
•Don’t need to be perfect to get started
•More urgency on climate and mitigation
•Clarity on how community can act
5All themes have been addressed in the final plan
Commitment to Goals
6
To gether to 2030
•100% renewable electricity
•100% waste diversion
•80% reduction in carbon
emissions
…and onward to carbon neutral
Path to 2030
7
Critical path
·100% renewable
electricity
·Expansion of the
local and regional
transit network
·Community-wide
organic waste
diversion
This Plan is About You
8
9
Additional Reference
Slides
Plan Calibration and Review
-1-
RESOLUTION 2021-031
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE OUR CLIMATE FUTURE PLAN
WHEREAS, the City of Fort Collins has an over twenty-year history of planning and
action to achieve Council adopted community-wide goals for climate, energy and waste; and
WHEREAS, the City began evaluating the risk of climate change impacts in 2008 as a
participant in the Climate Resilient Community pilot program convened by ICLEI – Local
Governments for Sustainability; and
WHEREAS, on December 2, 2008, City Council adopted Resolution 2008-122 approving
and adopting the 2008 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan; and
WHEREAS, on December 17, 2013, City Council adopted Resolution 2013-111
establishing a waste diversion policy to implement the “Road to Zero Waste” plan; and
WHEREAS, on March 3, 2015, City Council adopted Resolution 2015-030 establishing
updated goals to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions to 20% below 2005 levels
by 2020, reduce emissions to 80% below 2005 levels by 2030, and to be carbon neutral by 2050;
and
WHEREAS, on December 15, 2015, City Council adopted Resolution 2015-115
approving and adopted an Updated Energy Policy; and
WHEREAS, the Our Climate Future Plan, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit
“A” and incorporated herein is the combined and comprehensive update to the Climate Action
Plan, Energy Policy, and Road to Zero Waste Plan; and
WHEREAS, the goal of the planning process for the Our Climate Future Plan has been to
seek equitable solutions with a defined intent to center the Plan in equity and lead with race; and
WHEREAS, the Our Climate Future Plan articulates climate, energy and waste reduction
goals to be addressed simultaneously in order to improve community equity and resilience
outcomes, articulate a commitment to mitigating climate change with a systems-based approach,
center solutions in people and community priorities, and implement an evergreen review cycle;
and
WHEREAS, the Our Climate Future Plan does not commit any funding for
implementation or select the methods of or technologies for achieving those goals; rather,
consideration of future City actions to implement the goals will follow standard budget and
policy processes and include evaluations of each initiatives' benefits and costs to the City and the
community; and
WHEREAS, City Council has considered the Our Climate Future Plan at three Work
Sessions on July 23, 2019, November 24, 2020, and most recently on February 9, 2021; and
-2-
WHEREAS, the Our Climate Future Plan has also been considered and recommended by
the Energy Board and Natural Resources Advisory Board; and
WHEREAS, City Council has determined that the Our Climate Future Plan is in the best
interest of the residents of the City of Fort Collins and is necessary to protect their health, safety,
and welfare.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations
and findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That the City Council hereby approves and adopts the Our Climate Future
Plan attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Colli ns this
16th day of March, A.D. 2021.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
Auxiliary aids and services are available for persons with disabilities. V/TDD: 711 21-22952
EXHIBIT A
2
Revised - March 12, 2021
3
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Our Climate Future would not be possible without the help of so many people.
City Council
Wade Troxell, Mayor
Susan Gutowsky, District 1
Julie Pignataro, District 2
Ken Summers, District 3
Melanie Potyondy, District 4
Ross Cunniff, District 5
Emily Gorgol, District 6
City Leadership and Climate Action Executive Team
Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Caryn M. Champine, Director of Planning, Development &
Transportation
Jacqueline Kozak Thiel, Chief Sustainability Officer
Theresa Connor, Interim Utilities Executive Director
John Stokes, Interim Director, Community Services
Lucinda Smith, Environmental Services Director
Active Members of the Climate Action Plan Community
Advisory Committee
Amy Maxey, Northern Colorado Clean Cities
Ann Hutchison, Fort Collins Area Chamber
Big Wind, Northern Arapaho Tribe
Bruno Sobral, Community member
Dana Villeneuve, New Belgium Brewing
Dawn Paepke, Kaiser Permanente
Dimitris Stevis – Colorado State University
Javier Echeverria Diaz –Motherlove Herbal Company and
farmer
JD Murphy, veteran and retired business owner
Jean Runyon, Front Range Community College
Patrick Shyvers, Advanced Micro Devices
Rose Lew, Fort Collins Sustainability Group
Stacey Baumgarn, Colorado State University
Steve Kuehneman, CARE Housing
Todd Dangerfield, Downtown Development Authority
Trudy Trimbath, Poudre School District
The Fort Collins Community
City Boards and Commissions
Residents and Businesses, including:
• Historically Underrepresented Groups
• Black, Indigenous and People of Color Groups
Over 1,000 community members helped shape this plan
through workshops, one-on-one discussions, surveys, and
engaging their friends and neighbors
Fort Collins Triple Bottom Line Community Leaders
Sustainable Living Association | Fort Collins Sustainability
Group | Platte River Power Authority | Republic Services
| Waste Management | Ram Waste Systems | Fort Collins
Area Chamber of Commerce Local Legislative Affairs
Committee | Larimer County Food Bank | Compost
Queen | Poudre Valley Community Farms | Colorado
State University: Dr. Becca Jablonski (Agriculture and
Resource Economics); School of Global Environmental
Sustainability (SOGES); Center for Public Deliberation
Our Climate Future Plan Ambassadors
Amber | Christian | Danny |India |Isabel
Jesus | Julia | John | Kristina | Marna
Maritza | Natalie | Paul | Rosie | Sam
CARE Housing
Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce
Northern Colorado Intertribal Powwow Association
Sunrise Movement Fort Collins
Our Climate Future Staff Teams
Climate Action Plan Executive Team
Our Climate Future Team members (Appendix IV)
City staff that have supported the planning efforts
Our Climate Future Consultants
Metabolic | The Brendle Group | WestUrb
Alyssa Stephens
Our Climate Future Artwork
Carrie Frickman, Heartwood Visuals
Madeline Bechtel, CPIO Graphics
4
5
LETTER FROM THE CLIMATE ACTION COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
As members of the Fort Collins Climate Action Plan Community Advisory Committee (CAC), we are honored to share
our perspectives and hopes for our City’s climate future. As a committee, we comprise a small cross-section of the
community – we are your fellow community members, employers, advocates, and parents – all striving to enrich and
strengthen the City’s path toward carbon neutrality by bringing forth broader and unique perspectives.
Today, the need for bold, just and equitable action on climate cannot be overstated. The summer of 2020 brought this
into sharper focus as we bore the pandemic and wildfire’s simultaneous economic, climate and health crises against
the backdrop of a national social justice re-awakening. As individuals and organizations, we are rising to the challenge
– our businesses are committing to becoming carbon neutral, we are reducing our personal footprints, and we are
marching and voting for the change we seek. In order to meet these challenges, however, more must be done. To lay
the foundation of certainty necessary for our individual actions to succeed, we need leadership and commitment from
all levels of government. In particular, leadership at the City level is critical to bringing climate action to a personal, real
and relevant level for our fellow residents.
We applaud the City’s concerted efforts to begin leading on equity, diversity and inclusion through both actions
and words, and its increasing efforts to connect with more diverse community organizations. This progress is an
excellent step, and we hope continued engagement efforts will reach an even greater cross-section of the population.
For example, we are encouraged that the local Indigenous community is represented within Our Climate Future’s
Community Partners, and hope organizations that represent Black People and other People of Color shall also be
included. Additionally, the City must ensure equity in engagement: that access is enabled and tailored to different
communities, that relationships with historically excluded communities go well-beyond transactional in nature, and
that the quiet voices, along with the loud, are given equal consideration. It is critical to be intentional in providing
opportunities for input and understanding of impacts, especially when impacts can be asymmetrical and inequitable.
The CAC understands Our Climate Future and its Tactical Plan to be living documents that are continually updated
with input from the community based on current conditions and the emergence of new technology. In an effort to
maintain and further a high quality of life for all residents, we expect City staff to continue to gain input and insight
from the community as the plan is implemented. A key strategy moving forward will be to continually develop the
plan with inclusivity, equity, and equality while ensuring clear, concise, and actionable objectives. We embrace the
goal of community ownership of our climate future, and we hope the City will ensure resources, support and authority
are enabled across the community to help achieve our shared and co-developed goals.
We also hope for the City of Fort Collins to enable and create more regional and national connections and
collaboration across all sectors, including organizations and businesses of all sizes, through preparation and training of
working people for a decarbonized economy, e.g. as identified in the plan with respect to recycling and resilience. As
the proverb states, “...if we hope to go far, we must go together.” As the United States re-enters the Paris Agreement,
it is time for all sectors of society and levels of government to accelerate their pursuit of an inclusive, resilient, and
zero-carbon future. The CAC is grateful that Fort Collins is poised to continue leading on climate and equity, and we
are energized for the work and opportunities ahead.
Amy Maxey, Northern Colorado Clean Cities
Ann Hutchison, Fort Collins Area Chamber
Big Wind, Northern Arapaho Tribe
Bruno Sobral, Community member
Dana Villeneuve, New Belgium Brewing
Dawn Paepke, Kaiser Permanente
Dimitris Stevis, Colorado State University
Javier Echeverria Diaz, Motherlove Herbal Company and farmer
JD Murphy, veteran and retired business owner
Jean Runyon, Front Range Community College
Patrick Shyvers, Advanced Micro Devices
Rose Lew, Fort Collins Sustainability Group
Stacey Baumgarn, Colorado State University
Steve Kuehneman, CARE Housing
Todd Dangerfield, Downtown Development Authority
Trudy Trimbath, Poudre School District
ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
6
CONTENTS
Acknowledgements.........................................................................................................................................................................................................3
From the Mayor and City Manager...............................................................................................................................................................................4
Letter from the Climate Action Community Advisory Committee.......................................................................................................................5
Executive Summary..........................................................................................................................................................................................................7
Introduction......................................................................................................................................................................................................................10
Climate Action Requires a Community – Locally, Regionally, Nationally and Internationally....................................................................11
Centering Equity, Leading with Race.........................................................................................................................................................................13
Our “Not So City” Community Partnership Journey .............................................................................................................................................15
Leaders in Our Climate Future.....................................................................................................................................................................................16
Climate Resilience...........................................................................................................................................................................................................17
Putting it all together.....................................................................................................................................................................................................18
Past Goals and Progress to Date................................................................................................................................................................................20
Our Climate Future Goals .............................................................................................................................................................................................21
Big Moves and Next Moves..........................................................................................................................................................................................26
Our Climate Future Two-Year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)....................................................................................................................................28
Better Together..............................................................................................................................................................................................................29
Big Move 1 – Shared Leadership and Community Partnership: Centered in equity and
leading with race, all parts of our community lead, implement and benefit from Our Climate Future.........................................29
Big Move 2 – Zero Waste Neighborhoods: We can all share and reuse so we don’t have to
buy things we won’t regularly use and are able to recycle or compost the rest.................................................................................32
Big Move 3 – Climate Resilient Community: People, buildings, watersheds and ecosystems
are prepared for the threats of climate change.............................................................................................................................................35
Live Better.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................38
Big Move 4– Convenient Transportation Choices: It is safe, easy, fast and affordable to get around without a car...............38
Big Move 5 – Live, Work and Play Nearby: No matter where we live, we all can meet our
basic daily needs without driving across town.............................................................................................................................................40
Big Move 6 – Efficient, Emissions Free Buildings: Everyone lives and works in healthy
energy and water efficient buildings which transition to become emissions free...............................................................................41
Big Move 7 – Healthy, Affordable Housing: Everyone has stable, healthy housing they can afford.............................................44
Big Move 8 – Local, Affordable and Healthy Food: Everyone has access to healthy and
affordable food, sourced or rescued from local and regional producers...............................................................................................47
Resource Better.............................................................................................................................................................................................................50
Big Move 9 – Healthy Local Economy and Jobs: The community supports a healthy
innovative local economy with new opportunities for all people and businesses to thrive.............................................................50
Big Move 10 – Zero Waste Economy: Business, industry, institutions, and government
collaborate to recirculate resources and eliminate waste...........................................................................................................................53
Breathe Better................................................................................................................................................................................................................56
Big Move 11 – Healthy Natural Spaces: We all are stewards of healthy natural spaces and
honor the deep and historical human connection to this land..................................................................................................................56
Big Move 12 – 100% Renewable Electricity: Everyone in the community receives affordable
and reliable 100% renewable electricity, including from local sources....................................................................................................59
Big Move 13 – Electric cars and fleets: Residents can afford and use electric cars, including
shared electric cars, and conventional fleets are converted to electric..................................................................................................62
Conclusion........................................................................................................................................................................................................................64
Glossary of Terms...........................................................................................................................................................................................................65
Appendices......................................................................................................................................................................................................................66
Companion Documents................................................................................................................................................................................................66
7
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Welcome to Fort Collins Our Climate Future Plan. This Plan is about the future of everyone in Fort Collins in these
times of climate change, and it is our community guide to creating the carbon neutral, zero waste, and 100%
renewable electricity future we desire.
The Our Climate Future and companion Two-year Tactical Plan present implementation strategies to simultaneously
address climate, waste and energy goals and improve our community equity and resilience outcomes. You will find
these Plans express and articulate an unwavering commitment to mitigating climate change with a systems-approach,
centering in people and community priorities1 and an evergreen review cycle. Our Climate Future implementation
intensifies our community efforts to achieve these three primary environmental goals:
• Reduce 2030 greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 2005 baseline levels;
• Provide 100% renewable electricity by 2030 with grid and local sources, and
• Achieve zero waste, or 100% landfill diversion, by 2030.
These are ambitious goals and will require deep and broad commitment by everyone in Fort Collins. The three areas
of work for climate, energy and waste are deeply interconnected, as illustrated by the broad community priorities for
sustainability reflected in the Plan’s scope.
PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST
Our Climate Future recognizes that if our aim is for everyone to benefit from these efforts, we must intentionally put
people at the center of the work. Throughout the Our Climate Future planning process the goal has been to seek
equitable solutions, and this is the first major City planning effort with a defined intent to center in equity and lead
with race. Leading with race means that we recognize the most disparate outcomes in our country follow racial lines,
and that Fort Collins is no exception. While Our Climate Future is an important step forward, we know that equity is an
ongoing journey; the City is committed to staying on the path to put people at the center of our work.
Fort Collins’ previous plans for climate action focused primarily on technical solutions – more renewable energy, more
efficient homes and businesses, low-emissions vehicles and more. Technical solutions are important pieces of the
climate change puzzle, yet without considering people at the center of climate, energy, and waste actions, the work
won’t get done, and people’s needs won’t be met.
It’s clear that the northern Front Range of Colorado is rapidly changing. The changes we’re experiencing, like a soaring
population with increased development, traffic and need for water, present both opportunities as well as challenges.
Climate change is also dramatically shaping the community’s present and future. Evidence of climate change is
well documented globally and we have directly experienced these impacts locally with recent wildfires, floods and
temperature extremes.
When we redesign our efforts to put people, their respective communities, and community-defined priorities at
the center of our approach, with technical solutions serving and uplifting those priorities, climate action becomes a
catalyst for addressing many of our challenges, from affordable housing, to a healthy economy, to convenient ways
to get around. As we make this about each of us and what we care most about, we create space for more partners,
leaders, and perspectives at the table and increase the effectiveness, innovation, and scale of what is possible in the
next ten, twenty, and thirty years.
1 Our Climate Future Community Priorities are detailed here.
8
THE OUR CLIMATE FUTURE PLAN
Our Climate Future intentionally uses a systems approach for solutions which address climate, energy and waste
goals while positively impacting the daily lives of residents, business operations, and supporting community-defined
sustainability priorities. The natural resources upon which we all depend – air, water, and land - are distributed across
the Big Moves in many interrelated and interdependent Next Moves. Taken together, Big and Next Moves begin to
increase community capacity to:
• Draw down greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and energy use, while increasing renewable electricity, carbon
sequestration, and waste prevention;
• Co-create and share community leadership to develop and partnerships for implementation;
• Adapt to a changing climate to improve community resilience;
• Plan for investment in a portfolio of strategies which provide net benefits;
• Ensure all parts of the community are included and see themselves in the solutions proposed; and
• Track the goals to measure success and progress toward achieving sustainability and resilience.
The intent of the two-year review and calibration cycle is to enable the refinement of Next Moves over time to align
with the community targets. Recognizing the flexibility and opportunity inherent in this evergreen approach, Next
Moves become a flexible portfolio that can be adjusted over time to fit the community’s needs and respond to market
and technology developments. Our Climate Future’s model for implementation and updates is adaptive and flexible to
evolve with new solutions and partnerships with community leaders over time.
This Plan includes introductory sections which describe the
people first approach, centering in equity and leading with
race, background on resilience, history of planning and results,
current goals and a critical path of Next Moves. The remaining
sections lay out the thirteen Big Moves shown below, grouped
into four areas which recognize how these outcomes impact
how we work together, live, and breathe and how we resource
our work and lives.
Each Big Move section includes a short narrative, a quote
from a community member, a description for tracking, and a
table of associated Next Moves with indicative scoring from
the evaluation framework for goal-related savings, positive
impacts on equity and resilience, and level of investment. Next
Moves which are shaded in each table are described in more
detail in the companion Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical
Plan (2021-2022).
BIG AND NEXT MOVES
Big Moves is the Our Climate Future way of
describing the transformational outcomes
which connect our specific goals for climate,
energy and waste with the community’s
definition of a sustainable Fort Collins. Next
Moves are the specific strategies and tactics
that lead to transformational outcomes of the
Big Moves. Each Big Move has an associated
set of Next Moves. The Next Moves are
evaluated for their impact on goals, benefits
and costs, potential results for improving
equity and resilience.
fit th it ’d d d t k t
9
THIRTEEN BIG MOVES
FOR OUR CLIMATE FUTURE21
BETTER TOGETHER
1 - Shared Leadership and Community Partnership: Centered in equity and
leading with race, all parts of our community lead, implement and benefit from
Our Climate Future.
2 - Zero Waste Neighborhoods: We can all share and reuse so we don’t have to
buy things we won’t regularly use and are able to recycle or compost the rest.
3 - Climate Resilient Community: People, buildings, watersheds and ecosystems
are prepared for the threats of climate change.
LIVE BETTER
4 - Convenient Transportation Choices: It is safe, easy, fast and affordable to get
around without a car.
5 - Live, Work and Play Nearby: No matter where we live, we all can meet our
basic daily needs without driving across town.
6 - Efficient, Emissions Free Buildings: Everyone lives and works in healthy
energy and water efficient buildings which transition to become emissions free.
7 - Healthy Affordable Housing: Everyone has healthy, stable housing they can
afford.
8 - Local, Affordable and Healthy Food: Everyone has access to healthy and
affordable food, sourced or rescued from local and regional producers.
RESOURCE BETTER
9 - Healthy Local Economy and Jobs: The community supports a healthy
innovative local economy with new opportunities for all people and businesses to
thrive.
10 - Zero Waste Economy: Business, industry, institutions, and government
collaborate to recirculate resources and eliminate waste.
BREATHE BETTER
11 - Healthy Natural Spaces: We all are stewards of healthy natural spaces and
honor the deep and historical human connection to this land.
12 - 100% Renewable Electricity: Everyone in the community receives affordable
and reliable 100% renewable electricity, including from local sources.
13 - Electric Cars and Fleets: Residents can afford and use electric cars, including
shared electric cars, and conventional fleets are converted to electric.
2 The Big Move numbering is for easy referencing; the order does not imply priorities of any kind.
OUR CLIMATE
FUTURE AND YOU
This plan is about you and is an
invitation to lead. Because this plan
is about all of our futures, it will take
all parts of our community to ensure
the future is equitable, climate
resilient, carbon neutral, renewable,
and zero waste.
Whether you are a resident, business
owner, community institution, or
visitor, consider this an invitation to
get involved and find your place of
action and leadership in Our Climate
Future. See the Our Climate Future
Action Guide for a starting point of
ideas to get started.
10
INTRODUCTION
THE OUR CLIMATE FUTURE PLAN IS ABOUT YOU.
Our Climate Future is about the future of all members and parts of the Fort Collins community
in times of climate change.
AN INVITATION TO LEAD.
Because this plan is about all our futures, it will take all parts of our community to ensure that future is equitable,
climate resilient, carbon neutral, renewable, and zero waste. Whether you are a resident, business owner, or visitor,
consider this an invitation to get involved and find your place of leadership in Our Climate Future. It’s also a
recognition of all the ways you may already be working toward this future.
WHO ARE “WE”?
This plan is written by City staff with input and review from community members and organizations, including
those who are or connected with the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities and historically
underrepresented groups. We write in the first person, as staff, unless we say otherwise.
WHAT DO WE MEAN WHEN WE SAY “ALL”?
In this document, we say “all” a lot. For example, we write “all parts of our community” or say that something
will “benefit all.” This is a recognition that if we don’t say “all,” our efforts could end up only benefiting some, and
unintentionally exclude others, especially historically underrepresented or BIPOC groups (BIPOC stands for Black,
Indigenous, and People of color) (see page 1412 for a list of historically underrepresented groups and more
about equity3).1
CLIMATE ACTION TODAY: PEOPLE AT THE CENTER OF OUR WORK
Fort Collins has, like many cities, worked on climate action and climate resilience as primarily technical problems with
technical solutions – more renewable energy, more efficient homes and businesses, low-emissions vehicles and more.
Technical solutions are important pieces of the climate change puzzle, yet there’s a key piece consistently lacking –
you and the other people who live in solar-powered homes, who work to make their business more efficient, and who
drive their electric cars or ride their bikes. Without people at the center of climate action, energy, and waste work,
the work won’t get done, and people’s needs won’t be met.
3 Review was supported by Our Climate Future Plan Ambassadors and Community Partners (see page 15)
11
When we redesign our efforts to put people, their communities, and community priorities at the center, with
technical solutions serving and uplifting those priorities, climate action becomes a catalyst for addressing all kinds
of challenges, from affordable housing, to a healthy economy, to convenient ways to get around. Our strategies
are designed to meet our community’s needs and our environmental goals at the same time, allowing us to have a
greater impact overall. It also means we can continue our ambitious work toward mitigating climate change while also
preparing us for the increasing effects of climate change. As we make this about each of us and what we care most
about, we create space for more partners, leaders, and perspectives at the table and increase the effectiveness,
innovation, and scale of what is possible in the next ten, twenty, and thirty years.
CLIMATE ACTION REQUIRES A COMMUNITY
– LOCALLY, REGIONALLY, NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY
Our community is committed to doing our part in addressing global climate, energy, and natural resource challenges
and we know this is a community-wide effort. Key partners in this work include over 6,000 Fort Collins businesses and
community members, as well as large institutions like Colorado State University and Platte River Power Authority.
Climate action is a global challenge and Fort Collins is a member of various networks41 to share best practices,
advocate for climate action at state and federal levels, and compare results. Fort Collins is a signatory on the America
Is All In pledge that comprises over 2000 local governments, businesses, universities, faith groups and hospitals to
meet the Paris Climate Agreement while driving economic growth and advancing equitable solutions. As a local
effort, Our Climate Future enables us to craft strategies that are adapted to local values, opportunities, constraints,
and economic considerations, while being prepared to align with state or federal actions. One benefit of working at
these larger scales is testing new approaches alongside other cities. This Plan’s approach to integrating equity and
focusing on community partnerships is one such example!
The bottom line is that our community isn’t going it alone.
4 Key groups include Urban Sustainability Directors Network, Colorado Communities for Climate Action, Compact of Mayors, International
Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), Recycle Colorado, the Regional Wasteshed and others
READER HEADS UP:
There’s a lot that is new about this plan and we explain that first. A little later, we touch on some of the things
we’ve always done, like setting ambitious goals to reduce carbon, waste, and energy and taking our environmental
leadership seriously. Both are key pieces of context and crucial to our work.
12
THE HISTORY
THAT MAKES OUR
CLIMATE FUTURE
POSSIBLE
Fort Collins has long been a leader
in climate protection. Through
leadership and involvement by
many community members, Fort
Collins has demonstrated the value
of midsize communities committing
to and action on climate change.
Since these bold goals were
adopted, Fort Collins has stayed
in the forefront of community
actions. In 2017, our climate action
plan won international recognition
as the winner of Cities4Action by
C40Cities, a global network of cities
committed to addressing climate
change. As part of the 2018 U.S.
Bloomberg Mayor’s Challenge,
Fort Collins was awarded $1.1M to
develop and test a program focused
on energy efficiency upgrades
for low and middle-income rental
housing to reduce health and
economic disparities.
By request from community
members, and reviewed by the CAP
Community Advisory Committee
(CAP CAC), City Council passed
a Resolution that acknowledges
the global climate emergency in
2019. Importantly, this community-
led Resolution established a
commitment to centering Our
Climate Future in equity and to
solicit additional representation
from indigenous community
members. This was a first step
toward the Our Climate Future
approach to Climate Action
moving forward.
1999
1999
2003
2009
2013
2015
2015
2015
2017
2018
2018
2019
City Council adopts the community’s first
waste diversion goal of 50% diversion by 2010
City Council adopts
“Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions”
City Council adopts Electric Energy Supply Policy
City Council adopts revised, updated
and renamed Energy Policy
City Council adopts Zero Waste by 2030 goal
City Council adopts Climate goals of 80% greenhouse gas
reduction by 2030, carbon neutral by 2050
City Council adopts revised Energy Policy with alignment to
Climate Action Plan
Smithsonian Recognizes Fort Collins As A ‘Place of
Invention’ in part due to energy innovations
Climate Action Plan wins international recognition as the
winner of Cities4Action by C40Cities
City Council adopts the goal for 100% renewable electricity
Fort Collins awarded $1.1M for energy efficency upgrades
for low and middle-income rental housing as part of the
U.S. Bloomberg Mayor’s Challenge
City Council passes a global climate emergency resolution,
following requests from community members
13
CENTERING EQUITY, LEADING WITH RACE
As our community continues to grow, we want new and existing residents to feel included and welcomed, and
to thrive. Here is the challenge - we know that not everyone has the same experience living in Fort Collins, and
today, identity is a predictor of one’s outcomes in life – whether that is related to home ownership, neighborhood
safety, mental health concerns, utility cost burden, or ease of using public transit5.1 From an everyday perspective,
we acknowledge that our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and our historically
underrepresented groups may not feel as safe, heard, or cared for as others in our community. As highlighted in the
Our Climate Future Existing Conditions Assessment, these inequities are exacerbated by climate change, with our
current systems leaving BIPOC and other marginalized populations more susceptible to climate change impacts6.2
We designed Our Climate Future with the goal of equitable solutions that address a spectrum of needs within our
community. Leading with race means we recognize that the most disparate outcomes in our country follow racial
lines, and Fort Collins is no exception. An emphasis on racial disparities is a starting place for inclusion as we expand
to bring in all marginalized populations and all parts of our community. This approach is intentional about addressing
barriers and designing solutions that work for those most impacted, while also ensuring all community members can
benefit, participate, and influence outcomes. This illustration is one way we imagine Our Climate Future as we achieve
equity in community outcomes and processes.
5 Check out the forthcoming Equity Indicators dashboard for more information.
6 See for example, this article and this article about vulnerabilities to wildfire, the Fourth National Climate Assessment, which illustrates how
climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities - especially in low-income communities, communities of color and other vulnerable populations.
EQUITY VS. EQUALITY
Equity: Designing programs, policies, and systems to
ensure identity is not a predictor of outcomes
Equality: Designing programs, policies, and systems
that treat everyone the same
WHAT IS A HISTORICALLY
UNDERREPRESENTED GROUP?
Leading with equity in process means asking who is
most impacted by a decision and has historically had
the least influence. For Our Climate Future, historically
underrepresented groups include, but are not limited to:
• Communities of Color
• Community members under age 29
• DACA Students
• LGBTQIA+ Communities
• Local Indigenous Communities
• Migrant Communities
• Communities of Disability
• Veterans
• Religious minorities
• People experiencing homelessness
• People living in manufactured homes
• Commuter community
• Low-income communities
• Small businesses
These identities can overlap and intersect. We recognize
that many people are a part of multiple groups.
14
This is the first big City effort to center equity in this way. While Our Climate Future is an important step forward, we know that
equity is an ongoing journey; the City is committed to staying on the path to put people at the center of our work. We also
recognize that everyone is on their own equity journey. Some terms and concepts may be unfamiliar to some and familiar to
others, just as engaging in discussions on racial equity may be easier or harder. We invite you to learn with us and we firmly
believe our commitment to centering in equity will benefit the entire community. See Appendix I for more background on
equity-centered engagement.
15
FORT COLLINS AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
As in many cities in the U.S. and around the world, in and near Fort Collins, there is a history of environmental
injustice. Examples include pollution and environmental hazards in neighborhoods that were in the northern area of
Fort Collins with large Hispanic populations in the early 1900s. Sugar factories and the nearby dump burned material
that likely caused poor air quality. Data today shows that these same neighborhoods, which still have large BIPOC
populations, continue to see disproportionate outcomes compared to other parts of Fort Collins. More information
can be found in the Our Climate Future Existing Conditions Assessment.
Source: Hang Your Wagon to a Star: Hispanics in Fort Collins 1900 – 2000. Adam Thomas, SWCA Environmental Consultants
OUR “NOT SO CITY”
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP JOURNEY
We’ve been learning from our community members, peer cities, the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE),
and other leaders in equity how to be a better partner to each of you and the various groups that comprise our whole
community. Some of our community partners coined the term “not so City” to describe this approach of showing up
as people first.
By using tools like GARE’s Racial Equity Toolkit, staff and community partners worked to transform engagement for
this planning effort. At its highest level, the engagement process looked like:
PHASE I: UNDERSTANDING OUR COMMUNITY
• Historically underrepresented groups, the broader community, and businesses shared their priorities and barriers
to a sustainable future.
• Outcome: Eleven Community Priorities and Eight Big Barriers71
PHASE II: BRAINSTORMING STRATEGIES FOR TACKLING PRIORITIES AND
BARRIERS
• Historically underrepresented groups, broader community, and businesses suggested the strategies needed to
accomplish their priorities and overcome their barriers.
• Outcome: Thirteen Big Moves and over 700 ideas for Next Moves
PHASE III: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
• The Our Climate Future Plan was written by staff and reviewed by Community Partners and Plan Ambassadors,
then taken to City Council for consideration and adoption.
• Outcome: Our Climate Future Plan
PHASE IV: WORKING TOWARD OUR CLIMATE FUTURE
• Historically underrepresented groups, community leaders, businesses, staff, and community members will partner
together and share leadership to achieve community priorities over the coming decades.
• Outcome: Our Climate Future Two-Year Tactical Plan and ongoing two year review and calibration cycle
7 Our Climate Future Community Priorities and Big Barriers are detailed here.
16
LEADERS IN OUR CLIMATE FUTURE
Trusted and long-lasting relationships with individuals, community leaders and community-based organizations
are our priority for implementation of these strategies. The historic, current, and future power dynamics within our
community carry significant weight and influence for climate, energy, and waste efforts. Woven throughout this
plan are strategies to begin (and continue) to repair past harms experienced by our BIPOC communities and other
historically underrepresented groups, as well as to prevent further or new inequities. However, this recognition and
advancement is only possible with the voices and leadership of community members. The following community
members and organizations have taken on leadership roles in Our Climate Future, acting as Plan Ambassadors and
Community Partners to give a voice to their respective communities. The roles varied based on the lived experiences
and interests each person offered.
PLAN AMBASSADORS
Note: The community groups listed do not indicate
the person is a part of the community but rather that
they helped connect that group to Our Climate Future.
Volunteer partners helped connect Our Climate Future to
the broader community.
• Amber: Native community
• Christian: Under 29, University
• Jesus: Latinx/Hispanic, DACA community
• Isabel: LGBTQIA+, Under 29, University
• Julia: Under 29, University
• John: Youth/students
• Maritza: Latinx/Hispanic community, DACA
community
• Sam: University
• Paul
• Natalie
• India
• Marna
• Rosie
• Kristina
• Danny
8 We recognize that historically underrepresented groups like the Disabled Community or the Latinx Community hold diverse perspectives
on the best wording to describe their identity, for this plan, we use Latinx and Disabled Community and recognize that many community members
may prefer Hispanic or Latino or person experiencing a disability.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
• Northern Colorado Intertribal Powwow Association:
Indigenous and Native community
• CARE Housing: Low-income communities
• Sunrise Movement Fort Collins: Youth/students
• Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce: Small businesses
We appreciate the incredible work of our Plan
Ambassadors and Community Partners and recognize
that more partners will be needed in the future to
connect with other historically underrepresented
groups (e.g. Disabled Community, Black Community,
Latinx Community8).1 You will see many of these Plan
Ambassadors featured throughout the plan, highlighting
the impact of their ideas and perspectives.
17
CLIMATE RESILIENCE
It’s clear that the northern Front Range of Colorado is rapidly changing. The changes we’re experiencing, like a soaring
population with increased development, traffic and need for water, present both opportunities as well as challenges.
Climate change is also dramatically shaping the community’s present and future. Evidence of climate change is well
documented globally and the impacts of a changing climate on Fort Collins are substantial. The state has warmed
two degrees Fahrenheit since the beginning of the 20th century and nine of the twelve warmest years on record have
occurred since 20009.1 These increases lead to significant changes in other areas, such as:
• Snowpack;
• Precipitation patterns;
• Increased storm intensity;
• Stream and runoff flows;
• Changing ecosystems;
• Increased wildfire risk; and
• Human health effects10. 2
It’s likely we can all reflect on 2020 and remember tangible impacts to air quality from the Cameron Peak and East
Troublesome wildfires, higher than average summer temperatures, and dry conditions from the regional drought.
These types of events are exacerbated by climate change, and ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
adjust existing systems, and reduce risk will benefit each of us, including our businesses, infrastructure, and
ecosystems. This plan offers a strong next step in advancing actions that can strengthen community partnerships
and networks; prepare, and protect infrastructure, businesses, homes, and natural resources; while strengthening our
resolve to recover, adapt and thrive after challenging events.
The Water-Resilience Connection. While our water system contributes little to our community climate inventory
(thanks to gravity!), we recognize that our water supply, water quality and storm events will continue to be impacted
by climate change for generations to come. Our Climate Future recognizes this linkage with a focus on resilience,
including adaptation, and with understanding that our actions need to extend well beyond our City boundaries, both
upstream and downstream. We have begun detailed analysis of our water-related vulnerabilities and will continue to
adapt our planning processes to incorporate new data and modify systems accordingly.
9 Source: Colorado Climate Center.
10 Source: Colorado Climate Change Vulnerability Study, Eric Gordon and Dennis Ojima, 2015. For more information about how Fort Collins
is currently experiencing climate change and how it may look in the future, take a look at Appendix II or the 2019 Municipal Sustainability and
Adaptation Plan.
THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
DEFINES RESILIENCE AS:
The capacity to prepare our human and natural systems
to respond and adapt to changes and disruptions of
various scales that affect our ability to thrive.
ppgp
various scales that affect our ability to thrive.
18
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Moving forward, we need to spend our time and resources on actions that address multiple community priorities because
climate change interacts with everything else going on in our lives and community. The potential for impact is much broader
when we recognize that every action has ripple effects to other parts of our daily lives. We’ve found new strategies that
accomplish more for our community and expect to uncover even more going forward, whether it is advancing multiple
community priorities or improving equity and resilience while lowering emissions, energy or waste.
Examples of the intersection of these priorities are woven throughout this plan, including improving the efficiency of buildings
and homes to be comfortable and safe during very hot summer days, focusing on multi-family and rental properties, or using
trusted community sites to provide resources and information during extreme events. When we work at the intersections, like
in the illustration below, we simultaneously deliver on community priorities while reducing our climate emissions.
When outdoor air quality is poor from pollution or wildfires, keeping people housed and their indoor air quality healthy is critical.
Tools like air purifiers, proper ventilation, and the Fort Collins Air Quality website can help you be prepared for disruptive events.
19
Reducing greenhouse gases is a critical part of our responsibility to address climate change.
From electricity sources, to home efficiency to our daily practices, we all can play a role to reduce emissions.
READER HEADS UP:
Next we’re going to talk more about our ambitious goals and processes. It’s going get a little more “City” as we
describe the numbers and the nuts and bolts of how this plan will work. If you prefer to jump to the Our Climate
Future strategies, see page 30 or stay and learn more about the details of our progress, how we track, and how we’ll
keep this plan fresh over time.
20
PAST GOALS AND PROGRESS TO DATE
Our Climate Future is an update to three plans: Climate Action Plan, Energy Policy, and the Road to Zero Waste. The
planning processes were combined to recognize the interconnection between carbon emissions, energy use and
waste, yet each area retains unique goals.
CLIMATE
In 2015, Fort Collins City Council unanimously adopted community carbon emission reduction goals of 20% below
2005 levels by 2020, 80% lower by 2030 and carbon neutral by 2050.
• 2019 progress: Emissions were 7% below
2005 levels.111Current projections place
2020 emissions 17% below 2005 and 2021
emissions 26% below 2005. The 2030 target
is a primary focus of this plan.
• Primary drivers of progress include:
• Increases in renewable electricity,
externally and locally
• Increased energy efficiency
• Methane gas collection at our landfills
• Increased efficiency in our vehicles
• Choices by individuals to ride bikes, walk, or take the bus; reduce their home or business energy use; and
reduce food waste and pursue personal compost options.
ENERGY
The 2015 Energy Policy included goals for energy efficiency (reaching savings of 2.5% of community electricity use
annually) and renewable energy (20% by 2020 with 2% from local sources). In 2018, we adopted a goal of 100%
renewable electricity by 2030.
• 2020 progress: Efficiency savings targets are on track and have kept the community’s electricity use nearly flat as
the population has grown by 28%. The renewable electricity percentage exceeded the 2020 goal of 20%, met the
local target of 2% and will be over 50% in 2021.
WASTE
Road to Zero Waste goals were set in 2013 to reach a 75% diversion rate by 2020 and Zero Waste by 2030.
• 2020 progress: The diversion rate in 2019 was 53% and did not meet the interim target in part because of delays
in regional infrastructure to process yard and food waste, dramatic changes in waste and recycling markets for
plastic, and an increase in per capita waste generation.
11 See Appendix III for more information about the Community Carbon Inventory.
20%
REDUCTION
80%
REDUCTION
NEUTRAL
BY 2050
CARBON
2005
2020
2030 2050
Where are we going?
CLIMATE GOALS
2018 INVENTORY
14% BELOW 2005
14%
DOWN
21
OUR CLIMATE FUTURE GOALS
Our Climate Future includes an update to energy and waste goals and sets a timeline for reviewing community
climate goals. A review of climate goals and milestone years is slated for 2024 per the Climate Emergency resolution’s
commitment to review Fort Collins’ climate goals every five years. This review may also include energy and waste
goals and will coincide with Our Climate Future’s second review cycle.
This Plan, and the companion Two-year Tactical Plan, demonstrate a systematic approach to intensify our community
efforts to achieve these three primary environmental goals in the 2030 timeframe:
• Reduce 2030 greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below 2005 baseline levels;
• Provide 100% renewable electricity by 2030 with grid and local sources, and
• Achieve zero waste, or 100% landfill diversion, by 2030.
Additional primary goals include:
• Climate – Fort Collins is carbon neutral by 2050
• Waste
• At least 85% of what is recoverable in any given year is recovered
• Decrease in residential pounds landfilled per capita per year
• Energy
• Provide 5% of community electricity from local distributed renewable sources by 2030
• Achieve a 20% reduction in forecast electricity use between 2021 and 2030 through efficiency and
conservation programs in all building types and industrial processes
HOW WE MEASURE PROGRESS ON CARBON
City staff complete a carbon inventory each year to measure progress towards the community’s climate action goals.
Each inventory includes electricity, natural gas, ground transportation, waste, water, and, starting in 2019, industrial
process and product use emissions. The inventory is reported in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCO2e).
This reporting structure follows the Global Protocol for Community-scale Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventories as
part of Fort Collins’ commitment to the Global Covenant of Mayors.
Adjustments and changes to the inventory are common as we learn more and as data sources emerge. One recent
change (2019) was the inclusion of Industrial Processes and Product Emissions (IPPUs), which are non-energy
emissions produced as a byproduct from or used as an input to a manufacturing process. This new inclusion shifted
reported progress between 2018 and 2019 significantly. More detail about inventory methodology can be found in
Appendix III.
22
The City’s role as the community’s electricity provider and energy code authority and a recognition of the importance
of natural gas use drive the following additional energy objectives:
• Annual reliability metrics of:
• Customer Average Interruption Duration Index (CAIDI) is a measure of how long, on average, it takes to
restore power to a customer experiencing an electric outage. Target is less than 45 minutes.
• System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) is a measure of how long, on average, each customer
was without power in the last year. Target is less than 30 minutes.
• System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) is a measure of how many times per year the average
customer experiences a power outage. Target is less than 0.66 annually.
• Achieve a 10% reduction in forecast natural gas use between 2021 and 2030 through efficiency, conservation and
electrification programs in all building types and industrial processes.
• Advance efficiency, indoor environmental quality, installed performance and readiness distributed energy
resources through adoption and enforcement of updated energy codes on a three year cycle. Adopt current
International Energy Conservation Codes (IECC) with local amendments within one year of issuance.
• Support the deployment of distributed energy resources to achieve bidirectional demand flexibility capacity of
5% of peak loads by 2030.
23
THE PATH TO THE 2030 CARBON GOAL
Our Climate Future has identified a set of Next Moves which we call the Critical Path. These three Next Moves all have
the characteristics of contributing significantly to carbon reduction, requiring long and sustained efforts by the City and
community partners, and resulting in transformational systematic outcomes. The three Critical Path Next Moves are:
• 100% renewable electricity
• Expanding local and regional public transit coverage and frequency
• Community-wide organic waste diversion
These three Next Moves will need to be supplemented by a portfolio of other Next Moves in order to achieve the
target of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030. The current evaluation modeling shows that, after these
three critical moves and remaining Next Moves included in this plan are accounted for, the community is on target to
reach the 80% goal. However, we also know that there remain significant uncertainties for many strategies and that
the intent of a two-year review and calibration cycle is to be able to refine and add to the Next Moves over time to
align with the community targets.
24
OUR CLIMATE FUTURE IMPLEMENTATION AND CALIBRATION
Our past policy processes for climate, energy and waste had similar structures of brief, intensive community outreach
and a review and update cycle about every five years. The Our Climate Future model for implementation and updates
will be very different. With an adaptive and flexible approach, Our Climate Future will continue to evolve with new
solutions and partnerships with community leaders over the next several years.
Each two-year calibration and review cycle will include:
• Evaluation, reporting, and prioritizing of Next Moves;
• Increased opportunities for community partnerships and engagement;
• A check-in with the community to review results and revise Next Moves, and
• An updated Two-Year Tactical Plan which can align with the City’s biennial budget process.
RESULTS
REVIEW
NEXT MOVES
UPDATE
COMMUNITY
CHECK-IN
RESULTS
REVIEW
NEXT MOVES
UPDATE
COMMUNITY
CHECK-IN
RESULTS
REVIEW
NEXT MOVES
UPDATE
COMMUNITY
CHECK-IN
RESULTS
REVIEW
NEXT MOVES
UPDATE
COMMUNITY
CHECK-IN
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
FUNDING CYCLE
BFO BFO BFO BFO BFO
FUNDING CYCLE FUNDING CYCLEFUNDING CYCLE
TWO-YEAR CALIBRATION AND REVIEW CYCLE
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
FUNDING CYCLEFUNDING CYCLE FUNDING CYCLEFUNDING CYCLE
25
READER HEADS UP:
The remaining sections of this
plan lay out the thirteen Big Moves
shown below, grouped into four
areas which recognize how these
outcomes impact how we work
together, live, and breathe and how
we resource our work and lives.
OUR CLIMATE FUTURE’S
THIRTEEN MOVES121
BETTER TOGETHER
1 - Shared Leadership and Community Partnership: Centered in equity and
leading with race, all parts of our community lead, implement and benefit from
Our Climate Future.
2 - Zero Waste Neighborhoods: We can all share and reuse so we don’t have to
buy things we won’t regularly use and are able to recycle or compost the rest.
3 - Climate Resilient Community: People, buildings, watersheds and ecosystems
are prepared for the threats of climate change.
LIVE BETTER
4 - Convenient Transportation Choices: It is safe, easy, fast and affordable to get
around without a car.
5 - Live, Work and Play Nearby: No matter where we live, we all can meet our
basic daily needs without driving across town.
6 - Efficient, Emissions Free Buildings: Everyone lives and works in healthy
energy and water efficient buildings which transition to become emissions free.
7 - Healthy Affordable Housing: Everyone has healthy, stable housing they can
afford.
8 - Local, Affordable and Healthy Food: Everyone has access to healthy and
affordable food, sourced or rescued from local and regional producers.
RESOURCE BETTER
9 - Healthy Local Economy and Jobs: The community supports a healthy
innovative local economy with new opportunities for all people and businesses
to thrive.
10 - Zero Waste Economy: Business, industry, institutions, and government
collaborate to recirculate resources and eliminate waste.
BREATHE BETTER
11 - Healthy Natural Spaces: We all are stewards of healthy natural spaces and
honor the deep and historical human connection to this land.
12 - 100% Renewable Electricity: Everyone in the community receives affordable
and reliable 100% renewable electricity, including from local sources.
13 - Electric Cars and Fleets: Residents can afford and use electric cars,
including shared electric cars, and conventional fleets are converted to electric.
12 The Big Move numbering is for easy referencing; the order does not imply priorities of any kind.
26
BIG MOVES AND NEXT MOVES
“Big Moves” is our way of describing the transformational outcomes which connect our specific goals for climate,
energy and waste with the community’s definition of a sustainable Fort Collins. The Big Moves, each with a title
and tagline, were developed from input from community workshops and refined based on a community survey and
discussions with historically underrepresented community members, community partners, and plan ambassadors.
Together they form a vision of what a sustainable, resilient, and equitable Fort Collins would be like for community
members like you as it transforms to reflect the community’s priorities, carbon neutrality, zero waste, 100% renewable
electricity.
Next Moves are the specific strategies and tactics that lead to transformational outcomes of the Big Moves. Each
Big Move has an associated set of Next Moves. The Next Moves are evaluated for their impact on goals, benefits and
costs, and potential results for improving equity and resilience. The Next Moves shown in the plan are those that have
“risen to the top” based on these evaluations and input from the community engagement process.
Each Big Move section on the following pages includes:
• A quote from a community member introducing the section with why they view the Big Move as having a positive
effect on their life.
• A short narrative
• Illustrations of our Plan Ambassadors, Community Partners or other visual storytelling
• How we’ll track progress on the Big Move
• We have identified key metrics for each Big Move to use as indicators that we’re going in the right direction,
and we will continue to work with the community to identify appropriate metrics, particularly related
to equity and resilience. Some of the suggested metrics already exist while others are proposed or in
development13. 1
• Associated Next Moves with indicative scoring from the evaluation framework for goal-related savings, positive
impacts on equity and resilience, and level of investment.
• Shaded Next Moves in the table indicate that these specific strategies are included in the companion Our
Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022) where they are described in more detail.
• Each Next Move was evaluated for equity, resilience, mitigation (reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
and waste) and investment on a high, medium, low scale. See the table below for how each Next Move was
evaluated.
• The investment scoring is based on the total investment necessary for the Next Move. Distinctions between
community investment, City resources or external funding are described where available in the Tactical Plan
for selected Next Moves.
13 A complete list of the proposed metrics included in this plan is provided in Appendix III.
27
EQUITY RESILIENCE MITIGATION COST141
LOW Little to no potential
improvement in
the daily lived
experiences of BIPOC
and historically
underrepresented
individuals and
communities
Little to no increase
in preparedness
for climate change
impacts and/or the
ability to ability to
withstand other
shocks
Marginal impact on
carbon or waste
inventory (less than
0.5% or 10,850
MTCO2e or 1.4M
lbs.)
less than $1 million
MEDIUM Moderate potential
for improvement
in the daily lived
experiences of BIPOC
and historically
underrepresented
individuals and
communities
Moderate increase
in preparedness for
one or more climate
change impacts
and/or the ability
to withstand other
shocks
Moderate impact
on carbon or waste
inventory (between
0.5% and 2.5% or
10,850 to 54,300
MTCO2e or 1.4M to
6.95M lbs.)
$1 to 10 million
HIGH Substantial potential
for systemic or
institutional change
and/or significant
improvement to
the daily lived
experiences of BIPOC
and historically
underrepresented
individuals and
communities
Substantial increase
in preparedness for
one or more climate
change impacts
and/or the ability
to withstand other
shocks
Significant impact
on carbon or waste
inventory (more
than 2.5% or 54,300
MTCO2e or 6.95M
lbs.)
more than $10 million
14 These are total costs, not only what may be covered by the City as an organization. Distinctions between community investment, City
resources or external funding are described in the Tactical Plan for selected (shaded) Moves where available.
Shaded items are included in the Tactical Plan 2021/2022 and are currently being implemented.= Inspired by the community*
28
EQUITABLE METRICS AND REPORTING
Our Climate Future’s equitable approach to partnering with community members and organizations, with intentional
focus on BIPOC, and historically underrepresented groups also extends to how we develop metrics, measure
progress, and summarize results. It’s crucial that we have insight and expertise from outside the City organization
and acknowledge that various groups experience Fort Collins in different ways. Identifying the appropriate ways to
track progress on goals will be an ongoing process in partnership with community members. Where data exist, we
commit to using metrics that are disaggregated by race and other identities. This means we’ll look at broad outcomes
split out by identities, such as race, ethnicity, ability, and gender identity, that help us understand disparities, while
acknowledging that for many individuals these identities overlap and intersect. When summarizing results, we will
seek reviews from external partners to validate meaning and provide insights into how we can present information in
ways that honor community members’ experiences.
OUR CLIMATE FUTURE
TWO-YEAR TACTICAL PLAN (2021-2022)
The companion Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan presents details for implementation of Next Move strategies
that are intended to begin or continue implementation in 2021 and 2022. The Tactical Plan can also help advocacy
groups and other partners see where the City is seeking partners or leaders and is a complementary resource to the
Our Climate Future Action Guide which provides flexible options for businesses, residents, industries and institutions
to find their place of action and leadership.
The primary focus of this first cycle of Next Moves is to further develop partnerships and leverage community
expertise to improve the equability and accessibility of existing efforts. Partnership development also helps broaden
leadership and action across the community. This allows the most ambitious decade of climate action to begin with a
solid foundation.
29
BETTER TOGETHER
BIG MOVE 1
SHARED LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Centered in equity and leading with race, all parts of our community lead, implement and
benefit from Our Climate Future.
As highlighted in the Centering Equity, Leading with Race section, Our Climate Future acknowledges that in Fort
Collins, as in the entire country, there has been a history of racism and discrimination and its effects continue into
the present. Many Fort Collins community members and institutions are committed to changing this, so that moving
forward, identity is not a predictor of one’s outcomes in life. Our Climate Future is one effort of many that will help
dismantle systemic racism in our community. Instead of continuing to treat climate action like a math problem that
only requires technical solutions, this Big Move focuses on the changes needed to ensure our efforts are influenced by
and support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and other economically disadvantaged and historically
underserved community members, to ensure they all have equitable access to the same resources and opportunities
as other parts of the community.
Additionally, this Big Move is the acknowledgment that the City is one of many actors working toward Our Climate
Future’s emissions, waste, and energy goals, and we can’t and aren’t doing it alone. We need every part of the Fort
Collins community to be able to participate and take on leadership roles if we are going to address our community
priorities and achieve our ambitious community environmental goals.
Changing our climate future is going to take
support at all levels, so all residents need to
feel like they are included and respected in the
process. This makes it positive for me because I
feel confident that my leaders are implementing
processes that keep historically marginalized
and under-resourced communities
at the forefront of innovation.”
“
30
Tracking progress on this Big Move:151
• % of staff and partners trained in leading with equity for implementation of the Next Moves
• Number of Next Moves and/or tactical projects led by an organization or group external to the City of Fort Collins
• Demographics of staff and community members who are part of Our Climate Future implementation (ongoing
programs and various next moves)
• Resources allocated in project budgets to achieve equity in process, e.g., language justice and compensation for
community members’ time and expertise
15 What do these mean? These four metrics will help indicate if we are on the right track in centering equity through implementation of OCF.
Staff and partners trained in leading with equity is a way of being transparent about the activities we’re undertaking. The number of Next Moves
or projects led by another organization or group tells us if we are really partnering with the community and sharing leadership. Understanding the
demographics of everyone who is part of OCF implementation points to if Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and other historically
underrepresented groups feel included and heard in this work. Resources allocated to achieve equity is one way to understand what support we are
giving community members who face barriers to participating in City process and programs.
AMBER connected with
the Native Community
and is a member of the
Seneca Nation Wolf Clan
“To meet our climate goals, I
think three questions should be
asked in every decision:
Are treaties being honored?
Does this benefit all people?
Is it sustainable seven
generations
from now?”
31
NM# NEXT MOVES CONNECTIONS INVESTMENT EQUITY MITIGATION RESILIENCE
SLCP1
Continue, and where appropriate expand,
upon durable partners beyond Fort Collins to
achieve climate, energy and waste goals.
CRC $
SLCP2
Identify opportunities where the City and
the community can partner on funding
applications to advance Our Climate
Future Big Moves
-$
SLCP3
Partner to provide greater access to
environmental education for Spanish-speaking
community members
-$
SLCP4
Design an equitable implementation structure
of the Our Climate Future Plan
CRC $
SLCP5
Provide unconscious bias and racial equity
training to staff and partners involved in OCF
implementation
-$
SLCP6
Embed resilience into City policy
planning initiatives
CRC $
SLCP7
Explore sliding scale incentives based on
income and equity for Our Climate Future
related programs
EEFB $
SLCP8
Explore creation of a city policy that dedicates
a portion of resources to programs for low- and
moderate-income community members
HAH $
SLCP9
Re-imagine the Community Advisory
Committee to align with the City’s Strategic
Objective to center equity for all, leading
with race and explore opportunities
to share decision-making
-$
BIG MOVE 1 SHARED LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
*
*
= HIGH = MED = LOW
Shaded items are included in the Tactical Plan 2021/2022 and are currently being implemented.= Inspired by the community*
GHG IMPACT
32
BIG MOVE 2
ZERO WASTE NEIGHBORHOODS
We can all share and reuse so we don’t have to buy
things we won’t regularly use and are able to recycle
or compost the rest.
On average, Fort Collins residents and businesses throw away
just under 100,000 tons of trash a year (about 3 lbs. per
person per day), much of which could have been recycled or
composted.161Some of that trash is stuff we didn’t need; or bought,
didn’t often use, and then discarded. Often things we throw away
didn’t mean much to us but did have a high impact on greenhouse
gases and natural resources. Zero Waste Neighborhoods is about
helping people and businesses reduce waste and emissions, reuse,
and feel comfortable sharing, which saves money and supports a
more circular economy. By connecting with each other more, we
build and strengthen relationships to create a stronger community
now and in times when neighbors need to work together through
floods, extreme cold, and heat waves.
16 Source: 2019 Fort Collins Community Waste & Recycling Summary
Fort Collins is a part of the Regional
Wasteshed Coalition of local governemnts
(with Larimer County, Loveland, Estes
Park and Wellington) that are seeking
to bring innovative new waste and
recycling infrastructure to the region with
the recognition that the materials we
throw away have value that can benefit
our regional economy when recovered.
Facilities planned include yard and food
scrap composting, a construction and
demolition processing facility, and a new
landfill and transfer site. These facilities will
have a significant impact on Fort Collins’
ability to meet its Zero Waste goals!
This would have the greatest impact in
my life because I could avoid buying all the tools that
we just need for one job AND it would mean a closer
sense of community with my neighbors, which is
somewhat lacking now.
“
”
SUNRISE MOVEMENT FORT COLLINS
engaged with youth and high school students.
Members of the Fort Collins branch of the Sunrise Movement gave feedback on
the Zero Waste Neighborhoods Big Move
33
NM# NEXT MOVES CONNECTIONS INVESTMENT EQUITY MITIGATION RESILIENCE
ZWN1 Expand recycling education campaign HLEJ $
ZWN2
Explore additional community-needs
donation options
ZWE $
ZWN3
Explore Universal Composting Ordinance and
Related Composting Infrastructure/Facilities
ZWE $$$
ZWN4 Identify barriers to accessing recycling services ZWE $
ZWN5 Implement universal recycling ordinance ZWE $$$
ZWN6
Facilitate the sharing of commonly needed
items through libraries
ZWE $
ZWN7
Facilitate the sharing of commonly needed
items through libraries
ZWE $
ZWN8 Implement Disposable Grocery Bag Policy ZWE $
ZWN9
Establish decentralized waste collection
strategies for times of crisis
CRC $
BIG MOVE 2 ZERO WASTE NEIGHBORHOODS
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
This Big Move acknowledges that sometimes we are left with materials that need to be recycled or composted and
that not everyone in Fort Collins currently has access to these services. While creating this plan, we learned that More
Reuse, Recycling, and Composting was the number one priority of historically underrepresented groups in Fort Collins.
Making sure that services are available to all parts of the community is crucial to creating Zero Waste Neighborhoods.
You can get involved by starting a backyard compost, indoor worm compost bin, or signing your business up for
recycling. Check out other Zero Waste Neighborhood actions listed in the Our Climate Future
Action Guide.
Tracking progress on this Big Move:172
• % of Fort Collins single and multi-family households and businesses with access to recycling
• % of Fort Collins households and businesses with access to composting
• Number of sharing resources and number of “shares” at those resources
17 What does that mean? City staff will develop a new metric that tracks the percent of households and businesses with access to recycling and
another that tracks access to composting. It will also develop a new metric to assess sharing resources (like libraries) and how much formal sharing
activity is happening.
34
ZWN15
Develop zero waste community
partnership program
ZWE $
ZWN16
Financial incentives to support composting,
recycling, and waste reduction
ZWE $
ZWN17
Implement a home composting
incentive program
ZWE $
ZWN18 Support sharing, repair, and reuse ZWE $
GHG
IMPACTS
WASTE
IMPACTS
Shaded items are included in the Tactical Plan 2021/2022 and are currently being implemented.= Inspired by the community*
= HIGH = MED = LOW
*
*
*
NM# NEXT MOVES CONNECTIONS INVESTMENT EQUITY MITIGATION RESILIENCE
ZWN10
Establish strategies for recycling damaged
materials from natural disasters
CRC $$
ZWN11
Businesses and community groups work with
the City to perform waste audits and reduce
food waste
HLEJ $
ZWN12
Expand recycling end markets and
job opportunities
HLEJ $
ZWN13
Highlight businesses who reuse, reduce,
and recycle
HLEJ $
ZWN14
Explore collaborative consumption apps
and platforms
SLCP $
*
*
*
35
BIG MOVE 3
CLIMATE RESILIENT COMMUNITY
People, buildings, watersheds and ecosystems are prepared for the threats of climate change.
Our community is a
recognized leader in
sustainability. We have
further potential to
positively impact climate
for our region and other
regions through our
resilience planning and
implementation.
“
”
Adjusting to our changing climate and preparing for future changes make a big difference in how our community is
able to thrive. The threats of climate change cannot be tackled by a single organization or business. It is crucial to plan
for disruption and to foster and strengthen regional, community, and personal networks by supporting each other so
we are better prepared to handle those effects. Fort Collins has a significant history of resilience work in stormwater
planning and infrastructure, expanding and protecting our drinking water sources, and addressing regional
outdoor and indoor air quality concerns, and still there is plenty more to do. Moving forward, there continue to be
opportunities to partner with community members and organizations as our community plans and prepares for the
increasing effects of climate change in Fort Collins. You can get involved by developing an emergency plan for your
household or an emergency and communication plan for your business and employees. Check out other actions
listed in the Our Climate Future Action Guide.
36
MARITZA
engaged with the
Latinx/Hispanic
community
“The Big Moves are the
first step at addressing
environmental inequities
that my community
experiences. This initiative
also puts us at the
decision-making table for
changes towards a more
sustainable and
inclusive future.”
Tracking progress on this Big Move:181
• Proposed metrics about how we’re preparing for continuing changes to our climate:
• Number of programs or agencies that support community networks
• Collaboration with regional agencies, including intergovernmental agreements in place
• Number of community, operational plans, and related activities that address resilience through the
integration of preparedness, response, recovery and adaptation
• Campaigns or programs that reduce ozone or particulate matter
• Reduced water use
• Community survey results
• Metrics about how we respond and recover from disruptive events will be reported following a disruptive event.
18 What do these mean? Preparing for climate change can usually be measured by the activities we’re doing to be better prepared. Because
each event will require different responses and have different impacts, staff will use a variety of measurements to evaluate the community’s
recovery from a disruption specific to the type of event. Disruptive events may include wildfires, floods, emerald ash borer, high heat events, and
drought, and preparedness, response and recovery may look very different for each of these.
37
NM# NEXT MOVES CONNECTIONS INVESTMENT EQUITY MITIGATION RESILIENCE
CRC1
Adopt a holistic approach to integrated water
resource planning and management
(One Water Approach)
HNS $
CRC2
Ensure that air quality levels and
information about related health concerns is
representative, easily accessible and broadly
communicated
HNS $
CRC3
Expand and enhance water effi ciency
programs and incentives
HNS $
CRC4
Update codes to address existing and new
developments’ indoor and outdoor
water effi ciency
HNS $
CRC5
Educate and communicate the current
emergency sheltering process and explore
expanded options for disproportionally
aff ected groups
HAH $
CRC6
Integrate climate resilience considerations into
city strategic and operational plans
SLCP $
CRC7
Partner with trusted community sites to
provide resources and information during
community emergencies (Resilience Hubs)
SLCP $
CRC8
Develop and foster community relationships
and partnerships to strengthen cooperation in
emergencies or events
SLCP $
CRC9
Engage community-based organizations in
building climate resilience communities
SLCP $
CRC10
Explore options that enhance the availability of
fi nancing to support small business creation,
expansion, and retooling
SLCP $
CRC11
Increase information campaigns directed
towards young adults and college students
regarding climate change impacts, their eff ects
in Fort Collins, and how to act
SLCP $
BIG MOVE 3 CLIMATE RESILIENT COMMUNITY
*
*
*
*
*
*
Shaded items are included in the Tactical Plan 2021/2022 and are currently being implemented.= Inspired by the community*
GHG IMPACT
= HIGH = MED = LOW
38
LIVE BETTER
Just remember wheelchair
accessibility! If we do not have
snowplowing of residential
sidewalks and side streets, we
cannot access even the
most wonderful public
transportation offerings.
i
BIG MOVE 4
CONVENIENT TRANSPORTATION CHOICES
It is safe, easy, fast and affordable to get around without a car.
NORTHERN COLORADO INTERTRIBAL POWOW
ASSOCIATION (NCIPA) is connected to the Native
and Indigenous communities in Fort Collins
“We must do our part to protect and preserve our
Mother Earth for our future generations.”
”
“
39
NM# NEXT MOVES CONNECTIONS INVESTMENT EQUITY MITIGATION RESILIENCE
CTC1
Continue to build bicycle facilities as identifi ed
in the Bicycle Master Plan
CRC $$$
CTC2
Create mobility hubs to support convenient
transportation connection options
CRC $$$
CTC3
Expanding local and regional public transit
coverage and frequency
LWPN $$$
CTC4 Provide travel trainings program LWPN $
CTC5
Off er integrated transport tickets and timing
to promote cycling
CRC $
CTC6
Create fl exible transit system that adapts with
variable demand
LWPN $
BIG MOVE 4 CONVENIENT TRANSPORTATION CHOICES
*
*
*
*
*
Shaded items are included in the Tactical Plan 2021/2022 and are currently being implemented.= Inspired by the community*
GHG IMPACT
= HIGH = MED = LOW
We know that some places in Fort Collins feel safe and reasonable to get around without a car, but that this isn’t true
in all of Fort Collins or for all individuals. With this Big Move, we imagine that getting around the city will be a safe and
easy experience without a car for everyone, especially for those who choose to bike, walk, or use transit. In the future,
using a car won’t have to be the first choice residents generally make because investments in transit make it a fast,
convenient, safe, and accessible choice, and investments in bicycling and walking infrastructure make emissions-free
choices the top pick in Fort Collins. Using a car can eventually be typically a shared experience, reducing dependence
on car ownership while improving mobility and access for all residents, especially the Disabled Community and other
historically marginalized groups. You can get involved by going car-free one extra trip per week than you currently
do or start incentive programs in your business to encourage people to save car trips. Check out other actions
listed in the Our Climate Future Action Guide.
Tracking progress on this Big Move:191
• Transit Ridership (Transfort and FLEX services)
• Percent of commuters who drive alone, carpool, bike, use transit, or telework (mode share)
• Total community vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
• Average travel time across Fort Collins
• Transit access and safety
19 What do these mean? These existing metrics help us understand if people are making choices other than use of a personal vehicle and point
to what may be barriers to making those choices.
40
BIG MOVE 5
LIVE, WORK AND PLAY NEARBY
No matter where we live, we all can meet our basic daily needs without driving across town.
The way the City guides land use and development patterns plays an important role in each of our transportation
decisions. Many of us probably spend a lot of time in our cars, getting to work, taking kids to after-school activities,
and making sure we have food for the week. If housing is not close to where we work, shop, or recreate, it forces
us to take longer trips, usually by car, and emissions from cars and other vehicles contribute to about 20% of our
community carbon inventory.201This need to drive leads to more congested roads and lots of space spent on parking
lots, and also means that we’re farther away from resources in times of personal or community-wide emergencies.
If we cut down on reasons to drive, we’ll all have a little more time in the day, we may feel more connected to those
living close to us, and we’ll reduce greenhouse gas emissions. You can get involved by looking into businesses
nearby to see if they can meet your needs or offering loaner bikes that your employees can borrow to run short
errands or go to lunch. Check out other actions listed in the Our Climate Future Action Guide.
Tracking progress on this Big Move:212
• Neighborhood walkability
• Neighborhood safety
• Residential proximity to grocery stores and public schools
• Percent of residents who respond that they have good or excellent access within their neighborhoods to everyday
needs (Community Survey)
20 Source: 2019 Community Carbon Inventory.
21 What does that mean? Staff will develop three metrics, which together will help determine people’s ability to get where they need to go
without a car, since we know that proximity may not be the only reason that people choose how to get to their destination. The fourth metric comes
from the biannual Community Survey.
For me, this is one of the defining
characteristics of a ‘livable’ city. It
means that what I need is close by
and easily accessible.
“
”
41
NM# NEXT MOVES CONNECTIONS INVESTMENT EQUITY MITIGATION RESILIENCE
LWPN1
Enhance partnerships with schools to ensure
safe ways for kids to get to school
CTC $
LWPN2
Evaluate opportunities within the Land Use
Code to better encourage the development of
“complete neighborhoods” that include a
variety of housing options, access to services
and amenities, and proximity of housing to jobs
CTC $
LWPN3
Encourage neighborhood level work sites
(coff ee shop plus)
CTC $
LWPN4
Increase density and mixed uses through the
land use code as guided by City Plan
HAH $
*
*
BIG MOVE 5 LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY NEARBY
Shaded items are included in the Tactical Plan 2021/2022 and are currently being implemented.= Inspired by the community*
GHG IMPACT
= HIGH = MED = LOW
BIG MOVE 6
EFFICIENT, EMISSIONS FREE BUILDINGS
Everyone lives and works in healthy energy and water efficient buildings
which transition to become emissions free.
Getting our community behind this goal would
create jobs, provide individual savings, and
provide a goal that all members of the community
could contribute to. The community pride I would
feel being part of this effort is a big positive.”
“
42
We spend up to 90% of our time indoors, mostly at home, at school, and at work. Our buildings and homes represent
the physical fabric of our community, are the places where we connect with family, friends and colleagues, and are
often where we feel the safest. Changing our buildings, and our habits in them, has the potential to positively impact
our lives more than any other actions.
The buildings in our community comprise over two thirds of our community’s carbon emissions to provide for heating,
cooling, lighting, cooking, entertainment, business and manufacturing. They also contribute to the physical and
financial health of community members that occupy them. The investments in improving building performance create
jobs, improve indoor air quality and health and enable hard-earned dollars to go toward other family needs and not
utility bills. You can get started by monitoring your home energy and water use online or review tips and tricks for
conserving energy within your business. Check out other actions listed in the Our Climate Future Action Guide.
Efficient, Emissions Free Buildings means working to improve efficiency in all existing buildings and new
development of homes and commercial buildings to:
• Improve building efficiency to save resources and improve indoor air quality;
• Change our habits for conservation and becoming active participants in the future energy system;
• Transition away from the use of natural gas and other fuels (electrification) for heating and cooking while
improving grid flexibility, and
• Engage local manufacturing partners to reduce industrial process emissions.
Tracking progress on this Big Move:221
• Annual electricity and natural gas program portfolio savings
• Annual changes in community use of electricity and natural gas
• Available electric capacity for grid flexibility
• Number of homes (total and rentals) upgraded annually
22 What do these mean? Electricity and natural gas savings as a percentage of community use are consistently measured and reported by
utilities and are a good indicator of programs’ overall performance. Community electricity and natural gas use are closely tied to the carbon
inventory and provide a breakdown by energy source. Grid flexibility capacity is an emerging metric in the utility industry and will likely evolve
over the coming years. The number of homes and rental homes upgraded provides an indication of how the residential programs are meeting the
community’s single family housing types.
CARE HOUSING is
connected to low-income
communities.
“For CARE Housing, developing
and maintaining healthy,
efficient, affordable rental
homes is critically important on
many levels. It’s a win for the
organization, the community,
and the family living
in the home.”
43
NM# NEXT MOVES CONNECTIONS INVESTMENT EQUITY MITIGATION RESILIENCE
EEFB1
Continue and expand demand response and
grid fl exibility programs
RE $$$
EEFB2
Develop an energy performance path for new
construction to zero carbon building by 2030
RE $$$
EEFB3
Continue and expand home and business
effi ciency programs
HAH $$$
EEFB4
Expand programs for electrifi cation of space
and water heating
HAH $
EEFB5
Provide focused energy effi ciency and indoor
air quality incentives for historically
under-served households
HAH $
EEFB6
Explore models to support geo-exchange
shared heating and cooling systems for
multi-family buildings
RE $$
EEFB7
Explore adding performance standards to
Building Energy and Water Scoring program
CRC $$$
EEFB8
Explore residential Home Energy Score point
of listing requirement
CRC $$$
EEFB9
Explore paired effi ciency and jobs program
with dedicated funding
HLEJ $$
EEFB10
Support incentives and regulation to reduce
industrial (air pollution) emissions
HNS $
EEFB11
Explore door to door outreach model for
effi ciency and home envelope improvements
HAH $
*
*
*
*
*
*
BIG MOVE 6 EFFICIENT, EMISSIONS FREE BUILDINGS
Shaded items are included in the Tactical Plan 2021/2022 and are currently being implemented.= Inspired by the community*
GHG IMPACT
= HIGH = MED = LOW
44
BIG MOVE 7
HEALTHY, AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Everyone has stable, healthy housing they can afford.
JESUS engaged with the Latinx/
Hispanic and DACA Communities.
He lent his perspective to the Healthy and
Affordable Housing Big Move.
There are many people who do
not desire the traditional house with a
20-30 year mortgage… there are so many
people (both young and old) who want
to live smaller, and we are ready for those
options to be available in our city.
“
”
45
This Big Move is critical because today not all community members have affordable, safe, and healthy places to live.
Nearly 20% of homeowners and 60% of renters in Fort Collins cannot afford their monthly housing costs.231We know
that while all community members are impacted by the rising house prices, our Black, Indigenous, and People of
Color (BIPOC) as well as low-income residents are disproportionately impacted by these costs. Because so many
community members have to live out of town, they end up commuting into Fort Collins – which usually increases
greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, having a stable housing situation positively contributes to people’s ability
to respond and recover from a disruptive event and their capacity to engage with topics like climate change and
reducing emissions. While it may be new to see healthy, affordable housing addressed in a climate, energy, and waste
plan, a plan that is shaped around humans and their lives can’t go without this topic.
Note that six of the strategies in this Big Move are also included in the Housing Strategic Plan. These strategies not
only advance the Housing Strategic Plan’s vision that everyone has stable, healthy housing they can afford, they also
have the potential to reduce carbon emissions, increase community resilience, and advance
more equitable solutions for all community members. In other words, like many of the moves included in Our Climate
Future, these strategies benefit more than
just any one area.
Tracking progress on this Big Move:242
• % Fort Collins housing stock that is affordable housing
• % daytime population growth
• % of cost-burdened homes (renters and owners paying
• more than 30% of their income on housing), disaggregated by race
• Homeownership rates, disaggregated by race and income
23 Source: American Community Survey, 2018. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development defines cost-burdened households as
those that pay more than 30% of their income for housing.
24 What does that mean? There are many ways to measure the affordability of housing in Fort Collins. We look at these measures by identities
to see housing affordability programs are benefiting all groups equitably. In the first metric, affordable housing is defined housing that is affordable
for at least 20 years to someone earning 80% or less of area median income (AMI). The second metric, regarding daytime population growth, tracks
people who commute into the city for work but don’t live here.
HOMEOWNERSHIP RATES IN
FORT COLLINS VARY BY RACE
(Source: Equity Indicators):
55 in 100 white households
42 in 100 Hispanic/Latinx households
52 in 100 Asian households
20 in 100 Black households
47 in 100 Native American households
46
NM# NEXT MOVES CONNECTIONS INVESTMENT EQUITY MITIGATION RESILIENCE
HAH1
Expand foreclosure and eviction prevention
and legal representation, especially in
times of crisis
CRC $$
HAH2
Explore revisions to the City’s occupancy policy
(U+2) to determine opportunities to streamline
processes and right size the policy for today’s
needs for achieving stability, health,
and aff ordability citywide
EEFB $$
HAH3
Increase the number and diversity of housing
types and allow more homes per lot (density)
via an update to the City’s Land Use Code
LWPN $
HAH4
Continue the Housing First model for
supporting persons experiencing homelessness
and provide wraparound services
SLCP $$$
HAH5
Create targeted neighborhood level
interventions to increase green infrastructure
and/or energy retrofi ts to address
environmental justice issues (also known as
Green Zone)
EEFB $$$
HAH6
Explore the option of mandated rental
licensing/rental registry with minimum
standards for health safety, stability,
and effi ciency
EEFB $$$
HAH7
Provide guidelines on the optimal space use
and sizing for various housing spaces to
increase effi ciency and reduce cost of living
EEFB $
HAH8
Improve infrastructure in low-income
neighborhoods
LWPN $
HAH9
Strengthen incentives for mixed-use
development along the MAX corridor to
encourage more housing
LWPN $
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
BIG MOVE 7 HEALTHY, AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Shaded items are included in the Tactical Plan 2021/2022 and are currently being implemented.= Inspired by the community*
GHG IMPACT
= HIGH = MED = LOW
47
BIG MOVE 8
LOCAL, AFFORDABLE AND HEALTHY FOOD
Everyone has stable, healthy housing they can afford.
JULIA connected with
college students and
community members
under the age of 29.
“Eating locally not only helps
lessen your environmental
footprint, but also supports
local businesses during such
a crucial time. This is one of
the best ways to support
our planet, our community,
and our future.”
Having access to healthy local
sourced goods allows me to
directly support local farmers
and other small businesses.
“
”
y housing they can afford.
48
Like housing, food is an essential component of each of our lives. Being intentional about what we eat can help reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, based on types of foods and where they’re coming from, and considering how much we
buy can help reduce food waste. A sustainable, local food system can have other broad reaching and positive impacts
ranging from improved soil, water, and ecosystem health to providing a healthy and reliable food source for all
members of our community. Nearly 40,000 residents in Larimer County are considered food insecure, while one third
of school-aged children receive free or reduced meals.251Through innovative partnerships, all of us can have increased
access to healthy, fresh foods grown and raised close to home. Affordable, accessible local food will require support
across the food system – decreasing barriers for farmers to establish and expand their efforts, while building an
efficient and effective system for affordably distributing this food to the community.
To be successful, this Big Move will require deep and sustained partnerships between governmental entities,
nonprofits, and private enterprises. The City as an organization has had limited focus on our food systems, but there
are many leaders in this space in Fort Collins, and as a community, we can begin to shift our food systems to be more
focused on local, affordable, and healthy food options. You can get started by visiting a local Farmer’s Market or
buy local and healthy food for meals and events at your business. Check out other actions listed in the Our Climate
Future Action Guide.
Tracking progress on this Big Move:262
• % of households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),
disaggregated by age and race
• % of farmers market sales from SNAP dollars
25 Source: Food Bank of Larimer County. The USDA defines food insecurity as a household-level economic and social condition of limited or
uncertain access to adequate food.
26 What do these mean? Metrics for this Big Move are still in development. Using data about who receives assistance for paying for food through
the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps us understand whom is food insecure in our community.
49
NM# NEXT MOVES CONNECTIONS INVESTMENT EQUITY MITIGATION RESILIENCE
LAHF1 Promote local food through education CRC $
LAHF2
Decrease barriers for home gardening,
residential farming, and small, sustainable
farming operations
CRC $
LAHF3
Explore mechanisms to incentive
partnerships between government, nonprofi ts,
and private enterprises that increase access to
local, aff ordable, and healthy food
CRC $
LAHF4
Increase access to aff ordable CSAs (community
supported agriculture subscriptions)
CRC $
BIG MOVE 8 LOCAL, AFFORDABLE, AND HEALTHY FOOD
*
*
*
Shaded items are included in the Tactical Plan 2021/2022 and are currently being implemented.= Inspired by the community*
GHG IMPACT
= HIGH = MED = LOW
50
RESOURCE BETTER
Having a healthy economy
and jobs is essential to
enabling us to care for our
families/community while
improving Our Climate Future.imp
my
BIG MOVE 9
HEALTHY LOCAL ECONOMY AND JOBS
The community supports a healthy innovative local economy with new
opportunities for all people and businesses to thrive.
CHRISTIAN connected with
college students.
“To me, OCF means that we
are moving forward in the right
direction. The effects of climate
change are already being felt
around the world- and especially
in Colorado. Truly, lives, economies,
and ecosystems hang in the
balance. We must work diligently,
together, to overcome today and
tomorrow’s challenges.”
“
”
51
Supporting the creation of jobs and a healthy economy is something our community has been co-creating for
decades. Along with hundreds of businesses, both local and international, our diverse economy has become known as
a place of innovation. With innovation so deeply embedded in our DNA, Fort Collins can and has supported businesses
from start up to established who are creating solutions that act on climate change locally and globally - solutions such
as job training and development in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and transformation of waste into resources,
and solutions that shift to more sustainable operations that save businesses time and money while positioning them
to be successful in a world that increasingly favors sustainable business. Finally, creating more high paying jobs locally
that work to solve these critical issues ensures more people that work in Fort Collins are able to live here instead of
commuting from other communities and increasing transportation emissions. You can get started by shopping locally
for yourself or your business. Check out other actions listed in the Our Climate Future Action Guide.
Tracking progress on this Big Move:271
• Unemployment Rate
• Business Establishments per Capita
• Net of jobs created overall per year in Fort Collins
• Number of businesses as lead or support partners of Next Moves
• % of total jobs created that are in environmental sustainability sectors
27 What do these mean? Staff will track numbers of Fort Collins residents who are unemployed, how many businesses are in Fort Collins
compared to total population, and the net number of new jobs created each year to understand the health of Fort Collins’ economy. The number of
businesses as partners on Next Moves and the percent of new jobs that are in environmental sustainability sectors will give us a more specific lens
for the economy and Our Climate Future.
52
NM# NEXT MOVES CONNECTIONS INVESTMENT EQUITY MITIGATION RESILIENCE
HLEJ1
Explore opportunities and best practices for
multilingual businesses and workforce
development programs
CRC $
HLEJ2
Support small businesses and workforce
development in times of crisis
CRC $
HLEJ3
Update the Economic Health Strategic Plan to
adapt to rapidly changing economic conditions
CRC $
HLEJ4
Reimagine a sustainable business
recognition program
SLCP $
HLEJ5
Support small businesses and workforce in
times of stability
SLCP $
HLEJ6
Explore policies and incentives for more local
green jobs
RE $
BIG MOVE 9 HEALTHY LOCAL ECONOMY AND JOBS
*
*
*
*
Shaded items are included in the Tactical Plan 2021/2022 and are currently being implemented.= Inspired by the community*
GHG IMPACT
= HIGH = MED = LOW
OUR ECONOMY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Without a healthy economy there can be no ambitious climate action and without ambitious climate action locally and
globally, we will be hard pressed to have a healthy economy. Both are essential to the future we want in Fort Collins.
That is why our community needs to partner with our innovative, creative businesses to help lead the way by turning
the challenges of climate change into business opportunities. The economy of tomorrow will inevitably embed the
risks, challenges and opportunities of climate change into how it functions and is already doing so. If Fort Collins is
going to rise to the opportunity and challenges of climate change, collaborating with our businesses will be essential
to developing solutions.
OUR ECONOMY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
53
I think a circular economy is vital
to the overall process of waste and
consumption moving forward. If we
invest in these technologies and
platforms, we can seriously put NoCo
ahead of many US states.
tal
BIG MOVE 10
ZERO WASTE ECONOMY
Business, industry, institutions, and government collaborate to recirculate resources
and eliminate waste.
Creating a zero waste or “circular” economy is about rethinking systems so the materials used in processes, products,
and projects are used thoughtfully, are long-lasting, and have somewhere to go when they are no longer needed.
Every year Fort Collins generates over 200,000 tons of materials like asphalt, concrete, wood, soil, and other materials
from industrial activities and a little over one-third of that ends up in the landfill.281When these materials can instead
be recycled or used by another local or regional business, companies save money and avoid using new materials. By
closing loops closer to home, businesses can increase resilience to supply chain disruptions and reduce environmental
impacts. Keeping materials in circulation can also create new jobs in our region as remanufacturing, renovating, and
recycling are often labor-intensive professions. Creating a Zero Waste Economy will change our systems as much as
our perceptions about the value of materials, perhaps even making the term “waste” feel old fashioned. Your industry
or institution can get started by using Recycle Colorado’s material exchange platform. Check out other actions
listed in the Our Climate Future Action Guide.
Tracking progress on this Big Move: % increase in value retained in economy instead of lost292
28 Source: 2019 Fort Collins Community Waste & Recycling Summary.
29 What does this mean? City staff will develop a new metric that estimates the dollar value of industrial materials retained in the economy
instead of lost. This will be a challenging metric to develop but if successful will help make the business case for our local circular economy.
“
”
54
WHAT IS THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY?
The circular economy is a way of changing how our economic system works (i.e. extracting raw materials, processing,
manufacturing, consumer use, and then landfilling) to a new lower-impact system that connects “waste” materials
back to the start of the chain to be used as inputs again (proving they weren’t waste at all!) If that sounds similar to
recycling, it is! But with a few key differences. The circular economy seeks to preserve the value of materials as much
as possible, making a much stronger business case for reusing materials instead of landfilling. This typically requires
innovation in how things are manufactured, for example, using higher quality materials so that they hold up to the
recycling process or designing products to be easily taken apart. The circular economy also thrives on partnerships
and platforms (like the “digital marketplace for waste” strategy shown in the table below) that help get one industry’s
by-product into the hands of another industry’s production process. An example is coffee chains partnering with
mushroom producers who can use the spent coffee grains as a growing substrate. The circular economy will be an
area where Fort Collins’ history of innovation can serve our business community and our climate action
and waste goals!
NM# NEXT MOVES CONNECTIONS INVESTMENT EQUITY MITIGATION RESILIENCE
ZWE1
Support work on a digital marketplace for
industrial waste
ZWN $
ZWE2
Continue to explore ways to further reuse and
recycle soil from City projects $
ZWE3
Explore waste-to-energy and other tier 3
Regional Wasteshed strategies
CRC $$$
ZWE4
Prioritize retaining and improving
existing buildings
CRC $
ZWE5 Establish or support materials reuse facilities EEFB $
ZWE6
Explore prefabricated or modular
construction opportunities
EEFB $
ZWE7
Require recycled/recyclable construction
materials in city projects
EEFB $
ZWE8
Establish a dedicated innovation platform for
the circular economy
HLEJ $$
ZWE9
Require circular and aff ordable land
use development
HAH $$$
BIG MOVE 10 ZERO WASTE ECONOMY
*
*
*
55
ZWE10 Build a reuse-focused innovation hub SLCP $
ZWE11
Explore reuse partnerships for exclusive
salvage rights of reusable materials from
transfer stations with local partners
SLCP $
ZWE12
Expand construction and demolition
waste ordinance
ZWN $$
*
GHG
IMPACTS
WASTE
IMPACTS
Shaded items are included in the Tactical Plan 2021/2022 and are currently being implemented.= Inspired by the community*
= HIGH = MED = LOW
NM# NEXT MOVES CONNECTIONS INVESTMENT EQUITY MITIGATION RESILIENCE
56
BREATHE BETTER
Natural spaces and healthy
ecosystems are a place I like to
go for peace. Having access to
these things is very important to
me, and can offer many
benefits to others.
hy
BIG MOVE 11
HEALTHY NATURAL SPACES
We are all stewards of healthy natural spaces and honor the deep and historical human
connection to this land.
Fort Collins is loved for its natural spaces. Spending time outside has valuable physical and mental health benefits
for everyone, and nature has particular significance for people who identify as Native or Indigenous and have a long
history of stewardship of the land as a way of life. For thousands of years, many Indigenous peoples lived in this area
and cultivated a deep culture and tradition of relationship to the land, and some of our community members still
honor those traditions.
Conserved lands at the local level can support species’ habitats and travel corridors that would otherwise be
disconnected by urban development while sequestering carbon. To maintain and enhance this vital part of the city,
we all can take responsibility for ensuring that as the city’s landscape becomes increasingly developed, we are
maintaining healthy landscapes and implementing nature-based solutions to address a changing environment. By
nurturing diverse ecosystems that range in size from front yards to large spans of open space, we all can more easily
connect to nature where we live, work, and play, while supporting the wildlife that also call this region home. You can
get started by adding pollinator friendly plants to landscaping or flowerpots at your home or business. Check out
other actions listed in the Our Climate Future Action Guide.
“
”
57
Tracking progress on this Big Move:301
• Percent of residents within a 10-minute walk of a park
or natural area
• Water quality of Horsetooth Reservoir and Poudre River
• Water savings
• Acres actively managed to improve plant and wildlife
habitat
• Tree replacement rate and percent canopy coverage (in
development)
30 What do these mean? These metrics help us understand both human connection to the land and the health of the city’s ecosystems. Active
management is the restoration of land for native vegetation and high-quality wildlife habitat.
NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS
Red Fox Meadows is a great example of a nature-
based solution. It is both a neighborhood natural
area and a stormwater detention site, providing
habitat for wildlife and trails and outdoor space
for people, while reducing flood risk.
ISABEL is connected to the LGBTQIA+ and college community,
as well as people under 29.
“The protection of natural spaces is greatly important to the young people of our
community because we deserve to have the same access to healthy environments as
the generations before us. As climate change continues to damage the natural world
around us, partnerships between the City government and the Fort Collins community will
become increasingly necessary to manage these issues. As a member of the LGBTQIA+
community, I also believe it is important to ensure that each of us- no matter who we are-
have abundant access to safe, vibrant environments.”
58
NM# NEXT MOVES CONNECTIONS INVESTMENT EQUITY MITIGATION RESILIENCE
HNS1
Explore partnerships for habitat management
and education for wildfi re mitigation
CRC $
HNS2
Pursue habitat protections in the case of oil
and gas development within natural areas
and/or in close proximity to natural
habitat features
CRC $
HNS3
Protect and expand natural habitats as
growth occurs
HAH $$
HNS4
Begin development of an Urban Forest
Strategic Plan in support of maintaining
a healthy and resilient tree canopy on public
and private lands
CRC $
HNS5
Establish recovery plans for natural areas
impacted by disasters
CRC $$
HNS6
Explore opportunities for the City to recognize
historical BIPOC connections to the land,
especially indigenous connections,
and explore ways to support BIPOC-led eff orts
around land
SLCP $
BIG MOVE 11 HEALTHY NATURAL SPACES
*
*
*
*
*
Shaded items are included in the Tactical Plan 2021/2022 and are currently being implemented.= Inspired by the community*
GHG IMPACT
= HIGH = MED = LOW
59
BIG MOVE 12
100% RENEWABLE ENERGY
Everyone in the community receives affordable and reliable 100% renewable electricity,
including from local sources.luding from local sources.
JOHN connected with youth and young students.
“Renewable energy makes economic as well as ecological sense. Now is the time to
transition to clean, green energy sources.”
Electricity is another major source of GHG
emissions in Ft. Collins and elsewhere. I’m
most concerned about meeting our 2030
goal to set an example for the rest of the
state, country, and world.
“
”
60
Electricity powers our lives, local economy, homes, and businesses and comprises nearly 50% of current
community carbon emissions.311This Big Move envisions a future electric system very different from the legacy
systems in use for nearly 100 years. Solar panels, wind turbines, batteries will support an interconnected system
across many states. Individual homes and businesses will be able to choose to provide some of their energy
directly. Our buildings and electric vehicles will become part of the system, adjusting use up or down to help align
the demand with the supply. This is one area of action that will include substantial technological innovation while
also being paired with meeting daily needs.
Critically, this evolution needs to ensure that electricity remains an affordable and accessible to everyone in Fort
Collins. This new electric system also needs to remain reliable as it relies on dynamic sources and the likelihood of
more frequent weather-driven extreme events due to climate change.
Fort Collins has traditionally been served by coal power plants and long-established hydro-electric sources. Fort
Collins Utilities is a municipally-owned electric utility and a part owner with three other cities of Platte River
Power Authority, giving us substantial influence and control over electricity supply options. Currently, non-fossil
resources account for over 50% of our electricity sources, resulting in a sharp decrease in emissions from previous
years.
In October 2018, City Council adopted a goal of 100% Renewable Electricity by 2030. Months later, Platte River
Power Authority adopted a Resource Diversification Policy which includes a target of 100% non-carbon resources
by 2030.
Looking out towards electricity emissions in 2030, Platte River has announced a new 150-megawatt solar
project to be online by 2024, that Rawhide Unit 1 coal generator will be closed by 2030 and their Integrated
Resources Plan calls for 90% non-carbon sources by 2030. Since electricity makes up about half of Fort Collin’
community inventory, these commitments will have an immense contribution towards reducing emissions. You
can get started by learning more about renewable energy options from City of Fort Collins Utilities, including
a subscription to 100% renewable energy, purchase renewable energy to power your business, or explore
generating your own electricity (I.e. adding solar panels to your roof). Check out other actions listed in the Our
Climate Future Action Guide.
The 100% renewable electricity big move means:
• Working with Platte River to increase utility scale renewable electricity sources;
• Continuing to expand the capacity of local solar and battery storage, and
• Deploying new capabilities and strategies to support variable renewable energy resources with
responsive homes, businesses, and electric vehicles.
Tracking progress on this Big Move:322
• Annual percentage of renewable electricity;
• Annual percentage of local renewable electricity;
• Annual reliability metrics, and
• Electricity cost burden (in development)
31 Source: Fort Collins 2019 Community Carbon Inventory.
32 What does that mean? City staff will track the percent of our community’s electricity use that is from renewable sources (e.g., solar and
wind) and will specifically pull out the percent that is generated from sources within Fort Collins (e.g., rooftop solar). The reliability metrics are
tracking on an ongoing rolling basis by the Light & Power Utility and regularly reported to the Energy Board and Senior Management.
61
NM# NEXT MOVES CONNECTIONS INVESTMENT EQUITY MITIGATION RESILIENCE
RE1 Explore new community solar options CRC $$$
RE2
Increase utility scale renewable generation
by Platte River Power Authority
CRC $$$
RE3
Continue to implement battery
storage programs
EEFB $$$
RE4
Continue to implement distributed
solar programs
EEFB $$$
RE5
Develop systems to implement shared
solar solutions
EEFB $
RE6
Explore options for renewable energy for
low-income households
HAH $$
RE7
Include distributed energy resources in the next
Integrated Resources Plan with Platte River
CRC $
BIG MOVE 12 RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY
*
*
*
*
Shaded items are included in the Tactical Plan 2021/2022 and are currently being implemented.= Inspired by the community*
GHG IMPACT
= HIGH = MED = LOW
ELECTRICITY PRICING
The pricing of electrical energy should strive to balance the following principles:
• Reflect the short-term and long-term costs, both direct and indirect, of generating and delivering electricity
• Demonstrate equity and fairness by distributing costs over the customer base in proportion to the cost of service
• Consider both per unit costs (rates) and total bills in comparisons of competitiveness and affordability
• Promote efficiency and conservation with meaningful price signals
• Set a clear, transparent, long-term direction for electric rates with gradual changes
• Develop rates in the context of long-term asset planning, fixed cost recovery and financial stability
62
Cleaner air will improve my
health. Fewer carbon emissions
will improve prospects for my
children’s future.
m
BIG MOVE 13
ELECTRIC CARS AND FLEETS
Residents can afford and use electric cars, including shared electric cars, and conventional
fleets are converted to electric.
Though Our Climate Future imagines a future with less dependence on cars, single occupancy vehicles and cars will
undoubtedly still play a role in getting us around, such as in times of emergencies. In line with market shifts and our
priorities of equity and climate action, over the next several years, those cars will continue to transition to be electric,
rely on renewable electricity, and be easy to connect to community charging infrastructure. Electric cars can be made
more affordable for private purchase through business, City, State, or Federal incentives. Car use can also become a
more frequently shared experience, such as through carpools or a shared neighborhood electric car. This will be even
more possible when most of our daily transportation needs can be met through transit, biking, or walking. Commercial
and municipal fleets, such as trucks, buses, and business-related vehicles, will also continue a transition to electric,
improving local air quality, reducing noise, and improving our health. To get started, consider replacing your existing
gas or diesel vehicle with an electric car at your home or business or consider an electric vehicle car sharing
option. Check out other actions listed in the Our Climate Future Action Guide.
Tracking progress on this Big Move:331
• Percent of community (residents and business) fleet that is emissions free
• Miles per gallon equivalence (MPGe) efficiency
33 What do these mean? Our community fleet, made up of personal and businesses vehicles, can be broken out by type, so we can track what
percent of personal and business vehicles are electric. An interim step in transitioning to electric vehicles is increased miles per gallon efficiency,
meaning cars can travel farther on the same amount of gas and therefore create less emissions.
“
”
63
OZONE NON-ATTAINMENT
Ozone levels measured in Fort Collins, and along much of the northern Front Range, are higher than federal health-
based standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Locally, transportation sources are one of the largest
contributors to ozone causing pollutants. Reductions in transportation emissions can both lower greenhouse gas
emissions and improve ozone.
NM# NEXT MOVES CONNECTIONS INVESTMENT EQUITY MITIGATION RESILIENCE
ECF1
Assess community needs for electric vehicle
infrastructure programs
RE $
ECF2 Transition to emissions-free public transit CTC $$
ECF3 Support market driven adoption of electric cars CRC $$$
ECF4 Encourage EVs for ride-hailing CTC $
ECF5
Encourage EV car shares supporting
low-income ares
LWPN $$$
BIG MOVE 13 ELECTRIC CARS AND FLEETS
*
*
*
Shaded items are included in the Tactical Plan 2021/2022 and are currently being implemented.= Inspired by the community*
GHG IMPACT
= HIGH = MED = LOW
64
CONCLUSION
When we set out to write this plan, we wanted to create a document people would want to read where they could see
themselves and their daily lives. We hoped some would read the plan and say “I can help with that” or “my business
could take that action” or “my organization could lead that.” The feedback on our first draft showed us where we
had succeeded and where we still had room for improvement. For example, we heard that people liked our invitation
to get involved but then felt like many of the actions still felt very focused on “the City.” We took that feedback and
created the Our Climate Future Action Guide as a first step to closing that gap and we recognize the even greater
opportunity is to double down on our relationship building so when we review the plan in 2023, new partners will join
us in the process and tell us what new or revised strategies they plan to lead or support.
We also heard people say they were worried we might be leaving behind the technical solutions in favor of working
more closely with the community or shifting from our history of ambitious carbon mitigation in favor of adapting to
climate change. The Our Climate Future plan is clear – this is not a binary choice. We will need technical solutions
that support our community priorities. We will need to continue acting ambitiously and urgently to reduce carbon
emissions and will need to make our community resilient to changes already occurring. This plan shows how our work
will address many fronts, just as you told us that a carbon neutral, 100% renewable, and zero waste Fort Collins looks
like many different priorities – from housing to local food to solar panels. Ultimately, Our Climate Future will succeed
because of all of us taking action.
While Our Climate Future is broad and intersectional in its approach, there remain open questions and areas to
explore more deeply, from green infrastructure to urban tree canopy, and parts of the community that we haven’t yet
engaged. Our Climate Future is not a plan that will be stale only a few years after its inception, but rather a living plan
of action that we will have the honor of calibrating every two years to stay on track. In the meantime, remember this
plan is about you. Get in touch with us or other environmental leaders in our community to find your place of action or
leadership in Our Climate Future.
65
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Affordable Housing - Housing that has a sales price or
rental amount that is within the means of a household
with moderate income (80% AMI) or less. In the case of
dwelling units for sale, housing that is affordable means
housing in which principal, interest, taxes, homeowners’
association dues and insurance constitute no more than
38 percent of the gross household income. In the case of
dwelling units for rent, housing that is affordable means
housing for which the rent, heat, and utilities other than
telephone constitute no more than 30 percent of the
gross annual household income. The rent or sale price
must be affordable to households making no more
than 80 percent area median income. The unit must be
affordable for a period of not less than 20 years.
Adaptation - The process of adjustment to actual or
expected climate and its effects. In human systems,
adaptation seeks to moderate harm or exploit beneficial
opportunities. In natural systems, human intervention
may facilitate adjustment to expected climate and its
effects. IPCC, 2021.
Big Barrier – Community-identified barriers to reaching
an equitable carbon neutral Fort Collins.
Big Move - Transformational outcomes which connect
our specific goals for climate, energy and waste with the
community’s definition of a sustainable Fort Collins
BIPOC – A term that refers to Black, Indigenous, and
People of Color.
Circular Economy – An alternative economic system that
keeps materials cycling in a loop to avoid unnecessary
natural resource extraction and to preserve the value of
materials that would otherwise be landfilled.
Community Partner - A community organization that
engaged a historically underrepresented community
on behalf of Our Climate Future and provided strategic
guidance to the planning process.
Community Priority – A topic that the Fort Collins
community identified as crucial to achieving an equitable
carbon neutral Fort Collins.
Carbon Neutral - Refers to a community with net zero
greenhouse gas emission, meaning that the community
has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions as much as
possible and then over-generates renewable energy or
invests in carbon offsets to achieve net zero emissions.
Or “Having achieved a state in which the net amount of
carbon dioxide or other carbon compounds emitted into
the atmosphere is reduced to zero because it is balanced
by actions to reduce or offset these emissions.”
Carbon Mitigation – Reducing climate change, by
reducing emissions and stabilizing the levels of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, through actions
like replacing coal-generated electricity with renewable
sources or enhancing systems that accumulate and store
greenhouse gases, like forests and soil.
Critical Path – A small set of strategies that must happen
in order to achieve our goals (see related “Flexible
Portfolio”)
Energy Efficiency – Reducing the energy use or intensity
to provide a service, without reducing the quality of the
service (e.g. more efficient appliances, light bulbs or
home insulation)
Equity - Designing programs, policies, and systems to
ensure identity is not a predictor of outcomes.
Equality - Designing programs, policies, and systems that
treat everyone the same.
Flexible Portfolio - A large set of strategies that will help
us achieve our goals but for which multiple alternatives
exist (see also “Critical Path”)
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) – A type of gas that traps heat
in the atmosphere due to its molecular structure. Carbon
dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and sulfur hexafluoride
are examples of greenhouse gases. Though GHGs are
naturally occurring, most of the time when we refer to
them, we mean anthropogenic GHGs, or GHGs that are
produced because of human activities.
Historically Underrepresented Group – A group that has
historically not been represented in planning processes,
other local government processes, or in other systems
and institutions.
66
Identity – The unique things that make us who we
are, including personality and physical traits, sexual
preferences, gender, where we grew up, the historical,
political, and social context around us, family dynamics,
and more.
Indicator – A trend or fact that functions as a proxy
or representation of something else. For example, the
presence of certain species can be an indicator of overall
health of the river.
Institutional Racism - Policies, practices, and programs
that, most often unintentionally and unconsciously, work
to the benefit of white people and to the detriment of
people of color.
Language Justice – Language justice is a powerful tool
for social change, connecting people and movements
across language barriers and ensuring all voices are
heard. Fundamentally, we believe that everyone has
a right to express themselves in their languages, to
understand and to be understood. Language justice is a
commitment to creating spaces where no one language
dominates over any other and to building cross-language
communication over the long haul.
Metric – A standard way of measuring something. The
metrics in this plan are listed under “tracking progress on
this Big Move” and in Appendix III.
Metric ton CO2e – Metric tons of carbon dioxide
equivalent, where the global warming potential of
other greenhouse gases are converted into a carbon
dioxide equivalent and summed. Fort Collins considers
the contribution of methane, nitrous oxide, and sulfur
hexafluoride as well as carbon dioxide.
Next Move - Specific strategies and tactics that lead to
transformational outcomes of the Big Moves
Plan Ambassador – A community member that engaged
a historically underrepresented group on behalf of Our
Climate Future and provided strategic guidance to the
planning process.
Recoverable Waste – The amount of waste that can be
diverted from the landfill because systems are in place at
the community scale to recover and recycle it.
Renewable electricity - includes non-fossil fuel
sources, such as electricity derived from wind solar,
hydroelectricity and geothermal sources and other
means that may become available that do not add
greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
Resilience - The capacity to prepare our human and
natural systems to respond and adapt to changes and
disruptions of various scales that affect our ability to
thrive.
Sharing Economy – An alternative economic system
in which people choose to share consumer goods they
won’t often use instead of buying them.
Structural Racism - The various policies, practices, and
programs of differing institutions within a community
that can lead to adverse outcomes for communities of
color compared to white communities.
Zero Waste – The state in which all materials are reduced,
reused, or recycled so that zero waste goes to the landfill.
APPENDICES
I. Equity
II. Resilience
III. Metrics and Measurement
IV. Our Climate Future Staff Teams and Members
COMPANION DOCUMENTS
I. Our Climate Future Two-year Tactical Plan (2021-2022)
II. Our Climate Future Action Guide
III. Our Climate Future Systems Map
Our Climate Future Appendix I
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Appendix I: Equity
This Appendix provides more details on Our Climate Future’s equity-centered engagement process, and
shares lessons learned to date in support of City Council’s adopted City Strategic Plan Objective
Neighborhood Livability & Social Health 1.4: Advance equity for all, leading with race, so that a person's
identity or identities is not a predictor of outcomes. At the beginning of the Our Climate Future process
we set a goal to create a future where everyone benefits from a carbon neutral Fort Collins. To do this
we invested in an equity-centered approach that engaged community members who have historically
been left out of community conversations about climate, energy and waste. This Appendix shares what
we learned along that journey.
Overview
We know that not everyone has the same experience living in Fort Collins, and today, identity is a
predictor of one’s outcomes – whether that is related to home ownership, neighborhood safety, mental
health concerns, utility cost burden, and ease of traveling by public transit.0F
1 From an everyday
perspective, we need to acknowledge that our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
communities and our historically underrepresented groups may not feel as safe, as heard, or as cared
for as others in our community. As highlighted in the Existing Conditions Assessment, these inequities
are exacerbated by climate change, where our current systems leave Black, Indigenous, People of Color
and other historically underrepresented populations more susceptible to climate change impacts.1F
2 The
call out box on the next page identifies the groups considered “historically underrepresented" in the
context of Our Climate Future with the recognition that it is not exhaustive.
We designed Our Climate Future with the goal of equitable solutions that address a spectrum of needs
within our community. Leading with race means we recognize that the most disparate outcomes in our
country follow racial lines, and Fort Collins is no exception to this. An emphasis on racial disparities is a
starting place for inclusion as we expand outward, bringing in all marginalized populations and all parts
of our community. This approach is intentional about addressing barriers and designing solutions that
work for those most impacted, while also ensuring all community members can benefit, participate, and
influence outcomes. This appendix highlights in detail how we have centered equity and lead with race
in our process and what our key learnings are that we will apply moving forward in implementation.
1 Check out the Equity Indicators dashboard for more information – anticipated release later in 2021
2 See for example, this article about vulnerabilities to wildfire, the Fourth National Climate Assessment, which
illustrates how climate change exacerbates existing vulnerabilities - especially in low-income communities,
communities of color and other vulnerable populations.
Our Climate Future Appendix I
Page 2 of 7
Equity vs. Equality
Equity: Designing programs, policies, and
systems to ensure identity is not a predictor
of outcomes
Equality: Designing programs, policies, and
systems that treat everyone the same
What is a Historically
Underrepresented Group?
Leading with equity in process means asking
who is most impacted by a decision and has
historically had the least influence. For Our
Climate Future, historically
underrepresented groups include, but are
not limited to:
x Communities of Color
x Community members under age 29
x DACA Students
x LGBTQIA+ Communities
x Local Indigenous Communities
x Migrant Communities
x Communities of Disability
x Veterans
x Religious minorities
x People experiencing homelessness
x People living in manufactured homes
x Commuter community
x Low-income communities
x Small businesses
These identities often overlap and intersect.
We recognize that many people are a part of
multiple groups.
What does “Equity” mean?
Equity is often confused with equality, but they
are not the same (see definitions in the call out
box). Equality means treating everyone the same,
which is not enough to ensure everyone is able to
fairly reach the same beneficial outcomes and
quality of life because of the documented historic
and present-day inequities that exist in American
systems. In contrast, the work of equity is to
understand those historical and present-day
negative impacts and then work to change
systems so that people’s identities do not predict
their outcomes in life.
What does “Centering in Equity, Leading with
Race” mean?
x Identifying which communities have been
intentionally or unintentionally excluded
from processes historically or even
currently;
x Working to rebuild trust and make things
accessible so that those communities
want to participate and feel their
perspectives are valued and a true,
significant part of the decision-making
process;
x Integrating historically underrepresented
voices, leadership, knowledge, and skills
into planning and implementation, and
x Developing and evaluating strategies
using an equity lens
A best practice in equity work is to start by focusing on improving race-based outcomes because, in the
United States, racial inequity is the most pervasive form of inequity regardless of where one lives.
Focusing on racial equity provides the opportunity to bring forward a framework, tools and resources
that help address inequities associated with other marginalized identities.
Our Climate Future Appendix I
Page 3 of 7
I. Our Climate Future Equity-Centered Engagement Process
In the design of Our Climate Future engagement, we worked to make the engagement process equitable
and accessible for all, producing a set of goals and strategies to achieve equitable outcomes that address
specific needs within our community, while also working towards our environmental goals.
Here are the ways we added an equity lens to the Our Climate Future process:
x Phase I (Understanding Community Priorities): We designed the first phase to understand
resident and business priorities and barriers to a sustainable future. This helped ensure
alignment of the updates to the Climate Action Plan, Energy Policy, and Road to Zero Waste plan
with community need.
o Equity Lens: By starting the planning process asking people about their needs, barriers,
and priorities to sustainability, community members were able to voice inequities and
challenges preventing them from engaging in sustainability and achieving the outcomes
they want living in Fort Collins. For additional details about equitable engagement in the
first part of the Our Climate Future project, please see: Our Climate Future:
Understanding Our Community – a 31-page detailed report on OCF Phase I.
x Phase II (Strategic Planning): We designed our second phase around brainstorming solutions to:
x Achieve community priorities and overcome barriers identified in Phase I.
x Simultaneously achieve community environmental goals.
x The community generated hundreds of ideas that were evaluated to understand the
equity, climate resilience, and greenhouse gas and waste mitigation potential of each
idea.
Equity Lens: Because strategic planning focused on the priorities and barriers
identified in Phase I, we were able to identify solutions that begin addressing
inequities and solving environmental challenges. Members of historically
underrepresented groups provided feedback on the major strategies that came
out of Phase II (Big Moves) which helped us refine wording for inclusion in the
plan.
x Phase III (Plan Writing, Release, and Adoption): We designed the third phase of our planning
process to allow time for the community to provide input on the draft plan before seeking
Council adoption. The coronavirus pandemic caused a delay in implementing Phase II and
resulted in a shorter than anticipated Phase III. The result was a briefer than planned final
feedback and engagement process. While we acknowledge this as a gap, ongoing and close
communication with Plan Ambassadors and Community Partners has provided rich feedback on
the final plan and we see an opportunity to spend significant time designing implementation of
the Our Climate Future plan in partnership with local historically underrepresented leaders to
ensure the implementation of the plan stays true to “equity for all, leading with race.”
o Equity Lens: Community Partners and Plan Ambassadors who have strong relationships
with historically underrepresented groups, both edited and co-wrote many sections of
the plan which was a positive step towards co-creating an equitable final plan. An
opportunity for improvement would be to reserve additional time for dialogue with
historically underrepresented groups as was done in the first phases of the plan.
Our Climate Future Appendix I
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Looking ahead, the update cycle for Our Climate Future will refresh the plan’s strategies in light of new
information and community input, including from historically underrepresented groups, every two
years. Ideally, this means that our strategies will become more equitable over time as we strengthen
trust, grow partnerships, and move along our equity learning journey as a City organization and
community.
II. Our Climate Future Tactics
Stakeholder Mapping
Fort Collins is made up of diverse stakeholders with different levels of interest, influence, and power.
Each is impacted differently relative to climate change and environmental policy. To begin to
understand how to center our engagement process in equity, we identified stakeholders and placed
each within one of four quadrants of a stakeholder map based on their perceived level of historical
influence in City environmental planning processes crossed with their perceived level of future impact
from climate change and city environmental policy. The mapping process identified a group of
stakeholders commonly referred to as historically underrepresented groups who were perceived to have
the highest potential impact intersected by the lowest historical influence. To ensure the process led
with an equity mindset, we designed engagement activities centered on historically underrepresented
groups’ needs in addition to traditional broad community engagement.
Going to Where People Are
We implemented several outreach approaches to meet people where they are in the community (at the
library, out shopping, etc.) or at other trusted locations to collect input. These and more traditional
approaches included pop-up events, 90-minute community conversations, and feedback via web
platform.
This process also leveraged community organizations and plan ambassadors to conduct engagement on
behalf of the City, recognizing that in some cases trusted organizations or community members are the
better messenger:
Community partners are paid organizations who we selected based on criteria of having
established relationships and trust with historically underrepresented communities. We
selected paid organizations through an application process and welcomed several volunteer
partner organizations.
Plan Ambassadors are paid individuals who we selected based on criteria of having established
relationships with historically underrepresented groups in Fort Collins. All individuals who were
interested could be accepted as volunteers.
9 Weeks of Virtual Engagement and Virtual Idea Board
The COVID environment offered both opportunities and challenges. We were forced to adapt to the
realities of COVID-19 to ensure the safety of participants while building upon the results of Phase I. We
developed new tools of remote engagement with nine weeks of virtual strategy brainstorming
workshops and deploying a virtual idea board (i.e. online survey), all focused on the identified
community priorities and barriers. An advantage of using an online engagement platform was our ability
Our Climate Future Appendix I
Page 5 of 7
to create an “on demand” engagement experience. We leveraged the virtual interactive workshops to
develop engagement modules where a community member could review and submit feedback in a time
and place that worked best for them. Each week, we featured one of the community priorities identified
in Phase I. In all, we conducted over 25 virtual workshops on Zoom.
The community, staff, and consultants identified over 700 ideas that were evaluated across a complex
set of criteria including, but not limited to: equity, resilience, greenhouse gas/waste reduction potential,
and more. The strategies were then aggregated to capture the high-level underlying concepts resulting
in 15 transformational outcomes to achieve Our Climate Future, called the “Big Moves.” Following the
nine weeks of virtual engagement, we reached out to the community to test wording and the
community understanding of the 15 Big Moves.
Online Big Moves Survey
To refine the Big Moves, we posted an online questionnaire for the community to provide input on the
draft Big Moves. It asked community members to share what they saw as positive and negative about
the Big Moves as well as how the wording could be improved. This input data was analyzed and used to
adjust the wording of the Big Moves.
Targeted one-on-one discussions (Cup of CAP)
These discussions, referred to as “Cup of CAP”, focused solely on deeper connections with historically
underrepresented community members. The idea originally came from an Our Climate Future Plan
Ambassador to share a hot coffee or tea, even if just virtually, with historically underrepresented
community members in a one-on-one informal chat to do a deep dive conversation. The purpose of the
conversation was to get to know them better, build trust, and hear their feedback on the “Big Moves”.
We used Cup of CAP input in conjunction with online survey data to adjust wording of the Big Moves
and consolidate from 15 down to 13 Big Moves.
Throughout Our Climate Future Phase I and II engagement, over 1,000 participants representing a wide
diversity of racial, ethnic, age, socioeconomic and other demographic backgrounds shared ideas for a
sustainable future. The section below shares some of the lessons we learned about equity-centered
engagement.
III. Learning Journey of Equity in Our Climate Future
Our Climate Future was our first large-scale community planning process to “center in equity, leading
with race” from beginning to end. Using new methods and best practices in engagement, Our Climate
Future has documented many successes, as well as many lessons learned. We are committed to
learning from past successes and mistakes to continue to deepen our ability to apply an equity lens so all
people can be heard and benefit from the outcomes of Our Climate Future.
Building Trust Opens Important Doors
We used tools like the Government Alliance on Race and Equity’s racial equity toolkit to transform
engagement practices to focus on establishing better, trusted, and long-lasting relationships with
community leaders and community-based organizations. We learned the importance of recognizing
historic and current power dynamics within the community.
Our Climate Future Appendix I
Page 6 of 7
Community partners and plan ambassadors helped us understand community perspectives about areas
of conflict and historical trauma from generations of broken trust between the City and historically
underrepresented groups. This led to discussions that begin the journey of repairing past historical
harms. Building trust also created more opportunities for co-creation in strategies and decisions within
the plan.
Building Trust Takes Time
Establishing and/or rebuilding trust with Fort Collins’ BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and
historically underrepresented groups will be a long-term process that cannot be healed with any single
engagement process. It will require sustained and authentic trust and relationship building efforts from
City leadership and staff for decades to come.
Alignment is More Important Than Speed
Sometimes it is better to move slowly to ensure alignment with all parties even if it means pausing,
starting over, or completely altering timelines. We are learning to “move at the speed of trust.”
The City must play a role in breaking down barriers for historically underrepresented groups
We, as City staff, can help remove barriers to participation in the civic process by listening to understand
people’s barriers, providing information to our partners on how City and City Council processes work
and how the public can engage, and providing feedback back into the City organization on opportunities
for improvement.
COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted many members of Fort Collins’ BIPOC and historically
underrepresented groups
The coronavirus pandemic disproportionately impacted BIPOC community members, the Disabled
Community, the LGBTQIA+ Community, and other historically underrepresented groups. This resulted in
increased barriers for these communities to easily engage in Phase II (Strategic planning) and Phase III
(Plan writing, release, and adoption) of Our Climate Future. Working with partners through COVID
helped us understand how to gauge and respect the current capacity of the community. It also
highlighted the need for agility in responding to partner needs, as trust building and relationships are
two-way streets.
Language Matters
The wording we use to describe our work, whether around the environment, technologies or our equity
work needs to be intentional. We learned to avoid jargon and wonky government words and to reflect
the words used by our community. We see opportunity to apply this lesson further to refine how we talk
about centering equity, leading with race.
Authentic and ongoing community partnership are necessary to meet goals
The model of using Plan Ambassadors and Community Partners played a pivotal role in advising our
teams on how to design and implement Phase II engagement amid significant barriers posed by COVID-
19. Community partnerships will be necessary to achieve Our Climate Future goals because the 2030
Our Climate Future Appendix I
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targets envision dramatic and substantive change and all parts of the community will need to take
action. There is incredible potential to scale efforts ahead if everyone in our community has the capacity
to find their own place of leadership.
Our Climate Future Appendix II
Page 1 of 2
Appendix II: Resilience
Though Our Climate Future is not intended to be a comprehensive community resilience and adaptation
plan, climate resilience has been woven into the plan and will be a core consideration in implementing
Next Moves. In the next two years, we have focus on water resources and conservation, air quality,
sheltering and integrating climate considerations into City operational and strategic plans. Future
calibration cycles (every two years) offer ongoing opportunities to further explore and develop Next
Moves related to preparedness, land management and infrastructure, as well as to identify appropriate
ways to track progress in becoming more resilient to climate change.
Climate Hazards Facing Fort Collins
Fort Collins is already experiencing the effects of climate change. With rising temperatures, we can
expect disruptive events, like wildfires, drought, and floods, to continue to increase, and it’s important
that we seek to understand and be prepared for them. It’s likely we will all remember how much COVID-
19, wildfires, and poor air quality of 2020 impacted each our lives. Each of these hazards and others
have potential to affect us, our families, and our workplaces or businesses in significant ways. Check out
the Our Climate Future Action Guide for ideas about how to prepare for climate change impacts, actions
that will build on the community-wide resilience work that the City and many other organizations are
pursuing.
Our Climate Future Appendix II
Page 2 of 2
Resources to learn more about climate change effects in Colorado and the Fort
Collins region
There are many resources available to learn more about how Fort Collins and the West is experiencing
climate change and how we plan to meet these changes. Here are a few that we suggest starting with:
x Technical Update to the Colorado Water Plan (2019):
https://cowaterplan.colorado.gov/analysis-and-technical-update
x Future Climate Extremes in Larimer County Report (2016):
https://www.rockymountainclimate.org/extremes/larimer.htm
x Colorado Climate Change Vulnerability Study (2015):
https://wwa.colorado.edu/climate/co2015vulnerability/
Our Climate Future Appendix III
Page 1 of 7
Appendix III: Metrics and Measurement
Community Carbon Inventory Methodology
The community inventory tracks progress toward Fort Collins' goals to reduce emissions by 20% below
2005 baseline levels by 2020, 80% by 2030, and to be carbon neutral by 2050.
Inventory Purpose
The inventory is an annually updated and continually improved assessment of community emissions in
metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCO2e). Historically, the City has focused on including
emissions in the inventory that occur within City limits, that are within the City's sphere of influence,
and that are within reason to estimate.
The City follows the Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventories
(referred to as the GPC). The GPC can be found here.
Reporting using this protocol is part of our commitment to the Global Covenant of Mayors and allows us
to benchmark our inventory with over 10,000 communities globally that use the same protocol.
x The City reports to the GPC at the BASIC level, which covers scope 1 and scope 2 emissions
from stationary energy and transportation, as well as scope 1 and scope 3 emissions from
waste (see figure below).
x For the 2019 Inventory and moving forward, Industrial Process and Product Use (IPPU)
emissions are also included, and these are traditionally reported under the BASIC+ reporting
level.
Our Climate Future Appendix III
Page 2 of 7
Key Concepts
x When is the inventory updated?
o Staff completes an inventory each year, typically with the new report available the
following fall/winter; however, due to varying data availability, this timeline can change
depending on the year.
x What sources of emissions are included in the inventory?
o Emissions from electricity use, natural gas use, ground transportation, waste produced,
water production and reclamation, and IPPU are included.
x Which gasses are included in the inventory?
o Based on the above sources, we include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous
oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases, such as sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).
x Where does data used in the inventory come from?
o Our data sources are Fort Collins Utilities, Xcel Energy, Platte River Power Authority, the
Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles, the US Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), and waste haulers in Fort Collins.
x Has methodology changed since Fort Collins’ first inventory?
o Yes. Methodology changes are common and a best practice as new data sources emerge
or protocols change.
x When changes are made to a current inventory, do all past years get aligned with that change?
o Yes. All changes, including new data sources and adjusted calculations, are backcast to
all prior inventories, meaning that when we report progress towards the goals, these
are actual changes, not changes due to methodology. When reporting between years,
we pull apart what changed from methodology verses unique changes to clearly
communicate the difference.
x What are Industrial Process and Product Use (IPPU) emissions?
o IPPU are non-energy emissions created as a byproduct of a manufacturing process or
used as an input to a manufacturing process.
Key Terms
x Activity data: emissions producing activity (e.g. vehicle miles traveled, electricity consumption,
tons of landfilled waste)
x Emissions factor: emissions per one unit of activity (e.g. metric tons of CO2 equivalents per
landfilled waste)
o May change year to year (e.g. the electricity emissions factor is based on the blend of
fossil and renewable sources present in the electricity mix each year)
x Impact factor:0F
1 impact of greenhouse gas relative to CO2 (e.g., methane = 28 times carbon
dioxide); global warming potential
o Same value year to year (if impact factors are updated with current international
standards, staff updates all years to match)
o Used to calculate carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e), common units that we can use to
compare global warming potential of emitted gasses.
Methane (CH4) 100-year time horizon: 28x carbon dioxide
1 Greenhouse Gas Protocol: Global Warming Potential Values
Our Climate Future Appendix III
Page 3 of 7
Nitrous oxide (N2O) 100-year time horizon: 265x carbon dioxide
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) 100-year time horizon: 23,500x carbon dioxide
Resource Areas basic methodology
x Electricity: Consumption and losses from Fort Collins Utilities and Xcel Energy (activity data) X
Blended rate of coal, natural gas, and non-carbon sources (emissions factor)
x Natural Gas: Consumption and losses from Xcel Energy (activity data) X Emissions factor X 100-
year time horizon impact of methane and N2O compared to carbon dioxide (impact factor)
x Transportation:
1.Vehicle miles traveled (activity data) X percent fuel type of vehicles in Fort Collins (activity
data) = Miles traveled by type of vehicle and fuel type
2.Miles traveled by type / Miles per gallon = Gallons of each fuel type
3.Gallons X Emissions factor = MTCO2e
x Waste: Tons of waste produced by Fort Collins residents (activity data) X percent of waste type
X Emissions factor X Impact factor
x IPPU: MTCO2e data pulled directly from the EPA FLIGHT database.
x Water: Water emissions involve complicated calculations. Please contact staff or reference the
Global Protocol section on Wastewater (page 84) for more information.
Additional resources
x CAP Dashboard
x 2019 Community Carbon Inventory Report
Our Climate Future Appendix III
Page 4 of 7
Proposed Our Climate Future Metrics
The following is the full list of proposed metrics included in the Our Climate Future Plan. Staff and
community members will continue to identify and refine metrics to ensure that what we are tracking
tells us if we are equitably reaching our goals and helping the community be more resilient to climate
change impacts.
Shared Leadership and Community Partnership
x Percent of staff and partners trained in leading with equity for implementation of the Next
Moves
x Number of Next Moves and/or tactical projects led by an organization or group external to the
City of Fort Collins
x Demographics of staff and community members who are part of OCF implementation (ongoing
programs and various next moves)
x Resources allocated in project budgets to achieve equity in process, e.g., language justice and
compensation for community members’ time and expertise
Zero Waste Neighborhoods
x % of Fort Collins households and businesses with access to recycling
x % of Fort Collins households and businesses with access to composting
x Number of sharing resources and number of “shares” at those resources
Climate Resilient Community
x Metrics about how we’re preparing for continuing changes to our climate:
x Number of programs or agencies that support community networks
Equitable metrics and reporting
Our Climate Future’s equitable approach to partnering with community members and
organizations, with intentional focus on BIPOC, and historically underrepresented groups also
extends to how we develop metrics, measure progress, and summarize results. It’s crucial that
we have insight and expertise from outside the City organization and acknowledge that various
groups experience Fort Collins in different ways. Identifying the appropriate ways to track
progress on goals will be an ongoing process in partnership with community members. Where
data exist, we commit to using metrics that are disaggregated by race and other identities. This
means we’ll look at broad outcomes split out by identities, such as race, ethnicity, ability, and
gender identity, that help us understand disparities, while acknowledging that for many
individuals these identities overlap and intersect. When summarizing results, we will seek
reviews from external partners to validate meaning and provide insights into how we can
present information in ways that honor community members’ experiences.
Our Climate Future Appendix III
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x Collaboration with regional agencies, including intergovernmental agreements in
place
x Number of community, operational plans, and related activities that address resilience
through the integration of preparedness, response, and adaptation
x Campaigns or programs that reduce ozone or particulate matter
x Reduced water use
x Community survey results
x Metrics about how we respond and recover from disruptive events will be reported following a
disruptive event. For example, a possible metric about how Larimer County responded and
recovered from COVID-19 would be the percent of residents receiving vaccinations.
Convenient Transportation Choices
x Transit Ridership (Transfort and FLEX services)
x Percent of commuters who drive alone, carpool, bike, use transit, or telework (mode share)
x Total community vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
x Average travel time across Fort Collins
x Transit access and safety
Live, Work, and Play Nearby
x Neighborhood walkability
x Neighborhood safety
x Residential proximity to grocery stores and public schools
x Percent of residents who respond that they have good or excellent access within their
neighborhoods to everyday needs (Community Survey)
Efficient, Emissions free Buildings
x Annual electricity and natural gas program portfolio savings
x Annual changes in community use of electricity and natural gas
x Available electric capacity for grid flexibility
x Number of homes (total and rentals) upgraded annually
Healthy, Affordable Housing
x % Fort Collins housing stock that is affordable housing
x % daytime population growth
x % of cost-burdened homes (renters and owners paying more than 30% of their income on
housing), disaggregated by race
x Homeownership rates, disaggregated by race and income
Local, Affordable and Healthy Food
x % Fort Collins households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(SNAP), disaggregated by age and race
x % farmers market sales using SNAP dollars
Our Climate Future Appendix III
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Healthy Local Economy and Jobs
x Unemployment Rate, disaggregated by race
x Business Establishments per Capita
x Net of jobs created overall per year in Fort Collins
x Number of businesses as lead or support partners of Next Moves
x % of total jobs created that are in environmental sustainability sectors
Zero Waste Economy
x % increase in value retained in economy instead of lost
Healthy Natural Spaces
x % of residents within a 10-minute walk of a park or natural area
x Water quality of Horsetooth Reservoir and Poudre River
x Water savings
x Acres actively managed to improve plant and wildlife habitat
100% Renewable Electricity
x Annual percentage of renewable electricity
x Annual percentage of local renewable electricity
x Annual reliability metrics
Emissions-free cars and fleet
x % of community (residents and business) fleet that is emissions free
x Miles per gallon equivalence (MPGe) efficiency
Existing Climate Action Plan Metrics
The metrics listed below have been reported quarterly or annually in line with the 2015 Climate Action
Plan, some of which are also aligned with the 2015 Energy Policy and Road to Zero Waste, and which
complement the annual reporting of the Community Carbon Inventory, described above. More detail
about each of these can be found at the CAP Dashboard, which will be updated with Our Climate Future
implementation.
x Percent Decrease in Emissions
x Community Diversion Rate
x Percent Renewable Electricity Generation
x Annual energy efficiency program savings (percent of community electricity use)1F
2
x Community Electricity Use by Resource (kWh/year)
x Percent Fossil Electricity Generation
x Electric system reliability indices (CAIDI, SAIFI, SAIDI)
x Community Natural Gas Use per Capita (decatherms/year)
2 These first four metrics are how we directly track our climate, energy, and waste goals, with the others as
supplemental.
Our Climate Future Appendix III
Page 7 of 7
x Community Electricity Use Per Capita (kWh/quarter)
x Energy Performance of Municipal Buildings (KBTU/square foot)
x Energy Performance of Community Buildings (KBTU/square foot)
x Demand response capacity (megawatts)
x Annual new solar capacity installed (kilowatts)
x Annual number of home efficiency upgrade projects
x Vehicle Miles Traveled (miles/year)
x Cumulative Bus Rides
x Percent of People Commuting by Transportation Type
x City-wide sidewalk network creation or repair in square feet
x Percent Arterial Bike Network Crossings Completed
x Community Landfilled Waste (tons/year)
x Community Solid Waste Landfilled per Capita per Day
x Residential and Commercial Waste Diversion Rate
x Tons of Yard Trimmings Diverted (Composted)
x Community Water Use per Capita per Day
x Community Water Use (in acre feet/year)
x Water Production Energy Efficiency (kWh/day/million gallons)
x Wastewater Treatment Energy Efficiency (kWh/million gallons)
x Overall Water Conservation Program Effectiveness
Our Climate Future Appendix IV
Page 1 of 2
Appendix IV: Our Climate Future Staff Teams
Thank you to the many City staff that served on teams or otherwise supported this effort, making Our
Climate Future a comprehensive and inclusive plan.
OCF Kernel Team
Jensen Morgan
John Phelan – co-lead
Lindsay Ex
Lucinda Smith
Michelle Finchum
Molly Saylor – co-lead
Sarah Hite
OCF Core Team
Aaron Iverson
Adelle McDaniel
Amy Maxey
Brian Tholl
Briana Carbajal
Carolyn Conant
Cassie Archuleta
DeAngelo Bowden
Honore Depew
Jensen Morgan
Jill Marx
John Phelan
Julia Feder
Katy McLaren
Kirk Longstein
Lindsay Ex
Lucinda Smith
Mariel Miller
Meagan Smith
Meaghan Overton
Megan DeMasters
Michelle Finchum
Molly Saylor
Nick Heimann
Paul Sizemore
Peter Iengo
Sarah Hite
Sylvia Tatmun-Burruss
Yasmine Haldeman
Engagement Team
Adelle McDaniel
Amy Maxey
Angela Pena
Carolyn Conant
Colin Cramer
Danika McIntire
DeAngelo Bowden
Gretchen Stanford
Heather Young
Jensen Morgan
John Phelan
Kirk Longstein
Lindsay Ex
Mark Cassalia
Meaghan Overton
Michelle Finchum
Molly Saylor
Nick Heimann
Peter Iengo
Sean Carpenter
Terra Sampson
Wendy Serour
Yasmine Haldeman
Equity Team
Adelle McDaniel
Brian Tholl
Briana Carbajal
DeAngelo Bowden
Jensen Morgan
Lucinda Smith
Mariel Miller
Molly Saylor
Sarah Hite
Performance Measurement Team
Adelle McDaniel
John Phelan
Katy McLaren
Lindsay Ex
Lucinda Smith
Our Climate Future Appendix IV
Page 2 of 2
Michael Authier
Molly Saylor
Terra Sampson
Victoria Shaw
Resilience Team
Adelle McDaniel
Carolyn Conant
Clay Frickey
John Phelan
Katy McLaren
Kirk Longstein
Leland Keller
Matt Zoccali
Mariel Miller
Meagan Smith
Megan DeMasters
Nils Saha
Other City Staff that supported this effort
Adam Molzer
AJ Chlebnik
Alyssa Armbruster
Amanda Mansfield
Ashley Kailburn
Barbara Andrews
Basil Hamden
Bella Harris
Brad Smith
Carol Thomas
Caroline Mitchell
Charlotte Norville
Diane Ernst
Jacqueline Kozak Thiel
Jason Komes
Jennifer Roberts
Jillian Fresa
Joanne Cech
Jose Luis Ramos
Josh Birks
Kate Rentschlar
Kellie Gorman
Kelly Doyle
Laura Fritz
Liesel Hans
Linda Hardin
Mark Cassalia
Mary Boyts
Melina Dempsey
Michelle Reulet
Pablo Bauleo
Rhonda Gatzke
Richard Thorp
Samantha Littleton
Sarah Meline
Sean Carpenter
Selina Lujan
SeonAh Kendall
Seth Lorson
Shannon Hein
Shawna VanZee
Sierra Anderson
Susan Beck-Ferkiss
Taylor Blomquist
Tanya Pappa
Tessa Greegor
Tyler Eisenhand
Wendy Serour
Zoe Shark