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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 03/23/2010 - ''PLAN FORT COLLINS: INNOVATE, SUSTAIN, CONNECT'' DATE: March 23, 2010 STAFF: Joe Frank WORK SESSION ITEM Kathleen Bracke FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL Scott Weeks Pre-taped staff presentation: available at fcgov.com/c/erk/agendas.php SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION "Plan Fort Collins: Innovate, Sustain, Connect" - Phase 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY "Plan Fort Collins: Innovate, Sustain,Connect"is the name given to the planning process to review and revise City Plan, the City's Comprehensive Plan, and the Transportation Master Plan. This project will result in new long-range plans that will address short-term goals and shape the future of the City for the long-term. Phase 1: "Understanding of Plan Fort Collins" is currently underway. The important components of this phase include: reviewing existing City goals and policies; researching and examining key trends; conducting community dialogue about future challenges and opportunities; beginning to research best practices in other communities; and beginning to identify topics for future phases of the planning process. Staff from all departments of the City contributed to a Snapshot Report(Draft March 2,2010)which presents information on trends and on topics ranging from arts and culture, to transportation, to sustainability. In addition, staff reviewed current City plans and policy documents. For each of the topics, the Snapshot Report provides responses to the following questions: • What are the City's current values?. • What has the City accomplished? • What challenges and opportunities remain? • Sustainability—What are the cross-cutting topics? While Phase 1: "Understanding of the Plan Fort Collins"process is nearing completion, it remains a work in progress. The Snapshot Report identifies challenges and opportunities and forms the foundation for Phase 2: Envision/Analyze, which will focus on choices, policy directions, and strategies. The final version of the Snapshot Report will be distributed on or before April 30,2010. Input has been received through multiple methods, including: • The March 3rd Plan Fort Collins kick-off event "Shaping the Future - an Evening with Futurist Thomas Frey," conducted at the Lincoln Center • The March 4 "Thought Leaders Forum," conducted at the Senior Center • Responses to online surveys • Suggestions from City boards and commissions. March 23, 2010 Page 2 Comments and ideas gathered to date have been incorporated into an initial list of ideas to be the focus of more detail planning efforts during the next phases. Additional outreach efforts include the formation of focus groups to identify and discuss specific topics and online and digital activities to engage the youth of Fort Collins. GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED 1. Are there values missing from the current City "values" described in the Snapshot Report (Draft March 2, 2010—see Attachment 1)? 2. Does the "Initial Ideas for Phase 2: Envision/Analyze" (pages 6-10) list included in this memo contain the pertinent ideas and/or are ideas missing? The next work session on Plan Fort Collins will be held on May 25, 2010, and will focus on Phase 2: Envision/Analyze. BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION Plan Fort Collins: Innovate, Sustain, Connect Planning Process Plan Fort Collins is a communitywide visioning effort to review and prepare revisions to City Plan, the City's Comprehensive Plan, and to the Transportation Master Plan. Those Plans, first developed in 1997, were groundbreaking at the time. Recognizing that the City is facing new challenges and opportunities for the future,this innovative planning effort will take the plans to the next level to address long-term sustainability and connections within the community. The unique effort,involving all departments of the City,will transform the plans to include greater focus on arts and culture, economic vitality, transportation and utilities for the 21 st century,health and wellness, fiscal sustainability, among other topics. Outcomes will include refreshed and forward-looking plans, a cost recovery model, stormwater low impact development drainage guidance, plan sustainability analysis and metrics, and ordinance amendments to implement the plan. The Transportation Master Plan elements will include an updated Master Street Plan, Pedestrian Plan, and multimodal Capital Improvement Plan. The Plan Fort Collins planning process is divided into three phases designed to complete any updates to City Plan and the Transportation Master Plan by early 2011: Phase 1 —Understanding (March/April 2010) • Examine key trends • Engage the community in dialogue about future challenges and opportunities • Focus and identify topics to be explored during Phase 2. March 23, 2010 Page 3 Phase 2—Envision/Analyze (May to August 2010) • Review key choices • Analyze trade-offs, and consequencesd • Develop preferred directions. Phase 3—Adopt and Implement(August 2010 to March 2011) • Identify strategies to implement and accomplish the plans and determine priority actions • Prepare and bring plans forward for adoption. The most important product of Phase 1: Understanding is to identify those ideas to be explored in greater detail during Phase 2:Envision/Analyze. Beginning community engagement also is critical. Snapshot Report (Draft March 2, 2010) City staff from all departments of the City, working with the consultant team, established eight "subteams" to prepare "Snapshot" reports on the following topics: • Arts and Culture • Built Environment and Land Use • Environment and Utilities • Finance and Economy • Health, Wellness, and Safety • Housing • Natural Areas, Parks, and Recreation • Transportation The goals of the Snapshot reports were to: • Review existing City values and goals. • Discuss what has been accomplished since the initial adoption of City Plan and the Transportation Master Plan in 1997 and since the 2004 updates. • Identify future challenges and opportunities. They goals also identify cross-cutting sustainability topics. A draft Snapshot Report,completed on March 2,2010(see Attachment 1),is available to the general public on the Plan Fort Collins website and at the City's Advanced Planning Department. The Snapshot Report will be updated and completed on or before April 30,2010,after completion of the ongoing community dialogue efforts, including compiling responses from an online survey and incorporating comments from City boards and commissions. The current City values sections within each topic rely heavily on existing adopted City plans and policies. Generally,the input received from ongoing community dialogue validates current values and either reinforces strongly or enhances ideas captured in the Snapshot Report. Staff would like Council input and continues to seek public input. March 23, 2010 Page 4 Ideas Input—What We Have Been Learning An initial list of ideas for Phase 2: Envision/Analyze is featured within this section. The sources include the challenges and opportunities in the Snapshot Report and the ongoing community dialogue effort. Boards and Commissions All City boards and commissions were asked to respond to a series of questions related to the board/commission's focus area: • What are short-term (I - 5 year) challenges that the City faces? • What are long-term(5 - 30-years and beyond) challenges and opportunities the City should address? • What other communities or organizations have developed"cool tools" or"best practices"? • Any other ideas unrelated to the board/commission's focus area? . Most boards and commissions responded to the request for ideas(see Attachments 3 to 20). Those who responded provided a wealth of information which will help tremendously with refinements to the Snapshot report. Common themes that occurred throughout many of the responses, include: • Identify sustainable, reliable long-term funding sources • Use a regional approach to addressing challenges • Foster collaboration and partnerships(e.g., Colorado State University,private sector, other organizations) • Develop better data for decision making; improve Sustainability Scorecard and indicators • Make the community part of the solutions through education and engagement. Shaping the Future Kick-off Events Participant feedback was gathered during the kickoff events on March 3 and March 4. These events, along with the draft Snapshot Report, helped shape the initial list of ideas for Plan Fort Collins to address, and also helped generate awareness and build momentum and interest in the planning process. March 3rd Event: Note Cards, Posters, and Keypad Polling Note cards distributed during the Community Reception at the Lincoln Center on Wednesday, March 3, asked participants: 141. What is the one thing you would like to be the same in Fort Collins 50 years from now? 2. What is the one thing you would like to be different in Fort Collins 50 years from now?" March 23, 2010 Page 5 The City received more than 700 comments and ideas. Key themes included: Top 5 "Keep": 1. Old Town/downtown 2. Natural areas and open space and Poudre River 3. Parks, trails, and recreation 4. Small businesses and jobs 5. General atmosphere (safety, small-town feel, and quality of life) Top 5 "Different': (Note: Transportation accounted for more than half the comments) 1. Better traffic flow and connections 2. Transit (local and regional to Denver) 3. Mixed use downtown 4. Sustainable/renewable energy—businesses and homes 5. Encourage/support employment The March 3rd Community Reception also featured staffed "stations" for each of the Snapshot Report topics,with displays of summarized draft snapshot materials. Participants were able to share feedback and ideas on large comment posters at each station or via text-in comments. The City collected approximately 200 comments and ideas on all the topics that will help enhance the final Snapshot Report (see Attachment 21). A sampling of comments and ideas from Snapshot stations at the Community Reception include: • Art brings money and recognition to the community • Support the development of in-town urban food gardens/urban agriculture • Continue to keep the excellent quality of our drinking water • Affordable housing is a huge need in our community • Doing well in the areas of natural areas, parks, and recreation—continue adding bike trails • Continue and expand transit • Listen to low-income people about what sustainability means to them Approximately 750 people attended the March 3rd event, according to Lincoln Center estimates. Community members also had the option to watch live on Channel 14. During the evening presentation, the audience was able to provide general feedback via keypad polling. Those who watched the event on television were encouraged to submit their responses to the questions via an online poll. The questions were intended to determine who attended (e.g., initial demographic questions), to peak interest and encourage participants to spend more time on the online snapshot community feedback, and generally gauge levels of interest in different topics. A fairly diverse audience, genders, ages (over 20), occupations, and residential geographic locations participated. Approximately 400 people participated in the live keypad polling exercise. Online poll results for the March 3 event are provided in Attachment 22. March 23, 2010 Page 6 Participants suggested they would like to see more emphasis on the following four areas (relative to the others): • High-quality clean jobs • Expanded transit service • Facilities for bikes and pedestrians • Promoting green building practices. Significantly, 87% of people polled responded at the meeting that they would continue to be involved in the Plan Fort Collins process either online or at meetings. The online poll remains open on the project website, and continues to receive responses. March 4th Forum Approximately 80 people attended a community workshop on the morning of March 4. Participants worked in small groups to evaluate the draft Snapshot Report and to identify key opportunities and challenges for the Plan Fort Collins process to address, related to the snapshot topics. Many ideas came out of the workshop (as summarized in Attachment 23), where the "starred" ideas were the preferred ones. After discussion and synthesis of ideas, participants were able to weigh in on the top ideas presented by the smaller groups using keypad polling. As with the evening event,of those who participated in the keypad polling exercise, 97% said they would continue to participate in Plan Fort Collins. Through the end of March, community members will continue to be able to comment on online materials, attend focus groups, participate in youth discussion online (at high school and college level), and request presentations to organizations or small groups. All these sources of input are important for assessing "values,"refining the Snapshot Report, and developing the"ideas" for the City's renewed vision. INITIAL IDEAS FOR PHASE 2: ENVISION/ANALYZE The initial list of ideas below is based on the draft Snapshot Report along with community input received so far. The ideas are categorized by Snapshot Report topics and generally fall within two categories: • Current Values -Taking it to the Next Level: Themes and values from the City's existing plans and policies that are still relevant, or may need refinements to reflect latest trends and ideas or focus on implementation strategies (Noted below as "Next Level"). • New Themes and Ideas -New ideas and topics that were not previously addressed in City Plan or the Transportation Master Plan (Noted below as "New") Arts and Culture • Making arts and culture integral to the City's streets, parks, and private and public places. (new) March 23, 2010 Page 7 • Using arts and culture as an economic catalyst. (new) • Focusing particularly on strategic investments and partnerships to expand reach/impact of arts throughout the City. (new) • Fostering creativity as a value in the community(e.g., arts competitions and displays, local arts, way of life). (new) Built Environment and Land Use • Addressing barriers to infill and redevelopment as the City nears buildout (the end of greenfield development). Address high infrastructure costs and requirements, particularly transportation, public acceptance of heights and density, parking needs, and mix of uses. (next level) • Enabling new and transforming community and neighborhood activity centers to be complete, connected, vibrant, and walkable. Transform existing centers, especially in "midtown." (next level) • Addressing land needs of targeted industries and primary employers; planning for future generations of creative class entrepreneurs and their needs. (next level) • Determining which community gateways may need enhancements (e.g., distinctive urban design, arts, public spaces, lighting, etc.) (next level) • Addressing transit links and multi-modal transportation corridors with active street fronts and walkable connections. (next level) • Reconciling"change"and"preservation"within older neighborhoods and Downtown.(next level) • Achieving cooperation between City/Developers. (next level) Environment and Utilities • Emphasizing continued importance of assets—clean water and air,and trees—that contribute to broader economic and social benefits. (next level) • Addressing the Poudre River (in stream flows, habitat, access) as part of a sustainable community. (new) • Exploring stormwater Low Impact Development options and how to treat and manage stormwater particularly within infill and redevelopment projects. (new) • Promoting conservation and green building practices, including getting today's buildings ready for the future. (new for City Plan, ongoing in Utilities) 0 Leading in and adapting to energy innovations. (next level) March 23, 2010 Page 8 • Replacing aging infrastructure (next level) • Engaging entrepreneurial atmosphere for residents and businesses to use green technology and operations (e.g., FortZED, Climate Wise). (next level) • Achieving climate protection goals. (new for City Plan) • Increasing recycling programs. (Next level) Finance and Economy Having sites to retain,grow,incubate,and attract primary employment and targeted industries.(next level) • Creating fiscal sustainability (i.e., other revenue sources). (next level) • Promoting more community involvement in budgeting and priorities. (next level) • Seeking improved retail mix to stem"leakage." (next level) • Funding infrastructure needs and services despite increasing costs—Resourcing the Future (short-term) and over the long-term. (next level) • Leveraging community strengths for economic benefit. (new) • Maintaining the City's affordability and build economic stability through a balanced mix of land uses as growth occurs. (next level) Health, Wellness, and Safety • Maintaining community safety level—future ratios of police and fire to population. (next level) • Expanding urban agriculture. (new) • Expanding"Well City"initiatives in community and comprehensive networks for population in need. (next level) • Planning for health and wellness needs to intersect with other community initiatives and improvements (e.g., transportation planning and walkability, agriculture). (new) • Focusing on bottom-up, diverse community involvement. (new) Housing • Continuing affordable housing and identifying local funding, resources, and tools. (next level) March 23, 2010 Page 9 • Addressing housing needs for a changing population (e.g., seniors, smaller households without children, more mobile and connected community, and green building practices). (next level) • Exploring mixed-use development options to provide housing for seniors, students, and all income levels. (next level) Natural Areas, Parks, and Recreation • Collaborating to make efficient use of resources and facilities. (next level) • Addressing future conservation needs and funding for operations and maintenance. (next level) • Adapting to trends in leisure and recreation. (new) • Balancing growth and conservation of natural resources. (next level) • Managing facilities for outstanding visitor experience and addressing demands such as food production, flood prevention,habitat enhancement,and energy production in parks,natural areas. (Next level) • Address future management and uses along the Poudre River. (new) Transportation • Improving and expanding regional transportation connections and service. (next level) • Adapting transportation(all modes)to best serve infill and redevelopment areas. (next level) • Developing new ideas for Green Streets(multi-function purpose for travel and stormwater), urban design elements, gateways, and Enhanced Travel Corridors. (next level) • Developing long-term,reliable funding sources for existing and future transportation needs (Capital and Operations and Maintenance),and considering life-cycle costs up front. (new) • Leveraging Mason Corridor to test new ideas, including transit innovations. (next level) • Providing safe and widespread connections for bicyclists and pedestrians. (next level) • Fundamentally restructuring the transportation system to meet future needs and innovations. (new) Sustainability • Addressing sustainability in a"regional symbiotic'manner(with other communities, CSU connections, etc. (new) March 23, 2010 Page 10 • Focusing on the connections and interrelationships between topics - systems and partnerships (new/next level for some) • Addressing innovative and sustainable revenue structure with lowest environmental and economic cost for City services and products. (new) • Developing improved Community Scorecard indicators and metrics that measure long-term and clear definition of sustainability. (new) • Promoting"be local" (e.g., commerce, food production, and security). (next level) • Including all groups within the community. (next level) Staff would appreciate Council's feedback: are there pertinent ideas missing and/or any that should be postponed from this review? Staff will report back at the next Plan Fort Collins work session scheduled for May 25, 2010. Ongoing Efforts/Next Steps Ongoing efforts to be completed as part of Phase 1: Understanding includes: 1. Shaping the Future Events a. Activity Log that documents all events(on-line summary will be updated frequently throughout process) b. Establishment of Focus Groups (see Attachment 24) C. Youth Dialogue (see Attachment 25) d. Online Survey e. Small Group meetings (see Attachment 26 for Activity Log) 2. Best Practices Research (will overlap into Phase 2: Envision/Analyze) 3. Cost Recovery Model (for Phase 2: Envision/Analyze) 4. Final Snapshot Report (complete on or before April 30, 2010) ATTACHMENTS 1. Plan Fort Collins Snapshot Report (Draft March 2, 2010) 2. March 23, 2010, City Council Work Session PowerPoint Presentation Input from City Boards and Commissions: 3. Affordable Housing Board 4. Air Quality Advisory Board 5. Art in Public Places Board 6. Bicycle Advisory Committee 7. Electric Board 8. Golf Board 9. Housing Authority 10. Human Relations Commission r March 23, 2010 Page 11 11. Land Conservation and Stewardship Board 12. Landmark Preservation Commission 13. Natural Resources Advisory Board 14. Parks and Recreation Board 15. Planning and Zoning Board 16. Senior Advisory Board 17. Transportation Board 18. Water Board 19. Women's Commission 20. Zoning Board of Appeals Note: As of March 11, 2010, comments were not received by the following boards and commissions: Building Review Board, Citizen Review Board, Commission on Disability, Cultural Resources Board, Economic Advisory Commission, Retirement Committee, and Youth Advisory Board. 21. Shaping the Future Community Dialogue Events (Summary through March 11, 2010) 22. Plan Fort Collins Keypad Polling Results—March 3, 2010 23. Community Workshop— Summary of Ideas—March 4, 2010 24. Focus Groups 25. Youth Dialogue 26. Activity Log , r � f Y - 1 � • -sue ' . , 7 1 Plan Fort Coltins SNAPSH01 REPORT City ATTACHMENT Draft Public ■ . view F6rt Collmins Last Updated March 2 , 2010 14000 fcgov . com / planfortcollins Snapshot Contents Snapshot Overview : Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 FortCollins 2060 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Sustainability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Artsand Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Built Environment and Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Environmentand Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Financeand Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Health , Wellness , and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Natural Areas , Parks , and Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Conclusion and Summary : Sustainability Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Comment Form PLEASE SHARE YOUR IDEAS : ONLINE fcgov . com/planfortcollins EMAIL aplanning@fcgov. com MAIL COMMENTS TO City of Fort Collins — Advance Planning PO Box 580 Fort Collins , CO 80522-0580 Snapshot Overview : Welcome ! Plan Fort Collins CITY PLAN AND THE innovate , sustainiconnect TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN - NEXT GENERATION Plan Fort Collins is a community-wide effort to Why Innovate ? update the City Plan and Transportation Master Plan Innovation continues to set the City apart regionally (TMP) . These plans , first developed in 1997 , guide and nationally. Plan Fort Collins will build on recent the way the City looks , functions , feels , and successes and explore new frontiers—ways to develops . Plan Fort Collins will blend what has bridge gaps , forge alliances , and take advantage of worked well in the past with new ideas from the new technology to shape the future . community and "best practices" from other places that might work in Fort Collins . Why Sustain ? Sustainability is about balancing human , financial , Fort Collins is a great place today in part because of and environmental systems—and planning over the its past planning efforts and actions . The City has long-term by adapting human activities to the seen many successes since 1997 . Even so , the capacity of the natural systems needed to support community faces new challenges and opportunities life . The concept of sustainability will be more in the near-term , over the next 20-25 years , and integral to Plan Fort Collins than in past plans . (See beyond . For instance , the population is aging and the "Sustainability" section on page 9 for more becoming more diverse ; current economic information . ) conditions are straining the City's economic Why Connect? financial resources ; technological changes will Connections are a core tenet of Plan Fort Collins— affect travel and communication ; new and efficient relating people , organizations , and neighbors in the ways to use and conserve energy and water Northern Colorado region , and linking places and continue to be refined ; and the amount of land the service areas within the City. Connections are a community has remaining for development, way to better address future needs from a systems conservation , or other needs is limited . In sum , the perspective . community must build on lessons learned from the past, explore new trends that will shape the future of Fort Collins , create new opportunities , and make wise and informed choices . WHAT MAKES THIS PLAN _ DIFFERENT? Fort Collins is Plan Fort Collins will carry the City into the future , a great place helping to shape the City for the next generation of to live, work, children and their children 's generations . The effort _ and visit past Tans together and embrace new today, due in will fold p p g _ part to past ideas , such as arts and culture , health and 1, �E: JY_ planning wellness , energy, and other topics . Three major efforts. overarching themes for the effort are : innovate, sustain, and connect. SNAPSHOT OVERVIEW 1 WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS SNAPSHOT ORGANIZATION AND REPORT ? TOPICS This Snapshot report is one of the first steps in a This Snapshot report includes the following year long effort to update and broaden City Plan sections : and the Transportation Master Plan . Its purpose is to help set a context for initial community outreach Trends of the Future and dialogue in March 2010 about "our City of the This section highlights some key trends and future . " It provides a summary of the City's current changes likely to change the community over the adopted goals and community values ; takes stock next 50 years , and how they might influence Fort of what has been accomplished since City Plan and Collins ' future . the Transportation Master Plan were first adopted in 1997 ; and identifies an initial list of challenges and Sustainability Introduction opportunities that lie ahead . It is intended to start a This section describes the concept of sustainability community dialogue about priorities for the long - as it applies to the City and Plan Fort Collins - term future . summarizing what the City has already accomplished as well as new opportunities ahead . This report and the community dialogue that will occur in March 2010 set the stage for the next Topic-based Snapshots ( in alphabetical order) phase of the Plan Fort Collins effort—exploring The Snapshot reports describe the City's programs choices and new policy directions to address future and services in eight key areas : challenges and opportunities . Input received during the month of March will be folded into a final = Snapshot report. Arts and Culture Built Environment and Land Use I Environment and Utilities L Finance and Economy 1 .r Health , Wellness , and Safety K Housing Natural Areas , Parks , and Community dialogue about the future of Fort Recreation Collins will help set the stage for the next phases of the planning effort. I Transportation 2 SNAPSHOT OVERVIEW Plan Fort Collins Each of the eight topic-based Snapshot reports includes the following sections : t Current Values : A summary of the City current • values related to this topic (from City Plan , the Transportation Master Plan, or other City policy documents) ; } r. • Accomplishments: A summary of major accomplishments since adoption of City Plan ( 1997 and updated in 2004) and the Transportation Master Plan ( updated in 2004) ; • Challenges and Opportunities: An initial list of major challenges and opportunities that the City will likely need to address in the future for each topic ; • Sustainability — Cross-Cutting Topics : Sustainability is an important driving philosophy for the Plan Fort Collins effort . Each chapter ,, ®0) a 0 also identifies cross-cutting topics that should adb be addressed in a more integrated way; and • Links for More Information : References for The Fort Collins community will have many ways reports related to a particular topic and to be involved with the Plan Fort Collins project. definitions for specific terms related to the topic . What if a Topic is not Included? WHAT ' S NEXT ? This Snapshot report includes almost all City programs, services , and policies that are pertinent Plan Fort Collins is organized around three major in a Comprehensive Plan or Transportation Master phases , which will take place between now and the Plan . Some topics are not addressed if other end of 2010 . The community will have multiple service providers are responsible for them , such as opportunities for involvement throughout the year. schools , libraries , and health care . However, such This Snapshot report is part of Phase 1 , topics are important factors in the community's future success and often related to City services The three phases in the process are : and programs . Phase 1 - Understand ( March/April 2010 ) WANT TO SHAPE THE FUTURE ? Examine key trends ; • Engage the community in dialogue about Community input is very important to make sure challenges and opportunities ; and Plan Fort Collins reflects the multitude of viewpoints Identify topics to be explored during Phase 2 . and has strong support over time . Several ways for the community (you ! ) to help shape the Plan are : Phase 2 - Envision /Analyze ( May to August , 2010 ) • Check the project website , fcgov. com/plan. Review key choices ; Send comments , fill in surveys , sign up for Analyze trade-offs , and consequences ; and email , Facebook, and Twitter updates , and Develop preferred directions . other activities there . • Sign up for focus groups on the website . Phase 3 - Implement/Adopt (August 2010 to • Watch for and attend City Council , City boards March 2011 ) and commission events , public events and Identify strategies to implement and accomplish meetings . the plans and determine priority actions ; and • Prepare and bring plans forward for adoption . SNAPSHOT OVERVIEW 3 ON ■ O in ■ U' c�a ■ y ' c E au ■ m -0 r-: ■ E c � c c E aD a> m E ■ E w a) ■ Q o E ■ E ■ mo U . ■ O ■ U • ■ ■ 1 �� ■ Qu f0 0 T C Q N o -o 3 0 is 0 ' 0 c 3 0 ■ m a' rn c cu rn M Q ■ v e`a m aR uCi - m = c o (n a c R N ■ DO g � E N c E a t U cv n• fi ■ �' N 3 _ E .0 .L-. a7 w tq C a) a) �. Q ■ .� c a c 3 0 `O c 3 f° cc 0 ■ .. LM ■ — Cn • • • a • G • ■ ■ ■ ■ -■ ■ ■ ■ : _ N : 3 `° c ■ rz 0 w = o 'u as m ■ a) V= 0 �v cn ■ 'D T 7 E O Lo N ■ a) a) O - C1 O N (� ■ L Y O r .O fn m _ aZ a) ca a... �... • 0 d a • tA m 0 d ? O E cu m 0 c r y +•� O fC En cu ■ � C L m U L CD C Q O L L. cu L i >` 111 ■ ■ ■ • ■ V I y ■ �n �C C 41 � CO • ■ �n U C a �J ■ O C OC ■ = Q T (n � � _ ■ O � tC U � iD � Co cc L. p cn i ■ `' o aci o y L Ca N ■ � r- � o m ■ 0 mo m C� c� ca LL ■ d o a) m o n c in 0 ns ■ � L a 0 E L T L C N ■ Q • • • • l N y ■ >y ay, ■ ■ o a . 4 SNAPSHOT OVERVIEW Plan Fort Collins Fort Collins 2060 FORT COLLINS THEN AND NOW Nestled against the Front Range , about 60 miles north of Denver, Fort Collins is a regional center for +A commerce and education . It is the largest city in Larimer County and home to Colorado State University. It was not long ago that Fort Collins was a small community, centered on Old Town and its neighborhoods . In the last 50 years the City has + grown rapidly, from 25 , 000 people in 1960 to about 140 , 000 people in 2010 . Think how much the community has changed—how we conduct What will Fort Collins be like in 2035 business , recreate , travel , live , and interact with the and beyond. broader region and beyond . Now anticipate what kinds of trends might influence our future 50 years hence . What kind of jobs will people have? How will we travel ? How will our lifestyles change? — Plan Fort Collins , like City Plan and the _ Transportation Master Plan, is based on a 25+-year - planning horizon , to the year 2035 . But as part of + this planning process , the City is taking a longer- term view, considering long -range trends that may influence the Fort Collins of the future . The City Fort Collins 2010. invites you to explore the future , and think about how these trends might influence Fort Collins even 50 years from today. While much of the focus in this section is on WHAT TRENDS WILL demographic trends (such as population and INFLUENCE FORT COLLINS IN housing ) , the City will need to consider many other trends during the Plan Fort Collins process . How will THE FUTURE ? demographic changes affect City recreation , cultural services , and programs? How will buildings Through a combination of natural growth and in- adapt to meet a changing population? Will the City migration , the City could reach a quarter million be called on to provide new services , or reduce or residents or more by mid-century. This depends on eliminate others? How will Colorado State University a number of factors—global , national , and regional adapt to change , and what is the University's trends ; resource limitations ; and community values . vision? The current financial crisis certainly will have bearing on near-term prospects for the region , but Note that this section is based on projections , which its long-term affects remain unknown . by their nature are never precise . What matters is the magnitude of change and the overall general trends of which to be mindful . ' 1 Sources for this section include State of Colorado Metropolitan Research Center of the University of Utah, Population Projections for Larimer County, Dr. Arthur C. Dr. Thomas Frey (www. davinciinstitute. com ) , and Clarion Nelson , PhD , FAICP , Presidential Professor at the Associates . FORT COLLINS 2060 5 National Growth Trends The nation as a whole is growing . This growth is fueled by increasing life spans , increasing fertility P rates ( particularly among first and second - generation immigrants , as well as a result of women having children at older ages) , and by modest increases in immigration , both employment-based and by family-sponsorships . In its projections from 1999 to 2100 , the U . S . Census Bureau 's high As the 65+ estimate would have the U . S . population reaching F.. population " grows, demand 1 . 2 billion by the end of the century. Its " middle" for new projection , which is normally used for planning housing types purposes , still has the U . S . growing to about 750 may increase. million by 2100 . One factor included in the high projection was assuming that American's longevity would increase from about 76 years (for those born in 1996) to 96 years (for those born in 2099) . As the demographic profile of Fort Collins changes Regional Growth Trends over the coming decades so will its household Larimer County today contains just over 300 , 000 composition and associated demand for housing , persons . State of Colorado projections show the which is discussed next. county growing to more than 430 , 000 persons by 2030 ; extrapolating past trends would lead to more Changing Household Composition than 600 , 000 persons by 2060 . While it is assumed It is projected that the composition of Fort Collins that Fort Collin's share of the county's population households will change dramatically between 2010 will fall over time , overall growth in the region is and 2040 . Family households (married couples with expected to continue over the next 50 years . and without children) will fall to about half of all households by 2040 , but family households with Demographic Shifts children will fall to less than a quarter of all The United States is an aging nation . The "baby households by 2040 . Single-person households will boom " epoch from 1946 to 1964 saw the greatest increase to about 37% of all households by 2040 . number of births the nation has ever seen over a Also , by 2040 , nonfamily households ( unmarried comparable period of time . Boomers turn 65 people living together) with householders over age between 2011 and 2029 , leading to substantial 65 will just about double their share of total change in the nation 's demographic profile . households but then fall to their 2010 levels Between 2010 and 2030 , for instance , the share of thereafter as the baby-boomers will have passed the nation 's population that is 65-years and older on . could increase by nearly half—from about 13% to about 19% . In Fort Collins , the share of the Changing Demand for Housing population that is 65+ is estimated to increase from The demographic changes described above will about 8% in 2010 to about 19% by 2030 , and then have a notable effect on housing demand . The drop between 2030 and 2060 to about 11 % . Such majority ( roughly 80%) of all new housing demand change would affect housing , transportation , and for each of the next three decades will be for non other service needs . The City's ethnic diversity will child-oriented households , settling to about 70% by also change . Overall , like much of the US , Fort 2060 . The main drivers will be growth in empty- Collins will be a more diverse community. Over the nester households , single person households , and entire period 2000 to 2060 , the growth rate of nonfamily households with householders age 65+ . Anglos will be the lowest of all ethnic groups , with the largest changes occurring in the Hispanic , What does this mean for the housing market in Fort Black, and other ethnic groups . Collins? Based on these projections , it may mean that Fort Collins already has most of the single- family detached homes on large lots needed to accommodate future demand for this type of 6 FORT COLLINS 2060 °land Fort Collins housing . As a group , non-child households tend to Development Patterns and Land Supply prefer smaller homes on smaller lots , attached A significant portion of Fort Collins ' future land owned homes (such as townhouses and supply needs can likely be met on existing vacant condominiums) , and apartments . They also tend to and built nonresidential properties . One key reason prefer proximity to shopping and services is that, with few exceptions , nonresidential (especially medical services for seniors) , and structures are not durable—on average they are alternative transportation modes . In Fort Collins , replaced every 40 years . Based on that meeting this demand may be accomplished assumption , by 2040 nearly two-thirds of all of Fort through directing moderately higher densities into Collins ' nonresidential building stock would be newly developing areas and higher densities at replaced , and by 2060 nearly all would be replaced . commercial nodes , downtown , and along Redevelopment usually results in higher land - commercial corridors , mixed with nonresidential intensities than that which it replaces . In Fort land uses . Collins , redevelopment resulting in just a 25% increase over current levels , combined with development of vacant nonresidential land at modestly higher intensities could easily MOW accommodate all new nonresidential needs and much of its residential ones . These trends and choices will need to be tested and evaluated by the community during Phase 2 of Plan Fort Collins . Resource Limitations Small and large While the western U . S . as a whole and Fort Collins is (shown) office projected to continue to grow significantly over the and institutional next 50 years , questions remain about the ability of employment natural resources to support such growth without will likely see serious consequences . Meeting growing demands i future growth. for water in an and climate in a sustainable manner; conserving valuable natural resources ; improving air quality; addressing energy needs , understanding impacts on wildlife ; and many other Employment Growth important resources will need to be considered . Job growth will increase proportionate to the city's Resources will need to be conserved and protected growth in population . While the City's regional if a high quality of life is to be maintained . The share of employment will likely drop over time—from community will need to consider resource questions about 65% today to closer to 60 % in 2060—the for the future during Plan Fort Collins . City's employment base will continue to be significant and dominant in the region . The largest sector in 2010 , office and institutional , will likely see the most growth overall—not surprising given the presence of Colorado State University combined with other government activities . Conversely, the industrial sector is projected to lose some employment over all periods , 2000-2030 , 2030- 2060 , and 2000-2060 . This is likely for two reasons : The natural (a) the national economy is trending away from environment i I industrial activities and ( b) industrial activities tend and resource f � _ to be land-extensive and thus less able to compete � I I '�� limitations are a consideration for land in urban locations , especially central ones . �, ` . of Plan Fort 1w Collins. FORT COLLINS 2060 7 Fort Collins and the Creative Class An emerging trend among U . S . cities is the concept of attracting a demographic segment made up of " knowledge workers" as a primary economic force . This group contains a wide range of occupations (science , engineering , education , computing , and research) whose primary job function is to be creative and innovative . Also included are more traditional knowledge-based workers such as in healthcare , business and finance , and education , as well as artists and those in other creative fields . The leading proponent of this concept, Richard Florida , has identified three main prerequisites of creative cities , known as "the three 'T's" : • Talent (they have a highly talented/educated/skilled population) , • Tolerance (they have a diverse and accepting community) , and • Technology (the technological infrastructure necessary to fuel an entrepreneurial culture is in place) . Fort Collins is already a leader in fostering employment opportunities in emerging and sustainable sectors . The City is focusing its economic health initiatives around five industry clusters that represent its future economic base: 1 . Chip design , 2 . Bio-science , 3 . Clean energy, 4 . Software , and 5 . Uniquely Fort Collins . The economic health initiatives address the City's ability to attract talent and build on its already impressive technology base . (See the Finance and Economy Snapshot for more information . ) As part of the Plan Fort Collins effort , the community will need to consider "the three `Ts" to determine if this economic approach fits with its vision for the future. 8 FORT COLLINS 2060 Plan Fort Collins Sustai nabi lity TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE The City of Fort Collins defines sustainability as balanced stewardship of human , financial , and environmental resources for present and future generations . A core concept of sustainability is an approach to integrate human , financial , and • 5 environmental planning goals as a system , instead 1- 40 of evaluating them in isolation . This systems-based ' approach , often referred to as the "triple bottom Y line" benefits not only the financial bottom line , but also places equal emphasis on positive social and environmental outcomes . Historically, past planning processes often have treated functions and goals such as land use , transportation , housing , arts , and • community health as distinct and separate topics rather than related and mutually-beneficial . City of Fort Collins Illustration of Sustainability. By comparison , Plan Fort Collins will feature sustainability as a unifying concept—as a way to Throughout Plan Fort Collins, this model of sustainability integrate and connect topics across City service will be further customized and refined to illustrate a areas and departments , and throughout the stronger integration of future programs and services. It can community to address current and future needs be used measure and monitor goals of the plan(s). efficiently and effectively. While this Snapshot report has been organized around eight topic areas and many subtopics to document progress and next steps , this organization is not meant to separate and treat topics in isolation . The City's values , accomplishments , and r, challenges related to sustainability outlined in this Snapshot report will inform the discussion over the course of this process and will be the basis for evaluating key choices for Plan Fort Collins . Using a systems approach , the City will evaluate how various choices and alternatives affect the human , financial , and environmental goals . For instance , energy and resource use and financial benefit can be measured for different choices . Analysis will help inform community dialogue and to develop preferred directions for Fort Collins . 'J - Fort Collins ' commitment to susrainability encompasses all topics, ranging from the built environment, to economy, to the natural environment. SUSTAI NABI LITY 9 GAPS AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES ., By nature of its broad definition and systems approach , sustainability is integrated into each of the following report sections . Some topics within each snapshot section , however, more naturally lend themselves to discussions of specific City values and priorities with respect to sustainability. In each snapshot section , you will find these topics under a separate section entitled , "Sustainability — What are the Cross-Cutting Topics?" A sustainability connection example: Sidewalks and bike paths enhance mobility as well as improve health . CITY ' S SUSTAINABILITY PROGRESS This Snapshot report captures the significant progress the City of Fort Collins has made to date in its journey toward sustainability. It documents the City's progress , for example , in addressing climate change through its Climate Action Plan, as well as its commitment to energy and water efficiency through its Energy Policy, Green Building program , Water Conservation Plan, and FortZED initiative . It highlights the progress the City has made in enhancing the quality of its urban spaces and in developing alternatives to single-passenger vehicle use ; as well as its accomplishments on housing , arts and culture , parks , and natural areas conservation that contribute to community livability. In short, much progress has been made, and the City is already recognized as a leader in sustainability. As the following sections show, however, the City has opportunities to further its progress toward sustainability through Plan Fort Collins. Please fill in a comment form at the end of this report or on-line at www.fcgov. com/planfortcollins to help the City identify sustainability or other topics that you think Plan Fort Collins should address. 10 SUSTAI NABI LITY Plan Fort Collins Arts and Culture WHAT ARE THE CITY ' S CURRENT VALUES ? While City Plan did not directly address the topic of arts and culture , they are essential to Fort Collins' continued success and desirability. As identified in the City's 2008 Cultural Plan, as well as the missions of community organizations such as Beet Street, Fort Collins aspires to become a nationally recognized arts and culture center and destination , and aims to develop cultural facilities and infrastructure that elevate the resident and visitor experience . - S_ Incorporating public art, distinctive architecture , and aesthetically pleasing and cohesive design for �. buildings , parks , plazas , streetscapes , public spaces , and transportation enhances the appearance of the community, and its overall quality - - and livability. Creation and encouragement of The Art in Action project provided residents and innovative and diverse arts and cultural visitors opportunities to witness the creation of programming and experiences to serve people of public art in Old Town Square. (artist Lisa Cameron) all backgrounds and interests will also add to the City's quality of life , as well as its economic vibrancy. Current City values related to arts and culture include : • A vibrant, livable community that instills pride ; Transformer • Partnerships , coordination , and integration of cabinet murals arts , culture , and creativity into all aspects of add interest to community life ; Downtown andalso deter • A focus on wide reaching , high impact, graffiti. resourceful , achievable efforts to enhance arts , (artist Kirsten culture , and creativity; Art along Prospect Road savage) • Aesthetically pleasing and cohesive design that establishes a sense of arrival . includes art and creativity in the built (artists Carol May and Tim Watkins) environment ; and • Empowerment of exceptional people and organizations to step forward and help themselves and the Fort Collins arts and culture community reach its p ential . ARTS AND CULTURE SNAPSHOT 11 WHAT HAS THE CITY ACCOMPLISHED ? Arts and culture efforts in Fort Collins have gained a lot of momentum in recent years , and the community has many accomplishments to celebrate , including : r /� Adopted the community ' s first Cultural Plan The Cultural Plan is a guiding document for - community-wide efforts . It ensures that arts, culture , and innovation thrive in our community, add to the excellent quality of life , help drive the local economy and tourism , and become an integral part of Fort Collins ' unique identity. Stimulated the local economy through arts and culture Recent improvements to Oak Street Plaza have The 2007 Arts and Economic Prosperity Study enhanced the appearance of Downtown and also shows the arts have a $ 15 . 9 million impact on the capture the attention of residents and visitors. local Fort Collins economy, an increase from $9 . 6 artist Lawrence Argent) million in 2003 . The powerful nature of the arts and Enhanced the appearance and visual impact of culture industry is reflected in the City's Economic the community Health strategy, which identifies Uniquely Fort Collins as a target industry for economic The Art in Public Places program (APP) started in development. The cluster is comprised of unique 1995 and is well established today. In addition to and independent local arts and creative businesses placing more than 75 pieces of art throughout the that contribute to Fort Collins' high quality of life . City, APP has developed a host of other programs and partnerships to enhance the appearance and In addition to the City's Uniquely Fort Collins efforts , visual impact of the community. Recent notable several other community organizations and partners accomplishments of APP include : have helped to enhance the link between arts and culture initiatives and the vitality of the local Partnerships with the DDA in 2009 on the economy, including : Downtown Alley Enhancement projects and the Art in Action program in Old Town Square ; Beet Street, created in 2007 , aims to add to the Recognition for the Transformer Cabinet Mural • economic vibrancy and development of Program in 2008 as an innovative program by Downtown by building on arts and culture as a the National League of Cities ; • Urban Design Awards for the new Police unique economic engine ;The Downtown Development Authority's ( DDA) Facility, Spring Canyon Community Park, and • 2009 Broadening Investment in Downtown Arts the Spring Creek Trail underpass in 2008 ; and and Cultural Initiative focuses on stimulating Installation of the community's first piece of and supporting the arts Downtown during tough gateway art on Prospect Road in 2007 . economic times ; and • The City's Cultural Resources Board has Historic preservation projects , including building reframed its mission and the Fort Fund grant facade enhancements and restoration of historic program to "serve as a catalyst in making Fort signs , have also added to the visual appeal of the Collins a cultural center and destination . " community. Additionally , van , bicycle , and walking tours of the community increase public awareness and recognition of historic preservation , planning , urban design , and public art accomplishments . 12 ARTS AND CULTURE SNAPSHOT Plan ( Fort Collins Improved and expanded arts and culturalk facilities Y .- The City's Cultural Facilities Plan , adopted in 2008 , provides recommendations for improvements and additions to the City' s cultural and performance facilities . The most notable arts and cultural facility enhancements will occur in 2010 , with a major renovation to the Lincoln Center, and the development of a joint facility for the newly merged Fort Collins Museum and Discovery Science Center. These improvements are supported by the 2005 voter-approved Building on Basics tax renewal and through private donations . Another key addition to the City's cultural facilities was the donation of the ' Romero House , a Hispanic heritage museum . 111 Advanced arts and cultural programming The number of public and private arts and cultural A major renovation to the Lincoln Center will help Fort Collins transform into a nationally- programs in Fort Collins continue to grow annually . recognized arts and cultural destination . One notable addition to the arts and cultural scene was the First Friday Gallery Walk , which began in 2000 . The Walk includes more than 15 participating CITY COLLABORATIONS IN ARTS AND CULTURE galleries , and draws activity to Downtown on the first Friday of each month . The City has many departments that collaborate to provide art and cultural programs and services, In 2005 , a Public Opinion Survey confirmed that a including: majority of Fort Collins residents believe arts , Public art science , and culture improve our quality of life and contribute to education and development of our Performing arts events Visual arts exhibitions children . Several years later, in 2007 , UniverCity Cultural and science exhibitions Connections brought together arts and culture constituents from throughout the community to Educational programs Classes and outreach strategize shared needs and identify solutions to address those needs . Cultural planning Today , the arts and culture industry is represented COMMUNTIY PARTNERS IN ARTS AND CULTURE by more than 80 non -profit organizations , for-profit The City routinely partners with the following creative businesses , and hundreds of individual organizations in arts and culture endeavors : artists living and working in Fort Collins . • Beet Street • Bohemian Foundation • Community Foundation • Colorado State University • Downtown Development Authority • First Friday Gallery Walk • Poudre Landmark Foundation • Poudre River Library District • Poudre School District • UniverCity Connections • Uniquely Fort Collins Industry Cluster ARTS AND CULTURE SNAPSHOT 13 WHAT CHALLENGES AND Coordinating design efforts for streetscapes , OPPORTUNITIES REMAIN ? public spaces , buildings , and public art Forging continued collaboration and Public spaces should be designed with key coordination of the arts and culture community emphasis on their visual impact and within a cohesive design vision . Through UniverCity Connections and other initiatives , great strides have been made in SUSTAINABILITY - WHAT ARE collaboration and coordination . The challenge THE CROSS- CUTTING TOPICS ? remains to sustain these efforts into the future and achieve specific objectives . Arts and culture overlap with a number of other Continued resourcing and funding of arts and snapshot report topics and are important to culture organizations , programs , and facilities sustainability . All great cities have strong arts and culture contributing to their livability, economic To remain successful in the future , it will be success , interest , and attractive appearance of important to focus on improving the operations , parks and public places . Arts and culture promote business , and fundraising acumen of artists and learning , creativity , and pride , and are critical to arts organizations . Finding and committing attracting an educated workforce . Some of the sustainable financial resources to support cross-cutting arts and culture topics include : continued arts and culture programming , maintenance , and operations will be an ongoing Local Arts/Public Places : Developing further challenge . Finally , it will be necessary to resource connections/integration of arts and cultural and develop appropriate high -quality cultural elements into the built environment and local facilities to support the arts . The City' s Cultural economy . Facilities Plan states that the lack of facilities is Arts and Utilities : Increasing presence of stifling the growth of the arts in Fort Collins . artistic elements as part of utilities and Funding future facilities will be an ongoing renewable energy facilities . challenge . Arts and Transportation : Incorporating art into transportation corridors and facilities to make Using arts and culture as an economic catalyst the journey as fun as the destination . Arts , culture , and the creative economy can be further developed into a robust industry that attracts What other cross-cutting topics should be explored ? and retains top talent and other creative class sectors of the economy . It will be important to measure the positive economic and quality of life FOR MORE INFORMATION contributions of the arts , culture , and creative economy , and to communicate the successes and Sources impacts of the creative economy to the broader 0Art in Public Places Program community . 0Americans for the Arts - Arts and Economic Prosperity Study (2003 and 2007) Continuing to differentiate Fort Collins from its 0 Beet Street Strategic Plan for 2010 and Beyond neighbors as an arts and culture destination (2009 ) Fort Collins must continue to differentiate itself as a • City of Fort Collins Cultural Plan (2009)City Plan ( 1997 and 2004 ) unique destination for entertainment , cultural , and Colorado Council on the Arts - The State of intellectual pursuits and as the selected home for Colorado ' s Creative Economy (2008 ) members of the creative class . • Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards (2007) 14 ARTS AND CULTURE SNAPSHOT Plan )), Fort Collins Built Environment and Land Use WHAT ARE THE CITY ' S CURRENT VALUES ? The 1997 City Plan established guidance for shaping the look , feel , and function of neighborhoods , commercial centers , and I employment areas . The overall aim is to continue building a distinctive city in which separate developments , streets , parks , and public works ,l projects form a cohesive , integrated community. — 4 Fort Collins focuses development and growth within its designated urban growth area . Some of the main intentions are to protect sensitive natural I resources and the regional landscape setting , encourage infill and redevelopment ( inward revitalization ) , and make the most efficient use of public infrastructure . Supporting land uses are to be brought together in a development pattern designed to create a pleasant environment for New development along Harmony Road integrates walking and bicycling as well as vehicle travel . pedestrian amenities and demonstrates high Within the overall development pattern , distinctive quality design. local design of buildings and streetscapes , thoughtful preservation of valuable historic resources , and incorporation of public art are key parts of the city's values related to the built A FEW SELECT AWARDS SINCE 1997 environment . The City's values related to this topic 0A Distinctive Dozen Destination — National Trust are : for Historic Preservation • American Planning Association (APA ) Colorado • Efficient , sustainable development pattern ; Chapter Award—Community Engagement - The • Downtown as the vital center of the community ; Plan Van • Other vibrant mixed -use activity centers ; 0APAColorado Chapter Award—Community • Safe and attractive neighborhoods with a mix of Service Project - Development Review Guide housing types and services ; 0Colorado Governors Award for Downtown • Connected neighborhoods and districts with Excellence, Armstrong Hotel Rehabilitation convenient access to reduce travel distances ; 0Presidential Award— Preserve America, the • A balanced mix of housing and employment ; highest National Historic Preservation Award • Efficient and adequate public facilities and • APAColorado Chapter Award—Outstanding services ; Planning Project - East Mulberry Corridor Plan • Preserved historic buildings and districts ; 0State Honor Award , Colorado Preservation Inc. • High-quality design of streets , buildings , and - Preservation of the Historic Preston Farm places ; 0APAColorado Chapter Award—Outstanding • Existing neighborhoods protected from Planning Project - Northern Colorado incompatible change ; Communities Separator Study • Collaboration with the planning effo s of Governor' s Award—Outstanding Efforts in adjacent communities ; and Smart Growth and Development - Fossil Creek • A complete connected transportation system Reservoir Plan and City Plan, Design Standards and green corridors throughout the community. and Guidelines for Large Retail Establishments • APAColorado Chapter Award—Outstanding Planning Project - City Plan BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE SNAPSHOT 15 WHAT HAS THE CITY Redevelopment projects are becoming more ACCOMPLISHED ? common . Since 1997 , 481 dwelling units and 240 , 000 square feet of non-residential infill development and redevelopment have occurred . _ Several large-scale development projects have achieved the desired mixed-use pattern , integrating retail shops , offices , and residences close together all within walking and biking r� distance of homes . I Distinct community destinations are emerging E � Downtown continues to be a key regional destination for working , shopping and living . It _. attracts people—with its vibrant pedestrian environment, good transit connections , and attractive and historic buildings and streets . But other commercial areas also are becoming more distinct places along the lines described in City Plan. For example : Campus West is starting a transformation with a This conceptual drawing of the Downtown Penny Flats street that is safer and more inviting for development shows an attractive public realm with a pedestrians , with new buildings facing the mix of commercial and residential uses. street. • The River District also is becoming more Since adoption of the 1997 City Plan and welcoming , with new, attractive buildings and subsequent updates , the City has made significant investments in infrastructure upgrades . progress towards implementing land use , urban North College is attracting commercial and design , and historic preservation policies . Some of residential investment such as the North the main accomplishments are identified below. College Marketplace , Union Place , and Old Town North . Development Patterns and Land Use Mix/Growth Management New neighborhoods providing more choices Developing land in Fort Collins more efficiently New neighborhoods built since 1997 , such as Harvest Park or Observatory Village , provide Development since 1997 has become more choices in housing and lifestyles . efficient, helping to reduce reliance on growth on undeveloped or agricultural land for housing and They contain multi-family and single-family employment. According to the 2007 City Plan housing , small parks , trail connections , and Monitoring Project, the overall average densities of neighborhood services , like daycare . new mixed-use neighborhood developments were The neighborhoods have connected streets , like approximately: the downtown grid pattern , so that people can easily walk , bike , and drive . • 7 . 5 units per acre ( 150% of the City's requirement for a minimum of 5 units per acre in Conserved significant natural features new low density mixed-use neighborhoods) ; By guiding new development to suitable locations , and o the community has conserved natural features . For • 18 units per acre ( 150 /o of the minimum example , Poudre Fire Authority Station #4 was required 12 units per acre in new medium developed away from Spring Creek and efforts are density mixed-use neighborhoods) . underway to restore natural features . (See the 16 BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE SNAPSHOT Plan ( Fort Collins Natural Areas , Parks , and Recreation Snapshot for awareness and spotlights some of the many information on natural areas acquisitions and creative additions in the distinctive City . restoration . ) Thoughtful urban design is lending character to Connected transportation and water corridors whole neighborhoods , building groupings , City Plan in 1997 called for connected corridors . individual buildings , streetscapes , parks , plazas , Transportation and water corridors are becoming public art and design touches as small as a railing important amenities within the community for around an outdoor cafe . multiple purposes . Improving design quality of new buildings • Mason Corridor will provide transportation options between destinations near College Buildings are being constructed with high quality Avenue . materials and a more interesting , attractive design . • McClellan Creek features restored habitat and a In addition , the number of energy efficient "green " trail near several new neighborhoods . buildings is growing . Some examples include breweries , City buildings , new schools , pads on Provision and Integration of Services Harmony Road , In -Situ , and the Lofts at Magnolia . Providing adequate public facilities through new Historic Preservation development City Plan calls for adequate public facilities and Receiving national recognition for historic infrastructure provided at the time of new preservation efforts development . For instance : The historic preservation program has led to the • The City's adequate public facilities protection of over 1 , 800 historic properties and has requirements have prevented new been key in the revitalization of Historic Old Town . developments from overburdening street Fort Collins has received state and national infrastructure in the Mountain Vista Area . recognition for its outstanding efforts to preserve the • Private development helped to pay for the historic heritage of the community. Timberline and Prospect Road intersection improvements . Constructing and coordinating necessary community infrastructure improvements The City has constructed large necessary infrastructure improvements such as the Howes Street and Oak Street Outfalls , as stormwater ~� solutions to serious flooding problems in the Downtown . In addition , the City has been emphasizing utilities and transportation improvement project coordination to maximize ! ' efficiency . ,* - Urban Design i-- - W Increasing attractive and functional public spaces --' City Plan has fostered quality urban design and a strong sense of place . In response to the Downtown Fort Collin is o big attraction for increasing number of interesting and inspiring residents and visitors. design efforts , the City launched an urban design awards program in 2006 . The program raises BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE SNAPSHOT 17 WHAT CHALLENGES AND Positioning the City for desirable change OPPORTUNITIES REMAIN ? through infill and redevelopment The process of transforming places to a more Since 1997 , the City has made strides toward a desirable pattern takes time and effort. Fort Collins more mixed-use pattern , higher quality of is encouraging infill and redevelopment in development, and historic preservation . More appropriate and viable locations . However, these remains to be done to achieve these and other types of projects are costly and may require long-standing goals , as described below. significant utility and street upgrades . • Many large retailers are moving from older spaces to new areas within and outside of the community. Also , the retail industry is in flux. Plan Fort Collins should address how to occupy older spaces or redevelop them to prevent decline of older commercial areas . Porte e • The Mid-Town redevelopment study is looking at options for the area around the Foothills Mall over the long -term . Defining how neighborhoods will accommodate r FortCollins future population and lifestyle shifts While many of the future housing needs will be met j by the existing housing stock, the types of neighborhoods in place today ( largely single-family homes) may not be what an aging and diversifying Windsor population will need in the future . The City will need L veland to define whether or how neighborhoods should be allowed to change to accommodate demographic Communities near Fort Collins are growing, which shifts , value changes , and changing lifestyles . poses new challenges to the City 's growth Keeping pace with material and technological management strategies. change in design and configuration of buildings is another issue to consider. Development Patterns and Land Use Mix/Growth Addressing limited transit links to and from Management activity centers Planning for limited outward growth potential The options for people to move to and from activity and regional growth impacts centers are limited due to the lack of complete The City is limited in its outward expansion , yet the transit connections . City Plan and the City will continue to be an attractive place to live Transportation Master Plan updates will need to be and work. This means the City will need to : closely coordinated to address priority transit • Address demand for new housing and jobs . connections . (See the Transportation Snapshot. ) • Plan for the effects of regional growth ( i . e . , Maintaining a balance of jobs -and - housing and adjacent communities) on transportation land for future jobs and employment systems, utilities , community character, and quality of life. The City has traditionally seen strong market • Work regionally to maintain and enhance pressure to use vacant employment land for important natural areas or open spaces . housing or retail uses , which may occur again when the housing market gains momentum . However, a reduction in planned or zoned employment land may mean insufficient land to accommodate future job growth . Targeted industries , which are clusters of a type of businesses most likely to be attracted to 18 BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE SNAPSHOT Plan Fort Collins Fort Collins ( like biosciences and clean energy) extensive upgrades to nearby streets , have particular site needs . It will be important to stormwater facilities , and utilities . The costs for protect suitable vacant sites and ensure adequate these upgrades have been out of reach for public facilities to accommodate such industries . many businesses , leading to vacant buildings . • Consider the trend toward renewable energy and distributed generation and its affect on land 7 , • use patterns and urban design . • Address appropriate land uses for flood prone areas . • Find potential opportunities in the urban area for enhanced natural corridors that can serve multiple purposes : flood protection , recreation , and habitat protection (e . g . , Soldier Creek, Mul _ Boxelder Creek , and Cooper Slough ) . • Address increased water demands related to new development while maintaining drought protection for the entire City. E_ r ar •n ` — a � Legend Vacant Buildable Land "i " ; h� `h ' Coordination - Targeted Redevelopment Areas — - of utility/ infrastructure Vacant land and targeted redevelopment areas. . r is important in sue. new and Provision and Inte ration of Services - redeveloping 3.� g � • � �' s•' . � t areas, such as with the large Addressing infrastructure needs for parts of the Howes Street City wth older or substandard infrastructure stormwater The City will need to continue to address the Urban Design project. demands on aging infrastructure in older areas , particularly as infill and redevelopment occurs . Continuing appropriate renewal of Downtown Continuing coordination , integration , and An important issue for Downtown is the need to expansion of utilities balance preservation of the character, provision of utilities , and accommodation of new growth for As new development occurs , the City will need to sustained vitality. address the following issues related to utilities : • Balance the community desire for higher Increasing activity along the street for people density urban development with the need for The city encourages places with active street fronts safe , reliable , and maintainable utility service and walkable connections . Some challenges are : lines in constricted rights-of-way. New retailers generally prefer large and • Jointly address potentially conflicting goals of individual parking lots for each building pad , reducing stormwater pollution caused by with wide separation between buildings and the impervious ( hard ) surfaces and promoting street. While optimal for drive-in business , higher density urban areas . these types of places are generally not pleasant • Find opportunities for transitional or small walking environments and often have a businesses that do not trigger requirements for BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE SNAPSHOT 19 character that could be anywhere ( i . e . , not Neighborhoods and Sustainability: Fostering unique to Fort Collins) . sustainability , such as household food • Despite all the attention to design (such as production , green energy , and water quality landscaping , detached sidewalks , and bike improvements . lanes) , arterial streets are not always attractive Sustainable Infrastructure: Providing a more to pedestrians . fiscally and environmentally sound system of maintaining community infrastructure . Determining appropriate height for buildings Efficient Mobility: Providing choices for travel Sustainable , efficient infill and redevelopment poses to reduce auto-dependency and greenhouse questions and controversy about appropriate height gas emissions . limits for new taller buildings throughout the City Green Streets : Building streets for stormwater and along 1 -25 . drainage , and multiple types of transportation (car, bike , and pedestrian ) . Defining gateways that help distinguish Fort Land Use and Green Technology: Developing Collins from surrounding communities land use policies that support new technologies (green building , alternative energy Fort Collins ' gateways are being redefined by development , smart metering , electric vehicles , growth in adjacent communities , particularly along etc . ) . 1 -25 . To maintain its uniqueness and sense of Low Impact Stormwater: Adapting water identity , gateways and corridor definition will be quality , and stormwater functions more fully into important . the urban environment . Historic Preservation What other cross-cutting topics should be explored ? Reconciling " change " and " preservation " within historic neighborhoods , Fort Collins , like many maturing communities , aims to reconcile the desires for development and change with preservation of historic buildings and the desired character , or "feel , " of community and s neighborhoods (e . g . , scrape offs , pop-ups , and ' v1 demolition through attrition ) . Plan Fort Collins is an Corporate opportunity to define appropriate types and places franchise design for change in neighborhoods and preservation . _ was adapted to . give new life to Balancing new commercial development in this historic historic Old Town building along College Avenue. A similar challenge exists with balancing The Rigden Farm commercial area is commercial redevelopment in the Old Town well connected to the surrounding commercial area , and the protection of nearby neighborhood. historic buildings . SUSTAINABILITY - WHAT ARE FOR MORE INFORMATION THE CROSS- CUTTING TOPICS ? Sources • City Plan ( 1997, 2004 ) . The built environment and land use has many Advance Planning website (subarea plans ) . interconnections with the city' s broader City Plan Monitoring Project, Biennial Indicator sustainability goals to balance human , financial , Report , 1997- 2007 (2009 ) . and environmental aspects . The following are specific linked topics : �J 20 BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE SNAPSHOT Plan % Fort Collins Environment and Utilities WHAT ARE CITY VALUES ? Management of hazardous materials The City of Fort Collins has led the way in innovative Air, Emissions , and Climate Protection and sustainable environmental quality and utilities Improved air quality programs for decades , beginning with drinking Climate protection water, watershed , and water conservation plans in Sustainability and Performance the late 1980s ; energy policies in the 1990s ( updated in 2003 and 2009) ; and air quality and Serving as a leader in environmental performance and sustainability in daily emissions policies in the early 1990s . In 1999 , Fort operations and actions Collins was among the first communities in the Leveraging economic benefits of nation to develop a community-wide carbon sustainability and engaging people reduction goal . It developed an Action Plan for • Community education for all above Sustainability (2004 , updated in 2007) , and began programs climate action planning in the late 1990s , culminating most recently with the 2008 Climate Action Plan. More recently, the City is focusing on green building standards and programs . The 1997 City Plan and 2004 update included only limited discussion of utilities and their relationship to ' land use , growth , transportation , and other environment and natural resources topics . Plan Fort Fort Collins provides high Collins will seek ways to link topics and present quality utilities policies through a more systems-based approach - to businesses that will help manage resources , and address and residents, growth efficiently and economically, as well as including water,wastewater, protect environmental quality. The City's current stormwater, and values related to environmental quality and utilities electricity. are identified below: Water COMMUNITY PARTNERS • High-quality drinking water The City partners with organizations with similar • Managing watersheds and water resources sustainability, utilities , energy, and environment ( balancing drought protection and goals, including : conservation) Wastewater 0 Poudre School District (award -winning green • Water reclamation that meets or exceeds building program , Sustainability Management regulatory requirements System ) ; Stormwater 0 Colorado State University ( recognized • People and structures protected from internationally for pioneering clean and flooding renewable energy technologies ) ; • Quality streams , rivers , and water resources 0 Climate Wise partners ( publicly committing to Electric Service/ Energy and Green Building voluntarily reduce greenhouse gas emissions ) ; • Safe , reliable , competitive electric service • The Northern Colorado Clean Energy cluster (a • Energy-efficiency, renewable energ public / private sector partnership ) ; carbon neutral energy 0 Community non - profit organizations ; • Green building 0 UniverCity Connections ; Recycling and Solid Waste Management • Businesses practicing sustainability; and • Waste reduction and waste stream 0Platte River Power Authority ( PRPA) . diversion (recycling and composting) ENVIRONMENT AND UTILITIES SNAPSHOT 21 r WHAT HAS THE CITY Assuring the quality of water service , Coordinating drinking water and wastewater ACCOMPLISHED ? treatment management, • Cooperating with other water providers and users , and ' Annual reporting . At Provided watershed protection r Fort Collins drinking water comes from two ' watersheds (the Cache la Poudre River and Colorado- Big Thompson watersheds) , both with active watershed monitoring programs , dating from the 1980s . The City manages the watersheds to minimize negative impacts to the quality of the waters from activities on land and water. The City has been a member of the Big Thompson Watershed Forum and participated in the Poudre River collaboration . Established water supply and drought protection goals The Water Supply and Demand Management Policy, adopted in 2003 , establishes guidelines for The Cache la Poudre River one of the two water sources for drinking water supply in Fort Collins. water conservation goals . It provides general (Photo by Nicki Bensley) criteria for decisions regarding water supply projects , acquisition of water rights and demand management measures . It addresses : Two City departments ( Natural Resources and Utilities) carry out environmental and utilities . Drought protection to meet at least a "One—in— planning and programs . They have accomplished a 50-year " drought event, and great deal over the years related to air quality, Management of the City's supplies to meet natural areas , recycling and solid waste , drinking water demands and other obligations . environmental planning and information , climate protection , water, stormwater, wastewater, and Achieving water conservation electricity. Accomplishments are summarized The updated Water Conservation Plan details the below. measures , costs , and benefits of conservation . Since the 1990s , the City has completed installation Water Resources of system-wide water metering , resulting in significant reduction of water use , prior to the 2002- Maintained high quality drinking water 2003 drought period . Other conservation measures The City's Drinking Water Quality Policy, adopted in include : 1993 , provides guidance for the provision of water service that meets or exceeds customer . Indoor and outdoor efficiency programs ; expectations for quality, quantity, and reliability. . Xeriscape demonstration and programs ; Drinking water quality is managed through : . Irrigation standards ; Leak detection ; and • g ,Pro-active monitoring and testin • Customer education . • Protecting , developing , and preserving water resources , Wastewater • Advancing treatment technology and operations , Water reclamation facilities operate at high level • Operating and maintaining the water distribution The City operates two facilities , the Drake and system , Mulberry Water Reclamation Facilities , to clean and 22 ENVIRONMENT AND UTILITIES SNAPSHOT Plan Fort Collins treat wastewater to remove contaminants before away, but as another natural resource . The City has returning water to the environment. completed three L . I . D . demonstration projects and a monitoring and sampling program to test water • Major renovations of the Mulberry facility are quality. 20% of developed properties are treated currently underway. this way, with a goal of 100% by 2035 ( in 21st • Wastewater treatment facilities produce about Century Goals) . 1 , 900 dry tons of biosolids each year, which are applied to the 26 , 000-acre Meadow Springs Mitigated flooding and removed structures from Ranch north of Fort Collins to reduce waste and floodplains and protection of water quality improve crop production . Floodplain mapping was updated in 2003 along • The City's Pollution Control Laboratory ensures with regulations . In the future stormwater master that treated wastewater meets requirements of plans will use the triple bottom line approach to the National Pollution Discharge Elimination mitigate flooding hazards , and maintain the high System permits . Federal Emergency Management Act ( FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) Class 4 rating . Since 1997 , approximately 2 , 585 structures have been removed from the floodplain . Substantial investment has occurred in Downtown (e . g . , Oak }� Street flood mitigation project) . Electric Service 1 Energy Providing reliable , cost-effective electric service 1; Years before the first Electric Energy Supply Policy, Light and Power established a distribution system undergrounding program to ensure electric reliability. Completed in 2009 , the underground distribution system and high standards for Mulberry water Reclamation construction and maintenance of the system facility under construction. produce enviable reliability for customers , who seldom experience an outage . When outages occur, they are brief in duration . The 2009 Energy Stormwater Policy continues to focus on cost-effective , reliable Stormwater has accomplished numerous programs , electricity service for homes , schools and plans and policies over the years—too many to cite businesses . here . A few key accomplishments are listed below. Recycling and Solid Waste Management Restored streams A goal for restoration of stream corridors is to Continuing to reduce landfill waste restore 21 miles of streams by 2035 . As of 2009 , Fort Collins' efforts at waste reduction and recycling the City has restored approximately 5 . 9 miles . All began to come into focus in the 1990's , when City urban stream corridor reaches have been original estimates put levels of waste diversion at inventoried and rated using physical and biological 17-20% . As programs have been launched , parameters to monitor and improve stream health . developed , and refined , including 1995's cornerstone Pay-as-you-Throw ordinance for trash Using Low Impact Development and Best fees , data collection capability has also improved . Management Practice techniques In 2008 , the diversion rate measured 33% . Low Impact Development ( L . I . D . ) is an innovative/ comprehensive approach to stormwater The City also offers many waste diversion programs , management that is modeled after nature . It uses such as a leaf exchange , sofa round-up , waste design techniques to infiltrate , filter, store , vegetable drop-off, Christmas tree drop-off, and a evaporate , and detain runoff close to its source . It full service drop-off center and a second glass only does not treat stormwater as "waste" to be piped ENVIRONMENT AND UTILITIES SNAPSHOT 23 drop off. Many more programs are noted on the and report on carbon reduction strategies . The City's website . program represents the City's top employers ( representing more than 20 , 000 employees) Providing management of hazardous materials and the City's top energy users ( representing The City has ongoing programs to prevent and approximately one third of Fort Collins Utilities' abate hazardous materials , including illegal or total annual electricity delivered) . improper pollution to the City's stormwater system Annual cost savings for the Climate Wise and to educate , monitor, and manage the use of partners exceeded $7 . 2 million in 2008 alone . hazardous materials in City operations . Since the program Is inception , cumulative Air, Emissions , and Climate Protection savings to partners are nearly $24 .4 million . Improved air quality Since 1994 , the City's over-arching air quality goal Climate Wise is a Free , Voluntary Outreach has been to continually improve air quality even as Program the City grows . Recognizing that good The program is dedicated to helping organization environmental quality positively affects public reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money. In health , economic viability, and overall quality of life , 2006, the program organized and collaborated with Fort Collins has set the bar higher than the minimum the Climate Wise Advisory Committee to develop a compliance requirements , seeking continual tiered performance structure of bronze through improvement. Fort Collins has come into platinum levels—the higher the level the more compliance with federal carbon monoxide recognition they receive as a leader in the standards , officially recognized in the Carbon community. The program provides the following Monoxide Maintenance Plan (2002) , and maintains support : compliance with standards for particulate matter. • Customized solutions for waste reduction , Increased climate protection energy savings, transportation , and water In 2008 , City Council updated the carbon reduction conservation goals and plan . The 2008 Climate Action Plan 0 Green Team development assistance ( CAP) sets forth community carbon reduction goals 0 Employee education and engagement to reduce community-wide greenhouse gas • Seminars, workshops , and educational tours emissions by 20 % below 2005 levels by 2020 and • Tools and resources for project/ greenhouse 80% by 2050 . It relies on strategies important to gas savings (Greenhouse gas baseline too[ ) achieving multiple City values , including economic 0 Partner List Sery and myClimateWise database vitality, green building , sustainable land use planning , and transportation programs . * ytt * * * ytr • The CAP program grew from 13 partners in 2000 to over 180 in 2009 and surpassed its Sustainability and Environmental Policy ( City 2010 reduction goal in 2008 by avoiding over Government Leadership) 100 , 000 tons carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions in 2008 . Following the Action Plan for Sustainability • CAP goals align with those of the Fort Collins In 2004 , the City developed the Action Plan for Utilities , Platte River Power Authority , the state Sustainability for internal operations , which set of Colorado , and other City policies . specific numeric reduction goals for greenhouse • Fort Collins community greenhouse gas gases , energy, transportation , waste , water, native emissions dropped 0 . 7% below 2005 levels in vegetation , purchasing , and employee wellness . 2008 , despite a 5 . 5% growth in population . Per The City is tracking and reporting its progress : capita carbon emission dropped 6% over the • Carbon emissions from the municipal same time period . This progress can be organization are leveling off from 2005 to 2009 . attributed in part to forward -thinking energy and • The City has reduced its electric use by 3% waste reduction policies and Climate Wise . from 2005 to 2009 . • Ongoing support of the City's Climate Wise A third of the trash collection sites managed by program helps community businesses develop Operation Services were downsized . 24 ENVIRONMENT AND UTILITIES SNAPSHOT Plan Fort Collins WHAT CHALLENGES AND Stormwater OPPORTUNITIES REMAIN ? Continuing stream restoration The City will continue to restore the additional 15+ Water Quality Management miles of streams identified in the 21st Century Goals . Elements of urban runoff, and treated effluent are Managing watersheds and drinking water quality now believed to cause problems for aquatic life . Major water projects and operational changes could New types and higher level of water quality potentially affect the City's management of water treatment may be required to achieve desired levels quality. Proposed water supply transfers to of stream restoration . Horsetooth Reservoir and the construction of a second Horsetooth Reservoir outlet structure are two such projects . The City still has concerns and questions about the Northern Integrated Supply Project ( NISP) (or the Glade Reservoir) and its impacts on the water treatment facility and to the Poudre River and habitat. City Utilities also continues to focus on raw water +� quality, because source watersheds are under various human and environmental pressures . For instance , pine beetle deforestation , wildfires , climate change , and invasive mussels potentially challenge management of the source water quality. Addressing water quality potentially affected by water conservation is another issue . When less water gets distributed through the system , it takes more time for water to get from the treatment plant to the tap . This creates potential concerns over Denver 's Stapleton stormwater facility is an water quality in the distribution system related to example of a regional stormwater/ water quality management approach for infill and reduced demand for water because of water I redevelonment in urhnn nrens_ conservation . Addressing stormwater treatment in infill Balancing water resource planning and drought development areas protection objectives Development sites , especially infill and The City and region is facing increased competition redevelopment projects , are often complicated by for regional water supplies . The City recognizes stormwater management requirements . On-site public concerns and permitting challenges related stormwater requirements may conflict with the goals to balancing drought protection and building water of compact development. Regional stormwater storage . In addition , increasing water system strategies may be necessary to address stormwater regionalization will require ongoing planning and runoff produced by compact development and infill coordination . projects . Meeting or exceeding regulatory requirements Meeting more stringent criteria for acceptable for water reclamation quality and quantity of stormwater Federal and state standards continue to get more The pollution of streams and rivers in urban areas is challenging for water reclamation . The City will a growing concern . The City must comply with need to continue to respond to and meet standards . State and Federal regulations for stormwater runoff, which are becoming more stringent. In response , it has been developing new standards , such as requirements for construction sites to provide sediment and erosion control . The City is evaluating ENVIRONMENT AND UTILITIES SNAPSHOT 25 the practice of Low Impact Development ( L . I . D . ) to Adapting to new electric system technology address urban runoff in pilot projects across town . As new technologies are introduced and as the City (See L . I . D . description in the "accomplishments" modernizes its infrastructure , retraining the existing section . ) workforce is going to be critical for future success . In addition , as the existing workforce approaches Coordinating utilities , other City departments , retirement, new engineers and technicians will need other organizations , and public input to be trained to replace them . Building interest and To ensure adequate stormwater treatment, momentum to attract new engineers and fulfillment of multiple purposes , and achieving the technicians is critical . triple bottom line philosophy, the Utilities stormwater division will need to continue coordination with other In addition , the integration of more renewable jurisdictions , homeowners and businesses to energy into the electrical distribution system will prevent water pollution and address water quality require new technologies , skills , and business and volume of water. Community education about models . As the most obvious and cost-effective materials that may harm water quality may be a energy efficiency projects are accomplished , the future component of stormwater programs . City will need to develop new and innovative energy efficiency programs to achieve Energy Policy goals . Energy and Electricity As management of the electric load becomes more decentralized with new technologies , the City may Responding to uncertainty of carbon legislation also need to address customer privacy issues . The likelihood and details of carbon legislation at the federal level , to reduce energy-related green Committing to green building house gas emissions , are still undefined . The The 2007 Roadmap for Coordinated and Enhanced uncertainty of the costs of such programs makes it Green Building Services outlines a vision for difficult to evaluate the real value of programs and creating a sustainable built environment using a projects . combination of incentives , recognition and regulations . Development and implementation of an Increasing energy security effective Green Building Program by 2011 will As the electrical system is modernized and require participation and collaboration with a wide information technology is integrated with the range of stakeholders , development of metrics , system , City Utilities will need to reduce chances of development of quantifiable goals and objectives , cyber-attack as well as physical system sabotage . and ongoing evaluation . Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction Reducing solid waste and diversion from landfill Waste diversion opportunities for commercial • generators are largely untapped , and strategies to involve this sector are strategic City " next steps . " Larimer County landfill waste profiles show that The workforce will need to be organics and construction/demolition debris make prepared to up a large portion of the waste stream , and that a deal with new surprisingly large amount of paper goods (e . g . , utility cardboard ) still enters the landfill . Programs that technologies. target specific materials may be a valuable approach for the City to consider. In the long -term , reaching the next level of waste diversion (including a goal set in 1999 for 50% waste diversion) requires fundamental changes in source reduction and shifts in consumer behavior. 26 ENVIRONMENT AND UTILITIES SNAPSHOT Plan Fort Collins Managing hazardous materials level ozone and particulates . Climate adaptation Managing household hazardous materials requires : plans address these issues . Meeting the Climate • Hosting household hazardous waste collection Action Plan goal to reduce communitywide events for the community to ensure proper greenhouse gas emissions 20% below 2005 levels recycling and disposal ; by 2020 looms as the population grows . The City • Collaborating with Larimer County to provide has a list of future actions , including implementation hazardous materials recycling opportunities in the community; of the 2009 Energy Policy, to guide progress . • Developing internal processes and systems to reduce and manage hazardous materials Meeting sustainability and environmental generated from City operations ; and policies for City operations • Staying abreast of changing hazardous waste For the City to function efficiently and meet its regulations . sustainability goals for internal operations , it will need to address several challenges including but not limited to : • Departments or programs with cross-cutting Air, Emissions , and Climate Protection purposes that currently function independently; • Accountability and performance goals tied to P1P sustainability and carbon budgets for service areas ; • Developing a culture of sustainability; and • Developing partnerships with other community L� a organizations and businesses . a f SUSTAINABILITY-WHAT ARE THE CROSS = CUTTING TOPICS ? so ene ,od Get 'em o This snapshot contains a number of topics that are linked with other snapshots . For instance , a healthy A sampling of City environmental environment, efficient use of resources and a sound programs. supporting utility infrastructure are highly interrelated with a number of the City's human , Meeting higher state and federal air quality financial , and environmental sustainability goals . standards Environmental stewardship , for example , is related The City will continually strive to meet air quality to the City's built environment, such as energy, standards , but standards are getting more rigorous . water and resource use in new and existing The current 8-hour ozone standard set in 2008 buildings and homes , as well as stewardship of • is rigorous , and if the standard is tightened streams and open lands in the natural environment. further to protect health , as Environmental Reducing the City's carbon footprint is closely Protection Agency ( EPA) has proposed , this will linked with both the built environment and pose additional challenges . transportation . Some of the cross-cutting • The EPA is currently reviewing federal health sustainability topics related to environment and standards for ozone , nitrogen dioxide and sulfur utilities include : dioxide to determine if they adequately protect public health . All standards may be . conom Environmental/Eic Dual Purpose strengthened , leading to improved air quality, p increased control cost, and decreased public Programs: The City's environmental programs , health costs . goals , and policies often serve the dual purpose of improving the environment and the long-term Achieving climate protection goals economic health and resilience of the Climate change may have impacts on water and community. For example , Climate Wise helps other resources . Over time , rising temperatures and businesses reduce their environmental footprint, other impacts of climate change may also while at the same time , helping them to save contribute to elevated concentrations of ground- money on their day-to-day operations . ENVIRONMENT AND UTILITIES SNAPSHOT 27 • Water Quality: Managing water use efficiency National Pollutant Discharge Elimination and water quality can meet the needs of a System : A program under the federal Clean growing population as well as have positive Water Act to regulate discharge of pollutants impacts on the City's natural resources , to water bodies . recreation use , health , and aquatic habitat. NISP: Northern Integrated Supply Project , a • Energy Policies : Increasing energy efficiency proposed water storage project in Northern and integrating renewable energy and smart Colorado . grid technologies into the energy system to help 0 Organics : Organic matter in solid waste that reduce carbon emissions can benefit Fort can be composted . Collins residents and save money. 0 Raw water: Water that has not been treated • Recycling and Waste Reduction : Working for human consumption . toward greater solid waste diversion and 0 Renewable energy: Energy produced by hazardous waste reduction goals to conserve solar, wind , biomass , or other renewable landfill space , protect community health , and energy sources . use resources more efficiently. 0 Source reduction : Reducing the generation of • Urban Forestry: Managing and planting new hazardous or solid waste . trees on streets and in public spaces helps with 0 Waste Diversion : The amount or percentage stormwater management, clean water and air, of solid waste diverted from landfills through aesthetics , shade and cooling . recycling , composting , reuse , or other means . • Carbon Emission Reduction : Reducing carbon 0 Watershed : A large area that drains snowmelt emissions by vehicles and buildings while and rainfall . adapting to a changing climate in the natural 0 Xeriscape : Landscaping and gardening in ways and built environment. Many of the above that reduce or eliminate the need for topics address carbon emission reduction . supplemental irrigation . What other cross-cutting topics should be on this list? Sources FOR MORE INFORMATION 0 Action Plan for Sustainability (2004 ) • Air Quality Plan (2004 ) Utilities and Environment Terms 0 Carbon Monoxide Maintenance Plan (2002 ) • Biosolids: Byproducts of domestic and 0 Carbon reduction goal ( 1999 and 2008 ) commercial wastewater treatment . 0 Climate Action Plan (2008 ) • Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e) : The 0 Climate Wise Program (ongoing) contribution of greenhouse gases emitted 0 Energy Policy (2003 and 2009 ) other than carbon dioxide , expressed in 0 Drinking Water Quality Policy ( 1993 ) equivalent units of carbon dioxide . 0 Water Supply and Demand Management Policy • Carbon/Greenhouse Gas : Gases such as (2003 ) carbon dioxide that accumulate in the 0 Water Conservation Plan ( updated 2009 ) atmosphere and contribute to climate change . 0 Roadmap for Coordinated and Enhanced Green • Electric load : Power demand on an electrical Building Services (2007) system . • Federal Emergency Management Act ( FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) . A voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed minimum National Flood Insurance Program requirements . • Green Building: The practice of constructing buildings that are more energy, material , and resource efficient and that are healthier for building occupants . 28 ENVIRONMENT AND UTILITIES SNAPSHOT Plan Fort Collins Finance and Economy WHAT ARE THE CITY ' S CURRENT VALUES ? Economy Or Today's local and national economic climate is quite different than when City Plan was first adopted in 1997 . At that time , the City's primary economic strategy emphasized overall quality of life , including a strong sense of community and quality infrastructure . In 2000 and 2001 , the telecommunications and information technology downturn triggered a = contraction of electronics manufacturing and _ technology jobs in the City. In 2004 , Fort Collins began to experience a contraction in its dominance as the primary regional commercial and retail center as neighboring communities reached a size In 2009 Forbes magazine rated the Fort Collins sufficient to attract a broader range of retail and metropolitan area as the second best for business and careers. commercial activities . In 2005 , and as a result of these economic Finance changes , City Council adopted an Economic Vision and Values statement, which articulated a vision of The same economic shifts leading to the adoption a healthy economy for the unique Fort Collins of the Economic Vision also impacted the City's community in a changing world . This vision lead to budget. In 2005 , the City determined that its four primary Economic Health Strategies , which budget system focused on short-term fixes to remain relevant today. These four strategies are the respond to economic downturns (such as spending City's economic health values . They are : down reserves , freezing employee wages , and not filling vacant positions) , instead of longer term • A balanced and targeted approach to business solutions . Thus , the Budgeting for Outcomes ( BFO) approach was used to develop the 2006/07 budget. retention , expansion , incubation and attraction ; Values related to the City's budgeting process • A proactive role of the City in supporting the economic health of the community; include : • Partnership building with local and regional Clarity about the overall budget process for the organizations and the private sector to further community; enhance economic health ; and • Allocation of revenues to the highest priorities Diversifying the local economy by focusing on and outcomes citizens want and need ; new job creation , leveraging the unique Fort Collins brand , and evaluating opportunities for A clear understanding of choices for funding diversifying the City's revenue sources . programs and services ; and • Emphasis on staff accountability, efficiency, innovation and partnerships . FINANCE AND ECONOMY SNAPSHOT 29 WHAT HAS THE CITY CITY OF ACCOMPLISHED ? FORT COLLINS CO . . . I? CONTACT book > list expenses by type The City is actively investing more staff time , Open Book: City of Fort Collins Spendi resources , and policy deliberation to create a Displaying expenses from : Jan_01-2009 to ]an- community where businesses can succeed in a way Open Book home » browse expense types (you that fits community values . The past five years have resulted in numerous accomplishments as a result ! EXPENSE TYPE AMOUNT of the City's shift towards a more holistic economic ACTUARIAL SERVICES $58 .12500 health vision and strategy. These accomplishments ADMIN FEE - FLEX SPENDING $21 , 190 00 are noted below. ADVERTISING SERVICES $396,916.67 AIR CONDITIONER REBATE $17 .256 .00 Transformed the City's budgeting process and AIRPORT SERVICES $8500000 forecasting model , and opened books to the ALUMINUM SULFATE $305 .04008 public ANIMAL CARE SERVICES $91802087 ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES $47,347 .47 The Budgeting for Outcomes ( BFO) process has aligned the City budget to address community issues and has created greater transparency about The City 's new online open book tool allows the City budgeting process for decision makers , residents to view the City 's spending records. citizens , businesses , and interest groups . BFO focuses attention on achieving results the community desires , and the willingness of the public Coordinated efforts to attract target industries to pay for those services . BFO has also provided and employers direction for organizational transformation , economic health activities , and new policies (such In 2006 , the City completed a detailed Target as the Title 32 Metropolitan District and Urban Industry Cluster Analysis of the existing employment Renewal designations) . The current BFO outcome base . The study identified six key primary industry clusters for the City to target, which have evolved areas include : into five industry clusters that represent the future • Environmental Health , economic base of the community, including : • Economic Health , . Chip Design ; • Transportation , 0 Bio Science ; • High Performing Government , 0 Clean Energy; • Neighborhood Livability , 0 Software ; and • Safe Community, and 0 Uniquely Fort Collins ( including arts , cultural , • Cultural and Recreational Opportunities . tourism , breweries , creative firms and hospitality businesses) . In 2007 , the City updated and refined its revenue forecasting model . The previous model relied on The City and Colorado State University (CSU ) have state-wide data that did not accurately reflect the partnered and coordinated efforts on the City's changing conditions in our local community. The Targeted Industry Clusters and the related new model accounts for sales activity in Loveland Superclusters initiatives at CSU . As a result , several and Windsor and shifts in the City's sales mix. The companies have developed around technologies refined model has help project City revenues more spinning out of CSU . Beginning in 2009 , several accurately. companies have considered relocating to Fort Collins because of the partnership . Additionally, the City of Fort Collins is among the first in the nation to offer the Open Book tool , an Rocky Mountain Innovation Initiative , or RMI2 , easy to use , yet detailed account of the City's (originally the Fort Collins Technology Incubator spending records and expenses . program launched in 1998) has evolved from its original program to a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization with an expanded mission and regional focus . A 30 FINANCE AND ECONOMY SNAPSHOT Plan Fort Collins _ y t T ^ Coordination ' ►-- with Colorado State University has ' helped the City attract targeted industries, such as clean energy and bioscience. Developed and utilized tools to spur investment and assist businesses The Uniquely Fort Collins industry cluster includes businesses that differentiate Fort Collins The Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority and from other places, such as breweries. Downtown Development Authority have both leveraged tax increment financing (TIF) to assist numerous projects . The result has been significant brand new 30 , 000 square foot facility for the investment in both the Downtown area the North organization will be completed in 2010 . College Urban Renewal Area . Since 1999 , RM12 has : The Economic Health team has worked with • Produced 162 high-wage jobs , regional partners to develop a Business Innovation • Generated $53 million in investment and grants , Model that provides assistance to businesses and regardless of their size and lifecycle stage . The • Created numerous programs and services for model encompasses all aspects of regional job entrepreneurs . creation , and links businesses with the appropriate lead agency and useful resources . These employment and target industries efforts have helped grow employment activities in Fort While the economic conditions of recent years have Collins in recent years . Since 2005 , there have been challenging , Fort Collins has generally fared been approximately 1 , 000 primary jobs added in better than the national unemployment rate . The Fort Collins , according to attraction and expansion trends since 2003 related to the City's rates of data reported by the Northern Colorado Economic employment and unemployment are presented in Development Corporation ( NCEDC) . Companies Figures 1 and 2 . who have recently expanded or located in Fort Collins include : • English Language Institute of China , • Enterprise Rent-a-Car Claim Center, • Pelco , • Spirae , • Technigraphic Systems , and • Custom Blending . FINANCE AND ECONOMY SNAPSHOT 31 FIGURE 1 : FORT COLLINS EMPLOYMENT COMMUNITY PARTNERS IN ECONOMIC HEALTH TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENT Source : US Bureau of Labor and Statistics 85.000 The City is assisted in its economic health and development efforts by many local and regional 80000 79.0% organizations , including: 7g,00p 76.573 • Colorado State University • Convention and Visitors Bureau ( CVB ) 70,000 • Downtown Business Association ( DBA) • Downtown Development Authority ( DDA) • Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce s5,oao • Innovation Economy Cluster • Larimer Bioscience Cluster so.000 • Larimer County zoos 2004 2M 2M 2007 20M 0 Northern Colorado Be Local • Northern Colorado Clean Energy Cluster • Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation ( NCEDC ) • Northern Colorado Entrepreneurship Network FIGURE 2 : UNEMPLOYMENT TRENDS 0 Rocky Mountain Innovation Initiative ( RMI2 ) Source: US Bureau of Labor and Statistics 0 Software Cluster 120 • State of Colorado 10.0% ,00% • Uniquely Fort Collins Cluster 8.0% • UniverCity Connections 7sx Urban Renewal Authority a o°ie ' CURRENT CITY ECONOMIC FACTS 2 0 a� unwed states (FROM THE MIDTOWN COMMERCIAL CORRIDOR STUDY) ��eColofado 00% -Fort Collins . Median family income is $72, 200 (for a family IIIIIIIIIII III of four) . Zoos 2004 2005 20W 2007 2M Approximately 48 . 2% of the population have • completed four or more years of college The Larimer County unemployment rate is 6 . 1 % ( December 2009 ) . • The City / State has a combined sales tax rate of 6 . 7% • The City sales tax rate of 3 . 0% is among the lowest in Colorado . • The residential property tax rate is 7 . 96% , • The business property tax rate is 29% . • The City ' s adopted biennial budget totals $499 . 1 million for 2010 and $497 . 9 for 2011 . 32 FINANCE AND ECONOMY SNAPSHOT Plan Fort Collins WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES REMAIN ? Maintaining a balanced mix of land uses to support fiscal sustainability Fiscal sustainability requires an understanding of Despite significant forward progress in the past five the mix of land uses and the impacts different land years , the City of Fort Collins still faces numerous uses have on City services and revenues . challenges to achieving awell-balanced , Determining an appropriate mix of land uses must diversified , and healthy economy, as noted below. take into account factors such as fiscal Responding to regional retail and employment sustainability, market demand , and community competition desires . It will be a challenge to achieve a land use mix that fits the current demand , yet is flexible and Communities adjacent to Fort Collins will continue to resilient to meet future changing demands . grow, which will lead to additional commercial and retail development and attraction in these Providing City services despite increasing costs neighboring areas . This increasing competition will In the past decade , annual inflation has stayed continue to affect the City's retailers and employers . below 3 . 0% . However, this statistic encompasses a In addition , the growing regional competition is variety of goods and services across the entire occurring as the amount of available land within the nation . In reality, the costs of most inputs City diminishes , further exacerbating the challenge . ( materials , labor, or services) purchased by the City Making available " shovel ready " land for in the course of providing services have risen more employment rapidly than inflation . During this same time period increases in City revenues have slowed to 0 . 51 % To address the challenges of regional competition , annually. Economic conditions and projections it is important for the City to have land available indicate that this disparity between rising costs and within its boundaries that is adequately prepared for slowing revenues will continue to be a challenge . potential employers and retailers . The process of preparing sites , often referred to as making a site Since 1997 , the City of Fort Collins has been driving "shovel ready, " requires both private and public the price of government down through increases in investment. Understanding the role and timing of efficiency and right-sizing the organization . The public investment in this process , and how to price of government compares the percent of total induce private investment in these activities remains resident income within the City of Fort Collins to the a challenge . expenditures by the City to provide services . The projected increases in 2010 and 2011 , as shown in Understanding fiscal sustainability and Figure 3 on the following page , are due to declining balancing revenues and expenditures over the resident income . long -term Fiscal sustainability is a set of financial practices and policies that assures that revenues and expenditures are in sync . Revenues and expenditures are constantly changing , so it is challenging to assure their balance and synchronization under various scenarios . The City will continue to try to understand the implications of fiscal sustainability and implement strategies to achieve it. FINANCE AND ECONOMY SNAPSHOT 33 FIGURE 3 : PRICE OF GOVERNMENT FOR MORE INFORMATION Cents of every dollar earned going to pay for City services; including utilities and golf. Finance and Economy Terms • Budgeting for Outcomes : This is a method of 8.0 preparing the City budget that clarifies the 7.0 6.7 6.9 6.9 6.7 6.6 6.5 6.3 6.6 6.3 6.2 relationship between citizen priorities and the s.a 6.0 5.7 5.4 5.6 5.6 " price" of services . It is an analytical tool to 5.0 help deliver government services that work PROJECTED better and cost less . 4.0 Fiscal Sustainability: A set of financial v3.0 practices and policies that assures that 20 revenues and expenditures are in sync . • Metropolitan District: A governmental entity 1 .0 that may be formed , subject to city approval, to finance public improvements and services 01 1996NOS 1000TOON100% 10011004200620061001 00TOOSONO10,1 with taxes and fees generated within the district boundaries. SUSTAINABILITY - WHAT ARE Supercluster: An academic and enterprise structure used by Colorado State University to THE CROSS - CUTTING TOPICS ? address complex global challenges that demand multidisciplinary approaches, build on The overall economic health and fiscal stability of a foundation of scholarly excellence in core the City relates to many other topics contained disciplines , and focus academic research . within these snapshots . For instance , the future Target Industry Cluster: Geographic land use decisions the City makes shapes where concentrations of interconnected companies future revenue generating activities such as and institutions in a particular field . employment can occur, and transportation and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) : A financing utility infrastructure are important considerations as technique where the incremental property and employers seek new locations . Some of the cross- sales tax revenues above a baseline and within cutting sustainability topics related to finance and a defined project area can be bundled and the economy include : used to finance public improvements. • Uniquely Fort Collins : This cluster includes • Economic Sustainability: Increasing the artistic , cultural , recreation , and craft capacity of a community to be competitive , brewing businesses and services that resilient , and attractive to enterprise which , in contribute to the eclectic , innovative and high turn , provides meaningful employment to its quality of life in Fort Collins . residents in a manner that does not comprise Urban Renewal Authority ( URA) : An entity is the environment. authorized by the City of Fort Collins to • Financing New Sustainable Technologies : As revitalize , redevelop , restore, and revive the City identifies new approaches and targeted areas within the city limits that technologies to provide services , it will also be promote investment for public benefit . important to address how to finance the capital , operations , and maintenance costs of Sources innovations . In addition , encouraging City of Fort Collins Finance Department (2010 ) sustainable development in the private sector Economic Health Strategy (2006 ) will be key . Target Industry Reports (2006 ) What other cross-cutting topics should be on this list? 34 FINANCE AND ECONOMY SNAPSHOT Plan 4 Fort Collins Health , Wellness , and Safety WHAT ARE THE CITY ' S CURRENT VALUES ? Health , wellness , and safety are not simply factors attributed to individuals within our community, but h they are also topics that help to shape the overall community's appeal , viability, productivity , and economic stability. City Plan envisioned Fort Collins as a safe , healthy, and nonthreatening community, FF yet these topics were woven in as pieces of the plan GETTING elements (such as Transportation , Housing , and STRONG 1 Land Use) , and not directly addressed . Plan Fort • Collins builds on the vision of health , wellness , and safety of City Plan , as well as the ideas contained within the Transportation Master Plan , and from the City's health , wellness , and safety partners , to address these topics comprehensively. Health , safety, and wellness are increasingly recognized as important aspects of a sustainable community. The new Mason Trail provides a safe north-south bicycle route and whimsical signage to remind users Values related to health , wellness , and safety, of the benefits of physical activity. (art by Mario Echevarrial expressed in current plans and policies include : There are many • Opportunities to lead active , healthy, and - s . �►.:.�a partners involved engaging lifestyles ; in creating a healthy and safe • A safe and non-threatening community community environment ; including engaged • Access to healthy foods ; residents and • Equity and fairness in the distribution of numerous serviceproviders. opportunities ; • Respect for diversity and unique heritage ; and • Opportunities for fulfillment and happiness . COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS IN HEALTH , # SAFETY, Et WELLNESS CITY COLLABORATIONS IN HEALTH , SAFETY £t The City also works with organizations throughout the WELLNESS community to foster health , wellness , and safety : A number of City departments work to advance community health , safety and wellness through : Coalition for Activity and Nutrition to Defeat Obesity (CanDo) • Affordable Housing and Human Services Colorado State University programs Food Bank of Larimer County • City Wellness program Health District of Northern Larimer County • Neighborhood Services programs Larimer County Parks and Recreation programs Poudre Fire Authority Police Department programs Poudre School District • Transportation programs Poudre Valley Health System HEALTH , WELLNESS, AND SAFETY SNAPSHOT 35 r WHAT HAS THE CITY ACCOMPLISHED ? The City and its partners have made much progress in establishing a safe and non-threatening environment that provides opportunities for recreation , active living , and overall well -being . Major health , wellness , and safety-related accomplishments include : / Recreation Programs Increased opportunities for recreation throughout the community The fitness and recreation programs offered through the City's Recreation Department at Edora Pool Ice Center ( EPIC) , Mulberry Pool , the Senior Center,and Northside Aztlan Community Center ( NACC) continue to provide myriad opportunities for The new Northside Azt(an Center expanded recreation residents of all ages and abilities to engage in and fitness opportunities in the northern portion of the healthy activities . (See the Open Lands and community. Recreation Snapshot for Parks and Outdoor Recreation . ) In recent years , the City has provided Active Living several new and improved recreational facilities . It has : Promoted and provided opportunities for residents to lead active lifestyles • Added a second sheet of ice at EPIC in 2003 . • Opened the seasonal outdoor downtown ice Bicycling in Fort Collins has become a major arena in Old Town in 2005 . recreational activity as well as a key mode of • Opened the new Northside Aztlan Community transportation for many people . The City's Center ( NACC) in 2007 , which replaced the old comprehensive bicycle facilities and programs facility that had been in existence 30 years and earned recognition from the League of American was experiencing structural problems . The new Bicyclists , when Fort Collins was designated as a facility is twice as large , offers three full-size gold-level bicycle-friendly community in 2009 . gyms , a running track, weight room , class Many bicycling events , sponsored by the FC Bikes rooms , and meeting rooms for larger community Program , also bolster safety, enthusiasm , and gatherings and special events . support for bicycling , such as the : • Resources for Bicycling in Fort Collins event; • ` City Streets Crits' bike races ; CITY' S 2008 CITIZEN SURVEY: • Bike to Work Days (winter and spring) ; and • Bicycle safety and education programs through In the 2008 Citizen Survey, community members Colorado State University and Poudre School weighed in on the City' s recreation facilities and District. offerings. The results indicated : Additionally, the Safe Routes to School program has • 85% satisfaction with the availability and coordinated and improved traffic , bicycle , and diversity of recreation opportunities ; pedestrian safety to encourage active transportation 94% believe recreation facilities in Fort Collins to and from neighborhood schools . This program are safe. has also provided bicycle and pedestrian education for more than 4 , 000 students since 2007 . 36 HEALTH , WELLNESS, AND SAFETY SNAPSHOT Plan 4 Fort Collins Increased opportunities for active lifestyles have Food also been supported through : Ensured the community ' s food is safe to • The Complete Streets Policy (adopted in 1999) consume to ensure that future streets are designed to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians in The community's food supply also contributes to the addition to vehicles ; overall health and wellness of residents . The City • The City's snow plowing policies that ensure coordinates with the Larimer County Health trails and most bike lanes are accessible Department, which provides routine regulations and throughout the year; and inspections of food establishments to ensure that • Funding and support from the North College the community's food is safe to consume . Urban Renewal Authority to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety conditions along the North Increased the availability of healthy and local College Avenue corridor. food options The availability of and access to locally produced Health and Wellness food has also gained momentum , with increasing numbers of food cooperatives , farmers markets , Made progress in increasing the overall health community supported agriculture programs (CSAs) , and wellness of the community neighborhood gardens , and individual gardens and Fort Collins has made significant progress towards animal operations . becoming a nationally-recognized Well City. This is a designation given by the Wellness Council of Health and Human Services America (WELCOA) to communities that demonstrate excellence in the area of worksite Coordinated with and supported health and wellness , and satisfy certain requirements . An human service providers to assist those in need application for the award is expected to be The clustering of many health and human service submitted in 2012 . Only nine cities in the US have providers in the northern part of the community received this designation . (such as the County Health Department and Sister Alice Murphy Center) has provided services for In addition to its achievements related to worksite resident well-being and health in an area where wellness , the community is showing signs of many of these services were needed . progress related to increased health and activity levels , including : Additionally, a significant portion of CDBG funds ( 15% , or over $ 1 . 5 million) has been allocated to • A 4 . 8% decrease from 2008 to 2009 in lifestyle public/human service programs that support lower and health risk factors that attribute to chronic income residents , including job training , day care disease among City employees (City Wellness services , and housing counseling . Further support program) ; and for public and human service programs is provided • An increase in the number of adults reaching by the Human Services Program (funded through recommended activity levels , (Larimer County the City's General Fund) . Since 2000 , over $4 . 2 Compass) , as demonstrated in Table 1 below. million has been allocated to the Human Services Program . TABLE 1 - NUMBER OF ADULTS REACHING RECOMMENDED ACTIVITY Community Engagement LEVELS 2004 V 2007Engaged residents to improve neighborhood relationships Moderate 44.3% 49.2% Fort Collins has worked hard to develop a strong Vigor 38.3% 40.2% sense of community and to improve relationships between the student population and established neighborhoods . Successful programs and activities HEALTH , WELLNESS, AND SAFETY SNAPSHOT 37 that have helped to engage residents and improve relationships include the Party- Patrol , Neighborhood Night Out, Adopt-A-Neighbor, Party Registration , CSU Community Welcome , Noise Workshop and Party Partners , Landlord and Home Owner } I Association ( HOA) trainings , Community Mediation , VV and partnerships between the City's Community ' Communityclean Liaison and CSU 's Conflict Resolution and Student - - t , < up and welcome Conduct Services . Key milestones and outcomes events engage related to these programs and activities are listed \ residents and help -=' - to increase below: neighborhood safety and relations. • Party Patrol has nearly eliminated incidents of extremely large parties with more than 300 participants and greatly reduced party and noise complaints . Listed below are some major programs and • Approximately 100 neighborhoods registered accomplishments that have helped to foster these for the 2009 Neighborhood Night Out event. More than 600 students participated in 100 feelings of safety: • neighborhood projects during the Adopt-A- • Police Districting has increased police Neighbor Fall Clean-Up event in 2009 , making presence Downtown and in the northeast part of them feel like a part of the larger community. town , and has helped enhance the economic • Neighborhood dialogues , and the Community vitality and perceptions of safety Downtown . Welcome programs have helped the behaviors . The Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program and of students living in neighborhoods . enhanced traffic enforcement have helped • In 2009 , of the 274 parties that were registered in the Party Registration Pilot Program , 32 reduce speeding . • The Eyes & Ears Program continues to assist received complaints , 28 of which shut down residents in need by linking them with trained within 20 minutes without police intervention . drivers in marked vehicles who will contact • Approximately 436 of 639 requests for emergency services . community mediation services in 2009 were . The Safe Kids Coalition , a service of Poudre Fire resolved . Authority (PFA) has improved child car seat safety, by providing proper car seat installation Safety instructions . • The City's FC Bikes and Safe Routes to School Fostered a safe and non -threatening community programs educate adults and children about In 2007 , the new Police Services building opened— bicycle safety, helmets , and maintenance . the first new facility in Fort Collins' history built solely • The Graffiti Abatement Program has for police services . In recent years Fort Collins has successfully resulted in the rapid removal of also been considered one of the safest cities in graffiti , reducing the potential for vandalism and Colorado , according to the Colorado Bureau of other criminal activity. Investigation 's (CBI ) Crime Rankings . Crime levels Routine bicycle trail maintenance , and the have remained relatively stable between 2004 and installation of additional street lights and traffic 2008 (approximately 5 , 060 total crimes in 2004 , and control measures have increased safety for 5 ,244 total in 2008) , despite a growing population . pedestrians and bicyclists . Additionally, the ratings of personal safety among Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Fort Collins residents have generally remained high training has provided neighborhoods with the and better than national and Front Range averages . knowledge and skills to assist their residents in times of disaster or emergency. • The Neighborhood Watch Program has continued neighborhoods/police coordination to improve safety. 38 HEALTH , WELLNESS, AND SAFETY SNAPSHOT Plan 4 Fort Collins WHAT CHALLENGES AND Health and Human Services OPPORTUNITIES REMAIN ? Addressing accessibility and provision of While many challenges remain in improving the communitywide health and human services overall health , wellness , and safety of the The clustering of health and social services in one community, Plan Fort Collins presents opportunities location makes it a challenge for people in other to address these challenges directly, and through parts of the community to access them . As the their relationships to other topics , such as community continues to grow, health and human transportation and land use . Some of the key services may need to expand to other areas to opportunities and challenges for the community's serve and be accessible to populations in need , health , wellness , and safety include : and they should be coordinated with other programs and services such as affordable housing , Active Living transit, and disabled and elderly services . Reducing barriers to and improving Community Engagement opportunities for physical activity and active lifestyles Engaging a broad range of community members Many of the community's physical barriers to active As community issues arise , such as the Occupancy living occur in areas that are already developed . Ordinance , which limits the number of people who For example , the lack of sidewalks and safe can reside in a dwelling unit, it will be important to pedestrian environments in many of the seek diverse input and opinions in order to address community's northern areas reduces the desirability concerns and retain a sense of community. of walking in those areas . It will be important to Likewise , as the community's demographics shift, it identify these barriers and challenges and seek will be important to ensure that a variety of ways to reduce them as new development and demographic groups are engaged and informed in redevelopment occur. community matters . Health and Wellness Retaining a sense of community and heritage as change occurs Improving the health and wellness of the It will be important to involve neighborhoods and a community, especially at-risk populations diverse mix of resident to ensure that growth or In Larimer County, the obesity rate has doubled in changes benefit the community and are compatiblewith neighborhoods . the last decade . The rates of obesity and overweight persons are important indicators , because they also help to indicate rates of heart Safety disease , diabetes , certain types of cancer, depression , and a host of other physical ailments . Satisfying community safety needs and Groups that are most at-risk for obesity include expectations with limited resources children and those with lower-socio-economic A Police Services Staffing Study conducted by the status . Opportunities exist to increase the overall Police Executive Research Forum and updated in health and wellness of everyone in the community, 2009 show that an additional 48 sworn and civilian and it will be important be especially mindful of the positions are needed to provide the police services needs of at-risk and vulnerable populations . our community needs and expects . As the community's population and number of crimes grow, police resources will not likely be able to keep pace . Currently, officers and dispatchers are working overtime on every shift just to fill minimum coverage . Likewise , as the City's policing territory expands with annexations of new areas currently not within the city limits , it will be increasingly HEALTH , WELLNESS, AND SAFETY SNAPSHOT 39 difficult to provide adequate police staffing and resources . Active Living/Complete Streets : Building streets and a transportation network that allows for The community hosts many successful events like safe , comfortable , and convenient walking and the New West Fest , Taste of Fort Collins , Irish bicycling can positively affect community Festival , and Brewfest that attract people from all health . Parks , recreation , and programs that over the country. Some of these events attract well support active living are important, too . over 15 , 000 people . Traditionally off-duty police Local Food Production and Security: officers are utilized to address traffic control and Supporting farmer's markets and community provide for public safety during these events . gardens and agriculture contribute to These large events stretch the ability of the police community health and well -being . department to meet the demand for services , and • Safety and Crime Prevention through will be an increasing challenge as events continue Environmental Design : Using a multi- to grow. disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behavior through design can increase outdoor Like the Police Department, Poudre Fire Authority physical activity, visibility, and social interaction . faces challenges related to limited staffing . As the • Housing and Human Services Coordination : community continues to grow, this issue will also Coordinating location of housing for seniors , increase , which will not only impact the safety of disabled people , and low income households firefighting personnel during emergencies , but will near services and transit will continue to be also impact the quality and timeliness of service important, as well as equitable distribution . provided to the community. What other linked or interdisciplinary topics should Addressing safety as multiple modes of be on this list? transportation share roads As more types of vehicles are sharing the community's roadways ( including bicycles , motor FOR MORE INFORMATION scooters , wheelchairs , and possibly future neighborhood electric vehicles ( NEVs) ) , there are Sources increasing safety issues and potential for conflicts . CanDo School BMI Project (2008-2009 ) Certain areas in the City, such as the area around 0 City of Fort Collins FC Bikes Program Colorado State University, tend to have more 0 City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey (2006 and conflicts because of the high number of bicyclists 2008 ) and pedestrians sharing the major roadways with • City of Fort Collins Community Scorecard motorists . (2008 and 2009 ) • City of Fort Collins Neighborhood Services SUSTAINABILITY - WHAT ARE Department THE CROSS - CUTTING TOPICS ? City of Fort Collins Safe Routes to School program • Colorado Bureau of Investigations Unified This Snapshot contains a number of topics with Crime Reports (2004-2008 ) relationships to other snapshot topics . Healthy 0 Health District of Northern Larimer County communities is becoming a major focus area in Community Health Survey (2007) many new comprehensive plans . This is in part 0 Healthy Hearts Club Report (2008-2009 ) because the Centers for Disease Control and 0 Larimer County Compass (2004 and 2007) Prevention have documented costs associated with 1 not getting enough physical activity and poor diets leading to obesity. Active living can be greatly improved through urban design that supports bicycling and walking and places destinations together (e . g . , schools within neighborhoods with safe walkways) . Linked topics include : 40 HEALTH , WELLNESS, AND SAFETY SNAPSHOT Plan Fort Collins Housing WHAT ARE THE CITY ' S CURRENT VALUES ? Tyvek ?/ I w tomeWraP .. In 1997 , City Plan contained goals to achieve a lk ;o „,.wr:v wide variety of housing types ( including single- family houses , duplexes , townhomes , apartments , and the like) . As a result, people from all income levels have choices of affordable and quality housing in diverse neighborhoods around the TVVPk ` community. Over the years , the City has worked yVek r with the development community and neighborhoods to improve and maintain the appeal , .° safety, and desirability of housing and neighborhoods so that residents can live , work, shop , and play nearby and easily travel within and to destinations . Distribution and availability of affordable housing for low-income residents throughout the community has also been a major goal of City Plan and housing The community has worked hard to provide policies . By increasing the overall average density quality housing options that are affordable, such of the city, as recommended in City Plan, the as with this Habitat for Humanity home. community's neighborhoods foster efficient land use , support a mix of housing types , increase * * * * efficiency of public utilities , streets , facilities , and services , and accommodate multiple modes of COMMUNITY PARTNERS IN HOUSING travel ( including vehicle , bus , bike , and walking ) . Many organizations work with the City to provide Current values from City Plan related to housing housing options and support for the community' s include : residents , including : • Affordable housing dispersed throughout the 0 Board of Realtors community, 0 CARE Housing • Access to and options for quality housing for all . Colorado Division of Housing income levels , 0 Colorado Housing and Finance Authority • High quality, desirable existing housing stock , ( CHFA ) • Neighborhoods with a mix of housing options 0 Fort Collins Housing Authority located near public transportation , shopping , 0 Funding Partners schools , and employment , and 0 Habitat for Humanity • Efficient use of land for housing . 0 Home Builders' Association • Homeward 2020 • Larimer County • Neighbor to Neighbor • Private for- profit developers • U . S . Department of Housing and Urban Development HOUSING SNAPSHOT 41 WHAT HAS THE CITY ACCOMPLISHED ? Since the adoption of City Plan in 1997 , Fort Collins ► has made great strides in establishing mixed-use p ' neighborhoods that provide quality and affordable housing options in desirable and convenient "" New locations throughout the community. Recent major neighborhoods housing accomplishments include : have provided a mix of Jobs-to-Housing Balance housing types for a variety of income levels. Maintained a consistent , positive balance of jobs to housing City Plan established a policy to have a reasonable balance between housing and employment to create a relative balance between the wages of Funded and provided incentives for affordable various types of employment and housing prices . housing The jobs-to-housing ratio is an indicator that a The City has funded and provided incentives for community has an adequate number of jobs to meet affordable housing , including : the demand for employment by its residents . Federal CDBG & HOME funding has been Planning literatures cites 1 . 5 jobs per 1 housing unit allocated (over $ 12 million since 2000 directly to an ideal ratio to maintain a balanced community. affordable housing programs and projects) . • Affordable Housing Fund (City's General Fund ) • In 1997 , the ratio of jobs to housing was 1 . 5 augmented federal programs ($4 . 5 million since jobs per 1 housing unit. 2000) . This fund is much more flexible to use • The jobs-to-housing ratio of 1 . 5-to- 1 has been for funding local projects than federal funds . maintained . ( City Plan Monitoring Project The City has established a competitive process Biennial Indicator Report 1997 — 2007.) to allocate its financial resources to affordable housing and community development activities . Affordable Housing This means the City can grant funding for applications that do the best job of addressing Increased options for affordable housing the City's affordable housing and community The supply of affordable rental housing units in Fort development needs . Collins increased from approximately 1 , 219 units in The City has established incentives for 1997 to approximately 2 , 300 units in 2009 (Larimer development of affordable housing . They County Housing Needs Assessment, 2009) . include : a density bonus (allowing increased Affordable housing units in the City are either density in select zones in exchange for provided by the Fort Collins Housing Authority (e . g . , affordable housing units) , reduction in Section 8 rental subsidy program ) , or by non-profit development review application fees and affordable housing agencies and private for-profit processing times , and delayed collection of developers . development impact fees . In addition to affordable rental housing assistance , Land for Housing the City also assists homebuyers . The City's Home Buyer Assistance program has helped about 1 , 100 Reserved land for future affordable housing families become first-time home buyers since the The City's Land Bank Program has acquired land in program started in 1995 . various parts of the Growth Management Area for future affordable housing development. • The program has spent over $3 million to acquire five undeveloped properties , totaling 42 HOUSING SNAPSHOT Plan Fort Collins 51 . 2 acres , for the future development of (+2 .4%) , the percentage of owner-occupied between 512 and 614 new affordable housing units has declined slightly (-0 . 7%) . units . In comparison to other university communities (as shown in Table 3 below) Fort Collins has : • A significantly higher percentage of detached single-family housing units than other communities (58 . 3% versus less than 50 . 0%) . ; and • A higher percentage of owner-occupied housing units (56 .4% versus 50 . 5% or less) . - TABLE 2 : FORT COLLINS HOUSING MIX 2000 - 2008 Detached Single-Family 55. 9% 58. 3% +2.4% Housing Units All Other Types of 44. 1 % 41 . 7% -2.4% The City has reserved land for future affordable Housing Units housing developments, like this property on Owner Kechter Road. Occupied 57. 1 % 56.4% -0.7% Housing Units Renter Used land efficiently for new housing Occupied 42. 9% 43. 6% + .07% development Housing Units City Plan established minimum densities for low TABLE 3 : FORT COLLINS HOUSING MIX density mixed-use neighborhoods (5 units per acre) COMPARED TO OTHER UNIVERSITY and medium density mixed-use neighborhoods ( 12 COMMUNITIES units per acre) to ensure efficient use of land , DETACHED ALL WNIER- RENTER increase efficiency of utilities and infrastructure , and OTHER accommodate multiple transportation options . New LOCATION FAMILY TYPES OF • HOUSING HOUSING HOUSING UNITS UNITS project densities since 1997 have exceeded UNITS UNITS minimum targets by 150% . (See the Built Fort Collins , Environment and Land Use report. ) CO 58. 3% 41 . 7% 56.4% 43. 6% Boulder, CO 42. 6% 57.4% 50. 5% 49. 5% Housing Breakdown Lawrence , Maintained mix of housing options for renters KS 48. 9% 51 . 1 % 50.4% 49. 6% and homeowners Champaign ,IL 49. 5% 50. 5% 48. 1 % 51 . 9% The community's trends related to the mixture and Ames , variety of housing types (e. g . single-family, multi- IA 41 .4% 58. 6% 44. 3% 55. 6% family, owner-occupied , and renter-occupied , etc . ) are provided within Tables 2 and 3 at right. These trends show that: • Fort Collins has retained a mix of housing unit types for owners and renters ; and • While the percentage of detached single-family units has increased since the year 2000 HOUSING SNAPSHOT 43 WHAT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES REMAIN ? Despite the City's accomplishments related to affordable housing and mixed -use neighborhoods , the community still faces challenges , and opportunities exist to further enhance housing options for all . They are noted below. Affordable Housing Continuing to fund , support, and develop affordable housing The cost of land and reduced supply of vacant land for residential use means that prices are increasing . As growth and development consumes the available undeveloped land inside the City's Growth Management Area (GMA) boundary over the next 20 years , the simple economics of supply and Mixed income housing developments, like Fox demand would indicate that land costs will increase Meadows, will be necessary to provide affordable which will cause the cost of housing to increase . housing options in the future. This will make it more difficult, or require increased financial subsidies , to produce new affordable housing units . The need for public subsidy to provide for lowest income groups is increasing , while sources are Also , the investor climate is becoming more diminishing . challenging for affordable housing financing . • The needs of the community's lowest income • Historically, the Low Income Housing Tax Credit families continue to increase ( partially because program has been a primary development income/wages are not increasing at the same financing tool for affordable housing . rate as housing and other living and Approximately 60% of all new affordable transportation costs) . housing development has been financed using The sources of public subsidy that have been this program , through which investors purchase available in the past have been decreasing tax credits to be taken on their profit over ten substantially ( i . e . , CDBG , HOME , Federal Home years . Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program , • Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac , who previously Colorado Division of Housing , and the City of purchased nearly half of these tax credits , Fort Collins Affordable Housing Fund ) . dropped out of the market because they were unprofitable . Other typical credit investors have Need for a continuous local funding source dropped out of the market because they are not A local source of financial assistance , not tied to able to predict future profitability. federal rules and regulations , is an important • These factors have resulted in a dramatic component of a comprehensive affordable housing decrease of 40% in equity pricing and very few program . investors . With a much lower equity price , a new development will require a great deal more The City recently reduced the annual General subsidy from public sources such as HOME , Fund contribution , due to declining sales tax CDBG , and the Affordable Housing Fund . revenues and other budget funding needs . Once as high as $894 , 000 (2002) , the 2010 allocation is less than $ 180 , 000 . • Due to the relative declines in funding for affordable housing projects and programs at 44 HOUSING SNAPSHOT Plan Fort Collins the federal , state , and local levels , a more permanent, less volatile source of money needs to be explored , which would permit a more structured and dependable strategic plan to address affordable housing needs . Housing Options _ 1 Serving the housing needs of many diverse j groups and changing demographics The community has many different housing needs , ranging from emergency shelter to homeownership . IIIIIU Future trends such as an aging population , demographic shifts , and community housing preferences will also affect the community's housing needs . It will be important to understand the diverse needs of the community's diverse groups and changing demographics to be able to provide suitable housing options . New neighborhoods will likely incorporate "green High Performing Housing for All building " practices to reduce environmental impacts and utility costs. Providing high - performing housing for all income levels " Green building " practices make housing more energy efficient, and help to reduce utility costs and environmental impacts . While "green" or high- performance housing products and improvements ; are within the reach of some segments of the4 qqvw � population , it will be a challenge for many that depend on affordable housing or have limited Renewable incomes to meet the front-end investments in these energy new technologies or housing products . It will also features and be important to find ways to incorporate green xeriscape are building practices into future affordable housing becoming more common. developments . Housing options tions will need to meet the needs of changing demographics, - such as senior and workforce housing products. HOUSING SNAPSHOT 45 SUSTAINABILITY - WHAT ARE FOR MORE INFORMATION _ THE CROSS- CUTTING TOPICS ? Housing Terms Housing is a basic need for all residents . City Plan Affordable housing - housing which costs no recognized the need to supply a variety of quality more than 30% of a household ' s gross monthly housing options in convenient locations throughout income for rent and utilities . the community , the importance of efficient use of Density - ratio measurement of housing units land for housing , and linking housing to per acre (e . g. , 3 . 5 units per acre ) , transportation and destinations . Additional sustainability-related opportunities and challenges connected to housing include : Sources • Housing and Health and Human Services 0 Priority Affordable Housing Needs and Coordination : Providing health and human and Strategies, Fort Collins, Colorado (2004) services in combination with housing programs 0 Consolidated Housing Et Community to assist residents in securing housing . Development Plan FY 2005- 2009 , Fort Collins , • Green Technology and Housing : Integrating Colorado (2005 ) new utility technologies into existing and future 0 City Plan Monitoring Project, Biennial Indicator housing units to achieve conservation and Report , 1997-2007 (2009 ) reduction goals . 0 Larimer County Housing Needs Assessment ( September 2009 ) • FC Gov web pages : Land bank, Funding available for Housing and Human Services ( http: / /www . fcgov . com / affordablehousing / la ndbank. php ) and http : / / www . fcgov. com / affordablehousing /fun ding . php (2010) , 46 HOUSING SNAPSHOT ® Plank Fort Collins Natural Areas , Parks , and Recreation WHAT ARE THE CITY ' S CURRENT VALUES ? r a This section addresses natural areas , parks and recreation , and stormwater multi -use projects under - separate headings below. (See the Environment and Utilities Snapshot for more information about Stormwater treatment and flooding . ) 41 Natural Areas Fort Collins residents and visitors of all ages and �. backgrounds enjoy and are passionate about their natural areas . On any given day, people can be found taking advantage of recreation (for example , walking , horseback riding , biking , wildlife viewing , ; �- and fishing ) and other opportunities . Natural areas also conserve habitat for wildlife , help provide clean water in streams and rivers , conserve working farms , protect views , and offer respite from the built environment . Red Fox Meadows stormwater detention and natural area. The City's world class Natural Areas Program has truly become a core part of Fort Collins ' identity and OPEN SPACE INITIATIVES AND RECOGNITION culture . Having conserved 40 , 000 acres since its start in 1992 , the Program continues it mission to Fort Collins natural areas are so beloved that citizens conserve land . The program also stewards these have voted on multiple occasions to support a tax to lands , which includes restoration of habitat, and support the Program . In the 2008 Citizen Survey , the maintenance of visitor amenities , such as trails and City ' s natural areas were rated as very good or good restrooms . Ongoing land conservation efforts are by 93% of the respondents, one of the highest ratings focused on the Local and Community Separator of any city endeavor. Focus Areas , as defined in the Land Conservation and Stewardship Master Plan . Aspirations related In addition , Natural Areas and associated recreation to natural areas expressed in the 2010 Natural are mentioned as one of the key factors for the City Areas Program Strategic Plan, include : having received numerous recognitions , such as : Ranked 1st Best Place to Live and Work for Young • Natural areas located throughout the Professionals ( pop . 100 , 000- 200, 000 ) : Next Generation community , which offer opportunities to Consulting - March 2009 ; and One of Top 20 Places to experience nearby nature , Thrive : Best Boomer Towns - February 2009 . • A diverse and broader spectrum of the community served , Parks and Recreation • Land stewardship including restored and Parks , trails and outdoor recreation facilities provide enhanced stream corridors and wildlife habitat , spaces for important community social and wellness • Separations between Northern Larimer County activities . Residents ' quality of life is greatly communities , and improved by having facilities that invite physical Quality public improvements providing world activities at all levels , gathering places for social class visitor experiences and interpretive activities , opportunities to connect with nature , and programs . places to recharge ourselves . City Plan goals have sought to : ensure Fort Collins ' parks , trails , and outdoor recreation facilities legacy for future NATURAL AREAS, PARKS, AND RECREATION SNAPSHOT 47 generations ; provide a wide variety of high-quality J recreation services and opportunities ; create an interconnected regional and local trail system ; PARTNERSHIPS promote community; and focus on enhanced Conserving natural resources, building facilities, and sustainability and green practices . The City's managing the City' s natural areas, parks, trails, and values related to parks , trails , and recreation stormwater facilities requires interdepartmental and facilities include : external partnerships . • Providing community benefits and essential CITY COLLABORATIONS - NATURAL AREAS , services ; PARKS , AND STORMWATER • Inclusivity and accessibility ; The City has frequently combined efforts to achieve • Stewardship of public spaces and resources ; multiple objectives for natural areas , parks , and • Excellence/ high-quality facilities providing stormwater . Utilities and Natural Areas have wellness and fulfillment for residents ; and partnered in the purchase of the following properties, • Beauty and innovation , providing a wide range which Natural Areas manages : Redwing Marsh , Udall, of experiences . Prospect Ponds , Red Fox Meadows, River' s Edge, and Gateway. Parks and Natural Areas have partnered on Stormwater Multi -Use Projects the purchase of the following sites : Butterfly Woods, Flooding and water quality problems result from not Spring Creek Gardens , and Magpie Meander/ Soft Gold planning for the impacts of urbanization on Park. City partnerships to provide multi - purpose watersheds and natural stream / river corridors . projects with a stormwater function as well as Preventing flooding requires protection and providing recreation and wildlife habitat have enhancement of natural corridors and treatment of occurred , too . Some examples are : Sheldon urban runoff. The City's stormwater division values Lake / City Park Nine Detention Basins, Rolland Moore, are to protect people and structures from flooding , Spring Canyon , Udall, Riverbend Ponds , and Red Fox which is a serious threat to Fort Collins . (See the Meadows . Environment and Utilities snapshot for more information about runoff treatment and flooding COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS issues . ) Drainage Basin Master Plans also In addition , the City has worked with other expresses values related to open lands and community organizations to purchase and manage recreation including : properties , build improvements, build trails, apply for grants , address stormwater and restoration , including : • Developing stormwater projects that protect water quality, provide habitat, and foster 0Larimer County, recreation and learning opportunities ( in • The Nature Conservancy and Legacy Land addition to flood protection) . Trust, • Cities of Loveland , Timnath , and Windsor, �►: i0 Poudre School District , - 0 Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO ) , The Discovery Museum (for a future visitor +; information area in the lobby and o7 interpretation of the natural resources found in the City' s natural areas ) , and • Numerous private landowners . Redwing Marsh stormwater and natural area. Fossil Creek Park in south Fort Collins. 48 NATURAL AREAS, PARKS, AND RECREATION SNAPSHOT Plan Fort Collins WHAT HAS THE CITY and enable farm and ranching families to ACCOMPLISHED ? continue their work . Expanded public access to natural areas Since 1997 , the City has : • Opened two new regional natural areas to the BOBCAT RIDGE public ( Bobcat Ridge and Soapstone Prairie) and assumed management of Gateway in the �7V oral r .a Poudre canyon ; • Opened local natural areas including : Cathy Fromme Prairie , Coyote Ridge , Kingfisher Point , Cottonwood Hollow, Running Deer, Arapaho Bend , and Fossil Creek Reservoir; and Purchased natural areas that remain to be opened including : Eagle View, Hazaleus , and 1-- Udall and Pelican Marsh (which will be opened � W - in 2010) . Increased recreational , educational , and volunteer opportunities within natural areas Since 1997 , the City has increased access to Bobcat Ridge Natural Area is open to the public. natural areas as follows : The natural area offers recreation, learning, • Opened 21 natural areas for public recreation viewing wildlife in its natural habitat, and other use ; and expanded trails in natural areas by 75 activities. miles ; • Improved recreation opportunities and The City's Natural Resources , Parks Planning , and handicapped access to natural areas by Utilities Departments have worked individually and providing accessible paved parking spaces , jointly to advance natural area , parks , trails , and paved and crusher fines trails , picnic shelters , stormwater projects and programs as described vault toilets , fishing piers , and wildlife viewing below. areas ; and • Greatly expanded natural and cultural resource Natural Areas interpretive features ; programs led by volunteer Master Naturalists and staff, the Volunteer Provided widespread conservation and Ranger Program , and many other volunteer restoration of natural areas opportunities . The City has conserved 40 , 000 acres since program inception in 1992 . Since 1997 and the Parks time of City Plan, the City has : Conserved 35 ,477 acres (2 , 089 acres local , Expanded parks and parks facilities • 3 , 224 acres community separator, and 30 , 164 The citizens of Fort Collins have continued to enjoy acres regional ) ; parks , trails , and outdoor recreation facilities since • Increased the number of acres of land restored the time of the 1997 City Plan. Parks , trails , and to natural conditions each year; outdoor recreation facilities have grown to keep • Conducted restoration at many very heavily pace with increased population and demands for disturbed sites , such as gravel mines , fields , recreational services . Many parks now contain new and abandoned commercial and residential elements , such as dog parks and skate parks . The sites ; and 2008 Parks and Recreation Policy Plan Update • Helped conserve 14 working farms and ranches included extensive public outreach and community to help maintain local agricultural production feedback and the community expressed support for parks , trails , and facilities . NATURAL AREAS, PARKS, AND RECREATION SNAPSHOT 49 Since 1997 , the City has : Completed a stream health assessment, as part • Developed two community parks ( Fossil Creek of the Master Plan, to better understand habitat and Spring Canyon) , five neighborhood parks stream quality; (Soft Gold , Harmony, Homestead , Waters Way, Completed erosion studies on streams , such as and Registry) and two mini-parks ( Rabbit Brush Fossil Creek and Mail Creek , to support buffer and Oak Street) ; limits for new development; and • Expanded the paved trail system by 12 miles Revised floodplain regulations to address and replaced over four miles of old asphalt with public safety along river and stream corridors . new wider concrete ; and • Opened the Gardens on Spring Creek Horticulture Center for the public's use and enjoyment. y Udall wetland l (before) . Udall wetland restoration project (after) . _ J I Since 2997, the City has expanded the paved trail system by 12 miles and replaced asphalt. J X' Stormwaterl0pen Lands Stormwater projects completed Rolland Moore Spring Creek bridge The Drainage Basin Master Plan (2004) identifies numerous projects to address flooding and stormwater quality problems in the City and meet recreation and wildlife habitat objectives . Since 1997 , the City has accomplished the following : • Completed nine projects with a multi-purpose focus , including improved protection of natural stream corridors and enhancements to parks (e . g . , improvements to Sheldon Lake and the restoration of Red Fox Meadows Natural Area) ; • Expanded education for school children about flooding , stormwater pollution , and wetland ecology with the construction of nine outdoor classrooms within stormwater detention areas ; 50 NATURAL AREAS, PARKS, AND RECREATION SNAPSHOT Plan ( Fort Collins WHAT CHALLENGES AND • The City' s Open Space Yes ! '/4 Cent Sales Tax , OPPORTUNITIES REMAIN ? expires in 2030 . These revenues are crucial to continuation of land conservation and stewardship . Striving for environmental sustainability by reducing carbon footprint from operations and 40 restoring habitat Y v The City continues to find ways to reduce the carbon footprint caused by the Natural Area Program 's operations and maintenance activities . It is also working to restore habitat to enhance native biodiversity and habitat connectivity and efficient and effective ways to perform restoration . Managing for outstanding visitor experience while there are increasing demands for uses on naturalareas The City will continue to work with the community to manage and balance providing an outstanding visitor experience with the increasing demands for Maintaining and restoring natural areas and new uses on natural area lands . Uses may include stormwater to perform multiple functions new or different types of recreation ; community (Harvest Park). gardens and agricultural uses ; alternative energy development ; flood control ; and water quality Challenges and opportunities for natural areas , facilities . Weighing all uses against biodiversity parks , and stormwater multi -use areas are objectives is important . addressed in the following sections . Natural Areas s * � '�'� ► ._ Assuring long -term financial viability and maintaining a long -term balance between land i _ \ conservation and stewardship Natural Areas currently manages 34 , 500 acres (54 square miles) and 95 miles of trails . (Some of the Restoring the 40 , 000 acres are held in easement and managed natural by other partners . ) Natural Areas needs to plan for � environment (Cathy future land conservation and recreation Fromme improvements while , at the same time , balancing prairie). those needs against adequate stewardship resources for the existing portfolio of natural areas Continuing parks and programs for and improvements . Achieving this balance will be growing community. an ongoing challenge . Parks Future funding is uncertain . • The Larimer County Help Preserve Open Space Providing parks and trails to a growing '/4 Cent Sales Tax , which provides community and maximizing program resources approximately 1 /3 of the program ' s funding , will To address growth of the community, Fort Collins expire in 2018 ; and will need to (a) consider additional costs associated NATURAL AREAS, PARKS, AND RECREATION SNAPSHOT 51 with building and operating planned future parks topics related to open lands and recreation are and trails , and (b) make best use of limited listed below. resources to maintain parks . Long -term economic sustainability will depend on prioritized decision- Arts and Culture Integration : Continued making , identification of core services , and integration of education , arts , and culture as maximized , efficient use of resources . The parks part of natural areas , parks , and stormwater system also should apply green practices to all projects . aspects of the program . Joint Planning (Natural Areas , Parks, and Stormwater) : Continuing mutually-beneficial Stormwater Multi -Use Projects planning of parks , natural areas , and stormwater sites . Planning for most suitable uses given Ecological system approach to planning : competing needs for remaining urban land Defining suitable land uses based on land As the City approaches build out , the potential for characteristics (e . g . , best sites for agriculture , adverse impacts to urban watersheds and streams wildlife habitat , and urban development) . increases , while the City' s ability to solve existing stormwater problems decreases . This is because What other cross-cutting topics should be on this many of the solutions to address stormwater list? problems require vacant land , which is becoming less available and more costly. FOR MORE INFORMATION Balancing restoration and urbanization The opportunity to restore the health of urban Sources streams creates challenges for funding and working Cache la Poudre River Natural Areas with private landowners . Addressing stormwater Management Plan (2002 ) pollution , created by impervious surfaces , while 0 Commercial Use Policy (2009 ) promoting higher density urbanization might be Drainage Basin Master Plan (2004) conflicting goals if not addressed jointly . Easement Policy (2001 ) Addressing multiple and sometimes conflicting • Flood Mitigation Plan Annual Review (2008 ) regulations and values Foothills Natural Areas Management Plan (2007) Watersheds and stream corridors traverse other 0 Fossil Creek Natural Areas Management Plan jurisdictions with potentially conflicting values and (2005 ) regulations . These challenges will demand 0 General Management Guidelines (2001 ) innovative solutions with multipurpose functions and 0 Land Conservation and Stewardship Master cooperation amongst various City departments and Plan (2004) replaced the original Natural Areas other jurisdictional agencies . Policy Plan ( 1992 ) • Natural Areas Strategic Plan (2010) SUSTAINABILITY - WHAT ARE 0 Parks and Recreation Policy Plan (2009 ) THE CROSS - CUTTING TOPICS ? 0Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Management Plan (2005 ) This snapshot contains multiple topics that cross- Soapstone Prairie Natural Area Management cut others . Parks , open lands , and trails have Plan (2007) significant economic benefit in a community—many Vegetation Management Guidelines (2004) surveys show these features are a key factor in Wildlife Management Guidelines (2007 ) business development and selection of a community and the reason Fort Collins wins awards for livability . Healthy natural systems contribute to clean air and water, which in turn contribute to community health . Some of the linked sustainability 52 NATURAL AREAS, PARKS, AND RECREATION SNAPSHOT 1 -4 Plan „ Fort Collins Transportation WHAT ARE THE CITY ' S CURRENT VALUES ? The City of Fort Collins and the community have - worked diligently over the last 10 + years to create a transportation system that allows people to travel through the City efficiently by walking , bicycling , riding transit, or driving . The system has been shaped by focusing on providing transportation J choices that connect people safely and conveniently to a wide variety of local and regional destinations . < Based on the 2008 Citizen Survey and previously adopted plans and policies , the City 3s values related to transportation include : • Walking , bicycling , public transit, and driving ?, as safe , practical , reliable , and enjoyable means of travel for residents and visitors ; The community's extensive trail network provides fun and efficient ways to travel around town. • Streets that are livable and have adequate (art by Mario Echevarria) capacity to manage congestion on the street J system and provide opportunity for all types of travel ; • Sustainable , safe , dependable , and affordable travel options that are used to connect neighborhoods with local and regional activity '` centers and employment districts ; • Using technology to improve transportation to encourage the best use of financial and energy The City aims for resources , E safe and • Minimizing harmful emissions related to - convenient transportation transportation ; options for all • Sustainable funding to support current and types of users, future transportation improvements that can be including enjoyed by all users ; motorists,bicyclists, • Economic , environmental , and social elements pedestrians, and balanced in transportation projects and transit riders. decisions ; and • Movement of goods , services , and freight to support economic health . TRANSPORTATION SNAPSHOT 53 r WHAT HAS THE CITY ACCOMPLISHED ? The City has developed a safe , convenient, and efficient transportation system that accommodates many forms of travel including autos , transit, New bicycle bicycles , and pedestrians and freight. Major racks are transportation-related accomplishments include : conveniently located Regional transportation projects , partnerships , Downtown. and programs connecting Fort Collins regionally i Current regional transportation efforts include : The dedication of the Mason Trail was well attended. • North I-25 EIS : The CDOT North I -25 Environmental Impact Statement ( EIS) is identifying the type of facility improvements that Growing convenient multi -modal options will meet long-term transportation needs The options for transportation in Fort Collins between the Denver Metro Area and growing continue to grow. Recent milestones include : population centers along the 1 -25 corridor north to the Fort Collins - Wellington area . The . Transfort had over 1 . 9 million riders in 2009 , process for identifying Phase 1 improvements is and provides over 6 , 000 transit rides per happening this year. service day. Transfort ridership has been • 1-25 & Highway 392 (Carpenter Road) steadily increasing with 1 .48 million riders in Interchange Project: The City is working in 2006 ) 1 . 64 million riders in 2007 , and 1 . 88 cooperation with the Town of Windsor, Larimer million riders in 2008 . (See Figure 4 , below. ) County, and the North Front Range Metropolitan The Mason Trail created a new north-south Planning Organization ( NFRMPO) to design and bicycle and pedestrian trail connection . fund improvements to this key interchange . The FC Bikes Program provides comprehensive • Foxtrot Connection to Longmont: Loveland was bicycle information , including bicycle safety and awarded a federal grant to extend the Foxtrot to education opportunities , and year-round Longmont, allowing Fort Collins to connect to encouragement events , such as Bike to Work Denver Metro and City and County of Boulder Day. via Regional Transportation District ( RTD) The new FC Bike Library is a free service for service in Longmont. residents , students , and visitors to Fort Collins . In addition to bicycles , the Bike Library provides Leveraging local transportation investments a variety of self guided tours throughout the The City secured over $ 12 .2 million dollars in grant community. funds in 2009 . Since 2000 , Transportation Planning staff has secured over $33 million in federal , state FIGURE 4 : TRANSIT RIDERSHIP and local grant funding for a wide variety of 2111 - multimodal transportation projects plus funding for the Mason Corridor project. The City also actively participates in financial and community partnerships with many local , regional , state and national 1 .2M - organizations and agencies to improve transportation within Fort Collins and beyond . BOOK - 400K 2005 2006 2007 2008 54 TRANSPORTATION SNAPSHOT Plan % Fort Collins Increasing safety and efficiency of the Other future improvements to Transfort service are transportation network based on the 2009 Transfort Strategic Plan . Roadway improvements throughout the community have made streets safer for pedestrians , bicyclists , Pedestrian , bicycle , and vehicular improvements and drivers . Improvements include : are planned for North College to improve safety and circulation . These improvements will also help • Roadway improvements on Timberline , bolster and support local businesses in this area . Prospect and Harmony Roads ; and • Bike lane projects on East and West Elizabeth Additional transportation improvements are Street, Remington Street, Whedbee Street, and identified for the Mountain Vista , South College , and Harmony Road . River District areas , and relate to future land use plans in those areas . The safety and efficiency of the City' s transportation network is also enhanced by : * + -4r -4r 4- • The Traffic Management Center, which PARTNERS IN TRANSPORTATION connects over 175 traffic signals and 50 pedestrian signals throughout Fort Collins — a The City' s partnerships with community, state, and system which allows traffic engineers to national organizations continue to grow. Current effectively manage and analyze real-time traffic transportation partners include : conditions ; and • Improved design standards , such as the 0Associated Students of Colorado State Pedestrian Plan and Level of Service and University maximum intersection geometries that have 0Bohemian Foundation made the City a more comfortable and safe 0City of Loveland Transit (COLT) place to walk. 0Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Planned future transportation improvements will 0 Colorado State University (CSU ) and CSU continue improving connectivity and access Research Foundation • Community Foundation Et UniverCity Future improvements will improve connectivity and Connections access for residents and visitors . The future five- 0 Downtown Development Authority ( DDA) mile Mason Corridor Bus Rapid Transit ( BRT) will 0 Federal Transit Administration ( FTA) link major destinations and activity centers along the 0 North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Mason Corridor including the Downtown Organization ( NFRMPO ) commercial , cultural , and business centers , 0 Poudre School District ( PSD ) Colorado State University , Foothills Mall , and South 0 Poudre Valley Health Systems ( PVH ) College retail areas . Additionally , future regional transit connections will link to the Mason Corridor. RECENT AWARDS AND RECOGNITION The BRT system service (anticipated to begin in Fort Collins has received much recognition and several 2012) will operate nearly twice as fast as auto travel recent awards for its transportation system , including . along College Avenue , as well as provide high frequency service every 10 minutes . Stations will 0 Gold level Bicycle Friendly Community Award incorporate new high-quality amenities that are from the League of American Bicyclists . similar to light rail , with low floor boarding platforms , 0 Recognition from the North Fort Collins sleek new busses , next bus arrival information , and Business Association for the North College pre- pay fare machines . Improvement Project . • Acknowledgment from Colorado State The purpose of the Mason Corridor is to support University for assistance from the City's FC active lifestyles , economic development Bikes program . opportunities , and environmental stewardship . 0 Recognition from Poudre School District for the Safe Routes to School partnership efforts . TRANSPORTATION SNAPSHOT 55 r WHAT CHALLENGES AND vehicle miles traveled , increasing walking , biking OPPORTUNITIES REMAIN ? and transit trips , and reducing idling and congestion through network improvements and modern roundabouts . According to the 2008 Citizen Survey, bicycling facilities and street maintenance rate above Enhancing connections between the average compared to other Front Range community ' s activity areas and regional communities and nationally. However, walkability destinations and ease of driving rated below average , compared The City can do a lot to encourage connections to other communities along the Front Range and between and to existing activity areas . New nationally. The following is a summary of development can be located to promote challenges and opportunities . accessibility for all modes of travel . Investments in Incorporating new transportation technologies enhanced travel corridors can help make areas and trends more accessible and convenient for people walking , bicycling , and using transit while still providing The transportation system may need to adapt to and access for people driving . Walking , bicycling and incorporate new and emerging technologies such transit facilities can be improved to provide as intelligent transportation systems , alternative alternatives to automobile travel through the City. fuels , new transportation energy sources and uses , and improved maintenance techniques . Adoption Enhancing the transportation system to improve of these new technologies will also help the City to health and safety achieve its sustainability, mobility, and connectivity The City is committed to improving the health and goals , and reduce vulnerability to fuel price safety of the community, as well as providing a increases or shortages . transportation system that serves all ages and abilities . Planning and designing the transportation system for multiple modes of transportation , including vehicles , pedestrians , bicyclists , and -^� - • - ` transit riders , will lead to safer streets for all types of users . By providing safe and convenient alternatives to private automobile trips , such as _ - - bicycling and walking , residents are able to live more active , healthy lifestyles . Additionally , multi - modal planning and design help to create a transportation system that meets the needs of all ages and abilities , including children , and disabled and elderly residents . Using effective tools to measure transportation system performance Fort Collins has been using progressive policies for evaluating the roadway network for years and will continue to " push the envelope" when considering The City 's Advanced Traffic Management center. new tools for measuring the performance of the transportation system . The City is committed to using the most effective tools to understand the mobility and sustainability impacts of the system . Improving transportation to help achieve climate Examples include : customer satisfaction surveys , objectives congestion effects on productivity, return on investment, network performance , vehicle miles Transportation improvements can help reduce city- traveled and clean fuel use monitoring , energy use , wide greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions 20 % by built environment factors that improve the comfort 2020 . This can be achieved through reducing 56 TRANSPORTATION SNAPSHOT Plan Fort Collins and safety for walking , biking , and transit, travel * -4r 4r time and accessibility, reliability and service quality for all modes . TYPICAL TRANSPORTATION COSTS Identifying new funding opportunities for The following are average costs for transportation transportation improvements : Currently, capital projects are funded through a Intersections variety of sources . Improvements to the Installation of stop signs costs between $225 transportation system are costly, requiring money and $475 per intersection . for studies , plans engineering , and construction . Installation of a traffic signal costs $200 , 000 (See typical transportation costs at right. ) New per intersection . reliable sources of funding will have to reflect not Operation / Maintenance of the City' s traffic only the new and continuing needs for capital signal system costs about $700 , 000 /year per improvements , but also ongoing operations and year ( 180+ signals , pedestrian signals , school maintenance expenses . Local funding will need to flashers etc . ) . adapt to reduced federal and state funding , A signalized pedestrian crossing costs particularly for operations and pavement $751000- $ 1001000 . management. A typical roundabout costs $850 , 000 . • A pedestrian underpass costs $ 1 , 500 , 000 , and overpass costs $2 , 800 , 000 . Roadways Streetscape improvements cost between $300 , 000 and $325 , 000 per mile . • Crosswalk striping costs $675 per crosswalk. • A right turn lane costs between $200 , 000 and $2257000 . • Per mile , annual roadway maintenance costs _ are approximately $ 58 , 000 for 6 lane arterial roadways , $ 52 , 000 for 4- lane arterial roadways , and $45 , 000 for 3 - lane arterial and collector streets . Bike Lanes • Bike lane striping and signage costs about j $ 1 , 450 per mile , FEM tify new f� transportation (e. g. , pavement and operations) because of reduced federal and state availability. TRANSPORTATION SNAPSHOT 57 SUSTAINABILITY - WHAT ARE Bus Rapid Transit ( BRT) - Buses using and occupying a separate right- of-way for the THE CROSS - CUTTING TOPICS ? exclusive use of public transportation services . BRT vehicles are designed to allow The transportation network is intended to move rapid passenger loading and unloading, with people safety and efficiently throughout the more doors than ordinary buses . community. Yet, as the transportation system Capacity - A measure that assesses the ability evolves to meet the needs of its users , it also has to hold and accommodate a certain volume of opportunities to further enhance the community's traffic . sustainability objectives . Potential sustainability- Colorado Department of Transportation related transportation connections include : (CDOT) - The state agency responsible for planning , building, and maintaining Colorado ' s • Green Streets : Transforming streets to serve highway and bridge transportation system many purposes , including stormwater (formerly the Colorado Department of management and linear greenways . Highways ) . • Human Services: Ensuring that housing and Congestion - Congestion occurs any time human services are accessible via the traffic demand is great enough so that the transportation network. interaction between vehicles slows the speed • Arts and Urban Design : Further integrating arts of the traffic stream and urban design within the transportation Delay - The extra amount of time it takes to network to making "getting there as enjoyable traverse a given roadway segment minus the as being there . " amount of time it would take to traverse that • Carbon Emission Reduction : Reducing roadway segment at the posted speed limit if greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through less there were not interference . automobile dependent development, reduced Intelligent Transportation Systems ( ITS ) - The vehicle miles traveled (VMT) , and increased use use of automated systems and information of alternative , cleaner fuels . technologies on our transportation network, • Health and Safety: Planning living and travel including communications and safety systems environments that encourage outdoor physical to assist in traveler decisions and traffic flow . activity that contributes to health and foster Mobility - The degree to which the demand for safety. the movement of people and goods can be • Fiscal Sustainability and Transportation . satisfied . Addressing funding and sustainability for Multimodal - Using more than one mode to transportation . serve transportation needs in a given area . What other linked or interdisciplinary topics should be on this list? Sources FOR MORE INFORMATION City of Fort Collins Bicycle Plan (2008 ) _ City of Fort Collins Citizen Survey (2008 ) • City of Fort Collins Pedestrian Plan ( 1996 ) Transportation Terms 0 Fort Collins Climate Action Plan (2008 ) • Accessibility - A measure of the ability of all 0 Fort Collins Transportation Master Plan (2004) people to travel among various origins and 0 Transfort Strategic Plan (2009 ) destinations , especially focusing on the extent to which facilities are barrier- free and useable by all , especially persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users . • Alternative modes - modes of transportation other than automobile . Includes bus and rail transit , carpool , motorcycle or scooter, bicycle , and pedestrian modes . 58 TRANSPORTATION SNAPSHOT Plan Fort Collins Conclusion and Summary Urban Design CHALLENGES/OPPORTUNITIES _ 8 . Continuing appropriate renewal of Downtown 9 . Increasing activity along the street for people Fort Collins faces challenges both in the near-term 10 . Determining appropriate height for buildings and opportunities and over the next 25 years and 11 . Defining gateways that help distinguish Fort beyond . The previous chapters have identified an Collins from surrounding communities initial list of challenges and opportunities for Historic Preservation discussion . They are summarized below. 12 . Reconciling " change" and " preservation" Summary by Snapshot within historic neighborhoods 13 . Balancing new commercial development in historic Old Town Arts and Culture 19 Challenges and opportunities are : ® Environment and Utilities 1 . Continuing collaboration and coordination of L Challenges and opportunities are : the arts and culture community 2 . Continued resourcing and funding of arts and Water Quality Management culture organizations , programs , and facilities 1 . Managing watersheds and drinking water 3 . Using arts and culture as an economic quality catalyst 2 . Balancing water resource planning and 4 . Continuing to differentiate Fort Collins from its drought protection objectives neighbors as an arts and culture destination 3 . Meeting or exceeding regulatory requirements 5 . Coordinating design efforts for streetscapes , for water reclamation public spaces , buildings , and public art Stormwater 4 . Continuing stream restoration Built Environment and Land Use 5 . Addressing stormwater treatment in infill development areas Challenges and opportunities are : 6 . Meeting more stringent criteria for acceptable Development Patterns , Land Use , and Growth quality and quantity of stormwater Management 7 . Coordinating Utilities , other City departments , 1 . Planning for limited outward growth potential other organizations , and public input and regional growth impacts Energy and Electricity 2 . Positioning the City for desirable change g . Responding to uncertainty of carbon through infill and redevelopment legislation 3 . Defining how neighborhoods will 9 . Increasing energy security accommodate future population and lifestyle 10 . Adapting to new electric system technology shifts 11 . Committing to green building 4 . Addressing limited transit links to and from activity centers Recycling and Solid Waste Reduction 5 . Maintaining a balance of jobs-and-housing 12 . Reducing solid waste and diversion from and land for future jobs and employment landfill Provision and Integration of Services 13 . Managing hazardous materials 6 . Addressing infrastructure needs for parts of Air, Emissions , and Climate Protection the City with older or substandard 14 . Meeting higher state and federal air quality infrastructure standards 7 . Continuing coordination , integration , and 15 . Achieving climate protection goals expansion of utilities 16 . Meeting sustainability and environmental policies for City operations SNAPSHOT SUMMARY 59 Finance and Economy Housing Options Challenges and opportunities are : 3 . Serving the housing needs of many diverse 1 . Responding to regional retail and employment groups and changing demographics competition High Performing Housing for All 2 . Making available "shovel ready" land for 4 . Providing high-performing housing for all employment income levels 3 . Understanding fiscal sustainability and balancing revenues and expenditures over Natural Areas , Parks , and Recreation the long-term 4 . Maintaining a balanced mix of land uses to lQ , Challenges and opportunities are : support fiscal sustainability Natural Areas 5 . Providing City services despite increasing 1 . Assuring long-term financial viability and costs maintaining long-term balance between land conservation and stewardship Health , Wellness , and Safety 2 . Striving for environmental sustainability by - - iA Challenges and opportunities are : reducing carbon footprint from operations and restoring habitat Active Living 3 . Managing for outstanding visitor experience 1 . Reducing barriers to and improving while there are increasing demands for uses opportunities for physical activity and active on natural areas lifestyles Parks Health and Wellness 4 . Providing parks and trails to a growing 2 . Improving the health and wellness of the community and maximizing program community, especially at-risk populations resources Health and Human Services Stormwater Multi- Use Projects 3 . Addressing accessibility and provision of 5 . Planning for most suitable uses given communitywide health and human services competing needs for remaining urban land Community Engagement 6 . Balancing restoration and urbanization 4 . Engaging a broad range of community 7 . Addressing multiple and sometimes members conflicting regulations and values 5 . Retaining a sense of community and heritage as change occurs Transportation Safety It Challenges and opportunities are : 6 . Satisfying community safety needs and 1 . Incorporating new transportation technologies expectations with limited resources and trends 7 . Addressing safety as multiple modes of 2 . Improving transportation to help achieve transportation share roads climate objectives 3 . Enhancing connections between the Housing community's activity areas Challenges and opportunities are : 4 . Enhancing the transportation system to improve health and safety Affordable Housing 5 . Using effective tools to measure transportation 1 . Continuing to fund , support, and develop system performance affordable housing 6 . Identifying new funding opportunities for 2 . Need for a continuous local funding source transportation 60 SNAPSHOT SUMMARY Plan Fort Collins SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS rn ST,q�2 Plan Fort Collins will carry the City into the future , helping to shape Fort Collins for our or a children and grandchildren 's generations . A preliminary list of cross-cutting sustainability topics identified throughout this report are listed below. This list is provided to help spark . discussions about integrated topics that Plan Fort Collins should address . Sustainability Topic Active Living/Complete Streets: Building streets and a transportation network that allows for safe , comfortable , and convenient travel for all transportation modes (driving , transit, walking , and bicycling) . Greater opportunities for bicycling and walking also improve community health . Providing parks , recreation , and programs to support active living . Arts in Public Places and Transportation : Further integrating arts , urban design , and streetscape within the transportation network. Developing further connections/integration of arts and cultural elements into the built environment , parks , stormwater projects , and the local economy. Increasing presence of artistic elements as part of utilities and renewable energy facilities to support local arts and cultural industries . Incorporating art into the transportation system to make the journey as enjoyable as getting there . Ecological Systems Planning . Defining suitable land uses based on land characteristics (e . g . , What is best for agriculture? What is best habitat? Where should urban development occur?) Economic Sustainability: Increasing the capacity of the community to be competitive , resilient, and attractive to enterprise . This , in turn , provides meaningful employment to its residents in a manner that also protects the environment. Providing an economically sounds stem of maintaining our community infrastructure . Efficient Mobility: Providing greater choices for travel to reduce auto-dependency, costs of fuel , and greenhouse gas emissions . Energy Policies (efficiency, renewable) : Increasing energy efficiency and integrate renewable energy and smart grid technologies into the energy system to help reduce carbon emissions , benefit Fort Collins residents , and save money. Financing New Sustainable Technologies Finding ways to finance the capital and on-going operations and maintenance costs of innovative public sector services . Encouraging sustainable development (e . g . , fees , incentives , rebates , policies and practices that facilitate innovative design) . Food Production and Security: Supporting farmer's markets , community gardens , and agriculture that contribute to community health and well-being and the local economy. Green Building : Improving the built environment (structures and facilities) to increase their efficiency and comfort while decreasing resources needed for their construction , operation , and maintenance . Green Streets: Building streets for low impact stormwater drainage and multiple types of transportation (car, bike, and pedestrian) . Housing and Health and Human Services Coordination : Providing health and human and services in combination with housing programs to assist residents in securing housing . Coordinating location of housing for seniors , disabled people , and low incomes near services and transit, as well as equitable distribution . Land Use to Support Green Technology: Developing land use policies that support new technologies (e . g . , green building , alternative energy development, smart metering , electric vehicles , etc . ) . Recycling and Waste Reduction : Working toward greater solid waste diversion and hazardous waste reduction goals to conserve landfill space , protect community health , and use resources more efficiently. SNAPSHOT SUMMARY 61 Sustainabilit To • Reduced Vehicle Miles/Carbon Emission Reduction : Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through less automobile dependent development, reduced vehicle miles traveled , and increased use of alternative , cleaner fuels for heating and cooling . Safety and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design : Deterring criminal behavior through design and a multi -disciplinary approach to increase outdoor physical activity, visibility, and social interaction . Stormwater/Low Impact Development Continuing a mutually-beneficial planning of parks , natural areas , and stormwater management. Adapting water quality, and stormwater functions more fully into the urban environment. Urban Forestry: Managing and planting new trees on streets and in public spaces to help with stormwater management, clean water and air, aesthetics , shade and cooling . Water Quality/Resource Protection : Managing water use efficiency and water quality to meet the needs of a growing population and the city's natural resources , recreation use , health , and aquatic habitat. What other cross-cutting topics should Plan Fort Collins explore? Arts and Culture ® Environment and Utilities J Health, Wellness , and Safety Natural Ares , Recreation Built Environment and Land Use Finance and Economy Housing Transportation 62 SNAPSHOT SUMMARY Plan Fort Collins Please Provide Comments Now that you 've reviewed the draft Snapshot report, you have seen an initial listing of community accomplishments , future challenges and opportunities , and possible cross-cutting sustainability topics . Please provide comments about what is important to you and other topics you would like Plan Fort Collins to address . Arts and Culture Environment and Utilities Health , Wellness , and Safety �I Natural Areas , Recreation Built Environment and Land Use Finance and Economy Housing Transportation L _— Snapshot Reports Do you have comments to help refine the snapshot topics? Which one(s)? (circle above) Sustainability NS'tiZ Do you have comments about the City's approach to sustainability? What topics should Plan Fort Collins address to foster future innovation , sustainability, and connections? General Comments What other general comments do you have to make Plan Fort Collins successful and positive for the community's future? Please seethe back of this form for ways to return your comments to the City. Thank you for your comments! COMMENT FORM Plan or o ■mi ns innovate ► sustain ► connect YOUR FEEDBACK IS APPRECIATED ! ONLINE fcgov . com / planfortcollins EMAIL aplanning@fcgov . com MAIL City of Fort Collins - Advance Planning PO Box 580 Fort Collins , CO 80522 - 0580 City of Fort Collins ATTACHMENT 2 P Plan Fort Collins City Council Work Session March 23 , 2010 1 Plan Fort Collins Purpose of the Work Session 1 . Provide an update on Phase 1 of the Plan Fort Collins process . 2 . Seek Council ' s input on values and the list of ideas for next phases of Plan Fort Collins . I Discuss ongoing public outreach and next steps . at t_�'� 1 Plan ,), in novate,su stain,connect What is Plan Fort Collins ? • The name given to the planning process for a major visioning effort to define Fort Collins ' future . • A community-wide effort to update and refine City Plan and Oak i� � Transportation Master Plan. I ort t -.dlin. t II1 I.1 • Key themes are : innovate , sustain , and connect. CItYof Fort Plan ,, Fort Collins Existing Planning Documents • Keep what is valid and current from the existing plans , and take them to the next level . • Recently completed plans will not change : — Bicycle Plan — Cultural Plan _ 4 -- - Energy Policy — Parks and Recreation Policy Plan 1, — Transfort Strategic Plan t :�. .. — Water Conservation Plan Climate Action Plan Forth`s 2 Plan ,,, own W mohmiovate,sustain,connect Greater Emphasis and New Topics Greater emphasis and new topics to address future needs . — Greater emphasis topics examples : • Utilities and energy • Sustainability connections and metrics l► — New topics examples : • Arts and culture • Health and wellness • Stormwater low impact tlNll L. 0 1 development _ . r ort Fort 5 ow Plan ,, Fort Collins Key Outcomes of Plan Fort Collins Updated City Plan and Transportation Master Plan PLUS : • Cost Recovery Model (underway) • Best practice studies from other communities (underway) • Stormwater ( roadway designs , prototypes for parks and open space , best practices , ordinances ) • Transportation Master Plan elements (Master Street Plan , Pedestrian Plan , Capital Improvement Plan ) • Sustainability analysis and metrics • Specific ordinances Fort `3 6 3 Plan ,,, in novate,su stain,connect Phases of the Planning Process The planning process will be conducted in 3 phases : • Phase 1 — Understanding ( March / April 2010 ) • Phase 2 — Envision / Analyze ( May to August 2010 ) • Phase 3 — Adopt / Implement (August 2010 to March 2011 ) F``ort\�l 7 Plan Fort Collins Current Phase 1 : Understanding • Review current vision and goals ; • Examine key trends ; • Engage the community in dialogue about challenges and opportunities ; and • Focus topics to explore during Phase 2 . at tf'� 4 in novate,sustain,connect Snapshot Report Draft March 2 , 2010 • Generally addresses : Plan % Fort Collins — Current values and goals SNAPSHOT REPORT — Accomplishments — Challenges and opportunities - • Will be finalized in April , after month . long review and public input 9 tf Plan ,,, Fort Collins Draft Snapshot Report Topics Arts and Culture ja , Housing Built Environment and Natural Areas , Parks , Land Use and Recreation Environment and Transportation Utilities Sustainability ❑ Finance and Economy Health , Wellness , and Safety at 10 ' tr�S 5 Plan ,n Each topic section includes : • Current Values �r • Accomplishments p • Challenges and Opportunities • Sustainability — Cross-Cutting Topics • Links for More Information 11 art_<< Plan ,, Fort Collins Snapshot Summary • Listing of topic- related ... future challenges and opportunities . : • Examples : Planning for limited — — — outward growth To potential and regional growth impacts Using effective tools to —� - -- �� measure transportation -- system perFor . F 12 Fort Collins 6 innovate sustain,connect Community Dialogue Past and ongoing %W" w rub" LIFE Can we count on you to continue to ry participate in Dian Fort Collins? ] Yes nMes XnuNegs — 9H: �•--_.�_—��._ Ya. Mas" any, 1 0% a w 1 0% s nurse. J% Fort f� 13 Plan Fort Collins Community Dialogue To enhance the vision and identify topics to focus on during Phase 2 • Snapshot Report & Feedback (ongoing ) • Kickoff events (complete ) • On - line community dialogue and surveys (ongoing ) • Boards and commissions input (ongoing ) • " Roadshow" presentations ( upcoming ) • Focus Groupsing ) Cityof 14 Fikn ort 7 Plan ,), in novate,su stain,connect March Kick -Off Events • Generated widespread awareness of the project • March 3rd " Shape the Future " Lincoln Center event with Futurist Thomas Frey (750 people ) • Note Card Exercise (700 comments ) • Posters (200 comments ) • Polling (450 participants ) • March 4th Community Workshop (80 participants ) • A first step to identify new ideas and issues cctYor rtr 15 Win , Fort Collins Boards / Commissions Involvement • Related to board ' s focus area : — What are short-term ( 1 - 5 year) challenges that the City faces? — What are long -term ( 5 - 30 -years and beyond ) challenges and opportunities the City should address ? — Other communities or organizations with " cool tools" or " best practices" ? • Other ideas unrelated to focus area ? 16 tr"S - 8 Plan ,,, Boards / Commissions Replied • Affordable Housing • Natural Resources • Air Quality • Parks and • Art in Public Places Recreation • Bicycle • Senior • Electric • Transportation • Golf • Water • Land Conservation and • Women ' s Stewardship Commission • Landmark Preservation Commission atYor rtr 17 Fort Collins Boards and Commissions - Responses • Wealth of good ideas for the Snapshot report and for Phase 2 . • Common themes : — Sustainable funding sources — Collaboration and partnerships ( e . g . , with CSU , private , organizations ) — Regionalism — Sustainability Scorecard and indicators at 18 tr-"S 9 Plan ,,, in novate,su stain,connect Ongoing Events and Activities • Activity Log Online • Events Ongoing : — Online Surveys and Conversations — Focus Groups — Youth Outreach — Small group " roadshow71 outreach to organizations F8t19 tr= Plan Fort Collins Summarizing the Ideas • Current Values = Taking it to the Next Level : — Existing plans/policies still relevant — May need refinements to reflect trends or — Refocus on strategies—getting it done • New Themes and Ideas : — Ideas and topics not previously addressed in City Plan or the Transportation Master Plan at 20 tr'� 10 Following slides give sampling from each topic 21 �Ftf Plan ,, Fort Collins Arts and Culture • Integrated citywide in public places • An economic catalyst • Partnerships and strategic investments • Creativity in community 22 Fort Collins — 11 Plan ,n Built Environment and Land Use • Addressing barriers to infill ,� and redevelopment as City nears buildout • Activity centers , especially " midtown " • Land for future employment • Economically sustainable land use -- balanced mix q ' 23 Fort Collins Plan ,, Fort Collins Environment and Utilities • Future of Poudre River • Stormwater Low Impact Development • Green building _�,� • Energy innovations ( leadership , adaptation , entrepreneurialism ) • Replacing aging infrastructure • Climate protection • Recycling Citytr' 24 12 Pl Finance and Economy • Short- and long -term infrastructure funding • Shovel - ready sites • Community involvement in budgeting / priorities • Retail mix to stem " leakage" �! .; • Leverage community fl strengths • Maintain affordability and build economic stability 25 art_<< to Plan ,, Fort Collins Health , Wellness , and Safety • Maintain community safety ( police , fire ) -- define future ratios • Urban agriculture Ilk I • Intersection with other topics n _� , (e . g . , walkability , agriculture ) • Bottom -up , diverse a . community involvement at 2s tr'� 13 Housing r • Affordable programs — local resources • Housing needs for changing population er • Mixed -use ' development TM rFort Collins f� 27 © Plan ,,, Fort Collins Natural Areas , Parks , and Recreation • Sustainable funding = • Collaboration for better use of resources • Management for visitorY � experience + other (e . g . , food ` production , stream restoration ) • Balance growth and conservation • Future of Poudre River Citytr' 28 14 Pip Transportation • Regional transit connections a • Adapting (all modes ) to infill and redevelopment and future needs , also : ,. — Green Streets , — Enhanced Travel Corridors • Reliable funding , long -term ` • Safe and connected — bikes and 1, pedestrians ' 29 art_<< Plan Fort Collins M sty 2 Sustainability • Scorecard/metrics improved • Regional (with CSU , other communities ) • Connections and interrelationships - • Innovative and sustainable revenue structure - • " Be local " at 30 tr-"S 15 Plan ,n Council Discussion Questions • Values : Are there values missing within the current City "values " in Snapshot report • Ideas as Foundation for Phase 2 : Does the list of ideas include the right mix for study? Are any missing ? atYor rtr 31 16 ATTACHMENT 3 Flank Fort Collins innovate-sustain,connect Questions and Discussion Points for Boards and Commissions Board and commission participation in these questions and discussion is optional but encouraged. Please consider and discuss the questions below as a board and either: • Formulate a written response in the form of a memo, • Provide a copy of board meeting minutes of the discussion, or • Ask your staff liaison summarize key points of discussion. Submit comments or minutes: • No later than March 10, 2010 • To Ken Waido: kwaido(a)fcgov.com Thank you for your participation in Plan Fort Collins. Your board will have additional opportunities to weigh in on policy direction and strategies later during the process in 2010. Board or Commission Name: Affordable Housing Board Staff Liaison: Ken Waido What are short-term (1-5 year) challenges that the city faces, related to your board's focus area? • Need more affordable housing rental units especially for families with incomes less than 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI). • Lack of funding in the City's Affordable Housing Fund. • Of all the affordable housing needs in the community, rental housing is the greatest need. • There is generally a lack of 3-4 bedroom units that will need to be addressed in the short term. What are long-term (5- 30-years and beyond) challenges and opportunities that Plan Fort Collins should address related to your board's focus area?. • There is such a need for more affordable housing rental units, especially for families with incomes less than 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI) that the issue will exist beyond the short-term period. • Land Bank Program-needs to be expanded so land will be available for future affordable housing development. • The aging baby boomers will create different demands for housing. • New higher paying jobs create spinoffs of lower paying jobs which creates demands for affordable housing units. • Maintaining existing affordable units as affordable once their 20-year commitments expire. Do you know of other communities or organizations with "cool tools" or "best practices" the city should explore related to your board's focus area? • Use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to provide funding to the City's Affordable Housing Fund, e.g., 20% of TIF should go into the AHF. • Turning unused commercial space into affordable housing units. Do you have other ideas unrelated to your board's focus area? • Better transit systems. • Recognition that affordable housing is more than a social issue; it is an economic development issue and an environmental issue too. C. Art is very beneficial to the community and should be encouraged. ATTACHMENT 4 Natural Resources Department ;�"�/ �� 215 North Mason PO Box 580 Fort Collins Fort Collins,C0 80522 970.221.6600 970.2214.6177 Fax fcoov.com/natura/resources MEMORANDUM TO: Ken Waido, Chief City Planner FROM: Lucinda Smith, Sr. Environmental Planner CC: Air Quality Advisory Board DATE: March 10, 2010 SUBJECT: Air Quality Advisory Board Input to Plan Fort Collins The AQAB appreciates the opportunity to provide input into Plan Fort Collins. Board members' responses to the four questions reveal key themes that are summarized below. Pages 3 —7 contain Board member specific responses. What are short-term (1-5 year) challenges the city faces, related to your board's focus area? • Prioritize implementation of Climate Action Plan. • Provide robust alternatives to current generation single occupant vehicle transportation (i.e., biking, walking, transit, next generation vehicles). • Develop and implement strategies to achieve ozone compliance. • Take the next steps to improve energy efficiency in Fort Collins' buildings(i.e. improving the commercial and residential building codes). • Integrate air quality into land use planning. There is a need for better air pollution monitoring and transportation data and/or resources to support modeling analyses to inform land use decision- making. • Develop a sustainable funding source to address short and long-term air quality challenges. • There is a need for regional thinking with respect to air quality because transportation challenges are regional in nature and air pollution crosses jurisdictional boundaries. • The City needs to provide leadership by raising public awareness, increasing education, and building support for action. For example, creating a display at the future Museum/Discovery Center could aid citizens in understand complex air quality/land use issues. • The City needs to be a leader and take progressive stands at the local, state(i.e. via CNIL), and federal levels to establish and enforce environmentally sound legislation, regulation, investments, and incentives. • The City should revise its organizational structure to reflect environmental systems-thinking, rather than addressing environmental issues individually. A good start would be to revise the V interdepartmental LUTRAQ Team (land use, transportation and air quality). What are the long-term (5-30 years and beyond) challenges and opportunities that Plan Fort Collins should address related to your board's focus area? • Develop transportation infrastructure alternatives that promote maximum mobility efficiency such as next generation single occupancy vehicles, highly fuel efficient cars and regional mobility systems. • Reduce the impact on air quality from industrial sources and reward companies that do well. Cityof Fort Collins • Grow the city wisely: ensure that environmental impacts are inputs to decisions and plans. Having and using better monitoring data and modeling tools will enable better decisions on land use and mobility management investments. • Support increased urban density to promote more transportation and other efficiencies while retaining high quality of life. • Improve understanding of risks of climate change that will lead to timely action to avoid the worst impacts. y • There is a need to build a next generation power utility with mixed local, community and regional power sources integrated for security and efficiency. This utility will have declining carbon content. • Possible new emission sources, nuclear for example, represent challenges. • Create progressive building codes and land use codes in support of building efficiency and distributed energy production (i.e. PV solar, solar thermal, fuel cells). • Localization: More use and application of local goods and services (most notably food and energy). . • Global issues such as national and world debt, fuel shortages, hunger and disease may shift priorities away from traditional local concerns, leaving quick remedies as a necessary alternative to thoughtful long term planning. • We need to develop the cultural & political will to support and consume new technologies that emerge and new behaviors that embrace efficiencies. • Opportunity: Science and technology will advance exponentially,,and these advances will offer us significant opportunities. Do you know of other communities or organizations with "cool tools" or"best practices" the city should explore related to your board's focus area? Many responses indicated the need to look beyond the western USA to the coasts and Europe for models of success. Specific examples include: • Bangkok, Thailand - use of incentives to reduce auto emissions. • Boulder, Colorado is installing the nation's first fully integrated smart grid. • Bountiful, Utah has planned for Transit Oriented Development (TOD ). Envision Utah's Founding Chair, Robert Grow, visited Fort Collins circa 2002 to extol the virtues of TOD,and the concept is not lost in Fort Collins, CO. (See http://Nvww.envisionutall.or2/) • Austin, TX and Portland, OR-effective transportation systems Do you have other ideas unrelated to your board's focus area? • Better integrate Land Use concepts(like Transit Oriented Development) with the budget process. • New methods to increase revenue such as a short term tax mechanism or raising impact fees. • Emerging communications capabilities (think fiber optic capability,wirelessly delivered) will have a profound impact on our ability to connect the community(people, utilities, transportation, services, etc.). • Aggressively recruit and acquire local employment centers. • Need a viable mechanism (department, high level person) that is responsible for bringing together diverse City depts. into a whole system to create systems-based improvements. • Zero or negative population growth locally, nationally and It, is required for a sustainable future. Economic and social structures must adapt to make this a reality. • Lobby for, or at least support, stricter federal regulations on emissions, energy conservation,.carbon reduction, climate change, and other sound environmental practices that affect air quality. • Better B&C training on goal-setting, coordination of various B&C goals and opportunities for B&C to hear feedback from Council. 2 City of Fort Collins Air Quality Advisory Board Specific Responses What are the short-term (1-5 year)challenges that the city faces, related to your board's focus area?; Sustainable Funding • Timely investments to complete the implementation of the Climate Action Plan. • The city"budgeting for outcome" (BFO) needs to allow for an integrated process between agency plans and budget line items. Furthermore, policy ought to have a funding source. •. Reliance on the existing Sales and Use tax is not sustainable, thus leadership is needed to - find alternative funding sources. The challenges include lack of tax policy mechanisms, political conflicts, and clear funding priorities for essential services. • Our current economy. Limited Ability to Achieve Consensus • Resources, political will, and ability to achieve reasonable consensus among stakeholders are limited, particularly in creating sustainable systems. • Developing regional consensus for air quality strategies. While some air quality issues can be addressed locally, most are regional (or larger) in cause. Raising awareness • Working towards a better informed citizenry with outreach events, news articles, web site information • The City and community need to include the Climate Action Plan in mainstream discussions, and revise often, based on a changing political process, and on community requirements. -- - - - Growth • Continuing increases in city and surrounding area population will result in increasing pollution without aggressive regulation. Need for Monitoring/Data • Enhancing and expanding air quality monitoring in cooperation with the state CDPHE • Enhancing and expanding VMT modeling projections and benchmark traffic count measurements for model validation • Ensuring that state and federal budget cuts do not reduce air quality monitoring in the city (i.e. budgets for new and replacement capital costs and operational costs). Without data we are blind. Leadership • Be a leader and take progressive stand at the local, state, and federal levels to establish and enforce environmentally sound legislation, regulation, investments, and incentives. • Oil and gas development in the region will increase pollution. Work hard for the most stringent regulation. 3 Fort of Specific Issues Considerable environmental, health, and social issues are facing the city (e.g., mobility management, greenhouse gas,emissions, ozone, air quality, radon, mercury, etc.). Mobility Mgmt • Fully implementing a mobility management strategy. • Alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle need significant improvements to be viable, particularly the public transportation system and bicycling. We are not going to solve the problems by "building our way out of it", particularly for maintenance of massive miles of concrete roads. • Reduction in regional VNIT's. Climate • The City and community need to include the Climate Action Plan in mainstream discussions, and revise often, based on a changing political process, and on community requirements. • Timely investments to complete the implementation of the Climate Action Plan. Ozone • Meeting increasingly more severe ozone restrictions will have to be done in the next few years. • Developing measurable programs to help mitigate Ozone levels to meet federal guidelines • Oil and gas development in the region will increase pollution. Work hard for the most stringent regulation. Energy Efficiency • Increasing the energy efficiency of existing building stock. • Setting next generation building codes that increase the energy efficiency of new construction. Diesel • Require a statewide diesel emission testing program to supplement the effort to reduce air pollution from passenger vehicles. What are the long-term (5-30 years and beyond)challenges and opportunities that Plan Fort Collins should address related to your board's focus area?, Transportation Alternatives . • Transportation alternatives must be implemented (i.e. enhanced walking, bicycling, public transportation, and a direct by-pass route from 1-25 to College Avenue) If the alternatives are effectively provided they will be used, but they will not directly pay for themselves. All of this takes progressive investment. • Accommodation and incentivization of smaller, electric powered or extremely fuel efficient vehicles. For example, these vehicles may not be able to go 50 mph so the street designs and lanes must be changed to allow this alternative. • Regional cooperation, regional funding, and a means to rapidly deploy (emphasis on "rapid") a regional alternative to car dependence in the Front Range corridor, and connectors from Fort Collins to such a regional system. 4 City of Fortes Monitoring/Modeling (Better Data) • Implementing a next generation air quality monitoring network that provides automatic and actionable collection of basic air quality indicators. • Building a dynamic model of the Fort Collins air quality system that can be regularly calibrated with the real time monitoring system and updated to reflect changes in the system. • Integration of satellite imaging and data acquisition with the model of the Fort Collins system. Addressing Industrial Sources • Understanding and mitigating negative impacts of industrial sources of air pollution. Informed Planning/Decision-making • Using the air and environment, modeling and measurement capabilities to make decisions on land use and mobility management investments. • Land use planning must stress higher densities and local services Reactive/ Low bar responses by City to Major enviro issues • Historically the city has often been responsive, not proactive, in dealing with the issues mentioned above.The responses have also tended to try to do the "minimum"required to meet modest solutions to the problems, without factoring in that in general the scientific assessment of the risks from the problems continue to be increasingly more dire. An example is the assessments of climate change since the late 1980's have always gotten more severe. A change in mind-set is needed in addressing systems problems. The issues mentioned above will simply be more difficult to address in the long-term, particularly if not adequately addressed now. Future Clear Power Systems • Building a next generation power utility with mixed local, community and regional power sources integrated for security and efficiency. This utility will have declining carbon content. Climate Change • Dealing with the impacts of climate change Building Codes • Progressive building codes to enhance energy conservation and efficiency and local (carbon- neutral) energy production (i.e. PV solar or solar thermal) Localization • More use and application of local goods and services (most notably food and energy) Population • Increasing population and congestion; with increasing population comes increasing problems. Zero or negative population growth locally, nationally, and globally should be a primary goal • Population growth, and its accompanying pollution output, will be the #1 challenge. 5 Fort Collins Other Global Issues (world debt, disease, fuel shortages) • National and world debt will shift priorities away from traditional local concerns, leaving quick remedies as a necessary alternative to thoughtful long term planning. Hunger and disease may replace renewal resource incentives. Air pollution might be lowered by fuel shortages, or increased by regulation shortcomings. Current planning toots are woefully inadequate for producing tangible results in a meaningful time frame. New Emission Sources Possible new emission sources, nuclear for example, represent challenges. OPPORTUNITIES Science and technology advance exponentially, and these advances will offer us our greatest opportunities. Do you know of other communities or organizations with "cool tools" or "best practices" the city should explore related to your board's focus area?]I • Bangkok, Thailand has had quite a success story in turning around a terrible air pollution problem. Part of their solution was the use of incentive based solutions as part of their reduction in auto emissions. Can we achieve positive results by using similar incentive driven measures. • Boulder, Colorado is installing the nation's first fully integrated smart grid. • Bountiful, Utah has planned for Transit Oriented Development (TOD). Envision Utah's Founding Chair, Robert Grow, visited Fort Collins circa 2002 to extol the virtues of TOD, and the concept is not lost in Fort Collins, CO. Ref'EnvisionUtah.Org'. • Austin, TX and Portland, OR - There are many cities larger than Fort Collins, which have much more effective transportation systems. Fort Collins should study those cities to see which of their strategies might be applicable to a city the size of Fort Collins. • Almost all of Western Europe. Get away from U.S.-centric thinking. • Selected East and West Coast Cities that have been dealing with public transportation for a longer time. • Cities that are not afraid to invest in the future, regulate, and tax for the public good and enhancement of the overall quality of life. You generally need to look beyond the western U.S. • Cities that are not afraid to implement strategies like mandatory recycling and other long- term environmentally sound practices • The concept of neighborhood needs a review. What is our concept and how might that concept impact our land use, transportation and environmental quality? Do you have other ideas unrelated to your board's focus area?' Land Use planning has traditionally (it seems) been implemented in a reactionary fashion, rather than pro actively. Land Use requires over-arching and intersecting concepts, and deserves dedicated city staffing to administer related policy and implement planning procedures, to include input from the various Boards and Commissions. More emphasis ought to be placed on integrating Land Use concepts (like Transit Oriented Development) with the budget process. 6 City of Fort Collins The local tax structure is not designed well for financial market downturns. A short term tax mechanism to remedy infrastructure shortfalls could partially supplement sales and use tax. Raising impact fees, while unpopular, ought to be one method to raise revenues. I believe the emerging communications capabilities (think fiber optic capability, wirelessly delivered) will have a profound impact on our ability to connect the community(people, utilities, transportation, services, etc.).The impact on the architecture of our homes, businesses, and communities will be significant. The city will have to become far more aggressive in recruiting and acquiring employment centers for its citizens. The global competition and connections make this an international challenge. Organizational Structure All organizations suffer from creating organizational structure that by essence are not conducive to creating and facilitating a systems approach and perspective. All city components/departments interact, and at the top there needs to be a viable mechanism (department, high level person) that is responsible for bringing everything together into a whole system. B&C (Boards and Commissions) is currently administered from the City Clerk office, from where an effort could be made to coordinate the B&C Goals and Objectives, to include training in goal setting. Also from the Clerk's office, coordination of an annual gathering could include procedures training (to include Council opinions for how they prefer to receive B&C input), professional review of Work Plans, and a review of overlapping B&C goals. Population is the problem no one wants to talk about. Zero or negative population growth locally, notionally and globally is required for a sustainable future. Economic and social structures must adapt to make this a reality. Lobby for, or at least support, stricter federal regulations on emissions, energy conservation, carbon reduction, climate change, and other sound environmental practices that affect air quality. Local governments and states are currently limited in dealing with many issues like automobile standards, carbon taxes, the power grid and other issues that affect us all. Direction, action, investment, and regulation at the federal level are required to address many major issues. We have accomplished this in the past (i.e. ambient air quality standards, CFC reduction, rural electrification, interstate highways) and we now need to look forward to the future. 7 ATTACHMENT 5 Art in Public Places Board What are short-term (1-5 years) challenges that the city faces, related to your Board's focus area? Response #1: We will be facing an increase of potential art donations to the city in the future. The current process of donating art to the city needs to be clarified and strengthened. The APP Program currently has an established roster of artists approved by the Board for low budget projects. Potential donors should be encouraged to engage an artist from this list. Other options might include limiting donors to benches or tree plantings or to make monetary donations that would then follow the current procedures for selecting an artist and the project. The other.challenge facing the APP Program is awareness of what the program is, how it functions, and getting information out about the current projects in place.An example is the projected Spring/Fall tours that will be offered for residents to view a selected number of projects. Periodic exhibits (as was done in 2009 in the Lincoln Center Galleries) on the process of APP projects from start to finish should continue to better inform residents on the steps involved. Response #2: Short term the city government needs to do a better job of educating citizens about how our work is funded and the cost effectiveness of our work. The sign code needs to be updated to allow murals that are artistic in nature even if they provide an idea of the type of business occurring inside the building. City council needs to recognize that the funding mechanism for Art In Public Places projects is currently very minimal and that a short term political gain of saying you've cut a "cost" will negatively impact the city for decades to come. What are long-term (5-30 years and beyond) challenges and opportunities that Plan Fort Collins should address related to your Board's focus area? Response#1: Both of the challenges mentioned above will continue in the long-term. Increased public awareness of the benefits is important for the future of public funding of art in public places. Response #2: The plan should guide the city on how to save for larger projects knowing that it could take several years for a project's funding to be built up and then allow the money to be spent. Provide a process by which the Art In Public Places board & staff could provide input/suggestions on new buildings in the private sector so the city is home to more visually attractive buildings in the future. Do you know of other communities or organizations with "cool tools" the city should explore related to your Board's focus area? Response #1: The City of Omaha's web site (www.ci.omaha.ne.us/departments/mayor/commissions/PAC/pac.htm) is a good example of how information on their APP program is made available. Their APP section is informational, concise, and uses changing visuals. Board members and contact information is listed without having to go to other sections of the city web site. Information on the steps the APP process takes would also be helpful to have to viewers. Response #2: The city should partner with the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado for developing long-term funding strategies for specific projects. For example, the community pavers project could use a standing funding source. Do you have other ideas unrelated to your board's focus area? Response #l: The City Plan of the future should include East Mulberry as the future Gateway into Fort Collins Old Town. This entrance into FC does not currently project a forward looking environment and doesn't give visitors an indication of the character of Fort Collins with Old Town at its heart. There is an opportunity here to increase economic benefits from visitor tourism that is currently being missed. Response #2: The city should work on developing bicycle/pedestrian routes that are direct and shorter than traditional motor vehicle routes to get between locations to encourage people to use non-motorized methods of transport. For example, a direct/straight-line bike path/sidewalk between the intersection of Horsetooth and Timberline to the west entrance of HP would promote more people working at the HP site to use alternative transportation. Those have to be built into plans ahead of time to make them cost effective. Buses should run on a grid system and be consistent. Timing the traffic lights going north on College, Timberline, and Taft Hill road while at the same time the lights on Ziegler, Lemay, Shields, and Overland trail are timed to south bound traffic (and a similar east and west plan) would promote better traffic flow. ATTACHMENT 6 Bicycle Advisory Committee, March 11, 2010 Date: March 11, 2010 To: Kathleen Bracke, Transportation Planner From: Dan Gould, Chair, Bicycle Advisory Committee Subject: Plan Fort Collins Comments Board or Commission Name: Bicycle Advisory Committee Staff Liason: Kathleen Bracke What are short-term (1-5 year) challenges that the city faces, related to your board's focus area? • Street maintenance (including bike lanes and sidewalks) needs to be funded adequately for ensuring safety of travelers • Put in place a bicycle safety education plan with special emphasis on children, youth and college students. Each subgroup has its own special educational needs. There should be strong partnering with community organization. • Develop practical means for onging tracking of bicycle and other transportation metrics • Improve data acquisition for bike/motor vehicle collisions as well as bike only collisions • Apply to the League of American Bicyclists for Bicycle Friendly Platinum status designation • Stop signals for safe recreational path crossings at arterial streets and for school zone sidewalks • Law enforcement activity focused on travel behaviors that represent a threat of serious injury to other travelers (enforcement based on "threat potential") • Continue to improve bicycle encouragement events and integrate education element as much as possible • Explore the benefits of"bike boxes" for promoting safer interaction of bikes and motor vehicles at signalized intersections. • Create a themed bike park which includes an outdoor velodrome and facilities for bike education and space for use by advocacy groups • Develop programs to encourage senior citizens to use bicycles and tricycles for mobility, exercise and fun. What are long-term (5- 30-years and beyond) challenges and opportunities that Plan Fort Collins should address related to your board's focus area? • Grade separated crossings of major bike trails and major arterial streets • Traffic code changes aimed at slowing and calming traffic so as to facilitate safe interactions amongst a wide variety of slower moving, light- weight vehicles moving with heavier vehicles 1 Bicycle Advisory Committee, March 11, 2010 Do you know of other communities or organizations with "cool tools" or "best practices" the city should explore related to your board's focus area? None submitted Do you have other ideas unrelated to your board's focus area? • As energy prices rise, promote local food production and marketing • Develop community food processing faciltities where gardeners and CSA members can bring their "in season" produce for preservation using labor- saving, low-carbon-footprint processing techniques • Develop financing methods to promote enhanced distributed electricity production in Fort ZED • Consider mobility as a basic city utility and develop a utility fee system to support street maintenance and high quality transit 2 ATTACHMENT 7 Date: March 10,2010 To: Ken Waido From: John P. Morris Chair,Fort Collins Electric Board Re: Plan Fort Collins The Electric Board is pleased to have the opportunity to participate in this exciting endeavor. At the March 10,2010 Electric Board meeting the Electric Board discussed this topic and would like to provide the following input(see attached). If you have any questions or would like any additional information please feel free to us through Robin Pierce, Executive Administrative Assistant to the Utilities Executive Director. Cc: Brian Janonis, Utilities Executive Director Steve Catanach,Light&Power Operations Manager Electric Board Feedback—Plan Fort Collins—March 10, 2010 Milestone What are short-term(l-5 year)challenges that the city faces, related to your board's focus area? 1.: Align or balance reliable, cost-effective service goal (including asset management) with energy efficiency,renewable energy and electric load management goals. Follow the long-term goals as defined in the Energy Supply Policy without reacting to arbitrary,short-term goals that may not be consistent with the longer range plans. 2. Concerns about setting carbon reduction as the primary goal without enough evidence of global warming impacts. Goals may be better expressed in terms of renewable energy as a percentage of the supply portfolio, and express goals in terms of energy efficiency. 3. Execute the plan for smart grid (Smart Metering— AMI) and utilize the data to provide information to guide strategic plans. 4. Continue to educate energy users on how to use energy efficiently, wisely and prudently while allowing them to use energy to meet their needs and desires. Provide the tools for the public so they know how to make smart decisions that can guide them to make behavioral changes. This is related to#3 above. 5. Investigate changes to the rate structure to send real time price signals that reflect the true cost of electric supply. This also relates to#3 above. , 6. Engage the community to become part of the solution and to increase their awareness of current activities related to the goals described in the Energy Supply Policy. This includes managing the public's perception and continuing to send the message that we wish to remain an industry leader. 7. Salaries, succession planning and retention for electric power related positions, ranging from linemen to engineers. 8. Address green building and efficiency programs so that the buildings that are built today, and that will be around for the next 30-50 years, will be as efficient as possible. 9. Pursue grants to ensure energy efficiency programs remain affordable. What are long-term (5-30 years and beyond)challenges and opportunities that Plan Fort Collins should address related to your board's focus area? 1. Platte River Power Authority stability. I. J t 2. How to account for increased use of electric vehicles and how that may impact energy reduction goals. Investigate how the existing distribution grid can accommodate these changes in energy use. 3. How to manage the distribution system with increased distributed generation systems such as increased use of solar photovoltaics (PV). 4. Addressing the changing assumptions in how baseload energy supply is provided to ensure reliable energy supplies while accommodating intermittent distributed generation, such as wind and PV, in the absence of sufficient storage options. 5. Planning adequate resources to address an aging infrastructure in order to continue providing a reliable distribution system. 6. Effectively responding to changing and increasing carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) regulations and policies, while managing price parity and affordability, and maintaining a highly desirable, responsible, competitive and affordable community. 7. Addressing the long-term energy efficiency of our built environment. Do you know of other communities or organizations with "cool tools"or "best practices" the city should explore related to your board's focus area? 1. Governor's Energy Office Flexible Energy Program 2. Sacramento Municipal Energy District (SMUD) 3. Energy Trust of Oregon 4. University of Colorado at Boulder—Innovative Thinking Program Do you have other ideas unrelated to your board's focus area? 1. Encourage more urban renewal than green field development. 2. Develop a sustainable and maintainable revenue stream and spending model. 3. Create a Sustainability Board. 4. Encourage more smaller, distributed parks as opposed to larger central parks. 5. Trade Soapstone Natural Area for either Lory State Park or Horsetooth Mountain Park to consolidate City resources closer to the local community. 6. Investigate alternative fuel sources for City vehicles. 2 ATTACHMENT 8 Golf Board Plan Fort Collins What are short-term (1-5) challenges that the city faces, related to your board's focus area? Reduce fund balances Potential reduced play Upgrade irrigation systems at Southridge and City Park 9. Using eco friendly products to producing safe controls for weeds, fertilizers, and pest control. Keeping and restoring all maintenance equipment to the high efficient standards for course usage. Declining revenues and inability to meet expenses, fund potential capital expenditures, and build an adequate reserve. Declining revenues and inability to meet expenses, fund potential capital expenditures, and build an adequate reserve Deferring maintenance costs resulting in larger capital expenditure costs Major unexpected capital expenditure needs Inability to obtain financing for leases due to tightening credit market In the event reserves increase, other areas of the City taking the funds Increasing efficiencies as they relate to technology to make operations more efficient What are long-term (5-30) challenges and opportunities that Plan FC should address related to your board's focus area? Capital expenditures and funding of these costs Access to water due to increasing demand and limited supply Increase in population of golfers will require more golf courses in the city. Promote the great game of golf with the Fort Collins residents. Promote health and well being by making our parks and recreational facilities second to none. Creation of"destination" golf in our Choice City to attract nationally recognized tournaments and resultant revenue. Zero carbon footprint will be mandatory in golf operations and maintenance. Modernize golf courses maintenance & use of technology. Increasing population and density resulting in increased demand and stress on the golf courses While there is not enough demand for a new golf course, options for a future golf course should be considered for long-term benefit of the City Course expansion to increase population demands. Demographic changes related to demand. Do you know of other communities or organizations with "cool tools" or"best practices" the city should explore related to your board's focus area? Using new technologies to market courses Continue to look at other golf courses for best practices Do you have other ideas unrelated to your board's focus area? All new development should have or contribute to expansion of recreation in the city. Participate in regional transportation developments. Help to implement rapid rail service from FTC to Denver, DIA, Colo. Springs and Cheyenne. Reverse the outward migration of retail establishments from the city in order to retain and expand sales tax revenues. Build a reserve for the future when the economy improves to alleviate the impact of future economic downturns Appears maintenance issues are being deferred resulting in future increased capital expenditures and costs ATTACHMENT 9 Fort Collins Housing Authority Date: March 10, 2010 To: Mr. Ken Waido, Planner From: Julie J. Brewen, Executive Director Re: Plan Fort Collins Boards and Commissions Questionnaire What are the short-term(1-5 year) challenges that the city faces, related to your board's focus area? There is an increasing need for housing and services due to the economic stresses our country is facing. In addition, there are unserved populations in desperate need of housing and supportive services to maintain housing. These unserved populations include the hidden homeless and large numbers of children without a fixed night-time residence as per the Poudre School District's data;the chronically homeless population, particularly those individuals with severe mental health and substance use issues, and a large population of people re-entering the community from the criminal justice system. Federal subsidy has been decreasing and the local community's contribution to affordable housing for our community's most vulnerable populations has also decreased substantially(CDBG, HOME, City Affordable Housing Fund.) This decline seriously impacts providers and developers of affordable housing. What are long-term(5-30 years and beyond) challenges and opportunities that Plan Fort Collins should address related to your board's focus area? Land availability, zoning/density, code adoptions that increase the cost of housing development, public transportation, and the aforementioned decreased community investment will continue to impact the development and retention of affordable housing. As the need increases, the community's investment must also increase. As the cost of development of housing increased because of our community standards decisions, the community's investment must also increase. For instance, when Fort Collins adopts certain density standards, neighborhood liveability standards, and energy efficiency standards such as the International Building Code that are the"ideal"but also ■ 1715 W. Mountain Ave. Fort Collins,CO 80521 Tel: (970)41 fr2910 Fax: (970)221-0821 VVV"%.Pcgov com/housingauthority substantially increase the cost of production, there must be a direct correlation to the community's investment in affordable housing. We will continue to see a need for supportive services and tools to help our community's most vulnerable families obtain and maintain safe housing. We will need to work as a community to address moving people out of poverty and this concept should be at the forefront of all housing discussions. Economic development discussions should always include a formalized housing discussion or analysis. Finally, the CDBG and Affordable Housing Board funding process should continue to including funding criteria directly related to the current needs and be flexible enough to try innovative approaches such as using HOME funds for rental assistance and support services for chronically homeless populations. Do you know of other communities or organizations with "cool tools or"best practices" the City should explore related to your board's focus area? As new development takes place in the community, particularly when the City is heavily involved, affordable housing developers should be involved in discussions. For instance, as planning continues for the Mason Street Corridor, affordable housing developers should be at the table. As discussions evolve over the Downtown River District, affordable housing developers should be at the table. There are very substantial partnerships being implemented in some cities such as Denver around Transportation Oriented Development, and in fact the Denver Housing Authority, MetroWest Housing Solutions, and other housing developers are directly involved in development along Denver's transportation corridor. Ten-Year Plans to End Homelessness in some communities are making great comprehensive impact on their community's homeless populations. Homeward 2020 should be given strong support by the community as a whole. There are now 450 communities across the country that have developed ten year plans to end homelessness, 66% of them are directed to address the entire homeless population in their respective communities while 34%have focused exclusively on chronic homelessness. In Fort Collins, Homeward 2020 has focused on the former. Do you have other ideas unrelated to your board's focus area? ATTACHMENT 10 City. of Fort Collins, Plan Fort Collins Input from the Human Relations Commission What are short-term (1 - 5 year) challenges that the city faces: • Increasing community diversity and size vs. diminishing economic, social and educational resources. • Scarcity of resources increases fear and anxiety which, in turn, promotes exclusive ("you vs. me") rather than inclusive ("us") mentality. • The challenge is to transcend barriers by heading off greater disenfranchisement while building greater collaboration and engagement of all community members. • Change the nature of our thinking: from trying to program and problem solve our way into a vision, to understanding community as complex and relational. Crossing boundaries in planning: "Every gathering, in its composition and in its structure, has to be an example of the future we want to create. If this is achieved in this gathering, then that future has occurred today and there is nothing to wait for." -Peter Block, "Community" pg.75 • As external factors weigh in on the community's health, e.g., politics, healthcare, economy, etc., frustrations and tensions will increase. This invariably leads to an increase in crime, specifically targeted crime. Fort Collins, in its efforts to forge ahead will undoubtedly see such problems emerge, in spite of, or perhaps because of the plans, as well as the aforementioned external forces. As.such, the city should establish plans on how to address hate crimes of all shades, shapes and sizes. Communities in need: Generally the focus has been less on the community being served, and more on the minutiae of the actual running of it, to the detriment of the ever-changing and expanding population as follows: • Arts • Inadequate venues • Long term solution: state of the art facility, brings economic wealth into community • CSU • Population is fleeting and doesn't stay, we miss out on their contributions to the city • Feeling that the city and CSU can work well together to address a vast majority of the issues laid out here and in other issues. E.g., urban planning, landscape architecture. A self-contained, problem-solving, forward-thinking think-tank. Fort Collins, being a world class city, and a college town, has the potential to not just boast some of the best and brightest, but also put that genius to work within its own town limits. Of what use is academia if it doesn't put back into the community that supports it? Most college towns boast the academic achievements, but rarely does that bear fruit in real terms. Cities like Boston, New York and Atlanta all have phenomenal academic resources upon which they draw only for bragging rights. Fort Collins can really be groundbreaking • Transportation • Expansion of biking trails to the northern and lower-income areas t CYLy Of �F6rt Collins • Discounted bus passes are currently given to the more wealthy corporations; suggestions to increase the discounted availability to smaller businesses. • Efforts needs to be in conjunction with county, and, ideally with the state. • Public transportation to open spaces • Entrepreneurs • suggestion that the city provides a database of supply-and-demand for niche markets for entrepreneurs to enter into, supporting the community and increasing economic viability of the community as a whole. This is as opposed to having an over-abundance of certain industries. • Support local businesses/push for local support. Fort Collins has the talent and capacity to be self-sustaining, but larger corporations, with often dubious business practices, have a tendency to undersell the local business. This undermines the city as a whole. • Unemployment • Shelters are at full capacity, vagrant/transient population is increasing • Differently-abled/d isa bled population • Accessibility is limited, resulting in fewer job opportunities • Seniors • Impending "silver tsunami", plan now: • Transportation in and around the city • Initiatives like Silver Sneakers need to be supported and expanded, for health and long-term care • Give them something to do • Diversity • tolerated but not celebrated so far • no active engagement • immigrant/immigration issues will continue. Fort Collins is not a very native community as it is, ethnically or otherwise. Suggestion to create an immigrant advisory board. • Healthcare • PVH is world-class for nursing, however, the access people currently have to physicians of all types is limited, and are often forced, to their great detriment financially (transportation as well as treatment costs), to seek help in Denver. Suggestion to collaborate, failing a huge healthcare or insurance industry overhaul, with insurance and health care providers to attract better quantity and quality of healthcare providers. • Low-income: • Need for extended hours, better routes, frequency for TransFort • Job development needed north of LaPorte (where a sizeable low-income population lives) • Daycare costs are prohibitive, options are limited. • Crowding will increase here, as income levels drop, as unemployment increases--the you plus 2 will no longer be viable solution. • Community Service • In times of economic scarcity, charity is sorely lacking, making the chasm between the haves and have-nots that much more apparent. • Alphabet Soup • Community of GLBT is now termed as GLBTIQQA, evidencing the need for the city and its citizens to be prepared to make adjustments to recognize and allow for emerging special- interest/needs groups that will undoubtedly surface in time. • Youth population • Youth activity programs are being cut, providing fewer healthy recreation options (e.g., YAC closing) • NorthSide is a great resource, but has limited accessibility. Cf �F rt Collins • Increasing cost for intramural sports and activities that current economic conditions no longer support--cost-prohibitive. Additional suggested solutions: Funding will be an issue. However, active community involvement, including UniverCity, CSU, will ultimately benefit everyone. Collaboration between other communities, and organizations, e.g., PSD for bussing the high school students. Share resources, employees. The community should work towards becoming self-sustaining, so that it thrives independent of external economic forces, and also becomes a draw for non-natives. This would also mean a need for greater transparency and accessibility for continued, effective dialogue between the city, other organizations and its citizens, aside from City Council meetings. What are the long-term (5 - 30 years and beyond) challenges and opportunities that relate to your board's focus area? As above, but in order to affect a long-term change, it needs to be with a short term focus. It is generally agreed that our world population, our immediate community included, is becoming increasingly diverse. Existing prejudices must be more effectively neutralized in order to build a future that accesses and benefits from every citizen's participation and potential. Cultivating an engaged populace committed to the welfare of our community above individual interests. Children are our most important future asset. We spend the least amount of resources on children during the critical first 5 years of their development, when their brains and bodies are forming; this time period also gives rise to basic beliefs and prejudices (world view), the foundation of our ability to cooperate, collaborate and behave accountably. Our public policies re: children dictate that money is invested and resources are employed when kids become problematic, when its difficult and often woefully ineffective to create meaningful change. Our city plan needs to address the need for critical support to children and families in order to facilitate the realization of potential in our youth, to better insure they will become productive, competent,.contributing community members. At the same time, the aging population will outnumber all other age strata in the coming 30 years. As a city, we must be sure to not only account for this, but make full use of their wisdom and experience, (not to mention extra free time!), while we have the option and opportunity. We will not be able to 'put them out to pasture', as the number of aged and retired will outnumber retirement homes and communities. Additionally, with the foreseeable failing of social security, they will either be unable to retire or require alternate means of housing, to account for the rising cost of living and limited means of income. Do you know of other communities or organizations with "cool tools" or"best practices" the city should explore that relate to your board's focus area? City of F`rt Collins Many European nations invest in their children's welfare and optimal development from birth forward regardless of economic or other status. Peter Block, consultant and partner in Designed Learning. He has expertise in effective engagement of community members in transformative change. "Community: The Structure of Belonging" by Peter Block, Bereft-Koehler Publishers, 2008. Christine Whitney Sanchez, consultant specializing in facilitating large group change through Methods of Strategic Collaboration. She facilitated two national Girl Scout conventions (2004, 2008)with over 2,000 on-site participants to develop organization's evolving direction and agenda. Meaningful future vision and planning must be founded on how our citizens are engaged in conversation and collaborative action. This level of planning will generate asking the best quality questions about our future and generating creative processes to move toward it, harnessing the diverse and collective wisdom of our citizenry. Locally, many organizations are already going in the right direction, and provide ample opportunity for the City to learn from, expand upon and collaborate with. For example: • Grant Family Farms, CSA, • Morningfresh • Beet Street • UniverCity • Bohemian Foundation • New Belgium • ODells • Great Plates/DBA Other ideas unrelated to your board's focus area? • With increasing poverty, unemployment and homelessness, there is an increasing homeless pet population, as well as issues of crowding with animals, and the ensuing inherent conflict, which could result in targeting of breeds. Euthanasia will be an increasing issue that people . will want to pursue. Suggest stringent pet adoption, control and care laws adopted and enforced. To paraphrase Mohandas K. Gandhi, one need only look at how a community treats its pets to see how it treats its citizens, and by extension, the overall health of the community. • More focus on alternative energies--solar, wind, etc. • Look to develop a relationship with a `sister city', e.g., Austin, San Francisco, Portland. Psychological research confirms that we humans are typically poor predictors of the future, as our visionary capacities are limited by present context and the way memory(the past) completes our ideas about future. We consistently underestimate novelty that emerges in the future. Therefore, the planning processes need to include periodic evaluations of planning and implementation, allowing for emergent barriers to be addressed and to take advantage of � 6rt Collins emergent opportunities. The process needs to strive for a balance between plan coherence and flexibility. ATTACHMENT 11 Plan Fort Collins—Land Conservation & Stewardship Boards -Answers to the Following Questions What are short-term (1-5 Year) challenges that the city faces, related to your board's focus area? • Acquiring conservation easements on farms especially ones producing local food. • Maintaining and enhancing native plant communities by removing exotic species (weed control). • Maintain adequate in stream water flows of the Cache la Poudre. • Plans for other communities for increased development that will significantly impact our opportunities for community separators and other open space protection. • The possibility of significantly less money than projected for Natural Areas funding, due to reduced sales tax revenues. • How will we address wildlife interface problems? What are long-term (5-30 years and beyond) challenges and opportunities that Plan Fort Collins should address related to your board's focus area? • Public awareness of the benefits of the Natural Areas program. • How will we address wildlife interface problems? • Maintain more than minimum in stream water flows of the Cache la Poudre. • Have an adaptable staff that will continue to be willing to explore best management practices, from other communities. • Maintaining our natural resources under the pressure of more use and more people. • Plans for other communities for increased development that will significantly impact our opportunities for community separators and other open space protection. • Protect the remaining areas in and around Fort Collins. For example, the Bellvue area, along the Poudre River especially in terms of limited revenue. • Maintaining the Natural Areas that we have, under increased use and flattening or declining revenues. Do you know of other communities or organizations with "cool tools" or "best practices the city should explore related to your board's focus area? Do you have other ideas unrelated to your board's focus area? • Sustainability indicators for the Community. ATTACHMENT 12 Landmark Preservation Commission PLAN FORT COLLINS: SNAPSHOT REPORT: "BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND LAND USE," pages 15-20 I. What Are the City's Current Values? a. Efficient, sustainable development pattern. b. Downtown as the vital center of the community. c. Preserved historic buildings and districts. d. Existing neighborhoods protected from incompatible change. LPC: "Old Town" in general needs to be better defined. What are we trying to preserve? LPC: The Old Town Historic District and the area immediately surrounding it are under intense development pressure. Much of the development proposed is incompatible with the historic, and will erode the character of the Landmark District. Consideration should be given to a conservation district or buffer zone, or even a new or expanded district. LPC: Design Standards and Guidelines for Historic Old Town were done in 1981. These are in critical need of revision. Revised standards and guidelines would address issues of compatibility,providing predictability to developers, owners and the public. LPC: Currently, LPC review occurs only within the designated three-block Old Town Historic District. The LPC should have the ability to review and provide comments on development in close proximity to the District, to be able to address compatibility. Example: Bohemian Building was originally proposed to be a stuccoed, flat, modern building—after the LPC got involved and was able to discuss architecture and design with the developer, the building became far more compatible to its surroundings. 2. What Challenges and Opportunities Remain? A.Development Patterns and Land-Use Mix/Growth Management 1. Planning for limited outward growth potential and regional growth impacts. 2. Positioning the city for desirable change through infill and redevelopment. 3. Defining how neighborhoods will accommodate future population and lifestyle shifts. B. Provision and Integration of Services: 1. Addressing infrastructure needs for parts of the city with older or substandard infrastructure. C. Urban Design: 1. Continuing appropriate renewal of downtown. 2. Determining appropriate heights for buildings. D. Historic Preservation: 1. Reconciling "change" and "preservation' within historic neighborhoods. 2. Balancing new commercial development in historic Old Town. LPC: Impact of densification on core neighborhoods and Old Town commercial core -- height allowances dramatically increase pressure on historic resources—developers' sense of"entitlement"to a multi-story building. LPC: Development should be respectful towards historic assets. LPC: City needs to be more encouraging and proactive towards good modern contemporary architecture. LPC: Follow-up on Thomas Frey remark-- buildings should last 100 years. City should require building for'longevity. Too many of our buildings are built to last only 20 years. Better design, better quality. LPC: Identify zones that are critical to preserve; and those that are less critical to preserve. Develop design standards and guidelines specific for each zone to direct development and ensure compatibility and predictability. LPC: Not carte blanche "anywhere USA" development. LPC: Be aware of pressures to build up, not out. LPC: Some people want larger lots. They will also need to be accommodated. LPC: Affordable housing: Wooing the highly educated, inventive, student population to stay in Fort Collins—priced out of the homes they desire in the core neighborhoods— which ironically would be the perfect starter homes. LPC: Volatility of the city budget: very difficult for city staff and management to implement any action items that require more than 1-2 years of dedicated funding when the money for the action items are in jeopardy every year. LPC: Make sure we maintaining Certified Local Government status LPC: Need better integration of Historic Preservation into Community Planning to address multiple issues, from neighborhood compatibility,to economic development, to sustainability,to affordable housing.... LPC: 1960s and 1970s structures are now under tremendous development pressure. Need to consider development in light of changing demographics and opportunity"recent past" (1960s and 1970s) resources offer, i.e., ranch homes filling demand for older folks who want homes without stairs. LPC: Be aware of pop-up and scrape off controversy and impacts. LPC: City needs to be more encouraging and proactive towards good modern contemporary architecture. 3. Sustainability --What Are the Cross-cutting Topics? a. Neighborhoods and sustainability: fostering sustainability, such as household food production, green energy, and water quality improvements. b. Sustainable infrastructure: providing a more fiscally and environmentally sound system of maintaining community infrastructure. LPC: Allow more food production and agricultural uses within the city. Example: City planting fruit trees in the public rights-of-way, gardens in front yards and in the public strip between the sidewalk and street. LPC: Eliminate some of the barriers in the code to sustainability, i.e., the requirement in some cases to plant sod, rather than landscape with a more sustainable material, LPC: Be sustainable—Utilize the tremendous amount of existing development we already have, by supporting core historic neighborhoods and compatible additions, rather than brand new development. LPC: Incorporating smart growth ideals in the redevelopment of core neighborhoods. LPC: There is already a strong connection between sustainable development and historic preservation. Many of the principles of sustainable development are inherent downtown and in the existing neighborhoods surrounding Old Town. Our historic neighborhoods offer diverse housing that appeals to a wide variety of people in our community. The tree- lined streets are easily within walking distance to the downtown area/Lincoln Center, etc. Maintaining these historic neighborhoods that already possess sustainable development will be a challenge. ATTACHMENT 13 Natural Resources Board Summary — Plan Fort Collins Inputs At its March 10, 2010 meeting, the NRAB reviewed a general list of ideas that represent a collection of thoughts and ideas for consideration into Plan Fort Collins. A. What are short-term (1-5 year) challenges that the city faces, related to your board's focus area? Funding • Funding for Natural Resources programs, staff and Natural Areas given the current recession and the declining revenues from City sales tax. • Define the impact of declining City revenues on City natural resource programs. • Continued reduction of funding is a key issue. We can't lose the gains we have made in natural resources in Ft. Collins, and must continue to be vigilant to the needs of natural resources in Ft. Collins • An understanding of how best to fund the long term operations and maintenance of various programs including open lands. Transportation • Developing and maintaining a functional public transportation system that will help reduce air pollution and VMT's • Finish Mason Street corridor project on time • Mason Street Corridor build out • Parking is a key element; find ways to address shortages of parking in high-density areas such as Mason Street Corridor and overcome cost impediments of parking structures. • Best management practices for addressing traffic flow that reduces higher emission rates due to idling or stop and go traffic. Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency • Install smart meters in every home in Fort Collins • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency • Design and adoption of a city-wide energy efficiency building code for all sectors. • Eliminate the boom/bust cycle of the Fort Collins Utility solar energy incentives program by identifying and defining a steady funding source. • Consideration by FCU of a feed-in-tariff(FIT) to replace the above incentive system. • Balanced means of implementing efficiency programs between those of a voluntary nature and those that are mandated. Poudre River Flow Protection/Water Quality and Quantity • Maintaining adequate in-stream flows and riparian habitat in the Poudre River • Threats to Poudre River water quality, in-stream flow and fish and wildlife habitat due to NISP proposal. Threats to water quality include effecting City water supply and a major financial burden for our water treatment. • Save the Poudre river from destruction as a wildlife habitat and a viable trout fishery • Promote water conservation • Maintaining water quality and supply • Water quality/quantity will be a key issue, especially with the potential development of water resources for Ft. Collins and the surrounding communities. I. Water Background: Flows in the Poudre River from the canyon mouth through Fort Collins have been significantly reduced from the river's historic flows due to manmade diversions for municipal, industrial, and agricultural use. Currently, in an average year, about 60% of the Poudre's water is diverted before the river reaches the Lincoln Street Gage in downtown Fort Collins. Both peak flows as well as base winter flows have been greatly reduced by diversions, and flows during the irrigation season extending into October can be too highly variable throughout the day to support a healthy ecosystem. Benefits of protecting and restoring flows are far reaching and interdependent, including: , 1. Economic Benefits -- River flows: (a) Maintain the floodway and floodplain by scouring sediment, debris, and vegetation, reducing the spread of floodwaters and the costs of flooding; (b) Dilute treated effluent from the wastewater treatment plants, enabling more economical wastewater treatment and forestalling expensive upgrades; (c) Decrease expenditures for stormwater treatment in streams,'ditches, and outflows that discharge into the Poudre River; (d) Protect the value of the natural areas and open space; (e) Protect the recreational and tourism economy for fly fishing, swimming and tubing, bird and nature- watching, biking and hiking; (f) Protect the market value of real estate, especially in the downtown area of Fort Collins, where properties adjacent to the Poudre River are increasingly magnets for economic development; (g) Protect the "economic engine"— Loomis (2008) reported that the public is "willing to pay" for flow'maintenance or supplementation in the Poudre River, with an aggregate estimated value in Fort Collins between $283 million and $425 million 2. Recreational and Quality of Life Benefits -- Flows enhance the experiences of residents and visitors for fly fishing, swimming and tubing, kayaking, birding/nature-watching, biking and hiking.—all activities increasingly enjoyed along the Poudre River and in nearby natural areas. According to a Fort Collins Natural Areas Program study,more than 100,000 user- days were logged on the Cache la Poudre River Trail in 2007. 3. Environmental Benefits -- (a) Flows enhance the survival and health of fish, birds, plants, and mammal populations that live in and along the river. (b) Flows enhance the riparian corridor(the swath of low-lying land along the river) by providing groundwater recharge that produces healthier native trees and plants, promotes abundant wildlife and wildlife habitat, and increases biological diversity. 4. Public Health Benefits -- The Cache la Poudre River through Fort Collins has historically been classified by the EPA as "impaired" due to pollution from ammonia, coliform bacteria, and abnormally high water temperatures. Such conditions represent a threat to public health and safety, and would be mitigated by increasing flows. Short-Term Challenge - Poudre River Flow Protection • Recommendation: Given the imminent potential for additional water extraction on the Poudre, an interdepartmental working group should explore opportunities to protect existing flows or supplement low winter flows through whatever means legally, economically, and operationally feasible. As an example, establish target minimum flows of 20 cubic feet per second and set objectives to reach that target 90% of the time by 2015. The group should also explore ways to adjust operational flow changes to smooth harmful within-day flow fluctuations. Floodplains Background: The Corps of Engineers has said: Floodplains possess significant natural values and carry out numerous functions important to the public interest. These include water resources values (natural moderation of floods, water quality maintenance, and groundwater recharge), living resource values (fish, wildlife, and plant resources), cultural resource values (open space, natural beauty, scientific study, outdoor education, and recreation) and cultivated resource values (agriculture, aquaculture, and forestry). The Denver Regulatory Office (DRO), after analyzing numerous project authorizations and recent permit applications, has determined that an unacceptable cumulative degradation of floodplain functions and values is occurring along the Colorado Front Range. This cumulative degradation of floodplains is occurring due to the Front Range's rapid population growth, coupled with associated floodplain development pressures. • Recommendation: Fort Collins, in concert with Larimer County, must rethink existing code language that essentially mandates removing land from floodplains to allow residential or commercial building and, instead, recognizes and promotes their inherent natural values. There are many low impact mechanisms to mitigate public safety concerns and rehabilitate drainage ways without expensive infrastructure that socializes the cost but privatizes the benefits of floodplain development. This should be considered a short-term challenge because the City is nearing build-out and few large floodplains remain undeveloped. Solid Waste/Recycling • Reducing the amount of waste that ends up in the land-fill • Increase waste diversion to result in greater recycling. a) residential sector b) commercial and industrial sector c) construction sector • Provide city wide yard waste recycling with all haulers participating. • Expanding the e-waste program to ensure greater participation. • Implementation of a weighing system at the landfill and the adjustment of tipping fees to reflect this, along with potential increase in hauler rates. • A better construction waste diversion program. Air Quality • Threats to air quality and overall quality of life in Ft. Collins from proposal to mine uranium northeast of Ft. Collins. Though this is outside the urban growth area boundary of Ft.Collins there is no doubt that in-situ mining of uranium— 12 miles from the city could have major implications for the overall quality of life for the citizens of Ft. Collins. Growth and Development • Population growth and development • Population growth and the impact that growth will have on all natural resources. Much of the quality of life in Ft. Collins depends on the area's natural resources. We need to make sure resources are protected. Natural Areas • Threats to City Natural Areas from the Proposed Flaming Gorge water diversion which would pass right through Soapstone and Meadow Springs Ranch. This could damage fragile soils causing both wind and water erosion problems as well as increasing invasive weeds; disrupt wildlife and bird communities and breeding and nesting behaviors; and damage plant communities. Soapstone is home to many rare and threatened species of both plants and animals and construction of the pipeline poses a major threat to long-term preservation of the habitat. • Fragmentation of wildlife habitat Urban Forestry • Bark Beetle and invasive species infestation. With a warming climate bark beetles and invasive species can have a very negative effect on the trees in Ft. Collins Sustainability • Developing a Community Sustainability Scorecard and website so we can track our progress toward incorporating sustainability into all aspects of everyday living. A. Council adoption of the NRAB Fort Collins Sustainability Indicators Initiative. B. Incorporating the NRAB Fort Collins Sustainability Initiative into the City Plan update. • Define City sustainability program elements and goals. • Sustainability will continue to be important to Ft. Collins to maintain the quality of life here Implementation of Climate Action Plan • Lack of funding for implementation of the short-term goals of the Climate Action Plan to reduce our carbon emissions. There is also a need for better education of the public on this issue so it will be supported. • Monitoring(and adjusting, if need be) the Climate Action Plan (CAP) for compliance with stated GHG emission targets. • Meeting goals set through various initiatives (e.g. climate) will be a challenge Climate Wise • Further expansion of ClimateWise to new business participants. • Creation of a ClimateWise-like program for the residential sector. B. What are long-term (5-30 years and beyond) challenges and opportunities that Plan Fort Collins should address related to your board's focus area? Funding • Developing new revenue sources for City government and programs so there will be adequate funding io support Natural Resources programs, staff and the Natural Areas as well as all the other important City functions. Sustainability • Achieving real sustainability in an era of continuing population growth and diminishing resources. • Incorporating sustainability into governing, planning, and living life in Ft. Collins. • Implement sustainability program elements and measure progress. • How will we define sustainability in the future and develop ways to accomplish it. Agricultural Lands • Maintaining enough agricultural land in the area to feed the population with local when transportation costs skyrocket • Support and preserve high quality farmland/soils/water rights for local agriculture rather than residential and commercial development. Poudre River Flow Protection/Water Quality and Quantity • Develop long term solutions to water pollution as Poudre travels through Larimer County (including Fort Collins) • Managing increased pollution of storm water runoff due.to the expansion of paved surfaces that will come with build-out of the remaining vacant land. • Maintaining air and water quality • Managing our water supply and all the things that depend on it, (people, streams, animals, vegetation, trees) • Maintaining water quality and supply • Poudre River Flow Restoration o Recommendation: Restoration of high (flushing) flows in the Poudre River should be a long-term goal for the City. Convene an interdepartmental working group to consult with instream flow experts to set target high flows that will periodically flush sediment from the river. For example, secure the means to generate an annual 1-day maximum> 1400 cubic feet per second in all years and a 2-day maximum> 2000 cubic feet per second in 3 out of 4 years by 2025. Transportation • Developing an alternative transportation system both within the community and between communities not based on the single family automobile • Solving our transportation funding and infrastructure problems, both locally and regionally. Developing a viable public transportation system. Solid Waste/Recycling • Work with commercial sector to increase recycling and decrease solid waste produced by Fort Collins business community.. Implementation of Climate Action Plan • Decrease vehicle miles traveled as outlined in Climate Action Plan. • Lack of funding for implementation of the long-term goals of the Climate Action Plan to reduce our carbon emissions. There is also a need for better education of the public on this issue so it will be supported into the future. • Further reducing greenhouse gas emissions per the CAP. • Meeting goals set through various initiatives(e.g. climate) Green Building • Make Fort Collins a national leader in Green homes and Green businesses • Increase Green training of contractors in the residential and commercial sector Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency/Utilities • Promoting energy efficiency in housing, transportation, and commercial/industrial sectors. • Community acceptance and support of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI -- aka, "smart meter"). • Further implementation of the FCU "smart grid" to accommodate more distributed energy generation. • Better coordination with and authority over PRPA. • Convert Rawhide Plant from coal to natural gas. • Implement additional utility-scale renewable energy (wind, solar, biofuel) with FCU and PRPA, as needed, for both load and GHG reduction efforts. Not RECs but delivered energy from city and/or PRPA owned projects. Natural Areas/Natural Resources • Maintain Soapstone as a world class municipally owned open space • Fragmentation of wildlife habitat • Physical protection of natural resources within Ft. Collins Growth and Development • Managing the long-term impacts of growth on: water and air quality; land use planning and development; preserving habitats and the health of the plants and animals in our Natural Areas; health of the environment and it's effect on community health; overall "livability" of Ft. Collins. • Promoting transit oriented development. • Develop and crate viable economic development partnerships. • Overseeing the long term development of the North College Ave Corridor. • Population Growth and development • Air quality • Have broad-based discussions of growth and its impact on the quality of life in Fort Collins. Natural areas should be a part of such discussions. • Incorporate a planning process to determine the potential impact activities, land uses, etc. have on the environment. • Maintaining the quality of life in Ft. Collins that is dependent on the area's natural resources, ie. clean water, air, open space,parks, Regional Cooperation • Working with surrounding communities and regional governmental entities to solve our problems collectively and preserve as much of the open space and natural environment as possible. • Cooperation with other cities, counties and states to use the resources we have effectively. C. Do you know of other communities or organizations with "cool tools" or "best practices" the city should explore related to your board's focus area? Sustainability • The NRAB recommends that the city develop, maintain, and monitor a comprehensive set of"sustainability indicators" similar to Seattle or any number of other communities have. • Community sustainability indicators or scorecard • Community Supported Agriculture • Be Local and Buy Local movement • http://w".b-sustainable.org/- website for Sustainable Seattle • http://scorecard.sightline.org/- The Cascadia Scorecard is the Pacific Northwest's sustainability report card. It tracks seven trends that are crucial to the region's future: health, economy, population, energy, sprawl, wildlife, and pollution. • http://"W.sustaineugene.com/ City of Eugene Oregon Sustainability website • http://www.SustainableLivingRealEstate.com/ - Our specialization is the construction, development, and sales of"Net Zero" sustainable living communities and homes in Northern Colorado which incorporate the latest in renewable energy—solar, wind and geothermal. • The NRAB Fort Collins Sustainability Initiative has a good list, as does the presentation that was made to the NRAB by the Brendle Group on January 20, 2010. Climate Change • www.rockymountainclimate.org/- bringing Coloradans together to reduce the state's contribution and vulnerability to climate disruption. Renewable Energy • http://www.chelanpud.org/snap.html - SNAP (Sustainable Natural Alternative Power) is Chelan County PUD's (Wenatchee, WA) award-winning renewable energy program. Through SNAP, the PUD is making small-scale solar and wind power more cost- effective for customers. Transportation • The City should anticipate a growing number of commuter electric cars in the near future. Building codes should be revised to require new structures to be wired for car chargers and electric infrastructure updates should be sufficient to preclude brownouts. See http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/726095 8/San-Franci sco- prepares-for-electric-car-revolution.html Wildlife • Wildlife in the City (Tucson) http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/general/resrptl 996/wildlife.html • Denver http://www.denver og v.org/parks/Wildlife/tabid/433112/Default.aspx D. Do you have other ideas unrelated to your board's focus area • We need to get cooperation from other communities to do a better job of maintaining open space, reducing vehicle miles traveled, and keeping some of the rural character that makes Northern Colorado a special place to live. • Consider developing a portion of the river as a "riverwalk" with mixed use buildings and a whitewater park. The river is underutilized as an attraction. Scores of towns in Colorado have built whitewater parks and have seen increases in visitation. The stretch between Linden and Lincoln is ideal. • "Riverwalk" concepts should incorporate appropriate attention to wildlife habitat and the natural environment. • We really need to look at other communities and decide how the whole of Northeast Colorado is becoming developed. Ft. Collins needs to be open to the idea of a regional plan that will protect resources of not only Ft. Collins but the surrounding communities. I think an annual event to invite all communities to discuss natural resources would be excellent. If an example of the issue of transportation between communities is any indication of cooperation, we all have alot of work to do. A question could be - what role does each entity have that addresses natural resources. Get people talking and networking on natural resources. ATTACHMENT 14 Plant Fort Collins innovate{Susta in.conneet Questions and Discussion Points for Boards and Commissions sion participation in these ques Board and commistions and discussion is optional but encouraged. Please consider and discuss the quest ons below as a board and either. • Formulate a written response in the form of:a memo, • Provide a copy of hoard meeting minutes of the discussion,or • Ask your staff liaison summarize key points of discussion. Submit comments or minutes: • No later than:March 109 2010 • To Ken Waldo:tcwaido@fcuMe= Thank you for your participation in Plan Fort Collins. Your board or commission will have additional opportunities to weigh In on policy direction and strategies later during the process in 2010. Board or Commission Name: Parks& Recreation Board-efi- Staff Liaison: Crain Foreman &J.R..Schnelzer What are short-term(1-5 year) challenges that the City faces, related to your board's focus area? Funding for Operation&Maintenance (O&M) of existing parks. Sales Tax solely funding the O&M for Parks &Recreation-there is a need for sustainable funding sources. Revenue and cost recovery for Recreational programs (scholarships)—there is a need for a new philosophy (public/private partnerships, sponsors). Creating an awareness of respect for Parks &Recreation facilities with the youth in the community—there is a need to develop stewardship & educational campaigns in conjunction with PR-1; and an opportunity to work with youth commission. NISP and keeping water in the Poudre- the lack of water would threaten the kayak course, and possibly impact irrigation of the parks in the ability to get raw water. How to revisit the use of an impact fee to include O&M, especially if a sales tax increase does not occur. With population growth and gridlock, ensuring that bike trails are added to crisscross the City for commuting opportunities in conjunction with redevelopment. How are we going to rescue Recreation Division when funding from reserves runs out? How to make proper decisions with respect to funding cuts. Cost& service level expectations for Recreational activities. Succession planning of staff to take over leadership roles. Ability to explore opportunities for advertising& sponsorship funding—there is a need to revisit the sign code and advertising policy. What are long-term(5-30 years and beyond) challenges and opportunities that Plan Fort Collins should address related to your board's focus area? Challenges Trail funding source—lottery funding sunsets in 2024. Completing recreation facilities,parks and trail systems per citizen expectations—Review Master Plan in 2015. j NISP and keeping water in the Poudre-the lack of water would threaten the kayak course, and possibile impact irrigation of the parks in the ability to get raw water. How to fund and maintain or rebuild aging Recreational Facilities (example EPIC). Funding to maintain the urban forest at the level of community expectation-plans to increase and diversify botanic tree levels to ensure health and longevity of trees. Challenges(cont) Allowing alcohol at Parks -revisit alcohol policy for outdoor venues. Funding for a production greenhouse at the Gardens on Spring Creek. a Jnuortunities Create a special parks district,to control funding sources with dedicated taxes. Strengthen public awareness of the City's role in sustainability- art in public places. Explore the possibility of using open space revenue to fund parks. Pay attention to recreational trends. Look at older parks for upgrades/redesign. Look at regional coordination for recreational opportunities. (Timnath,Wellington, Loveland compatibility to compliment trail system). Coordination and collaboration with PR-1 where schools and parks have mixed/shared use. Senior:Center expanding and updating classes and facilities with a more active generation of baby boomers. Opportunity for partnership with Beet Street and Stryker Foundation for outdoor amphitheater. When reworking a park, make available to reserve for groups with a variety of needs. Explore equitable distribution of users contributing labor/funding. Continued commitment to sustainability. Production greenhouse at the Gardens on Spring Creek to supply other City venues with botanicals. Evaluate potential to save money by grouping facilities in community parks. Strategically placed.advertisement or writing articles to inform and create public awareness about Parks and Recreation. Foster partnerships with CSU,Front Range Community College and PR-1 to incorporate educational . opportunities in.parks. Explore opportunities to partner with local businesses to sponsor recreational programs scholarships and to mentor/coach youth. Do you know of other.communities or organizations with"cool tools"or"best practices"the city should explore related to your board's focus area? Larimer County- sponsorships/advertising Highland Park, IL- sponsorship program with small signage on ball field fencing,park benches &pavers. Ogley Park,WV- revenue source management school. San Antonio,TX- advertises on radio as a revenue stream (possible cable 14 opportunity) Broward County, FL-sells naming rights to help fund parks. Waterworld in Denver, CO - funds all of O&M for park system in Highland Hills (regional attraction to support funding). Roper Lake State Park, AZ-has a day use island that they rent for beach use, fishing,boating activities, etc. NRPA Chesterfield County, VA -involved local businesses in teaching kids in recreational programs, now hundreds of businesses/employees participate. Do you have other ideas unrelated to your board's focus area? Look into the possibility of allowing a component of land purchased by Natural Areas to be used for recreational activities and public access. More partnerships with Colorado State Fraternities, Sororities and Club Sports. �_ ATTACHMENT 15 Plan Fort Collins Board or Commission Name: Planning &Zoning Board Staff Liaison: Steve Dush What are short-term (1-5 year) challenges that the city faces, related to your board's focus area? Maintain good planning principles during times of economic pressure • Getting public commitment to infill as a reality versus as a 'vision' • Finding ways to help development pay for infrastructure improvements that will be necessary and more costly for infill • Balancing the needs/desires of all areas of the City especially as they compete for financial incentives • Trying to find ways to include future modes of travel in our current plans • Encouraging development that focuses on other ways to generate revenue besides sales tax—rethink retail models. • Transitioning between past and future as need becomes greater for transit and infill • Working cooperatively with neighboring communities on issues such as transportation, building guidelines, compatibility—how to have planning facilitate interconnectedness versus isolation. • Redevelopment will be the biggest challenge for Fort Collins. We need to examine the Land Use Code and work to remove impediments to redevelopment and adopt regulations that encourage redevelopment. The City as a whole needs to focus on redevelopment, which is very different from green field development. • With redevelopment, the next challenge is compatibility. Redevelopment will not be successful unless we redouble our efforts to make it compatible with existing neighborhoods. Fort Collins citizens love Fort Collins and their neighborhoods. If we are to make higher density and redevelopment in general succeed, design and compatibility need to be in the forefront. It can't be redevelopment at the cost of existing neighborhoods. • Funding city services. We need to move away from sales tax as the main funding source to other avenues to fund city services. The fact is that with regionalization, we don't have all the retail anymore and if we are to keep our quality of life we need to look at other sources of funding. • Foothills Fashion Mall. Again it is redevelopment, but we need to look to the future for ideas for uses for the chunk of land it now occupies. Traditional malls don't seem to be the future. • Enhancement and promotion of other districts in town besides Old Town. Each section needs a community gathering place and activity center. Midtown & the mall land being one example. • Site performance standards for redevelopment projects in transition areas. On far South College, midtown, Mason Corridor, N. College, Mulberry, and others, we have big plans for the future. It may take some time to get there however, primarily due to economic/financial delays. We are proud of our high standards for the built environment in Fort Collins, but will that delay phased redevelopment Plan Fort Collins: Planning & Zoning Board Feedback 1 4w and reinvestment? Can we encourage good "interim" projects that will help us span the divide between empty buildings and what they may become in the future? I am thinking of Mason in particular. Are there best practices out there that would help us maintain high standards, but make those interim projects feasible? • Neighborhood compatibility. The P&Z board will face more and more situations where lower-density residential neighborhoods face projects that are precisely the types of compact and diverse uses called for in the current City Plan, yet face neighborhood opposition. • Despite pressure from ever-changing political agendas, the Board will be challenged to remain true to the City's legacy of a long-term focus and value on 'quality of life' characteristics. What are lonq-term (5-30 years and beyond) challenges and opportunities that Plan Fort Collins should address related to your board's focus area? • (Some of these are repeated from the short-term challenges list as "they could go in both because who knows how fast the future will arrive.") • Maintain good planning principles during times of economic pressure • Getting public commitment to infill as a reality versus as a 'vision' • Finding ways to help development pay for infrastructure improvements that will be necessary and more costly for infill • Balancing the needs/desires of all areas of the City especially as they compete for financial incentives • Trying to find ways to include future modes of travel in our current plans • Encouraging development that focuses on other ways to generate revenue besides sales tax—rethink retail models. • Transitioning between past and future as need becomes greater for transit and infill • Working cooperatively with neighboring communities on issues such as transportation, building guidelines, compatibility—how to have planning facilitate interconnectedness versus isolation. • Regionalism. Maintaining a unique community identity while taking advantage of regional economic and transportation benefits. • In terms of scale and scope, what will be the ultimate real estate and infrastructure needs of new and evolving industries, many of which we don't even know to exist yet? Medical marijuana, clean energy technologies, local agriculture, retail, etc.? • Food production and distribution. Will there be a resurgence of agriculture at the neighborhood level. If so, how will planning support changing economics? • Working to ensure that the P&Z Board remains regarded in the community as an independent, competent, and credible civic institution. • 1 see great opportunity in expansion of Old Town to the northeast and fulfillment of the River Corridor plans. I think those days may come soon, and will then move fairly fast. • A growing challenge to efficiently move people east-west in order to connect easily with Mason Street. Plan Fort Collins: Planning & Zoning Board Feedback 2 Do you know of other communities or organizations with "cool tools" or"best practices" the city should explore related to your board's focus area? • No Do you have other ideas unrelated to your board's focus area? • If the internet kills retail as we know it, how will the local government funding model change, and how quickly can we reprogram retail space into other smart uses? • Have we done enough to prepare for natural and man-made disasters? Plan Fort Collins: Planning & Zoning Board Feedback 3 ATTACHMENT 16 Plan Fort Collins innovate-sustain.connect Questions and Discussion Points for Boards and Commissions Board and commission participation in these questions and discussion is optional but encouraged. Please consider and discuss the questions below as a board and either: • Formulate a written response in the form of a memo, • Provide a copy of board meeting minutes of the discussion, or • Ask your staff liaison summarize key points of discussion. Submit comments or minutes: • No later than March 10, 2010 • To Ken Waido: kwaido(aD-fcciov.com Thank you for your participation in Plan Fort Collins. Your board will have additional opportunities to weigh in on policy direction and strategies later during the process in 2010. Board or Commission Name: Senior Advisory Board Staff Liaison: What are short-term (1-5 year) challenges that the city faces, related to your board's focus area? • Current shortage of affordable housing for seniors. • Para transit limitations and affordability. • Transportation geographical gaps. • Transfort system needs to be senior"user friendly." • Funding for the Senior Center expansion to meet future senior needs—lower cost programs. What are long-term (5-30-years and beyond)challenges and opportunities that Plan Fort Collins should address related to your board's focus area? • Creating/maintaining neighborhoods that people can age in place. • Support system for Senior Resources and funding these programs. • Support county agencies to enhance housing options, health care, and transportation. Do you know of other communities or organizations with "cool tools" or"best practices"the city should explore related to your board's focus area? • Board will continue to explore this area. Do you have other ideas unrelated to your board's focus area? • Continue to support Pathways Past Poverty. • Continue support of growing the city"up" and not"out." • Enhance traffic plan for growth. ATTACHMENT 17 City of Transportation Board Edmund Robert,Vice Chair Fort Collins February 27, 2010 Mayor Hutchinson and Members of Council In preparation for a Council Work Session in March, City Staff is gathering input on Plan Fort Collins from a wide range of public forums. At the February meeting of the Transportation Board,Staff presented four questions for the Board's input. The questions and responses are attached for your consideration. In regard to our city's transportation system, this is a critical time with infrastructure maintenance in peril and many unmet capital needs for all the modes of travel. The Transportation Board looks forward to working with Council and Staff in addressing these issues. As usual the minutes of the meeting will have more detail and I would be glad to discuss these responses more at your convenience. Sincerely, Edmund Robert of Fort Collins Plan Fort Collins Inputs from Transportation Board - Feb 27, 2010 What are short-term (1 - 5 year) challenges that the city faces: • Funding is critical: Dedicated Transportation Funding needs to be addressed and realized at the earliest o There is a critical shortfall in funding for infrastructure maintenance. Timely pavement management and sound bridge maintenance important and delaying either creates a safety concern and much higher future expenses o Funding of transportation projects must include the Operations and Maintenance expenses for the lifecycle in projecting total costs and also include added cost factors related to environmental impact. o There is an annual funding requirement to properly fund critical transit programs o Effective and efficient operation of Transfort, Dial A Ride and other key multi model programs requires dedicated, known funding o Street Capital Projects require hundreds of millions of dollars and long term planning o Well over $1 billion in street projects are already identified without known funding o Street Capital Projects are primarily funded by citizen ballot initiatives or federal/state funds and recent citizen ballot initiatives have been of limited success o Street over sizing funds are available but not predictable and limited in scope o Dynamics in mobility and related funding opportunities, even in the short term, require the city to maintain close relations with state and federal officials to best maximize funding opportunities to support alternative means of transportation within the city. • Good planning is key to good systems: Cost effective transportation project planning requires known dedicated funding options o The East Prospect, North College, and Harmony project funding oversights caused incomplete projects o Incomplete, long delayed key projects will resulted in much higher costs when finally realized o The Mountain Vista sub-area plan appears to call for more development than will be borne by the current street-over-sizing and other development fees. o The N. Lemay/Vine railroad grade separation, overpass, delays have raised the project cost from $8.8 million in 1988, to $28.5 million in 2010, to $88 million in 2025, the next project delay timeline, while mobility and safety are placed at risk. o Federal transportation funding, as currently envisioned by Congress,will likely focus on effective land use planning and require communities to provide more alternatives to the single occupancy vehicle. Philosophical differences regarding growth and supportive transportation among the Northern Colorado jurisdictions Fort Collins is inhibiting essential cooperative planning to meet changing mobility needs both in the short and long term. • Public Transit will play a more important role. o The Transit Strategic Plan just adopted calls for more public transportation including more accessible and user friendly schedules, routes, and bus stops o The plan needs to encourage use of more public education programs to encourage citizens to be comfortable in their use of alternative forms of transportation, such as Transfort. • The growing popularity of bicycle travel must be supported. o The safety and infrastructure goals of the adopted City Bicycle Plan need emphasis and support. What are the long-term (5 - 30 years and beyond) challenges and opportunities that relate to your boards focus area? • All of the needs and trends listed above will continue to impact over the long term as well. • In the previous Master Street Plan, the build-out of the city infrastructure was estimated to cost over$1 billion, as noted above, and nearly all such projects will fall into this time frame. This further demands that a stable, dedicated long term transportation funding process is in place to best plan and realize completion of these projects as the build-out matures. • Regional growth projections will put more demands on the Fort Collins infrastructure and the timely completion of new street,bicycle and transit projects. • Major travel corridors, such as Harmony and Timberline, and the completion of the Mason Corridor are important to respond to these dynamics and to the related ecological, economic and demographic forces. • The public needs to be made aware of the need to have dedicated funding and of the cost effective benefits of being able to more effectively plan and finance transportation projects. Do you know of other communities or organizations with "cool tools" or "best practices" the city should explore that relate to your boards focus area? • Portland Oregon has become a national leader in mass transit infrastructure, including bus systems, bus rapid transit lines, and downtown streetcar service • Salt Lake City Utah has taken the initiative to plan and fund regional commuter transit • Denver has successfully demonstrated the potential for transit oriented development, and why accurate long term, dedicate funding is critical to a successful outcome • The CDOT 1-25 Environmental Impact Statement envisions commuter bus and rail systems along the Front Range • The recent discontinuance of the Denver- Colorado Springs commuter bus service should have many "lessons learned" in that outcome to help similar front range bus service to succeed I CRY of Flirt Collins • The Rocky Mountain Rail Authority study has outlined the possibility of high speed rail service along the Front Range and up into the resort areas of the I-70 corridor • The UniverCity initiatives underway in Fort Collins are examples of how to envision and realize a better local transportation approach for CSU/downtown/river district mobility connections Other ideas unrelated to your boards focus area? • The City needs an integrated planning and governing model that lets all aspects of the community to work together. Other disciplines, such as land use planning, economic development, housing (especially low income housing), education (PSD/CSU) and emergency services all need to join in a concerted effort to enhance the transportation process. • The City needs to address future financial revenue requirements based on'carefully identified priority of needs and can be properly managed to best meet the short and long term needs of the entire city infrastructure. ****************************************************************************** ATTACHMENT 18 City of Utilities-Water Boerd 700 Wood St. Collins, PO Box 580 Fort.Collorb 9M.221.67 C080522 970.221.6702 970.416.2208-fax fcgov.com ' MEMORANDUM . TO: Mayor Hutchinson and City Council FROM: Gina C.Janett, Water Board,Chairperson DATE: March 1, 2010. RE: Plan Fort Collins Short and Long Term Challenges CC: Brian Janonis, Utilities Executive Director At the February 25 regularineeting, the Water Board discussed the objectives of the Plan Fort Collins process as they relate to short and long term challenges for us as a water/wastewater/stormwaterutility., Below.are the concepts we,feel are important to consider through this comprehensive planning process. What are the short-term (1-5 year)challenges that the City faces,related:to the Water Board's focus area? • Increasing operational.costs of our water and wastewater ireatment plants. •` Completion of.the"Stormwater.Program repurposing-and,incorporating Siormwater Master Plan changes into the City Code: • Regulatory changes around the issue of water quality(water,stormwater& wastewater). • Aging infrastructure needing replacement. " .• Protecting the Poudre floodplain from development. _ • Loss of in-stream flows in the Poudr•e River from diversions which would affect water quality. • General interdepartmental coordination, cooperation and integration .between different city entities:(utilities;natural resources, planning), • Implementation of the new water conservation,plans and monitoring progress. What are the long-term (5-30 year+)challenges and.opportunities that Plan Fort Collins should address,related to the Water Board's focus area? Challen es: • Aging infrastructure needing replacement. • Monitoring progress of the new conservation plans: Protecting the floodplain from development. • . Global climate change: Beetle kill impacts on water,quality, City t Of • Issues related to emerging.pollutants(endocrine disrupters, personal care products, and other chemical stressors that are not recognized at this point). • Invasive species impacts on the water supply and facilities (i.e. mussels) • Interstate water compact-issue with the Colorado River(less water than thought); there may be a time when the Colorado-Big Thompson (CBT) project may not yield what it has traditionally.yielded. • Protect and restore historic flows'in the Poudre River(both an opportunity and a. challenge). • Water storage project strategies. • Water demand:manage' ment and;strategies by.the City. Opportunities: • Water conservation and automated;metering infrastructure`(AMI). • Opportunities to incorporate new developments,in low water use techniques into landscape design, land'-use design, appliances, etc. • Consideration of a subscription service on water bills to put money into an in-stream flow program: Do you know.of other communities or orgartzations with "cool tools"or"best practices" that the City should explore related to the Water;Board's focus area? • .Use of landscape buffers for water quality protection in agricultural areas: • Fully planned sustainable communities such as Stapleton in Denver and Geos in Arvada. j ATTACHMENT 19 Plan '� Fort Collins v innovate-sustain.connect Questions and Discussion Points for Boards and Commissions Board or Commission Name: Women's Commission Staff Liaison: Suzanne Jarboe-Simpson (224.6137) What are short-term (1-5 year) challenges that the city faces, related to your board's focus area? Safety concerns, sexual assault, teen pregnancy. Delayed economic recovery, the cliff effect and the impacts of cuts in funding for higher education. Limited transportation options for community members without individual vehicles. Decreased state and local funding for child care(CCAP) making it more difficult for family members to find quality child care, maintain employment, seek an education, etc. Concerns around youth and elder members of our community not having a voice in issues that impact them. The need for a more comprehensive approach to helping citizens THRIVE rather than struggling for survival. What are long-term (5-30-years and beyond) challenges and opportunities that Plan Fort Collins should address related to your board's focus area? Sustainable jobs. Transportation—and developing community/neighborhood centers for employment and shopping that don't require personal vehicle or public transit options. Gap between poverty and self-sufficiency—need to use self-sufficiency index to determine eligibility for services, not the poverty level. Support education, child care, care for the elderly. Do you know of other communities or organizations with "cool tools" or"best practices" the city should explore related to your board's focus area? Poverty simulations—Pathways Past Poverty—to provide insight into the real challenges and trade-offs that must be made in order to access limited services and assistance. This tool may help drive change in how these services and assistance are provided. Coral Springs Florida's acknowledgement that the City has a responsibility to play a role in addressing concerns of citizens—even when the service is not the City's core business (concerns related to education...). Mental Health Connections—a network and framework for providing comprehensive coordinated services. Use tools currently available—like the Utility Bill insert—to continue education/information efforts—as the organization moves to more online provision of services, consider an online 'utility bill insert.' Health Care Continuum of Care and Boston's Department of Transitional Assistance—both providing wrap-around care in order to help ensure the successful navigation through unfamiliar programs and services. Do you have other ideas unrelated to your board's focus area? Look for innovative ways to share resources and information. Build relationships and develop partnerships with traditional and non-traditional community partners -- government, private sector, not-for-profit. Address the transportation issue. Develop the community in ways that are not personal vehicle or public transportation dependent— provide community/neighborhood centers that are walkable and include employment, shopping, housing, etc. Continue to address and support the basics of personal and community safety—for the elderly,for women and children. I ATTACHMENT 20 Zoning Board of Appeals: What are short-term challenges that the city faces, related to your board's focus area? 1. Density will probably be going vertical. Thought should be given when drafting regulations that "this is the way it is, and Nimbyism shouldn't be given much credence". 2. In order to facilitate ZBA's discussion of the merits of variance requests, it would be very helpful if the intent of regulations were clear. If the intent can't be included in the code language, then maybe clearly stated in an AIS or other staff report. 3. Create some bulk and mass regulations for the NCL,NCM, and NCB zones that might make more sense than some of the existing ones (i.e. figure out something different to replace the current 5' minimum side setback for the first 18' in wall height and additional setback for additional height). 4. There will probably be code revisions to facilitate green buidling. This may result in an increase in the number of zoning variances in order to deal with such things as height, setback. Whar are long-term challenges and opportunities... Each year, the inventory of buildings that may fall under historic preservation review and regulations will increase. Will it still be appropriate to apply the current 50 year threshold, or should that be changed to 60 years or something even longer. As the city becomes more urbanized, achieving a balance between the pressures to become more urbanized accompanied by more redevelopment and the pressures to preserve historic structures and places will be harder to reconcile. Do you know of other communities or organizations with cool tools or best practices... No. Do you have other ideas unrelated to your board's focus area? The mid-town plan is great, but the rest of the areas of the city shouldn't be left in the dust. All areas of the city should be treated equally. ATTACHMENT 21 Plan. . Fort-Collins innovate-sustain-connect An Evening with Frey: Community Reception Feedback Event Date: March 3, 2010 The Community Reception featured staffed"stations"for each of the Snapshot topics, which displayed summarized draft Snapshot materials. Participants were encouraged to share their feedback and ideas on large comment forms at each station. Approximately 200 comments and ideas were collected, and are listed below, organized alphabetically by Snapshot topic. 1 . Art"fid Culture • Art brings money and recognition to a community • Art is great but we must prioritize in hard times • Art makes life worth living • Artists bring new ideas and beautify the environment • Arts and culture must pay for itself • Continue art throughout the city—painting transformers and along the multi-use paths is great • For arts to have an economic impact in a city like Fort Collins we must pursue the creation of a world class performing arts center(or convention center)—until we accomplish this we are only entertaining ourselves not growing our economy • Keep up the music programs in public spaces • Let the people who use the arts pay for them—no taxes to fund the arts • Local art in public places • Love the painted transformer cabinets—they make the alleys beautiful • Make sure to engage young children and collaborate with the school district—that is the beginning of how you instill pride in the community—people who get involved early have more invested than those who just occupy houses • More arts that reflect on the history/culture of the city • More beautiful fountains • More murals and collaborations with elderly, children, and amateur artists • More slam poetry • Need new performance venues pursuant to Cultural Plan • Our Global Village is fabulous—partner with this nonprofit any way you can • Really disappointed to have lost original foundation at Oak and College • Support for Global Village to highlight the international aspects of the city • The arts community needs to become sustainable by creating professional paths for true"stand along" careers and organizations—this starts with Poudre School District, then CSLI,then internships, then careers that make a living doing arts, music, theatre, and dance worth paying for • The enthusiastic Global Village Museum and Learning Center group should be encourage—international artifacts in our shrinking world are important—perhaps a combination of Global Village with a City-run Community Culture Center/global museum would work? • We appreciate Fort Collins' choice to differentiate itself from neighboring cities by promoting the arts • We are big fans of Beet Street and never miss a First.Friday 1 • We're looking forward to the new Museum and Science Discovery Center-other culture opportunities shouldn't be lost • What does it mean to instill pride in the community? How is that accomplished? It sounds like a laudable goal but there is no point in having it if it isn't achievable or measurable • Why not collaborate with CSU and high school art programs? t2: B -*1t ;Environment�and Land Uses • Better sidewalk connectivity(especially existing areas that lack sidewalks) • Between Drake and Horsetooth land within the Poudre floodplain is designated "buildable"-all need development should be forbidden in the 100 year floodplain • College Avenue (midtown now from Drake to Harmony) needs infill redevelopment-the area has the potential to offer new design and commercial, retail, and residential opportunities • Consider replacing some of the vast green acreage(irrigated grass)with urban agriculture-food production in the form of community gardens or some form of"share cropping" • Demographics are changing and Poudre School District has over 3,000 empty seats(8 full elementary schools)The District will need to address efficiency issues and empty seats this year. How does City planning collaborate with PSD? • Good work! • Infill development with improved transit service • Leave room for urban agriculture • Multi-use commercial/residential at medium to high densities planned around parks • Need a balanced approach to historic preservation-realistic for cost and function • Newer shopping centers should have a unique look • Old Town is priceless-take better care • Open space areas seem to be closed for no apparent reason-hikers and runners can enjoy them year round -we have paid for them • Please do not ever destroy green open space between Trilby and Harmony • Promote business expansion and remodeling • Remove "buildable" land from the Poudre River floodplain • Repave the streets • Spread out City parks into smaller pieces, not fewer larger ones • Stop blockage of Downtown sidewalks(like the Monkey Bar)so people can walk without annoying barricades • Stop displacing low income people • Support the development of in-town urban food gardens-provide water and support for building our local food system • We couldn't survive having higher densities • We need on-street parking citywide-North College would be great • Who decides what is appropriate regarding the built environment and land use? • Zoning and code rules are too restrictive and limiting - �- - 3 ,Environment and:Ut�lities • Add solar panels to all City buildings and parking structures • Affordable wind energy • Be sure to keep capacity as a key goal for Fort Collins residents 2 • Build Halligan • Build Halligan not Glade • Change water law to allow for capture of rainwater to irrigate gardens • Climate protection is a big scam • Consider becoming a"Transition" Community(Hopkins) • Don't allow uranium in-situ mining over our aquifers—we need to secure drinking water • Global warming is fake—green is not necessary • Let private enterprise come up with "green"solutions • Poudre River • Put solar panels on school roofs • Quality of our drinking water is excellent right now-please continue to keep it good and clean • Save the Poudre no matter what else is done • Trash districting makes sense or provide a City-run system • Turn gray infrastructure into green infrastructure • We need Halligan—the Poudre won't be affected • We need incentives to promote the adoption and application of wide spread clean energy technologies (solar, wind, geothermal, conservation) • Why are unsolicited utility usage information sheets being sent out? The City doesn't know who lives in each house and why bills are what they are. You can't just compare houses—you need to know who is occupying the residences. 4. Finance and Economya T • Budget by priorities • Financing the future—should taxes increase? • Need high, enforced tariffs on goods from elsewhere and big factories • Need more farmers to grow healthy food (vegetables and fruits) locally and sustainability • Priorities among all City assets and needs—proactive is good • Raise taxes • Stimulate the local_economy • Stop using radar camera vans as a means of raising revenue—this appears to be the primary purpose and their pervasive presence is the single greatest detriment to quality of life in this City for me • The City/County budget should not be used for health care insurance • Unless we have a middle class our City cannot fund everything with sales tax • Use some of open space tax funds for maintenance of local parks, especially now when funds are so low 5. Health Wellness< and Safety'r" � R .. • A healthy local, sustainable food system—food is a strategic resource • Absolutely enforce the 3-unrelated ordinance and require licensing of landlords • Another community recreation center • Bring the Youth Activity Center back • Create a safe, healthy community without unnecessary government regulations and mandatory codes • Develop community health clinics to address failure of leadership at the national level • Develop gang intervention programs • .Develop more private sector programs to help fund health care for the less fortunate—less government, more private sector solutions 3 • Eliminate 3-unrelated ordinance and enforce on actual nuisances • Fund police and fire • Increase bike trails and keep them safe • Keep the community size • Let the bike program pay for itself through those who care about it—give that money to the police and fire departments • Licensing and recognition for natural/homeopathic physicians with access to all medical facilities for themselves and their patients • Make mental health services and prescriptions more available to adults • More bike paths • Remove fluoride from our water • Remove fluoride from our water • Support a covered market for farmers and local stores • Wider, safer sidewalks—some of the areas have very narrow sidewalks right beside heavy and fast traffic 6" :_Housing i P `, e a. ..� x a`•, ° _:_,a m" -tr 5 ^a ax+ .� `.r, n e"- • 3-unrelated ordinance is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and an oxymoron for affordable—it should be 1 occupant per bedroom • A high need for housing for youth in transition—affordable and safe • Affordable housing is a huge need in our community—sliding scale rents are critical • Affordable senior housing • Build up not out • Community gardens • For expanding areas complete with retail/office and medium to high density housing all planned around parks and recreation • Infill development, adaptive reuse, and mix of land uses • Keep low-income people in Fort Collins—avoid displacement of mobile home park tenants • Mixed-use housing and commercial • More high-rise housing for all economic levels • More incentives for homeowners to retrofit their homes for green technology • Please provide affordable housing for folks with no or little income • Solar incentives • Strive for private sector programs and funding to help those in need • The Howes Street corridor should be better utilized since it is already zoned for high-rise buildings • Work with Homeward 2020 �7 ;Natural Areas,,Parks, and Recreation F � , • Acquire and maintain more natural areas as a basic human need • City parks should still be small dispersed, not big and concentrated • Convert surface parking lots into parks or stormwater retention areas • Create an adopt-a-park program to engage volunteers • Discourage use of pesticides • Doing well in these areas—continue adding bike paths • Fewer dog restrictions please • How do the recreation needs of youth, disabled, and elderly get balanced with revenue generation? 4 • I love our hiking and biking trails and parks—let's keep them green • Let those who use the parks pay for the use (pay as you go) • More bike paths • More disc golf • Natural areas and parks are what separates good cities from great cities—the funding for these are usually the fist to shrink—we should ensure that adequate and positive funding is always in the forefront • Park planning with multi-use commercial and residential buildings—fewer giant parks and more community parks • Parks are for people—don't lose sight of key users and their desires and resolve maintenance costs • Permanent bike safety tour in one of the parks • Police the bike riders better—issue tickets • Promoting bike trails and natural areas within the Growth Management Area is okay, but not okay on the Wyoming border • Reduce the use of pesticides near water and wildlife • Such a joy to let your children bike to work or school on a designated path or trail • The City must find a way for senior and the disabled to have transportation to different natural areas • Would love to see pocket parks scattered through neighborhoods, especially in older areas (1 or 2 lots)with open space, benches, and places for neighbors to gather a'� G 38 �Trarisportation r _ �. k«. ,aZ.vd.. wi' .'''.AY 1�. Ib�.w * �".Gi..� 'L..'rr'..`$.$.a.byr.`k.wcru:.wr .+ ✓ • Adequate parking requirements-realistic and practical • Bike corridors throughout town • Bike paths to connect everything • Connect Mason Street Corridor to Trilby, Loveland, Longmont, etc. using what Fort Collins is doing as a model for transit, bikes, and pedestrians • Consider regional transportation like light rail to Denver, DIA and along 1-25 • Continue and expand transit • Coordinating street maintenance schedules on major arterials • Coordination with other municipalities • Dedicated funding for personal rapid transit • Electric mass transit—trolleys on streets • High speed rail to Denver, Greeley, and Cheyenne • I am willing to pay for a more complete transit system -1 • Keep East Lincoln 2 lanes—fewer 4 lanes and more busses • Keep up the good work on bike transportation • Maintain and expand all alternative modes of transportation • Mason Street Corridor and frequent busses • Moratorium on road widening • More bike paths • Narrow the gap between cost of running bus service and income—in other words, raise ride rates, and make kids pay at least 25 cents per ride so they begin to understand and appreciate the gift they have • Need rail to Denver • Regional coordination • Road maintenance • Route busses to east side of WalMart so people have easier and safer access to the store 5 • Safe bike and pedestrian paths • Smaller buses on lower volume routes • Systems to lower the economic and environmental costs of transportation per vehicle mile traveled • Traffic signal timing on major arterials • Transit • Transportation for seniors • Transportation utility fee • We're looking forward the transit busses on the Mason Street Corridor and didn't want to lose the funds that were authorized ru.'cwvm ` -Y �i�'�""'�._.:�S��� ".�-"` >r.'�w�:....�'�'�.o�'��"",��'` �...���`�`r�•r.�x`�:� ", 3e'.7..T?5+�.�.*��N.,a.' �"`" • A walkable city • Climate neutral • Community supported agriculture farms are a great start in creating food security—they need support and integration in the community • Curbside composting • Drill baby drill • Educate minority women—especially about sustainability topics • How does the City integrate Poudre School District into its"system?" • Let us.dispel the myth that one has to be 50 miles away from home to be an expert—there are scores of local experts who are either unemployed or underemployed • Listen to low-income people about what sustainability means to them • Local system for economics, goods, and services • Look very closely at the assumptions behind "sustainability"—to what extend is economic growth the driver? • Our aging population wants to be active, not sedentary—this must be considered when planning for transportation and recreation • Our agriculture crop needs to include marijuana—grown out of basements, in the sunshine instead of importing from Mexico. Medical marijuana should be available in drug stores. • Perhaps public spaces could provide edible landscaping • Reducing the size and scope of government control in all areas that should be private • Socially equitable—opportunities, resources, and integration for all • Support feed-in tariffs for renewable energy production • Sustainability does not mean anything • Sustainability needs to pay for itself—let private enterprise create"green"options that are profitable • Sustainable local food system: urban gardens =.healthy food, healthy people, vibrant community • The era of cheap oil has ended —the Plan should address the implications of that explicitly and should address how we would transition to using dramatically less gasoline and diesel • This sounds good—nicely phrased but fairly shallow—be more specific and direct • Transition Handbook:From 0//Dependency to Community Resilience by Rob Hopkins—let's make this formal and organized —the Handbook is a tested roadmap and we need to move quickly • True sustainability should focus on human capital, environment, economics, and experiential sustainability • Urban agriculture leads to jobs, businesses, local food, and environmental health • Water—how it impacts and is impacted by energy use • What is sustainability—wind, solar? No storage = not sustainable • Where is recycling for this event? Lead by example 6 Plan{{{ Fort Collins innovate sustain.connect An Evening with Frey: Retaining What's Special Event Date: March 3,2010 Note cards distributed during the Community Reception asked participants"What is the one thingyou would Like to be the same in Fort Collins 50 years from now?"Participants were encouraged to write down their idea(s),a sampling of which was used later in the evening fora live polling exercise. More than 375 comments and ideas were collected,and are listed below,organized alphabetically and by general topic. R 1 . Arts and Culture. • Art and aesthetics • Lots of music • Art and culture • Maintain Downtown as the cultural center • Art and theatre groups Music and art • Art around town Music,arts,and boutique stores • Art in public places Outdoor concerts • Art in public places Public art • Art in Public Places Program • Same culturally rich emphasis on arts,science,and • Arts inclusiveness • Arts and culture opportunities Support for public arts displayed throughout • Continued support and growth of the arts Downtown and the community • Cultural assets • Symphony • Cultural opportunities • Value for the community's arts and artists • Great cultural activities a Vibrant arts community • Live music and theater options(Open State,Bas Bleu, • Vibrant,unique and independent Old Town retaining Lincoln Center) its charm and central arts area(with more stable and • Lots of art thriving arts scene) • Lots of entertainment choices 2.'Built m nnyiednent and" • Active and vital Old Town area—upgrading buildings • Downtown when necessary but keeping the charm • Downtown atmosphere • Active Downtown • Downtown still the heart of Fort Collins—the cultural • Active,fun,and positive Downtown and entertainment center • Architecture and charm of Old Town Downtown vibe • Authentic,great,and vibrant Downtown Feel of Old Town including pedestrian access and • Center City of Northern Colorado—with culture, density of shops and restaurants education,entertainment,and a strong business base • Great neighborhoods • Centralized Downtown • Healthy Downtown collaborating with and integrated • City Center retain its vibrant character as a retail,arts, into the rest of the community and governmental center • Historic architecture in Old Town • City design and layout • Historic neighborhoods • City footprint • Historic preservation • Continued residential and commercial growth • Inner city core/Old Town • Downtown • Lively and enhanced Downtown • Downtown • Local Downtown • Downtown • Locally based Downtown • Downtown • Mixture of urban and close-in agriculture with more • Downtown diversity of crops 1 • Old Town Old Town even better • Old Town • Old Town Square • Old Town 0 Old Town walkability • Old Town 0 Poudre River as a Downtown focal point • Old Town • Skyline • Old Town • Street medians with trees,grass,and green spaces • Old Town • Strong and vibrant Downtown • Old Town • Urban/rural mix • Old Town • Vibrant Downtown • Old Town • Vibrant Downtown • Old Town Vibrant Old Town • Old Town architecture and charm • Vibrant Old Town • Old Town architecture,landscaping,and Christmas • Vibrant Old Town lights • Vibrant Old Town • Old Town as it is today • Vibrant,thriving,interesting,and exciting Downtown • Old Town buildings • Walkable Downtown with free parking • Old Town character • Old Town environment 3Env�ronment and�Ut�hties� � • Clean air and sunshine • Natural environment • Clean air and water • Poudre River • Continue and increase programs under the Climate • Poudre River Action Plan • Poudre River protection • Environmental protection priorities(e.g.open space, 0 Poudre River with year-round flow at the current levels clean air,water,etc.) (at least) • Flowing Poudre River Protected Poudre River and river corridor • Focus on energy conservation(e.g.Climate Action • Trees Plan) • Trees(existing and new) • Good environmental policies • Trees and gardens • Good water quality • Water • Good water quality and stream management • Water in the Poudre River with healthy riparian • Healthy Poudre River vegetation and wildlife • Healthy trees • Water supply not from west of continental divide • Leave the Poudre River alone • Wild and scenic Poudre River • Natural beauty F4 Finance and • "Buy American"sales tax exemption from • Minimal corporate influence manufactured goods from the USA • Old Town restaurant mix and diversity • Affordable community • Profitable Old Town • Clean,healthy,fun,and modem economy • Remain employed and still be able to afford to live in • Creative jobs Fort Collins • Diversity of restaurants in Old Town • Restaurants • Focus on local businesses which contributes to • Small shops community feel • Strong and diverse businesses • Friendly environment for businesses • Support for Old Town • Friendly locally owned business community • Great restaurants • Locally owned businesses and flavor Downtown • Lots of local businesses and restaurants • Lots of restaurants and small shops • Maintain community's affordability 2 5. Health, Wellness;:£t,Safety '' • Community safety and pride Remains a safe place to raise kids with lots of • Crime management recreation for kids and families • Free and low cost programs at the Senior Center Safe City • Health and wellness culturellifestyle • Safe town for children • Low crime rates Senior Center t6•;Natural AreasOpen'Space ,Parks £tRec�eation „ t i..�.u,2:. ....k°.a,y�..ua +c�e¢� .B..a.. .��., e t •t .L.n....d�:i.. =1.:.u_.k.� ,.5 . • Ability to upkeep parks and trails • Open space,parks,trails • Access to the river and walking trails & Open space,parks,trails • Access to wilderness and open spaces • Open space,trails,and parks • Ample parks and recreation Open space/natural areas • Beautiful landscape • Open spaces • Clean fresh water swimming • Open spaces • Commitment and dedication to natural areas and • Open spaces,parks,and trails wildemess • Parks • Commitment to parks • Parks • Constantly expanding trail system linking Northern • Parks and open space Colorado cities • Parks and open spaces • Current open areas protected and not developed 0 Parks and recreation further 0 Parks and trails • Great recreation facilities • Parks and trails • Green open spaces • Parks and trails • High quality and abundant open spaces • Parks and trails • Natural areas • Parks,open space,and trails • Natural areas 0 Paths and bike trails • Natural areas • Pocket parks(1-2 lot size with open space and • Natural areas benches for neighbors to get together) • Natural areas • Protecting open space on the periphery • Natural areas • Protection of open spaces and trails • Natural areas and open spaces Recreation opportunities • Natural corridor trails to get around the city Same percentage of open space and parks to the • Neighborhood parks population • Open space • Spring Creek Trail • Open space Trails • Open space Trails • Open space Trails • Open space Trails • Open space • Trails and open space within short distance of city • Open space • Well maintained parks and natural areas • Open space • Wilderness still a bike ride away(25 minutes) • Open space Wonderful bike trails • Open space and community separators • Open space and green areas—for recreation and mental health reasons • Open space and natural areas • Open space and parks • Open space and trails • Open space and trails • Open space and trails • Open space and trails • Open space,natural areas,trails 3 7; Transportation • Ability to bike on a safe trail and street to the • Free parking destination • Freedom of mobility • An emphasis on alternatives to single occupancy • Pedestrians and bikes vehicle transportation • Public transportation—needs to be easier and more • Appreciation and encouragement of all modes of frequent transportation • Streetcar service along Mountain Avenue and through • Bike friendly community Downtown again • Bike lanes • The ease of getting around town quickly—not it is • Bike lanes mostly by individual car but it could be mass transit in • Clean,maintained streets the future • Community group bike rides • Walkability • Continuation of wide streets • Walkable community(more of it throughout town) • Development of the Mason Street Corridor • Well maintained streets • Fabulous winter trail plowing • A safe,family-friendly community that is culturally rich • Expectation of a college education for kids and neighborhood-friendly • Family-friendly • Accessible boards and commissions 0 Family-friendly atmosphere • All of the attributes that contribute to our string of"best • Family-oriented place"recognitions Farm and ranch • Atmosphere . Focus on green • Attention to the parks and sustainability(partnering Food co=op and local farming with the planet) • Friendliness • Blue skies • Friendliness and cooperation • Charm Friendly and courteous residents to take time to care • City Manager about each other • Collaborative and learning spirit Friendly atmosphere • Commitment to sustainability Friendly leaders in government,CSU,and businesses • Community character who are open to change and work • Community cleanliness and landscaping 0 Friendly neighborhoods • Community resilience in food,water,energy 0 Friendly people • Community size Friendly,smaller town atmosphere and charm • Community that values volunteerism • Government • Community vibe • Growth with maintained small town atmosphere • Connections between CSU,River,and Old Town High level of public discourse and commitment to • Continue to be a place you would want to move and environmental quality live out life High priority citizens place on the community— • Cosmopolitan city and friendly size gatherings,pride,and kindness • CSU still a public university and proud History • CSU the same size Hometown feel • Culture Home-town feeling -relaxed"Fort Fun" • Diversity—elderly/college 1 have no right to tell people 50 years from now how to • Dog-friendly community live • Downtown feel and charm I would love to still live in Fort Collins—I would be 113 • Embrace of all cultures years old! • Engaged community with lots of activities and Importance of being progressive and sustainable resources • Innovative thinking • Excellent schools Keep the history strong 4 • Local feeling 0 Small-town feel • Locally grown food is available and more farms in & Small-town feel existence 0 Small-town feel • Low growth • Small-town feel • Mid-size city with lots going on but keeping a bit of a • Small-town feel small town feel • Small-town feel • More history • Small-town feel • Neighborhood schools . Small-town feel • Neighbors help each other Small-town feel • Nice people • Small-town feel(knowing people wherever I go) • No significant population growth but with vastly 9 Small-town feel and friendly people expanded mass transit Small-town feel but still having everything close at • Old Town—should include a huge riverfront hand • Open dialog with minority voices on the City's website • Small-town feel with large amenities and City Council halls & Small-town feeling • Opportunities for citizen involvement a Small-town friendly feel • Population • Spirit of the City—innovative,recreational, • Population progressive • Population • Status as a destination city • Population—none of the planning will be effective if • Strong and vibrant CSU your population expands as it has the last 25 years • Strong education • Population(don't grow or shrink) • Strong focus on sustainability and integrated view of • Population level planning(people,environment,neighborhoods) • Positive and progressive environment • Strong partnerships between CSU and the City— • Public access television building,planning and investing together • Quality of life Strong sense of collaboration and inventiveness • Quality of life • The Rainbow restaurant • Quality of life • The size of the town • Quality of life • The value that is placed on people who live in the • Quality of life—Fort Collins is awesome community . • Quality of life(especially recreation opportunities and . The weather events that draw the community together) • Town character • Quality of life in neighborhoods • Town Pump and Downtown activity • Quality schools • Uniqueness • Rational thinking in everything • United Way • Relatively small size • Values of excellence and intellect • Responsive government . Values placed on preserving the quality of life • Rio margaritas Vibrant and progressive values • Rural feel • Weather • Same as 1969—when I graduated from CSU • Same size in population and geographic extent(the City is already larger than San Francisco) • Schools • Sense of community • Sense of community • Sense of community—inviting,friendly,hospitable • Small city atmosphere with independent businesses • Small enough to feel intimate and friendly but big enough to be interesting • Small town ambiance • Small town atmosphere and size • Small town feel • Small town vibe and neighborly feeling • Small-town ambiance • Small-town atmosphere 5 Plan Fort Collins innovate-sustain,connect An Evening with Frey: Shaping the Future Event Date: March 3,2010 Note cards distributed during the Community Reception asked participants "What is the one thing you would like to be different in Fort Collins 50 years from now?" Participants were encouraged to writedown their idea(s), a sampling of which was used later in the evening for a live polling exercise. More than 325 comments and ideas were collected, and are listed below, organized alphabetically and by general topic. 1 . Arts and Culture _ . _ 4 n.. 1. A new,larger arts complex 2. Art 3. Better facilities for the arts 4. City support of Our Global Village 5. Fort Collins artists receive appropriate compensation for their work 6. More cultural activity 7. More cultural diversity and cultural showcasing 8. More cultural events and venues 9. More diverse opportunities to learn about other cultures 10. Much improved facility for the arts 11. Museum that captures and highlights our unique history 12. Oxbow theatre 13. Performance center 3 ' Built fnvironment$and Land Use3 ss} • Areas like south Fort Collins(Harmony)without unique vibe • Decrease trend of strip malls that could be any town,anywhere • Decreased sprawl • Develop our Downtown to the River with housing,office,retail,restaurants,entertainment,and a kayak park • Developed riverfront with condos,trails,and restaurants • Eliminate blight • Expansion of Old Town • Fill in the un-annexed areas of Fort Collins College Avenue to Terry Lake and Linden Lake • Fully integrated Poudre River corridor with natural areas,trails,retail,cultural facilities,arts,and dining • Greater urban densities—people will get used to it • Growth up,not out • Higher density residential,especially along Mason Corridor • Increased density to improve walkability and maintain open space • Infill development with parks and green space • Jefferson Street to be a pedestrian mall like old town square • Lots of housing and businesses along the Mason Corridor • More"village-like"neighborhoods • More Downtown density • More focus on development in Old Town as opposed to along 1-25 • More mixed-use development in neighborhoods(old and new) • More outdoor venues—completion of Poudre River area for tourism,recreation • More retail Downtown and fewer bars • More vibrant sub-districts/mixed-use neighborhoods similar to Downtown • Northern entry to Fort Collins 1 • Old Town—house sizes compatible • Preserve Old Town • Replace Foothills Mall with a beautiful,vibrant shopping area with nice men and women's shops • Riverfront developed • Riverwalk • Stronger urban planning: infill and walking/bike paths connecting downtown, CSU and music/performing arts complex to open space • The entrance into FC on Mulberry to be developed into a true gateway • Urban agriculture on public and community land • Vitality of Downtown and river front firmly established • 100%of energy from clean or renewable sources • Air and water supply and quality • At least half of all residential grass lawns be replace with xeriscape • Better flood planning • Clean up the air quality—stop burning wood for heat • Clearer air • Fort Collins showing leadership in environmental stewardship(the City is the example) • Good river flow and high quality water • Green environment • Half as many grass lawns,twice as many xeriscape residential landscape designs • I'd like to see FC meeting 80%of its total energy needs from renewable sources—which does not include nuclear fission! • Less pollution and solar panels on every roof • More businesses using sustainable energy and practices • More renewable energy • No fossil fuels used for cars,heating,nor electricity generations! • Photovoltaic roofs for all • Solar panels on every roof- no more coal plant north of town • Trash districting • Trash districting or City-provided trash pick-up • Valuing and enhancing natural resources and attributes • Well developed renewable energy that is available to both the city and individuals(and their two systems working together) • Zero-energy district for all for FC 4: Finance and t;p pmy of are f ; • Better public/private cooperation and enterprise • Better shopping • Downtown open air market • Encourage sales tax revenue to support maintaining parks and human services • For the city to promote small business in order to provide a steady tax base — today development/redevelopment is too expensive for small businesses • Growth and non-growth groups agreeing on issues based on fiscally responsible policies • High-tech jobs and manufacturing • Less corporate influence • Lower taxes • Make the City more welcoming for business and entrepreneurs to thrive • Many more incentives for new businesses to come here • More breweries • More employment opportunities • More local/small shopping • More moderate and high-end retail(near-term in 5 to 10 years—there is none now) . • More realistic taxes—we need to pay for the services we want to have. 2 ^ � w Significant increase in fraction ofnon-retoU' jobs ' ` w Sustainable job growth and stable economic foundation ° Taxes are paying as wegn without increasing the tax rate * Vibrant economy � An much attention paid ho amenities for seniors ao for youth ° Health care for all Cu|u/odoano ~ Less drug problems w Mental health and substance abuse treatment centers move from meager to outstanding w More enforcement and expectation of civilized behaviors ° Housing for students outside neighborhoods * More affordable housing for low income residents and seniors mixed in with regular housing and mass transit ° More affordable housing for seniors who want to retire here—cluster style supportive living options for seniors to age in place w More affondab|mtubuidized/tranoihona|housing ~ More density nfhousing ~ More housing for the underprivileged * More public/private housing for off-campus student housing w More variety in living options,especially for people 5U+years ~ No homelessness • Protection of neighborhoods from too many students per house * Another outdoor pool and recreation center in south Fort Collins w Better parks inNE Fort Collins * Create a natural area for people|n play on the PoudneRiver ~ Kayak course through town ^ More parks and a recreation center with cardio ° More trails—getting around un the bike ina special treat * More trails for biking and hiking ° A better walking flow between Old Town,CSU.and North College w A functional transit system minimizing the need for vehicles w A lot less cars—more busses and streetcars � A mass transit train toDenver ^ A more regional approach to governance of improving and promoting public transportation w Alternative transportation * An improved transportation model with bypasses and overpasses along with connectivity in mass transit so it works for all citizens ° Ban cars Downtown ~ Better alternative transportation and biking options * Better bike lanes w Better bus service(running later) • Better connectivity to|'25 and Denver—light rail w Better management oftraffic * Better mass transportation w Better public transportation—walking upUunohwa|kways'safer biking • Better public transportation. ^ Better regional transportation 3 • Better road maintenance • Better traffic flow • Better transportation around Fort Collins • Better transportation for CSU • Better transportation options—mass transit to Denver and the mountains • Bicycle access everywhere • Bike lanes everywhere you want to go • Clean green public transportation • Comprehensive,accessible,affordable public transportation here and between Fort Collins and Denver • Direct transit to downtown Denver • Downtown Trolley • Easier to get around without a car • Easier traffic patterns and more convenient public transportation • Easier way to get around(especially how do poor people get around) • East-west and north-south transit along all major arterials and regional links to Loveland and Longmont along the Burlington Northern corridor • Extended trolley • Extensive alternative transportation including bikes,pedestrian ways,and transit • Fewer cars,perhaps none(at least as we know them today"fun"mass transit and perhaps electric cars • Fewer roads and intersections • Fewer single-occupancy vehicles on the road than there are in 2010 • Fewer trucks • Fewer vehicles on the road! (wider based-mass transit—Loveland to Laporte)every%=hour. • First class public transportation • Front Range commuter rail line • Fully functional grid-based clean fueled public transit system with 15 minute headways and it goes to Denver. • Functional public transportation system • Get rid of trains through center of town • Getting around quick and easy without a car • Good public transportation so we don't have to drive in the City • Great hi tech public transportation reaching everywhere • Great Mason Street Corridor light rail • Grid system of mass transit with cross connections no farther than a 5 block walk • Grid transit and regional transit connections along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe corridor • High speed rail from Cheyenne to Pueblo • High speed rail line along the Front Range • Improved streets • Improved transportation • Improved transportation • Less car traffic and get rid of trains—noise • Less cars,more bikes • Less congestion on our main arteries and parking lots—widen streets or truly embrace public transportation • Less dependence on auto transportation within the City • Less oil-dependent transportation • Less traffic • Less traffic,more easy-to-use mass transit • Less,or better organized traffic patterns • Light rail • Light rail and more frequent bus system • Light rail local and to Denver. Bicycles—trails and corridor • Light rail service to all Front Range communities • Light rail to airport • Light rail to Denver • Light rail to Denver • Little traffic with cars not in our face all of the time 4 • Major public transit within Fort Collins and along the Front Range • Mason Corridor project to have a light rail going from north Fort Collins to Loveland • Mass transit • Mass transit • Mass transit—necessary to oil depletion • Mass transit at high interval times • Mass transit from Cheyenne to Pueblo • Mass transit opportunities while maintaining a small town feeling • Mass transit system • Mass transit to Denver • Mass transit to Denver by train • Mass transportation within the City and along the Front Range • More accessible public transportation • More and better mass transit via high speed to Denver and DIA • More and better public transportation—both local and connecting with the rest of the state • More efficient public transportation • More mass transit • More public transportation and regional bike paths • More roundabouts,less traffic signals • More widespread use of public transportation and more infrastructure and system to facilitate this(resulting in decreased traffic congestion) • Move out the trains • Much more public transportation -no need for cars in town • Multi-modal transportation—clean,quiet,safe,and environmentally sustainable • No cars in Old Town • No freight trains on Mason—light rail traffic only • No freight trains running through town • No more traffic issues due to trains • No need for use of a car • No train down Mason Street • No train through middle of town • No train through town • Open Laporte Avenue and widen for truck route to Wyoming vs. 1-25 • Parking • Passenger rail • Pedestrian-friendly in all areas • Personal rapid transit • Potholes repaired on Prospect Road east from Shields to Center. • Public transit(and a train to Denver) • Public transit that replaces cars • Public transportation—bring back the trolley • Public transportation infrastructure well-developed, user-friendly,and the norm • Public transportation throughout Fort Collins and linking other communities • Quiet trains • Rail transportation to Loveland, Denver and Laramie • Rapid transit everywhere • Rapid transit to Denver(see Salt Lake City). • Reduce car travel in City and create a more convenient and efficient mass transit system • Reduced automobile traffic • Reduced dependence on single-occupancy vehicles for mobility • Reduced traffic • Reliable,inexpensive,and convenient transit • Remove railroad from Mason • Safer and more innovative bicycle transportation • South College Corridor accessible by bus,train,bike,etc. 5 • The lack of public transportation access in most of the community • Traffic • Traffic Flow. • Traffic plan for 287 and north Fort Collins • Train to Denver—Boulder • Trains • Tram/rail up Prospect to connect 1-25 with CSU and a tram/rail up 1-25 to Denver • Transit • Transit bringing development in • Transit system! • Transit to Denver and surrounding communities • Transportation • Transportation • Transportation • Transportation—better public transit • Transportation—local and regional • Transportation and parking • Transportation connections to other metro areas(train) • Transportation options—Mason Street Corridor • Transportation system that works to relieve our crowded streets • Truck bypass and railroad overpass or relocated railroad • Truck bypass designed as an urban expressway with limited access to accommodate local traffic • Trucks out of Downtown • Walking Downtown only • We'd have affordable mass transit to Denver,Cheyenne,Greeley,Colorado Springs,Santa Fe,etc. —the absence of affordable and reliable mass transit to Denver is awful ll....'�.�`�`""v. ^L�f-�i"y�,••"T l "Y' o• FI '5 v`�si-Y"•`PW s+a�`rR ^."•jn• .R^T"g^M ^^A^^` ^yam^ 3f^^n'V+^'x 7,"6�j' p.4 C .�� n" -`iT ? hgA4 �x£ `v F.. ny h§b`fi A a� � i x..5 k '"�`,k + TS '* R ,r'-'• Other P %'Yp x r` Erg t v rr a.,s,; 4,� t 'two " tt � r F ha+• bk ^�. '"Y.+," f-:.c '£ _� v, �$`s ti, 's> .�...;1 . y.:!+�SI:�a:S;�:�r'ys,.�„+.,,;,,r 24. �,,.3 t �1 .' xsa:S...�,.�' •.;..ti:�3.,b�a..._t"� '^..a".��t-r.. • A City smaller than 250,000(studies show infrastructure costs leap at a size larger than this) • A comprehensive and sustainable community that emphasizes environmental responsibility and limited growth • A permanent Farmer's Market • Availability of mental health services • Better access to child care • Better relationship with CSU in the Master Plan • Compassion: City Council embraces doing social services and recognizes their quality of life benefits • Council and citizens who would respectfully dialogue without labels and part truths • CSU grow • Deeper sense of community • Don't want to live that long • Fort Collins will be a regionally-focused model of high quality life,local food,merchandise,and independence • More diversity • Great relations with CSU! • Green streets • I love the way Fort Collins is metropolitan izing and we need more • 1 would like a more inclusive attitude to prevail in FC • 1 would like the city to be more focused on majority concerns and drivers,rather than those of a vocal minority • Increased civility • Increased community involvement and communication • Inexpensive high-speed wireless intemet citywide • Less concern about growth and more concerns about quality of services and community • Less government • Less government interference—City is too homogenized and everyone must fit the same mold—some rules and legislation is good,but too much feels like Big Brother • Less governmental regulation—letting the market forces decide how land is used 6 ti • Less political • Lose the snotty"better than thou'attitude regionally • Maintain quality of life instead of growth just to increase tax base(schools, parks,theatre) • More and better support for management of university/community interface—housing,etc. • More conservatives in charge of City government • More cultural diversity • More diverse but still high quality • More diversity • More diversity • More diversity,open space,mass transit,affordable housing • More dog-friendly(huge expanses of land for dogs off leash,new no kill animal shelter) • More efficient sustainable practices at all levels • More ethnic diversity • More ethnic diversity • More focus on South FC • More local agriculture and training • More moderate political attitude • More paperless options(schools) • More support for low-income and disabled folks • More supportive community environment for ethnic cultures • New green communities • No marijuana outlets • No WalMarts • Parity between north and south Fort Collins • People need to be more friendly • Ranked voting for elections • Readiness for aging community • Real equity for all • Reduce/eliminate train—noise blares-so distressing • Regional vitality created by collaboration with the various communities • Replace grass lawns with organic gardens all over the City • School system • Smaller city and county governments • Stop pushing out marginalized people(mobile home displacement)—respect everyone • Sustainability • The cultural make-up of people to be more diverse • Train out of downtown • Train out of downtown • Universal access to quality child care • Year around schools—all students from pre-school through advanced degrees"free"funds used instead of never ending wars of occupation 7 ATTACHMENT 22 Plan % Fort Collins Plan ,,. Fort Collins innovate sustain connect " F _s_ - �snect Have you ever lied to your mother? 1. Never 0 5% 2. Only once or twice , 4% Plan Fort Collins 3. Only once,and I paid for it dearly ' 3% Keypad Polling Results 4. 1 was young and candy was involved ■ 6% 5. I'd prefer to say an occasional stretching March 3 , 2010 of the truth 24% 6. Only when it was in her best interest 32% 7. My brother sister made me do it 4% 8. Too many times to count 22% Fat Colin Fort Collins Plan )), Fort Collins Plan w Fort Collins What is your favorite futurist movie? Are you . . . 1. Avatar 14% 2. Sleeper 0 8% 1. Male ? 57% 3. The Matrix 11% 4. Blade Runner 70% 2. Female ? 43% 5. Planet of the Apes 6% 6. Star Wars 28% 7. War of the Worlds Z% 8. Futurist movies aren 't really my 22% thing Fos Foy„ ns Plan % Fort Collins Plan % Fort Collins innovate sustain connectinnovate sustain connect What is your age? Where do you work? 1. Under 15 '% 1. Private Business 43% 2. Government 13% 2. 15- 19 0 °% 3. Non-profit 11% 3. 20-34 - 15% 4. Education . 8% 4. 35-44 13% 5. Student Z% 5. 45-54 22% 6. Retired = 11% 6. 55-64 36% 7. Elected Official 1% 7. 65 & better - 13% 8. Other 4% 9. 1 do not work (not retired) 8% Fat CdlinS Fort Collins 1 Plan ,, Fort Collins Plan % Fort Collins cr nnect innovate sustain connect Where do you live? W w 1 . Map Area 1 2a1 Cityof � 0 2. Map Area 2 iei Fort Collins MCommunityFoundation OO © / ~� ^ f NORTHERN COLD RADO 3. Map Area 3 24 i DRAKE 4. Map Area 4 0 > >i O © 5. Larimer County _ 23% 6. Outside Larimer 2% UniverCity Connections CSD, Downtown&the Poi FortCoi FortCo inS Plan w Fort Collins Plan w Fort Collins IN THE FUTURE, HOW MUCH EMPHASIS IN THE FUTURE, HOW MUCH EMPHASIS SHOULD THE CITY PLACE ON. . . SHOULD THE CITY PLACE ON. . . Mix/variety of housing types to meet the Attracting high-quality "clean industry" jobs? needs of a changing population? 1. More 6691c 1. More 755/( 2. About the same 24% 2. About the same . 20% 3. Less . 7% 3. Less ' 4% 4. No opinion ' 3% 4. No opinion / 1 % Foy„ rt�ns Foy„ rt�ns Plan % Fort Collins Plan m Fort Collins nnova[e sustain connectnnova[e sustain connect IN THE FUTURE, HOW MUCH EMPHASIS IN THE FUTURE, HOW MUCH EMPHASIS SHOULD THE CITY PLACE ON. . . SHOULD THE CITY PLACE ON. . . Increasing the density of housing and jobs along major transportation corridors (such as Harmony Maintaining our roads and bridges? or Timberline Roads)? 1. More 3991c 1. More 5491( 2. About the same 27% 2. About the same 38% 3. Less 28% 3. Less . 7% 4. No opinion . 6% 4. No opinion / 1 Fort Collins Fort Collins 2 Plan ,, Fort Collins Plan ,, Fort Collins IN THE FUTURE, HOW MUCH EMPHASIS IN THE FUTURE, HOW MUCH EMPHASIS SHOULD THE CITY PLACE ON. . . SHOULD THE CITY PLACE ON. . . Expanded transit service (bus or other)? Facilities for bicycles and pedestrians (dedicated lanes, pathways, sidewalks)? 1. More 7991( 1. More 7691c 2. About the same . 15% 2. About the same . 20% 3. Less 6% 3. Less ' 4% 4. No opinion / 1 % 4. No opinion / 0% Fort�`Couins FortCdlins Plan N Fort Collins Plan )), Fort Collins ur -IN THE FUTURE, HOW MUCH EMPHASIS IN THE FUTURE, HOW MUCH EMPHASIS SHOULD THE CITY PLACE ON. . . SHOULD THE CITY PLACE ON. . . Protecting the environment? Promoting green building practices that are more energy, material, and resource efficient? 1. More 5591( 1. More 7591c 2. About the same 36% 2. About the same . 17% 3. Less . 8% 3. Less , 7% 4. No opinion / 1 % 4. No opinion / 1 % Foy„ins Foy„ rt�ns Plan m Fort Collins Plan % Fort Collins nnova[e sustain connectnnova[e sustain connect IN THE FUTURE, HOW MUCH EMPHASIS _ IN THE FUTURE, HOW MUCH EMPHASIS SHOULD THE CITY PLACE ON. . . JI SHOULD THE CITY PLACE ON. . . Promoting and supporting arts and cultural Parks and recreation programs? activities? 1. More 5291( 1. More 34% 2. About the same 41 % 2. About the same 589yc 3. Less . 6% 3. Less . 7% 4. No opinion ' 2% 4. No opinion ' 1 % Fort Collins Fort Collins 3 Plan ,, Fort Collins Plan ,, Fort Collins IN THE FUTURE, HOW MUCH EMPHASIS IN THE FUTURE, HOW MUCH EMPHASIS SHOULD THE CITY PLACE ON. . . SHOULD THE CITY PLACE ON. . . Community safety, including police and fire? Community health and wellness? 1. More 19% 1. More 39% 2. About the same 669yc 2. About the same 51% 3. Less . 12% 3. Less . 7% 4. No opinion ' 2% 4. No opinion ' 3% Fort., 'b�`ns Fort., 'b�`ns Mir Plan w Fort Collins Plan ,, Fort Collins What would you like to be the SAME? (Vote 1) 1. Old Town (Architecture, Businesses, etc.) 279 Notecard Vote 2. Vibrant arts and culture 0 B% 3. Small town feel 13% 4. Access to bike and pedestrian trails 7% Retaining What' s Special 5. Clean air and water 7% 6. Local businesses and jobs 9% & 7. Safe community � 5% Shaping the Future 8. Recreationalfacilities 2 9. Open space (within and around city) and the Poudre River 15% Fo., n�_5 10. City's size (population and footprint) �a Collins Plan ww Fort Collins Plan % Fort Collins ovate sustain connectinnovate sustain connect What would you like to be DIFFERENT? (Vote 1 ) How did you find out about this 1. More support for small businesses, entrepreneurs - 18% _ event? 2. Improved transit (local and regional) 27, 3. Improved bike/pedestrian options . 10% 1. Email invitation 45% 4. More reliance on renewable energy . 12% 2. City website • 8 % 5. Better traffic flow . 7% 6. More efficient government with less regulation B% 3. Facebook or Twitter / 2% 7. Increased diversity 4% 4. Newspaper or other media 14% B. More affordable housing • 8% 5. Other 31 9. River access and protection , 6% 10. Better senior services ' 2/ Fort Collins Fort Collins 4 Plan ,, Fort Collins, Plan , Collins Can we count on you to continue to Check out the Plan Fort Collins website! participate in Plan Fort Collins? • Online survey and opportunity to comment 1. Yes, online only M $% 2. Yes, online and at meetings — M1 , More information on overall process 3. Yes, meetings only 8% Sign up to be notified of upcoming events 4. No 2% 5. Not sure 11 % fcgov. com/plan 221-6376 5 Plan Fort Collins - March 3rd Event Feedback Online Polling Responses from March 3 , 2010 1 . Warm up : Have you ever lied to you Mother? Response Response Percent Count Never 0 . 0% 0 Only once or twice ❑ 10 . 3 % 3 Only once , and I paid for it dearly ❑ 3 .4% 1 1 was young and candy was ❑ 10 . 3 % 3 involved I ' d prefer to say an occasional 44.8% 13 stretching of the truth Only when it was in her best 13 . 8% 4 interest My brother sister made me do it ❑ 3 .4% 1 Too many times to count 0 13 . 8% 4 answered question 29 skipped question 1 1 of 7 2 . Warm up : What is your favorite futurist movie? Response Response Percent Count Avatar ❑ 6 . 9% 2 Sleeper 0 17 . 2 % 5 The Matrix 0 24. 1 % 7 Blade Runner ❑ 3 .4% 1 Planet of the Apes 0 . 0% 0 Star Wars 0 24. 1 % 7 War of the Worlds 0 . 0% 0 Futurist movies aren ' t really my 0 24. 1 % 7 thing answered question 29 skipped question 1 3 . What is your gender? Response Response Percent Count Male 51 .7% 15 Female 48 . 3% 14 answered question 29 skipped question 1 2 of 7 4. What is your age ? Response Response Percent Count Under 15 0 . 0% 0 15 - 19 0 . 0% 0 20 - 34 27 . 6 % 8 35 - 44 ❑ 10 . 3 % 3 45 - 54 37 .9% 11 55 - 64 0 24 . 1 % 7 65 & better 0 . 0% 0 answered question 29 skipped question 1 5 . Where do you work? Response Response Percent Count Private Business 48 . 3% 14 Government 0 20 . 7% 6 Non -profit ❑ 3 .4% 1 Education 0 17 . 2% 5 Student 0 . 0% 0 Retired ❑ 6 . 9% 2 Elected Official 0 . 0% 0 Other ❑ 3 .4% 1 1 do not work ( not retired ) 0 . 0% 0 answered question 29 skipped question 1 3 of 7 6 . Where do you live? Response Response Percent Count NW Fort Collins : North of 31 .0% 9 Drake/West of College NE Fort Collins : North of 31 .0% 9 Drake/East of College SW Fort Collins : South of 20 . 7% 6 Drake/West of College SE Fort Collins : South of 6 . 9% 2 Drake/ East of College Northern Colorado region 0 10 . 3% 3 Other 0 . 0% 0 answered question 29 skipped question 1 4 of 7 7 . In the future , how much emphasis should the City place on . . . About the Response More Less No opinion same Count Mix/variety of housing types to meet the needs of a changing 46.2% ( 12) 26 . 9% (7 ) 19 . 2% (5 ) 7 . 7 % (2 ) 26 population Attracting high -quality , "clean industry" jobs 61 .5% ( 16) 15 .4% (4 ) 19 . 2% (5 ) 3 . 8% ( 1 ) 26 Increasing the density of housing and jobs along major transportation 30 . 8% (8 ) 42.3% ( 11 ) 15 .4% (4 ) 11 . 5% (3 ) 26 corridors (such as Harmony Road or Timberline) Maintaining our roads and bridges 42 . 3% ( 11 ) 53.8% ( 14) 3 . 8% ( 1 ) 0 . 0% (0) 26 Expanded transit service ( bus or 57 .7% ( 15) 30 . 8% (8 ) 11 . 5% (3 ) 0 . 0% (0) 26 other) Facilities for bicycles and pedestrians (dedicated lanes , 65.4% ( 17) 23 . 1 % (6 ) 11 . 5% (3 ) 0 . 0 % (0) 26 pathways , sidewalks ) Protecting the environment 46.2% ( 12) 34 . 6% (9 ) 19 . 2% (5 ) 0 . 0% (0) 26 Promoting green building practices that are more energy, material , and 53.8% ( 14) 30 . 8% (8 ) 15 .4% (4 ) 0 . 0% (0) 26 resource efficient Promoting and supporting arts and 26 . 9% (7 ) 50.0% ( 13 ) 23 . 1 % (6 ) 0 . 0% (0) 26 cultural activities Parks and recreation programs 23 . 1 % (6 ) 53.8% ( 14) 23 . 1 % (6 ) 0 . 0% (0) 26 Community safety, including police 23 . 1 % (6 ) 73. 1 % ( 19) 3 . 8% ( 1 ) 0 . 0% (0) 26 and fire Community health and wellness 32 . 0% (8 ) 48.0% ( 12) 20 . 0% (5 ) 0 . 0% (0) 25 answered question 26 skipped question 4 5 of 7 8 . Retaining What's Special : What is the one thing you would like to stay the same in Fort Collins 50 years from now? Response Count See attached responses . 21 answered question 21 skipped question 9 9 . Shaping the Future : What is the one thing you would like to be different in Fort Collins 50 years from now? Response Count See attached responses . 21 answered question 21 skipped question 9 10 . How did you find out about this event? Response Response Percent Count Email invitation 33 . 3% 7 City website 57 . 1 % 12 Facebook or Twitter ❑ 4 . 8% 1 Newspaper or other media 0 19 . 0% 4 See attached responses . Other ( please specify) 5 answered question 21 skipped question 9 6 of 7 11 . Can we count on you to continue to participate in Plan Fort Collins ? Response Response Percent Count Yes , online only 0 21 . 7% 5 Yes , online and at meetings 47 .8% 11 Yes , meetings only 0 . 0% 0 No ❑ 4 . 3% 1 Not sure 26 . 1 % 6 answered question 23 skipped question 7 7 of 7 8 . Shaping the Future : What is the one thing you would like to stay the same in Fort Collins 50 years from now? Online Responses: March 3, 2010 • A city with a unique personality that has urban amenities but is close to nature . • A great downtown • A healthy vibrant old town • A safe and prosperous community • Bike friendly town . • Bike paths in order to avoid roads . Hate conflicts with both sides . • Downtown • Historic downtown architecture • It's charm • Middling size • Old Town • Open space and commitment to environment • Open space and parks • Parks and Recreation available . • Poudre River, open spaces available for recreation , good jobs and reasonable housing prices . • Retain historic aspects of community • The feel of Old Town square , foot traffic only shops and night life . • The Old Town area and attractions/festivals . • The population ! • The Rio • The University - the culture 9 . Shaping the Future : What is the one thing you would like to be different in Fort Collins 50 years from now? Online Responses: March 3, 2010 • A centralized city with a high density core that includes pedestrian friendly work, living , entertainment, and shopping opportunities . • A more urban city with a focus on downtown (employment, housing ) and the Mason Street Corridor. More choice in housing types , expanding urban housing , continuing to offer single- family housing , and expanding urban-type single family options like townhomes . • Better alternative transportation and better biking options • Extensive bike paths , off-road to avoid having to ride in traffic. • 1 really, really, really would love to see a mass transit option from here to Denver, so would the students and all the business commuters . • It's great the way it is ! Jobs , but not at the expense of pollution . • Lack of diversity and education about diversity • Less government and lower taxes • Less traffic on College Avenue . • More basketball courts for children (shortage) • More bike paths • More cultural diversity • More High Quality Recreation Centers . • More local distributed small retail • No cars • Out of proportion spending on parks , recreation , arts , culture • Regional rail • The Drunken Monkey • Traffic • Train by-pass or roads over/under railroad • Transportation - improved public transportation in FC and to Denver • Trucks are out of the city 10 . How did you hear about this event? Other responses : Online Responses: March 3, 2010 • Friend • Friends • My Dad works for the City and is at the presentation • Information received from a city employee • Utility bill insert in FC ATTACHMENT 23 Plan Fort Collins innovate , sustaintconnect Community Workshop : Summary of Ideas Event Date : March 4, 2010 The Community Workshop had approximately 80 participants, who were divided into small groups based on self- selected areas of interest, and were assigned to corresponding Snapshot Report topics. Each group reviewed the pertinent draft Snapshot Reports and provided comments and feedback to refine the report. Groups then discussed their Snapshot topics in detail, and provided a general list of key opportunities, challenges, and ideas facing the plan. Next each group submitted its top ideas (marked ) to be viewed and voted upon by the entire audience using live keypad polling. A summary of comments and ideas submitted by the groups is provided below, organized generally by Snapshot topic and alphabetically. Polling results are attached. Snapshot Report : Comments and Feedback 1 . Snapshot Evaluation : Arts and Culture • Communication is still important and how we get the word out to the entire community? There still is a very large segment in our community that shouldn 't be arts/culture . Need to tell the story . Need to pick 4 things in the future movement . • Community Partners , Front Range is not listed and other partners have not been defined . List other partners that can contribute/key partners . We are leaving out the artists that are active participants . • Cultural Plan approved and implementation is starting . • How do integrate or capture and collaborate with gen y and how do you integrate that in a strategic plan , random and not systemically planned things . How do you capture the entrepreneurial spirit? Nurture & create an environment that values and recognizes and invites outside traditional mainstream structures . • Need to prioritize chronological organization , city and regional partners . Partnership v . collaboration . University Connections , Art and Culture have identified 7 goals for citywide cultural event . Establish specific goals and objectives . • Schools are underutilized . Creative school maybe on Saturday . • Youth is not included . We need to include youth in our brainstorming and building ideas for our community . 2 . Snapshot Evaluation : Built Environment and Land Use • Agricultural history of the area is missing . Are we going to build everything up? Community gardens , localizing resources and food sources . • Assumption is things will stay the same and move into the future the same . Foothills is going to continue to be the major shopping area . Fort Collins will always have a strong economy . Things will not stay the same . We are on the verge of changes . Lower level of consumption , smaller salaries , fuel consumption changes . • Build trails , etc . on irrigation waterways , etc. ; transportation corridors . • Built environment needs to be attended to . They are aging . We have been focused on redevelopment because it is green . • Campus West should be like Old Town , mixed use , nicer buildings , etc. • Change is inevitable , existing neighborhoods protected from incompatible change should be more like holding values but allowing for constructive change . A value that is more positive . 1 • Design needs to be timeless - materials , longer lifespan . • Funds are lower, city is not able to continue to collect the sales tax to support what we want and need as a community . What time is this place . . . . What has dominated City Council in past 6 years . . . balancing the budget? Balancing abundance rather than scarcity. We need to look at other ways to fund the things the community values . City needs to fund completely differently how it pays for services . We need to actively address how we fund our community . Social democracies in Europe have huge tax burdens but are happy . We want the services but don 't want to pay for them . If we make the change here , there may be a ripple effect through the State then Country . • Great looking high density development. • Harmony corridor is sprawl . Need to focus inward and backfill . • Has the plan panned out the way it was envisioned ? • Have to have a culture of cooperation with development and investment. • How to deal with structures etc in place now? • LEED - keeps changing . There may be better ways to do it but you don 't get points . Also a problem with water collection - can 't do it here in Colorado so you never get the points . • LEED certification is expensive . • Maintain affordable housing - if you want to have a diverse community, you need to have a variety of housing types/affordability . • Mid town area will have to find identity . • Mixed use development and redevelopment . • Need to enable developers for the right development. • Need to focus on redevelopment . How is the City doing this? • Need to have flexibility in the code to allow for better ideas . • Neighborhood design needs to be integrated with transportation systems to promote efficient travel . • No recognition to places outside of City limits . Integrated land use planning and cooperation with surrounding communities is needed . • Over the decades the plan has changed and been called different things , what's next? • Planning process values public input . • Public acceptance of quality higher density and affordable housing in neighborhoods . • Public outreach and education to inform public about need for low- income units . • Sense of community - how wide should a street be? Only so wide that you can still recognize someone across the street . • Support change as a community value . We have neighborhoods that are cohesive and strong and value each other. Need to be careful not to inhibit this cohesiveness . • The value of the plan should be the plan itself. City should really value planning • There is a lack of acceptance in neighborhoods . • Use a housing first model , using IDDT . • Values need to be pluralistic . • Variety of housing for aging population/retirement housing . • Violated Frey's idea of keeping things not complex . • Virtual meetings - you lose the person to person communication . • Would have been beneficial to have in snapshot what didn 't work. 2 3 . Snapshot Evaluation : Environment and Utilities • Again , too complicated . Not Frey's vision . • Aggressive action to protect and monitor water resources . • Assure sufficient water supply for the future . Additionally , look for ways to use over-water supply - emphasis on beneficial uses of water, esp . related to agricultural uses . • Bloom energy in CA = produce energy good example . • Build sensory network for environment. • Can use success of past to look to the future . • Change air quality monitoring locations . • Composting . • Currently world class . • Educate community about recycling . • Education is good . • Impacts of pesticide spray. • Increase price to take to landfill . • Inspiration to look forward to technologies and systems that would be something like the accomplishment of undergrounding completed in Fort Collins . • Instrument city with active monitoring : air water quality as inputs of plan instead of outputs . • Integrate topics in schools . • Landfill - need more recycling - take from landfill . • Maintain utilities quality. • Missing Value : Regional cooperation , connection and working together with other communities in Northern Colorado . FC should be a leader to drive those partnerships . • Missing : air quality = health . • Missing : distributed energy production focus . • More reuse/recycle options and cost incentives . • More wireless water monitors and sampling . • Napa Valley landfill = good example . • Need long term focus . • Need research and development topics • Need to collaborate with other org to increase energy production opportunities . • No specific goals for electric or energy shown in the snapshot. Drinking water quality seems to be diminishing . . . taste and quality ( mineral deposits ) . • Not only electric utility but water, stormwater. A lot of exciting things happening . • Platte River = future base service provider. • Protect floodplains from development. • Protect water quality and supply. • Residential and business energy production . • Stormwater: Not building in flood plains . Need to preserve these areas as a value . • Too operationally focused . • Transformation will be profound . • Values : missing that FC should be a LEADER in green building , renewable energy, etc. • We are extremely fortunate to have the energy source and company we have . Do things for the right reasons . Decisions are made locally. 3 4 . Snapshot Evaluation : Finance and Economy • Advocacy rolls to change the sales tax funding policy at the state level to address regional competition for retail . • Anything past the current time , the future will impact us more than local issues . Global trends and conditions related to energy and other key factors will impact us to greater degree in the future . • Attract/retain talented workforce ; and make sure opportunities exist for current workforce . • Beer, health services and CSU great accomplishments . • BFO has potential , but process is not being used to fund true community priorities . Road maintenance is an example of this . Concerns that we have not attracted any manufacturing facilities here since ' 80s . Discussed the different " pots" of funding and how that takes away flexibility . Need to do a better job of gathering community input on true priorities . • BFO process is aggravating and obscures everything . Leaves just a few options for public and Council to consider in trade-offs . Too editorialized in Snapshot . • Budgeting for Outcomes process sounds better than it really is ; not as transparent to public as it claims to be . • City could combine all costs into impacts of growth . Full costs of revenue sources . All are connected . • City values economic growth as creating opportunities . • Colorado statutes offer wide variety of public- private finance options -- have we looked at all the choices that could help? Examine tools . • Corporations are looking for bottom line results , especially financial . • CSU has had significant impact to the community. It needs to be highlighted and encouraged within the City . • CSU , beer, and health services are 3 great accomplishments . • Difficult to rely solely on sales tax . Creates problems transportation and growth . Reliance on low paying jobs . • Diversity of employment is strength ; continue to foster diverse employer base . • Do not insulate Fort Collins and be a part of the region . Recognize what we have and don 't have . Not enough regionalization . Get rid of tension of sales taxes competition . • Enhance advocacy for regional collaboration where partnering with other communities advances , Fort Collins priorities and values . • evaluate sales tax model ; simplify and streamline • Example that what we do in the arena of drinking water is that you can address the major impediments . . . but raising the bar to A+ is high cost and may not be the worthy of investment when A is acceptable . What is the equivalent of economic systems where success has been achieved but the incremental differences may not be worth the additional cost to the overall systems . Get locked into status quo systems , are we flexible enough to respond to changing environment. • Expect a high quality of services and facilities . • FC done relatively well in tough economic times . • Good economic health structure within the economy . • Green taxes for those items that create other system problems . • Healthy non - profit sector. • Inability to foresee and understand the future . Initiatives are passed and lock us in on certain path/ trajectory . 4 • Lessons learned over the past 10 years , economic vision doesn 't just happen . Have to take deliberate and focused actions to shape the economic future . • Leverage existing community strengths and accomplishments including Mason Corridor, N College , and focus future opportunities such as the Mulberry Corridor. • Library District serves as a model to find long -term funding that is stable and not as subject to volatility as sales tax revenues . • Low hanging fruit needs to be harvested . Efficiency that can be realized with little investment needs to be made . • Major stakeholders need to partner in the community ( CSU , PSD , City County and significant employers ) . • Make sure we have options for people with lower incomes or lesser education . • Need a regional component to equalize competition . • Need to avoid interchange and race to key sites for purchases and retail competition . • Need to look at different types of workers that are needed for new jobs , particularly clean energy . Workforce development is critical element for companies . Economic section should address that CSU and Community College are critical to city's economic stability and future . • Needing more land available for growth is not sustainable . Shovel - ready means less for ag and sustaining economy. • Notion of sustainability has not been fully addressed . This needs to be key component that links sustainability to the ongoing high functioning systems in the future . One example from Transportation is roundabouts that enable traffic flow without lighting infrastructure and delays . • Oil and gas opportunity in Northern Colorado could provide impact . • Opportunities land that is already occupied and not used as investment . • Overall quality of life and live within the resources we have . • Poverty level before the recession was $21 , 000 for a 4 person household . The recession has greatly impacted that portion of the community and will have additional costs to the community . • Quality of life issues . . .we are in constant competition and the environmental quality of our community is an asset that distinguishes our community and the Northern Colorado region . • Refill and redevelopment important -- not just new development . • Reinforce importance of balanced approach to business retention , expansion and attraction . • Reliance on sales tax is reflective of the how society operates . . . based on purchase of goods in a traditional sense ( bricks & mortar sites ) located in a community . As that changes and purchases transition over to the internet, how do we keep pace? Also , as services represent a greater portion of overall household budgets , what do we do with our system based on the purchase of goods? • Remove incentive to encourage internet . . . doesn 't need the assistance or tax break . • Retain , grow , incubate and attract primary employment . • Rethinking our systems to keep pace with consumer behavior. • Significant internet sites do not collect sales tax . Impacts City revenues . • Small businesses are important to success of Fort Collins and we need to continue to support their viability . • Snapshot ignores that environment , weather, mountains are driving forces in economy . Need to identify this more clearly in report. These amenities help bring in qualified workforce , which in turn helps companies . • Support lower income community . • Target community clusters . We have a unique environment which is a saleable attribute . • The Healthcare Industry is the largest employer in terms of number of jobs within the community . Need to recognize how that impacts the community and the shift in the economy will result as greater portion of household budgets are dedicated to healthcare . 5 • The trails and infrastructure enhance the ability of people to enhance their health . • TIFs have trade-offs ; good here , but bad for state . Need to evaluate full picture . • User fees are an option to create revenue . • View of future : S 287 & Hwy 25 develop into service cores for sustainability as an asset. • What is the future of higher education ? University vital to Fort Collins economy and attracting talent to community. • What measures do we use to evaluate success? What metrics should we use? 5 . Snapshot Evaluation : Health , Wellness and Safety • Building resources/education for lower income people to know that this HSW culture is for them too ! • Difficult for the community to separate this category, etc . Government could shift their areas separated out to which areas the community could support . And have more definition on each area . • Doesn't mention collaborations that City has fostered . City organization has been proactive/leader in these areas . • Hard to define especially on a vote , what the impact is on decisions made . • Health , dental , mental illness for low-income . • Homeless population included in this . • How to waive fees for lower income people for programs designed to get people healthier. (e . g . Vida Sana) . • Inventory work faith community is doing . Build , grow and strengthen partnerships . Engage faith community more . • It is up to people to be healthy . Associate health with mental , physical , etc. • Lack of comprehensive health care and resource delivery for low-income . • Needs to mention annual homelessness surveys . • Nutritional counseling/teaching to cook . • Partners such as social service and Front Range , education , non - profits should be included . • Project Homeless Connect. • Self-sufficiency needs to be included . Stable housing etc. part of this equation . • Sources : Doesn 't mention Healthier Communities Coalition : State of Children & Youth in Larimer County. • "Well City" goal . • Wellness , Health and Safety, question if safety should actually be in with Wellness and Health . Don't make that connection . 6 . Snapshot Evaluation : Housing • 50 year old building does not necessarily mean historic . • Address North College area for redevelopment . • Adjust affordability index to community demographics . • Better incentives for developers to create affordable housing . • Build in efficiency at the beginning of the project rather than the end . For example , window placement, orientation on the property, etc. • Connection to transportation . • Density bonus rarely used - tool not working as is . • Density is a must; a good mix is needed even though some people don 't like the idea of high density. 6 • Explore inclusionary zoning and " in lieu of" ( ugly connotation ) . • Factor in maintenance costs/monthly costs for green building planning . • First paragraph : Not all people have choices , especially those in lower- income . • Higher density is the only way to make the numbers work to build efficiently . • Housing goals tied to community demographics . • Lack of available/affordable land for housing . • Look at redevelopment options surrounding CSU campus . • Lower income people need more help/support systems beyond housing to break poverty cycle ( budget, etc . ) . • Maintain quality of housing stock and aging buildings . • Mason Street Corridor will address some of the density issues . • Mixed use development and redevelopment with transportation options . • Mixed use redevelopment of properties such as Steele Is Market downtown and the mall area . • Options out there (wait lists ) , but not adequate for need . • Real , concrete action Plan for land banking . • Redevelopment can help solve the land need for future development. • Re- purpose property/buildings that are vacant for affordable housing . • Should government mandate a certain number of housing units for employees? • Some neighborhoods do not open their arms to affordable housing . • Stable housing reentry process after housing loss . • Transportation overlay and Mason Street Corridor will need to have affordable housing worked in . • Transportation system not adequate to support affordable housing connection . • Wait lists . How long are people really waiting ? • We don 't have enough rental housing/student housing/affordable housing . • With large growth in service jobs sector, work with employers to understand economic development's impact on affordable housing . 7 . Snapshot Evaluation : Natural Areas , Parks , and Recreation • Open spaces and parks could play a role in food production - use them as community gardens . • Protecting agricultural land that directly benefits citizens so that local food can be produced and purchased within the City . • Value : holding onto out agricultural identity . • Value : Natural Areas and trails have become a part of culture and identity in FC and that seems to be missing in the values . • Value : Natural areas as wonderful components to atmosphere for health and well - being . . . enhancing quality of life for the individuals that live in FC . 8 . Snapshot Evaluation : Transportation • " Improve access and mobility who are underserved by the current transportation system " should be added as a value (socio-economic , car-free , universal design , same mobility options for all/ 24-7 ) . • A lot of people are leaving the city for work and play and we need to serve this population . • Access to/ from are influenced by liability issues as the City interacts with the RR infrastructure . 7 • Activity centers create a synergy that can shuttle between . • Add Dial -a- Ride program to accomplishments ; service levels just above the bare minimum . • Address Delivery systems for goods and services and reliance on current transportation infrastructure . . . does rail provide an enhancement for businesses considering the region ? • Better connectivity between communities on 1 -25 corridor. • Bike Library contributions overstated , does not tie into larger transportation system ( limited hours , geography) . • Bus does not serve outlying areas very well . Missing connections . • Can we focus on how different modes of transportation interact with the current infrastructure ? • Can we have certain corridors that receive priority and enhance the mobility and influence the activity of businesses and residents to utilize the "X" factor that will occur in the future? • Change - allowing and embracing change . Code should be written to allow for change . Embracing change . • Concern that City may be too myopic and not place enough emphasis on connectivity and the overall needs of the region . • Drivers don 't see the connection between current behaviors and the significant investments made by society . • Duluth has a variety of trails designated for the various transportation modes . • Employer in Loveland with 60 % of employees that live in Fort Collins . This has a big impact on transportation . • Enjoyable transportation - experience of transportation needs to be quality and enjoyable . If it's just another bus people may not use it . Need to engage community members . • Expand our thinking to accommodate the variety and diversity of transportation modes • Get community leaders using transit. Transit is not just for people who have to use it . • How do we know when we' re ready for larger mass transit options? • How do we measure success? Metrics like travel time , highway access , alternatives , safety , costs , etc . • In addressing density , still needs to provide balance to allow for housing choices for all that would seek to locate to our community and have a transportation system that allows them to have mobility . • In medium term , status quo model will disappear and not longer be affordable for households . • In terms of land use planning , density needs to be addressed and this will make transit systems viable and sustainable . There needs to be a connection between land use development and density . And allow for a mix of housing types . • Land use and transportation so linked . • Last mile - you get off the bus and still need to get to your destination - shuttles or some other method to get you to the final destination . • Look at San Francisco - people use the transport for both fun and utility . • Major concern is that City may focus too much on why and not on the how . . . big vision for how that changes or improves the business and residents life . • Mason Corridor is great example of moving people within the City on better platforms . • Missing talk of regionalism - highlight more as a value . • Need to address the 1 Billion in capital shortfalls for the infrastructure necessary to meet current standards . • Need to maintain the asset that City currently has in terms of street infrastructure . Is funding available to keep this in working condition ? And address shortfalls in capital funding . • North 1 -25 EIS accomplishment overstated , the planning process and phasing has been unrealistic (all based on 20th Century solutions ) . 8 • Price of fuel will go higher. Climate change/environmental . Baby boomers - large population that will not drive but still need to get around . • Success of economic model for transportation , does it address the needs . • The fact that the RR is located within the City makes a big impact on how the community travels and adjacent development. What are opportunities for the future use of rail corridors? • The historical "gas Tax" model has now become outdated and does not keep pace with the maintenance needs . This needs to be supplemented by a different revenue model . • The nation grew up around cars . . . what is the paradigm shift? Do we expand the mix and see how our transportation choices align with the current infrastructure system . • Transit is not currently convenient; people use it because they have to (economics ) . • Transportation choices are very dependent on land uses . In past, City design was based on transportation corridors' location . • Traveling bars ! • Values - need to recognize regional connections and value those relationships with other communities . • We think of cars and restrict alternative modes to pedestrians and bikes . Have we allowed lanes and bandwidth for other alternatives that will develop in the future and may move at different speeds and vary significantly from traditional cars and bikes? Physical configuration of the transportation system for alternative modes . • Wheelchairs as personal transportation should be incorporated into the Snapshot Report . 9 . Snapshot Evaluation : Sustainability • A lot of economy , human not enough environment. • Affordable housing needed for students and low income communities and create affordable childcare . • Attract and retain entrepreneurs . • Because of many reasons , the single family car has to go and create more mass transit . Discourage more building of roads . • Carbon footprint . • College Ave struggling . • Concern that there 's been a green-washing effort in Fort Collins ; reputation as sustainable city is result of marketing , not substance . Moving in wrong direction on things like open space , agricultural land , air quality , ozone , garbage , river, greenhouse gasses , etc. • Continue to live within our current resources . • Define enablers for progress . • Definition of sustainability is values-based ; changes based on socio-economic status . • Don 't wait , plan now . • Don 't see what makes Fort Collins unique in this area more than any other City our size? Again , relates back to how do we measure sustainability . • Downtown area focused . • Ecological planning . • Economic sustainability- cost of basic services • Economic sustainability focused across community not just elite . • Evaluation of methods needed . • Increase efficiency of current practices . • Killing farms too fast . 9 • Leveraging Mason Corridor to greatest degree to help shift our focus . Use to test new ideas for sustainability and transit area development. Utilize the Mason Corridor to stimulate redevelopment along College Ave . • Long term accommodations for job support. • Look at neighborhoods that are not sustainable now and find opportunities to make the sustainable . • Many efforts not effective . • Need details to work. • Need to focus on redevelopment not just new buildings . • New sustainable technology funding . • nothing about education • Raising water and energy rates is unsustainable for the long term . • Sick leave . • Social aspects of sustainability. • Social policy lacking . • Sustainability is a balance ; interconnection between economic and environment. Diagram doesn 't reflect sustainability, which is that the three areas are integrated , not just balanced ; should show the synergy between the three sectors . • Sustainability: efficiency of current practices : o Increase efficiency of practices . o Energy use and management. o Economic , eco , energy policies . • Sustainability: policy and methodology reform : o Energy policies . o Land use . o Green buildings . o Change service cost priorities and recognition . o Change energy focus . o Energy policy. • This section of report is really lacking ; need more examples of progress ; need to create indicators so we can actually see if there is any progress . Overall , section is weak and needs to be improved . • What is the relationship between city functions and urban agriculture for food production and security? Be creative in developing more innovative approached to urban food production . • Wireless capability. • Work on details and efficiency of resources . 10 Group Discussion Ideas and Priorities 1 . Discussion : Arts and Culture • Art isn't just visual . • Communication . • Creative Attitude : Creative attitude instead of things . Take our natural surroundings to create a creative mindset. Theater. . . Missoula example , non - profits built a carousel together. Foster a creative attitude . Mindset of creative environment. Mall could be a creative hub where student create then they stay in the community. Creativity being fostered through tangible projects and programs . Focus economic volunteerism . Idea hubs . Creativity website . • Creativity becomes a City Value : Needs to be ingrained in our culture from grade school . Torpedo factory like Alexandria VA, compound for people to gather and create . Creativity becomes a City value which includes an economic dimension with it. Rise of the creative class . • Creativity becomes an integral part of education : Youth becomes creativity starts . Curriculum for schools that include creativity . Could include HP training and teaching . Include school system to help with plan . Include kids in process , cameras , identify neighborhoods. PSD is missing from this discussion group . Youth (pre-school through college ) becomes a part of the creative community. • Creativity expands beyond the Downtown : Idea hubs . Think of Cities you enjoy walking in . This includes connection between built environment and arts and culture . Sculptures , mosaics , surprise around corners . Downtown is our gem for arts and culture . We need to expand this to other areas of our community. Harmony Road is classified as an enhanced corridor. Opportunity is huge for Harmony road . Entertainment districts at Harmony as well . Opportunities between old town and Harmony at stops for experience . Tournament center for mall . Sports arena as driver for malls . Idea junkies . It takes art to foster creativity . Need places to linger. Mason also has opportunity. • Economics . • If we create a community and attract large businesses and more money generated by the infrastructure of the City . If I had a significant amount of money, I would be more likely to support arts . Economics plays a huge role . • Journey should be as the fun of the destination . Creative community. • Message being sent out that art is something you can 't afford because you aren 't going to make a living at it. We need to recognize and value the economics of a diverse cultural community. • Northern Colorado becoming more of a region , more regional outreach , and a national outreach . We really become world class . We become an innovative culture . And embrace all areas . What can the City do? Integrate arts , history , and culture in all city projects . • Nurturing : How do integrate or capture and collaborate with generation y and how do you integrate that in a strategic plan , random and not systemically planned things . How do you capture the entrepreneurial spirit? Nurture and create an environment that values and recognizes and invites outside traditional mainstream structures . • Prioritization for regional collaboration . • There is a dollar value that goes far beyond the financial backing from the community . • Visual piece is important because people that aren 't involved then they get a visual that this is an artistic community for those who need to see . Need to show that we aren't just supporting a sculpture ; we are investing in and value the artists within the community. 11 2 . Discussion . Built Environment and Land Use • A lot about renewal of Downtown , gateways and edges . What about the middle part? This is where the traffic is the worst, how do we work to solve this? • WBuild out will shift community's focus from development to redevelopment . • *Campus West as a model for mixed use opportunities and redevelopment . • City needs to maintain its identity as things grow together. In Cleveland every suburb has its own distinct identity - specific street lights , etc . • Create a community separator - open space idea • Create business colonies . • CSU connection : Recognizing the importance of the university and the connection with the City . Talent pool . CSU is in the center and edge connectivity and transportation is important. Ensure energy of university is not insulated from surrounding community . Look at multiple uses for buildings that may not be occupied and used to its fullest . Community use could improve . Values statement needs to include CSU as a vital part of the community . Could use other properties outside of the immediate area of CSU . • Districts : Create meeting places that are like Old town . Old town may be overwhelmed . Other areas can develop to create vital centers similar to the old town synthesis . Districts , nodes , edges . Different activity centers . Recognize we have a whole city . Identify districts . Mid town is rising , North College . Identity at South College . • Do we have the land and innovation to attract smaller industry? • Earlier city plans leaned to high density, does the city still want to look that way? • Economic Sustainability : City economic sustainability . Alternative to sales tax wouldn 't pit communities against each other and provide more partnering and cooperation . County Co-op . • Extraordinary opportunities along the Poudre River. How do we embrace that, develop it while being mindful of environment . • Financing (e . g . URAs ) . • Financing the future - too heavy a reliance on sales tax right now - need to be creative on how we fund incentives - prefer incentives over penalties . • Flexibility and creativity . • Flexibility that allows Fort Collins to maintain identity and creatively develop • Flexibility , flexibility , flexibility - middle of old town there is a sign that is an old style sign , contrast with new style signs that follow all of the regulations - this doesn 't fit . If there is a better way you should be able to do it . • Fort Collins has done a good job on a lot and that needs to be promoted . Get developers here . • Has to be a new level of cooperation between City and developers to make it viable to redevelop midtown . New standards to accommodate redevelopment of older commercial stock . • Historic preservation conflicts with creating efficiency . • Housing first model to address needs of the growing homeless/near homeless population with their growing needs . The IDDT ( Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment ) is a great model to use . • How do we create opportunities for all economic levels? • How do we create sustainability? • How do we create the opportunity to make the properties in mid -town possibilities for gentrification ? How do we make this area attractive ? • How do we deal with the neighborhoods and homes built in the 70 's , 80 "s etc. What challenges does it present? What do we do with this existing housing stock? 12 • How do we fund the kinds of things that need to happen ? It's not pay as you grow. • How to attract manufacturing , office , etc. How do we get them back to the center of the city? • Important to preserve space to attract high level employers . • Linear Parks ; transforming irrigation ditches , etc. to trails and other uses . • Maintain the qualities that make Fort Collins unique • Need an economically viable way to make the housing and land use issues become reality . • Need to allow some flexibility - use existing infrastructure . If the new infill has to pay for all improvements it will kill projects . • Need to create value in midtown . • New Jersey - incentives for development at transit stations . Carrots not sticks . • Parking will continue to be a growing challenge and is a barrier to development. • Primary employers are key piece . • Public acceptance and education of higher density. • Redevelopment to help solve housing needs . • Regional connection - how do we relate to neighboring communities? Infill can be more expensive . How do we motivate infill development? • Regional Symbiotic Sustainability: Efficient Sustainable development pattern . Need larger picture of what sustainability means , including agriculture . Weld County does include this , opportunity for symbiotic relationship . Growth of CSAs , food safety is huge issue . This would have a large impact on Fort Collins . Chicken in every yard . . . ( laughing ) . Until now we've just been fill the space with houses . Desire for natural areas , can we have areas that aren 't just Natural Areas but a feeling of openness with agricultural use . Districts identify uses of adjacent areas . Surrounding communities get together to determine what pieces can have different uses . Windsor will have these uses , Fort Collins will have these uses and together as a region work together. You use our retail we use your agriculture . Symbiotic sustainability . • Regionalism - transportation , development - need to start the conversations with neighboring communities now . • Running out of greenfield development space - need to be thinking about infill . How do we evaluate the costs of redevelopment? Who should be paying for it - developer? City? • Too much retail , heavy dependence on sales tax. Need to identify other sources - be creative . • We can control what's going on inside but not what's going on outside - need to start having conversations with neighboring communities before it's too late . Start now ! • What about industry? How do we attract it? Where do we put it? How do we make them a part of FTC and not keep them in the edges? 3 . Discussion . Environment and Utilities • Balance mandates versus incentives and voluntary compliance . • Be aware of changing energy needs and prepare for those changes . Need to be able to benefit from challenges and changes , not get caught by them . • Challenge : FC also needs to engage the community as part of the changes and developments in green solutions and provide incentive for shift to green tech . • Challenge : Get today's buildings renewable energy ready for the future . . . even though tech might not be available currently. Building codes set for these types of possibilities . . . 100 year homes . Homes need to be tech . ready and adaptable to the ever evolving energy source changes . • Distributed Power: 13 o increase res and bus opportunity for production o new tech o distributed power • Electric consumption continues to rise . This isn 't necessarily a bad thing . • Fort Zed . • Ft Collins and CSU have opportunity to create models and best practices . Innovate for future energy infrastructure . To be leaders and take advantage . Fort Zed is an example . • In longer run , kinds of changes to be required won 't be done by City govt. Will be mandated at higher government level . Will be market driven . • Increasing cost of stormwater. • Monitoring and implementation : o increase monitoring o action plan for supply and quality o wireless o coordination with city o replacing aging infrastructure • Opportunity: Create entrepreneurial atmosphere to encourage development and deployment of green technologies . • Opportunity : Utilize existing infrastructures to incorporate green technologies . • Opportunity: Work with HOAs and other groups to make green technologies more affordable and widespread in implementation . • Recycling : o recycling incentives o increase opportunity o education o disincentives for nonuse o increase efficiency • Research and Development: o aligning city and CSU for research and development o education o Poudre School District o business partners o private businesses • Utilities and Environment: o protection of floodplain from development o plan for cost • Waste diversion . • We own our electric supply and water supply , this gives us more options and opportunities 4 . Discussion : Finance and Economy • Balanced and targeted approach to business . • Bigger question is how do we create sustainable economic development? Sales tax as funding mechanism does not create good jobs . Opportunity to evaluate greater reliance on property tax or city income tax, user fees and taxing in GMA. 14 • Complacency in community (due to accolades received ) ; would benefit from an external analysis of how we really stack up -- comparative economic analysis . • Create new funding mix for City services . • Develop qualified workforce , particularly in the area of manufacturing , green , clean energy. • Future of Higher Education : o Higher education is critical . o Complacency -- we assume that if a company is created out of CSU that it will stay here ; it won 't necessarily . o Brain power within community . • Improve BFO process to focus more on community priorities , simplify process ; needs to be more transparent; fund what should be done , not what can be done ; more community involvement. • Impact of internet purchases has two hits — local businesses and sales tax . • Keep working to change perception that Fort Collins is not business friendly. • Need better retail mix or people will continue to go to Loveland . Huge opportunity for Foothills Mall ; opportunity to do something unique . Looking for higher quality retail . • Optimize environment for entrepreneurial success . • Public- Private Partnerships : o Public-private partnerships to support economic goals and needs . o Strengthen and explore public-private partnerships including City finance . • Quality of life is very important because of competition with other communities . • State funding is having and will continue to have an impact on Fort Collins ; TIF financing , in particular, is something that must be better understood . Mixed opinions at table about value or risk of TIF . • Strategy -- Clear Vision of Economic Future : o We tend to be programmatic and tactical , rather than strategic . Do we have a true economic vision ? o Define problems to be solved and build economic strategies to support those goals -- " leading area solving xyz problem " o We've said the words , but we don 't know what it looks like ; need to focus and narrow-down goals . • Support Uniquely Fort Collins -- other communities don 't have the vibrant Downtown that we do • Tax marijuana . 5 . Discussion : Health , Wellness and Safety • Barriers : Transfort should go everywhere for recreation services . • Education and Understanding of traffic laws . • Education earlier for financial literacy, nutrition : in schools , etc. Nutritional counseling , self-sufficiency , financial literacy for lower income sector. MORE education in this whole area to more people sooner, and include all income sectors • Finding the change for grass roots . Unless it is organic, it will never happen . • Importance of arts and culture . Need to make sure all voices are represented in future planning . Engaging the community in all aspects of City planning . • Improving the participation by underrepresented populations . • Infrastructure is important to health and wellness . A lot of people move here for those amenities and we need to sustain them . • Maintaining current ratio of police and fire to current population . 15 • Maintaining , sustaining and improving infrastructure (transportation to improve health ) . • McKinney Vento providing transportation at no cost . Safety net . • Need comprehensive network for dental , mental health , etc. for lower income . Includes education for lower income and medical community . • No gentrification of community involvement , change from the bottom up . • Nutritional counseling for lower income sector. • Plan Fort Collins needs to intersect with community initiatives that are already occurring and successful in this topic area . Great community collaboration models for integration , service delivery , etc. -- Pathways Past Poverty , CDDT , faith community -- Concern Larimer, etc . • Police and Fire - should be a systemic change in ordinances . Too much for them to enforce , more money on paperwork and not enough resources to the actual job priorities . • Providing HEALTHY low cost food to lower- income people . What people can afford is not always nutritious . • Safety : cyclists , cars drivers need to be educated on current laws . • Sustain and approve infrastructure is very important for the City . • Sustainability involves local business participation . • Sustainability of the bike paths , etc . Personal responsibility of the laws , i . e . bike helmet , not texting while driving , etc. Education for personal responsibility . In all the communities I have lived , FTC has the most outdoor activity than any other city . Not sure if we can afford to do anymore . Sustain what we are doing . • Sustaining and improving transportation to recreation facilities . • The number of ordinance and laws , too many to enforce . Need for systemic change . • We go to them to seek out the input . There are challenges that go along with involving these groups . • "Well City" Goal , wellness programs , etc. especially for private sector and retail/service sector employees . Make it part of the City's culture for everybody . 6 . Discussion . Housing • Address big picture continuum of housing within more specific categories (disabled , seniors , etc) . Flow of options/continuum within each category . • Address housing for those with no/extremely low income (e . g . , transitional housing ) . • Address housing/lack of transportation support connection . • Address lack of transitional housing . • Bridge the gap -- income & cost in line with housing . • Campus West - turn into higher density , mixed use , more attractive area . • Can calculate how much subsidy per unit/family . • Create Housing First solution for homeless or near homeless . • Create ways to match regulations to people's needs rather than matching people to regulations . • Develop local ways to raise funds/resources . • Flesh out more specifically what needs to happen with Land Bank program (timeline for transfer of land , etc . ) . • Fort Collins embraces diversity - we need to address many ideas , retirees , students , handicap , etc . • Fort Collins has been named as a good place to retire ; what will appeal to retirees and what can they afford ? • Help support people to break out of poverty with more than housing (e . g . , budget , etc) . • Need to detail level of funding needed . Quantify . 16 • Other housing options/ideas (modular) , etc . • Partnerships with community housing providers and services . • Public acceptance of quality higher density in neighborhoods (doesn't always have to be available ) . • Reevaluate current tools (density bonus ) . 7 . Discussion : Natural Areas , Parks and Recreation • Balance between growth and land conservation : as community grows , challenge on resources and finances to have continued land conservation . • Challenge of transportation . . . alternative transportation will encompass a variety of tech and design . . . trails may need to be redefined to allow for expanded multi- use needs (both recreational and commuter use ) . • Collaboration with community organizations and various departments of City or County for better use of resources and facilities . • Safety & Congestion : bike friendly , trails , street lanes , etc. Developing a master plan focus on long term plan for bike safety . 8 . Discussion . Transportation • A comprehensive bicycle safety education plan should be included in the Plan . • Bike share program in all parking garages , bike shops . • Develop a clear vision for the future that allows for change . • Eliminate certification process for Dial-a-Ride . • Extended hours (all people don 't work 9-5 ) and additional funding for paratransit. • Full spectrum vehicle share connecting all travel modes which lowers economic and environmental costs per person mile traveled and provides increased access and mobility to those currently underserved by our transportation system (specifically the bus rapid transit system ) . • How do we fund a new transportation system? The community spends a lot of money on automobile ownership . Just a small portion of that $$ could support an excellent transit system . • Implement the Transit Strategic Plan , find the funding . • Larger capital funding share for non-single occupancy vehicle . • Less four lane arterial expansion , use funds for transit. • Less linear development and more cluster areas with mixed use . • More funding for pedestrian improvements . • Needs to be leadership to say where we are moving to . Need to have a vision that is articulated and consumed by the public. Right now it' s a vision of single occupancy vehicle- how do we change that? • Optimization : o Accommodate people who commute out and commute into our community for industry, shopping , etc. o Respect importance of access to highways , airports . o Address accommodation of personal transportation vehicles . o Address new traffic control methods (i . e . , roundabouts , 4-way stops , etc. ) . o Maintain/enhance transportation access to employment centers . o Re-allocating uses/real estate of existing streets to address new modes of transportation . o Encourage conversion of vehicles to alternative fuels . 17 • Paradigm shift - restructuring of transportation system needed to adequately serve the population . • Permanent/sustainable funding for transportation . • Simple shuttle system - funding (reallocating cost) barriers to ridership , ease of use , enjoyment . • Sliding cost for paratransit ( i . e . Dial -a-ride ) ; for all underserved groups . • Stops are places for advertising revenue . • System is structured around auto ( 100 years ) , distances are great , etc. • The Plan needs to address bicycle and pedestrian education policies . • The Plan needs to address capital project and operations and maintenance funding shift to non-single occupancy vehicles (no four/six-lane road widening , shift funds to transit, sidewalk and pedestrian improvements ) . • The Plan needs to address full spectrum vehicle/bicycle sharing . • The Plan needs to address paratransit funding and operation . • Transportation needs to be fun . • Transportation Avoidance : o Dense employment hubs , multi-use , "activity centers . " o Encouraging work at home through tax incentive . o Virtual transportation : wireless internet throughout entire city; avoid traffic through technology. o City code re : home offices ; home occupations . o Central parking hubs , rather than every building needing a parking lot. o Ride-sharing . • Transportation Diversification : o Convenient mass transit so people choose it , not just have to use it due to economic constraints . o Understand the tipping point to support mass transit methods . o Identify mass transit methods for the present and the future . o Ensure continued ability to move hard product in and out of City. o Enhance and support parking opportunities , especially for companies looking to locate in community. • Use transit stops as destinations - you know the coffee shop is one block from this stop . • What are the future fuels? Do we just switch to natural gas or try to go to a new technology. 9 . Discussion : Sustainability • Accomplishments should note City policy that all new buildings are LEED certified . • Address gentrification , particularly on the north side of town . • Be local (food , water, shopping , etc . ) . • City codes are not currently as strict as other communities related to green codes . • Create indicators ; provide specific measures and clear definition of sustainability . • Differing opinions at table about amount of resource that should be devoted to natural areas vs . economic health . • Emphasis for sustainability should be on physical environment - not equal footing with human/financial because they are dependant. • Financing new technologies . • Find sustainable ways to pay for what we want; innovative revisions to tax/revenue structure . • Green building should be market driven . Think about what it costs and impact on consumers . • Highlight community scorecard . 18 • Human component requires active engagement of all groups (race , economic, historically marginalized , etc. ) . • Lowest economic and environmental cost, most efficient service provision . • More choices in terms of housing as people learn to live differently; support more creative way to live . • Much better strategic planning for sustainability . • Need a simple definition of sustainability ; it's about the physical environment "using a resource without using it up' . • Need to conduct true cost-benefit analysis on all green initiatives ; analysis should be long-term , not just immediate costs or benefits . Must maintain an appropriate balance . Get creative about how to make green initiatives cost-effective . • Need to show more comparisons with other cities and more data about impact on consumers ; more fact- based decision-making . • " Nothing for us without us" - intentional outreach to marginalized group . • Opportunity: give Council (and citizens ) more time to review packet materials so they can make more informed decisions . • The Plan needs to address "be local " ( innovative commerce , food production , and security) . • The plan needs to address better metrics (bicycle , transportation , air quality, walking , VMT) . • The Plan needs to address improved Community Scorecard metrics . • The Plan needs to address innovative and sustainable revenue structure with lowest environmental and economic cost for City services and products . • The Plan needs to address intentional outreach to marginalized groups . • This section should address sustainable funding for City services . 19 Plan % Fort Collins Plan m Fort Collingm innovate sustain Connect innovate sustain Conned Votes on Snapshot Discussions Plan Fort Collins What should the Plan Keypad Polling Results accomplish with respect to each March 4 , 2010 Snapshot topic? Foy„ rt�ns Foy„ rt�ns Arts and Culture : Plan � FortCollins red Fort Collins w nn innovate Built Environment & Land Use n:wate sustain Cnnned 1. How do integrate or capture and collaborate with Gen Y ' a% 0. Address the middle part" (notlost downtown or gateways) with . 159 2. Nurture & create an environment that values and respect to traffic and other issues recognizes and invites outside traditional mainstream 090/0 1. Need better cooperation between City and developers to make it . 10% viable to redevelop midtown. structures. 2. How to attract manufacturing, office, etc. back to the renter of the , 6% 3. Prioritization for regional collaboration 09 / city' . 3. 10�Build out will shift communities focus from development to a 4. Communication 11% redevelopment . 10% 5. Creativity expands beyond downtown, arts in other parts 4. CSU connection: Recognizing the importance of the university and the Of The City - 16% connection with the City. . 12% 5. Districts: Create meeting places that are like Old town. a 6. Creative attitudes rather than artistic 'things'-creativity 6. Regional Symbiotic Sustainabllity Efficient Sustainable development . 12% fostered through tangible projects and programs 16`yO pattern, transportation, development Z Economic Sustainability: City economic sustainability. Alternative to . 10 7. Creativity should be a City value and include an _ 300/a sales tax wouldn't pit communities against each other and provide economic dimension more partnering and cooperation. ' 4% 8. Flexibility that allows FC to maintain identity and creatively develop a 8. Creativity ingrained from grade school - 1 s% '9. Creative on how to fund, too much emphasis on taxes 3% crt 10. Maintain qualities that make FC what it is .. `nsg c'h For, Fo pins Plan % Fort Collins an % Fort Collins wale sustalnsonneG ovate sustalnsonned Environment and Utilities : Improvence an Economy : a. Beds to he tofocus more on community priorities, simplify 1. Engage the community as art o the changes and what can needs to be more transparent, olve fund what should he done, not 6°/a tY P f 9 � 369 what manbedone, more community involvement developments in green solutions and provide incentive 1. How do we create sustainable economic development. Opportunity to _ 90/0 for shift to green tech. a evaluate greater reliance on property tax or city income tax, userfees and ' 9% taxing in GMA _ 1 Z% 2. Work with HOAs and other groups to make green 2. Need betterretail mix, opportunityfor Foothills Mallfshigherquality ,technologies more affordable and widespread 9 30% retail 3% 3. Create balanced and targeted approach to business 3. Create entrepreneurial atmosphere to encourage _ 10% P P g ' 9% 0. Address the Future of Education development and deployment of green technologies 5. Improve/Increase Public Private Partnerships , 3% 4. Recycling incentives I 6. Advocacy role to change the sales husbanding Policy at the state level to 1 % address regional competition for retail _ 10% 5. More outreach p, Z Retain, grow, incubate and attract primary employment I4% 8. Leverage maturing community strengths, accomplishements (Mason _ 15% 6. Monitoring and action Corridor, N. College)and focus on future opportunities like Mulberry Common _ 15% Z Distributed power 1 9% 9. Enhance advocaryfor regional collaboration where partnering witho[her rtym communities advances Fort Collins'priorities and values MRI 14% Fort Coll! 5 10. Need to think about global issues ■ 036• rt ns q 1 Plan % Fort Collins Plan m Fort Collins innovate sustain mnneG innovate sustain Connect Health , Wellness and Safety : Housing : 1. Need comprehensive network for dental, mental . 28 E 1. Address big picture continuum of housing within 405 health, etc. for lower income, including more specific categories (disabled, seniors) with education for lower income and medical a continuum within category 1 6% community. 379 2. Develop local ways to raise funds/resources 1 1% 2. Plan needs to intersect with community ° initiatives that exist and are successful. 1 l0 6 3. Expand details of the Land Bank program 9 13% ° 3. Maintain current ration of police and fire 4. Reevaluate current tools (e.g., density bonus) 14/ 1 5% 4. Sustaining and improving transportation to 5. Need rental housing recreation facilities 3% 6. Maintain quality of housing stock I 10% 5. Education and understanding of traffic laws 7. Mixed use development with density 0 25% 6. No entri cation o communit involvement 1 8% 9 fi f Y ,rya <� Foy„ rt�ns Foy„ rt�ns Plan % Fort Collins ort Collins innovater sustain.CenneG Transportation : innovate sustain.CenneG Natural Areas, Parks, & Recreation : 0. Paradigm shift-restructuring transportation 193 1 . Collaboration with community orgs 0 419 1. Transportation needs tobefun 7% and various depts for better use of 2. Develop a clear visionfor thefuture that allowsfor . 13% change resources/facilities 3. change shuttle system • 7% 1 19%2. Develop a longterm bike safety plan 4. Transportation avoidance o% 3. Balance between growth and 5. Optimization I 1 % conservation 0 26% 6. Transportation Diversification 1♦ 8% 7. Think of cars as alternative to bikes 1f 6% 4. Need to think about how alternative 8. Think about opportunitiesfor rail corridors . 13% transportation will affect trails 1 14% 9. Maintain street infrastructure 0 13% 10. Density needs to be thought about to make transit viable . 11 % Fort Collins Fort Collins Plan Fort Collins P ollins wane sustalnsonneG innwa[esus�al nsonneG Sustainability: 1. Create indicators M 7% Are you . . . 2. Address sustainable funding with lowest . 12% environmental cost for City services 1. Male ? 52% 3. Intentional outreach to marginalized groups 11 °° 4. Improved Community Scorecard metrics , 4% 5. Cost benefit analysis on all green initiatives 14016 2. Female ? 48% 6. Urban food considerations 7% 7. Leverage Mason corridor to test new transit 199 methods 8. Be local" actions 19g 9. Policy and methodology reform 5% 10.Efficiency of current practices FolC olax FonCollins 2 IW Plan % Fort Collins Plan m Fort Collingm innovate sustain Connect innovate sustain Conned What is your age? Where do you work? 1. Under 15 / of 1. Private Business 37% 2. Government _ 12% 2. 15- 19 of 3. Non-profit ni 3. 20-34 1c/6 4. Education 15% 4. 35-44 2% 5. Student of 5. 45-54 28% 6. Retired = 10% 6. 55-64 35% 7. Elected Official 2% 7. 65 & better 19i 8. Other 2% 9. I do not work (not retired) 5% Foy„ rt�ns Foy„ rt�ns Pin^ Fort Collins Plan � Fort Collins novatesustain Connect innovatesustain Connect Where do you live? Can we count on you to continue to LIJ w 1 . Map Area 1 23% participate in Plan Fort Collins? 2. Map Area 2 230i Q 1. Yes, online only 0% y O U 3. Map Area 3 21 °/, DRAKE 4. Map Area 4 16% 2. Yes, online and at meetings — Mi 0 5. Larimer County 16% 3. Yes, meetings only 0% 6. Outside Larimerl 6% 4. No / 0% 5. Not sure 3% WL Fort Collins Fort Collins Plan � Fort Collins Plan % Fort Collins innovate sustalnsonned innovate sustalnsonned Check out the Plan Fort Collins website ! Online surveyand opportunity to comment City of pp y Fort Collins CCommuniryFoundation of NORTHERN COLORADO • More information on overall process • Sign up to be notified of upcoming eventsNo UniverCity Connections fcgov. com/plan CSU, Mo taawn & the Pei 221-6376 Foy„ rt�ns Foy„ rt�ns 3 ATTACHMENT 24 Plan Fort Collins innovate.sustain,connect Focus Groups Work in Progress 03112110 Purpose: • Generate ongoing awareness and excitement about Plan Fort Collins among a broad variety of Fort Collins stakeholders. • Get targeted/focused input on the identified theme-based topics for Phase 2. • Some focus groups may continue through Phase 2 and 3. Date/Time/Location: • Up to 10-12 focus groups, as needed (with consultant team participation). • One set of Focus Group meetings beginning late-March and early April to focus on Snapshot-related topics (challenges, opportunities, trends) with particular emphasis on areas of intersection between topics (such as sustainability, transportation, land use, and energy). Engaging the Public: • Organize groups based on citizens' expressed interest through email sign-up, advertisements, and website identification of areas of interest. • For specific, targeted areas we may seek out.and invite specific persons and/or organizations. Format/Technology: • Focus Group Series-coordinated events in one large room or several small rooms with conveners and consultants present. • Additional follow-up meetings or discussion may be organized by conveners of sub-teams (such as UniverCity Connections format, but with finite time and deadlines for questions to be answered). Agenda: • Overview of Plan Fort Collins process. • Presentation of focus area topic materials (draw from Snapshot materials) - current values, accomplishments, and challenges • Topics will frame discussion and questions, but generally be wrapped around opportunities and challenges for the future. Questions to address include: 1. What are new values or ideas related to the topic? 2. What are short- and long-term challenges/opportunities related to the topic? 3. What should Plan Fort Collins explore (possible choices or alternatives)? 4. How does the topic relate to (or cross-cut with) others in the community (e.g., transportation topics tied to arts, health, safety, etc.) S. Begin conversation: How can the City fund new ideas in a sustainable manner-short-term, long-term? 1 Topics/Groups: Focus group topics are intended to cover cross-over issues addressed within the Sustainability sections of the Snapshot Report,where additional focus is needed. As a result, the topics do not align with the nine headings of the Snapshot Report. To address interests in a topic that is not identified, participants can request the formation of a focus group. Every effort will be made to accommodate requests if others express similar interests. Starting Late March and Early April: 1. Multi-Functioning Streets. This focus group will discuss ideas for multi-functioning ("complete" or "green") streets that are designed to serve a variety of purposes for transportation, stormwater, mixed-use corridors, pedestrians, lighting, and other issues related to street and urban design. 2. Infill and Redevelopment. This focus group will discuss infill and redevelopment challenges and opportunities (e.g., heights, density, and mix of uses, stormwater, parking, and historic preservation) and particular locations that need focus: Downtown, Midtown, Campus West/CSU area, and Harmony/Riverwalk. 3. Infrastructure Funding Challenges. This focus group will discuss challenges and opportunities to funding streets, utilities, and essential services. 4. Energy. This focus group will discuss alternative energy, utilities of the future, and meeting climate protection goals. 5. Health and Wellness. This focus group will discuss healthy living topics, including food production, health care access, health and human services, community involvement and diversity, and others. 6. Arts, Creativity, and Economics. This group will address arts and culture in the community and how to use as an economic catalyst. 7. Youth in the Community: This focus group will overlap with the Youth Advisory Committee but will also draw in early childhood and other education partners, and address current and future needs of youth. 8. New Housing Options. This focus group will discuss options to meet current and future needs and also include affordable housing. 9. Sustainability Scorecard. This focus on defining sustainability for Fort Collins and on indicators and metrics for Plan Fort Collins 10. Transportation—Connections between Multiple Modes. This focus group will address bike and pedestrian safety, transit, and road maintenance and funding/traffic flow, and disabilities "barrier-busters." Coordinating with other efforts or starting later in April: Poudre River. This focus group will be coordinated with a current Utilities committee and citizen board members who are proposing committees to address river in flows, habitat, and access issues. Because discussion will be more around options and policies, it will begin in mid to late April. Green Building. (Note: Plan Fort Collins will not have its own focus group on green building but will coordinate with Utilities on effort under way and beginning in mid-April.) 2 i ATTACHMENT 25 Plan . Fort Collins innovate,susta in,con nect Youth Dialogue Purpose: • Generate ongoing awareness and excitement about Plan Fort Collins among community youth. • Gain input from youth about their perspective on Fort Collins and its future. Date/Time/Location: • Generally beginning in mid-March (coordination is underway with Poudre School District). • Focus on on-line and/or texting dialogue to involve the greatest number of youths. • Corresponds with other youth-oriented outreach including Youth Advisory Board and Youth in the Community Focus Group. Format/Technology: Media-based approach (Introduction Video clip, brief online survey and/or texting option to generate feedback and ideas) Publicity: Email and/or video announcement to all high school students (possibly with incentive to complete) Possible Activities: Activities are currently being discussed and coordinated with Poudre School District. 1. Online Activity • Students will watch a short(5 minute) introduction video explaining what a City is/does, what the role of the Plan is, and what long-term trends might influence the City. • After watching the video, students would be asked to complete a short online survey. Possible questions include: A. What are short-term changes(within the next 1 to 3 years)you would like to see in the City to make it a better place for young people? B. Picture yourself in Fort Collins in 20 years and beyond. Brainstorm some ideas on what we as a community can do to make Fort Collins a great place to live 20 years from now and beyond. For example,what could be done to enhance or improve the City's: o Housing and neighborhoods o Transportation o Employment opportunities o Recreation and leisure opportunities o Other C. What is the best way to get young people involved in planning for the future? 2. Text Messaging Activity • Students will watch a short(5 minute)introduction video explaining what a City is/does, what the role of the Plan is, and what long-term trends might influence the City. • Students will be asked to respond to a question (or two)via text messaging. Possible question(s) include: A. What one change (within the next 1 to 3 years)you would like to see in the City to make it a better place for young people? B. What one thing would make Fort Collins a better place to live 20 years from now? ATTACHMENT 26 Plan Fort Collins - Innovate, Sustain, & Connect Event Log - Community Events Last Updated: 3112110 For information about scheduling an event please visit: www.fcqov.com/planfortcollins/contacts Event Title/Group Date Time Location Presenter(s) Chamber LLAC 2/12/10 7:30 a.m. Chamber Joe Frank, Kathleen Bracke Green Drinks 2/24/10 6-8 p.m. InSitu bldg Kathleen Bracke North Front Range MPO TA 4/21/10 1-4 p.m. Windsor Rec Center Kathleen Bracke TAG 3/11/10 2-4 p.m. ??? Kathleen Bracke Council Chamber of Commerce 3/31/10 7:30 a.m. Chamber Joe Frank DDA TBD Home State Bank DBA TBD Board of Realtors TBD 1)