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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 03/26/2019 - CITY PLAN AND TRANSIT MASTER PLAN ADOPTION DRAFTSDATE:
STAFF:
March 26, 2019
Cameron Gloss, Planning Manager
WORK SESSION ITEM
City Council
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
City Plan and Transit Master Plan Adoption Drafts.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to present the Council the Adoption Drafts of the 2019 City Plan Update and 2019
Transit Master Plan. Staff will review the primary changes made in response to Council and community comments
generated over the past month.
GENERAL DIRECTION SOUGHT AND SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED
1. Response to recent changes to the draft City Plan (land use and transportation) and Transit Master Plan.
2. Guidance to move forward with Council consideration on April 16.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
Incorporating City Council and Community Feedback
At the last Council Work Session on February 12, 2019 staff presented an overview of City Plan and the Transit
Master Plan, focusing on the “big ideas” and key implementation actions.
Since the last Work Session, three City-led adoption events have been held and hundreds of comments have
been received via City Plan ambassadors, community partners, letters, and the project webpage. Overall, there
appears to be strong support for the overall policy direction found in both Plans, but there have also been ongoing
Plan refinements and adjustments. Attachment 1 includes the updated drafts of both City Plan and the Transit
Master Plan.
The following is a list of major elements that have been revised or addressed based on comments and ideas from
the February 12, 2019 Council Work Session (Attachment 2) and recent Leadership Planning Team discussions:
Mobile Home Parks
Policies aimed at preserving mobile home parks as part of the community’s affordable housing stock and
addressing the negative impacts of displacement as redevelopment occurs near mobile home parks have been
retained and enhanced. One of the recommended action items is an update to the Affordable Housing and
Displacement Mitigation Strategy (2013)
Conceptual Cost Assessments to Implement Plan recommendations
Conceptual costs for future transportation and transit improvements have been reflected in the latest City Plan
Update and Transit Master Plan draft documents. These costs refine and build upon projections shared with the
community at public workshops, through Plan Ambassadors and Community Partners, during the ‘Scenarios’
phase of the Update. A near-term high priority action item will be a more refined transportation cost assessment
and a community dialogue about the willingness to fund potential improvements.
March 26, 2019 Page 2
Protection for Existing Neighborhoods
An underpinning of the Plan’s land use policies is the preservation of existing neighborhood character. To that
end, revised policies have been carefully crafted to reflect the types and degrees of possible changes within
existing neighborhoods.
A high-priority action item over the next two years will be a community-wide dialogue about how additional
housing types, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and other “missing middle” options, might be
incorporated into existing and future neighborhoods.
The Community’s Evolution after ‘Buildout’
The draft Plan describes what community growth might look like approaching ‘buildout’ and several economic and
environmental policies touch on the need for a well-balanced, healthy economy with a continued emphasis on
innovation and reinvention.
Change Log
Staff has prepared a more detailed Change Log (Attachment 3) which identifies how a specific comment or idea
has been addressed in the latest draft Plans, with accompanying page citations locating changes within the
documents. Staff is also preparing a separate change log that will be posted online and included in materials for
the adoption hearing that documents how both documents have been revised to incorporate other community and
staff comments over the past month and a half.
ATTACHMENTS
1. City Plan - Draft (PDF)
2. City Plan Work Session Summary February 12, 2019 (PDF)
3. City Plan & Transit Master Plan Change Log - Draft (PDF)
4. PowerPoint (PDF)
CITY FORT PLANNING OUR COLLINS FUTURE. TOGETHER. PLAN
DRAFT 3.15.19
ATTACHMENT 1
2 01 | INTRODUCTION
2
[Placeholder]
Letter from the City Manager
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 3
Contents
01 INTRODUCTION 4
Fort Collins Then, Now, And Beyond 6
What is City Plan? 8
Plan Organization 9
About this Update 10
Community and Stakeholder Engagement 11
02 VISION AND VALUES 14
Community Vision 16
Policy Framework 18
Growth Framework 20
Health and Equity 22
Making the most of the land we have left 24
Healthy and resilient economy 26
Encouraging more housing options 28
Expanding transportation and mobility options 30
Maintaining our focus on climate action 32
03 PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES 34
Neighborhood Livability and Social Health 36
Culture and Recreation 48
Economic Health 52
Environmental Health 58
Safe Community 68
Transportation 74
High Performing Community 86
04 STRUCTURE PLAN 92
Neighborhoods 96
Mixed-Use Districts 99
Employment Districts 102
Corridors and Edges 106
Priority Place Types 107
Mixed Neighborhoods 108
Neighborhood Mixed-Use 118
Suburban Mixed-Use 128
Urban Mixed Use 138
Mixed Employment 148
05 TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN 158
A Framework for Future Transportation 160
Plan Organization 162
Transportation Infrastructure 164
Mobility and Travel Choices 172
Health and Equity 194
Innovation 200
Safety 210
Sustainability and Resiliency 214
06 IMPLEMENTATION & MONITORING 214
Roles and Responsibilities 216
Resources Required 216
Amendments and Updates 217
Neighborhood Livability and Social Health 219
Culture and Recreation 224
Economic Health 225
Environmental Health 227
Safe Community 233
Transportation 235
High Performing Community 242
07 APPENDIX 244
Appendix A: Acknowledgments
Appendix B: Trends and Forces Report
4 01 | INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
01 City Plan is the comprehensive plan for the City of Fort Collins. It
articulates the community’s vision and core values, and establishes
the overall policy foundation that will be used by the City of Fort
Collins organization (“the City”), its many local and regional partners,
and the community at large to work toward that vision over the next
10 to 20 years.
Since the last major comprehensive plan and transportation plan
update the City and community have changed dramatically. Since
2011, Fort Collins has added over 5,000 new jobs and 14,000 new
residents; seen transit ridership nearly double with the initiation
of MAX; experienced a large increase in rent and housing costs
relative to wage growth; accelerated its climate commitment to
reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% below 2005
by 2030, and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050; experienced
demographic shifts, including increased racial and ethnic diversity,
fewer families with children, and an aging population; developed
approximately 2,400 acres per year of the remaining land in the
Growth Management Area (GMA); and adopted Nature in the City,
with a goal of ensuring every resident is within a 10-minute walk to
nature from their home or workplace.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 5
I live in Fort Collins
because….
(it) blends innovation with
mindfulness about our
historic roots.”
-Resident comment
DRAFT 3.15.19
1980 1997
1999
First iteration of City
Plan and
Transportation Master
Plan documents are
adopted.
Establishment of the Urban Growth
Area between Fort Collins and
Larimer County for joint planning
and cooperation; precursor to the
Growth Management Area.
Fort Collins initiate
first deliberate
actions to reduce
community GHG
emissions.
City of Fort Collins restructures
departments and organizational
functions to better align budgeting
process, day-to-day decision making,
strategic planning, and sustainability
around the triple bottom line
(economic, environment, and social).
2013 2012–2013
Having achieved the
initial waste diversion
goal established in
1999, City Council
adopts Road to Zero
Waste strategy.
2014
City Council
adopts resolution
to become carbon
neutral by 2050.
City Council adopts
updated Aordable
Housing Strategic Plan
with a goal of 6% of all
housing units to be
aordable by 2020
and 10% of units to be
aordable by 2040.
2015
City Council adopts
Nature in the City
Strategic Plan, building
on the City’s long
history of valuing open
spaces and natural
areas in the community.
2015 2015
City Council adopts updated
climate action goals: reduce
emissions 20% below 2005
levels by 2020; 80% below
by 2030; and to be carbon
neutral by 2050.
6 01 | INTRODUCTION
Integrated update to both City Plan and
Transportation Master Plan completed as
part of eort branded as Plan Fort Collins.
Resulting plan reinforces the City’s
commitment to sustainability and Triple
Bottom Line thinking. Plan principles and
policies are aligned with the seven
outcome areas used in the City’s
Budgeting for Outcomes process.
City Council adopts
strategic goal to
divert 50% of all
discarded resources
from landfills by 2010.
es
First major update to
City Plan conducted,
with a focus on
identifying the future
size and character of the
community.
1999 2000 2000
Mason Corridor Plan is
completed—establishing
a vision for the City’s
first Bus Rapid Transit
line.
City Council adopts first
Aordable Housing
Strategic Plan.
50%
2010–2011 2002-2004
2018
City completes EV
Readiness Plan to help
facilitate ongoing
electrification eorts,
and establishes
broadband utility.
2018-2019
Integrated update to City Plan,
Transportation Plan, and Transit Plan
completed with a focus on: housing
access, buildout and land supply,
economic health, climate action, and
transportation and mobility options.
BEYOND
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 7
W, AND BEYOND
DRAFT 3.15.19
8 01 | INTRODUCTION
What is City Plan?
City Plan is Fort Collins’ comprehensive and transportation master plan. City Plan articulates our community’s
vision and core values, guides how the community will grow and travel in the future, and provides high-level
policy direction used by the City organization, local and regional partners, and the community at large to
achieve our vision and priorities.
City Plan takes the long view, identifying goals and actions the community should take over the next 10-20
years. Complementing City Plan is the City’s Strategic Plan, which provides near- and mid-term guidance.
Both are supported by the Budgeting for Outcomes (BFO) process and more specific department and
functional plans that direct funding, resources, and the specific actions we’ll take to achieve our vision and
goals. In general, all references to “the city” or “community” apply to both the incorporated city limits and the
GMA.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
& DIRECTION
WHY
CITY FORT PLANNING OUR COLLINS FUTURE. TOGETHER. PLAN
Long-Term
Short-and Mid--Term
WHAT
BUDGETING FOR OUTCOMES (BFO)
CLIMATE ACTION
PLAN
FOCO CREATES
NATURAL AREAS
MASTER PLAN
Functional Plans
HOW/FUNDING
...AND OTHERS
AS ADOPTED
TRANSIT MASTER
PLAN
NATURE IN THE
CITY
AFFORDABLE
HOUSING
STRATEGIC PLAN
PARKS AND
RECREATION
POLICY PLAN
WATER AND
WASTEWATER
MASTER PLAN
STORMWATER
MASTER PLAN
CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT
PLAN
DEPARTMENT
STRATEGIC
PLANS
DRAFT 3.15.19
IMPLEMENTATION
AND MONITORING
Identifies strategies to support the implementation of principles and policies in
each outcome area.
Implementation
Strategies
Plan Amendments
and Monitoring
APPENDICES
A: Trends and Forces Report
B: Housing Trends and Demand
Forecast Assessment
C: Employment Land Demand Analysis
D: Employment Land Suitability
Analysis
E: Transportation Master Plan
Resources
F: Transit Master Plan
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 9
Provides overall policy foundation for the community and City organization.
Principles and policies are organized by the seven key outcome areas corresponding
to the City’s organizational structure and the BFO process.
Other City Plan Elements
City Plan incorporates existing plan elements and related plans by reference. As new plan elements and other
related planning documents are prepared and adopted, they will become a part of City Plan.
PRINCIPLES AND
POLICIES
Neighborhood
Livability &
Social Health
Culture &
Recreation
Environmental
Health
Safe
Community Transportation
High Performing
Community
TRANSPORTATION
PLAN
Multimodal Transportation Plan for the city and GMA. Guides improvements in
pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and roadway infrastructure.
STRUCTURE PLAN
The land use plan to guide growth and development within the Fort Collins GMA,
including the mix of uses, infill and redevelopment, and the types of infrastructure
and transportation investments needed.
Livability Community Sustainability
COMMUNITY
VISION AND CORE
VALUES
Establishes overarching direction for City Plan and highlights “big ideas” that
underpin other parts of the plan.
Plan Organization
City Plan comprised of six primary sections:
Economic
Health
Structure Plan Map
DRAFT 3.15.19
10 01 | INTRODUCTION
About this Update
City Plan is regularly updated every 5-10 years as conditions change to ensure it remains current with the
community’s vision, values, and priorities. As our community’s comprehensive plan, City Plan covers a lot of
ground and sets policy direction for many different topics.
Because a document like City Plan can’t cover every topic in-depth, each update targets particular challenges
and opportunities that the community has identified as key areas needing attention. For example, the
2011 City Plan update emphasized integrating sustainable policies and initiatives across all aspects of our
community and helped form the basis for the City’s Sustainability Services departments, a more ambitious
response towards Climate Action, and a renewed commitment to building a balanced transportation system
for all users.
During the 2019 City Plan update process, we heard there’s a lot to like about the community, and that
the community’s general direction is on the right path. Our Natural Areas Program, the trail system, and
maintaining our GMA are examples of community elements many residents wish to see continue into the
future. We also heard from the community about particular challenges and opportunities that may need
additional attention or new ideas to focus on over the coming years:
MAKING THE MOST OF THE LAND WE HAVE LEFT...
TAKING STEPS TO SUPPORT A HEALTHY AND RESILIENT ECONOMY...
ENCOURAGING MORE HOUSING OPTIONS...
EXPANDING TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY OPTIONS...
MAINTAINING OUR FOCUS ON CLIMATE ACTION...
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 11
COMMUNITY VISIONING
Winter/Spring 2018
Develop and confirm a shared community vision
for the future of Fort Collins.
PROJECT INITIATION
Spring/Summer 2017
Finalize work plan and draft community
engagement plan.
WHERE ARE WE NOW? WHERE ARE WE
HEADED?
Fall 2017/Winter 2018
Gather data to build a “snapshot” of Fort Collins
today; learn about existing conditions, needs,
and priorities.
SCENARIO DEVELOPMENT
Spring/Summer 2018
Discuss several possible scenarios for the
future and how our community vision could be
achieved.
DRAFT PLAN DEVELOPMENT
Fall 2018/Winter 2019
Develop and share a draft of the plan,
including a preferred scenario, policies, and
recommendations; revise the draft based on
community input.
PLAN ADOPTION
Spring 2019
Present City Plan to the City Council for
consideration of adoption.
Community and Stakeholder
Engagement
City Plan is not just a policy document for the City
organization – it is a guide for our entire community
that envisions the kind of place we desire in the
future, sets the overall direction for the changes we
want, and outlines the steps we will need to take to
get there.
A long-range plan like City Plan needs to be built on
a foundation of community engagement. Everything
from the values we share to the specific programs we
will create should be discussed, debated, and decided
in partnership with the residents and stakeholders
who will help City Plan grow from a guiding
document into our desired reality.
From the beginning of the planning process, we
focused on creating opportunities for residents and
stakeholders to have deeper conversations about
the challenges we are facing and the successes we
have had. Engagement for each phase of the plan
emphasized facilitated small-group discussions,
workshops, and presentations to groups across Fort
Collins. We asked difficult questions about people’s
values, fears, and hopes for the future.
We also wanted to improve our ability to engage with
residents who more closely reflect the demographics
of our community. People with disabilities, students
and youth, Spanish-speaking residents, people of
color, and lower-income residents have invaluable
input to share, yet are often underrepresented in
12 01 | INTRODUCTION
Community Partners and Plan Ambassadors
To help expand the reach of the City Plan process and welcome new voices and perspectives into this plan
update, two new outreach programs were created:
Community Partners
The Community Partner program was established to
support engagement with underrepresented groups
throughout Fort Collins. Seven organizations and
nonprofits received funding to design, plan, and
implement engagement events during the City Plan
process. Community Partners also received facilitation
training and assistance in translating materials.
Community Partners held 30 meetings and reached
hundreds of participants during the City Plan process,
spending over 650 hours engaging directly with
people whose voices may not have been adequately
represented in previous planning processes.
Examples of underrepresented groups included, but
were not limited to: racial/ethnic minority residents,
seniors, students and youth, residents with disabilities,
business owners and operators, residents with limited
English proficiency, and lower-income residents.
Partner Organizations
Plan Ambassadors
The Plan Ambassador program represented another
new approach to engagement in Fort Collins,
empowering residents to discuss the future of
their community within their own social circles and
without the need to attend traditional workshops and
meetings.
Interested residents were invited to become Plan
Ambassadors, conducting their own City Plan
meetings and discussions with friends, family,
neighbors, and coworkers. Plan Ambassadors
completed five hours of facilitation training provided
by the City and Colorado State University’s (CSU)
Center for Public Deliberation.
More than 20 Plan Ambassadors held a total of 65
meetings during the City Plan process. Over wine
and cheese, homemade chili, or a favorite local brew,
neighbors spent over 180 hours talking with each
other about the future of our city.
CSU Institute for the
Built Environment
Family Leadership Training Institute
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 13
TOTAL 3,PARTICIPANTS 800
TOTAL 6,000+ PARTICIPANT
HOURS
PROJECT 10,WEBSITE 000+ VISITS
TOTAL CITY MEETINGS 176 &
EVENTS
PLAN AMBASSADOR 94 &
COMMUNITY PARTNER
MEETINGS & EVENTS
CONTINUING OUR EFFORTS
This kind of engagement was not easy. It required more facilitators, additional funding, high levels of trust
and partnership, and a significant amount of behind-the-scenes work to incorporate input from thousands
of hours of discussion into the final plan document. We believe it was worth the effort, because this
update to City Plan is truly homegrown and reflects the input we received from the thousands of people
who took the time to share their thoughts with us.
Overall, the City Plan process was successful in engaging a more representative cross-section of the
community and in building community capacity. However, we need to keep working to improve our efforts
as we move forward. Based on the demographic data collected during City Plan, we know that some
groups in the community—such as low-income residents—were still underrepresented when compared
to Census data. Others—such as residents who speak languages other than Spanish or English—were
missing altogether. With this in mind, the City Plan principles and strategies reflect the need for a stronger,
sustained focus on equity and inclusion in all engagement efforts citywide. Achieving the community’s
vision as articulated in Part 2 of this plan means that all residents should have a voice and representation
in community decision-making.
DRAFT 3.15.19
14 02 | VISION AND VALUES
VISION AND VALUES
02 Since the first City Plan in 1997, Fort Collins has steadily transformed
from a quiet college town of just over 100,000 people to a bustling
small city of approximately 170,000 in 2018. Population estimates
from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs and the North Front
Range Metropolitan Planning Organization project that Fort Collins
is likely to add 70,000 new residents by 2040. This iteration of
City Plan carries forward the city’s long-standing commitment to
sustainability and triple-bottom line thinking. Emerging concerns
about rising housing costs, increased congestion, and the effects of
continued growth pressures in the city and region are incorporated
into City Plan through an emphasis on equity, resilience, and access
to opportunity. This chapter highlights the big ideas that emerged
from community input over the course of eighteen months and
serves as a foundation for this update to City Plan.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN
“Overall the best
place in the world
to live. We strive
for excellence
in all areas. Fort
Collins has been
a community that
believes there’s
no standing still,
you’re either moving
forward or falling
behind. Fort Collins
chooses to move
forward....”
-Resident comment
15
DRAFT 3.15.19
16 02 | VISION AND VALUES
Community Vision
We take action to address the needs of all members of
our community and strive to ensure that everyone has the
opportunity to thrive. As a community, we commit to building a
healthy, equitable, and sustainable city – for our families, for our
neighbors, and for future generations.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 17
FORT COLLINS IS
THRIVING
The high quality of life we enjoy
requires a city that is safe, with
a wide range of housing and
transportation options and a
vibrant economy. These basics
are supported by exceptional
community services, strong
educational institutions, and
committed business and
nonprofit partners.
Livability means:
Attainable housing options
Convenient transportation
Great parks and open spaces
accessible to everyone
A vibrant economy with good
jobs
Wide range of educational
opportunities
Safety and stability
Clean air, water, and
neighborhoods
LIVABILITY
FORT COLLINS IS
FOR EVERYONE
We benefit from our diversity,
social connections, and open
communication. We strive to
provide equitable access to
opportunities, services, and
resources, and to create an
inclusive environment for all
members of our community.
We take pride in our friendly
culture, celebrate our
differences, and know that we
make better decisions when
we encourage open dialogue
about tough issues.
Community means:
Fostering healthy living and
social well-being
A commitment to equity,
diversity and inclusivity
Funding and promoting arts,
culture, creativity, & innovation
Strong public and private social
services
Friendly neighborhoods and
enduring community pride
Public spaces set aside for
interaction & celebration
A culture of open, honest
communication
COMMUNITY
FORT COLLINS IS
RESILIENT AND
18 02 | VISION AND VALUES
How does City Plan support our vision and values?
Principles, policies, and strategies contained in City Plan—
together with the Structure Plan—are used to guide future
growth and development and day-to-day decision-making
within the City of Fort Collins organization. The City of Fort
Collins tracks its progress on City Plan and other plans and
priorities based on the seven outcome areas below. This
structure supports plan monitoring efforts, as well as alignment
with the City’s Budgeting for Outcomes and strategic planning
processes.
Topics listed under each outcome area below highlight where
policy direction is provided within City Plan. However, issues
related to the community’s core values are cross-cutting. Key
areas of alignment between the core values and the principles
and policies in each outcome area are highlighted in Part 3.
POLICY FRAMEWORK
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 19
DRAFT 3.15.19
20 02 | VISION AND VALUES
Many aspects of the community’s vision and core
values are directly or indirectly influenced by the
built and natural environment. The Structure Plan
map is used in conjunction with the principles
and policies in City Plan to guide where and how
growth occurs. While the basic premise behind
the Structure Plan has not fundamentally changed
over the last twenty years, some of the key
concepts that underpin it have been implemented
more successfully than others.
This iteration of City Plan seeks to build a broader
understanding of the Structure Plan’s role in
implementing the community’s vision, and the
need to consider trade-offs when it comes to
future growth and investment. An evaluation of
issues and opportunities pertaining to five focus
areas were used to help frame discussions with
the community and ultimately to inform updates
to City Plan as part of this update:
» Making the most of the land we have left;
» Taking steps to support a healthy and resilient
economy;
» Encouraging more diverse housing options;
» Expanding transportation and mobility
options; and
» Maintaining our focus on climate action.
GROWTH FRAMEWORK
Underscoring each of these focus areas is a
commitment to equity and inclusion. While housing
units, jobs, vehicle miles traveled, and carbon
emissions are all important factors that influence
where and how we grow, we must also remember
that the people who live here are what makes
Fort Collins a great community. As Fort Collins
continues to change over time, we need to evaluate
the impacts of land use, economic, housing, and
transportation decisions on those in our community
who are most vulnerable or in greatest need. One
group should not be disproportionately impacted
over others by future changes to our city. At the
same time, we must ensure that the benefits of
future growth are also distributed equitably across
our community. Using decision making tools like the
Health Equity Index in this section and the City’s
Triple-Bottom-Line Scan will help ensure that we
are making smart, thoughful decisions about our
future growth.
The pages that follow highlight key policy directions
and Structure Plan elements that will be used to
help focus our efforts over the next 10 to 20 years.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 21
RICHARDS
LAKE PARK
GREENBRIAR PARK
SOFT
GOLD
PARK
RABBIT
BRUSH
PARK
LEGACY
PARK
LEE MARTINEZ
COMMUNITY
PARK
ALTA
VISTA
FREEDOM PARK
SQUARE
PARK
GRANDVIEW
CEMETERY
CITY PARK
NINE GOLF
COURSE
CITY PARK ROSELAWN
CEMETERY
ROGERS
PARK
EASTSIDE
PARK
OVERLAND
PARK
AVERY
PARK
EDORA
COMMUNITY
PARK
INDIAN
LILAC HILLS PARK
PARK
SPRING PARK
BLEVINS PARK
ROLLAND MOORE
COMMUNITY PARK
WOODWEST
PARK
LEISURE
PARK
BEATTIE
PARK
SPENCER
ROSSBOROUGH PARK
PARK
SPRING CANYON
COMMUNITY
PARK
COLLINDALE
GOLF
COURSE
22 02 | VISION AND VALUES
Who you are and where you live in Fort Collins
can put you on a different path than a resident
from a different background or part of the
city. This can result in different outcomes for
your health, ability to access healthy food,
recreational opportunities, and many other
areas that are critical to maintaining the high
quality of life City Plan envisions for all members
of our community. In this update, City Plan
utilized a health and equity lens to develop new
policies and implementation actions that can
help ensure that our actions and decisions do
not disproportionately burden one group over
another. As our city becomes more diverse, it
will be important to understand the barriers
facing certain groups or neighborhoods (whether
they be related to poverty, health, employment,
educational attainment, ages, etc.) so all
residents have access to the services, resources,
infrastructure, and opportunities they need.
HEALTH AND EQUITY
What are Social Determinants of
Health?
Social determinants of health are the social and
physical conditions of a person’s life that influence
their personal health and well-being: education,
income level, access to health care, social and
community context, and neighborhood/built
environment. Research shows that residents that
live in poverty and have lower levels of educational
attainment, are more likely to have poor health
outcomes and will also be more vulnerable to
impacts from climate change. Understanding this
linkage is an important factor in planning for health
equity.
How does it all connect?
The health equity index analysis shows that social
factors related to health outcomes are not equal
in all parts of Fort Collins. Median household
income tends to be lower for non-white racial and
ethnic groups ($42,333 or less) than it is for white
households ($62,804). Educational attainment
also varies by race/ethnicity - for example, 42% of
Hispanic/Latinx residents had a bachelor’s degree
in 2016, compared to 59% of white residents.
Generally, the Health Equity Index shows that more
vulnerable or disadvantaged populations (Census
block groups with high index values) are clustered
north of the Poudre River, while less vulnerable
populations (Census block groups with low index
values) are clustered around Downtown. These
disparities in health equity have wide-ranging
implications for all outcome areas in City Plan.
What is the Health and Equity
Index?
The Health & Equity Index was developed by
the Larimer County Department of Health and
Environment, and is a tool to identify potentially
vulnerable areas of the community. It is a weighted
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 23
HEALTH AND EQUITY INDEX
FORT COLLINS, 2016 2016
Equity Indicators
» Population under 18
» Population over 65
» Households at or below the
federal poverty level
» Hispanic/Latinx population
» Non-white (minority) population
» Households without a vehicle
» Disability status
Health Indicators
» Adult obesity
» Adults with no leisure time physical
activity
» Adults who experienced poor mental
health for more than 14 days
Scores range from 0 to 100, with 100 indicating the highest priority.
The Health Equity Index is a composite measure of overall health equity in Fort Collins and
includes the following equity and health indicators:
DRAFT 3.15.19
24 02 | VISION AND VALUES
Making the most of the land we have left...
Where are we today?
» Vacant land within the Growth Management
Area (GMA) is becoming increasingly scarce
» Much of the remaining vacant land in the GMA
is not served by city sewer and water utilities,
which could impact the availability, timing, and
pricing of future development in these areas
» Underutilized properties and obsolete uses
in established areas of the community offer
significant potential for infill/redevelopment
» The multimodal transportation system desired
by the community will not be viable without
significant increases in density
As we look to the future, it is important to consider
how we can best use the limited supply of vacant
land that remains to meet our future needs.
Principles and policies in City Plan address the
overall mix, distribution, and intensity of land uses in
different parts of Fort Collins, promote the efficient
and cost-effective provision of public infrastructure
and services, and support the development of the
types of places we would like to see—or retain—in
our community in the future.
Where are we today?
» Undeveloped land within the Growth
Management Area (GMA) is becoming
increasingly scarce.
» Much of the remaining undeveloped land in
the GMA is not served by City sewer and water
utilities, which could impact the availability,
timing, and pricing of future development in
these areas.
» There is significant potential for infill and
redevelopment of underutilized properties,
particularly along current and future transit
corridors.
» A cost-effective transportation system desired
by the community, including improvements
to transit and infrastructure for bicycles
and pedestrians, will not be viable without
significant increases in density in key locations.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 25
¦¨§25
COLLEGE AVE
LEMAY AVE
TIMBERLINE RD
SHIELD ST
TAFT HILL RD
TRILBY RD
HARMONY RD
EAST COUNTY ROAD 32
MULBERRY ST
PROSPECT RD
DRAKE RD
HORSETOOTH RD
WHERE WILL WE FOCUS OUR EFFORTS?
» Requiring transit-oriented
development in key locations
High-frequency transit is not
viable without supportive land
use patterns such as mixed-use
with higher-density residential,
employment, and services.
The plan supports a stronger
stance on maximizing infill/
redevelopment potential where
service exists or is planned.
» Encouraging compact growth
The GMA will continue to define
the outer limits of future growth.
» Encouraging infill and
redevelopment
Plan policies support the
conversion of vacant and
underutilized properties to meet
current and future needs and
promote the efficient use of
infrastructure.
» Encouraging more diverse
neighborhoods
Housing options not traditionally
found in Fort Collins, such as
accessory dwelling units, will
be encouraged through new
development, as well as through
the adaptation of existing
neighborhoods over time.
» Expanding access to services
and amenities
City Plan supports a broader mix
of uses in activity centers and
along corridors to reduce the
need for cross-town trips.
» Addressing infrastructure
priorities
City Plan supports collaboration
with local and regional partners
as development occurs to address
infrastructure and service needs in
areas not currently served by City
utilities.
26 02 | VISION AND VALUES
Taking steps to support a healthy and resilient
economy...
Where are we today?
» We’ve experienced strong employment growth
over the past ten years.
» Our economy is becoming greener and more
adaptable in the face of climate change.
» Employment growth is outpacing housing
growth which creates a commuting problem.
» It is difficult for residents to find high-paying
jobs that allow them to live in Fort Collins.
» Businesses are struggling to attract qualified
workers and/or find appropriate space to grow
into.
» Land available for future non-residential
development may not be development-ready or
located in appropriate parts of the city.
» It is increasingly difficult for small businesses,
service-commercial, and industrial users
to remain in Fort Collins because of rising
commercial rents.
Fort Collins’ economic health is influenced by a
variety of factors—jobs/housing balance, land
cost and supply, access to infrastructure and
services, and the overall livability of the community.
Principles and policies in City Plan promote a
continued focus on innovation and creativity,
which have long been drivers of Fort Collins’
local economy. They also promote a stronger
focus on equity—to help to ensure the benefits
of employment, wage growth, prosperity, and
increased standards of living are shared by all—and
resilience—to allow our economy to evolve and
adapt to technological advancements and climate
change, as well as rebound from economic shocks.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 27
COLLEGE AVE
LEMAY AVE
TIMBERLINE RD
SHIELD ST
TAFT HILL RD
TRILBY RD
HARMONY RD
EAST COUNTY ROAD 32
MULBERRY ST
PROSPECT RD
DRAKE RD
HORSETOOTH RD
¦¨§25
WHERE WILL WE FOCUS OUR EFFORTS?
This diagram illustrates the overall distribution and types of areas designated for employment uses on the
Structure Plan. Updates as part of the City Plan update reflect a continued focus on:
LEGEND
Downtown District
Urban Mixed-Use District
Suburban Mixed-Use District
Mixed Employment District
Research & Development/Flex District
Industrial District
» Preserving land for industrial
and service-oriented uses
The Structure Plan identifies areas
limited to industrial and service-
commercial uses to support their
retention over the long-term.
» Providing suitable
employment lands
Policies seek to provide more
opportunities for employment,
commercial, and industrial with
the locations, amenities, and
services employers are seeking.
» Maximizing return on investment
City Plan promotes investments in
infrastructure and other services
in areas where benefits to the
community will be greatest.
» Aligning employment
designations with business needs
The Structure Plan includes
expanded employment place
types to increase clarity around
the types of employment that are
desired in different parts of the
city.
» Providing more opportunities
for people to live close to where
they work
Policies support expanded
housing options in areas that are
close to jobs and transit to allow
more opportunities for employees
at all wage levels to live and work
in Fort Collins.
Northeast Fort Collins
28 02 | VISION AND VALUES
Encouraging more housing options...
Where are we today?
» Fort Collins’ demographics are changing,
creating demand for different housing types.
» Since 2000, Fort Collins and Larimer County
have produced more jobs than housing units,
and this imbalance has recently accelerated.
» Despite an increase in multifamily development
in recent years, the overall mix of housing in
Fort Collins is similar to 2000.
» Rents and home prices in Fort Collins
are increasing faster than wages, and
homeownership is becoming less attainable; as
a result, more people are living outside the city
and commuting to their jobs in Fort Collins.
» Only 4.8% of housing units in Fort Collins
are deed or income restricted (affordable to
households earning less than 80% of the area
median income).
» Smaller housing options, such as accessory
dwelling units, are only allowed in limited
locations.
The degree to which housing is attainable in
Fort Collins is influenced by multiple factors: the
diversity of housing options that are available
(type, size, and price point), the overall supply of
land devoted to different types of housing versus
demand, the proximity and connectivity of housing
and jobs, overall housing costs, and housing
programs and policies aimed at expanding and
maintaining the city’s supply of affordable and
workforce housing. City Plan principles and policies
recognize that improving housing access in Fort
Collins will require action on all of these fronts.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 29
WHERE WILL WE FOCUS OUR EFFORTS?
Updates as part of the City Plan update reflect a continued focus on:
» Expanding housing choices
The Structure Plan promotes a
broader mix of housing types and
densities to support a changing
population and housing market.
» Recalibrating land use patterns
to increase capacity
The Structure Plan reflects the
reallocation of some land that
was previously designated for
employment uses to residential
uses.
» Expanding workforce and
affordable housing efforts
City Plan promotes strategies,
new programs, and incentives to
encourage the construction of
workforce and affordable housing
throughout the community.
» Updating Development
Regulations
City Plan identifies numerous
changes to zoning and
development standards needed to
support desired housing types.
» Adopting protective measures
where needed
Area plans and/or design
standards will continue to be used
to ensure residential infill and
redevelopment is compatible with
existing neighborhoods.
SINGLE-FAMILY
ATTACHED
(2 TO 4 UNITS)
MULTI-FAMILY
(5+ UNITS)
OTHER
SINGLE-FAMILY
ATTACHED
(2 TO 4 UNITS)
MULTI-FAMILY
(5+ UNITS)
ACCESSORY
DWELLING UNIT
OTHER
NOW FUTURE
DRAFT 3.15.19
30 02 | VISION AND VALUES
Expanding transportation and mobility options...
Where are we today?
» Our VMT per capita is decreasing, but this trend
could change depending on how transportation
innovations (such as autonomous vehicles)
affect travel behavior.
» Travel time on average has been consistent,
with some corridors increasing and others
decreasing.
» While transit services have expanded near
Downtown and CSU, it is difficult to provide
convenient, high-frequency transit service in
less dense areas of the community.
» Employee commuting patterns will be impacted
by emerging mobility and technology, land use,
and regional transit.
» Fort Collins is a nationally recognized city
for biking and walking; however, gaps and
deficiencies in the low-stress multimodal
network remain. Some of these gaps or
deficiencies correlate to areas with more
vulnerable or disadvantaged populations.
Transportation and mobility options impact how
and when people travel and therefore, the ability
of residents to access their jobs, services, or
accomplish their daily needs. City Plan principles
and policies seek to reduce the number of vehicle
miles traveled (VMT) per person and the number
of trips made by vehicles with only one occupant.
This will be accomplished through strategies and
that encourage walking, carpooling, cycling, and
transit use, and the implementation of solutions
that minimize travel times between key destinations
within Fort Collins and to/from other parts of the
region.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 31
Updates as part of the City Plan process reflect a focus on:
» Prioritizing safety
City Plan supports expanded
transportation options to make
travel safe and comfortable for all
ages and abilities.
» Expanding High-Frequency
Transit in targeted locations
To leverage the significant
investment required, high-
frequency transit is planned in
areas where higher densities or
intensities exist or are likely to be
achieved in the planning horizon.
» Using a Layered Network
approach
Policies support the prioritization
of certain modes in corridors
where all modes of transportation
may not be viable.
» Enhancing pedestrian and
bicycle connectivity
Policies support connected
bicycle/pedestrian networks
between neighborhoods and
districts citywide.
» Making equitable investments
As City investments and
improvements in transportation
infrastructure are made, equity
must be a key consideration.
» Lead transportation innovation
Fort Collins will be proactive in
welcoming new travel options
and technologies that offer the
opportunity of traveling more
efficiently while reducing negative
environmental, infrastructure, and
social impacts of travel.
» Optimize traffic flow through
mobility management and
system improvements.
Keeping the transportation system
functioning efficiently is key for
the success of the community and
all modes of travel by reducing
traffic demand, eliminating
bottlenecks and deploying state
of the art traffic control.
WHERE WILL WE FOCUS OUR EFFORTS?
FUTURE NOW
Mobile Phone
Helps make choices, but each tool has separate app
Ride-Hailing
Car ownership separated from car use
Mobility as a Service
Use mobile device to select
among many options and
seamlessly book and pay for
32 02 | VISION AND VALUES
Maintaining our focus on climate action...
Where are we today?
» We have set ambitious climate action goals
and aim to be carbon neutral by 2050; overall
emissions have decreased since 2005.
» Like many Front Range communities, we do not
meet national air quality standards for ozone;
the Air Quality Plan continues to prioritize
improvements in this area.
» Although other policies and documents guide
long-term actions, climate adaptation and
resilience is not systematically integrated into
our policies, plans, and processes.
» We have the potential to reach our 2030 goal to
reduce GHGs by 80%, but shifts in development
patterns, travel behaviors and other steps will
be needed to realize this reduction.
» Many residents have access to a park or natural
area within a 10-minute walk of their home,
though gaps still remain.
City Plan principles and policies play a significant
role in supporting the community’s ongoing
efforts to protect the climate and our environment
with ambitious climate action goals. Additional
transportation options and increased density along
key transit corridors will result in a smaller land use
footprint, reduced vehicle miles traveled, increased
walkability and bikeability, and smaller housing
unit sizes. This in turn translates to reduced energy
use, lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and
water demand, and improved health outcomes. In
addition, City Plan helps advance the community’s
Nature in the City goals—providing opportunities
for habitat, recreation, and connection to the
outdoors.
How does it all connect?
Acting on climate can sometimes seem like a
daunting challenge at the local level. What it means
in Fort Collins is to reduce our emissions from the
electricity, natural gas, transportation, waste, and
water sectors. For example:
Policies in the Environmental Health section address
the needs for a carbon neutral electricity system
and reducing waste sent to the landfill. In other
sections, policies advance electric vehicles and
multi-modal transportation opportunities to offer
new ways for residents and businesses to access
Fort Collins’ amenities while making trips with a
lower carbon impact.
What impact will City Plan have
on the community’s climate action
goals?
City Plan will reduce emissions by encouraging
denser land use in some locations and
enhancing opportunities for alternative means
of transportation (walking, biking, and transit).
Even with these efforts, there is still the potential
for overall emissions to grow as our population
increases.
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 33
WHERE WILL WE FOCUS OUR EFFORTS?
Updates as part of the City Plan process reflect a focus on:
» Prioritizing pragmatic, positive,
and cost-effective solutions
Policies seek to ensure
affordability, reliability
and sustainability in their
implementation.
» Promoting sustainable
development practices
Policies seek to reduce net energy
and water use in new and existing
development.
» Water Resources
Policies seek to ensure water is
used wisely and our community is
prepared for a changing climate.
» Transition from fossil fuel to
renewable energy systems
Focus on policies and
infrastructure to transition
electricity sources, natural gas
use in buildings and petroleum
for transportation to renewably
supplied electricity.
» Aligning land use and
transportation decisions
The Structure Plan and
Transportation Plan work in
tandem to promote development
patterns and transportation
behaviors that reduce VMT.
» Coordinating climate adaptation
and resilience planning efforts
City Plan provides a coordinated
and cohesive set of policies
to support ongoing climate
adaptation and resilience planning
throughout the community.
» Increasing access to
Nature in the City
Policies seek to increase the
number of residents that have
access to natural areas, parks,
and/or open space within a
10-minute walk of their home,
emphasizing existing gaps and
areas planned for intensification.
20% REDUCTION
2005 2017
2020
2030
2050
80% REDUCTION
NEUTRAL
BY 2050
CARBON
DOWN
17%
34 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
PRINCIPLES & POLICIES
03 City Plan establishes the overall policy foundation for the City of
Fort Collins. This chapter includes principles and policies for each
of the seven outcome areas. These principles and polices should be
used as a reference as questions arise or when general guidance
is needed about the City’s policy on a particular topic during day-
to-day decision-making. Supporting information in each outcome
area also provides the user with relevant background information
and more detailed policy guidance, where applicable. While Part 6
contains recommended strategies to support principles and policies
in each outcome area, it is important to note that not every policy
in this section has a corresponding strategy. Many of the broader
policy objectives in City Plan will be, or are already being, carried out
through the day-to-day actions of City staff, the City Council, and
the Planning and Zoning Commission.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 35
“Livability to me means
affordable housing,
access to exercise and
nature, the ability to raise
a family, and a feeling of
inclusion...”
-Resident comment
DRAFT 3.15.19
36 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY AND
SOCIAL HEALTH
Community and Neighborhood Livability refer to
the overall physical character of the community, and
the ability of all residents to live happy, healthy, and
fulfilling lives. Strong neighborhoods result from a
combination of factors, including, among others,
investments in services and infrastructure, access to
high-quality amenities, housing that is attainable to
residents from a range of incomes and backgrounds.
Principles in this outcome area build on and support
ongoing public and private sector initiatives, focusing
specifically on:
» Increasing the Availability of Affordable
Housing. The City and its housing partners
are pursuing a range of strategies to expand
affordable and workforce housing options, and
are active participants in ongoing discussions
with other communities in the region. Overall,
the City is striving for 6% of all housing units to
be affordable (deed/income restricted units) to
households earning 0-80% of the area median
income by 2020 and 10% of units to be affordable
by 2040. In addition, the City emphasizes
assistance priority to the lowest wage earners,
those earning 0-30% of the area median income.
Still, the production of affordable housing is
lagging. Principles and policies support ongoing
efforts and set the stage for exploring additional
strategies to confront our housing challenges.
» Managing Growth. Fort Collins is expected to
grow by 70,000 residents by 2040. How the
community manages this growth, and where it
directs the development of new housing, areas
for retail stores and services, employment, and
other uses plays a major part in maintaining
livable neighborhoods. There are longstanding
policies that encourage new growth in targeted
infill and redevelopment areas; however, past
residential growth has mainly occurred at the
periphery of the city. With diminishing supply
of vacant land, a larger percentage of future
growth is likely to occur in already developed
areas. These principles help the City to manage
growth by encouraging infill and redevelopment,
ensuring this development is compatible with
the character of the surrounding neighborhood
or area, requiring the provision of adequate
public facilities before development occurs, and
continuing the policy of new growth paying its
fair share for new services and infrastructure.
» Supporting a Sustainable Pattern of
Development. Beyond managing growth,
principles and policies for this outcome area
encourage a pattern of growth and development
that aligns with the City’s adopted goal to be
carbon neutral by 2050. The Structure Plan
provides additional guidance on where different
land uses and densities/intensities should be
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 37
Principles and policies support our Core Values by:
DRAFT 3.15.19
38 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY AND SOCIAL HEALTH
Principle LIV 1: Maintain a compact
pattern of growth that is well-served
by public facilities and encourages
the efficient use of land.
POLICY LIV 1.1 - GROWTH MANAGEMENT AREA
Continue to utilize the Growth Management Area
(GMA) surrounding Fort Collins as a tool to guide
and manage growth outside of the City limits and
delineate the extent of urban development in Fort
Collins.
POLICY LIV 1.2 - AMENDMENTS TO THE GROWTH
MANAGEMENT AREA
Maintain the GMA generally as presently configured.
Evaluate limited amendments in accordance with the
following criteria to determine whether proposed
amendments:
» Are consistent with community goals, principles,
and policies as expressed in City Plan;
» Would have positive net fiscal benefit to the
community;
» Are necessary to accommodate an activity that
cannot be reasonably accommodated on lands
within the existing GMA;
» Include land that contains any environmental
factors or hazards that make the area unsuitable
for inclusion within the GMA;
» Would allow for the logical, incremental extension
of urban services;
» Would offer a desirable new “edge” to the
community;
» Contiguous to existing developed areas of the
city; and
» Contribute to the compact urban form of the city.
POLICY LIV 1.3 - COMMUNITY EDGES
Collaborate with Larimer County and adjacent
communities to plan the edges of the Fort Collins
Growth Management Area. Provide joint guidance
on factors including, but not limited to, future land
use, development referrals, infrastructure planning,
development standards, Transfer of Development
Rights (TDR) programs, fees, community separators,
and the preservation of open lands.
POLICY LIV 1.4 - INTERGOVERNMENTAL
AGREEMENTS
Work with Larimer County and other jurisdictions
to revise Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs)
as needed. Take the following objectives into
consideration when revising IGAs:
» Institute a consistent and coordinated system
of fees and standards for development located
inside and outside the GMA.
» Encourage Larimer County to adopt development
standards for projects within the GMA a to be in
conformance with City Plan and the Land Use
Code.
Principles and Policies
WINDSOR
TIMNATH
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 39
POLICY LIV 1.5 - CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT POLICIES
Operate under the following Capital Improvement
Policies:
» Develop a multi-year plan for capital
improvements and update it annually.
» Use a variety of different funding sources to fund
capital projects with an emphasis on the “pay-as-
you-go” philosophy.
» Identify funding for operating and maintenance
costs for approved capital projects at the time
projects are approved.
POLICY LIV 1.6 - ADEQUATE PUBLIC FACILITIES
Utilize the provision of public facilities and services to
direct development to desired location, in accordance
with the following criteria:
» Direct development to locations where it
can be adequately served by critical public
facilities and services such as water, sewer,
police, transportation, schools, fire, stormwater
management, and parks, in accordance with
adopted levels of service for public facilities and
services.
» Give preferential consideration to the extension
and augmentation of public services and facilities
to accommodate infill and redevelopment before
new growth areas are prepared for development.
» Review applications for the creation of new
special service agencies and the expansion of
existing special service agencies for conformance
with these City Plan principles and policies.
» Work with Larimer County to develop plans and
policies for public services and facilities required
for new and existing development located in
unincorporated areas of the Growth Management
Area.
POLICY LIV 1.7 - FEES AND DEVELOPMENT
REQUIREMENTS
Maintain an efficient and fair system of fees and
development requirements that assesses the costs
and benefits of financing public facilities and services,
the need for which is generated by new development
and redevelopment.
Infrastructure Improvements
for pedestrians & cyclists
Development fees fund new parks
DRAFT 3.15.19
40 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY AND SOCIAL HEALTH
Principle LIV 2: Promote infill and
redevelopment.
POLICY LIV 2.1 - REVITALIZATION OF
UNDERUTILIZED PROPERTIES
Support the use of creative strategies to revitalize
vacant, blighted, or otherwise underutilized
structures and buildings—including, but not limited
to:
» Adaptive reuse of existing buildings (particularly
those that have historic significance);
» Infill of existing surface parking lots—particularly
in areas that are currently, or will be served by
bus rapid transit (BRT) and/or high frequency
transit in the future;
» Public/private partnerships;
» Infrastructure improvements/upgrades;
» Streetscape enhancements;
» Voluntary consolidation and assemblage of
properties to coordinate the redevelopment of
blocks or segments of corridors where individual
property configurations would otherwise limit
redevelopment potential;
POLICY LIV 2.2 - PRIORITY LOCATIONS FOR
INFILL AND REDEVELOPMENT
Prioritize public investments in infrastructure/
improvements in the following areas:
» Urban Renewal Areas;
» Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts;
» Downtown District;
» Urban Mixed-Use Districts;
» Mixed-Employment Districts; and
» Metro Districts.
Make regulatory and other incentives available only
to projects that are consistent with the long-term
vision for these districts in terms of density, intensity,
and the overall mix of uses.
POLICY LIV 2.3 - TRANSIT-ORIENTED
DEVELOPMENT
Require higher-density housing and mixed-use
development in locations that are currently, or will be
served by BRT and/or high frequency transit in the
future, as infill and redevelopment occurs.
FORT COLLINS URBAN RENEWAL
AUTHORITY
The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) focuses
on the redeveloping urban core, with particular
attention towards areas with aging infrastructure
and unsafe conditions. Through financial
incentives and strategic partnerships, the
URA attracts private sector investment to the
urban core to achieve the community’s desired
vision. Specifically, the URA is authorized to
use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to stimulate
development. TIF is a tool to remove blight and
finance public improvements. This is done through
the diversion of future property tax revenue
into the URA to pay for public infrastructure
improvements such as sidewalks, recreation
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 41
Principle LIV 3: Maintain and
enhance our unique character and
sense of place as the community
grows.
POLICY LIV 3.1 - PUBLIC AMENITIES
Design streets and other public spaces with the
comfort and enjoyment of pedestrians in mind.
Incorporate features such as plazas, pocket parks,
patios, children’s play areas, transit facilities,
sidewalks, pathways, “street furniture” such as
benches and planters, and public art as part of
development projects.
POLICY LIV 3.2 - ACCESS TO OUTDOOR SPACES
Incorporate Nature in the City principles and other
outdoor amenities into the design of high-density
projects, particularly in areas lacking convenient and
direct access to nature.
POLICY LIV 3.3 - GATEWAYS
Enhance and accentuate the community’s gateways,
including Interstate 25 interchanges and College
Avenue, to provide a coordinated and positive
community entrance. Gateway design elements may
include streetscape design, supportive land uses,
building architecture, landscaping, signage, lighting,
and public art.
POLICY LIV 3.4 - DESIGN STANDARDS AND
GUIDELINES
Maintain a robust set of citywide design standards
as part of the City’s Land Use Code to ensure a
flexible, yet predictable level of quality for future
development that advances the community’s
sustainability goals, e.g, climate action. Continue
to develop and adopt location-specific standards
or guidelines where unique characteristics exist to
promote the compatibility of infill redevelopment.
POLICY LIV 3.5 - DISTINCTIVE DESIGN
Require the adaptation of standardized corporate
architecture to reflect local values and ensure
the community’s appearance remains unique.
Development should not consist solely of repetitive
design that may be found in other communities.
POLICY LIV 3.6 - CONTEXT SENSITIVE
DEVELOPMENT
Ensure all development contributes to the positive
character of the surrounding area. Building materials,
architectural details, color range, building massing,
and relationships to streets and sidewalks should be
tailored to the surrounding district or neighborhood.
POLICY LIV 3.7 - CIVIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
Locate prominent civic facilities and grounds—
such as community buildings, government offices,
recreation centers, post offices, libraries, schools,
and plazas—in prominent and central locations as
highly visible focal points. They should be close to
major transit stops, and be designed to support
sustainability outcomes.
City of Fort Collins Utilities Administration Building
DRAFT 3.15.19
42 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY AND SOCIAL HEALTH
Principle LIV 4: Enhance
neighborhood livability.
POLICY LIV 4.1 - NEW NEIGHBORHOODS
Encourage creativity in the design and construction
of new neighborhoods that:
» Provide a unifying and interconnected framework
of streets, sidewalks, walkway spines, and other
public spaces;
» Expand housing options;
» Offer opportunities to age in place;
» Improve access to services and amenities; and
» Incorporate unique site conditions.
POLICY LIV 4.2 - COMPATIBILITY OF ADJACENT
DEVELOPMENT
Ensure development that occurs in adjacent districts
complements and enhances the positive qualities of
existing neighborhoods. Developments that share a
property line and/or street frontage with an existing
neighborhood should promote compatibility by:
» Continuing established block patterns and streets
to improve access to services and amenities from
the adjacent neighborhood;
» Incorporating context-sensitive buildings and site
features (e.g. Similar size, scale, and materials);
and
» Locating parking and service areas where
impacts on existing neighborhoods—such as
noise and traffic— will be minimized.
POLICY LIV 4.3 - NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES AND
AMENITIES
Encourage the addition of new services,
conveniences, and/or gathering places in existing
neighborhoods that lack such facilities, provided they
meet applicable performance and design standards.
Consider additional tools such as a conditional use
permit process and expanding home occupation
provisions.
POLICY LIV 4.4 - CULTURALLY RELEVANT
GATHERING PLACES
Promote the addition and retention of culturally
relevant businesses, gathering places, and services
in existing neighborhoods and commercial areas
to maintain and enhance a sense of welcome and
inclusion as redevelopment occurs.
Principle LIV 5: Create more
opportunities for housing choices.
POLICY LIV 5.1 - HOUSING OPTIONS
Encourage a variety of housing types and densities,
including mixed-used developments that are
well-served by public transportation and close
to employment centers, shopping, services, and
amenities.
POLICY LIV 5.2 - SUPPLY OF ATTAINABLE
HOUSING
Encourage public and private sectors to maintain and
develop a diverse range of housing options attainable
to residents earning the median income, including:
accessory dwelling units, duplexes, townhomes,
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 43
Principle LIV 6: Improve access to
housing that meets the needs of
residents regardless of their race,
ethnicity, age, ability, lifestyle, or
income.
POLICY LIV 6.1 - BASIC ACCESS
Support the construction of housing units with
practical features that provide basic access and
functionality for people of all ages and widely varying
mobilities.
POLICY LIV 6.2 - SPECIALIZED HOUSING NEEDS
Plan for populations within the community who have
specialized housing needs. Residential-care and
treatment facilities, shelters, permanent supportive
housing, group homes, and senior housing should be
integrated throughout the Growth Management Area
in areas that are well-served by amenities and public
transportation.
POLICY LIV 6.3 - STUDENT HOUSING
Plan for and encourage new housing for students
on and near campuses and in areas well-served by
public transportation.
POLICY LIV 6.4 - PERMANENT SUPPLY OF
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Create and maintain an up-to-date inventory of
affordable housing in the community. Pursue policy
and regulatory changes that will encourage the
rehabilitation and retention of affordable housing in
perpetuity.
POLICY LIV 6.5 - AGING IN PLACE
Retain attainable housing options in existing
neighborhoods so residents can “age in place.”
POLICY LIV 6.6 - AFFORDABLE HOUSING
PROGRAMS
Support the development and provision of
affordable housing in the community by maintaining
dedicated sources of funding for affordable housing
services and programs including management of a
competitive process for federal and local funding,
development incentives, homebuyer assistance, and
the Land Bank program.
POLICY LIV 6.7 - INCENTIVES
Support and encourage the private development of
affordable housing by offering incentives, such as
special assistance to offset the costs of the City’s
impact fees and development requirements, rebates
for energy saving features, and reducing barriers
to the construction of and the rehabilitation of
affordable housing units.
HOUSING OPTIONS
As the community’s demographics change,
Fort Collins and local partners are committed
to solutions and new ideas to promote housing
options that meet the needs of all residents.
Access and options for housing that suits different
abilities, lifestyles, and ages is an important
element in creating a community where residents
feel welcome, safe, and valued. Fort Collins’ Social
Sustainability Department, alongside non-profit
44 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY AND SOCIAL HEALTH
POLICY LIV 6.8 - MONITOR HOUSING
AFFORDABILITY
Collect, maintain, and disseminate information on
housing affordability such as cost, demand, and
supply of affordable housing stock.
POLICY LIV 6.9 - PREVENT DISPLACEMENT
Build the capacity of homeowner groups, affordable
housing providers, and support organizations to
enable the purchase, rehabilitation, and long-term
management of affordable housing. Particular
emphasis should be given to mobile home parks
located in infill and redevelopment areas.
POLICY LIV 6.10 - MITIGATE DISPLACEMENT
IMPACTS
Mitigate the impacts to residents displaced through
the closure of manufactured housing parks or
conversion of rental apartments, including single
room occupancy units, to condominiums or other
uses.
Principle LIV 7: Promote a more
inclusive and equitable community
that encourages and celebrates
diversity.
POLICY LIV 7.1 - ACCEPTANCE, INCLUSION, AND
RESPECT
Identify opportunities to promote acceptance,
inclusion and respect for diversity. Discourage all
forms of discrimination, in addition to the specific
characteristics that are protected by law
POLICY LIV 7.2 - DIVERSITY
Celebrate Fort Collins’ diverse community through
activities that promote learning and understanding of
different ethnic and cultural groups, such as working
with partners and cultural leaders, co-creation of
cultural events and activities, and responsiveness to
community vision.
POLICY LIV 7.3 - CULTURAL COMPETENCY
Provide City services and share information in a
manner that is culturally and linguistically relevant to
a range of residents.
POLICY LIV 7.4 - EQUITY CONSIDERATIONS
Include considerations for equity in decision-
making processes across the City organization
to ensure the benefits and/or burdens of City
actions or investments are shared fairly and do
not disproportionately affect a particular group or
geographic location over others.
Special Olympics
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 45
Principle LIV 8: Develop an
equitable, comprehensive,
coordinated, and efficient system
of health and human services that is
accessible to all residents in need of
assistance.
POLICY LIV 8.1 - HEALTH AND SAFETY
ORDINANCES
Foster healthy and safe environments by continuing
enforcement of current health and safety ordinances
related to tobacco and alcohol use, noise, snow
removal, dismount zones, and other health,
environmental, and nuisance topics.
POLICY LIV 8.2 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE
PROVIDERS
Rely upon health and human service organizations
to provide community health and human services,
and focus on improved communication, education,
accessibility, and collaboration in order to enhance
overall physical and mental health, safety, and
wellness of the community.
POLICY LIV 8.3 - PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
Partner, fund, collaborate with local service providers
to ensure adequate level of assistance for human
service needs including: affordable childcare,
homelessness services, mental illness and substance
use disorders, food access, workforce development,
education, etc.
POLICY LIV 8.4 - CITY REAL ESTATE
Continue leveraging underutilized City facilities and
real estate assets for use by local non-profit and
partner agencies providing community benefits such
as childcare, supportive housing, food access, and
other services. Consider competitive short and long-
term lease or sale opportunities while balancing the
City’s financial responsibilities.
POLICY LIV 8.5 - FACILITY SITING AND ACCESS
Encourage health and human services providers
to carefully consider locations of new facilities and
transportation implications, provide transportation
to services, and coordinate with the public
transportation system, particularly areas that are or
will be served by high-frequency transit.
POLICY LIV 8.6 - HOMELESSNESS
Continue to collaborate with partner organizations
on the implementation of Fort Collins’ plan to make
homelessness rare, short-lived, and non-recurring.
Human Services Partner Event
Permanent Supportive Housing
DRAFT 3.15.19
46 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY AND SOCIAL HEALTH
Principle LIV 9: Encourage
development that reduces impacts
on natural ecosystems and promotes
sustainability and resilience.
POLICY LIV 9.1 - EFFICIENCY AND RESOURCE
CONSERVATION
Reduce net energy and water use of new and existing
buildings through energy efficiency programs,
incentives, building and energy code regulations, and
electrification and integration of solar.
POLICY LIV 9.2 - OUTDOOR WATER USE
Promote reductions in outdoor water use by
selecting low water use plant materials, using
efficient irrigation, improving the soil before planting,
and exploring opportunities to use nonpotable water
for irrigation.
POLICY LIV 9.3 - URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT
Encourage the use of site and building features, such
as shade trees or reflective materials, to reduce heat
absorption by exterior surfaces, provide shade, or
otherwise mitigate the urban heat island effect.
POLICY LIV 9.4 - SOLAR ORIENTATION
Orient buildings, streets, and public spaces to
take advantage of active and passive solar energy.
Consider factors such as landscaping, window
placement, overhangs, and building location to
heat homes, reduce snow and ice buildup on
neighborhood streets, and enhance the comfort of
public spaces.
Habitat for Humanity project
with solar integration
Xeriscape Garden Party
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 47
Avery House
Principle LIV 10: Recognize, protect
and enhance historic resources.
POLICY LIV 10.1 - IDENTIFY HISTORIC RESOURCES
Determine through survey what historic resources
exist within the Growth Management Area, how
significant these resources are, the nature and degree
of threat to their preservation, and methods for their
protection.
POLICY LIV 10.2 - PRESERVE HISTORIC
RESOURCES
Preserve historically significant buildings, sites
and structures throughout Downtown and
the community. Ensure that new construction
respects the existing architectural character of the
surrounding historic resources without artificially
duplicating historic elements.
POLICY LIV 10.3 - INCREASE APPRECIATION OF
VALUE
Increase awareness, understanding of, and
appreciation for the value of historic preservation in
contributing to the sense of place, sustainability, and
quality of life in Fort Collins.
POLICY LIV 10.4 - FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
Use incentives to encourage and leverage private
sector investment in the rehabilitation of historic
resources.
POLICY LIV 10.5 - PLANNING AND ENFORCEMENT
Recognize the contribution of historic resources to
the quality of life in Fort Collins through ongoing
planning efforts and enforcement of regulations.
POLICY LIV 10.6 - LANDMARK DESIGNATION
Actively encourage property owners to designate
eligible properties as historic landmarks.
POLICY LIV 10.7 - INTEGRATE AND ADAPTIVELY
REUSE HISTORIC RESOURCES
Maintain the value of materials embodied in existing
buildings and avoid the environmental costs of
demolition and new construction, by encouraging
creative reuse of historic resources in redevelopment
activities.
POLICY LIV 10.8 - ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Support energy efficiency improvements that
contribute to the integrity and longevity of historic
structures without compromising the historic
resource.
Senior housing; former Northern Hotel
DRAFT 3.15.19
48 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
CULTURE AND RECREATION
Access to culture and recreation enriches the day-
to-day experiences and quality of life of Fort Collins
residents, while also contributing to positive physical
and mental health. Fort Collins has numerous plans
in place to help guide future investments in these
amenities and ensure that programs and facilities are
aligned with the dynamic needs of the community.
Principles and policies for this outcome area will be
used to help advance these ongoing efforts as the
city grows and changes over time:
» Aligning City Plan with FoCo Creates. FoCo
Creates defines the community’s vision for
arts and culture and establishes roles and
responsibilities for the City in supporting arts and
culture in Fort Collins. While the process is still
underway, initial feedback from the community
indicates that residents want more arts and
cultural opportunities in the city, including
programs, exhibits, events, and public art, as well
as greater support for creatives and creative
industries. Moving forward, the policy directions
provided in City Plan will be coordinated with
those of FoCo Creates to ensure both plans are
supportive and aligned with one another.
» Expanding Access to Culture and Recreational
Opportunities. As the City continues to expand
the number and types of arts, cultural, and
recreational opportunities available to residents
and visitors, it will be important to ensure that all
are able to access these opportunities regardless
of their age, race, income, or ability. City Plan
supports adaptive recreation programs and other
efforts to ensure that cultural and recreational
opportunities are not just conveniently located,
but that they are affordable to people of varying
abilities and income levels.
» Adapting Parks and Recreational Facilities
to meet the needs of a changing community.
Fort Collins residents value the community’s
world-class parks, recreation facilities, and trails.
The City should continue to plan for a well-
balanced system of parks, trails, natural areas,
and recreation facilities to keep up with current
and future demand and address underserved
areas. At the same time, it will be important to
continually reinvest in existing parks and facilities
to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the
residents they serve.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 49
Principles and policies support our Core Values by:
DRAFT 3.15.19
50 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
CULTURE AND RECREATION
Principle CR 1: Build Fort Collins’
identity as a thriving cultural and
creative destination by supporting
an inclusive and equitable arts,
culture, and creative community.
POLICY CR 1.1 - EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Through the arts, foster an inclusive and equitable
cultural and creative community that represents all
residents.
POLICY CR 1.2 - CREATIVE DESTINATION
Support and advocate for the creative industries
in Fort Collins, emphasizing the importance of the
creative economy and building the City’s reputation
as a destination for innovative companies and people.
POLICY CR 1.3 - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Enhance the City’s cultural facilities and city-wide
programs to address community growth and
demand, supporting the community’s vibrancy and
health.
POLICY CR 1.4 - SUSTAINED AND THRIVING
SECTOR
Explore and support the creation of new sustainable
public and private funding sources to cultivate
a vibrant and healthy cultural and creative
sector. Evaluate current funding mechanisms for
effectiveness and alignment to future goals and
vision.
POLICY LIV 1.5 - DYNAMIC IDENTITY
Build Fort Collins’ creative, arts, and culture brand
identify and visibility; communicate it effectively to
the community, the region, and beyond.
Principles and Policies
ARTS AND CULTURE
PLAN UPDATE
FoCo Creates is a visionary 10-year master plan to
guide investment and strategies to ensure that the
vision articulated in the master plan is achieved.
The plan leverages the City’s role to develop an
environment in which arts, culture, and science
are an integral part of the community.
An update to FoCo Creates is currently underway.
The final plan will work in tandem with the
principles and policies in CIty Plan
Fiesta de Movimiento Comunitario de Hickory Street
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 51
Principle CR 2: Provide a variety
of high quality outdoor and indoor
recreational opportunities that are
accessible to all residents.
POLICY CR 2.1 - RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES
Maintain and facilitate the development of a well-
balanced system of parks, trails, natural areas and
recreation facilities that provide residents and visitors
of all ages, abilities, and income levels with a variety
of recreational opportunities.
POLICY CR 2.2 - INTERCONNECTED SYSTEM
Support an interconnected regional and local
system of parks, trails and open lands that balances
recreation needs with the need to protect wildlife
habitat and other environmentally sensitive areas.
Where appropriate, place trails along irrigation
ditches and storm drainageways to connect to
destinations such as schools, open lands, and
Neighborhood Centers.
POLICY CR 2.3 - PUBLIC AND PRIVATE
PARTNERSHIPS
Develop and maintain effective public and private
partnerships to provide a comprehensive system
of parks, common open lands, and outdoor spaces
equitably throughout the community.
Principle CR 3: Adapt and expand
parks and recreation facilities and
programs to meet the needs of a
changing community.
POLICY CR 3.1 - CHANGING NEEDS
Seek input from the public and review recreation
trends to adapt existing and future facilities
and programs to meet the needs of a changing
population and community.
POLICY CR 3.2 - MULTI-PURPOSE LANDS
Maintain and develop partnerships among City
departments and other organizations to provide
multi-purpose parks and natural areas to maximize
and leverage available resources.
POLICY CR 3.3 - JOINT FACILITIES
Pursue partnerships among City departments and
with other organizations to develop versatile and
joint recreational facilities in the future to maximize
recreational offerings and available resources.
POLICY CR 3.4 - BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Follow environmental best management practices for
the maintenance of parks and recreation facilities.
PARKS AND RECREATION
The Parks and Recreation Policy Plan serves as
a guide for city staff regarding the development
and stewardship of the City’s parks, trails, and
recreation facilities program. The plan addresses
the continued challenge to effectively utilize
limited resources to provide parks, trails and
recreation services to a growing community.
Additional focus has been made towards
sustainable practices to ensure the protection
of the environment through the continued
development of new park facilities.
52 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
ECONOMIC HEALTH
Economic health refers to the overall vitality and
soundness of our local economy. A healthy economy
is one that is vibrant, resilient, and provides a diverse
range of quality employment opportunities to
residents. The success of a local economy depends
on regional, national, and even global factors. The
forward-looking principles and policies in this
outcome area support the Economic Health Strategic
Plan, which establishes a framework for strategic
investments, business engagement, redevelopment,
and support for an innovation ecosystem. Specifically,
principles and policies address:
» Economic Performance. The City has met or
exceeded targets on a variety of economic
performance metrics in recent years, including
the local unemployment rate, percent change
in local jobs, and new commercial permit dollar
volume per capita. This was influenced, in part,
by partnerships and strategic programs run by
the City to support economic growth. Moving
forward, continued support for ongoing efforts
will be needed, along with a focus on identifying
new approaches the City can take to maintain its
role as a key partner in our local economy.
» Supply and Location of Developable Land.
Fort Collins has an adequate supply of land,
in aggregate, to support its future needs for
employment and commercial land. However,
available vacant developable lands have not
been competitive at capturing employment
growth, and/or are located in areas that lack
infrastructure to support development. Regular
monitoring of the City’s employment land supply
will be needed to keep it balanced with demand,
and revisions to the Structure Plan map and
zoning may also be needed periodically.
» Space Needs for Businesses. While there are
many new businesses being formed in Fort
Collins and local jobs are growing, there is a need
for space for these companies to grow. Limited
vacancy in the industrial market and a lack of
new Class “A” office space development may
lead companies to look outside of Fort Collins to
expand. Principles and policies in this outcome
area encourage the City to work with the private
sector to continually evaluate business needs
for space and respond to any deficiencies
with incentives and other forms of strategic
partnerships.
» Workforce Skills and Economic Opportunities.
Labor shortages and underemployment are two
major issues affecting the region’s economy.
Looking to the future, employment opportunities
are forecast to outpace growth in the workforce
widening the labor gap. Principles and policies
in this outcome area address this imbalance by
encouraging the City to work with employers,
educational institutions, and other economic
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 53
Principles and policies support our Core Values by:
DRAFT 3.15.19
54 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
ECONOMIC HEALTH
Principle EH 1: Foster a vibrant,
resilient, and inclusive economy.
POLICY EH 1.1 - SUPPORT JOB CREATION
Support the enhancement of the community’s
economic base and job creation by focusing on
retention, expansion, incubation, and recruitment
efforts that bring jobs and import income or dollars
to the community, particularly businesses in the
adopted Target Industry Clusters.
POLICY EH 1.2 - IMPROVE BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT
Support the identification and refinement of
services for our business customer by engaging
businesses of all sizes and across all industries.
The business community is an essential partner in
fostering a vibrant, resilient and inclusive economy.
This engagement should support the development
and modification of best practices related capital
construction management, land use code decisions,
and capital project prioritization.
POLICY EH 1.3 - SALES TAX REVENUE
Support the retention and recruitment of retailers
or development projects that have a high potential
impact on sales tax generation, specifically focused
on increasing retail sales inflow and reducing retail
sales leakage. Support programs that encourage
residents to spend retail dollars locally before looking
elsewhere for goods and services.
POLICY EH 1.4 - STRATEGIC ECONOMIC
INVESTMENTS
Emphasize job creation, retail sales tax revenue,
and essential infrastructure/capital facilities when
considering direct economic investments, because
these community goals create a vibrant and resilient
economy. However, also consider the economic,
environmental, and human- related community
goals set forth in this document when making these
investments. Investments may include the direct
assistance of private businesses and/or projects
when they delivery on these community objectives.
POLICY EH 1.5 - NIGHTTIME ECONOMY
The nighttime economy, which includes nightlife,
bars, entertainment, restaurants, and other evening
activities, positively contributes to the community’s
vitality. The unique needs and impacts of the
nighttime economy should be recognized and
addressed through collaborative efforts in the
interest of safety, vibrancy, and quality of life for all
stakeholders.
Principle EH 2: Support
entrepreneurship and innovation.
POLICY EH 2.1 - INNOVATION ECONOMY
Support a regional innovation ecosystem that fuels
business development and job creation by leveraging
local assets including human capital, research
institutions, industrial base, physical infrastructure,
and quality of life.
POLICY EH 2.2 - ASSETS TO SUPPORT
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 55
Principle EH 3: Support local, unique,
and creative businesses.
POLICY EH 3.1 - BUSINESS PROGRAMS
Work with the local business community to ensure
economic development strategies and plans are
identified to improve economic health. Collectively
identify programs and support efforts that will help
existing businesses and new business creation.
Analyze barriers to the retention of businesses and
employees, including access to affordable childcare
and attainable housing.
POLICY EH 3.2 - LOCAL AND CREATIVE
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Identify and work with local entrepreneurs and
creative enterprises to strengthen existing businesses
and incubate new businesses. This will result in the
creation of jobs, improved cultural awareness, and
growth in the creative economy.
POLICY EH 3.3 - STRENGTHEN UNIQUE AND
LOCAL INDUSTRY
Identify businesses and professions that are unique to
Fort Collins and highlight those opportunities to drive
economic development in the city. Showcase these
local business, such as the local brewing industry,
in promotional efforts to increase local and national
awareness and recognition of the locally grown
businesses.
Odell Brewing Company Headquarters
DRAFT 3.15.19
56 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
ECONOMIC HEALTH
Principle EH 4: Ensure an adequate
and competitive supply of space
and/or land is available to support
the needs of businesses and
employers of all sizes.
POLICY EH 4.1 - TARGETED EMPLOYMENT AND
MIXED-USE AREAS
Create and maintain plans for targeted employment
areas (Downtown, Midtown, Harmony Corridor,
I-25 interchange areas, and Mulberry Corridor) to
support investment and (re)development in these
areas to create new places for employment to grow.
Encourage and support higher intensity employment
uses through land use policies and investment in
infrastructure and services, such as transit, that
support these employment areas.
POLICY EH 4.2 - INFILL AND REDEVELOPMENT
BARRIERS IN MIXED-USE EMPLOYMENT DISTRICTS
Develop new and modify current policies, procedures,
and practices to reduce and resolve barriers to
infill development and redevelopment in mixed-
use employment districts. Utilize and support
public funding and financing tools that facilitate
redevelopment, reduce costs associated with
redevelopment, increase access to amenities and
services, and address feasibility gaps.
POLICY EH 4.3 - ESSENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE/
CAPITAL FACILITIES
Prioritize investment in infrastructure that supports
economic health activities within the constraints of
City financial resources and that satisfies the triple
bottom line objectives of the community.
POLICY EH 4.4 - FUTURE EMPLOYMENT AREAS
Align the Structure Plan and development regulations
to support the areas that are desirable and suitable
for future employment growth needs. Identify
deficiencies in these areas that need to be addressed
to make them suitable and desirable.
Economic Health Listening Session
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 57
Principle EH 5: Engage and
help shape regional economic
development efforts.
POLICY ENV 5.1 - ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIPS
Collaborate with the business community, various
business organizations, educational institutions
(e.g., Front Range Community College), regional
research and development institutions (e.g., Colorado
State University, Center For Disease Control),
and economic development organizations (e.g.,
Fort Collins Area Chamber, One NoCO, Upstate
Colorado, Larimer County Economic and Workforce
Development, and adjacent communities in both
Larimer and Weld) to encourage and support
a healthy economy, to provide employment
opportunities, increase private investment, and
improve the quality of life for Fort Collins residents.
POLICY EH 5.2 - UNIFIED VISION
Work collaboratively with partners to create a unified
regional vision for sustained economic growth.
Provide a leading example through the economic
efforts of the City to help develop the vision.
POLICY EH 5.3 - FORT COLLINS/LOVELAND
AIRPORT
Support the Northern Colorado Regional Airport as
a regional transportation destination to provide the
economic development benefits associated with
having an airport in close proximity.
POLICY EH 5.4 - REGIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Actively participate in conversations with other
municipalities, organizations, and regional leaders
to collaborate on upgrading transportation and
other regional infrastructure to fulfill Fort Collins’
goals. These discussions shall focus on the benefits
that may be created for Fort Collins and consider
the goals in this plan with respect to economic,
environmental, and human objectives.
Principle EH 6: Support the
development of a skilled and
qualified workforce that is well-
connected to employment
opportunities in the city and region.
POLICY EH 6.1 - BALANCED GROWTH
Ensure the Structure Plan supports a mixture of
housing and employment growth to allow for workers
to have an opportunity to live in the community and
reduce the needs of employers to rely on workers
coming in from outside the City and Region.
POLICY EH 6.2 - CAREER PATHWAYS
Collaborate with regional partners to align workforce
efforts and educational institutions’ offerings with
local business needs to ensure residents have the
skills needed to support the local economy and have
opportunity to grow in their career paths locally.
POLICY EH 6.3 - YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
Educate young residents of the diversity of career
opportunities available locally and on educational
resources that can help create opportunities for
future careers.
58 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Protecting and enhancing the environment is a core
value in Fort Collins, and the community’s leadership
on environmental stewardship and conservation
reinforces that core value. We adopted our first
Open Space Plan in 1974, created the Natural Areas
Program in 1992, and established our first climate
action goals in 1999. This plan provides principles
and policies to continue the advancement of
environmental health with the following themes:
» Climate Action Goals. Fort Collins aims to be
carbon neutral by 2050, and already, we’ve
managed to reduce our emissions by over
17% while also growing our population and
local economy. The principles in this outcome
area continue to support ongoing climate
mitigation efforts, e.g., reducing emissions
from energy, waste, and transportation, while
ensuring solutions continued to be designed for
affordability, equitable access, and to preserve
the incredible quality of life residents enjoy.
» Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience.
Even if we are successful in reaching our climate
action goals, the reality is global climate change
is already occurring and is having an impact
on our community. Understanding what these
threats are and how we prepare for and adapt to
their impacts will be important to ensuring Fort
Collins can be resilient to changes in our climate.
These impacts include more frequent days of
extreme heat, increased frequency and duration
of droughts, greater wildfire risks and poorer air
quality. Principles in this outcome area recognize
mitigation and resilience solutions must be
addressed systematically and be integrated into
the City’s day-to-day operations.
» Resource Management and Conservation.
Managing impacts to the community’s natural
resources will continue to be a major focus
of City Plan. Conservation of wildlife habitats,
community separators, urban and exurban
forests, the Poudre River corridor and the
integration of nature into the urban fabric
ensures enjoyment by future generations. These
efforts are particularly important as the region’s
population continues to grow.
» Air Quality. Although air quality is generally
considered good, there are still areas where
we need to focus improvements. For example,
we currently do not meet federal standards for
ozone, and indoor air quality is an area where
the City and residents have significant influence.
The principles and policies under this outcome
area will align City Plan with ongoing air quality
efforts, including updates to the City’s air quality
plan.
» Waste Reduction & Recycling. Fort Collins is
striving to be a community of minimal waste
where discarded materials are diverted from
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 59
Principles and policies support our Core Values by:
DRAFT 3.15.19
60 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Principle ENV 1: Conserve, create
and enhance ecosystems and natural
spaces within Fort Collins, the
Growth Management Area, and the
region.
POLICY ENV 1.1 - PUBLIC OPEN LANDS
Maintain a system of publicly-owned natural areas
to maintain the integrity of wildlife habitat and
conservation sites, protect corridors between natural
areas, conserve outstanding examples of Fort Collins’
diverse natural heritage, and provide a broad range
of opportunities for educational, interpretive, and
recreational programs to meet community needs.
POLICY ENV 1.2 - LAND CONSERVATION AND
STEWARDSHIP
Continue to acquire, manage, maintain, and enhance
public open lands and natural areas in accordance
with the City’s Natural Areas Master Plan to ensure
the conservation of plants and animals in need
of conservation and their associated ecosystems,
support biodiversity, control the invasion and spread
of non-native plants, improve aesthetics, and provide
opportunities for appropriate public use.
POLICY ENV 1.3 - NATURE IN THE CITY
Conserve, protect, and enhance natural resources
and high value biological resources throughout the
Growth Management Area by:
» Directing development away from natural
features to the maximum extent feasible;
» Identifying opportunities to integrate or
reintroduce natural systems as part of the built
environment to improve habitat in urbanized
areas and expand residents’ access to nature;
» Utilizing green infrastructure to manage
stormwater and increase greenspace in public
right-of-ways, and in public and private.
» Supporting the use of a broad range of native
landscaping that enhances plant and animal
diversity.
Principles and Policies
NATURE IN THE CITY
Nature in the City’s visionary approach to
preserving and enhancing nature within the city
is “to provide a connected open space network
accessible to the entire community that provides
a variety of experiences and functional habitat
for people, plants and wildlife.” As Fort Collins
grows, it is more important than ever to ensure
nature remains a defining attribute of the city. It
stresses the importance of creating, retaining, or
reclaiming natural elements and systems within
the urban core, not just in public parks and open
spaces, but as part of existing neighborhoods and
future developments. Consistent with other City
plans, this vision will be accomplished through a
triple-bottom-line approach considering benefits
and impacts of environmental, economic, and
social variables. Nature in the City identifies three
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 61
POLICY ENV 1.4 - CONFLICT MANAGEMENT
Manage conflicts between people and public
open lands through site design, public information
and education, and plant and animal population
management techniques.
POLICY ENV 1.5 - ACCESS TO NATURE
Design trail routes in open lands to limit ecological
impacts. Determination of type of trail or suitability
for access will be made through an analysis of
potential ecological impacts and City and region-
wide recreation opportunities. Special attention will
be given to environmentally and context sensitive
trail design, location, and construction. Mitigation
strategies will be pursued to reduce or eliminate
environmental impacts should a new trail be built.
Ensure that development activities provide and
maintain access to public open land areas, where
appropriate.
POLICY ENV 1.6 - WILDLIFE CORRIDORS
Conserve and enhance wildlife movement corridors
through a network of public open lands and natural
habitat buffers along natural features such as streams
and drainageways.
Principle ENV 2: Become a carbon
neutral community by 2050 and
improve the community’s resilience
to prepare for and adapt to the
impacts of climate change.
POLICY ENV 2.1 - AFFORDABILITY, RELIABILITY,
AND SUSTAINABILITY
The community’s commitment to carbon neutrality is
predicated on preserving and enhancing the quality
of life of Fort Collins residents. Prioritize strategies
that optimize the affordability of living and thriving in
Fort Collins, continue the high standards of reliability
the community enjoys, and advance toward carbon
neutrality. Critical to the success of achieving the
climate action goals will be ensuring that solutions
are designed by and for all residents, including
underserved and underrepresented communities.
POLICY ENV 2.2 - INTEGRATE MITIGATION AND
RESILIENCE ACTIONS
Continue to implement, monitor, and periodically
update the Climate Action Plan, including strategies
for reducing carbon emissions and climate change
risks in City operations and all major planning efforts.
Promote actions in the community that improve the
community’s resilience to climate change.
Principle ENV 3: Transition from
fossil to renewable energy systems.
POLICY ENV 3.1 - RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY
Provide 100% renewable electricity supply by 2030
and continue to incentivize distributed energy
resources while maintaining affordability and
reliability.
POLICY ENV 3.2 - EFFICIENT BUILDINGS
Support continuous improvement in efficiency
for existing and new buildings through incentives,
62 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Principle ENV 4: Protect human
health and the environment by
continually improving air quality.
POLICY ENV 4.1 - PRIORITY AIR POLLUTANTS
Focus on high-priority air pollutants, as identified
in the Air Quality Plan, considering such criteria as
health impacts, community concerns, air pollution
trends, compliance with current state and federal
standards, and ability to affect improvements at the
local level.
POLICY ENV 4.2 - AIR POLLUTANT SOURCES
Implement a full spectrum of options, including
engagement, incentives and regulation, that focus on
prevention of air pollution at the source.
POLICY ENV 4.3 - REGIONAL POLLUTION
Work with local and regional partners to identify and
mitigate sources of transported pollutants which
influence our local air quality.
POLICY ENV 4.4 - OZONE ATTAINMENT
Support attainment of Federal standards for ozone
by implementing programs and policies that reduce
local emissions of ozone causing pollutants, and
supporting legislation and policy that reduces
regional transport of ozone and ozone causing
pollutants. Coordinate with key partners such as the
Regional Air Quality Commission.
POLICY ENV 4.5 - INDOOR AIR
Provide public information regarding potential indoor
air quality concerns, and promote behavior change
and public action to reduce potential risks in homes,
schools and workplaces.
POLICY ENV 4.6 - VEHICLES AND NON-ROAD
ENGINES
Promote efforts to reduce fuel consumption and
associated pollutant emissions from vehicles and
non-road engine sources, such as lawn and garden
equipment.
POLICY ENV 4.7 - MONITORING AND REPORTING
Monitor, characterize, track, and report ambient air
pollutant concentrations to increase awareness of
air quality issues, and better identify opportunities
to improve local air quality conditions and reduce
emissions.
AIR QUALITY PLAN
The Air Quality Plan sets forth policies and
strategies that will guide the City’s efforts to
improve air quality. The air quality program is
seen as one of the most important elements of
protecting residents future quality of life. The
overall purpose of the plan is to:
1. Respond to a strong citizen mandate for the
City to protect and improve air quality
2. Complement and fill gaps left by federal,
state and county efforts by providing local
education, incentives and regulation
3. Provide a long-term planning framework for
air quality protection
4. Recognize and coordinate the efforts of
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 63
Principle ENV 5: Create a zero waste
system.
POLICY ENV 5.1 - LANDFILL DIVERSION
In the interest of transforming these otherwise
wasted resources into marketable commodities,
divert recoverable materials from the landfill, based
on the hierarchy for materials management. In
particular, divert organics (such as yard trimmings
and food scraps), construction and demolition
materials, curbside recyclable materials, and
hazardous materials from landfill disposal.
POLICY ENV 5.2 - REGIONAL WASTESHED
Collaborate with regional governments on
infrastructure and policy development as well as
other entities in the educational and nonprofit
sectors for innovation and implementation. Seek
partners in the business community to help lead
toward a zero waste system that supports economic
health and community prosperity – including
attracting and retaining business in the recycle/reuse
sector. Facilitate the creation of local end markets for
materials through use of tax increment financing and
zoning that enable recycling processing businesses
to operate. Consider potential and existing recycling
and waste recovery activities as opportunities to
enhance local revenue generation and create jobs.
POLICY ENV 5.3 - REDUCE, REUSE, REFUSE
Provide education and promote the City’s goals for
reducing all types of waste at the source. Encourage
the use of durable and reusable goods to avoid low-
quality, high-polluting products such as single-use
disposables and items with a short usable life span.
POLICY ENV 5.4 - CULTURE CHANGE
Continue to identify and develop viable strategies
designed to help residents and businesses live and
operate more efficiently and sustainably to achieve
a Zero Waste system for the community. Better
understanding the costs of overconsumption and
connecting solutions to shared values will support a
population that appreciates connected communities
more than stuff.
POLICY ENV 5.5 - SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
MANAGEMENT
Employ a Sustainable Materials Management
approach to holistically address the root causes of
solid waste and the link between consumption and
climate change. View the production, acquisition,
use, and disposal of goods and food as an integrated
system with impacts and opportunities for
improvement along the entire chain.
ROAD TO ZERO WASTE
The City of Fort Collins has been committed to
reducing waste for over 20 years. In 1999, the
community set a goal to divert 50% of our waste
from landfills. In 2016, this goal of recycling or
composting more than half of all waste was
achieved. The Waste Reduction and Recycling
Plan outlines strategies to become a Zero
Waste community by 2030. Key priorities in the
64 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Principle ENV 6: Manage water
resources in a manner that enhances
and protects water quality, supply,
and reliability.
POLICY ENV 6.1 - WATER RESOURCE PLANNING
Partner and collaborate with water service providers
to ensure adequate, safe, and reliable water supplies
in accordance with the Water Supply and Demand
Management Policy. To the extent feasible, coordinate
on supply and storage development and demand
modeling.
POLICY ENV 6.2 - WATER CONSERVATION AND
EFFICIENCY
Continue and enhance water conservation, efficiency,
and education programs in accordance with the
City’s Water Efficiency Plan. Consider new and
revised land-use and site-planning standards to
reduce water use in both new and redevelopment
projects. Where possible, coordinate on programs
and services to create consistent experiences for
users regardless of their location and water service
provider.
POLICY ENV 6.3 - DROUGHTS AND
VULNERABILITY
Develop drought and vulnerability planning that
takes into consideration the future impacts of
climate change, potential demand changes from
increased urban and multifamily developments, and
other hazards and vulnerabilities, such as disruption
of supplies due to wildfires. To the extent feasible,
partner and collaborate with water service providers
in the Growth Management Area.
POLICY ENV 6.4 - DEVELOPMENT ALONG
WATERWAYS
Use development regulations, such as setbacks
from natural features and performance standards,
to conserve and protect natural resources along the
Poudre River, Spring Creek, Fossil Creek, Boxelder
Creek, and other waterways. Redevelopment in areas
with natural resource values or potential natural
values will consider the creation or enhancement of
those values.
POLICY ENV 6.5 - WATERSHED APPROACH TO
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Design stormwater systems to minimize the
introduction of human caused pollutants. Pursue
educational programs and demonstration projects to
enhance public understanding of pollution prevention
efforts. Design tributary systems for water quality
control with appropriate use of buffer areas, grass
swales, detention ponds, etc. Include receiving water
habitat restoration and protection in stormwater
master plans in conjunction with habitat mapping
efforts.
POLICY ENV 6.6 - LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT
Pursue and implement Low Impact Development
(LID) as an effective approach to address stormwater
quality and impacts to streams by urbanization.
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 65
Principle ENV 7: Manage the Poudre
River’s diverse resources and
functions to create a sustainable
river ecosystem.
POLICY ENV 7.1 - ECOLOGICAL RESILIENCE
Support a healthy river ecosystem that has the
capacity to persist and adapt over time in the face
of natural and human-caused challenges. Protect or
enhance opportunities for natural processes to drive
ecosystem renewal by:
» Working to quantify and provide adequate
in stream flows to maintain the ecological
functionality, and recreational and scenic values
of the Cache la Poudre River through Fort Collins;
» Maintaining natural area protection buffers along
both banks of the Poudre River;
» Considering vertical and lateral channel stability
with new development and redevelopment
to ensure adequate setbacks are provided to
account for lateral migration of the River channel
across the floodplain and vertical degradation;
and
» Restoring or enhancing degraded or disturbed
areas to improve natural habitat conditions,
biodiversity, and aesthetic and recreational values.
POLICY ENV 7.2 - SITING AND DESIGN OF
RECREATIONAL FEATURES
Locate and design recreational features within
the Poudre River Corridor in a way that avoids or
minimizes impacts to natural areas, wildlife habitat,
water quality, and other environmental values. Place
emphasis on integrating natural, environmental,
historic, and cultural values within new public
recreation sites.
POLICY ENV 7.3 - VISUAL RESOURCES
Locate and design development and/or recreational
facilities within the Poudre River Corridor to best
maintain or enhance views of the River, its natural
setting, the protected corridor features, and the
foothills and mountains.
POLICY ENV 7.4 - CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER
NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA
Protect historic landmarks and significant cultural
landscapes within the Cache la Poudre River National
Heritage Area using land acquisition, local landmark
designation, conservation easements, land use
policies, and development and design standards.
Support and provide historical, cultural, and
environmental learning opportunities in accordance
with adopted goals for the area.
POLICY ENV 7.5 - GRAVEL MINE RECLAMATION
Collaborate with gravel mining interests to develop
innovative approaches to gravel mine reclamation
that will provide wildlife habitat, restoration of native
landscapes, recreational opportunities, water storage,
and other public values.
POUDRE RIVER INITIATIVES
The State of the Poudre River Assessment and
Report Card provides a description of the current
66 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Principle ENV 8: Create and maintain
a safe, healthy, and resilient urban
forest.
POLICY ENV 8.1 - HEALTH OF THE URBAN FOREST
Practice sound arboriculture practices, including
diversification of species, monitoring and managing
insect and disease impacts (e.g. emerald ash borer),
and preparing for unanticipated events such as
drought, extreme weather, and the long-term effects
of climate change.
POLICY ENV 8.2 - PUBLIC SAFETY
Increase public safety throughout the urban forest
by sustaining a frequent pruning rotation and regular
tree risk assessments. This would include efforts to
reduce the creation of conflict between trees and
pedestrian and vehicular movement through “right
tree, right place.”
POLICY ENV 8.3 - GROWING ASSETS
Ensure protection of existing trees when new or
redevelopment takes place through collaboration
with other City departments and on site landscape
contractors. Trees are growing infrastructure that
appreciate in value as they age and provide aesthetic,
economic, social, and environmental benefits to
the entire community and nearby people and
development.
POLICY ENV 8.4 - COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND
OUTREACH
Continue to provide the community with balanced
and objective information to assist them in
understanding the challenges, alternatives, and
solutions to achieve a healthy and resilient urban
forest.
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 67
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68 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
SAFE COMMUNITY
Community safety is another key aspect of quality
of life in Fort Collins. Residents, workers, visitors,
and business owners alike need to feel safe and
secure in our community in order to thrive. Likewise,
our community needs to be seen as safe in order
to continue attracting new residents, employees,
and businesses. While crime prevention, fire safety,
and other public safety services remain a focus,
mitigating risks posed by natural hazards and
improving overall community health will also be
emphasized in this update to City Plan. Specifically,
principles address:
» Police and Fire. Fort Collins Police Services
emphasizes a comprehensive, community-
oriented policing strategy to address community
needs. As Fort Collins grows, policies in City
Plan focus on ensuring that Police Services
is able to remain innovative and adaptable to
effectively meet community expectations for
public safety. The Poudre Fire Authority (PFA)
is a consolidated fire and rescue service agency
that serves Fort Collins, Timnath, Laporte,
Bellvue, and surrounding areas in the Poudre
Valley Fire Protection District. Policies in City Plan
support the City’s ongoing partnership with PFA
to ensure prompt, skillful, and caring emergency
response to fires and other emergencies.
» Other Public Safety Services. Aside from the
services provided by Fort Collins Police Services
and the Poudre Fire Authority, the City of
Fort Collins supports a number of policies and
programs that promote public safety. City Plan
encourages these programs continue in the
future, and continue to adapt based on changing
needs or circumstances. In addition, ways to
create safe and welcoming parks, streets, plazas,
and other public spaces will be encouraged
through the principles and policies of this
outcome area.
» Hazard Mitigation. While our natural
environment is a strong part of what makes
Fort Collins a great place to live, it can also
pose risks that threaten our safety. Hazard
events such as flooding and wildfires are likely
to increase in frequency and severity in the
future due to climate change, a trend we must
prepare for sooner rather than later. Identifying
areas where hazards pose the greatest risk and
mitigating these potential impacts is a focus of
the principles and policies of this outcome area.
Mitigation is just one piece of this conversation.
City Plan also focuses on how we respond in the
aftermath of disasters, focusing on strategies
that allow us to quickly recover from the impacts
natural hazard events could create.
» Community Health. While emergency services
provide critical support during disasters and
emergencies, ensuring that people are able
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 69
Principles and policies support our Core Values by:
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70 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
SAFE COMMUNITY
Principle SC 1: Create public spaces
and rights-of-way that are safe and
welcoming to all users.
POLICY SC 1.1 - NEIGHBORHOOD RELATIONS
Provide and expand opportunities for neighborhood
safety and involvement by fostering good
neighborhood relations, building a sense of
community pride and involvement, promoting safe
and attractive neighborhoods, and encouraging
compliance with City Codes.
POLICY SC 1.2 - PUBLIC SAFETY THROUGH DESIGN
Provide a sense of security and safety within
buildings, parking areas, walkways, alleys,
bike lanes, public spaces, and streets through
creative placemaking and environmental design
considerations, such as adequate lighting, public art,
visibility, maintained landscaping, and location of
facilities.
Principle SC 2: Provide high-quality
public safety and emergency
response services.
POLICY SC 2.1 - POLICE SERVICES
Provide quality, cost-effective police services with
an increased focus on neighborhood policing and
particular attention to criminal activity, quality of life
issues, and visible signs of disorder.
POLICY SC 2.2 - FIRE PROTECTION
Coordinate with Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) to
foster fire and life safety as a priority within the city.
Support the PFA Strategic Plan and its mission to
protect citizens and their property by being prompt,
skillful, and caring.
POLICY SC 2.3 - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Continue to work cooperatively with University of
Colorado Health (UCH), PFA, and other emergency
providers to provide ambulance and other
emergency medical services in the community.
POLICY SC 2.4 - RESPONSE TIMES
Maintain adequate response times to calls for service
by Fort Collins residents, as determined by Fort
Collins Police Services, PFA, or UCH.
POLICY SC 2.5 - SPECIAL EVENTS
In partnership with neighborhood services and
public safety organizations, review and permit
special events throughout the community to ensure
public safety and enjoyable events for participants,
spectators and the community.
POLICY SC 2.6 - COORDINATED RESPONSES
Coordinate with Larimer County, CSU, service
providers, and neighboring jurisdictions to provide
coordinated responses to emergencies, public health
issues, and other high impact events. Where mutually
beneficial for all parties, consider intergovernmental
agreements or contracts for service with other
jurisdictions were duplication of services can be
avoided.
POLICY SC 2.7 - EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Maintain an emergency operations plan or similar
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 71
Principle SC 3: Minimize risks to
life, infrastructure, and property
from natural hazards or exposure to
hazardous materials.
POLICY SC 3.1 - HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING
Continue to implement and participate in future
updates to the Larimer County Multi-Jurisdictional
Hazard Mitigation Plan and other regional or
statewide hazard planning initiatives.
POLICY SC 3.2 - FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT
Discourage new development in the 100-year
floodplain, balancing the need to protect public
safety and allow natural hydraulic and hydrologic
processes to occur, with economic and social
objectives. Require structures and facilities that
already exist in, or unavoidably must be located in,
the floodplain to be designed to be consistent with
the intent of the standards and criteria of the City
of Fort Collins and the National Flood Insurance
Program.
POLICY SC 3.3 - FLOOD DAMAGE MITIGATION
Recognize the maintenance, restoration and
enhancement of the natural resources and the
beneficial function of floodplains is a concurrent goal
with reducing human and wildlife vulnerability to
flood damage.
POLICY SC 3.4 - WILDLAND FIRES
Identify and mitigate the risk of wildland fires in and
around Fort Collins and the GMA; collaborate with
Poudre Fire Authority, Larimer County, and the US
Forest Service.
POLICY SC 3.5 - HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Work to reduce risks associated with exposure to
hazardous materials that are used in or transported
through the city.
2013 Flooding
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72 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
SAFE COMMUNITY
Principle SC 4: Provide opportunities
for residents to lead healthy and
active lifestyles and improve access
to local food.
POLICY SC 4.1 - ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
Support means of physically active transportation
(e.g., bicycling, walking, wheelchairs, etc.) by
continuing bike and pedestrian safety education
and encouragement programs, providing law
enforcement, and maintaining bike lanes, sidewalks,
trails, lighting, and facilities for easy and safe use, as
outlined in the Pedestrian Plan and Bicycle Plan.
POLICY SC 4.2 - DESIGN FOR ACTIVE LIVING
Promote neighborhood and community design that
encourages physical activity by establishing easy
and equitable access to parks and trails, providing
interesting routes that feature art and other visually
interesting elements, and locating neighborhoods
close to activity centers and services so that
physically active modes of transportation are a
desirable and convenient choice.
POLICY SC 4.3 - COMMUNITY GARDENS AND
MARKETS
Support cooperative efforts to establish community
gardens, support and maintain new and existing
local producers, and encourage retail opportunities,
markets, and Community Supported Agriculture
shares (CSAs).
POLICY SC 4.4 - REGIONAL FOOD SYSTEM
Work collaboratively with regional partners and
producers to identify funding, leadership, and
advisory opportunities for the regional food system.
Consider developing coordinator or advisory roles
to help facilitate dialogue on regional food system
issues.
POLICY SC 4.5 - COMMUNITY HORTICULTURE
Encourage and support the establishment of
community gardens and other horticultural projects
throughout the City to provide food, beautification,
education, and other social benefits. Support the
development of community- led horticulture projects
and agricultural activities on appropriate City-owned
lands (e.g., Homeowner Association-run garden
plots in neighborhood parks, ongoing leasing for
agricultural purposes, and farmers’ markets in public
plazas and parking lots) and in both new and existing
neighborhoods.
POLICY SC 4.6 - SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL
PRACTICES
Promote sustainable soil and pest management
resources, including the benefits of Integrated Pest
Management (IPM) and organic farming practices. Garden a’Fare Event
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 73
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74 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation must evolve quickly to meet the
community’s mobility vision and adapt to new travel
options and technologies. The principles and policies
of this outcome area reflect ambitious goals for
reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving safety
for all modes, and reducing single occupancy vehicles
(SOV). These principles and policies will:
» Integrate Land Use and Transportation. Land
use patterns and policies have a direct impact on
travel behavior. Some of the key considerations
include refining the role and extent of the
Enhanced Transit Corridors, supporting the
implementation of intended land use densities
where significant transit investments have been
made (or will be made in the future), and seeking
to proactively address the housing affordability
issues that are driving increases in in-commuting.
» Anticipate and Adapt to Emerging Mobility and
Delivery Trends. A number of external factors
taking place locally, regionally, and nationally
will impact how transportation metrics in Fort
Collins trend into the future—the degree to
which consumers rely on ride-hailing services,
shifts in private vehicle ownership, the way in
which next-generation autonomous vehicles are
owned and operated, and the degree to which
delivery affects travel. It is important that the City
explores the potential impacts and opportunities
associated with different scenarios on the
transportation system and land use patterns. A
key consideration will be the degree to which the
City and community supports the adoption of
policies and incentives (or potential regulations)
to mitigate potentially negative impacts—such
as an increase in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) or
SOV, or both—in the future.
» Promote Bicycling and Walking through
Infrastructure and Programs. The City and
region have facilities and services for biking and
walking, and these amenities should be enhanced
and expanded. Biking and walking should be an
easy, convenient, and safe activity or mode of
transportation that is appropriate for all ages
and abilities. Infrastructure should be paired with
programs to provide the necessary information
for residents, visitors and employees to choose
transportation options that support a healthy and
economically sustainable lifestyle.
» Meeting Mobility Needs with Transit. Transfort
connects thousands of City residents to jobs,
schools, services, and other destinations every
day. These transit connections are made on
services designed to match distinct travel
markets, regional routes, high frequency
corridors, paratransit services, and local routes.
The network reflects a balance between
providing most City residents with a short and
convenient trip to transit combined with several
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 75
Principles and policies support our Core Values by:
DRAFT 3.15.19
76 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
TRANSPORTATION
Principle T 1: Transportation plans,
management and investments
support are impacted by land use
plans and decisions.
POLICY T 1.1 - DEVELOPMENT AND
TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT
As development occurs, concurrent transportation
investments should be made to support increased
demands for multi-modal travel.
POLICY T 1.2 - LAND USE CONTEXT
Transportation projects will consider the land
use context through design sensitive to land use,
environmental, scenic, aesthetic, historic values and
equity considerations.
POLICY T 1.3 - DESIGN FOR ACTIVE LIVING
Promote neighborhood and community design that
encourages physical activity.
POLICY T 1.4 - PUBLIC FACILITIES
Development projects will provide public facilities
as required in accordance with their traffic and
transportation impact and required standards.
POLICY T 1.5 - DISTRICTS AND ACTIVITY CENTERS
Provide a wide array of transportation facilities and
services to support development and functioning of
activity centers and districts.
POLICY T 1.6 - INTERFACE WITH OPEN LANDS
Transportation corridors adjacent to open lands and
community separators will be designed in a manner
that avoids and minimizes negative impacts.
POLICY T 1.7 - BUS RAPID TRANSIT (BRT) AND
HIGH FREQUENCY TRANSIT SERVICE
The implementation of new transit corridors, new
BRT corridors and more frequent service on existing
transit corridors will be phased to coincide with
transit oriented development, and available funding.
POLICY T 1.8 - SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
Plan, build and maintain streets, trails, intersections,
and sidewalks using sustainable design principles and
best practices.
Principle T 2: Build and maintain
high quality infrastructure
supporting all modes of travel.
POLICY T 2.1 - FUNDING
Seek and secure sustainable, dedicated long-term
funding for all modes of transportation.
POLICY T 2.2 - CIP HORIZON AND SCHEDULE
The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) will have a 25
year horizon plus a short-term (5-6 year) horizon
and be updated every two years in coordination
with the City’s budget schedule and other strategic
opportunities.
POLICY T 2.3 - LAYERED NETWORK
Develop a layered network for Fort Collins that
designates a continuous, connected, efficient,
convenient and comfortable network for bicycling,
walking, transit and vehicles.
POLICY T 2.4 - STREET DESIGN CRITERIA
Keep street and sidewalk design standards current
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 77
POLICY T 2.5 - MAINTENANCE AND ASSET
MANAGEMENT
Protect investment in transportation facilities,
systems and services through a proactive, high-
quality maintenance program using principles of
asset management.
POLICY T 2.6 - COMPLETE NETWORK
Determine modal priorities and operational
improvements based on the Master Street Plan.
POLICY T 2.7 - MODAL PLANS
Maintain and update Bicycle, Pedestrian and Transit
Plans that expand upon the general principles and
policies identified here.
Principle T 3: Lead transportation
innovation by exploring and utilizing
emerging and transformative
systems and technologies.
POLICY T 3.1 - EMERGING TRANSPORTATION
Update design standards, policies and operational
strategies to support and manage newly emerging
transportation options (including but not limited to
autonomous vehicles, neighborhood electric vehicles,
electric assist bicycles, drones and e-scooters).
POLICY T 3.2 - TRIP PLANNING APPLICATION
Support development of an all-encompassing trip
planning app that aggregates all available modes and
includes travel time, cost and carbon footprint per
mode.
POLICY T 3.3 - DEVELOPMENT AND SHARING OF
INFRASTRUCTURE
Encourage the development and sharing of both
public and private infrastructure, including parking,
by devising public-private partnerships and
agreements that provide shared access, in order
to facilitate the movement of people, goods and
information throughout the City.
POLICY T 3.4 - VEHICLE SHARING
Encourage and support partnerships to provide
vehicle sharing opportunities. Programs should
include a full spectrum of vehicle types (e.g., delivery
trucks, pickup trucks, hybrid vehicles, scooters/
mopeds, etc) with electrification of the shared fleet.
POLICY T 3.5 - DRONES
Encourage and support the use and experimentation
of drones for the delivery of goods and other
community supported uses, while also considering
compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) rules and regulations.
ZipCar car sharing launch
DRAFT 3.15.19
78 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
TRANSPORTATION
POLICY T 3.6 - AUTONOMOUS AND CONNECTED
VEHICLES
Ensure that autonomous and connected vehicles
and infrastructure reduce travel time, support
and encourage public transit, reduce greenhouse
gas emissions and reduce low occupancy trips
during peak time. This can be done by prioritizing
autonomous vehicles that are electrically-powered,
shared or operated as a fleet and disincentivizing
zero-occupancy vehicles.
POLICY T 3.7 - CONNECTED VEHICLES
INFRASTRUCTURE
Implement connected infrastructure (such as signals)
that communicates with connected vehicles to
increase the efficiency of the roadway system. Ensure
that this considers data sharing requirements and
equitable distribution of connected infrastructure
throughout the City. Consider a user-fee funding
mechanism to pay for this infrastructure investment.
POLICY T 3.8 - TRANSPORTATION NETWORK
COMPANIES
Ensure Transportation Network Companies (mobility
service providers such as Lyft or Uber) support
Fort Collins’ goals of Towards Vision Zero, reduced
greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), decrease SOVs,
and improved travel time.
POLICY T 3.9 - ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Encourage, prioritize and support the purchase of
electric vehicles through the design, management,
outreach, education, policy updates, broad-based
coordination, incentives and operations of streets
and wayside infrastructure such as electric vehicle
charging stations.
POLICY T 3.10 - ELECTRIC VEHICLE READINESS
ROADMAP
Prioritize transportation planning projects and
programs that support the Electric Vehicle Readiness
(EVRR) goals.
POLICY T 3.11 - MULTIMODAL CONNECTIONS
Develop mobility hubs and mobility innovation zones
that support multimodal connections and first/
last mile strategies by designating a consolidated
space for bus stops, docked bike share, free
floating scooters and bikes, Transportation Network
Company/shuttle pick up and drop off zones, etc.
Electric fleet vehicles
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 79
Principle T 4: Pursue regional
transportation solutions.
POLICY T 4.1 - REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION
PLANNING
Participate in the North Front Range Metropolitan
Planning Organization’s (MPO) transportation
programs and planning efforts.
POLICY T 4.2 - PARTNERSHIPS FOR INTERSTATE
TRAVEL
Develop partnerships among Colorado
Department of Transportation (CDOT), Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit
Administration (FTA), Larimer County, North
Front Range MPO, surrounding communities and
private developers to build new and/or improve
existing facilities on I-25, US 287 and CO 392 to
increase mobility and make bicycle and pedestrian
connections.
POLICY T 4.3 - EFFICIENT MOBILITY
Provide energy and time-efficient mobility and cost-
effective transport of people and goods within the
region.
POLICY T 4.4 - REGIONAL CONNECTIONS
Provide safe, sustainable, easy and effective
connections to county, regional, state and national
transportation corridors as well as rail and air
transportation systems.
POLICY T 4.5 - PARTNERSHIPS FOR MULTIMODAL
TRAVEL
Work cooperatively with regional partners including
the North Front Range MPO, CDOT, Larimer County,
and other northern Colorado communities to
identify opportunities to provide regional transit
and bicycle connections along regionally significant
transportation corridors and trail easements including
first/last mile strategies to transit.
POLICY T 4.6 - USE OF EXISTING RAILROAD
RIGHTS-OF-WAY
Support efforts to explore the use of existing rail
rights-of-way as well as other rights-of-way and
easements for interregional means of transportation
such as bicycling, walking and transit.
POLICY T 4.7 - FUTURE PASSENGER RAIL
Incorporate future opportunities for commuter
passenger rail, or other intercity rail transit
connections along existing or new rail corridors
between Fort Collins, Denver and other North Front
Range cities, per the 2017 Senate Bill and 2011 North
I-25 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
POLICY T 4.8 - REGIONAL TRANSIT
Work cooperatively with regional partners to identify
opportunities to expand existing regional transit
service and provide new regional transit service
between Fort Collins and other cities along the Front
Range.
Bustang
DRAFT 3.15.19
80 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
TRANSPORTATION
Principle T 5: Transit is a safe,
affordable, efficient and convenient
travel option for people of all ages
and abilities.
POLICY T 5.1 - TRANSIT SYSTEM
The City’s public transit system will be expanded
in phases to provide integrated, high-frequency,
productivity-based transit service along major
transportation corridors. This will be accomplished
with a combination of feeder transit lines, on-demand
transit and mobility as a service technology to
connect major destinations.
POLICY T 5.2 - BRT AND HIGH-FREQUENCY
TRANSIT SERVICE
Implement BRT and high-frequency transit service as
shown in this document along major transportation
corridors as land use densifies and mobility demands
increase, providing links between major activity
centers and transit oriented development.
POLICY T 5.3 - INTEGRATE AND EXPAND TRANSIT
SERVICE TYPES
Integrate fixed-route transit service with mobility
innovation zones to serve lower density areas of the
City with non-traditional transit service. Focusing on
expanding mobility in a cost-effective way, the City
will use existing and new technologies, including
micro-transit, partnerships with Transportation
Network Companies, other mobility-as-a-service
technologies and other innovations.
POLICY T 5.4 - RELIABLE TRANSIT SERVICE
Provide fast and reliable transit service throughout
the transit system, but with an additional emphasis
on high-frequency routes through the use of various
design and operating strategies including bulb-outs,
signal priority, bus-only lanes, access to mobility
hubs and streamlining of route patterns to minimize
deviations and appropriately spaced bus stops.
POLICY T 5.5 - TRANSIT STOPS
Transit infrastructure will be expended and
modernized with the customer’s mobility, comfort,
and security first in mind. This includes improvements
to bus stops/shelters, expanded and upgraded transit
centers with elements such as adequate lighting,
ADA accessibility, protection from the elements, on-
and off-board security, and cameras. Maintain per the
Transfort Bust Stop Design Guidelines and update
the document as needed.
TRANSIT MASTER PLAN
The 2040 transit network identified in the Fort
Collins Transit Master Plan is fundamentally
driven by the anticipated 2040 land use densities
identified in City Plan. The land use vision in
City Plan will concentrate much of the City’s
population and employment growth along key
transportation corridors, while still providing for a
mix of different urban forms across Fort Collins. In
support of City Plan, the Transit Master Plan will
evolve the transit system as follows:
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 81
POLICY T 5.6 - REGIONAL TRANSIT LEADERSHIP
The City will continue to be a leader for transit
services in the region by efficiently operating
transit services in smaller communities, leading the
development of new regional transit connections and
looking for opportunities to provide expanded and
cost-effective regional mobility in the greater North
Front Range Region.
POLICY T 5.7 - TRANSIT TECHNOLOGY
The City will continue to pursue technology such as
pedestrian blind spot detection, autonomous and
connected vehicles, electric and low emission buses
and on-demand vehicles.
POLICY T 5.8 - CONNECT TRANSIT TO OTHER
MODES
Connect public transit to other modes of travel
through strategically located mobility hubs, to be
located near activity centers, where one or more
transit routes and bicycle facilities intersect. These
hubs will provide shared multimodal facilities and
may include elements like bicycle parking, bikeshare
and carshare, multimodal information, park-n-rides
and curbspace for shuttles and drop-off vehicles.
POLICY T 5.9 - TRANSFORT SERVICE STANDARDS
Transit service shall be provided in accordance with
the Transfort Service Standards.
POLICY T 5.10 - PARATRANSIT
Paratransit will be provided in accordance with
Federal requirements and the City will look for ways
to improve customer service, ensure cost-effective
coverage and improve outreach and education for
paratransit customers who would receive better
mobility services on the fixed route network.
POLICY T 5.11 - TRANSIT MAINTENANCE FACILITY
To support the additional transit service identified in
this plan, the City will expand the Transit Maintenance
Facility to store and maintain a larger fleet of buses
and support vehicles.
Transfort bus stop
DRAFT 3.15.19
82 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
TRANSPORTATION
Principle T 6: Bicycling is a safe and
convenient travel option supported
by a connected network of facilities.
POLICY T 6.1 - CONNECTED BICYCLE FACILITIES
Build and maintain bicycle facilities that form a
continuous and dense low-stress bicycle network
with seamless connections to public transit, bike-
share and other shared mobility vehicles, schools,
neighborhoods, community destinations and the
regional bicycle network.
POLICY T 6.2 - BICYCLE FACILITIES AND
PROGRAMS
Implement appropriate, well-designed bicycle
facilities, education and enforcement programs.
POLICY T 6.3 - BICYCLING FOR ALL AGES AND
ABILITIES
Increase bicycle ridership by creating a welcoming
environment for people of all bicycling levels in all
parts of the City.
POLICY T 6.4 - BICYCLING TO PROMOTE PHYSICAL
ACTIVITY
Increase access to bicycling as essential to a
physically active and environmentally healthy
community.
POLICY T 6.5 - FACILITY MAINTENANCE
Implement year-round maintenance of bicycle
facilities to provide safe bicycling in winter months.
POLICY T 6.6 - ADAPTIVE BICYCLING
Increase programming and infrastructure focus on
adaptive bicycling to accommodate the needs of the
city’s disability community.
Principle T 7: Walking is a safe,
easy, and convenient travel option
supported by a connected network
of sidewalks, paths and trails.
POLICY T 7.1 - PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES
Implement ADA accessible pedestrian facilities
as detailed in the Pedestrian Plan and Sidewalk
Prioritization Program.
POLICY T 7.2 - SAFE PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES
Develop safe and secure pedestrian settings by
developing and maintaining a well-lit, inhabited
pedestrian network, by enforcing snow removal on
sidewalks adjacent to residential properties and
by mitigating the impacts of vehicles. Connections
will be clearly visible and accessible, incorporating
markings, signage, lighting and paving materials.
POLICY T 7.3 - NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS FOR
WALKING
Neighborhood streets will provide an attractive, safe
environment for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers
with well-designed streetscape, including detached
sidewalks, parkways and well-defined crosswalks.
POLICY T 7.4 - PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS
Provide direct and visible pedestrian connections
between cul-de-sac, transit stops, schools, activity
areas, public facilities, recreational trails and other
key pedestrian destinations.
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 83
Principle T 8: Manage the
transportation system to ensure
reliable traffic and transit flow
through travel demand management
and transportation system
optimization.
POLICY T 8.1 - TRANSPORTATION DEMAND
MANAGEMENT
Promote and facilitate transportation options
that reduce dependence on automobile trips
(e.g., carpools, regional vanpools, telecommuting,
electronic access, new vehicle types, vehicle sharing,
transit, walking, biking, employee programs, market
pricing for parking, road-user charges, etc.).
POLICY T 8.2 - SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION
Manage traffic congestion through system
optimization strategies (e.g., intelligent transportation
systems (ITS), signal optimization).
POLICY T 8.3 - INNOVATIVE FUNDING
Consider parking or congestion pricing to balance
demand on the system and fund new transportation
demand options and programs.
POLICY T 8.4 - MULTIMODAL LEVEL OF SERVICE
The City will update the Multimodal Level of Service
(LOS) standards in alignment with transportation and
land use goals.
POLICY T 8.5 - ACCESS MANAGEMENT
Protect the capacity and safety of critical corridors
through access management (the consolidation and
narrowing of access points).
POLICY T 8.6 - ROUNDABOUTS
Roundabouts will be considered a means of
achieving transportation system safety and efficiency
at intersections for all modes of travel.
POLICY T 8.7 - EASE OF ACCESS AND BYPASS
TRAFFIC
Encourage through-truck/freight traffic to bypass
the City using designated truck routes on state and
federal highways.
POLICY T 8.8 - EFFICIENT MOBILITY
Provide energy and time-efficient mobility and cost-
effective transport of people and goods between the
various districts of the City.
POLICY T 8.9 - FREIGHT MOBILITY
Maintain a truck routing plan with designated truck
routes to provide commercial access and minimize
truck travel through residential neighborhoods.
Civic Center Parking Structure
DRAFT 3.15.19
84 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
TRANSPORTATION
Principle T 9: Transportation systems
support a healthy and equitable
community.
POLICY T 9.1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE
PROVIDERS
Improve transportation access to health and human
service organizations.
POLICY T 9.2 - ENERGY EFFICIENT AND
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE TRANSPORTATION
Develop a program to promote energy efficient and
environmentally sensitive transportation choices.
Coordinate the building code with the growth in new
transportation fuels like electricity or hydrogen.
POLICY T 9.3 - CITY VEHICLE FLEET
Manage city vehicle fleets to minimize environmental
impacts and use of non-renewable fuels.
POLICY T 9.4 - HEALTHY TRANSPORTATION
CHOICES
The City will develop travel demand programs that
support and promote active transportation choices.
POLICY T 9.5 - EQUITABLE ACCESS
Provide equitable access to services and resources
particularly for marginalized and under-resourced
communities.
POLICY T 9.6 - ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
Support physically active transportation (e.g.,
bicycling, walking, wheelchairs, etc.) by continued
bike and pedestrian education and encouragement
programs and infrastructure investments.
POLICY T 9.7 - ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND
HEALTH EQUITY
Conduct formal evaluation of the potential
environmental justice and health equity impacts
of projects, policies and plans using current best
practice equity tools to prevent adverse and
disproportionate impacts.
POLICY T 9.8 - HEALTH AND EQUITY INDEX SCORE
Transportation projects will address the needs
and prioritize marginalized and under-resourced
communities as identified in the Health and Equity
Index Score map in the City of Fort Collins’ Trends
and Forces Report and other future equity analyses.
POLICY T 9.9 - AIR QUALITY
Support efforts to improve air quality through the
prioritization of transportation infrastructure and
travel demand programmatic investments that
reduce vehicle miles traveled. Incorporate air quality
impacts into transportation planning decisions
through the use of the Fort Collins Air Quality
Impacts Tool.
POLICY T 9.10 - CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
Prioritize transportation planning projects and
programs that support the Climate Action Plan and
GHG reduction goals.
POLICY T 9.11 - ADA INFRASTRUCTURE
Pursue infrastructure improvements beyond what
is required in the Americans with Disabilities Act
to ensure optimal equal access, coordinating with
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 85
Principle T 10: Support and enhance
safety for all modes.
POLICY T 10.1 - TOWARDS VISION ZERO
Develop a safety enhancement action plan for
all modes based on the City’s commitment to
Vision Zero with priority focus given to historically
marginalized and under-resourced communities
including the disability community.
POLICY T 10.2 - EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT
The City will promote development of educational
programs and appropriate utilization of traffic
enforcement.
POLICY T 10.3 - SAFETY AND RESPECT
Develop and support education and enforcement
programs that promote safety and encourage
respect for traffic laws among drivers, pedestrians,
bicyclists, long boarders, and e-scooters.
POLICY T 10.4 - PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC LAWS
The City and community will partner to develop
educational and enforcement programs that promote
safety and encourage respect for pedestrians and by
pedestrians for traffic laws.
POLICY T 10.5 - STREET CROSSINGS
Design street crossings at intersections consistent
with Fort Collins Traffic Code, Land Use Code, the
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, (MUTCD)
ADA and the Larimer County Urban Area Street
Standards with regard to crosswalks, lighting, median
refuges, bike boxes, corner sidewalk widening, ramps,
signs, signals, and landscaping.
POLICY T 10.6 - SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
The community will continue the Safe Routes to
School program focused on educating all children,
teachers, parents and schools about safe walking
and bicycling, including members of the disability
community, as a safe mode of travel to get to school.
POLICY T 10.7 - PERSONAL SAFETY
Infrastructure and programs are designed to promote
personal safety through lighting, the activation of
public space and police presence.
Bike to Work Day
DRAFT 3.15.19
86 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
HIGH PERFORMING COMMUNITY
A successful community is one that has more than
just a good plan to address a comprehensive set
of issues and opportunities. Equally important is
how the local government will support and interact
with its constituents. The City of Fort Collins
values community engagement and involving the
community in decision-making processes and
strives to be as transparent and open as possible,
particularly when it comes to how taxpayer dollars
are being spent. Moving forward, the City will strive
to improve upon current practices and policies.
Specifically, principles address:
» Community Engagement. Principles and policies
in City Plan will encourage the City to continue
evaluating ways in which it can improve upon
the way it engages with the community and
involves them in planning and decision-making.
This includes placing a greater focus on equity,
ensuring that groups that have traditionally
been under-represented in City government or
not involved in decision-making processes are
engaged and have a say in decisions that affect
their day-to-day lives.
» A Commitment to Effective Government. The
City of Fort Collins is dedicated to providing
high-quality service that is responsive to the
needs of residents, visitors, employees, and
businesses in the city. By ensuring that the City
organization attracts, develops, and retains the
most competitive talent and through a process
of continual improvement, the City is constantly
evaluating its own programs, services, and
actions to identify areas where processes could
be improved to result in better outcomes. In
addition, the City is open to new and innovative
technologies or processes. The principles in this
outcome area support this broader organizational
goal, and reflect the City’s commitment to be a
model of effective local governance.
» High Quality Services. The City of Fort
Collins is committed to providing high-quality
municipal services through sound financial
management, transparent decision-making,
good communication, and efficient project
management. The City offers many services,
including street maintenance, parks and
recreation programming, and utilities. For more
than a century, the City has provided safe and
reliable power, water, and sewer services to
residents. Fort Collins Connexion, our municipal
high-speed broadband network, is the latest
example of Fort Collins’ forward-thinking
approach to providing municipal services.
Principles in this section of City Plan focus on
providing a framework for future decision-
making about municipal services that encourages
co-creation, innovation, and partnership while
maintaining reliability and affordability for
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 87
Principles and policies support our Core Values by:
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Encouraging the City to be a
responsible partner in testing
new innovations in systems
or technologies.
Ensuring that all members of
the community are involved
in decision-making.
Maintaining efficient and
effective local government
processes that reduce
barriers to innovation and
economic development.
Providing high-quality, reliable,
affordable municipal services for all
residents.
Using a triple-bottom line
approach that incorporates
equity and considers the social,
economic, and environmental
impacts of decisions.
Using the latest in information and communication
technology to improve transparency and to
better engage the community in
decision-making processes.
DRAFT 3.15.19
88 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
HIGH PERFORMING COMMUNITY
Principle HI 1: Be a model for
equitable, effective, and transparent
local governance.
POLICY HI 1.1 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT
RESPONSIVENESS
Respond to inquires and concerns in a timely and
coordinated manner. Ensure contact information and
staff directories are readily available and regularly
updated.
POLICY HI 1.2 - CAPABILITY OF TALENT
Hire high quality talent and continuously provide
opportunities to develop the capabilities and
capacity of employees to provide outstanding
service.
POLICY HI 1.3 - GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY
Support and expand upon practices and systems that
are transparent and accountable to the public.
POLICY HI 1.4 - CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT IN
SERVICE
Continuously evaluate existing practices and systems
for opportunities to improve outcomes and provide
better, more equitable service to the public.
POLICY HI 1.5 - COST RECOVERY MODEL
Utilize a cost recovery model, designed to estimate
revenues and expenditures associated with actual
or hypothetical development patterns providing
estimated fiscal impact information, for major
planning projects (e.g., annexations, subarea plans,
and major updates to the structure plan).
POLICY HI 1.6 - DIVERSE, SUSTAINABLE REVENUE
STREAMS
Pursue opportunities to diversify the City’s revenue
stream from the traditional “sales/use tax” model
when doing so would create a new source of funding
for City services, programs, maintenance, and/or
major capital projects on either a temporary or long-
term basis.
POLICY HI 1.7 - BUDGETING FOR OUTCOMES
Use the Budgeting for Outcomes approach for
developing a biennial budget that allocates revenues
based on community priorities and for providing
residents with a clear understanding of program and
service funding choices.
POLICY HI 1.8 - REGIONAL COLLABORATION
Actively collaborate with other jurisdictions in
Northern Colorado, school districts and institutions
of higher learning, special districts, the North Front
Range Metropolitan Planning Organization, and other
regional and state partners to develop cooperative
solutions to regional issues and planning challenges.
POLICY HI 1.9 - SERVICE PROVIDERS
Coordinate closely with and promote coordination
among service providers in needs assessment,
facility siting, and other matters to ensure continuing
delivery of effective, equitable, and efficient services.
Principles and Policies
Neighbors, City staff, and service providers participate in Neighborhood Night Out
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 89
Principle HI 2: Support an active,
educated, and engaged community.
POLICY HI 2.1 - VOLUNTEERISM & PHILANTHROPY
Promote a spirit of volunteerism in the community by
coordinating with organizations and philanthropies
through City Gives and other similar initiatives.
Provide a range of opportunities for residents to
volunteer for or give to City-led programs, projects
and efforts.
POLICY HI 2.2 - EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Coordinate with the community’s educational
institutions to support and enhance the excellent
educational system that contributes to the city’s high
quality of life and the employability of its residents.
POLICY HI 2.3 - LIFELONG LEARNING
Work with educational institutions, non-profit
organizations, and others who provide educational
classes or programs to ensure lifelong learning
opportunities are available and accessible to
residents of all ages, incomes, and abilities.
POLICY HI 2.4 - EARLY LEARNING
Encourage equitable access to childcare, early
learning opportunities, and other programs that help
families prepare their children for school.
POLICY HI 2.5 - COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING
Work to expand opportunities for students to engage
in community-based learning and other service-
oriented learning experiences that allow students to
engage with the community.
POLICY HI 2.6 - CAPACITY BUILDING
Provide opportunities for the community to develop
the knowledge and skills needed to effectively
participate in local government planning and
decision-making processes. Ensure such efforts
include targeted approaches for marginalized
communities or other groups who have historically
been underrepresented in past outreach efforts.
Family Volunteer Day -
Cleaning up the trail system.
DRAFT 3.15.19
90 03 | PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
HIGH PERFORMING COMMUNITY
Principle HI 3: Provide opportunities
for meaningful and inclusive
community involvement in
governance and decision-making.
POLICY HI 3.1 - CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
Reflect the diversity of our community in the
membership of resident boards and commissions
including but not limited to ages, race/ethnicity,
income, and occupation.
POLICY HI 3.2 - HIRING PRACTICES
Adopt hiring practices across the City organization
to promote staffing that reflects the diversity of the
community.
POLICY HI 3.3 - DIVERSITY OF ENGAGEMENT
APPROACHES
Develop and provide a range of approaches for
engaging with the community in a meaningful and
authentic way. Ensure approaches are tailored to
and appropriate for different levels of engagement,
as well as for different socioeconomic and cultural
groups.
POLICY HI 3.4 - INCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT
Seek to engage with a broad spectrum of the
community during all City-led outreach efforts.
This includes residents from different ages, racial
backgrounds, tenure types, education levels, income
levels, etc., as well as those who have limited English
proficiency or face other barrier to participating in
engagement activities.
POLICY HI 3.5 - MULTILINGUAL SIGNAGE
Ensure that welcome, directional, and other key
signs in City buildings and facilities are multilingual.
Signs providing information about how to access
translation and interpretation should be added to
City buildings and facilities wherever needed.
POLICY HI 3.6 - TRANSLATION AND
INTERPRETATION
Create and publicize a wide range of accurately
translated and regularly updated City resources and
publications for residents who have limited English
proficiency. Expand and publicize City interpretation
services.
Open Streets concert event
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 91
DRAFT 3.15.19
92 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
STRUCTURE PLAN
04 This chapter establishes a framework to guide growth and
investment as the Fort Collins Growth Management Area adds
70,000 additional people through 2040 and beyond. Building
on the vision and core values outlined in Part 2 of the Plan,
this chapter describes the types of places the community
would like to foster and—at a higher level—the types of
transportation and infrastructure investments that will be
needed to achieve desired outcomes. This chapter is intended
as a tool for elected and appointed leaders, City staff and
administrators, and the community-at-large for evaluating and
making decisions regarding the location, intensity, and design
of future development. This chapter is intended to be applied
in conjunction with the principles and policies contained in
Part 3 of this Plan, as well as the multimodal transportation
recommendations outlined in Part 4.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 93
“We need to build up!
Multi-family developments
don’t have to be big
boxes. Incorporate open
space, playgrounds,
dog areas, and enough
parking. Make living and
raising a family enjoyable.
Make Fort Collins great!”
-Resident comment
DRAFT 3.15.19
94 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Structure Plan
The Structure Plan map and accompanying place
types—or land use categories—provide a framework
for the ultimate buildout of Fort Collins. Five priority
place types have been identified to help illustrate
the challenges and opportunities associated with
infill and redevelopment, and the critical role it will
play in helping the community achieve its vision
over the next ten to twenty years. Priority place
types are identified with a and described in more
detail beginning on page 103. Together, they provide
direction on what types of uses are encouraged
where, and at what intensities.
The Structure Plan map illustrates how the
community will grow and change over time, serving
as a blueprint for the community’s desired future.
It focuses on the physical form and development
pattern of the community, illustrating areas where
new greenfield development, infill, and redevelopment
is likely to occur, as well as the types of land uses and
intensities to encourage. The Structure Plan:
» Guides future growth and reinvestment and
serves as official Land Use Plan for the City;
» Informs planning for infrastructure and services;
» Fosters coordinated land use and transportation
decisions within the city and region; and
» Helps implement principles and policies.
The Structure Plan, in conjunction with the
Transportation Plan and other supporting elements,
will be used to guide future development decisions,
infrastructure improvements, and public and private
investment and reinvestment in Fort Collins.
The City also maintains a number of adopted subarea
and neighborhood plans that include a land use
component. These plans are adopted by reference
and should be referred to for more detailed guidance.
PLACE TYPES
Districts
Downtown District
Urban Mixed-Use District
Suburban Mixed-Use District
Campus District
Neighborhood Mixed-Use District
Mixed Employment District
Research & Development/Flex District
Industrial District
Neighborhoods
Other
Rural Neighborhood
Suburban Neighborhood
Mixed Neighborhood
Parks and Natural/Protected Lands
Community Separator
BOUNDARIES
City Limits
Growth Management
Area (GMA)
Adjacent Planning Areas
HOW TO USE THE
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 95
RICHARDS
LAKE PARK
GREENBRIAR PARK
SOFT
GOLD
PARK
RABBIT
BRUSH
PARK
LEGACY
PARK
LEE MARTINEZ
COMMUNITY
PARK
ALTA
VISTA
FREEDOM PARK
SQUARE
PARK
GRANDVIEW
CEMETERY
CITY PARK
NINE GOLF
COURSE
CITY PARK ROSELAWN
CEMETERY
ROGERS
PARK
EASTSIDE
PARK
OVERLAND
PARK
AVERY
PARK
EDORA
COMMUNITY
PARK
INDIAN
LILAC HILLS PARK
PARK
SPRING PARK
BLEVINS PARK
ROLLAND MOORE
COMMUNITY PARK
WOODWEST
PARK
LEISURE
PARK
BEATTIE
PARK
SPENCER
ROSSBOROUGH PARK
PARK
SPRING CANYON
COMMUNITY
PARK
COLLINDALE
GOLF
COURSE
96 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
NEIGHBORHOODS
Neighborhoods are the primary building blocks
of the community. Whether existing or planned,
neighborhoods in Fort Collins will vary in the mix
of housing types and supporting uses that are
provided; the extent to which they are accessible to
adjoining districts, schools, parks, civic uses, transit,
and other services; and their overall character and
form. Three types of neighborhoods are identified
on the Structure Plan Map:
» Rural Neighborhoods
» Suburban Neighborhoods
» Mixed Neighborhoods P
Routine reinvestment in existing properties and
some infill on vacant lots is to be expected in all
neighborhoods. However, the degree to which
existing neighborhoods are likely to experience
more significant changes during the planning
horizon will be influenced by location, the age
and condition of existing housing stock, and the
availability of vacant lots or larger plots of land.
The City will continue to use the subarea and
neighborhood planning process to address specific
issues and opportunities. Enhancing connectivity
within and between existing and future
neighborhoods, and improving access to nature are
priorities for all neighborhoods.
COLLEGE AVE
LEMAY AVE
TIMBERLINE RD
SHIELD ST
TAFT HILL RD
TRILBY RD
HARMONY RD
EAST COUNTY ROAD 32
MULBERRY ST
PROSPECT RD
DRAKE RD
HORSETOOTH RD
¦¨§25
Rural
Neighborhoods
Suburban
Neighborhoods
Mixed
Neighborhoods
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 97
Rural
Principal Land Use
Single-family detached homes, agricultural uses
Supporting Land Use
Accessory dwelling units, limited commercial/employment
uses (such as home occupations)
Density
Up to 2 principal dwelling unit per acre
Key Characteristics/Considerations
» Support opportunities for rural lifestyles and
connectivity to open spaces
» Rural Neighborhoods should be designed to maximize
the preservation of open space or agricultural lands
and/or act as a transition between natural and
protected lands and other more intense uses
» Non-residential uses are supported provided they
do not generate excessive noise, traffic or parking
requirements, or otherwise detract from the rural
character of these neighborhoods
» Pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, as well as transit
services, are limited
Typical Types of Transit:
None, densities not sufficient to support transit
Principal Land Use
Single-family detached homes
Supporting Land Use
Parks and recreational facilities, schools, places of worship,
accessory dwelling units in some locations (where
permitted by underlying zoning)
Density
Between 2 and 5 principal dwelling units per acre
Key Characteristics/Considerations
» Comprised of predominantly single-family detached
homes
» Neighborhood Centers may serve as focal points within
Single-family Neighborhoods (see Neighborhood
Mixed-Use District)
» Amenities and infrastructure encourage walking and
biking, but transit service is typically more limited
Typical Types of Transit:
Limited local bus service with frequencies of approximately
every 60 minutes; some locations may also be served by
flex services
Suburban
DRAFT 3.15.19
98 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Principal Land Use
Single-family detached homes, duplexes, triplexes and
townhomes
Supporting Land Use
Accessory dwelling units, small scale multi-family buildings,
small scale retail, restaurants/cafes, community and public
facilities, parks and recreational facilities, schools, places of
worship
Density
Between 5 and 20 principal dwelling units per acre
(typically equates to an average of 7 to 12 dwelling units
per acre)
Key Characteristics/Considerations
(New Neighborhoods)
» Provide opportunities for a variety of attached and
detached housing options and amenities in a compact
neighborhood setting; some neighborhoods also
include (or have direct access to) small scale retail and
other supporting services
» Neighborhood Centers should serve as focal points
within Mixed-Neighborhoods (see Neighborhood
Mixed-Use District)
» Typically located within walking/biking distance of
services and amenities, as well as high frequency
transit
» Mixed-Neighborhoods built in a greenfield context
should include a mix of housing options (lot size, type,
price range, etc.).
Mixed P
Key Characteristics/Considerations
(Existing Neighborhoods)
» While many existing Mixed Neighborhoods may consist
predominantly of single-family detached homes today,
opportunities to incorporate accessory dwelling units
or other attached housing options of a compatible
scale and intensity may be feasible in some locations.
» The introduction of larger townhome or multi-
family developments into existing single-family
neighborhoods should generally be limited to edge or
corner parcels that abut and/or are oriented toward
arterial streets or an adjacent Neighborhood Mixed-Use
District where transit and other services and amenities
are available.
» Where townhomes or multi-family buildings are
proposed in an existing neighborhood context, a
transition in building height, massing, and form should
be provided along the shared property line or street
frontage.
» As existing neighborhoods change and evolve over
time, rezoning of some areas may be appropriate
when paired with a subarea or neighborhood planning
initiative. See the Priority Place Types discussion on
pages 106-107 for more details about changes in
existing neighborhoods over time.
» While reinvestment is existing mobile home parks is
encouraged, redevelopment of existing parks is not.
Typical Types of Transit:
In areas on the lower end of the density range, service
will be similar to Suburban Neighborhoods; as densities
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 99
MIXED-USE DISTRICTS
Mixed-use districts provide opportunities for a
range of retail and commercial services, office and
employment, multi-family residential, civic, and other
complementary uses in a compact, pedestrian and
transit-supportive setting. Although they all support
a diverse mix of uses, mixed-use districts vary
significantly in both size and in the density/intensity
of uses that exist today, or will be encouraged in the
future. While larger mixed-use districts may contain
multiple, distinct activity centers within them, others
stand alone. Four types of mixed-use districts are
identified on the Structure Plan map:
» Downtown District
» Urban Mixed-Use Districts P
» Suburban Mixed-Use District P
» Neighborhood Mixed-Use Districts P
Mixed-use districts are the locations in the
community most likely to experience significant
changes in density, intensity, and land-use. The
continued redevelopment and revitalization of
established mixed-use districts along existing
or planned high frequency transit corridors, will
continue to be a priority. The gradual transition of
existing, auto-oriented mixed-use districts will be
encouraged to help maximize available land and
infrastructure, as well as to support other community
objectives, such as expanded housing options,
improved access to services, and a more robust
transit system. Downtown District Urban Mixed-Use Districts
Suburban Mixed-Use
District
Neighborhood Mixed-
Use District
¦¨§25
COLLEGE AVE
LEMAY AVE
TIMBERLINE RD
SHIELD ST
TAFT HILL RD
TRILBY RD
HARMONY RD
EAST COUNTY ROAD 32
MULBERRY ST
PROSPECT RD
DRAKE RD
HORSETOOTH RD
DRAFT 3.15.19
100 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Downtown
Principal Land Use
Generally includes a mix of retail, civic, office, cultural, and
employment uses, but the mix of uses varies by subdistrict
Supporting Land Use
Multi-family residential buildings, restaurants, bars, cafes,
hotels, parks, and other public spaces
Density
Densities will vary by subdistrict; Building heights will
typically be between 3 and 12 stories
Key Characteristics/Considerations
» A vibrant neighborhood and regional destination
that offers a wide spectrum of employment, housing
options, services, and cultural, educational, and
entertainment experiences in a compact and walkable
environment
» Includes 9 distinct subdistricts: Historic Core; Canyon
Avenue; Campus North; Civic; North Mason; River;
Innovation; Poudre River Corridor; and Entryway
Corridor
» Served by Bus Rapid Transit, high-frequency bus, and
regional transit
Typical Types of Transit:
Served by fixed-route and bus rapid transit (BRT0 service
at frequencies of 15 minutes or greater
Principal Land Use
A mix of retail, restaurants, high-density residential, offices,
and other community services
Supporting Land Use
Day care, civic and institutional uses, pocket parks and
other outdoor gathering spaces, other supporting uses
Density
Densities will vary; Building heights will typically be
between 3 and 5 stories, but may be slightly higher in
some locations
Key Characteristics/Considerations
» Vibrant mixed-use districts that provide live-work
opportunities, as well as a range of supporting services
and amenities along high-frequency transit routes
» Some existing Urban Mixed-Use Districts may
include pockets of lower intensity, auto-oriented
uses; however, these areas should be encouraged to
transition to a vertical mix of high density development
through infill/redevelopment, particularly near Bus
Rapid Transit stations
» Supported by pedestrian and bicycle linkages to
surrounding neighborhoods and Bus Rapid Transit or
high-frequency bus
Typical Types of Transit:
Varies depending on density and surrounding context,
but generally served by fixed-route or BRT service at
frequencies of 15 minutes or greater
Urban Mixed-Use P
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 101
Suburban Mixed-Use
Principal Land Use
Retail, restaurants, office, and other commercial services
Supporting Land Use
High-density residential, entertainment, day care, and other
supporting uses
Density
Densities and building heights will vary; Building heights
will generally be between 1 and 5 stories, but may be
higher in some locations
Key Characteristics/Considerations
» Walkable mixed-use districts that provide a range of
retail and commercial services, as well as high-density
residential
» Existing Suburban Mixed-Use Districts include lower
intensity, auto-oriented uses; however, the transition
of these areas to a more transit-supportive pattern of
development is encouraged as infill/redevelopment
occurs, particularly where high frequency transit exists
or is planned
» Supported by direct pedestrian and bicycle linkages to
surrounding neighborhoods, as well as by Bus Rapid
Transit or high-frequency bus
Typical Types of Transit:
Varies depending on density and surrounding context, but
generally served by fixed-route service at frequencies of
between 30-60 minutes; higher frequency service may
exist where densities are sufficient to support it
Principal Land Use
Grocery store, supermarket, or other type of anchor, such
as a drugstore
Supporting Land Use
Retail, professional office, day care, and other
neighborhood services along with residential units, civic/
institutional uses, pocket parks, gathering spaces, and
other supporting uses
Density
Densities will vary; Building heights will be between 1 and 5
stories
Key Characteristics/Considerations
» Neighborhood Mixed-Use Districts are standalone
districts that are smaller in scale than Suburban
Mixed-Use districts (typically less than 10 acres) and
surrounded by neighborhoods
» Provide a range of neighborhood-oriented services in
a compact, pedestrian and bicycle-friendly setting
» Supported by direct pedestrian and bicycle linkages
to surrounding neighborhoods and more limited bus
service
Typical Types of Transit:
Varies depending on density and surrounding context, but
generally served by fixed-route service at frequencies of
between 30-60 minutes
P Neighborhood Mixed-Use P
DRAFT 3.15.19
102 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
EMPLOYMENT DISTRICTS
Employment districts encourage and support
a variety of employment opportunities in Fort
Collins—ranging from those oriented toward
education, research, entrepreneurship, and business
incubators—to those that endeavor to turn
knowledge into products, processes, and services—
to those oriented toward industrial, manufacturing,
and logistics. Four types of employment districts
are identified on the Structure Plan map:
» Mixed-Employment Districts P
» R&D/Flex Districts
» Industrial Districts
» Campus Districts
Recognizing that different types of employers
seek different locations, amenities, and services,
employment districts also provide guidance as to
the specific types of employment that are desired in
different parts of the city. A key distinction between
employment districts and mixed-use districts—
which also support certain types of employment
opportunities, such as office and institutional uses—
is that while each of the employment districts allows
for some types of supporting uses, employment
uses are intended to remain the predominant
use. This distinction is made to promote a more
balanced mix of jobs and housing in Fort Collins,
and to mitigate pressure for the conversion of
employment land to housing or other uses due to
rising land costs and supply constraints. Campus
Mixed Employment
Districts
R&D/Flex Industrial
¦¨§25
COLLEGE AVE
LEMAY AVE
TIMBERLINE RD
SHIELD ST
TAFT HILL RD
TRILBY RD
HARMONY RD
EAST COUNTY ROAD 32
MULBERRY ST
PROSPECT RD
DRAKE RD
HORSETOOTH RD
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 103
Campus
Principal Land Use
Education, research, and employment uses associated with
major educational institutions
Supporting Land Use
Retail, restaurant, entertainment, and residential uses
Density
Varies
Key Characteristics/Considerations
» Characteristics of Campus Districts vary by location
and institution; future development is guided by each
institution’s master plan
» The incorporation of supporting uses and services
is encouraged to help advance the mission of the
institution and/or allow students and employees to
meet more of their daily needs on campus
» Supported by direct pedestrian and bicycle linkages
from surrounding areas, as well as high-frequency bus
and/or Bus Rapid Transit
Transportation
Varies by location, but generally served by local bus service
and/or BRT service at frequencies of 15 minutes or greater
Principal Land Use
Professional offices; research and development facilities or
laboratories; light industrial uses; hospitals, clinics, nursing
and personal care facilities; corporate headquarters;
vocational, business, or private schools and universities;
and other similar uses
Supporting Land Use
Multi-family residential, hotels, sit-down restaurants,
convenience shopping centers, child care centers, athletic
clubs, and other similar uses
Density
Varies
Key Characteristics/Considerations
» Provide dedicated opportunities for a range of
employment and other supportive uses in walkable
campus or mixed-use setting
» The integration of supporting uses, including high-
density residential, is supported in Employment
Districts to improve access to services
» Supported by direct pedestrian and bicycle linkages
from surrounding districts and neighborhoods, as well
as high-frequency bus and/or Bus Rapid Transit
Transportation
Varies by location, density and surrounding context,
but most will be served by fixed-route or BRT service at
frequencies of 15 minutes or greater
Mixed-Employment P
DRAFT 3.15.19
104 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
R&D/Flex
Principal Land Use
Employment uses that include administrative, engineering,
and/or scientific research, design, or experimentation;
office; breweries; manufacturing; warehouses; wholesaling;
and business incubator space.
Supporting Land Use
Limited distribution and logistics; convenience retail;
commercial services; outdoor storage, and other uses
related to the principal uses.
Density
Varies
Key Characteristics/Considerations
» Accommodates a wide range of business types and
sizes allowing the City to remain flexible in the types
of employers and employment uses it can support or
attract
» While more intense uses should be buffered from the
street and surrounding areas, pedestrian and bicycle
connections should be integrated into the overall
design of a site or project
» Any outdoor storage must be screened from the street
and from less intense uses in adjacent Districts or
Neighborhoods.
Transportation
Limited due to low population and employment densities;
however, fixed-route service at frequencies of between 30-
60 minutes may exist in some locations
Principal Land Use
Industrial land uses such as manufacturing, assembly
plants, primary metal and related industries; vehicle related
commercial uses; warehouses, outdoor storage yards, and
distribution facilities; flex space for small, local startups as
well as large national or regional enterprises
Supporting Land Use
Restaurants, convenience retail, and other supporting
services
Density
Varies
Key Characteristics/Considerations
» Areas dedicated for a variety of more intensive work
processes and other uses of similar character; typically
located away from or buffered from residential
neighborhoods as a result
» Transportation facilities in Industrial Districts should
promote the efficient movement of commercial truck
traffic and/or access to rail
» Supported by direct pedestrian and bicycle linkages
from surrounding areas, as well as transit (in some
locations)
Transportation
Limited due to low population and employment densities;
however, fixed-route service at frequencies of between 30-
60 minutes may exist in some locations
Industrial
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 105
CORRIDORS AND EDGES
Types of corridors and edges identified on the
Structure Plan map include:
» Parks and Natural/Protected Lands
» Community Separators
» Adjacent Planning Areas
Corridors provide a connection between different
areas or destinations. The primary types of corridors
are “green” corridors and travel corridors, which
provide a network of travel routes, choices for
how we move throughout the City, reducing our
need for vehicle trips, linking pockets of green
space, and maximizing every positive feature that
these corridors can contribute to Fort Collins.
Other corridors such as the Poudre River, streams,
drainageways, and trails collectively create a
network that links open lands to areas of the city
where residents live and work.
Edges form the boundaries of our community, both
inside and outside of the Growth Management
Area. In some cases, edges are defined by adjoining
communities. In other cases, edges reflect a
transition from the developed areas of Fort Collins
to the rural character of Larimer County. The City
will recognize planning efforts within the growth
management and planning areas of the adjacent
communities of LaPorte, Wellington, Timnath,
Windsor, and Loveland. These edges will take
on many forms including open lands and natural
areas, foothills, agricultural/rural lands, and rural
neighborhoods.
Different types of travel corridors are addressed in
detail in Part 5: Transportation Plan.
¦¨§25
COLLEGE AVE
LEMAY AVE
TIMBERLINE RD
SHIELD ST
TAFT HILL RD
TRILBY RD
HARMONY RD
EAST COUNTY ROAD 32
MULBERRY ST
PROSPECT RD
DRAKE RD
HORSETOOTH RD
Adjacent Planning
Areas
Parks and Natural/
Protected Lands
Community
Separator
DRAFT 3.15.19
106 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Principal Land Use
Parks, open space, greenways, natural areas, wildlife
habitat and corridors, outdoor recreation, community
separators, and agriculture
Key Characteristics/Considerations
» Serve a range of roles depending on their location,
characteristics, sensitivity, and management
» Generally owned and managed by public agencies (the
City, Larimer County, state, or federal) but can also
include privately owned areas protected through a
conservation easement or other similar mechanism
Typical Types of Transit
None; travel volumes typically not sufficient to support
transit.
Parks Natural/Protected Lands
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 107
Priority Place Types
Fort Collins has a limited supply of vacant land remaining in the Growth Management Area (GMA). When
infill and redevelopment opportunities are taken into account, this supply increases greatly. While the City
has encouraged infill and redevelopment in activity centers and along major corridors for many years, the full
potential of these areas has not been realized. Five priority place types have been identified to help illustrate
the challenges and opportunities associated with infill and redevelopment, and the critical role it will play in
helping the community achieve its vision over the next ten to twenty years:
» Mixed Neighborhoods
» Neighborhood Mixed-Use Districts
» Suburban Mixed-Use Districts
» Urban Mixed-Use Districts
» Mixed-Employment Districts
While most new jobs, housing, and transit investments in Fort Collins will be concentrated in these locations,
the transformation of these areas will not happen overnight. The graphics and narrative on the pages that
follow explore the progression of change that is likely to occur in terms of each area’s built form, mix of uses/
housing types, and transportation and mobility options over time, as well as the desired end state in each
area.
While the planning horizon for City Plan stretches to 2040, there is no specific timeframe associated with
the transformation of these areas. The speed at which each area is transformed—and the ability to ultimately
achieve the desired end state—will be influenced by market demand, the availability of infrastructure, retail
and employment trends, regulatory tools, funding (for transit), community and neighborhood support, and a
variety of other factors.
DRAFT 3.15.19
108 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
MIXED-NEIGHBORHOODS
Where We Are Today
If detached single-family homes continue to dominate the city’s housing supply, demand for housing is
projected to exceed the city’s capacity in the future. A more diverse selection of housing types and price points
will be needed to meet the needs of the city’s changing population. Although a diverse mix of housing types
is encouraged in Mixed-Neighborhoods, most have been built at densities that are lower than is supported by
adopted policies and regulations and include a limited diversity of housing options. As a result, alternatives to
the traditional detached single-family home or garden apartment, such as duplexes, townhomes, and accessory
dwelling units (ADUs) are limited, and most Mixed-Neighborhoods do not have densities sufficient to support
higher-frequency transit.
Opportunities for the Road Ahead
Opportunities to diversify housing options in existing Mixed-Neighborhoods will vary based on the age and
condition of existing homes, lot sizes, street and block configurations, access to services and amenities in
adjacent districts, and other factors. Specific opportunities should be explored as part of future subarea and
neighborhood planning. Where greenfield opportunities remain, new Mixed-Neighborhoods should be required
to provide a mix of housing options.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 109
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Benefits
» Opportunity to provide alternatives to the more typical single-family detached homes or apartments
available in Fort Collins, such as duplexes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units
» Higher densities are more likely to support higher frequency transit service and additional
neighborhood services in adjoining districts
» Adaptation/replacement of older housing stock can help reinvigorate neighborhoods in need of
reinvestment
Potential Limitations/Trade-offs
» Changes in the character of existing neighborhoods may not be supported in all locations
» Total number of housing units likely to be gained by changes in existing neighborhoods will likely
represent a relatively small portion of demand
What will it take?
» In depth assessment of potential in existing Mixed-Neighborhoods
» Future subarea and neighborhoods planning work in areas with the greatest potential
» Changes to existing zoning to support desired housing options
» Design standards to protect neighborhood livability and character as existing areas evolve over time
DRAFT 3.15.19
110 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Existing Conditions
Most existing Mixed-Neighborhoods
are comprised of predominantly
single-family detached homes. Other
characteristics vary, but may include:
A. Varied lot and home sizes;
B. Integrated parks and open space
corridors;
C. Trail connections; and
D. Street networks with varying
degrees of connectivity—some
feature limited connectivity and cul-
de-sacs; others feature a traditional
grid with alley access.
Modest Degree of Change:
Allowances for ADUs and Duplexes
In existing Mixed-Neighborhoods
where only modest changes are
desired, duplexes and ADUs can be
incorporated—with design controls—
while maintaining the single-family scale
and character of the neighborhood.
Changes will typically be initiated on a
lot by lot basis by individual property
owners and are likely to include the
addition of:
A. Duplexes with a similar scale as
single-family homes;
B. Attached ADUs on larger lots or
where alleys do not exist; and
C. Detached ADUs in the rear yard
where alley access exists.
Moderate Degree of Change:
Allowances for More Diverse
Housing Types
In existing Mixed-Neighborhoods where
moderate changes are desired, a broader
spectrum of housing options can be
incorporated. This degree of change
would only be triggered as a result of
a subarea or neighborhood planning
initiative. Key considerations would likely
include:
A. Allowances for both attached and
detached ADUs and duplexes
neighborhood-wide; and
B. Targeted infill and redevelopment to
introduce triplexes, townhomes, or
quadplexes along streets with access
to transit and adajcent mixed-use
districts.
How might Mixed-Neighborhoods evolve over time?
A
B
C
D
A
B
A
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 111
Existing Mixed-Neighborhood with a predominantly single-family character; most homes are
on larger lots and feature a mix of driveway and garage orientations and architectural styles.
Townhomes and other higher density housing options are incorporated along
neighborhood edges, where transit and other services are readily accessible.
Duplexes are incorporated on larger corner lots and designed to resemble larger single-family
homes to help expand housing options while maintaining the neighborhood’s traditional character.
DRAFT 3.15.19
112 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Mixed Neighborhood | BUILT FORM
A
B
C
E
Existing Single-Family Homes F
Existing one and two-story single-
family detached homes.
A
Building Setbacks
Maintain consistent building setbacks as
infill/redevelopment occurs to respect
the existing neighborhood context.
B
Lot Coverage
While new homes may have larger
footprints, consideration of existing
neighborhood context is important.
C
Neighborhood Parks
Provide access to small scale parks
within walking distance of homes to
support healthy and active lifestyles.
D
Local and Regional Trail Access
An interconnected trail system
connects neighborhoods to
destinations such as schools, open
lands, and neighborhood centers.
E
Townhomes
Concentrate townhomes and other
attached single-family housing types
along neighborhood edges or streets
where transit service is provided.
F
Duplexes
Incorporate duplexes of a similar scale
as existing single-family detached
homes to maintain character of the
street frontage.
G
I
J
H
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 113
D
G
H
Accessory Dwelling Units (Attached)
Integrate ADUs through additions to
the side/rear or basement of a house
(with limitations on size) where alley
access does not exist.
I
Energy and Resource Conservation
Incorporate solar and other energy and
resource conservation measures as part
of the rehabilitation of existing homes
and in new construction to support
climate action goals.
J
Accessory Dwelling Units (Detached)
Integrate ADUs in rear-yard where lot
sizes allow and alley access exists. Unit
size and massing should be secondary
to that of primary dwelling.
H
DRAFT 3.15.19
114 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Mixed Neighborhood | MIX OF HOUSING TYPES
A
B
C
Single-Family Duplex/Quadplex Townhome Accessory Dwelling
Unit (ADU)
Mix of housing types
Single-Family
Existing one and two-story single-
family detached homes.
A
Townhomes
Townhomes and other attached
single-family housing types expand
opportunities for residents to age-in-
place.
C
Duplexes and quadplexes
Duplexes and quadplexes added
through infill and redevelopment
provide alternatives to single-family
detached homes.
B
E
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 115
D
Accessory Dwelling Units (Attached)
Attached ADUs provide opportunities
for smaller, secondary living quarters as
part of main residence.
E
Accessory Dwelling Units (Detached)
Detached ADUs provide opportunities
for smaller, secondary living quarters
separate from main residence.
D
DRAFT 3.15.19
116 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Mixed Neighborhood | MOBILITY
A
B
C
Local Streets
Cul-de-sacs limit connectivity;
opportunites to introduce pedestrian
and bicycle linkages may exist in some
locations.
A
Pedestrian Crossings
Enhanced pedestrian crossings along
high volume, high speed streets.
C
Protected Bike Lane
Neighborhood greenway connects to
citywide bike facilities.
B
Alleys
Alleys enhance connectivity and shift
automobile focus to rear garages and
parking areas.
D
Regional Trail Access
Connection to citywide and regional
trail network.
E
Mobility Innovation Zone
Potential to connect lower-density
areas to the core transit network
through on-demand, microtransit, and
micromobility options.
F
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 117
D
E
LEGEND
Collector Road
Local Road
Regional Trail Access
Protected Bike Lane
Alleyway Mobility Innovation Zone
DRAFT 3.15.19
118 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
NEIGHBORHOOD MIXED-USE
Where We Are Today
Neighborhood Mixed-Use Districts are stand-alone, grocery-anchored centers that serve the immediate
neighborhood(s). Most have seen little reinvestment over the last decade, and some are in decline. Although
Neighborhood Mixed-Use Districts are fairly well distributed across the city, access to services is limited in some
neighborhoods, particularly west of Shields and south of Harmony. City Plan has encouraged the concept of
walkable neighborhood centers for many years, but most existing centers have limited pedestrian and bicycle
connectivity to adjacent neighborhoods, and do not include multi-family residential. Land for neighborhood
mixed-use districts is typically set aside in new neighborhoods; however, implementation has been slow and
there is often pressure to convert these areas to multi-family residential over time.
Opportunities for the Road Ahead
As reinvestment in existing Neighborhood Mixed-Use Districts occurs over time, opportunities exist to
improve pedestrian and bicycle connections to surrounding neighborhoods, expand the diversity of services
and amenities offered, and even incorporate multi-family housing. New Neighborhood Mixed-Use Districts
provide an opportunity to integrate a range of neighborhood-serving uses and amenities as part of the overall
neighborhood.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 119
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Benefits
» Opportunity to provide multi-family housing options expands housing access in areas where single-
family detached homes tend to be the primary option
» Improving pedestrian/bicycle access from surrounding neighborhoods and adding amenities will help
improve access to services for residents and reduce the need for cross-town vehicle trips
» Increasing the density/intensity of Neighborhood Mixed-Use Districts by incorporating multi-family
housing will help support higher-frequency transit
Potential Limitations/Trade-offs
» Careful consideration of transitions in height and mass will be required to ensure increases in density/
intensity are compatible with existing single-family neighborhoods
What will it take?
» Evaluation of and potential updates to existing zoning to reinforce desired characteristics
» Design standards to address transitions between districts and neighborhoods
DRAFT 3.15.19
120 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Modest Retrofit
Where only targeted improvements
are planned in an existing district, key
considerations include the potential to:
A. Incorporate additional neighborhood
services by converting surface
parking or repurposing outmoded
stores;
B. Upgrade to existing buildings to
improve energy efficiency;
C. Add gathering spaces such as
outdoor dining and/or plaza areas;
and
D. Improve pedestrian and bicycle
connectivity from adjacent
neighborhoods.
Moderate Revamping
Where a moderate degree of change is
planned in an existing district through
targeted infill/redevelopment, key
considerations (in addition to those
noted above) include the potential to:
A. Incorporate multi-family residential
uses within the district and on
vacant lots adjacent to the district;
B. Integrate a vertical mix of uses, with
residential integrated above retail/
commercial uses;
C. Upgrade older format stores; and
D. Create a more discernible grid
of blocks within the district to
encourage walking and biking.
Significant Infill/Redevelopment
Where substantial redevelopment
of an existing district is planned, key
considerations (in addition to those
noted above) include the potential to:
A. Provide a similar mix of uses at
higher, more transit-supportive
densities;
B. Support higher-frequency transit;
and
C. Incorporate a vertical mix of retail/
commercial with office or residential
above in key locations.
How might Neighborhood Mixed-Use Districts evolve over time?
A
B
C
D
A
B
A
B
C
D
C
A
A
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 121
Clustering smaller retail uses near primary entrance activates the drive aisle.
Incorporating multi-family residential along the edge of the district expands housing
options near services while providing a transition to adjacent neighborhoods.
Adding a broader mix of transit-supportive uses and distinctive urban design features
along the main drive asile adds visual interest and creates inviting spaces for pedestrians.
DRAFT 3.15.19
122 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Neighborhood Mixed-Use | BUILT FORM
C
D
E
Parks and Public Spaces
Integrate parks and other public
gathering spaces, such as plazas,
to serve district and neighborhood
residents, as well as workers.
D
Connections to Adjacent Uses
Provide pedestrian and bicycle access
from surrounding neighborhoods and
amenities using direct sidewalk and trail
connections.
C
Building Design
Design buildings to relate to the public
realm through an emphasis on street-
level design elements, variations in
massing and form, and the use of
complimentary materials.
A
Building Siting and Orientation
Orient buildings towards streets, plazas,
and parks to activate public spaces and
minimize views of surface parking along
primary street frontages.
B
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 123
F
A
B
G
Transitions to Neighborhoods
Incorporate housing along shared
edges to provide a more gradual
transition in intensity.
E
Energy and resource conservation
Integrate green building practices
into the design of new buildings and
retrofitting of existing buildings.
F
Density/Intensity
Concentrate density/intensity along
major corridors, particularly those
served by or planned for high-
frequency transit.
G
Reinvestment/Rehabilitation
Encourage upgrades to older grocery
stores to adapt to the community’s
changing needs.
H
H
D
DRAFT 3.15.19
124 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Neighborhood Mixed-Use | MIX OF USES
Adjacent neighborhoods
Neighborhood Mixed-Use districts
are surrounded by neighborhoods,
providing area residents with easy
access to services and amenities.
A
Office
Banks, medical offices, and other
neighborhood-serving uses offer
employment options for area residents.
Townhomes/Multi-Unit Residential C
Townhomes and multi-unit residential
along the edge of the district expand
housing options near services.
B
A
B
C
E
Townhome Multi-Unit Retail/Commercial Office
Parks, Open
Space, and Plazas
Mix of uses
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 125
Mixed-Use Buildings
Ground floor retail with residential or
office above contributes to the vibrancy
of the district.
F
Retail/Commercial
Neighborhood Mixed-Use Centers are
typically grocery-anchored; in some
locations, existing stores may require
upgrades/retrofitting to accommodate
new tenants or uses as retail dynamics
change over time.
D Parks
Community parks serve the district and
adjacent neighborhoods.
E
D
F
DRAFT 3.15.19
126 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Neighborhood Mixed-Use | MOBILITY
Local Streets
Local streets provide direct connections to
adjacent neighborhoods.
B
Mobility Hub
Multimodal mobility hub connects bike,
bus, and other services, such as on-
demand/microtransit service.
A
H
A
B
C
E
D
Trails
Wide bicycle/pedestrian trail connects
district to citywide and regional facilities.
C
LEGEND
Collector Road
Local Road
Regional Trail
Protected Bike Lane
Arterial Surface Parking Lot
Bike/Transit Corridor
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 127
Protected/Buffered Bike Lanes
Protected or buffered bike lane provide
low stress, connected bike facility.
E
Transit Service
Local bus (30-min frequency), on-
demand or microtransit service.
D
Pedestrian Zone
Pedestrian-friendly access drive with
amenity zone and wayfinding.
F
Pedestrian Crossings
Enhanced pedestrian crossings along
high volume, high speed streets.
G
Neighborhood Greenways
Neighborhood greenway connects to
citywide bike facilities.
H
F
G
DRAFT 3.15.19
128 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
SUBURBAN MIXED-USE
Where We Are Today
Most of the established Suburban Mixed-Use Districts in Fort Collins today are low-density, auto-oriented
centers that are largely oriented around retail and commercial uses. Many of these centers are older and are
being impacted by changes in the retail dynamic that have led to a reduction in brick and mortar stores and a
greater reliance on online retailers. As a result, vacant buildings and large, underutilized surface parking lots are
not uncommon.
Opportunities for the Road Ahead
Suburban Mixed-Use Districts help meet the needs of surrounding neighborhoods and populations beyond.
Although largely auto-oriented today, the integration of higher-density residential and a broader mix of retail/
restaurants, office, and entertainment uses is encouraged to help reinvigorate underutilized centers, expand
housing options where transit exists or is planned, and improve access to services and amenities in both
existing and new districts.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 129
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Benefits
» Adaptive reuse of vacant and underutilized/centers helps maximize available land and infrastructure
» Repurposing existing centers can help expand housing options and services in underserved areas
» Higher-density uses and pedestrian/bicycle enhancements help support existing/planned transit
Potential Limitations/Trade-offs
» Changes will be incremental; higher –density and/or vertical mixed-use development may not be
viable in all Suburban Mixed-Use Districts
» Transit frequency and type will be dictated by density/intensity and overall mix of uses; not all
Suburban Mixed-Use Districts will have the same level of service
What will it take?
» Evaluation of and potential updates to existing zoning to reinforce desired characteristics
» Design standards to address transitions between districts and neighborhoods
DRAFT 3.15.19
130 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Modest Retrofit
Where a modest retrofit of an existing
district is planned, key considerations
include opportunities to:
A. Repurpose vacant/underutilized big-
box stores for new uses;
B. Incorporate community gathering
spaces, such as outdoor dining areas
or small plazas;
C. Upgrade landscaping and signage;
and
D. Improve pedestrian and bicycle
connections to adjacent
neighborhoods and employment
districts.
Moderate Revamping
Where a moderate revamping of
an existing district is planned, key
considerations (in addition to those
noted above) include the potential to:
A. Activate spaces around existing
buildings;
B. Infill outer surface parking lots with
multi-family residential and other
supporting uses; and
C. Integrate higher-frequency transit
service.
Significant Infill/Redevelopment
Where substantial redevelopment
of an existing district is planned, key
considerations (in addition to those
noted above) include the potential to:
A. Incorporate a broader mix of uses at
more transit-supportive densities;
B. Shift from surface parking to
structured parking in targeted
locations; and
C. Accommodate the jobs and
households needed to support
high-frequency transit or Bus Rapid
Transit.
How might Suburban Mixed-Use Districts evolve over time?
A
B
C
A
B
A
B
C
D
C
D
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 131
A commercial strip center with surface parking provides
convenience to access retail, restaurants, and other services.
Surface parking converted to mixed-use development along high-frequency
bus/BRT line expands housing options and access to services. An enhanced
public realm with plaza spaces and modern street furnishings creates an
inviting place to walk, rest, or connect to other places by catching a bus.
A mixed-use building with ground floor retail and residential
above offers locals an urban experience in a suburban place.
DRAFT 3.15.19
132 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Suburban Mixed-Use | BUILT FORM
B
G
Public Spaces
Integrate plazas and vibrant public
spaces throughout the district to serve
district and neighborhood residents, as
well as workers.
C
Building Design
Design buildings to relate to the public
realm and the surrounding context. This
will be achieved through active street-
level design, massing strategies, and the
use of complimentary materials.
A
Building Siting and Orientation
Orient buildings towards streets, plazas,
and parks to activate public spaces and
minimize views of surface parking along
primary street frontages.
B
C
Structured Parking
Wrap parking decks with the uses they
serve and activate at the ground level,
where appropriate.
E
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 133
A
C
C
D
F
H
Energy and Resource Conservation
Integrate solar panels and other green
building technology, such as green or cool
roofs, into new and existing buildings to
support climate action goals.
F
Mixed-Use Buildings
Concentrate density/intensity
near transit facilities and at major
intersections.
G
Big-Box Retrofit
Encourage upgrades to and/or the
adaptive reuse of older big-box stores
to adapt to changing retail dynamics
and community needs.
H
F
DRAFT 3.15.19
134 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Suburban Mixed-Use | MIX OF USES
Adjacent Neighborhoods
Suburban Mixed-Use districts typically
abut Suburban or Mixed-Neighborhoods
providing residents with access to services
and amenities.
A
Structured Parking
As densities increase, structured
parking will become more prevalent.
C
Office
Professional offices expand
employment options in close proximity
to housing and transit.
B
B
E
G
Multi-Unit Retail/Commercial Office Parks, Open
Space, and Plazas
Mix of uses
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 135
Mixed-Use Buildings
Ground floor retail with office or
residential above activates pedestrian
frontages.
E
Retail/commercial
The configuration and amount of retail/
commercial in each district will vary.
D Public spaces
Plazas and public spaces provide places
for residents and workers to gather.
F
Trail System
An interconnected trail system
connects the district to the sounding
neighborhoods and other destinations.
G
A
C
D
F
DRAFT 3.15.19
136 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Suburban Mixed-Use | MOBILITY
Local Streets
Local streets provide access to and within
adjacent neighborhoods.
B
Regional Trail
Wide bicycle/pedestrian trail connects district
to citywide and regional facilities.
C
Mobility Hub
Multimodal mobility hub connects bike,
bus, and other services, such as on-
demand/microtransit service.
A
Transit
Local Bus (30-min frequency), on-
demand or microtransit
D
LEGEND
Collector Road
Local Road
Regional Trail
Protected Bike Lane
Arterial Surface Parking Lot
Bike/Transit Corridor
A
D F
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 137
Protected/Buffered Bike Lanes
Protected or Buffered Bike Lane to
provide low stress, connected bike facility.
E
Pedestrian Zone
Pedestrian-friendly main street with
amenity zone and wayfinding.
F Pedestrian Crossings
Enhanced pedestrian crossings along
high volume, high speed streets
G
B
C
E
G
DRAFT 3.15.19
138 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
URBAN MIXED-USE
Where We Are Today
Although the City has had supportive policies, regulations, and incentives in place for years, development
adjacent to existing MAX stations and along other corridors planned for high-frequency transit service in many
cases has not achieved transit-supportive densities or included the mix of activity generating uses desired
in these locations. Where more transit-supportive projects have been built in recent years, the height, overall
density, and relationship between these projects and the surrounding neighborhoods has been controversial.
Opportunities for the Road Ahead
Although Urban Mixed-Use Districts may appear similar in character to Suburban Mixed-Use Districts today,
these districts offer the greatest potential for a diverse mix of uses at transit-supportive densities in the near-
term. In order to realize the full potential of existing and future transit investments along key corridors, it will be
essential that Urban Mixed-Use Districts are built out at their full potential.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 139
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Benefits
» Leverage public investment in MAX line and support the expanded transit network that is desired by
the community
» Substantially expands housing options in areas with high-frequency transit; helps to offset
underutilized retail/commercial spaces
» Improve access to services for employees and residents in, or adjacent to, Urban Mixed-Use Districts
Support the City’s efforts to reduce vehicle-miles traveled and support GHG reduction goals
Potential Limitations/Trade-offs
» Increases in density adjacent to existing neighborhoods may be controversial in some locations
» Expansion of Bus Rapid Transit service (or similar high-frequency service) may not be viable unless/
until transit-supportive densities are achieved
»
What will it take?
» Evaluation of and potential updates to existing zoning to reinforce desired characteristics
» Retooling of existing incentives to prioritize Urban Mixed-Use Districts
» Potential need to require higher densities and transit-supportive uses in key locations, rather than just
encouraging/incentivizing them
» Design standards to address transitions in density/intensity between districts and neighborhoods
DRAFT 3.15.19
140 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Modest Retrofit
Where a modest retrofit of an existing
Urban Mixed-Use District is planned (or
an initial phase in a multi-phase project),
key considerations include opportunities
to transition one quadrant of the
intersection or center to:
A. Expand mix of uses to include
multi-family residential, office, and
other supporting services by infilling
surface parking and replacing
single-story retail/commercial;
B. Concentrate new high-intensity
mixed-use immediately adjacent to
Bus Rapid Transit station(s); and
C. Support the continued viability
of existing retail/commercial in
adjoining quadrants by increasing
activity levels overall.
Moderate Revamping
Where a moderate revamping of
an existing district is planned (or
subsequent phases in a multi-
phase project are completed), key
considerations—in addition to those
noted above— include the potential to:
A. Transition frontages and existing
low-intensity uses in other quadrants
to high-density mixed-use to further
diversify housing options and the
overall mix of uses in the district;
and
B. Incorporate sustainable
development practices (solar panels,
green roofs, bioswales).
Significant Infill/Redevelopment
Where substantial redevelopment of
an existing district is planned (or full
buildout of a multi-phase project), key
considerations—in addition to those
noted above—include the potential to:
A. Replace outmoded retail/
commercial center on final quadrant
with high-intensity mixed-use
development;
B. Establish a more walkable pattern of
blocks that enhances connections
to Bus Rapid Transit station(s)
and adjacent neighborhoods and
employment districts; and
C. Incorporate townhomes or
smaller-scale multi-family housing
where the district abuts adjacent
neighborhood to provide a more
gradual transition in density/
intensity.
How might Urban Mixed-Use Districts evolve over time?
A
B
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 141
A BRT station enhanced with landscaping, seating, and
event space establishes a destination when activated with
restaurants, retail, and other services.
Adjacent to a BRT station mixed-use development rises three
to five stories high supporting office, retail, and residential.
Ground floor retail, widened sidewalks, and mid-block
street crossings create a walkable, active place.
DRAFT 3.15.19
142 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Urban Mixed-Use | BUILT FORM
A
D
G
H
Public Spaces
Integrate plazas and vibrant public
spaces throughout the district to serve
district and neighborhood residents, as
well as workers.
D
Building Design
Design buildings to relate to the public
realm and the surrounding context. This
will be achieved through active street-
level design, massing strategies, and the
use of complimentary materials.
A
Building Organization
Concentrate buildings along major
street frontages and drive asiles as a
way to define and enclose the public
realm.
C
Building Orientation
Orient buildings towards streets, plazas,
and parks to activate public spaces and
minimize views of surface parking along
primary street frontages.
B
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 143
B
C
E
F
Structured Parking
Wrap parking decks with the uses they
serve and activate them at the ground
level, where appropriate.
E
Energy and resource conservation
Integrate solar panels and other green
building technology, such as green or cool
roofs, into new and existing buildings to
support climate action goals.
F
Mixed-Use Buildings
Concentrate density/intensity
near transit facilities and at major
intersections.
G
Consistent Streetscape
Integrate street trees, public art,
landscaping, pedestrian-scaled lighting, and
other urban design elements to establish a
distinct character.
H
DRAFT 3.15.19
144 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Urban Mixed-Use | MIX OF USES
A
B
D
F
Existing Single-Family Neighborhoods
Urban Mixed-Use districts typically abut
Suburban or Mixed-Neighborhoods
providing residents with access to services
and amenities.
A Office
Offices providing employment
opportunities should be integrated into
the district.
B
Multi-Unit Retail/Commercial Office Parks, Open
Space, and Plazas
Mix of uses
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 145
C
E
Mixed Use Buildings
A mix of uses withing buildings should
occur, with retail on the ground floor
and residential or office above.
D
Plazas
New plazas should be construed as
redevelopment occurs.
E
Transit Station
The mix of uses and increased intensity
should support the high-frequency
transit station.
F
Parking Structures
Parking structures are integrated into
new development.
C
DRAFT 3.15.19
146 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Urban Mixed-Use | MOBILITY
Transit Station
Bus Rapid Transit Station
A
Transit Corridor
BRT with dedicated bus queue jump
lanes & transit signal priority
B
LEGEND
Collector Road
Local Road
Regional Trail
Protected Bike Lane
Arterial Surface Parking Lot
Bike/Transit Corridor
B A
E
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 147
Protected/Buffered Bike Lanes
Protected or Buffered Bike Lane to provide
low stress, connected bike facility.
C
Pedestrian Zone
Pedestrian-friendly main street with
amenity zone and wayfinding.
D Pedestrian Crossings
Enhanced pedestrian crossings along
high volume, high speed streets
E
C
D
DRAFT 3.15.19
148 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
MIXED-EMPLOYMENT
Where We Are Today
Shifting preferences nationally are driving employers to make decisions on where to locate based on access to
the quality of life amenities the younger workforce demands, such as shopping, services, and dining. As a result
mixed-use and transit-accessible locations are becoming more attractive to employers and the workers they
seek. As they exist today, many of the city’s existing Mixed-Use Employment Districts are more characteristic
of a single use, auto-oriented model and are not served by high-frequency transit. Where supporting services
and/or multi-family residential have been incorporated as part of Mixed-Use Employment Districts, uses have
remained segregated.
Opportunities for the Road Ahead
Retrofitting dated, single use office parks and employment uses in Mixed-Employment Districts should be
encouraged to help Fort Collins remain competitive in its ability to meet the needs of existing and future
employers—particularly in areas where high-frequency transit exists or is planned (e.g., Harmony Corridor).
Opportunities to integrate a more diverse mix of uses—such as multi-family housing, supporting services and
amenities, and enhanced connections to surrounding neighborhoods and transit corridors will help transform
these districts into more vibrant destinations, while also helping support other community priorities.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 149
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Benefits
» Provides more opportunities for people to live and access daily services within walking/bicycling
distance of where they work
» Opportunity to reinvigorate older , suburban office parks that might otherwise be underutilized
» Higher densities are more likely to support higher frequency transit service and additional
neighborhood services in adjoining districts
» Support the City’s efforts to reduce vehicle-miles traveled and support GHG reduction goals
Potential Limitations/Trade-offs
» Increases in density adjacent to existing neighborhoods may be controversial in some locations
» Expansion of Bus Rapid Transit service (or similar high-frequency service) may not be viable unless/
until transit-supportive densities are achieved
What will it take?
» Evaluation of and potential updates to existing zoning to reinforce desired characteristics (e.g.,
integration of housing and services with employment uses)
» Potential need to require higher densities and transit-supportive uses in key locations, rather than just
encouraging/incentivizing them
» Design standards to address transitions in density/intensity between districts and neighborhoods
DRAFT 3.15.19
150 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Modest Retrofit
Where a modest retrofit of a an existing
Mixed-Employment District is planned,
key considerations include opportunities
to:
A. Incorporate supporting services,
such as retail or restaurants on the
edge of the district; and
B. Enhance pedestrian and bicycle
linkages to adjacent neighborhoods.
Moderate Revamping
Where a moderate revamping of an
existing Mixed-Employment District is
planned, key considerations (in addition
to those noted above) include the
potential to:
A. Incorporate more intensive office
uses (served by surface parking;
B. Integrate supporting services and
multi-family housing along the plaza
and central green; and
C. Integration of additional restaurants,
retail and other supportive services.
Significant Infill/Redevelopment
Where substantial redevelopment of an
existing Mixed-Employment District is
planned, key considerations (in addition
to those noted above) include the
potential for a similar mix of uses at
higher, more transit-supportive densities:
A. High intensity uses are concentrated
adjacent to Bus Rapid Transit station
(on former surface parking lot);
B. Parking structures are integrated
into new development; and
C. Additional mixed-use development
extends along the transit corridor
adjacent to the district.
How might Mixed-Employment Districts evolve over time?
A
B
A
B
A
B
C
C
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 151
An office park with 1-2 story buildings and surface
parking accommodates shared green space and plazas.
3-5 story office with ground floor retail line major streets and
are well-connected with plaza spaces, crosswalks, and sidewalks.
A BRT station along a main road provides regional connections
to and from the office park. Plazas, green spaces, and sidewalks
create pedestrian-friendly environments outside the buildings.
DRAFT 3.15.19
152 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Mixed-Employment Districts | BUILT FORM
A
B
D
Structured Parking
Wrap parking decks with the uses they
serve and activate at the ground level,
where appropriate.
E
Building Design
Design buildings to relate to the public
realm and the surrounding context. This
will be achieved through active street-
level design, massing strategies, and the
use of complimentary materials.
A
Building Orientation
Orient buildings towards streets, plazas,
and parks.
C
Building Placement
Locate buildings near the street or
greenway system to create an inviting
and active public realm.
B
High-Frequency Transit
Concentrate higher-intensity uses
adjacent to high-frequency transit
stations.
D
F
Energy
Integrat
building
roofs, in
support
F
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 153
E
C
y and Resource Conservation
te solar panels and other green
g technology, such as green or cool
nto new and existing buildings to
t climate action goals.
DRAFT 3.15.19
154 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Mixed-Employment Districts | MIX OF USES
A
B
F
G
Existing Office Park
Existing office parks remain in some
locations.
A
Multi-Unit Residential
Multi-unit housing adjacent to district is
readily accessible to employees.
C
Multi-Unit Retail/Commercial Office Parks, Open
Space, and Plazas
Mix of uses
Retail/Commercial
Retail, restaurants, and other services,
such as day-care, serve employees and
residents.
B
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 155
C
D
E
Mixed-Use Buildings
Ground floor retail with office or
residential above activates pedestrian
frontages.
E
Public spaces
Plazas and public spaces provide places
for residents and workers to gather.
F
Transit Station
High-frequency transit station should
be centrally located within the district.
G
Parking Structures
Parking structures are integrated into
new development.
D
DRAFT 3.15.19
156 04 | STRUCTURE PLAN
Mixed-Employment Districts | MOBILITY
Regional Trail
Wide bicycle/pedestrian trail connects district
to citywide and regional facilities.
A
Transit Corridor
BRT with dedicated bus queue jump
lanes & transit signal priority
C
Protected Bike Lanes
Protected or buffered bike lane to provide
low stress, connected bike facility.
B
LEGEND
Collector Road
Local Road
Regional Trail
Protected Bike Lane
Arterial Surface Parking Lot
Bike/Transit Corridor
C
E
D
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 157
Mobility Hub
Multimodal mobility hub connects bike,
bus, and other services, such as on-
demand/microtransit service.
D
Pedestrian Zone
Pedestrian-friendly area with amenity
zone and wayfinding.
E Pedestrian Crossings
Enhanced pedestrian crossings along
high volume, high speed streets
F
A
B
F
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158 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
TRANSPORTATION
MASTER PLAN
05 The Transportation Master Plan (TMP) establishes a vision for
mobility in Fort Collins, achieved through a safe and reliable
multimodal transportation network for all City residents, visitors, and
employees. Fort Collins recognizes the importance of an integrated
and balanced transportation network that supports access and
mobility for all people. Current travel patterns where a majority
of travelers drive alone is unsustainable. This pattern results in
congested roads, poor air quality, high energy use, climate change
impacts, and high costs to expand and maintain streets. The TMP
seeks to upend this existing travel pattern by creating a better
balance among modes to reduce driving alone. To achieve this
outcome, this plan outlines a bold vision to improve the accessibility,
mobility, reliability, and safety of the transportation system for all
modes.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 159
159
“In 20 years, I hope Fort
Collins will have been
bold enough to have
gone outside the box of
car-centric living. We
should start now-
planning other ways of
gathering and getting
around besides the
automobile. ”
- Community Member
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160 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
A Framework For Future
Transportation
Transportation Vision Statement
The Fort Collins transportation system will move people and
goods safely and efficiently, while being accessible, reliable, and
convenient.
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 161
Introduction
The previous Transportation Master Plan provided Fort Collins an effective roadmap towards a multimodal
future. However, transportation has quickly evolved in the intervening years. New shared mobility modes,
the adoption of Towards Vision Zero, and the Climate Action Plan represent just a few transportation
developments changing mobility in Fort Collins.
This update highlights the progress Fort Collins has made towards advancing a well-connected
multimodal transportation network. This update also recognizes that shifting social, technological,
demographic, and climate trends demand continued refinement in managing transportation. Fort Collins
remains committed to maintaining community access through safe, multimodal transportation, while
expanding to include equity, sustainability, and new technologies as additional core components of the
planning process.
Recommendations and direction from the 2019 Transit Master Plan are reflected in this update as
well as guidance from the 2014 Bicycle Plan. In addition, the Transportation Master Plan incorporates
elements from the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO) 2040 Regional
Transportation Plan (RTP) that impact Fort Collins.
The Plan development process was a collaborative effort among City staff from several departments,
key stakeholders, and members of the public. Community input for the Transportation Master Plan
was gathered as part of the community outreach process for the City Plan through several community
workshops, in person and online surveys, and numerous other events.
Ten core Principles were developed to encapsulate, guide, and develop policies to ensure the
transportation system is in line with the City’s broader vision and goals:
Transportation plans, management, and investments support and are impacted by land use plans and
decisions.
Build and maintain high-quality infrastructure supporting all modes of travel.
Lead transportation innovation by exploring and utilizing emerging and transformative systems and
technologies.
Pursue regional transportation solutions.
Transit is a safe, affordable, and convenient travel option for people of all ages and abilities.
Bicycling is a safe and convenient travel option supported by a comfortable and connected network of facilities.
Walking is a safe, easy, and convenient travel option supported by a connected network of
sidewalks, paths, and trails.
Manage the transportation system to ensure reliable traffic and transit flow through travel
demand management and transportation system optimization.
Transportation systems support a healthy and equitable community.
Support and enhance safety for all modes.
The Transportation Master Plan’s implementation strategies will allow Fort Collins to achieve a vision
where the transportation system moves people and goods safely and efficiently. The system will also be
accessible to everyone with reliable, convenient, innovative, and intuitive travel choices, that support the
city’s growing economy through sustainable infrastructure, programs, and services.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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162 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
The Transportation Master Plan is organized into six sections focused on core components of a
sustainable transportation network. Each section is guided by its own vision statement and underlying
plan principle(s), to Fort Collins towards realizing the overall transportation vision. These sections provide
an overview of the existing transportation network conditions as they relate to the section theme as well
as where Fort Collins can enhance its programs and investments to achieve better outcomes. In addition,
the Plan provides both an overview of new trends and best practices, and a roadmap for how Fort Collins
can leverage new approaches to transportation in each respective category.
PLAN ORGANIZATION
1. TRANSPORTATION
INFRASTRUCTURE
2. MOBILITY &
TRAVEL CHOICES
3. HEALTH
& EQUITY
4. INNOVATION 5. SAFETY 6. SUSTAINABILITY
& RESILIENCY
Planning a physical
transportation network that
supports multimodal travel.
In-depth consideration of
the role each transportation
mode plays in shaping the Fort
Collins mobility network.
Ensuring the transportation
network plays a key role in
advancing social outcomes.
Understanding emerging
technologies and how new
trends are influencing travel.
The full plan vision cannot be
achieved without an effort
to eliminate serious injuries
and fatalities on Fort Collins
roadways.
Shifting transportation
away from creating harmful
environmental impacts towards
being a resource for improving
environmental outcomes.
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164 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
INFRASTRUCTURE
VISION STATEMENT
Fort Collins’ transportation
infrastructure will facilitate the safe
and efficient movement of people,
goods, and services regardless of
mode. The infrastructure will be
improved in concert with land use
development while being respectful
of community values and the
environment.
SUPPORTING PRINCIPLES
PRINCIPLE T1
Transportation plans, management, and
investments support and are impacted by land
use plans and decisions.
PRINCIPLE T2
Build and maintain high-quality infrastructure
supporting all modes of travel.
PRINCIPLE T5
Transit is a safe, affordable, and convenient
travel option for people of all ages and abilities.
Introduction
This section outlines priorities for future investments
in Fort Collins’ transportation infrastructure. Strategic
infrastructure investment provides residents and
visitors with safe, comfortable, and intuitive, choices
for multiple modes, that balances cost, time,
environmental outcomes, and health benefits. The
core of this system is the “layered network.” The
layered network creates a cohesive and connected
set of transportation connections for all modes to
destinations in Fort Collins.
Where We Are Today
The number of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) in
Fort Collins increases every year. With continued
population growth the amount of total VMT is
predicted to further increase, despite miles driven
per person decreasing. This means more vehicles
on already busy roads. In most parts of Fort Collins
roads are already as wide as planned, as such there
is limited space to accommodate more traffic.
The existing infrastructure needs to be managed
effectively and efficiently to keep the high level of
mobility Fort Collins residents and visitors expect.
Opportunities for the Road
Ahead
Although the citywide VMT is projected to increase
because of population and employment growth, the
per capita daily VMT is projected to decrease by 6%,
which aligns with the City’s objective of reducing
auto-dependency and increasing other mode shares.
Establishing reliable and comfortable alternatives for
traveling without a vehicle and promoting alternatives
to driving alone to reduce VMT are essential
components of the Transportation Master Plan.
TRANSPORTATION
INFRASTRUCTURE
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 165
The Layered Network
The Transportation Master Plan was developed using
a layered network framework, which focuses on how
the City’s transportation network can function, as a
system, to meet the needs of all users. The layered
network concept is a recommended practice of the
Institute of Transportation Engineers, that emphasis
safety for all modes of travel, while supporting key
City principles and policies.
“LAYERED NETWORKS
PRIORITIZES ROADWAYS FOR
DIFFERENT MODES OF TRAVEL
WHICH HELPS INFORM DIFFICULT
INVESTMENT CHOICES .”
Introduction to the Layered
Network Concept
Fort Collins is committed to planning and building
complete streets, however it is often a challenge for
every roadway to meet the demands and needs of all
modes.
The layered network concept envisions streets as
systems; each street type is designed to create
a high-quality experience for intended users. A
layered network approach allows for certain streets
to emphasize specific modes or user types, while
discouraging incompatible uses. For example,
a downtown street may be planned to provide
a pleasant experience for shoppers on foot,
recreational bicyclists, and people wishing to park
on-street, while discouraging use by ‘cut-through’
traffic and regional trucking.
Fundamentally, the layered network is influenced by
the land uses outlined in the Structure Plan. Increased
land use density results in more trip-making activity
and therefore demands more space-efficient
forms of travel like bicycling, walking and transit. In
lower-density areas of the city, maintaining vehicle
accessibility is important, while still providing key
bicycle connections and pedestrian access on all
streets.
The following sections of this chapter describe the
individual modal network ‘layers’ that have been
developed for transit, walking, biking, and vehicles.
Collectively when all the layers are combined, the
result is a complete, connected, and multimodal
system that is in integrated with the underlying
land use patterns. The following sections provide an
overview of each layer and full layer maps can be
found in the Mobility & Travel Choices portion of the
Plan.
Source: Institute of Transportation Engineers, 2011
DRAFT 3.15.19
166 Fort Collins City Plan
Transit Network Layer
The Transit Master Plan identifies specific corridors
in the City where transit service will operate in the
future. The transit network layer is planned to provide
a balance between coverage (serving many areas of
the City) and productivity (providing high-frequency
service along high-ridership corridors). This will be
achieved by expanding bus rapid transit (BRT) and
high-frequency service to corridors with transit
supportive land uses, including dense urban and
mixed-use nodes and major activity and employment
centers.
Future fixed-route bus service is categorized into four
typologies: BRT, high-frequency, local, and regional.
The Transit Master Plan identifies a list of capital and
operational improvements to facilitate the expansion
of fixed-route service. For example, on future BRT
and high-frequency routes, projects to speed up
buses through traffic signal improvements (transit
signal priority) and queue jump lanes are identified,
as well as upgrades to passenger waiting areas.
To facilitate transit coverage as the City grows, new
‘mobility innovation zones’ have been identified
where new types of transit services that include
autonomous shuttles or partnerships with on-
demand ride-hailing services will be deployed to
more efficiently connect the lower-density areas of
Fort Collins to the fixed route backbone.
What Happened to Enhanced
Travel Corridors (ETCs)?
The 2011 TMP prioritized transportation
investment corridors through a designation
of ETCs: corridors uniquely designed to
incorporate a mix of automobile, transit, bicycle,
and pedestrian investments which could include
different prioritization of modes within these
corridors. With the introduction of The Layered
Network Concept in this Plan, the ETC concept
is replaced with the identification of priority
transit, bicycle, pedestrian, and automobile
corridors.
The most visible transformation of ETCs in this
Transportation Master Plan update are the BRT
and high-frequency transit corridors. These
corridors are based on the expected land use
intensification identified in the Structure Plan.
Pedestrian Network Layer
Everyone is a pedestrian at some point during their
trip. Therefore, every street in the City should contain
a sidewalk and curb ramps that are Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible. Certain areas
in the City with higher pedestrian volumes are
recommended to prioritize the pedestrian experience,
aligned with the adjacent land uses. This includes
wider sidewalks in Downtown and more frequent
crossings near Colorado State University.
Unlike the layered network for bicyclists, transit, and
vehicles, the priority locations for pedestrians are
not limited to certain corridors but rather a priority
Introduction 167
speeds and volumes, or angled parking, it is not as
appropriate or feasible to provide a low-stress bicycle
facility. However, determining a parallel facility that
can provide bicyclists with a connected, low-stress
network and access to key destinations is important.
In a way, the low-stress bicycle network is similar
to the arterials devoted to vehicle travel. Not every
street is required (or appropriate) to be an arterial,
but they are spaced at a reasonable interval to ensure
good vehicle access.
The Transportation Master Plan references the 2014
Bicycle Plan to identify corridors prioritized for
bicyclists through the identification of a designated
bicycle facility. All designated bicycle facilities in the
layered network will be low-stress according to the
Level of Traffic Stress methodology featured in the
2014 Bicycle Plan.
Vehicle/Truck Network Layer and
Master Street Plan
Establishing reliable and comfortable alternatives
for traveling without a vehicle and promoting
alternatives to driving alone are essential
components of this Plan. However vehicles will
continue to be one of the primary ways people
travel in Fort Collins. Additionally, it is important to
recognize the importance of providing efficient and
reliable vehicle mobility for businesses, including
deliveries.
The City’s major street network (Figure 5-1) defines
the primary vehicle and truck layer which is also
compatible with the transit, pedestrian, and bicycle
network layers. This major roadway network helps
guide transportation investments and serves as the
overarching framework for transportation.
The major street network is defined by the Master
Street Plan (MSP), which informs the development
of the Capital Improvement Program. The MSP
helps identify projects the City should undertake to
support future travel needs and is updated to reflect
demand, new infrastructure, and planning.
The Master Street Plan will be updated as an early
action item after adoption of the TMP. Updates will
reflect future travel needs identified by the regional
travel model, input from stakeholder and public
comment, and adoption of the Layered Network
Concept.
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168 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
COLLEGE AVE
LEMAY AVE
TIMBERLINE RD
SHIELD ST
TAFT HILL RD
TRILBY RD
HARMONY RD
EAST COUNTY ROAD 32
MULBERRY ST
PROSPECT RD
DRAKE RD
HORSETOOTH RD
¦¨§25
Figure 5-1: Major Street Network
LEGEND
Collector (2 Lanes)
Arterial (2 Lanes)
Arterial (4 Lanes)
Major Arterial (6 Lanes)
Interstate
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 169
Multimodal Transportation
Level of Service (MMLOS)
MULTI MODAL TRANSPORTATION
LEVEL OF SERVICE IS A TOOL
TO IDENTIFY WHAT TYPES
OF FACILITIES SHOULD BE
INCLUDED IN EACH LAYER OF
THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
AND HOW TO IMPLEMENT THOSE
FACILITIES.
Background and Purpose
Fort Collins was one of the first cities to adopt
Multi Modal Level of Service (MMLOS) standards to
evaluate how well (or not) projects serve pedestrians,
bicyclists, transit riders, and vehicles. Consistent use
and implementation of MMLOS practices helped
to achieve multimodal goals and objectives, meet
community needs, and provides transparency for
developers and the public.
To continue to create projects and developments
that have high levels of service for all modes, the
existing MMLOS standards are in need of updating.
As the standards exist currently, some projects and
developments fail to meet existing standards due to
constraints and lack of flexibility. Additionally current
standards do not reflect best practices being used in
capital improvement projects.
Another key objective in updating these standards
is to streamline the development review process,
providing clarity for both developers and City staff.
Under the existing system, the MMLOS standards
are helpful in identifying gaps in the transportation
system, but they are difficult to apply and do not
result in the consistent implementation of multimodal
infrastructure improvements by developers.
Recommended Updates
Fort Collins intends to move away from MMLOS
“standards” to a “guideline” based system to inform
City planning efforts, capital projects and the
development review process.
Guidelines define an outcome or design that is
desirable but allows deviations for exceptional
circumstances. Moving from a standard to a
guideline allows City staff to more easily implement
improvements in areas with limited right-of-way or
where other constraints limit the type of facility that
can be built.
MMLOS updates are also expected to modify
the Development Review process and
change how City capital projects incorporate
multimodal considerations. Additionally, there
is a recommendation to enhance the current
transportation dashboard to track and share Fort
Collins’ progress on MMLOS. More comprehensive
details on the initial recommended approach can be
found in Appendix E3.
MMLOS and Development Review
As part of an update to the standards and guidelines,
it is recommended that the City streamline the
170 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
the project impact text and strengthening language
around Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
mitigation.
Capital Improvement Plan
A Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is a list of
multimodal transportation system improvements
needed to achieve the TMP vision. Typically, the CIP
is updated in conjunction with the Transportation
Master Plan update to ensure planned projects
continually match the transportation vision Fort
Collins sets for the community.
CIP projects include categories such as:
» Advanced Traffic Management System
» Bicycle
» Bridge
» Intersections
» Parking
» Pedestrian
» Railroad
» Roadway
» Trails
» Transit
» Grade Separated Crossings
» Pedestrian Program
» Bus Stop Improvements
The 2012 CIP identified $309.4 million in short-term
(2013-2018) project costs and approximately $1.3
billion in long-term (through 2035) projects costs. In
the short-term, transit projects make up the largest
capital project category with one-third of projected
short-term costs. For long-term projects, roadway
projects account for the largest percentage of costs.
Moving forward, the CIP will be updated every
two years to reflect projects that are based on the
layered networks identified previously in this plan.
CIP updates will also revisit project prioritization by
considering land use changes, sustainability goals,
evolving community values, and equity.
Modal Plan Update Schedule
To fully embrace the layered networks identified
in the Transportation Master Plan, the modal plans
should be periodically updated to reflect changing
land use patterns. The 2014 Bicycle Plan should be
updated in 2020 or 2021 to reflect refinements to
the bicycle facility type and projects that have been
implemented since the adoption of the 2014 Plan.
The 2011 Pedestrian Plan should also be updated in
2020 0r 2021.
This should include updates to the Pedestrian Priority
Areas, changes to design standards based on best
practices and changes in land use, and updates to
the crossing guidelines in accordance with national
best practices. The 2019 Transit Master Plan should
be updated in 2024 to reflect land use changes and
revise any BRT or high-frequency routes if the land
use development pattern does not reflect what is
currently envisioned in the Structure Plan.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian plans may be combined
into an Active Transportation Plan. This would
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 171
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172 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
MOBILITY &
TRAVEL CHOICES
MOBILITY
VISION STATEMENT
Fort Collins will offer multi-modal
access and choices that are
seamlessly interconnected and create
a transportation system that is safe,
efficient, and reliable.
SUPPORTING PRINCIPLES
PRINCIPLE T4
Pursue regional transportation solutions.
PRINCIPLE T6
Bicycling is a safe and convenient travel option
supported by a comfortable and connected
network of facilities.
PRINCIPLE T7
Walking is a safe, easy, and convenient travel
option supported by a connected network of
sidewalks, paths, and trails.
PRINCIPLE T8
Manage the transportation system to ensure
reliable traffic and transit flow through travel
demand management and transportation
system optimization.
Where We Are Today
Fort Collins is one of the few communities in the
country that has experienced substantial transit
ridership growth over the past five years. Additionally,
Fort Collins mode share for bicycling is among the
highest in the nation. Despite these successes the
number of people driving alone continues to make up
73% of commute trips and 60% of all trips.
Opportunities for the Road
Ahead
The City can continue building on efforts to expand
transit, improve bicycle infrastructure, and increase
pedestrian connectivity. Leveraging the layered
network to improve each travel mode will generate
opportunities for travelers to choose from a variety
of modes for each trip. Additionally, technology will
make it increasingly easy for residents and visitors
to choose travel options for all modes, combine trips
(e.g., take a ride-hailing service to transit), and view
the cost, health, and environmental consequences of
each modal choice.
Introduction
A city with good mobility requires a multi-modal
approach that supports an interconnected
transportation system. As Fort Collins nears build-
out, there are fewer opportunities to widen streets to
add vehicle capacity, as such the street space must
be more efficiently used in the future. To ensure
the high level of mobility the community demands,
there will be a need to shift trips from driving alone
to more space efficient modes like transit, bicycling
and walking. It is with this desire for a more modally-
balanced system that this Plan update focuses on the
development of a layered network.
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 173
Transit
Transit will play an increasingly important role in
moving people around the city over the coming
years. As the city gets denser, transit provides an
efficient way to move large numbers of people in a
small amount of space. A fully loaded MAX bus can
easily carry 80-100 people, removing a comparable
number of cars from the most crowded areas of the
city.
Transit ridership in Fort Collins nearly doubled
between 2013 and 2017 due in large part to the
opening of the MAX in 2014, the City’s first BRT line,
as well as more frequent and efficient routing near
the Colorado State University (CSU)campus.
The Transit Master Plan sets Fort Collins on a path
to continue growing transit ridership and make
significant transit system improvements by 2040
through a continued shift from a more coverage-
based transit service model to one that is more
focused on higher productivity (i.e., more riders per
bus) (Figure 5-2). This will be achieved through a
phased process that includes the following major
transit service revisions:
» BRT and high-frequency service will be expanded
along several key corridors where future land use
and density are expected to support transit.
» Local routes will be realigned to provide more
direct, reliable service, with higher frequencies
and better opportunity to connect into the BRT
and high-frequency network.
» Lower density areas of the City will be served by
‘Mobility Innovation Zones’ that will capitalize on
new mobility technologies. Service in these zones
may be provided by on-demand, microtransit, or
other emerging technologies that allow for more
flexible routing and may be provided through
partnerships with the private sector.
» Mobility Innovation Zones will be connected
into the BRT and high-frequency network at
strategically spaced mobility hubs that will serve
as multimodal transfer points between transit,
bicycles, cars, scooters, shuttles, on-demand, and
other mobility services.
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174 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
COLLEGE AVE
LEMAY AVE
TIMBERLINE RD
SHIELD ST
TAFT HILL RD
TRILBY RD
HARMONY RD
EAST COUNTY ROAD 32
MULBERRY ST
PROSPECT RD
DRAKE RD
HORSETOOTH RD
¦¨§25
Figure 5-2: Transit Vision Network
LEGEND
Regional Service
Bus Rapid Transit
High Frequency Service
(15 min all day)
Frequent Peak Service
(15 min peak/30 min min off peak)
Local Service
(30 min all day)
Mobility Innovation Zone
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 175
Regional Transit Service
In partnership with nearby communities Fort Collins
will provide new service or support funding and
planning for expanded regional transit outside Fort
Collins. This will include continuing to enhance the
FLEX route to Loveland, Longmont, and Boulder, as
well as potentially adding new service to Windsor/
Greeley, Laporte, and Wellington.
In collaboration with the Colorado Department of
Transportation (CDOT), Fort Collins will support
continued growth of Bustang service to Denver
and provide seamless transfer opportunities from
the Transfort system to Bustang. Also, Fort Collins
is prepared to support CDOT on potential future
commuter rail service to Denver.
Additional Transit Supportive
Elements
As part of restructuring the transit service to provide
more BRT and high-frequency routes, the City will
implement several additional supportive elements:
» Fleet. Achieving the 2040 vision for transit will
require about a doubling of 2017 revenue service
hours. The fleet will need to grow accordingly
including the addition of new high-capacity
buses for the new BRT routes. Advances in
technology will present the opportunity for the
City to convert its fleet to electric vehicles in the
near-term and potentially autonomous vehicles
in the long-term, providing for long-term cost
savings and environmental benefits.
» Technology. The Transit Master Plan provides
guidance on integrating the system with
emerging technologies. In addition to electric-
and autonomous-vehicle fleet conversion, the
City will work toward making transfers between
regional services more seamless, integrating trip
planning and fare payment across regional transit
providers and other modes into a centralized
mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platform.
» Capital improvements. To implement the Transit
Master Plan, several major capital improvements
will be needed, notably an expansion of the
existing transit maintenance base, an expanded
or new Downtown Transit Center, and new
mobility hubs (which are similar to transit
centers, but will include additional infrastructure
to support shared mobility devices - cars,
bikes, scooters - and space for on-demand and
microtransit connections). Capital investments to
support the new BRT and high-frequency routes
will also be required. Major capital improvements
to technology and information sharing will be
required to improve the transit rider’s experience
and integrate with the other digitally-connected
mobility options that will continue to grow in the
future.
» Access to transit. Access to transit is a
cornerstone of this Transportation Master Plan,
and the Transit Master Plan integrates the
176 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
Flexible Approach to Implementation
The Transit Master Plan will be implemented in
phases over-time and provides for flexibility. The
pace of implementation and flexibility of the Plan will
depend in large part on three major factors and how
these three factors play out over the next 20 years.
These include:
» Land Use. Land use will be the primary driver in
determining when and where new services are
added. High-frequency and BRT service will be
added to corridors as infill and new development
occur on those corridors. In addition, where BRT
and high-frequency service occur may deviate
from the Plan if dense, mixed-use development
occurs in different parts of the City than
anticipated. In this way transit service will be
added and upgraded along various corridors
in order to respond to actual, as opposed to
forecasted, land use. Figure 5-3 illustrates how
the City will plan and provide transit on various
corridors based on adjacent land use and
associated transit demand.
» Funding. Implementation of the Transit Master
Plan will require a doubling of revenue service
hours as well as capital investments in: fleet,
maintenance facilities, bus stops, and speed and
reliability improvements along key corridors.
When and how much additional funding will
become available in the future will dictate the
speed and extent to which improvements can
be made. The Transit Master Plan provides a
comprehensive overview of potential funding
options and strategic opportunities to grow
transit over time.
» Technology. New transportation technologies
introduced in the last several years (including
ride-hailing services, car/bike-share, and electric
scooters) have had a significant impact on
mobility and travel behavior particularly in urban
areas. Advances in future technology could have
significant influences on transit demand, mobility
options and the cost of providing different transit
services. How and when various elements of
the Plan are implemented will depend in part on
future technologies and how quickly they take
hold.
Land Use Type Example
Downtowns &
High Density Corridors
>45 >25
30-45 15-25
15-30
10-15 5-10
<10 <5
10-15
Urban
Mixed-Use
Neighborhood &
Surburban Mixed-Use
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 177
Bicycling
Bicycling provides residents and visitors of Fort
Collins a fast and spontaneous mode of travel.
With a bicycle friendly climate, and a strong City
commitment to improved bicycle infrastructure,
bicycling will continue to play a major role in future
travel in Fort Collins.
The 2014 Bicycle Master Plan and
Recent Implementation
The Fort Collins 2014 Bicycle Master Plan, as
referenced in Appendix E5, serves as the current
guide to support the bicycling culture and
infrastructure in the community. The Plan sets
forward-thinking short and long-term goals, which
address the creation of a connected and low-
stress network, safety for all modes, increased
bicycle ridership, a strong bicycle community,
equitable access, increased comfort for all ages and
abilities, and the creation of a physically active and
environmentally healthy community.
Low-stress (or high comfort) bicycle facilities
are those where a bicyclist shares the street
with low-volume, low-speed automobile traffic,
is adjacent to such traffic in a bike lane of
adequate width or is completely separated from
traffic in a protected bike lane. Comfortable
crossings of major streets are also necessary to
complete a low-stress network. A connected
network of low-stress bicycle facilities has been
shown to attract those who are interested in
bicycling but concerned about their safety.
The 2014 Fort Collins Bicycle Master Plan
includes policy, program, and bicycle network
recommendations to achieve a community where
people of all ages and abilities can safely and
comfortably travel by bike to where they want to go.
Many of the Bike Plan recommendations have been
implemented, for example:
» Established an automated bike share program
» Expanded the city’s Bicycle Ambassador and
Safe Routes to Schools Programs
» Completed a bicycle and pedestrian safety town
(Walk and Wheel Skills Hub)
» Launched Fort Collins’ Open Streets initiative
(car-free events)
» Expanded the city’s bicycle-related evaluation
efforts, including installing automated bike
counters
» Developed a Bicycle Wayfinding Master Plan and
installed wayfinding signage along the Phase 1
routes
» Developed a Bicycle Friendly Driver Program and
certified over 4,000 people
» Joined National Association of City
Transportation Officials (NACTO)
» Updated the Larimer County Urban Area Street
Standards to include bicycle infrastructure design
recommendations
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178 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
Infrastructure
The 2014 Bicycle Master Plan recommends a 2020
Network and a Full Build Network (Figure 5-4).
The 2020 Network focuses on facilities that can
be implemented quickly – primarily neighborhood
greenways on low volume residential streets - while
providing a comprehensive network that gives all
residents access to low-stress facilities.
The Full Build Network requires significant
investment by the City with potential impact on
other modes, with a focus of protected bike lanes
on busy streets. This network is proposed to be built
out on an ongoing basis over the next 25 to 50 years.
This network identifies the recommended facility
type and a framework for facility locations that are
to be implemented according to the Plan’s design
guidelines.
In addition to on-street bicycle facilities, the Plan
recommends wayfinding and signage improvements,
enhanced crossings of major streets, and grade
separated crossings at key locations. The goal
underlying this network is to serve the person who
would like to bike, but is concerned about a safe and
comfortable place to ride. In order to attract these
riders (which make up about 50 percent of the
population)2, the plan calls for a low-stress facility
at least every ½ mile, as defined by Level of Traffic
Stress methodology (which is a component of
MMLOS, described earlier).
Recommendations about the future low-stress
network were made to achieve the goal of “network
equity,” that is to provide all neighborhoods with
access to low-stress bicycle routes.
2 Jennifer Dill and Nathan McNeil, “Revisiting the Four Types of
Cyclists: Findings from a National Survey,” Transportation Research
Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 2587: 90-
99, 2016.
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 179
COLLEGE AVE
LEMAY AVE
TIMBERLINE RD
SHIELD ST
TAFT HILL RD
TRILBY RD
HARMONY RD
EAST COUNTY ROAD 32
MULBERRY ST
PROSPECT RD
DRAKE RD
HORSETOOTH RD
¦¨§25
Figure 5-4: Full Build Bicycle Network
LEGEND
Buffered Bicycle Lane
Bicycle Lane
Neighborhood Greenway
Protected Bicycle Lane
Existing Bicycle Trail
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The City has made significant progress toward
completion of the recommended 2020 low-stress
bicycle network plan. Arterial crossing improvements
have been completed at 21 locations, 19 miles of
buffered bike lanes have been installed, and the
two protected bike lane pilot projects on Laurel and
Mulberry Streets have been completed. A map of
existing facilities is shown in Figure 5-5. The City has
a goal of implementing one protected bike lane a
year for the next five years under this pilot program.
The pilot program includes a comprehensive
evaluation component in order to apply lessons
learned from a range of contexts and approaches to
the implementation of future facilities.
This Plan makes recommendations for future updates
to the Bicycle Full Build Network during the next
update of the Bicycle Plan (which is recommended
for 2020). These infrastructure updates should
consolidate designated bicycle facilities in order to
reduce redundancy in the low-stress network and
lower the cost, and thus increase the feasibility,
of implementation. The updated network should
focus on neighborhood greenways and protected
bike lanes. This shift will provide a more cost-
effective option with a reduced impact on parking
and adjacent land uses, while still implementing a
connected, low-stress bike network. The updated
network should distribute protected bike lanes
across the City and ensure a comprehensive network
of neighborhood greenways between the grid
of protected bike lanes. These updates should
incorporate lessons learned from the Protected
Bike Lane Pilot Program, including effective cross-
sections and contexts for implementation.
To move toward the vision in the bicycle network
layer, it is recommended that the City continue
efforts toward completing the 2020 low-stress
network plan and the Full Build Network Plan.
Other priority Bike Plan recommendations to move
forward with include:
» Developing a neighborhood greenway program
in connection with the low-stress bike routes
» Continuing the protected bike lane pilot
program with new project locations
» Developing best practice policies for bikeway
maintenance
The 2014 Bike Plan was planned to be updated on a
5-year schedule. While the plan is still actively being
implemented, the city should consider an update in
the next couple years to refine and prioritize its low-
stress and protected bike lane network plan.
Mulberry Protected Bike Lanes
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 181
COLLEGE AVE
LEMAY AVE
TIMBERLINE RD
SHIELD ST
TAFT HILL RD
TRILBY RD
HARMONY RD
EAST COUNTY ROAD 32
MULBERRY ST
PROSPECT RD
DRAKE RD
HORSETOOTH RD
¦¨§25
Figure 5-5: Existing Bicycle Network
LEGEND
Bike Lane
Bike Route
Shared Route
Shared-use Trail
Minor Shared-use Trail
Unpaved Trail
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Walking
Nearly everyone in Fort Collins is a pedestrian at
some part of the day, even if it is just a short walk
from a building to a car. Walking is the most basic
(and inexpensive) form of travel available to most
people including those using mobility devices.
Thus, walking is an important pillar of the layered
network and represents an important component of
accommodating future travel needs in an increasingly
dense and diverse city.
The 2011 Pedestrian Plan
The Fort Collins 2011 Pedestrian Plan identifies and
prioritizes pedestrian gaps in the city including
sidewalks, crossings, and Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) accessibility. As is the case with many
communities, the key challenges related with the
sidewalk network come from missing sections of
sidewalk, inadequate street crossings, areas with
no ADA accessibility, and dense areas with narrow
or otherwise inadequate sidewalks. The Pedestrian
Master Plan identified problems and respective
solutions to make walking safe, convenient,
comfortable, efficient, and easy for all ages and
abilities.
Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
Safe Routes to School is a nationwide effort to get
more children biking and walking to school for their
health, academic achievement and the environment.
The City of Fort Collins SRTS program is dedicated
to getting at least 50 percent of local K–12 students
biking or walking to school on a regular basis by
focusing on education, encouragement, engineering,
enforcement and equity.
The City SRTS program is a model program for
implementing change and influencing travel behavior,
and is key to reducing vehicle trips in Fort Collins.
The SRTS program should serve as a foundation for
continued efforts around encouraging more trips
be made by bicycling, walking, transit or shared.
Crossing Policy
The 2011 Pedestrian Plan defines a crossing policy
that will continue to guide the City of Fort Collins in
making decisions about where crosswalks may be
marked, where crosswalks with special treatments
(such as flashing beacons and other special features)
should be employed, and where crosswalks will
not be marked due to safety concerns resulting
from volume, speed, or sight distance issues. Using
findings from national best practice research,
this section provides guidance about the type of
treatments, if any, that are appropriate on various
streets and under various conditions. Preferred
and enhanced options are provided for signalized
locations, stop-controlled locations, and uncontrolled
locations. This crossing policy serves as the guide for
ensuring that there are frequent crossings to create a
connected, low-stress pedestrian network.
Implementation and Funding
The 2011 Pedestrian Plan recommends the
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 183
the NFRMPO and CDOT, and a property tax mill
levy. Overall, these funding strategies continue to
be relevant toward implementing the pedestrian
network layer.
Sidewalk Prioritization Model
The Sidewalk Prioritization Model, last updated in
March 2018, was developed to provide a data driven
and logical methodology for the prioritization of
specific pedestrian facilities in need of rehabilitation.
This model allows for a prioritization process that
acknowledges limited funding and provides a
structure from which to prioritize projects with the
highest return on investment. This model includes an
inventory of all sidewalks and curb ramps, including
whether or not they meet ADA requirements.
Each segment is given a score based on three
inputs-- location (proximity to key destinations),
health and equity (demographics and health
characteristics of nearby populations) and
safety (adjacent street, bikeway and sidewalk
characteristics). The most recent prioritization scores
are shown in the map in Figure 5-6, serving as a
flexible guide as other projects are completed or
as key missing sidewalk gaps are identified. These
scores and the base map should be updated on an
annual basis.
Based on the current proposed funding level
identified as part of the Sidewalk program, the
sidewalk network will be built to full ADA compliance
over the next 30 years.
Sidewalk Program Cost from 2018 City of Fort Collins Sidewalk Priortization Model
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184 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
COLLEGE AVE
LEMAY AVE
TIMBERLINE RD
SHIELD ST
TAFT HILL RD
TRILBY RD
HARMONY RD
EAST COUNTY ROAD 32
MULBERRY ST
PROSPECT RD
DRAKE RD
HORSETOOTH RD
¦¨§25
Figure 5-6: Sidewalk Prioritization
LEGEND
Low Priority
Medium Priority
High Priority
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 185
Removal of Pedestrian Priority Areas
The 2011 Pedestrian Plan identified Pedestrian
Priority Areas (PPAs), which identify locations of
high pedestrian use around the City that are held to
a higher pedestrian LOS than other areas that are not
PPAs. With a shift toward MMLOS being aligned with
facility design standards, Pedestrian Priority Areas
are not a necessary distinction. Instead, priorities
for pedestrians are assessed through the Sidewalk
Prioritization Model, that identifies high priority
segments based on access to key destinations,
demographics of nearby residents, and safety
considerations.
Walk Friendly Communities
Walk Friendly Communities, a national recognition
program operated by the University of Northern
Colorado (UNC) Highway Research Center and
supported by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information
Center, awards communities that are working to
improve a wide range of conditions related to
walking, including safety, mobility, access, and
comfort. Fort Collins was designated as a silver-
level Walk Friendly Community in April 2018, an
advancement from the community’s previous bronze
award.
The silver award acknowledges Fort Collins’ strong
planning, engineering, education and encouragement
that focuses on pedestrians. Strengths noted by
the Walk Friendly Community program include
a Pedestrian Plan with ambitious mode split
targets and project prioritization, planning for
20-minute accessibility, bus stop design guide,
community-driven approaches to planning, sidewalk
maintenance, Open Streets events, and pedestrian
accommodations at signals.
Fort Collins should strive for a gold-level designation,
guided by feedback provided in the Walk Friendly
Communities Community Report Card. Areas to
focus on include:
» Expanding the bicycle wayfinding system with
walking routes and distances to make the
program more relevant to pedestrians as well
» Launching a pedestrian safety outreach
campaign that is tailored to specific audiences
and behaviors
» Identifying and improving pedestrian crossings of
arterials
» Conducting targeted yielding and speed
enforcement operations; use a data-driven
approach and crash analyses to inform the best
locations to conduct these targeted efforts,
including school crossing guard placement
» Performing regular evaluations of safety
improvements by performing an evaluation
before and after a pedestrian project is
implemented
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Traffic Flow
While this Transportation Master Plan identifies a goal
of reducing the number of vehicle trips per person in
the future, the City recognizes that there are many
trips that are best accomplished in a car. Additionally
many businesses require reliable vehicle options for
patrons, employees and deliveries. Therefore, the goal
of this Transportation Master Plan is to ensure that
the system is functional for drivers (and for future
autonomous and connected vehicles). Reasonable
traffic flow depends on managing the transportation
system rather than expanding the roads.
Local Congestion Management
The efficiency of the vehicular system in the city is
a key component to supporting reduced emissions
for the climate action plan and creating reliable
travel options. Among other impacts, congestion can
result in driver frustration, reduced air quality from
excessive vehicle emissions, and safety concerns from
increased crash risks. To help mitigate these impacts
the city has an advanced traffic management system
that includes fiber optic connections to most of
the roughly 200 signals, and hundreds of CCTV
and detection cameras which allow staff to actively
manage traffic flow from the Operations Center.
There are a number of existing and proposed
strategies to congestion management:
» Signal timing efficiency: Citywide and localized
re-timing efforts, including the implementation
of the first two adaptive signal corridors, support
greater refinement of varying travel patterns.
» Addressing bottlenecks: Improving high-priority
intersections from the Arterial Intersection
Prioritization Study (AIPS) and addressing parts
of the roadway network that consistently present
issues, like right turn lanes, can significantly
reduce high congestion areas.
» Implementing plans to minimize work zone and
incident impacts.
» Shifting vehicle trips onto Transfort service,
bicycles, or the pedestrian network.
» Supporting the Travel Demand Management
programs described later in this section.
Regional Efforts
Regional travel with daily commuting patterns into
and out of Fort Collins plays an important role in
mobility for residents and visitor. In addition to local
efforts, there are significant regional initiatives on
to help reduce congestion. The North Front Range
Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO), the
regional planning entity for Northern Colorado, has a
set of congestion reduction goals, including:
1. Improve efficiency by reducing congestion
without widening roadways but instead deploying
cost-effective traffic management, travel demand,
and technology solutions.
2. Increase mobility by making modes other than
driving alone more available.
3. Improve safety by reducing crashes for all modes,
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 187
Fort Collins can continue leading the region in managing traffic congestion, attaining Congestion
Management Process targets, and measuring/managing corridor travel times by making travel by modes
other than driving alone a viable option for trips where a car is not required. The City can enable the shift
to more sustainable travel modes by implementing the layered network and facilitating the development
of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) programs. MaaS is a relatively new concept in which a person can use a
web-enabled trip planner (via a smartphone, computer, or call-in) to select from a suite of travel options
for a given trip. MaaS helps to break the cycle of travelers defaulting to an auto trip by better showing the
monetary costs, health benefits, and environmental consequences of different travel choices.
Reshaping Streets
Reshaping a street refers to the reduction of the number of general travel lanes to achieve system multimodal
improvements. This ‘roadway right-sizing’ may reallocate space from vehicles to dedicated transit right of
way, a bicycle facility, on street parking, and/or an enhanced pedestrian realm. Making capacity changes
should be evaluated for impact and combined with community support before moving forward as a
recommendation. The City has completed numerous reshaping projects and has shown that this is an
important tool to implement the layered network and ensure a multimodal system.
Source: FHWA Safety USDOT
Before After
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188 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
Transportation Demand Management
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) is a set of strategies that strongly support the layered network
concept by encouraging people to shift from the most congested time and/or mode of transportation to
less-congested options. At its core, TDM is a way to increase the efficiency of the transportation system since
it allows more people to move within the same amount of physical space. In addition to reducing automobile
trips, TDM supports other community and environmental goals like increasing physical activity, reducing air
pollution, and reducing the amount of energy expended on transportation. TDM strategies often require some
trade-offs between personal travel freedom and greater network efficiency or utilization. On the other hand,
TDM strategies also help to expose the externalities (the impacts that an individual imposes on others) of
automobile use, which helps for people to make lower-impact transportation decisions.
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 189
1. LOCATION-BASED
STRATEGIES
4. TRANSIT
2. SITE
ENHANCEMENTS
5. MARKETING
3. PARKING
PRICING
Targeting dense areas with
transit services with incentives
like discounted transit passes,
carsharing memberships, or
vanpool programs can help
people find alternatives to
driving to work since there are
robust alternatives once they
are there.
As Transfort continues to
invest in more frequent
service on key corridors,
transit becomes a more viable
alternative to driving. Transit
usage can be boosted through
employer-subsidized transit
passes, paid parking, parking
cash-out, or transit passes that
are bundled with rent.
Providing better walking
facilities, bike paths, and
transit stops will make
those options more
appealing in areas with
less-robust infrastructure.
Because traditional planning
emphasized driving, public
knowledge about driving is
often stronger than on other
modes. Successful TDM
programs promote transit,
walking, biking and other
emerging modes by showing
travelers how to reach their
destinations using those
modes.
Ensuring that drivers pay market
rates for parking can change
people’s default behavior and make
other modes more cost-effective.
Alternatively, parking cash-out can be
an effective strategy for areas with
more abundant parking by offering
people a cash incentive to not drive
and park.
Communities that have implemented strong TDM plans have documented a reduction in VMT. Different
strategies yield different results; charging for parking and parking cash-out has reduced VMT up to 12.5% in
some communities, while implementing mandatory commute-trip reductions (which typically includes a mix
of strategies such as parking pricing, subsidized transit passes, vanpool incentives, and marketing) has led to
a 20% decline in VMT.
Successful TDM plans require public and private sectors collaboration to ensure alternatives to driving exist
190 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
Existing Programs and Education
Campaigns
The NFRMPO has been promoting TDM in Fort
Collins since 1996 when the SmartTrips™ program
debuted. SmartTrips™ was a family of TDM initiatives
geared towards reducing the number of single
occupancy vehicle trips in the NFRMPO region 10%
by the year 2015. Current TDM programs include
VanGo™ vanpooling, ride-matching through an online
portal, and promoting more bicycle travel.
Fort Collins actively promotes TDM through the
following existing programs :
» The City of Fort Collins administers FCTrip, a web
application that informs travelers of traffic and
weather conditions, road construction updates
that may impact travel, and visual feeds of major
intersections.
» ClimateWise, a City administered program,
provides assistance to local businesses on
lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Businesses
that achieve lower emissions through changes
in employee commute choices earn community
recognition for their efforts.
» For eight years, the Fort Collins Bike Library
provided low-cost bicycle rentals to Fort Collins
residents.
» After forming a partnership with Zagster, the Bike
Library became the Pace Fort Collins bike share
program. The transition occurred in order to
better facilitate a focus on providing bicycles to
community members for general transportation
use and not just for recreation.
» FC Bikes is an organization that promotes
cycling in Fort Collins by sponsoring awareness
events like Bike to Work Day striving to grow
participation each year.
» The local Safe Routes to School program
encourages Fort Collins students to access
school by walking and bicycling instead of driving
in with their parents, which helps lower VMT.
CSU has also implemented TDM programs in order to
limit the transportation impacts of its nearly 40,000
students, faculty, and staff. CSU seeks to limit the
number of people driving to campus by providing
easy access to bicycles and bike parking, free
parking for vanpool vehicles, free transit passes for
all students, faculty, and staff. This program has been
very successful in reducing vehicle trips and boosting
transit ridership over the last five years.
For TDM to be most effective, it is important to
work closely with developers on the design and
implementation of strategies. The City should
consider providing funding and resources for
the development of a mandatory TDM Program
for developers, employers, and large multifamily
property managers.
Ongoing monitoring is also a key element in the
success of a TDM plan. Depending upon the goals of
the specific project or citywide goal of focus, a set of
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 191
Regional Transportation
Multimodal travel options are important not just
within Fort Collins, but also into and out of the City.
Fort Collins’ location, job centers, destinations, and
high quality of life mean that its residents, visitors,
and employees are frequently traveling to and from
neighboring communities such as Loveland, Denver,
and Greeley. More than one third of commute trips
are to cities south and southeast of Fort Collins,
underscoring the importance of multimodal
connections to the surrounding communities.
Connections to Denver
Transit
Transfort operates the FLEX regional bus serving
stops between Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud,
Longmont, and Boulder during peak hours.
FLEX is collaboratively funded through regional
partnerships and serves approximately 200,000
riders annually. FLEX also offers transfers to the
Regional Transportation District (RTD) bus system
in Longmont and Boulder. As Fort Collins grows,
Transfort is looking for opportunities to increase the
productivity and ridership of the FLEX route. Fort
Collins will continue to collaborate with the cities
along the FLEX route to refine and optimize service.
Rail
Currently, intercity transit service between Denver
and Fort Collins is provided by CDOT’s Bustang
service. While Bustang is a popular and viable
connection between Denver and Fort Collins, traffic
congestion on the I-25 corridor continues to grow.
The 2011 North I-25 Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) identified three potential rail projects to
connect Denver to cities in the North Front Range.
One project is a $1.35 billion (estimated) commuter
rail line between Fort Collins and Colorado Boulevard,
with a connection to RTD’s light rail line at 162nd
Avenue, once the North Line is complete.
In 2017, a Senate Bill was passed in the state of
Colorado to perform a feasibility study to implement
passenger rail from Fort Collins south to Loveland,
Longmont, Boulder, Denver, and onto Pueblo or
Trinidad. This potential rail line would be contracted
with Amtrak and use existing rail infrastructure.
An initial feasibility study considered the technical,
financial, and economic factors. Conclusions from
this study, in addition to the work of designated
committees, determined that high speed rail along
the I-25 corridor is feasible, but further engineering
studies should be conducted.
Interstate-25 Widening
CDOT is adding an Express Lane in both directions
on I-25. This project began in late 2018 and is
expected to be complete in Spring 2021. The
widening, when complete, will run from Johnstown to
Fort Collins. In addition to serving passenger vehicles,
the new lanes will help increase bus speeds and
reliability and will offer new bicycle and pedestrian
connectivity under I-25
192 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
CDOT Bustang
CDOT operates daily Bustang service (the North
Line) between Denver and Fort Collins, with stops
at Loveland-Greeley Park & Ride in Loveland, and
the Harmony Road and Downtown Transit Centers
in Fort Collins. Bustang service began in July 2015.
Due to high demand, additional Saturday and Sunday
service was added to the route.
Bustang has proven to be a resounding success with
monthly ridership increasing from about 3,000 riders
per month in 2015 to 8,000 riders per month in 2018.3
The high ridership growth rate suggests healthy
demand for transit service between Fort Collins
and Denver and supports additional intercity transit
studies by CDOT.
Connection to Greeley
The NFRMPO, as a part of the 2045 Regional Transit
Element (RTE) recommended the region carry out a
study to connect Fort Collins, Greeley, and Windsor
with transit service. They called this route the Poudre
Express. The 2045 RTE, adopted in November 2018,
lists supporting the funding and development of the
Poudre Express route as an action plan item. The
2045 RTE sets 2021 as the target year for starting
service. Transfort is currently working with Greely-
Evans Transit (GET) on a funding agreement that
would provide this connection.
Regional Trails Connections
There are several existing trails that connect Fort
Collins to other nearby regional destinations,
serving as valuable facilities for transportation and
recreation. These trail connections serve to extend
Fort Collins’ layered network well beyond the city
limit and provide regional benefits. The Spring
Creek Trail traverses Fort Collins from east to west,
providing connections between Fossil Creek Trail and
the Mason Trail. The Mason Trail starts at the CSU
campus and connects to the commercial portion of
Fort Collins. The Fossil Creek Trail forms a connection
between the southern end of the Mason Trail and the
southeastern edge of the city.
Since the 2011 TMP, additional regional bicycle and
pedestrian connections have been implemented.
This includes the completion of the Front Range Trail
West segment in 2017 that connects destinations in
Larimer County including Fort Collins and Loveland
as well as an additional trail segment opened
connecting the Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area
in Fort Collins with the Loveland Recreation Trail in
August 2018. The North Front Range MPO Active
Transportation Plan (2011) identifies twelve proposed
regional trail connections that provide extensions to
existing trails through Fort Collins as shown in Figure
5-7. Future trail extensions will extend multimodal
transportation options into the northeast, which is
currently underserved, as well as to the south to
Loveland.
The Poudre Trail provides a twelve-mile shared
use path that connects Bellvue and the CSU
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 193
Figure 5-7: NFRMPO Non-Motorized Corridors
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194 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
HEALTH & EQUITY
VISION STATEMENT
The transportation system in Fort
Collins will foster a community that is
healthy, environmentally sustainable,
and which promotes social equity
through an inclusive transportation
planning process that seeks to
empower vulnerable communities
and the equitable implementation
of multimodal transportation
enhancements.
SUPPORTING PRINCIPLE
PRINCIPLE T9
Transportation systems support a healthy and
equitable community.
Where We Are Today
Promoting community health and equity is a core
value for the City, as seen in targeted efforts like
the Climate Action Plan, the Neighborhood Traffic
Mitigation Program, and the work of the Fort Collins
Social Sustainability Department. The transportation
system plays a major role in the health of Fort Collins’
residents and visitors since it influences activity levels
and air pollution emissions.
Opportunities for the Road
Ahead
Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
especially from transportation sources, must be
accelerated to meet the City’s Climate Action Plan
goals. Improving multimodal transportation options
and connectivity, particularly in lower income
neighborhoods and areas with poor access, will
improve environmental outcomes while better
connecting all residents to the City’s economic,
recreational, and social resources. A transportation
system with more active travel will also improve the
health outcomes of people through greater physical
activity.
Introduction
The quality and performance of the transportation
system can be measured in many ways: roadway
capacity, travel times, or transit ridership; but
assessing network impact on quality of life is an
equally important consideration. Transportation
investments should not be made with simple goals
for just improving person throughput. Instead,
planning efforts unlock opportunities to help people
access healthier travel modes, create cleaner air, and
diminish the negative impacts current transportation
infrastructure has on community life. In addition to
HEALTH & EQUITY
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 195
outlining strategies for improving public health outcomes through transportation, the Transportation Master
Plan has a particular focus on planning with the community instead of for the community. Transportation
provides access, which in turn can empower vulnerable populations. Planning in collaboration with all Fort
Collins residents will ensure the resulting layered network represents a transportation system that fosters a
healthy and equitable city.
Health Impacts
Lack of Access
Lack of access to transportation options disproportionately affects people with disabilities. Without access
to public transit and/or Dial-a-Ride, many people with disabilities have no way to get to work, church, school,
shopping, friends, etc. Additionally a missing sidewalk gap could result in someone with disabilities traveling
much further than necessary to reach a destination that is physically very close. The City should focus on
breaking these access barriers by ensuring sidewalk gaps in the pedestrian network are filled and prioritizing
the implementation of bicycle facilities in areas with poor connectivity. The layered network approach to
placing appropriate travel facilities to match the community context will ensure connectivity for all modes is
improved.
20% BELOW 2005 LEVELS BY 2020
80% BELOW 2005 LEVELS BY 2030
ACHIEVING CARBON NEUTRALITY BY 2050
Air Quality
Vehicle emissions have a direct negative impact on air quality. Low air quality can result in respiratory
illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations like children and older adults. Air pollutant and GHG
emissions are closely related, as reductions in greenhouse gases also result in air pollutants such as ozone
causing emissions and particulate matter. Through the Climate Action Plan (CAP), Fort Collins is committed
to reducing greenhouse gas emissions:
Fort Collins uses a Transportation Air Quality Impacts Guidance manual to consistently evaluate, analyze, and
document the benefits and tradeoffs of transportation investments as they relate to air quality. This Guidance
Manual was developed to clarify and standardize the process for analyzing air quality impacts of City-initiated
transportation planning and construction projects, and to incorporate emissions reductions into the planning
process.
Using the manual, Fort Collins can continue to:
» Differentiate air quality impacts of various alternatives
» Determine better and more consistent information to support triple bottom line decision-making
» Optimize projects from an air quality perspective and to mitigate air pollution increases from certain
projects
» Meet requirements for air quality analysis associated with City requests to the Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) for funding
» Be more competitive on City grant applications when seeking funding from sources like the Congestion
Management and Air Quality Improvement Program
Relative to the region, Fort Collins is making active strides in achieving better air quality but continued
efforts to reduce emissions from transportation sources are needed to substantially improve air quality, and
subsequently reduce rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
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196 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
Congestion
Vehicle emissions are the primary contributor to
PM2.5 levels in the air. A Harvard School of Public
Health study found that increased levels of PM2.5
contributed to 4,000 premature deaths in 83 U.S.
cities in 2000 alone.4 In addition, congestion carries
high monetary costs through loss of work time and
excess fuel consumption.
Perceptions of congestion vary significantly. The
ability to easily and reliably move around town is
often a significant concern for residents. Congestion
also impacts emissions and economic health. There
are two basic types of congestion.
» Travel time – this is the experience of motorists
» Delay – travel time in excess of ‘free flow’ travel
time. This is calculated by multiplying the
individual travel time by the traffic volume which
equals the total delay of the roadway segment.
This measure correlates with fuel consumption,
vehicle emissions, and greenhouse gases.
It is important to acknowledge, recognize and
work towards addressing both types of congestion.
Historically traffic volumes in Fort Collins have
increased, but at a slower rate than population
growth. Impacts of congestion include:
» Driver Frustration – as reflected in the annual
citizen survey
» Vehicle Emissions – single most impactful
element of Transportation related impact on CAP
goals
» Quality of Life – including neighborhood cut-
through traffic if we can’t keep people moving on
the arterials
» Economic – the travel time reliability has specific
impact on economic health and business es
» Safety – increased crash risk with congestion
Measuring Congestion
The City utilizes a bluetooth data system located
along all major arterials in the city that collects
constant, anonymous travel time data. It is used
to provide accurate, comprehensive metrics for
congestion, can be used for real time management,
and historical evaluation. The system can be used to
develop average travel time by corridor, or total delay
by corridor (to reflect both types of congestions
discussed above).
Noise and Rail Quiet Zones
The connection between noise and human health
is not an extensively studied field. However, recent
studies suggest transportation noise can negatively
impact health by modestly elevating the risk of
hypertension and cardiovascular disease.5 The
more prevalent impact of noise is an increase in
annoyance, which can cause stress reactions. In
addition, transportation noise exposure can lead
to loss of sleep, which in turn can lead to negative
health outcomes and have harmful consequences
for cognitive development in children, including
diminished memory and reading comprehension
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 197
Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Train Horn
Rule, which details requirements railroad operators
must follow to alert motorists and pedestrians at
railroad crossings that a train is approaching. In order
to establish a quiet zone, each crossing in the zone
must have a quadrant gate system or gates with
raised medians.
The City completed a Quiet Zone Study that took
place in two phases. Phase 1 of the Quiet Zone
Study was conducted in 2011 with the support
of the Downtown Development Authority. The
study identified the necessary improvements to
meet federal railroad quiet zone regulations in the
Downtown area. Phase 2 of the Quiet Zone Study
was completed in 2013 and includes the Burlington
Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) crossings from south
of Laurel Street to Trilby Road. Fort Collins also
submitted a request to the FRA in 2015 for a
waiver to the train horn rule for freight crossings
near the CSU campus. The waiver included a set
of possible improvements the City would make to
the proposed zone that would ensure safety in the
absence of a train horn. FRA denied the waiver, but
instead established a working group for Fort Collins
representatives to work with the Federal Highway
Administration and the Federal Transit Administration
to determine strategies for addressing the quality
of life problems train horns pose for Fort Collins
residents.
Fort Collins should continue to explore opportunities
to work with the FRA and other stakeholders to
create a healthy community that mitigates the
impacts of freight noise as much as possible.
Lack of Exercise
Active transportation fulfills the dual purpose
of connecting people with their community via
non-driving modes while also increasing physical
activity, which leads to positive health outcomes
for individuals and the broader community. The
2011 City Plan envisions health and wellness as key
aspects of a sustainable community. Transportation
has proven central to helping more Fort Collins
residents achieve an active lifestyle through biking
and walking. Bicycling is a core component of active
transportation in Fort Collins, which was designated
as a platinum-level bicycle friendly community by the
League of American Bicyclists and ranked as the one
of the best cities for riding by People for Bikes.
Organizations like FC Bikes promote active living
through initiatives like Bike to Work Days and bicycle
safety education programs. The local Safe Routes to
School program also promotes active transportation
among Fort Collins youth who live close to their
school.
Fort Collins promotes active transportation
through both programming and policies promoting
development and maintenance of walking and
biking facilities in part to also promote community
wellness.7 Fort Collins City Government is a previous
198 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
Equity in Transportation
The Planning Process
The location of transportation investments impacts
not only the recipients of investments but also the
communities that do not receive new infrastructure
or service. Communities that witness lower levels
of public investment have historically also reported
worse air quality, lower access to community
resources, and less inclusion in the planning process.
The impacts of marginalization are compounding,
so it is important to bring in all members of the
community early on the process. Recognizing the
role of transportation in advancing social outcomes,
equity must be a core consideration when deciding
where to make investments in transportation assets
and what form those investments should take.
A 2014 Social Sustainability Gaps Analysis identified
the need for more transportation options as a
common theme when evaluating the needs of
vulnerable populations in Fort Collins. Lack of
weekday evening and Sunday transit service was
cited as a common barrier to community access.
Transfort has since addressed the problem,
demonstrating the need for engaging a wide range of
stakeholders.
Additionally, while driving alone is the predominant
mode in Fort Collins, nearly 2% of households in the
City do not own a vehicle.
Having both a substantial portion of the population
living under the poverty line, as well as inequality
in wages, signals that Fort Collins must focus on
transportation as a key resource for accessing
employment, education, and other resources for
economic mobility.
The TMP presents an opportunity to address inequity
by incorporating under resourced communities into
the planning process, starting with the visioning and
prioritization as a part of this Plan. Fort Collins has
demonstrated a commitment to advancing social
equity and the TMP outlines the role transportation
planning plays in promoting equal access to
opportunity in the City. The introduction to City
Plan outlines the thorough public outreach process
used to develop this Plan. The recommendation and
prioritization of transportation investments identified
in this Plan considers geographic and social equity.
Unequal access to transportation infrastructure can
also translate to inequity in access to educational,
professional, and social opportunities. Communities
that are underserved by transit, sidewalk
infrastructure, or safe biking facilities have reduced
access to employment centers and other tools for
economic mobility. Low income residents may not
have access to a private vehicle and rely heavily
on reliable transit, biking, and walking services and
infrastructure.
Inequity can also manifest itself in infrastructure
quality. Lower income neighborhoods may have
sidewalks, but if those sidewalks are narrow, uneven,
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 199
Efforts to improve access to transportation can run in parallel with planning efforts to improve environmental
sustainability through transportation. For example, while planning for electric vehicles, the City can make
concurrent plans to site charging stations in lower-income neighborhoods.
To ensure new transportation investments can further equity outcomes, Fort Collins can develop an equity
index that applies a scoring process that includes criteria such as median household income, average
percentage of household income spent on housing, percent of the population that is non-ambulatory, percent
of local population that is a minority, and local level of educational attainment. When determining where
to prioritize investments, the scoring process can guide the City in making more equitable decisions that
promote economic well-being within its communities.
Neighborhood Night Out
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200 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
INNOVATION
INNOVATION VISION STATEMENT
Fort Collins will be proactive in
welcoming new travel options
that offer the opportunity of
traveling more efficiently while
reducing negative environmental,
infrastructure, and social impacts of
travel.
SUPPORTING PRINCIPLE
PRINCIPLE T3
Lead transportation innovation by exploring
and utilizing emerging and transformative
systems and technologies.
Where We Are Today
New technologies are emerging daily that are
fundamentally changing the way people think
about moving around the community. Some of the
emerging technologies can have positive impacts in
contributing to meeting Fort Collins’ vision and goals:
vehicles that are far less likely to crash and injure
others, shared mobility options, signal systems that
adapt to changing traffic patterns, and transportation
modes that are more affordable and accessible to
people who can’t walk or drive themselves. At the
same time, some of these technologies could threaten
the quality of life in the City if not managed well, such
as congestion from induced demand with driverless
cars or drones making same-day deliveries.
Opportunities for the Road
Ahead
At this pivotal point in transportation, Fort Collins will
be proactive in welcoming new travel options that
offer the opportunity of traveling more efficiently
while reducing negative environmental, infrastructure,
and social impacts of travel. At the same time, the
City will be vigilant in establishing regulations and
incentives to ensure that these new transportation
technologies do not degrade the quality of life or
erode the City’s vision for sustainable and equitable
mobility. Fort Collins should use emerging modes to
facilitate transit use by encouraging first/last mile
solutions through means such as bike share and
scooter parking at Mobility Hubs and right sizing
transit through ride-hailing in Mobility Innovation
Zones, as identified in the Transit Master Plan.
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 201
Introduction
The potential impact of evolving technologies on
vehicle miles traveled and travel preferences is
important to understand. In order to assess the
impact such trends may have in Fort Collins, a
workshop on the future of transportation was held
with City staff in January 2017. Figure 5-8 shows the
results of a polling exercise with workshop attendees
on the direction of potential trends and their
implication on VMT in 2040. More details on these
projections and results are located in Appendix E7.
Based on staff projections on trends, VMT will be
about 9,600 VMT per capita, while the Climate
Action Plan goal is 6,300 VMT per capita. A
significant amount of the growth in VMT can be
attributed to increased ride-hailing, increased
deliveries of goods/services, and decreases in
housing affordability (which pushes some people
further from job centers and lengthens their
commutes). Results of this Plan support the City’s
priority to be more proactive in funding transit and
regulating/encouraging more sustainable travel
behavior in order to meet climate goals.
Shared Mobility
Shared mobility—the shared use of a vehicle, bicycle,
or other low-speed travel mode—is an innovative
transportation strategy that enables users to have
short-term access to a mode of transportation on an
as-needed basis. It will be important for Fort Collins
to prioritize shared mobility through programs and
infrastructure in order to optimize the transportation
system in consideration of environmental
sustainability and limited space and resources.
Shared mobility also provides a broader set of
transportation options for users that reduces reliance
on the private automobile, therefore mitigating
congestion and carbon emissions. Shared mobility
is a key component of a future transportation
innovation, MaaS, which is beginning to emerge in
Europe, and which has the potential to fundamentally
change how people pay for and access travel. MaaS
is described in a later section of this chapter.
Bike Share
On April 1, 2016 the Fort Collins Bike Library evolved
into Fort Collins Bike Share provided by Zagster, a
private bike share operator. This Bike Share system
is a collaboration of Zagster, the City of Fort Collins,
and Bike Fort Collins along with the sponsorship of
numerous local businesses.
In June 2018 the Fort Collins Bike Share became Pace
Fort Collins. Pace Fort Collins is a product of Zagster,
and is a modern, dockless bike share system that
allows riders to dock their bikes at any local bike rack
to end a ride. The City-wide fleet has 250 bicycles
with 42 dedicated docks. Each 30-minute ride costs
$1, while a yearly membership costs $29 monthly.
Since debuting two years ago, the program has
provided over 22,000 rides. Pace bikes can be locked
either to dedicated bike share racks or mid-trip at
202 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
Shared E-scooters
Shard e-scooters are a system where scooters with
electric motors are available for rental and short
transportation trips. They are generally operated and
maintained by private providers. They do not require
memberships but have a small flat fee as well as a
per-minute rate. This new shared-use mobility option
has become popular around the country and is
available in cities around the country and in Colorado,
including Denver. Shared e-scooters are expected to
launch in Fort Collins in mid 2019.
In anticipation of the potential arrival of e-scooters,
the City is updating local regulations. This includes
e-scooter parking and inclusion of e-scooters in
downtown dismount regulations. Additionally the
City is preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to
manage e-scooter activity by selecting a company
(or companies) to operate in Fort Collins. This will
allow the City to work with e-scooter companies on
details of operations and to help mitigate potential
issues.
Early anecdotal data suggest that scooter share
gets more usage than similar bike share systems.
For some people, e-scooters are easier to ride and
are less cumbersome to park than bikes. Cities that
have planned for scooters by updating municipal
codes to incorporate scooters and coordinated with
scooter providers to negotiate the number of devices
deployed onto city roadways have witnessed less
disruption to their transportation networks than cities
that had not prepared for the arrival of scooters.
Fort Collins is also reviewing its vehicle and bicycle
codes, in anticipation of changes at the State level,
to make sure it is clear where and how people should
ride scooters (shared or not).
E-bikes
In addition to electric scooters, the use of electric
bikes is also on the rise, in the form of privately
owned and shared e-bikes. Fort Collins current has
regulations in place that prohibit riders from using
e-bikes while the motor is engaged on city trails.
Because of new state laws and the popularity of
e-bikes, the City is currently proposing a one-year
pilot to allow Class 1 and 2 e-bikes traveling 20
mph or lower on city paved trails. It is important
to facilitate the safe use of e-bikes on Fort Collins
streets and trails through policy, regulation, education
and evaluation.
E-bikes make biking accessible to many who
otherwise would not feel comfortable biking while
also expanding the range of how far some will bike to
reach their destination. In a study at the University of
Tennessee-Knoxville of their e-bike share system data
revealed that “with few exceptions, riders of e-bike
behave very similarly to riders of bicycles.” However,
it is also important that the City educate users and
collect and analyze data to protect the real and
perceived safety of other trail users.
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 203
Car Share
Car sharing is a model for car rental that allows users
to pay for access to vehicles for limited periods of
time. Car sharing can come in many forms such
as publicly or privately provided, gig economy
based, and app-based. Rental periods for car share
are typically in minute or hour-long increments,
filling a temporary need for a vehicle and offering
an alternative to the traditional car rental model,
which requires a rental period of at least one day. In
addition, car sharing systems tend to have vehicles
dispersed throughout a service area, making the
vehicles easier to access than traditional car rental
companies. Access to a car share vehicle is also much
quicker than a traditional rental - either walk up to
a car and get in via an access card or smart phone
or reserve a car with a few clicks on a web page or
smartphone app.
At the time of this Plan, there are three primary
models for car sharing:
» Point to Point - This model consists of a fleet of
vehicles that can be dropped off at any location
within a designated service area. Point to point
systems are designed for users traveling in one
direction, do not require advance registrations,
and incentivize shorter trips by charging per
minute of use.
» Fixed Parking - The most well-known Fixed
Parking car sharing company is Zipcar. The Fixed
Parking model requires an advance registration
and for the vehicle to be returned back to its
origin point. Fixed Parking requires coordination
with private landowners and municipalities as the
vehicles require a permanent location in either a
privately-owned lot or in the public right of way.
In Fort Collins, Zipcar has several locations on
and near the Colorado State University campus.
» Peer to Peer - The newest entrant in car sharing,
peer to peer services provide a platform for
people to rent their private vehicles out during
times they are not in use. Rentals can be by
the hour or by the day. Turo is an example of
a popular peer to peer provider that currently
operates in Fort Collins.
Fort Collins should continue to facilitate and support
opportunities for car share. This may be in the form
of public private partnerships, providing parking
spaces or electric vehicle charging stations, or
incentives and discounts as a part of Transportation
Demand Management strategies. The City should
formalize a permitting process that allows car share
operator to apply for a dedicated parking space or
vehicle area permit through a streamlined process.
The permitting process will clearly define the
requirements that all vendors must meet including
required business licenses, insurance and operating
permits. Unique permitting requirements should be
identified for point to point and fixed parking models.
Car sharing provides opportunities for people
204 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
Ride-hailing
Ride-hailing, provided primarily by Transportation
Network Companies (TNC), is a newer mobility
service that has exploded in popularity over the
last few years. At its most basic level, ride-hailing
is simply the modern version of a taxi using a web-
based platform that matches passengers with
drivers in a simpler and more intuitive way. Drivers
opt in to provide this service, and fees and wait time
are determined based on supply and demand, as
moderated by the platform owners. Uber and Lyft are
currently the TNCs operating within Fort Collins and
the surrounding region.
Nationally, TNCs/ride-hailing represent the fastest
growing transportation mode. Multiple studies have
shown that people choose ride-hailing for many
reasons, and as a result, ride-hailing has the potential
to reduce the mode share for all modes, from
walking, driving, biking, and transit. Recent data also
show that ride-hailing has the potential to increase
overall VMT because of mode shifts from walking,
biking, and transit and because of the amount of
deadhead travel (travel with no passengers) required
to pick up new passengers. On the other hand, a
key market for ride-hailing vehicles is transit hubs
where they serve as a first and last mile connection
to transit, where they have the potential to increase
transit ridership by expanding access to stops and
stations.
Overall, ride-hailing presents some mixed
opportunities for Fort Collins. Ride-hailing provides
a niche in the travel market for many trips: late
evenings when transit is less frequent, travel with
bulky items, social travel, etc. Ride-hailing also
can help to reduce the risk of impaired driving
by providing an easy way home for people who
shouldn’t be driving. On the other hand, excessive
use of ride-hailing can lead to increased VMT, energy
use/greenhouse gas emissions, traffic congestion,
and crowded curb spaces and loading zones.
Fort Collins should work with TNCs to ensure that
ride-hailing is part of the mobility environment, but
not at the expense of traffic congestion and negative
environmental outcomes. Some potential strategies
to balance the pros and cons of ride-hailing include:
» Open data requirements - provide the city with
more information to be able to more effectively
regulate and create public private partnerships
with TNCs; require that TNCs provide open
access to real-time travel costs and travel times
so that cost/travel time information for multiple
modes can be aggregated into a single source.
» Fees in highly congested areas and times - while
the TNCs incorporate surge pricing to entice
more drivers when demand is high, Fort Collins
should consider congestion pricing ride-hailing
vehicles when congestion threatens the reliability
of transit operation.
» Vehicle standards - requiring ride-hailing vehicles
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 205
8 ITE, Curbside Management Practitioners Guide
Curbside Management
In addition to TNCs’ potential impact on congestion
and roadways, this type of travel also increases the
demand for curbspace through pick-ups and drop-
offs. Without designated curbspace and enforcement
of pick-up and drop-off zones, TNC vehicles often
block travel lanes, conflict with bicyclists and
pedestrians, double park, obstruct loading zones,
or block bus stops when picking up or dropping off
passengers. This can result in safety conflicts and
operational inefficiencies for private autos, freight,
and transit. In order to mitigate these impacts, the
City should manage the curb. “Curbside Management
seeks to inventory, optimize, allocate, and manage
curbspace to maximize mobility and access for the
wide variety of curb demands.”8
In the short-term (one to three years), Fort Collins will
perform a curbside management study that examines
how well locations accommodate moderate-to-
high-volumes of passenger loading activity amidst
other uses. As a part of this study, the City should
collect, observe, and analyze video and traffic data,
including activity data from Transportation Network
Companies to quantify loading demand. These results
will help better understand curbspace demand and
the efficiency with which different users use the curb,
evaluate interactions between roadway users, and
understand other behaviors and trends at and around
the curb. In the short and medium-term (three to
five years), Fort Collins will implement strategies to
improve curb productivity based on the results of this
study.
These include creating designated pick-up and drop-
off zones, especially focused in Mobility Innovation
Zones where ride-hailing is encouraged as a form of
public transit. Mobility Hubs should all contain pick-
up and drop-off zones to facilitate multimodal travel
and first and last mile connections to high frequency
transit. Three additional strategies that may be
implemented include:
Relocating curb space along a block
Converting the amount of curbspace dedicated to
various uses
Implementing flexible curb space that applies
technology and infrastructure to change the curb use
as demand for that space fluctuates throughout the
course of a day or week
Electric Vehicles
The City of Fort Collins has an Electric Vehicles
Readiness Roadmap that was completed in October
2018 and serves as a strategic plan for supporting the
increased use of plug-in electric vehicles (EV) in the
City. The Roadmap establishes a vision and a set of
goals, and clearly defined roles for City of Fort Collins
Departments, the private sector, and the Fort Collins
community. EVs are a cornerstone to the City’s
climate action plan because a large proportion of
future travel will still be carried out in smaller vehicles
206 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
Autonomous and Connected Vehicles
Autonomous and Connected Vehicles (AV/CV), are two vehicle technologies that are rapidly evolving
with the potential to impact travel patterns and trips choices in the future. AVs are capable of sensing the
environment and moving through the street network with little or no human input. CVs are vehicles that
communicate with other vehicles on the road as well as connected infrastructure to improve roadway use and
safety.
AVs may increase the demand for travel due to the decreased opportunity costs for travel and decrease the
demand for parking. In addition, research on travel behaviors suggests that AVs may decrease transit usage
except for high-frequency transit services that operate in a separate guideway (e.g., BRT or rail). Some travel
related to AVs have potential good outcomes by providing elderly and youth populations more mobility
options and expected improvements in traffic safety.
Connected vehicles and connected infrastructure is currently in development and includes various levels of
connectivity, including:
» Vehicle to Infrastructure
» Vehicle to Vehicle
» Vehicle to Cloud
» Vehicle to Pedestrian
» Vehicle to Everything
Figure 5-9: Fort Collins Electric Vehicle Readiness Roadmap
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 207
There are a number of strategies to address potential
impacts of AVs and CVs, including:
» Curbside management (as discussed in the TNC
section) - AVs could cause curbside congestion
that impacts many other users and modes
» Equity implications - AVs may be more
accessible to people with high incomes and the
added congestion could negatively impact lower
income populations
» Land use impacts and policies to restrict
potential sprawl - when people don’t have to
drive, they might be interested in living further
away from work
» Opportunities for transit hubs and first and
last mile connections - AVs can serve as great
connections to core transit services; Denver
is about to get its first autonomous shuttle to
connect a light rail station to an employment area
» Transit implications - autonomous buses could
improve the safety and reliability of the transit
system and reduce operating costs
» Support of Complete Streets principles and
”Moving Towards Zero Deaths” goals - AVs
should not compete for space devoted to other
modes (notably transit), but can help achieve the
”Moving Towards Zero Deaths” goals
» Site planning and parking design that
accommodates AVs and changes in demand -
Fort Collins should consider reducing minimum
parking requirements in anticipation that AVs
(and better transit service) will reduce the need
for people to park at their final destination
» Investing in smart infrastructure (e.g. dynamic
traffic control signals and multimodal sensor
technology) - AVs can operate more efficiently
and cities can better manage AV usage (through
pricing, metering when trips can occur, etc.) if
there is connected vehicle infrastructure. The City
should monitor changes in connected vehicle
technology
» Developing data management capabilities -
Fort Collins should work with state and federal
legislators to ensure that the City can access
relevant and anonymous data from AVs to help in
understanding travel patterns and managing the
traffic and curb congestion that could be caused
by AVs
Drones
Delivery drones are unmanned vehicles that can
deliver lightweight packages; they are currently in the
development and testing phase. In several examples
across the world, drones are being used for delivering
time-sensitive items, such as medicine, or deliveries
that would be difficult with traditional vehicle-based
services.
Delivery drones have the potential to change last-
mile delivery economics for smaller and lighter
packages as they could replace many deliveries
currently made by traditional delivery vehicles. The
208 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
Mobility as a Service
MaaS describes the shift away from privately-owned automobiles and towards transportation that is offered
as a service. This includes both public and private providers that can work together to provide a holistic
landscape of transportation options. MaaS provides reliable and comprehensive transportation options
and information that can reduce the reliance on or eliminates the need for private automobiles. Given that
the average car costs more than $8,800 per year to own and operate9, MaaS reduces costs for the user,
decreases congestion, reduces emissions, and provides transportation providers with the data they need to
be more cost-effective. MaaS can become increasingly appealing and viable through an integration of modes
include payment integration, a trip planning app, and Mobility Hubs.
Fort Collins can encourage and facilitate MaaS by:
» Requiring open data from private providers to facilitate trip planning; this includes providing trip planning
information and trip costs in a way that can be easily aggregated by a third party
» Creating a platform for integrated payment starting with Transfort and bike share and expanding to
private providers; ultimately Fort Collins may seek to require that third parties participate in an integrated
payment system as a condition of operating in the City
» Creating public private partnerships that use private providers to complement and supplement public
transit, particularly in the Mobility Innovation Zones identified in the Transit Master Plan
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 209
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210 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
SAFETY
SAFETY VISION STATEMENT
Safety is a key priority when planning,
implementing, and operating
transportation elements in the City,
as exemplified through the City’s
Towards Vision Zero commitment to
reduce / eliminate serious injury and
fatal crashes.
SUPPORTING PRINCIPLE
PRINCIPLE T10
Support and enhance safety for all modes.
Where We Are Today
The Traffic Operations Department enters every
reported crash into a database and uses that
information in a detailed review of the City’s roadway
safety. The review includes basic crash information
and trends as well as overall data, analyzes specific
types of crashes, looks for trends, involves a statistical
review, undertakes pattern recognition, and evaluates
locations for higher than expected crashes, trends
and specific patterns that can lead to mitigation
strategies. The information is summarized in the
Annual Safety Report.
The information is used in an overall safety program,
informs numerous City projects (from planning
through construction), supports enforcement efforts,
and identifies specific safety related projects. The
safety program also evaluates and monitors the
efforts to continuously improve safety for all modes
of travel.
Typically, during an average year, there are about
4,000 reported crashes in the City, including 260
significant injury crashes and anywhere from 5-10
fatalities per year. The societal cost of crashes is
more than $150 million per year.
Opportunities for the Road
Ahead
The City of Fort Collins strives to provides a safe and
efficient transportation system for people using all
modes of travel. Safety for roadway users is a top
priority and in 2016 the City became the first public
local entity to join the Colorado Department of
Transportation (CDOT) Moving Towards Zero Deaths
initiative.
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 211
Trends
In the past three years (2016-2018), the number of
transportation related crashes in the public right of
way that are reported to City Police Services have
been on a slight downward trend. The total number
of crashes as well as the number of severe crashes
are similar to the number of crashes five years
ago (2014) despite the growth in the City in both
population and vehicle miles travelled.
When comparing to peer cities of a similar population
size throughout the country, Fort Collins has a fatal
crash rate about 50% lower than the average.
Crashes involving cyclists and pedestrians are also on
a downward trend. Over the past five years (2014-
2018) total crashes are down 23% for cyclists and 5%
for pedestrians. Severe crashes for these vulnerable
road users are down 35% for cyclists and about
the same for pedestrians. Despite the downward
trend, the reality is that vulnerable road users are
overrepresented in severe crashes (for instance bike
crashes make up 3% of all crashes, but 20% of severe
crashes) because when crashes do occur, they tend
to be more severe.
A significant concern involves motorcycles. In a
crash, motorcyclists are more than three times
as likely to be injured and 11 times as likely to be
killed than people in vehicles. Fatalities involving
motorcyclists exceed those involving pedestrians and
cyclists combined.
A number of factors can be reviewed for safety
trends. Examples include time of year (most bike
crashes occur in September), day of the week
(Fridays are over represented), and time of day (3 to
5 pm). Trends in road users also provides guidance
for targeting safety concerns: Drivers under the age
of 25 represent about 25% of licensed drivers but are
involved in almost 40% of DUI crashes.
Crash locations are an important component of
safety reviews. More than 70% of all crashes and
90% of bike crashes occur at an intersection or
driveway.
The City is using the AASTHO Highway Safety
Manual to complete statistical reviews of
intersections to identify locations where more
crashes are occurring than would be expected.
Pattern recognition can further detail potential safety
concerns.
All this information and more is used in all aspects
of transportation in the City, from operations, to
planning, maintenance, construction, enforcement,
outreach, programs, education, etc.
Towards Vision Zero
In 2016, Fort Collins was the first public local entity
to join the Colorado Department of Transportation
(CDOT) Moving Towards Zero Deaths initiative. The
proclamation reflects the City’s commitment to the
vision of zero traffic-related deaths.
Making progress towards Vision Zero requires a
multifaceted, collaborative and focused effort. This
212 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
The City is working on an official Vision Zero Action Plan which will outline a set of actions that are
comprehensive, multi-departmental, and community based for supporting safety for the traveling public.
The Action Plan is based on a data-driven approach and supports efforts that demonstrate improved safety
outcomes. Many efforts have been ongoing for years which reflected in the strong safety record and trends
for the City, but the Action Plan will compile the efforts and provide a single source of safety review.
The City is also involved with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and CDOT in their update of the
Colorado Strategic State Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) and is a contributing partner in Toward Zero Deaths
workshops.
There are also a number of other transportation related improvements that are important and enjoy
significant community interest and support (such as improving pedestrian curb ramps and making cycling
infrastructure more comfortable) that may not specifically ‘move the needle’ on numbers of crashes. These
priority improvements will be tracked and reported through the City’s Annual Mobility Report. The Mobility
Report is a companion document to the Annual Safety Report and reflects the critical importance of
improving accessibility and mobility for roadway users of all ages and travel modes in addition to the focus
on safety.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Law enforcment is a key stakeholder in traffic safety.
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 213
DRAFT 3.15.19
214 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
SUSTAINABILITY
& RESILIENCY
SAFETY VISION STATEMENT
Fort Collins will be a leader
in achieving environmental
sustainability outcomes by pursuing
a transportation system that reduces
greenhouse gas emissions and
air pollutants. The transportation
network will display resiliency by
continuing to effectively serve the
community in the face of
a changing climate.
SUPPORTING PRINCIPLE AND
POLICIES
PRINCIPLE T9
Transportation systems support a healthy and
equitable community.
Where We Are Today
Fort Collins has set aggressive goals for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and improving citywide
sustainability outcomes in the face of a changing
climate. However, at 24%, the share of emissions
generated by transportation remains considerable,
creating a need for more targeted intervention.
Opportunities for the Road
Ahead
New technologies provide a clear avenue for making
transportation more sustainable. Whether by
supporting more electric vehicle travel or making
bikeshare and transit more accessible through
enhanced smartphone applications, Fort Collins
can facilitate travel solutions that will improve
environmental outcomes while helping residents and
visitors enjoy enhanced mobility.
Alignment with the Climate
Action Plan
Recognizing the relationship between GHG emissions
and climate change, in 2015 Fort Collins developed a
CAP to help reduce community GHG emissions. As
of development of the CAP, Fort Collins had lowered
emissions 5% below 2005 levels.9 The CAP outlines
strategies for achieving the goal of further reducing
emissions to 20% below 2005 levels by 2020, 80%
below 2005 levels by 2030, and to achieve carbon
neutrality by 2050. While overall emissions have
been reduced, the share of emissions generated by
ground travel in Fort Collins has risen from 24% in
2005 to 25% in 2013 . Moreover, while total emissions
are down, total metric tons of CO2 emissions from
transportation sources in Fort Collins are at the
9 Fort Collins 2015 Climate Action Plan Framework
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FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 215
highest levels since 2010. The Transportation Master
Plan provides a roadmap for ensuring ground travel
represents a shrinking share of emissions in the City.
Lowering emissions from the transportation system
will be critical to achieving the overall CAP goals. For
example, a full bus emits just 0.18 pounds of CO2 per
passenger mile versus 0.96 pounds for each mile a
SOV travels. Any strategies that replace SOV trips
help lower overall emissions. CAP includes three
strategies for lowering emissions from transportation:
1. Shift land use patterns to shorten trips or reduce
the need to drive;
2. Increase use of multimodal options; and
3. Increase adoption of fuel efficient and electric
vehicles.
The vision and action items in the Transportation
Master Plan align with the CAP strategy of lowering
emissions by increasing the comfort, convenience
and reliability of multimodal travel options, including
biking, walking, and transit. CAP outlines the
following strategies for reducing driving, which
closely align with the Transportation Master Plan
action plan items:
» Coordinating and expanding local and regional
mass transit commuting options
» Allowing third-party developers access to transit
data so they can make travel tools for transit
riders
» Facilitating car share and ride share growth
» Expanding bike share
» Working with corporations to develop incentives
for commuting by transit, walking, and biking
» Increasing awareness of the environmental costs
of driving
Fort Collins recognizes that planning for sustainability
must be coordinated with planning for other aspects
of community life like housing, public health, and
transportation. Preparing the community for electric
vehicles, for example, is a planning effort that
combines transportation, land use, livability, and
environmental concerns. By taking on initiatives like
hiring a TDM coordinator, Fort Collins can ensure
sustainability remains a constant consideration.
Resiliency in Transportation
Fort Collins is a nationally recognized leader
in planning for climate adaptation. As an early
adopter of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology’s resiliency planning process and one
of the 30 local communities that participates in
the Colorado Local Resilience Project, Fort Collins
understands the need to effectively prepare for
hazards posed by a changing climate. While potential
climate hazards like increased storm severity or
extreme temperatures do not have a direct link to
transportation, resiliency planning considers the role
transportation networks play in climate adaptation
and considers the secondary impacts of climate
events on things like mobility.
CAP Dashboard
216 05 | TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
Flooding can disrupt a road network, extreme
heat can pose travel hazards to older populations,
and wildfires can reduce air quality to the point
where pedestrians and cyclists face major health
risks. Planning for climate adaptation also requires
developing strategic approaches to ensuring people
in Fort Collins have continued access to mobility
during disruptive climate events.
Additionally, resiliency planning also requires
stipulating a role for the transportation network
in mobilizing people, goods, and services during
times of climate emergency. A high-capacity, well-
maintained transportation network that is redundant
in the necessary places is the crucial tool for safely
evacuating a community during a major storm, for
example. Resiliency planning requires assessing
not just how proposed infrastructure serves daily
community needs, but also its ability to function
during a times of hazard.
» To ensure the transportation network is fully
prepared for a changing climate, Fort Collins
can track the following climate impacts on
transportation infrastructure and operations:
» Factoring weather into Travel Time Index (TTI)
tracking and assessing whether extreme heat,
severe storms, and other discontinuous weather
events impact TTI
» Monitoring the impact of extreme heat days on
transit vehicles and determining whether heat
causes above average maintenance issues
» Tracking road closures due to flooding or downed
trees from severe storms
» Monitoring pavement quality and assessing
whether unusual fluctuations in temperature
negatively impact road surfaces
Knowing when severe weather is most likely to
impact transportation operations, the City can be
prepared to implement mitigation strategies when
forecasted weather suggests there will be negative
impacts on the transportation network. For example,
if a severe storm is forecasted and data shows the
storm is likely to result in road closures, increased
rates of vehicle crashes, and other travel disruptions
then the City can preemptively take measures like
offering free transit rides or coordinating with local
employers to institute flexible work arrangements
whereby roadway demand will be reduced. Using a
data-driven approach to understand how a shifting
climate impacts transportation will enable Fort
Collins to have a resilient framework.
2013 Fort Collins Flood
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 217
DRAFT 3.15.19
214 06 | IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
IMPLEMENTATION &
MONITORING
06 This chapter contains strategies to help support the implementation
of the Plan through 2040. It should be used as a tool to guide the
City Council Strategic Plan, department-level strategic plans and
work programs, capital improvement planning, the Budgeting for
Outcomes process, and the allocation of staff time and other City
resources. Strategies are organized by the seven outcome areas that
serve as a framework for the Plan and the principles and policies
listed under each:
» Community & Neighborhood Livability & Social Health
» Culture and Recreation
» Economic Health
» Environmental Health
» Safe Community
» Transportation
» High Performing Community
For each of the implementation strategies listed, anticipated
responsibilities, timing, and resources required are defined.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 215
DRAFT 3.15.19
216 06 | IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Roles and Responsibilities
City of Fort Collins staff plays a critical role in
helping to implement City Plan strategies in the
course of carrying out their regular duties. For each
strategy the City service area responsible for leading
the effort and any supporting partners are listed.
Supporting partners may include other City service
areas or departments, as well as local, regional, and
state partners outside the organization.
Anticipated timeframes for completion of the
implementation strategies are as follows:
» Near-term: already underway/to be initiated
within 6 months to a year of plan adoption.
» Short-term: to be initiated within 1-3 years of plan
adoption
» Long-term: to be initiated within 3+ years of plan
adoption
» Ongoing: actions to be implemented by City staff
as part of their routine job duties
Actions may be implemented sooner than the
timeframes identified here if the opportunity to do
so arises (e.g., staffing or grant funding becomes
available) or as community priorities change.
Resources Required
The types of resources needed to implement each of
the strategies in this chapter are noted to inform the
planning, and budgeting. Types of required resources
include:
» Staff time. Many strategies will require City staff
time for completion or ongoing administration.
Some build upon existing City initiatives and
efforts currently underway, while others will
require staff to allocate time in addition to their
current work plans. Where existing hours are not
available to be allocated toward implementation
of City Plan, additional staff may be needed.
» Regional Collaboration. Some of the strategies
will be implemented in partnership with others in
the region, such as Larimer County, surrounding
cities, the Regional Air Quality Council, Platte
River Power Authority, or others. In some cases,
strategies will be initiated by the City. In other
cases, strategies reflect ongoing partnerships or
initiatives that the City is already engaged in.
» General Fund. General Fund expenditures help to
fund many of the programs and services typically
associated with local government. The General
Fund is also used to pay employee salaries,
wages, and benefits. Generally, revenue that is
not required to be accounted for in another fund
contributes to the General Fund.
» Capital Improvement Plan. Revenues from all
of the City’s funds are used to support capital
projects and the implementation of the City’s
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
» Outside Support/Funding. Some strategies
will require outside support or other specialized
services to supplement staff time and expertise.
This could be achieved either through outside
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 217
Amendments and Updates
Revisions to City Plan and elements thereof shall be
conducted according to two distinct procedures:
Comprehensive Updates and Minor Amendments.
Comprehensive Updates
A Comprehensive Update of City Plan will generally
take place every seven to ten years, unless otherwise
directed by City Council. A prime consideration in
whether a Comprehensive Update is warranted is the
degree to which significant changes—in the economy,
environment, housing affordability, local priorities
or issues, projected growth, or other factors—have
occurred since the Plan was adopted. The results of
City Plan monitoring will provide a good indication of
these changes.
A Comprehensive Update will include a thorough
re-evaluation of the community’s vision and values,
as well as updates to principles, policies, and
actions, noting those that should be changed, those
that should be removed, and whether additions
are necessary to make sure that the Plan is being
effective. A Comprehensive Update of City Plan will
include extensive opportunities for involvement by
the public, boards and commissions, City Council,
City staff and other affected interests.
The City Council will then approve, approve with
conditions, or deny the update based on its
consideration of the recommendations from the
Planning and Zoning Board, City staff, boards and
commissions, and evidence from public hearings.
Minor Amendments
Minor Amendments may include:
» Corrections to text or map errors;
» Revisions to one or a few sections of the Plan
as a result of the adoption of subarea plans or
a specific issue, policy, or directive from City
Council; and/or
» Changes to the Structure Plan Map, including
map designations and GMA amendments.
Minor Amendments will be considered by the City
Council after recommendation by the Planning
and Zoning Board, City staff, and any boards and
commissions that may have a legitimate interest
in the proposed amendment, provided that such
board or commission is duly authorized pursuant
to Chapter 2 of the City Code to function in such
advisory capacity. Notice of such Council action
will be given as required for resolutions pursuant to
the City Charter. The City Council will then approve,
approve with conditions, or deny the amendment
based on its consideration of the recommendations
from the Planning and Zoning Board, City staff, and
boards and commissions and evidence from the
public hearings. Approval of the amendments will be
by resolution.
Requests for a Minor Amendment will be considered
by the City Council no more frequently than twice
per calendar year unless directed by City Council
upon receipt of a recommendation from the Planning
218 06 | IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
If adopted by the City Council, City Plan will be
revised to include the changes resulting from the
amendment. A letter of notification will be forwarded
to the appropriate boards and commissions when the
revision(s) have been finalized.
Plan Monitoring
City Plan is intended to be a living document.
Progress that is made toward achieving the
community’s vision is monitored using a series of
performance measures. Performance measures for
each of the seven outcome areas are tracked using
the City’s Community Performance Measurement
Dashboard. The Dashboard is updated quarterly
to provide a snapshot of the community’s progress
in attaining key outcomes. Monitoring changes in
chosen performance measures provides a clear
understanding of where progress is being made,
and highlights areas where changes may need
to occur in order to achieve desired results. This
process reinforces the City’s steadfast commitment
to accountability and continuous improvement.
Additional performance measures and indicators
beyond those included in the Dashboard will
continue to be tracked by City staff, as applicable, at
a department level.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 219
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Principle LIV 1: Maintain a compact pattern of growth that is well-served by public facilities and
encourages the efficient use of land.
Strategy LIV-1a. Work with Larimer County to update and
align Structure Plan place types in unincorporated areas
of the Growth Management Area (GMA) with the County’s
updated Comprehensive Plan.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Larimer County
Near-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-1b. Plan for potential redevelopment of the
Hughes Stadium site consistent with City Plan principles
and policies.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: City Council
Near-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-1c. Collaborate with Larimer County to adopt
Fort Collins design and development standards within the
GMA.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Larimer County
Short-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-1d. Update the East Mulberry Corridor Plan to
reflect land use and policy directions established as part of
City Plan. Include a full assessment of annexation impacts
as part of the plan update, or as a standalone effort, to
help inform the annexation process and long-term service
provision.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: City Council, Larimer
County
Short-term Staff time
General
Fund
Strategy LIV-1e. Continue to purchase open lands and
conservation easements, and use other tools such as
development regulations, transfer of development rights,
and GMA planning for the purposes of defining and
protecting community edges, establishing community
separators, mitigating flood hazards, and increasing access
to nature in underserved areas.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Ongoing Staff time
Principle LIV 2: Promote infill and redevelopment.
Strategy LIV-2a. Review and update the Land Use Code
as needed to align with the place types established in the
Structure Plan.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-2b. Update the Transit-Oriented Development
220 06 | IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Principle LIV 3: Maintain and enhance our unique character and sense of place as the community grows.
Strategy LIV-3a. Update open space and amenity
requirements for urban and mixed-use development to
support Nature in the City objectives and provide relief
from higher densities supported in these locations.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Community Services,
Sustainability Services
Short-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-3b. Update and refine the vision for I-25
gateways.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: CDOT, Larimer
County, area municipalities
Short-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-3c. Identify locations within the community in
need of neighborhood or subarea planning to address area
specific issues and opportunities.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Ongoing Staff time
Principle LIV 4: Enhance neighborhood livability.
Strategy LIV-4a. Develop and adopt updated design
standards to address transitions between areas desired for
intensification and existing neighborhoods.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Short-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-4b. Evaluate the implementation of the
Planned Unit Development process and determine if its use
should be broadened to include smaller sites, especially for
affordable housing developments.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Short-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-4c. Review and update allowable zoning
districts for Mixed-Use Neighborhood Centers as necessary
to support the revitalization of older centers and the
diversification of services and amenities available.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Short-term Staff time
Strategy LIC-4d. Explore developing a conditional use
permit process to allow a greater range of compatible uses.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Short-term Staff time
Principle LIV 5: Create more opportunities for diverse housing choices.
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 221
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Strategy LIV-5g. Identify and secure a permanent funding
source(s) for the Affordable Housing Land Bank Program.
Lead: Sustainability Services Long-term Outside
support/
funding
Principle LIV 6: Improve access and reduce barriers to housing that meets the needs of residents
regardless of their race, ethnicity, age, ability, lifestyle, or income.
Strategy LIV-6a. Continue to update the Affordable
Housing Strategic Plan every five years.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Planning,
Development &
Transportation, City Council
Short-term Staff time,
General
Fund
Strategy LIV-6b. Develop a menu of incentives available
to affordable housing developments that can be utilized
without special or additional approval.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Short-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-6c. Establish flexible development standards
for affordable housing projects.
Lead: Planning, Development,
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Short-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-6d. Identify and secure dedicated, permanent
funding sources for affordable housing programs. Consider
impact fees or other similar mechanisms.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: City Council,
Financial Services
Long-term Outside
support/
funding
Strategy LIV-6e. Continue to monitor housing affordability
and provide public reporting of tracking data.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy LIV-6f. Update the City’s Redevelopment and
Displacement Mitigation Strategy, especially as it relates to
mobile home parks in the GMA.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation,
Sustainability Services
Partners: Larimer County,
Mobile Home Park owners,
managers, and residents
Short-term Staff time
& General
Fund or
Outside
222 06 | IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Principle LIV 8: Develop an equitable, comprehensive, coordinated, and efficient system of health and
human services that is accessible to all residents in need of assistance.
Strategy LIV-8a. Expand Community Performance
Measurement Dashboard metrics to include health and
wellness considerations, building on those established as
part of the Social Sustainability Plan.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Financial Services;
Planning, Development &
Transportation; Larimer
County
Short-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-8b. Continue to grow the availability of
resources to support charitable Nonprofit Organizations
that provide services to low-income and special needs
populations.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: City Council, NPOs
Ongoing General
Fund,
Outside
Support
Funding,
HUD
Strategy LIV-8c. Develop/create a strategic plan to identify
and prioritize community-wide human service needs in
order to make a larger impact in these specific areas.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: All departments,
NPOs
Short-term General
Fund
Strategy LIV-8d. Continue to collaborate with partner
organizations on the implementation of Fort Collins’ Plan to
Make Homelessness Rare, Short-Lived, and Non-Recurring.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: City Council, partner
agencies, area businesses,
volunteers, CSU social work
department, and others
Ongoing General
Fund,
Outside
Support
Funding
Strategy LIV-8e. Continue to fund, participate in, and
coordinate long-term solutions to homelessness including
Coordinated Assessment & Housing Placement System
(CAHPS), housing navigation, supportive services, and
other identified strategies.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: City Council, partner
agencies, area businesses,
volunteers, CSU social work
department, and others
Ongoing General
Fund,
Outside
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 223
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Principle LIV 10: Recognize, protect and enhance historic resources.
Strategy LIV-10a. Complete a Historic Preservation Building
Survey to document the range of historic resources present
in Fort Collins.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Building Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-10b. Reevaluate the landmark designation
process and associated designation criteria.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Building Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-10c. Consider historic overlay zoning and/
or conservation districts as a way to better integrate
preservation and zoning.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Building Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-10d. Reevaluate the design, development, and
demolition review processes to increase consistency and
predictability.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Building Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-10e. Consider codifying general compatibility
standards for new construction. Clarify the role of the
adopted design guidelines and standards and develop
guidelines for additional districts or general guidelines.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Building Services
Near-term Staff time
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224 06 | IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Principle CR 1: Build Fort Collins’ identity as a thriving cultural and creative destination by supporting an
inclusive and equitable arts, culture, and creative community.
Strategy CR-1a. Continue to provide support for Art in
Public Places.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Utility Services, City
Council
Ongoing General
Fund
Strategy CR-1b. Continue to seek opportunities to
expand visitation and support for cultural venues and
activities throughout the city.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: City Council
Ongoing General
Fund
Principle CR 2: Provide a variety of high quality outdoor and indoor recreational opportunities that are
accessible to all residents.
Strategy CR-2a. Continue the design and construction
of new paved recreational trails throughout the city in
accordance with the 2013 Paved Recreational Trail Master
Plan.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Near-term Staff time;
General
Fund
Strategy CR-2b. Increase support for the maintenance
and rehabilitation of existing parks and recreation
facilities in accordance with increasing demand.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Ongoing General
Fund
Strategy CR-2c. Collaborate with partner agencies and
organizations within the region, as well as at the state
and federal level to continue to implement segments of
the Colorado Front Range Trail located within the GMA.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Colorado Division of
Wildlife, adjacent municipalities,
Larimer County
Ongoing Staff time;
outside
resources
Principle CR 3: Adapt and expand parks and recreation facilities and programs to meet the needs of a
changing community.
Strategy CR-3a. Update the Parks and Recreation Policy
Plan.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Near-term Staff time;
General
Fund
Strategy CR-3b. Periodically survey residents regarding
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 225
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Principle EH 1: Foster a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive economy.
Strategy EH-1a. Update the Economic Health Strategic
Plan.
Lead: Sustainability Services Near-term Staff time;
General
Fund
Principle EH 2: Support entrepreneurship and innovation.
Strategy EH-2a. Develop a strategy to market and
connect businesses to the new high-speed internet
network.
Lead: Utility Services
Partners: Sustainability
Services, Financial Services
Short-term Staff time
Strategy EH-2b. Continue to support partnerships
working on innovative efforts related to energy and water
systems.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Utility Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy EH-2c. Support development of business
resilience to climate impacts through the climate economy.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Utility Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy EH-2d. Continue to support and fund programs
and events support that foster entrepreneurship.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Innosphere, CSU
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy EH-2e. Continue implementation of Smart
Cities and City as a Platform initiatives to support the
innovation ecosystem.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Utility Services,
Information & Employee
Services
Ongoing Staff time
Principle EH 3: Support local, unique, and creative businesses.
Strategy EH-3a. Expand outreach and services for
supporting local business growing and expanding in Fort
Collins.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Innosphere, Launch
NoCo, Fort Collins Chamber,
Small Business Development
Center
Long-term Staff time;
General
Fund
Principle EH 4: Ensure an adequate and competitive supply of space and/or land is available to support
the needs of businesses and employers of all sizes.
Strategy EH-4a. Utilize public financing tools to spur
redevelopment and infill in priority infill employment
areas including:
» Downtown
» Midtown
» Mulberry Corridor
226 06 | IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Principle EH 5: Engage and help shape regional economic development efforts.
Strategy EH-5a. Work with regional partners to develop
a regional economic development strategy that identifies
objectives, common actions and roles for regional entities
and roles for municipal partners.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Larimer County, Weld
County, Upstate Colorado,
cities of Loveland and Greeley
Short-term Staff time,
Regional
collaboration/
resources
Strategy EH-5b. Support the implementation and
updating of the Northern Colorado Regional Airport
Master Plan.
Lead: Financial Services
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy EH-5c. Work with regional partners to identify
regional transportation management solutions to address
commute issues for workers and residents
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Larimer County, City
of Loveland
Long-term Staff time,
Regional
collaboration/
resources
collaboration/
resources
Principle EH 6: Support the development of a skilled and qualified workforce that is well-connected to
employment opportunities in the city and region.
Strategy EH-6a. Continue to implement and update the
Regional Workforce Strategy – Talent 2.0
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Larimer County,
City of Loveland, Fort Collins
Chamber of Commerce
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy EH-6b. Continue to regularly engage the
business community in identifying and addressing
workforce gaps and issues
Lead: Sustainability Services Ongoing Staff time
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 227
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Principle ENV 1: Conserve, preserve, protect, create, and enhance ecosystems and natural spaces within
Fort Collins, the Growth Management Area, and the region.
Strategy ENV-1a. Update the City’s Land Use and Building
Codes to encourage new development to incorporate
Nature in the City goals and concepts.
Lead: Planning, Development &
Transportation
Partners: Community Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy ENV-1b. Continue funding and other resources to
resources to help homeowners, homeowner associations,
community groups, and contractors implement Nature in
the City on their properties.
Lead: Planning, Development &
Transportation
Partners: Community Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy ENV-1c. Promote understanding and enjoyment
of local and regional open lands, natural systems, and
urban wildlife through context sensitive and ecologically
appropriate recreational activities, formal and non-formal
education, and interpretive programs.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-1d. Monitor and periodically update maps
and connectivity analysis of a ten-minute walk to nature
and wildlife connectivity within the GMA.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-1e. Explore opportunities to partner on
acquiring and managing various open lands for multiple
uses (e.g., Community Services, recreation, stormwater,
trails, agriculture/food production, etc.).
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-1f. Manage Natural Areas to conserve
and enhance natural resources using best available data
and relevant literature. Involve citizens in planning the
management of public open lands, and collect, maintain,
and distribute up-to-date information about publicly owned
open lands including maps, and reports on conservation
values, current resource conditions, and the management
needs of local and regional open lands.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-1g. Seek supplemental funding sources to
further implement open lands and natural area policies and
programs including private, State, and Federal grants and
donations of money, property, and in-kind services.
Lead: Community Services
228 06 | IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Principle ENV 2: Become a carbon neutral community by 2050 and improve the community’s resilience
by preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
Strategy ENV-2a. Develop and implement an updated and
comprehensive Climate Action Plan and Energy Policy
to support policies adopted as part of City Plan. Develop
a strategy to reach the 2030 climate action goals that
integrates mitigation, resilience, and equity.1
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Utility Services,
Planning, Development &
Transportation City Council,
Various City Departments
Near-term Staff time,
General
Fund and
Light and
Power
Fund
Strategy ENV-2b. Continue to implement and develop
new, innovative approaches to community engagement
to achieve the climate action goals that allow for all
community members to participate and have impact on the
goals.
Lead: Sustainability Services,
Information & Employee
Services, Utility Services
Partners: City Council, All
Departments
Near-
term and
ongoing
Staff time,
General
Fund,
Public-
Private
Partnerships
Strategy ENV-2c. Develop and integrate strategies to
improve the community’s resilience to climate change,
including community engagement and outreach, regional
partnerships, city planning, e.g., capital planning, policy
development, etc.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: All departments,
community, Larimer County
Near-
term and
ongoing
Staff time
Strategy ENV-2d. Incentivize and support policies and
programs that advance the adoption of low-carbon
intensity vehicles (more fuel efficient, alternative and
electric vehicles) in the community.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: All departments,
community, Larimer County
Ongoing General
Fund,
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 229
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Strategy ENV-3d. Continue to provide a comprehensive
portfolio of efficiency, conservation, demand response
and distributed generation programs serving all customer
segments.
Lead: Utility Services
Partners: Platte River Power
Authority, Sustainability
Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-3e. Develop pilot initiatives, e.g., battery
storage, to ensure the successful widespread deployment
of renewable energy throughout the community.
Lead: Utility Services
Partners: Platte River Power
Authority, Sustainability
Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-3f. Incentivize the installation of electric
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), domestic
hot water heating equipment, and home electric vehicle
charging.
Lead: Utility Services
Partners: Platte River Power
Authority, Sustainability
Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-3g. For homes and existing buildings,
conduct targeted education campaigns on electrification,
home energy improvement programs, and solar
installation opportunities, including financing and incentive
opportunities.
Lead: Utility Services
Partners: Sustainability Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-3h. Support new and existing buildings with
publicly available performance information to prioritize
energy and water efficiency improvements.
Lead: Utility Services
Partners: Sustainability Services
Ongoing Staff time
Principle ENV 4: Protect human health and the environment by continually improving air quality.
Strategy ENV-4a. Update the Air Quality Plan, including
identification of priority air pollutants and sources.
Lead: Sustainability Services Near-term Staff time
Strategy ENV-4b. Promote lower emission vehicles, reduce
vehicle miles traveled and idling time, and collaborate
regionally on strategies to reduce vehicle emissions.
Lead: Planning, Development &
Transportation
Partners: Sustainability Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-4c. Incentivize and promote use of electric
or low emission alternatives to non-road gas and diesel
engines such as lawn and garden maintenance equipment,
for residential, municipal and commercial use.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Community Services,
Regional Air Quality Council
230 06 | IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Strategy ENV-4i. Implement municipal policies to lead
by example in efforts to reduce and mitigate emissions
associated with City operations, such as energy efficiently
programs, anti-idling, and low emission fleet and lawn and
garden equipment purchasing policies.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: All departments
Ongoing Staff time,
General
Fund,
Outside
Support/
Funding
Strategy ENV-4j. Continue implementation of the Night
Sky Initiative for outdoor lighting best practices that
protects public safety, eliminates light glare, reduces light
trespass and conserves energy and protects the natural
environment.
Lead: City Manager’s Office, Planning
Development & Transportation,
Partners: CSU, Northern Colorado
Astrological Society, Community
Services
Ongoing Staff time
Principle ENV 5: Create a zero waste system.
Strategy ENV-5a. Expand education campaigns about the
City’s goals and objectives for reducing waste at the source
and diverting material from landfill disposal in collaboration
with area partners. Strive for inclusivity and an engagement
program that involves all sectors of the community.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Other City
departments and Regional
Wasteshed partners
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-5b. Use regionally generated compost in City
applications and require its use in new construction and
other activities.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Other City
departments and Regional
Wasteshed partners
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-5c. Create for the City and share with
local businesses new purchasing policies that support
sustainable materials management.
Lead: Sustainability Services Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-5d. Support economic incentives (e.g.,
tax increment financing system or enterprise zones for
resource recovery industries) to help create local end-
markets and support sustainable repurposing, recycling, or
composting business enterprises that provide an economic
alternative to Colorado’s low-cost landfills.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Sustainability
Services, Regional Wasteshed
partners
Ongoing Staff time
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 231
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Principle ENV 6: Manage water resources in a manner that enhances and protects water quality, supply,
and reliability.
Strategy ENV-6a. Continue to monitor the Water Supply
and Demand Management Policy, as adopted, and update
as needed to respond to drought conditions and other
impacts of a changing climate.
Lead: Utility Services
Partners: City Council
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-6b. Employ best management water
treatment and discharge practices and procedures that
provide the highest level of health protection that can be
realistically achieved.
Lead: Utility Services
Partners: Utility Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-6c. Explore and pursue new opportunities
to partner on watershed protection, stream restoration,
enhancement, and water quality projects.
Lead: Utility Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation;
Sustainability Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-6d. Continue to seek out state and federal
funding support for critical infrastructure improvements,
such as water distribution, wastewater collection, and
stormwater facilities.
Lead: Utility Services
Partners: Sustainability
Services, Planning,
Development & Transportation;
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-6f. Develop master plans for future
stormwater projects to consider the naturalization of
stream corridors, piped conveyance, and other methods to
provide a balanced benefit to the citizens of Fort Collins
and minimize the impacts of urbanization.
Lead: Utility Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation;
Sustainability Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-6g. Employ public/private partnerships to
optimize the balance between stormwater management
and compact development. Take advantage of
opportunities to combine stormwater management needs
from both public and private lands.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-6h. Implement the Water Efficiency Plan
addressing indoor and outdoor water use for residential
and commercial users through incentives, reporting
requirements and codes. Coordinate with adjacent water
districts to promote the availability of water efficiency
services to all Fort Collins residents.
232 06 | IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Principle ENV 8: Create and maintain a safe, healthy, and resilient urban forest.
Strategy ENV-8a. Develop a Fort Collins Urban Forest
Strategic Plan to help plan for impacts and effects on the
community’s tree canopy related to climate change, pests
and disease, and to guide ongoing educational campaigns
and programs.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Utility Services;
Planning, Development &
Transportation
Short-
term
Staff time
Strategy ENV-8b. Identify gaps in the urban forest and
expand the urban canopy equitably throughout the
community.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Utility Services
Ongoing Staff time;
General
Fund
Strategy ENV-8c. Expand public outreach on the effects of
and mitigation alternatives for Emerald Ash Borer or other
future invasive/epidemic insects or diseases.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Information and
Employee Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-8d. Continue to participate in Arbor Day
celebrations that educate school groups on the importance
of the Urban Forest, and contribute to the distribution and
planting of seedlings on school campuses.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Platte River Power
Authority, Poudre School
District
Ongoing Staff time
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 233
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Principle SC 1: Create public spaces that are safe and welcoming to all users.
Strategy SC-1a. Continue to support and evolve programs—
such as Neighborhood Connections, Sustainable
Neighborhoods, and others—that are designed to educate,
connect, and empower residents within individual
neighborhoods and citywide.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Police Services, City
Council
Ongoing Staff time;
General
Fund;
Outside
Support/
Funding
Strategy SC-1b. Support code enforcement efforts citywide
and work with property owners to address blighted
properties and improvements that are not being properly
maintained. Place a particular emphasis on addressing
repeat offenders.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Police Services, City
Council
Ongoing Staff time;
General
Fund
Strategy SC-1c. Actively work with Colorado State University
to reduce the number of noise and party complaints
associated with the off-campus student population.
Lead: Police Services
Partners: Colorado State
University, Neighborhood
Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy SC-1d. Continue to work toward the
implementation of quiet zones at rail crossings in Fort
Collins.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Federal Highway
and Transit Administration
staff
Ongoing Staff time
Principle SC 2: Provide high-quality public safety and emergency response services.
Strategy SC-2a. Evaluate the need for, and plan for
adjustments to public safety and emergency response
services associated with the future annexation of the East
Mulberry Corridor.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Poudre Fire
Authority Staff, Police
Services, Office of Emergency
Management
Near-term Staff time
General fund
234 06 | IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Principle SC 3: Minimize risks to life, infrastructure, and property from natural hazards or exposure to
hazardous materials.
Strategy SC-3a. Update Stormwater Basin Master Plans
to manage flood potential, improve stormwater quality,
and promote stormwater as a resource for the City of Fort
Collins.
Lead: Utility Services
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Near-term Staff time;
General
Fund
Strategy SC-3b. Integrate updated 100-year flood plain
mapping into day-to-day decision-making and planning
efforts.
Lead: Utility Services
Partners: All departments
Near-term Staff time
Strategy SC-3c. Continue to monitor and fund developer
repayments program as a way to leverage available
resources for regional stormwater projects.
Lead: Utility Services
Partners: City Council
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy SC-3d. Continue to plan for and invest in capital
improvements designed to improve safety and reduce
the vulnerability of existing resources, infrastructure and
development within the City’s source watersheds and
throughout the city.
Lead: Utility Services
Partners: Sustainability
Services, City Council
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy SC-3e. Continue outreach efforts designed to
increase awareness and preparedness in the community.
Lead: Information & Employee
Services
Partners: Poudre Fire
Authority Staff, Police
Services, Office of Emergency
Management
Ongoing Staff time
Principle SC 4: Provide opportunities for residents to lead healthy and active lifestyles and access to
local food
Strategy SC-4a. Strengthen Community Performance
Measurement Dashboard metrics related to parks and
recreation access and availability.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Sustainability,
Services, Financial Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy SC-4b. Continue to support the implementation
of key policies identified in the Nature in the City Strategic
Plan.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Utility Services,
Parks, Sustainability Services,
Planning, Development, &
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 235
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Principle T 1: Transportation plans, management and investments support and are impacted by land use
plans and decisions.
Strategy T-1a. Update the Pedestrian Plan based on the
updated Structure Plan map.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Near-term Staff time
Strategy T-1b. Update the Master Street Plan. Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Near-term Staff time
Strategy T-1c. Adopt a system completeness approach for
multi-modal level of service (MMLOS).
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Near-term Staff time
Strategy T-1d. Update LCUASS Chapter 4 to incorporate
MMLOS guidelines.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Larimer County
Near-term Staff time
Strategy T-1e. Develop a web-based dashboard that publicly
displays multimodal transportation metrics.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Information &
Employee Services
Near-term Staff time,
outside
support
Strategy T-1f. Update the street design standards so they
are sensitive to land use, environmental, scenic, aesthetic,
historic values and equity considerations.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services, Cultural Services
Long-
term
Staff time
Principle T 2: Build and maintain high quality infrastructure supporting all modes of travel.
Strategy T-2a. Update bicycle facility maintenance policies
to include protected bike lanes and low-stress bikeways.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Near-term Staff time
Strategy T-2b. Update the citywide CIP. Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Near-term Staff time
Strategy T-2c. Identify priority modal corridors in the
layered network and incorporate into the MSP and CIP.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Near-term Staff time
Strategy T-2d. Continue to seek out state and federal
funding for infrastructure improvements for all modes of
transportation.
Lead: Planning, Development
236 06 | IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Strategy T-3b. Develop drone regulations that address hours
of operation, size and noise.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy T-3c. Facilitate Mobility as a Service (MaaS) with
partnerships between Transfort and private providers that
include integrated payment and require open data for all
transportation providers.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Private
transportation service
providers
Near-term Staff time,
outside
support
Strategy T-3d. Develop public private partnerships that
increase sustainable and active transportation options for
residents and visitors.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Near-term Staff time,
outside
support,
regional
collaboration
Strategy T-3e. Enhance the bike share system including
full integration with Transfort trip planning, smartphone
applications and fare integration.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Information &
Employee Services
Near-term Staff time,
outside
support
Strategy T-3f. Perform a curbside management study in
areas with high passenger pick-up and drop-off activity to
develop strategies for improved curb productivity.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Near-term Staff time,
general
funding,
outside
support
Strategy T-3g. Support the use of electric vehicles by
identifying locations and incentivizing electric vehicle (EV)
charging. Continue the transition of city fleet vehicles to
electric.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 237
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Principle T 4: Pursue regional transportation solutions.
Strategy T-4a. Update the Bicycle Plan with opportunities
for additional regional bicycle connections.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: North Front Range
Metropolitan Planning
Organization (NFRMPO)
Near-term Staff time,
regional
collaboration
Strategy T-4b. Work with Greeley, Windsor, Colorado State
University (CSU) and University of Northern Colorado (UNC)
to add new regional transit service between Greeley and
Fort Collins.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Greeley, Windsor,
CSU, UNC
Near-term Staff time,
general fund,
regional
collaboration
Strategy T-4c. Work with Wellington and Larimer County
to explore new regional transit service to Laporte and
Wellington.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Wellington County,
Larimer County
Long-
term
Staff time,
general fund,
CIP, outside
funds,
regional
collaboration
Strategy T-4d. Support the NFRMPO in the development of
regional multi-use trails as identified in the Non-Motorized
Plan.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: NFRMPO
Ongoing Staff time,
regional
collaboration
Strategy T-4e. Continue to improve service along FLEX
route in collaboration with Loveland, Berthoud, Longmont
and Boulder.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Loveland, Berthoud,
Longmont, Boulder
Ongoing Staff time,
general fund,
regional
collaboration
238 06 | IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Strategy T-5f. Add BRT/Rapid Bus service to the Harmony
Road Corridor as land use densifies along the corridor.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Long-
term
Staff time,
general
fund, CIP,
outside
funds
Strategy T-5g. Gradually restructure the transit system
to provide a better balance between coverage and
productivity, while responding to changing land use; include
introducing new BRT and high-frequency bus service and
innovative mobility services for lower density areas.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Private
transportation service
providers
Ongoing Staff time,
general
fund,
outside
funds
Strategy T-5h. Evaluate and identify future capital needs
including bus fleet, maintenance facilities, bus stops,
multimodal mobility hubs, park-and-ride facilities, and on-
street speed and reliability capital improvements.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Ongoing Staff time,
CIP, outside
funds,
general
fund
Strategy T-5i. Explore and gradually integrate new
technology and other supportive services, including
integrated fare payment, autonomous and electric vehicles,
integrated mobility information, connected vehicle
infrastructure, mobility as a service and travel demand
management.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Information &
Employee Services
Ongoing Staff time,
general
fund, CIP,
outside
funds,
outside
support
Principle T 6: Bicycling is a safe and convenient travel option supported by a connected network of
facilities.
Strategy T-6a. Update the 2014 Bicycle Plan in 2020 or 2021. Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 239
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Strategy T-7d. Develop a walking program that educates,
encourages and promotes walking as a primary mode of
transportation.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Near-term Staff time,
CIP, general
fund
Strategy T-7e. Implement additional pedestrian safety
education programs for people of all ages with an emphasis
on Safe Routes to School programs.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services, Information &
Employee Services, Police
Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy T-7f. Enforce sidewalk maintenance and snow
removal to ensure residents and business owners maintain a
safe and accessible pedestrian space for all users.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services, Information &
Employee Services, Police
Services
Ongoing Staff time
Principle T 8: Manage use of the transportation system to ensure reliable traffic and transit flow through
travel demand management and transportation system optimization.
Strategy T-8a. Identify potential partnerships between
transit and other mobility providers to pilot mobility
innovation zones.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Private
transportation service
providers
Near-term Staff time,
general
fund,
outside
funding
Strategy T-8b. Develop a plan and seek funding for
increased deployment of intelligent transportation systems
(ITS), connected vehicle infrastructure, and transit signal
priority.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Information &
Employee Services
Near-term Staff
time, CIP,
regional
resources
Strategy T-8c. Seek funding to provide City support of local
and regional employer commute trip reduction programs.
Lead: Planning, Development
240 06 | IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Strategy T-8k. Develop Access Management Plans for
arterial roadways, prioritizing Major arterials such as
Harmony Road, Timberline Road, and College Avenue.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Long-
term
Staff
time, CIP,
regional
resources
Strategy T-8l. Adopt a policy to discourage zero occupant
vehicle trips generated by autonomous vehicles.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Long-
term
Staff time
Strategy T-8m. Develop a TDM Program for new
development.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Long-
term
Staff time,
general
fund,
outside
funding,
outside
support
Strategy T-8n. Seek funding to launch a City TDM program. Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Long-
term
Staff time,
general
fund
Strategy T-8o. Enhance the existing web-based dashboard
with key transportation metrics.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Information &
Employee Services
Ongoing Staff time,
CIP, general
fund
Strategy T-8p. Require multimodal level of service (MMLOS)
analysis around new development and redevelopment.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Ongoing Staff time
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 241
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Strategy T-9h. Identify communities with lower rates
of opportunity access (e.g. fewer jobs per capita, fewer
neighborhood amenities, less access to schools) and give
those communities priority for receiving transportation
investments.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Ongoing Staff time,
general
fund
Principle T 10: Support and snhance safety for all modes.
Strategy T-10a. Formalize a Vision Zero Action Plan to be
incorporated into annual Safety Report.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Police Services,
Information & Employee
Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy T-10b. Completion of an Annual Mobility
Report to capture other important transportation related
improvements such as accessibility.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Police Services,
Information & Employee
Services
Near-term Staff time,
outside
support
Strategy T-10c. Completion of the update to the Arterial
Intersection Prioritization Study (AIPS) that identifies
intersections for safety improvements.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Near-term Staff time,
general
fund,
outside
support
Strategy T-10d. Continue safety education programs
focusing on respect for traffic laws by all road users.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Police Services,
Information & Employee
Services
Near-term Staff time,
general
fund,
outside
support
Strategy T-10e. Continue the Safe Routes to School program
in coordination with Poudre School District to promote safe
walking and bicycling for school children.
Lead: Planning, Development
242 06 | IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Principle HI 1: Be a model for equitable, effective, and transparent local governance.
Strategy HI-1b. Update the City’s Strategic Planning
Outcome areas to reflect adjustments to City Plan’s seven
Outcome Areas as part of the 2020 Strategic Plan Update
process.
Lead: City Manager’s Office
Partners: City Council
Near-term Staff time
Strategy HI-1c. Update the City’s Community Performance
Measurement Dashboard to reflect adjustments to City
Plan’s seven Outcome Areas. Evaluate the need for updates
to existing outcomes and measures and/or the addition
of new outcomes and measures to help monitor progress
in other key focus areas identified as part of the City Plan
update process.
Lead: Financial Services
Partners: All departments
Near-term Staff time
Strategy HI-1e. Conduct a biennial review of progress
made on implementation strategies outlined in City Plan,
documenting the current status of each action and making
targeted updates, as needed.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: All departments
Near-
term;
ongoing
Staff time
Strategy HI-1f. Explore creation of a Technology advisory
group so that the City and its residents will be aware
of, pursue, and implement technological solutions that
will ensure that technology in the City of Fort Collins is
accessible, transparent, and efficient.
Lead: City Manager’s Office
Partners: City Clerk’s Office,
Information & Employee
Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy HI-1g. Develop/expand organizational capacity for
triple bottom line decision-making and implement the Triple
Bottom Line Scan tool for major City projects.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: All departments
Near-term Staff time
Strategy HI-1a. Continue to align Citywide budget priorities
with the seven Outcome Areas that serve as a foundation
for City Plan.
Lead: City Manager’s Office
Partners: Finance, City Council
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy HI-1d. Continue to monitor and refine existing
tools designed to promote transparency to ensure they
are achieving intended outcomes and are accessible to a
broader cross-section of the community.
Lead: Financial Services
Partners: All departments
Ongoing Staff time
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 243
Strategy Responsibility Timing Resource
Strategy HI-2b. Explore the use of crowd-funding, crowd-
sourcing, and other tools or approaches to empower
residents to brainstorm, organize, and complete community
projects or address community issues.
Lead: Information & Employee
Services
Partners: All departments
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy HI-2c. Continue partnering with local organizations
to identify strategies to improve the accessibility and
affordability of childcare and early learning opportunities.
Lead: Information & Employee
Services
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Ongoing Staff time
Principle HI 3: Provide opportunities for meaningful and inclusive community involvement in governance
and decision-making.
Strategy HI-3a. Continue to coordinate community
engagement events among departments to improve
efficiency and reduce citizen fatigue.
Lead: Information & Employee
Services
Partners: All departments
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy HI-3b. Maintain City staff levels needed to
effectively engage with the community and promote a
culture of inclusive engagement across all City departments.
Lead: All departments
Partners: City Council
Ongoing General
Fund
Strategy HI-3c. Implement updated hiring practices across
the organization and monitor their effectiveness over time.
Lead: Information & Employee
Services
Partners: All departments
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy HI-3d. Investigate hiring a Spanish-speaking
bilingual and bicultural staff member to enhance City
engagement of the Hispanic/Latinx community, serve as
a liaison between Hispanic/Latinx residents and the City
organization, and improve the cultural competency of the
City organization.
Lead: Information &
Employee Services, Planning,
Development & Transportation
Short-
Term
General
Fund
Strategy HI-3e. Translate key City resources and
publications into Spanish and update these documents
as needed. Conduct a needs assessment in consultation
with Spanish-speaking residents and business owners to
determine which documents should be translated.
Lead: Information & Employee
Services
244 07 | APPENDIX
07
APPENDIX
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS CITY PLAN 245
Appendix A: Acknowledgments
Appendix B: Trends and Forces Report
Appendix C: Housing Trends and
Demand Forecast
Assessment
Appendix D: Employment Land Demand
Analysis
Appendix E: Employment Land
Suitability Analysis
Appendix F: Transportation Master Plan
Resources
E1 - NFRMPO Model Outputs VMT
E2- Multimodal LOS Best Practices
E3- Multimodal LOS Reccomended Approach
E4- NFRMPO Model Outputs VC Ratios
E5 - Fort Collins Bicycle Plan (2014)
E6 - Fort Collins Pedestrian Plan (2011)
E7 - Fort Collins TrendLab + Layered Networks
Appendix G: Transit Master Plan
DRAFT 3.15.19
Acknowledgments
The update to City Plan would not have been possible without the work and ideas from thousands of
individuals – community members, elected officials, City staff, consultants, and many more. While we
recognize the special efforts of the individuals and groups below, we wish to thank everyone who participated
and contributed to this effort.
City Council 2019
Mayor Wade Troxell
Susan Gutowsky, District 1
Ray Martinez, District 2
Ken Summers, District 3
Kristin Stephens, District 4
Ross Cunniff, District 5
Gerry Horak, Mayor Pro Tem, District 6
Planning and Zoning Board
Jeff Hansen
Michael Hobbs
Per Hogestad
Christine Pardee
Ruth Rollins
Jeff Schneider
William Whitley
Transportation Board
Valerie Arnold
Karl Ayers
Ellen Boeke
Cari Brown
Jerry Gavaldon
Indy Hart
Nathalie Rachline
Eric Shenk
York
Core Staff Team
Melina Dempsey
Lindsay Ex
Cameron Gloss
Aaron Iverson
Tom Leeson
Seth Lorson
Amanda Mansfield
Ryan Mounce
Meaghan Overton
Paul Sizemore
Kelly Smith
Timothy Wilder
Working Groups
Climate Action Plan Community Advisory
Committee
Housing & Economy
Land Use & Utilities
Outreach & Engagement
Public Lands & Water
Transportation & Mobility
Community Partner Organization Members
Arc of Larimer County
Bike Fort Collins
CSU Center for the Built Environment
Family Leadership Training Institute
Partnership for Age Friendly Communities
The Family Center La Familia
Wolverine Farm
FORT COLLINS
TRANSIT
MASTER PLAN
Draft - March 1, 2019
PLANNING OUR FUTURE. TOGETHER.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Acknowledgments
CITY COUNCIL 2019
Wade Troxell, Mayor
Susan Gutowsky, District 1
Ray Martinez, District 2
Ken Summers, District 3
Kristin Stephens, District 4
Ross Cunniff, District 5
Gerry Horak, Mayor Pro Tem, District 6
PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
Jeff Hansen
Michael Hobbs
Per Hogestad
Christine Pardee
Ruth Rollins
Jeff Schneider
William Whitley
TRANSPORTATION BOARD
Valerie Arnold
Karl Ayers
Ellen Boeke
Cari Brown
Jerry Gavaldon
Indy Hart
Nathalie Rachline
Eric Shenk
York
CORE STAFF TEAM
Melina Dempsey
Lindsay Ex
Cameron Gloss
Aaron Iverson
Tom Leeson
Seth Lorson
Amanda Mansfield
Ryan Mounce
Meaghan Overton
Paul Sizemore
Kelly Smith
Timothy Wilder
WORKING GROUPS
Climate Action Plan Community Advisory
Committee
Housing & Economy
Land Use & Utilities
Outreach & Engagement
Public Lands & Water
Transportation & Mobility
COMMUNITY PARTNER
ORGANIZATION MEMBERS
Arc of Larimer County
Bike Fort Collins
CSU Center for the Built Environment
Family Leadership Training Institute
Partnership for Age Friendly Communities
The Family Center La Familia
Wolverine Farm
OTHER PARTNERS
City Plan Ambassadors
City of Fort Collins Board & Commissions
Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
01 INTRODUCTION
02 EXISTING SERVICE
03 COMMUNITY INPUT
04 FORT COLLINS 2040
05 2040 TRANSIT PLAN
06 IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
07 PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND MONITORING
01
03
09
19
25
53
85
103
DRAFT 3.15.19
AUTONOMOUS
VEHICLES
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
We are living in a time of unprecedented change. Rapid growth, an explosion of new mobility
options, and new people moving into our city. Along with these changes come great opportunities to
transform our community in positive ways by making it more livable, sustainable, and welcoming.
It is with these changes in mind that Fort Collins has drafted a new vision for transit in the City—the
Transit Master Plan. This plan is deeply rooted in City Plan, the community’s long range vision for land
use and transportation, and is based on extensive community outreach. The predominant message
from the community supported expanding the transit system with a combination of fixed-route and
on-demand-type service. The key goal of the Transit Master Plan is to provide exceptional, equitable,
customer-focused service that meets the community’s present and future transit needs.
THE NUMBERS
By 2040, Fort Collins will:
Without a strong land use and coordinated transportation plan, these new residents and workers would
generate more than 300,000 new daily vehicle trips that would result in additional traffic congestion,
air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to the mobility pressures caused by growth,
new technologies and changing transportation trends could put even more vehicles on the road.
SEE A POPULATION THAT
WILL INCREASE 40%
FROM 170,000 TO
240,000
SEE JOBS
GROW BY 43%
FROM 102,000 TO
146,000
RIDEHAILING ONLINE SHOPPING
AND RAPID DELIVERY
DRAFT 3.15.19
City Plan defines a strong land use vision for the future to ensure that Fort Collins in 2040 remains
an attractive and thriving place to live, study, work, and visit. This land use vision will concentrate
much of the City’s population and employment growth along key transportation corridors, while still
providing for a mix of different development types across Fort Collins. In support of City Plan, the
Transit Master Plan will evolve the transit system as follows:
» Expand Bus Rapid Transit in locations with transit-supportive land uses
» Increase Frequencies to keep up with increasing demand as land use becomes more dense
» Expand Coverage of the transit network to lower density areas through mobility innovation
zones1
» Add Regional Routes to connect Fort Collins to more surrounding communities and provide
options for commuters
» Improve Connections to transit by leveraging the layered network from the Transportation Master
Plan and developing strategic mobility hubs on the core transit network
» Modernize Transfort’s operations by adopting new autonomous and electric vehicle technologies,
partnerships with mobility providers, and the latest information sharing platforms
These transit investments, along with complimentary transportation improvements outlined in the
Transportation Master Plan, will result in transit trips going up by nearly 120% compared to today
and a tripling of the transit mode share. However, perhaps even more significantly, more people in
Fort Collins will have access to frequent, reliable, and low-cost transportation that supports the City’s
vision for an economically thriving and environmentally sustainable city.
1 Mobility innovation zones will capitalize on new mobility technologies and service may include on-demand, microtransit,
or other emerging technologies that allow for more flexible routing than fixed-route transit and may be provided through
partnerships with the private sector.
DRAFT 3.15.19
INTRODUCTION
01 The Fort Collins Transit Master Plan provides a vision,
guidance and strategic actions to improve and
expand transit service in Fort Collins between now
and 2040. This Plan serves as a resource to City staff,
the public, and the development community on how
transit service should expand and what transit in Fort
Collins will look like in 2040.
DRAFT 3.15.19
4
“Use our
limited space
for people,
not cars. ”
- Community Member
DRAFT 3.15.19
5 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
TRANSIT VISION
In alignment with changing land
uses and technologies, Fort Collins
will provide safe, attractive, efficient,
equitable, modern, and innovative
mobility for people to live, work and
play in the City.
» Strategies to improve equity, first/last mile
access, and integration with other modes.
» A phased action plan with options to fund
future expansion and improvements.
» Performance monitoring and reporting.
Why this Transit Plan is
Needed?
Over the last several years Fort Collins has
successfully grown transit ridership despite a
national trend of declining ridership. Recent
ridership growth can be attributed in part to the
implementation of the highly successful MAX
bus rapid transit (BRT) line along the Mason
Street corridor in 2014 and strategic investments
in services catered to Colorado State University
(CSU) students and staff. However, the way people
use transit and to some extent the role of transit
as a mobility provider in the community is rapidly
changing. This change can be attributed to both
local trends, including changing land use and
demographics, as well as national trends, including
new technology and changing travel behavior. In
order for transit to continue to provide value to the
community and for the City to grow ridership in
the future, transit service in Fort Collins will need
to adapt given the dynamic influences affecting
mobility.
Key elements this Plan addresses
include:
» How the system can strategically expand and
adapt to changing land use and increasing
demand for transit.
» Innovative strategies to capitalize on emerging
technologies and shifting travel behavior.
» Integration with other Plans including the City
Plan, Transportation Master Plan, Corridor
Plans, Sub Area Plans, and Regional Plans.
» Capital and operating improvements to speed,
reliability, comfort, safety and frequency of
service.
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE OF THE
TRANSIT PLAN
The purpose of this Plan is to provide
guidance on how Fort Collins will gradually
grow and improve transit service over time in
order to achieve the City’s vision for transit in
2040.
AFTER MAX WAS IMPLEMENTED
ANNUAL RIDERSHIP GREW
FROM ABOUT 2.5 MILLION IN
2014 TO 4.4 MILLION
Introduction 6
» Land Use – As land use changes, including
densification of certain corridors and regions of
the City, it will be important for the City to add
or modify transit service to respond to those
changes.
» Demographics – The City’s population is
expected to grow an additional 40 percent by
2040. The senior population, those 75 years of
age and older, is expected to triple by 2040.
Students, young people, families, seniors, and
people of various incomes tend to use transit
service differently, thus where and how the
City’s population grows will impact demand for
transit.
» Technology – The emergence of transportation
network companies (TNC’s), such as Uber and
Lyft, car share (e.g., Zipcar), bikeshare, electric
scooters, microtransit, smartphones and mobility
applications, and electric and autonomous
vehicle technology is rapidly changing service
options available to transit agencies and
demand for different types of transit service.
Some of these technologies will also emerge as
important connections to transit.
» Travel Behavior – Technological advances
in mobility, online shopping, telecommuting,
smartphone use and lifestyle choices are
contributing toward a shift in travel behavior.
As a result, when and how people use transit
is changing and it will be important for transit
service to adapt to these changes.
Implementation of this plan will result in improved
transit service and continued growth in ridership in
Fort Collins, which will provide numerous benefits to
the community, including:
» Traffic Congestion Management - Reduce
growth in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and
single-occupant vehicle travel, keeping traffic
congestion from growing as quickly as it
otherwise would.
» Sustainable Development - Support the
Structure Plan in the City Plan document
by funneling growth to walkable urban
neighborhoods along key transit corridors and
activity nodes served by high-frequency transit.
» Equity – Support affordability and expand
mobility options for the community, region, and
visitors including walking and biking. Ensure
bilingual communications about service changes
and how to ride transit.
» Environmental - Advance Fort Collins toward
achieving its Climate Action Plan and Air Quality
Plan goals.
» Economic – Support and grow the Fort Collins
economy by providing affordable and viable
transportation to jobs and reducing household
expenses.
» Health – Support active transportation and
healthy lifestyles. Instill the benefits of transit
7 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
CITY PLAN
The Transit Master Plan directly
aligns with the land use plan
identified within City Plan.
Service improvements will be
focused on areas of the City
where existing and future
densities and development
types support transit.
SHORT RANGE AND TRANSIT
OPERATIONS PLANS
The Transit Master Plan provides high-level
guidance and an aspirational vision for improving
transit system operations. Elements of this
Plan were informed in part from findings of the
recently developed Transfort Route Improvement
Project (TRIP). The Transit Master Plan can also
be used as a framework for developing future
short-range and more detailed operations plans,
BRT plans, and detailed capital improvement
plans.
CORRIDOR & SUB
AREA PLANS
The Transit Master Plan builds
off of recently completed
corridor plans, including the
West Elizabeth Corridor Plan
and Harmony Road ETC
Alternatives Analysis. This Plan
provides a framework for the
City to develop future corridor
plans and sub-area plans with
key transit elements.
REGIONAL
TRANSIT PLANS
Existing regional transit
planning efforts (such as the
NFRMPO Transit Element)
were used to inform the future
regional transit network.
Guidance is provided on
several corridors from which
the City is or will be seeking
partnerships with neighboring
communities to expand
regional transit.
TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN
The Transit Master Plan identifies transit priority
corridors as part of the layered transportation
network in the Transportation Master Plan. In
addition, operations and capital improvements
identified in this Plan support pedestrian,
bicycle, and vehicle mobility goals identified in
the layered network. Lastly, the layered network
was used to strategically locate multimodal
transfer points (mobility hubs) along the future
transit network to facilitate seamless travel
between multiple modes.
TRANSIT
Introduction 8
Transit Specific Principles and Policies
This section summarizes the primary transit principle and related policies from City Plan. The Transit Master
Plan articulates the strategies and actions necessary to advance the principle and implement the policies.
Principle T 5: Transit is a safe, affordable, effecient, and convenient travel
option for people of all ages and abilities.
» T 5.1. The City’s public transit system will be expanded and evolved in phases to provide integrated,
high-frequency, productivity-based transit service along major transportation corridors. This will be
accomplished with a combination of feeder transit lines, on-demand transit and other mobility as a
service (MaaS) technology to connect major destinations.
» T 5.2. Implement BRT and high frequency transit service as shown in this document along major
transportation corridors as land use densifies and mobility demands increase, providing links between
major activity centers.
» T 5.3. Integrate fixed-route transit service with mobility innovation zones to serve lower density areas
of the City with non-traditional transit service. Focusing on expanding mobility in a cost-effective way,
the City will use existing and new technologies, including micro-transit, partnerships with transportation
network companies, other mobility-as-a-service technologies and other innovations.
» T 5.4. Provide fast and reliable transit service throughout the transit system, but with an additional
emphasis on high-frequency routes through the use of various design and operating strategies including
bus stop bulb outs, transit signal priority, bus-only lanes, streamlining of route patterns to minimize
deviations, and appropriately spaced bus stops.
» T 5.5. Transit infrastructure will be expanded and modernized with the customer’s mobility, comfort, and
security first in mind. This includes improvements to bus stops/shelters, expanded and upgraded transit
centers with elements such as adequate lighting, ADA accessibility, protection from the elements, on- and
off-board security, and cameras. Maintain per the Transfort Bus Stop Design Guidelines and update the
document as needed.
» T 5.6. The City will continue to be a leader for transit services in the region by efficiently operating
transit services in smaller communities, leading the development of new regional transit connections, and
looking for opportunities to provide expanded and cost-effective regional mobility in the greater North
Front Range Region.
» T 5.7. Safe, modern, and cost-effective transit service are top priorities with the City aggressively pursuing
technology such as pedestrian blind spot detection and autonomous vehicles (buses and on-demand
vehicles).
» T 5.8. Connect public transit to other modes of travel through strategically located mobility hubs, to be
located near activity centers, where one or more transit routes and bicycle facilities intersect. These hubs
will provide shared multimodal facilities and may include elements like bicycle parking, bike-, scooter-,
and car-share, multimodal information, park-n-rides and curb-space for shuttles and drop-off vehicles.
» T 5.9. Transit service shall be provided in accordance with the Transfort Service Standards.
» T 5.10. Paratransit will be provided in accordance with Federal requirements and the City will look
for ways to improve customer service, ensure cost-effective coverage, and to improve outreach and
education for paratransit customers who would receive better mobility services on the fixed route
network.
» T 5.11. To support the additional transit service identified in this plan, the City will expand the Transit
Maintenance Facility to store and maintain a larger fleet of busses and support vehicles.
DRAFT 3.15.19
EXISTING SERVICE
02 Transfort is the City’s transit operator, operating
22 fixed routes across the City, including one bus
rapid transit (BRT) route, the MAX, that offers 10
minute frequencies throughout much of the day.
Historically, Transfort has operated a coverage-
based transit system with most routes operating
at 30-60 minute frequencies. Recent investments
have been geared toward a productivity-based
system, with the introduction of the MAX in 2014
and restructuring of routes around the CSU campus.
Those investments have resulted in a significant
ridership growth since 2013.
DRAFT 3.15.19
10
“The bus goes
where I want,
but not when
I want. ”
- Future of Transit
Panel Survey Results
DRAFT 3.15.19
11 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Existing fixed-route service can be divided into four service types: BRT, high-frequency, Local with 30 minute
frequency, and Local with 60 minute frequency, illustrated in the table below. Transfort also provides several
other services, including regional service on the FLEX to Loveland, Longmont, and Boulder, and special event
and paratransit service.
EXISTING SERVICE
SERVICE
TYPE CHARACTERISTICS ROUTES
PERCENT
2018 SYSTEM
SERVICE
HOURS1
PERCENT
2018 SYSTEM
RIDERSHIP1
BRT
» 10-15 minute weekday
daytime frequency
» Dedicated bus-only, BAT
(business access and transit
only), or queue jump lanes
» Off-board fare payment
» Unique branding
MAX 27% 36%
High
Frequency
» 15 minute or better daytime
weekday frequency 3, 31, Horn 19% 28%
Local
(30 min
Frequency)
» 30 minute daytime weekday
frequency 2, 7, 8, 16, 32, 81 29% 23%
Local
(60 min
Frequency)
» 60 minute daytime weekday
frequency
5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 14, 18,
192, 33 26% 13%
Other
Services
» Regional
» Late night
» School trippper
» Special event
» Dial-A-Ride
FLEX (regional),
GOLD (late night),
92 (school tripper),
special event, on-
demand (DAR)
n/a n/a
1 Excludes regional, special late night, event and paratransit service.
2Route 19 operates 30 minute peak and 60 minute off-peak service.
DRAFT 3.15.19
!b
!b
!b!(
!(
!(
!(
!(
¤£287
¤£287
«¬14
«¬1
«¬392
Terry Lake
Richard's
Lake
Horsetooth
Reservoir
Long Pond
Claymore
Lake
Harmony
Reservoir
Sheldon Lake
College Lake
Lindenmeier
Lake
Larimer
and Weld
Canal
Lee Lake
Robert
Benson
Lake
Warren Lake
Duck
Lake
Portner
Reservoir
Parkwood
Dixon Lake
Reservoir
Lake
Sherwood
Fossil Creek
Reservoir
Fossil
Creek Reservoir
Outlet
Rigden
Reservoir
North Gray
Reservoir
South
Gray
Reservoir
Trappers Lake
Baker
Lake
Nelson
Reservoir
13 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Paratransit
In addition to fixed route service, Transfort operates
its Dial-a-Ride service, which provides transit access
to people who otherwise cannot take fixed route
transit (because of a physical or mental impairment).
Dial-a-ride is a type of transit service more generally
known as paratransit that is required by the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While there
are numerous ADA requirements for paratransit,
the most fundamental requirement is that all public
transit operators must provide paratransit to any
qualifying person that lives within ¾ of a mile of
the fixed route system for no greater than twice the
fixed-route fare. Paratransit must operate during the
same time period as the fixed route system and must
generally provide door-to-door service and some sort
of reservation system. Transfort meets all these basic
requirements and goes beyond federal requirements
in the following ways:
» The Dial-a-Taxi program provides an on-demand
paratransit service that allows for one end of
the trip to be outside of the typical Dial-a-Ride
boundary. Long trips are subsidized up to $20 by
Transfort
» Foothills Gateway Shuttle provides four trips per
weekday to the Foothills Gateway facility, which
is outside of the fixed route service area
» 42 clients have “grandfathered” access to the
Dial-a-Ride program even though they do not live
within the service area. These are the clients that
were impacted by a 1997 service change.
While Dial-a-Ride provides an important connection
for those who depend on the service, it is one of the
highest-cost per ride (lowest productivity) services
that Transfort provides. The high cost is related to the
fact that one or more vehicles must be on-call when
the fixed route service is operating, in case there is
a request for service. Additionally, the door-to-door
service provided by (and often required by the riders)
takes time, which limits how many rides per hour can
be offered by the Dial-a-Ride system. Currently, Dial-
a-Ride averages about 130 rides per hour at a cost of
about $34.58 per ride. This compares with a cost of
$2.12 per trip on MAX.
Ridership
Transit ridership in Fort Collins has grown by about
160% since 2007, and by 87% between 2013 to 2017.
Ridership has significantly outpaced population
growth, which has grown by about 20% since 2007
and 7.5% since 2013. The recent rapid increase in
ridership directly coincides with a 65% increase in
revenue service hours3 since 2013. Revenue service
hours were added primarily through several specific
improvements:
» The opening of MAX in 2014
» Route restructuring and additional frequencies
related to partnership with CSU, which improved
reliability for CSU students, faculty, and staff
» Increased service on CSU game-days
Existing Service 14
Who Rides Transit?
CSU students, faculty, and staff accounted for over half of Transfort ridership in 2018.
Transit Productivity
Productivity is a measure of ridership divided by
service hours and is a good indicator of the cost
efficiency achieved. In 2018 Transfort averaged
about 35 riders per bus revenue hour which
was a 20% increase since 2013. This increase in
productivity over time is particularly remarkable
when considering the major expansion of service
hours in 2014. Again, with MAX and the CSU
service revisions, ridership has grown faster
than service hours which shows that people are
strongly attracted to frequent, reliable transit
service.
Transfort’s three high-frequency routes (3, 31,
HORN) and one BRT route (MAX) account for four
of the six most productive routes in the system.
The routes account for about 46% of the weekday
bus revenue service hours within the City, and
64% of ridership. Additionally, five of the six least
productive routes in the system are routes that
operate at 60 minute frequencies. These routes
account for 26% of the transit system’s revenue
service hours, but only account for 13% of system
ridership.
In summary, high-frequency routes have
exponentially greater ridership and are thus more
productive. Implementation of high-frequency
routes has a better return on investment in terms
of ridership per revenue service hour.
57% 24% 11% 4% 4%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Transfort Ridership by Fare Class
Fort Collins, 2018
CSU Students/Faculty/Sta General Public Disabled Youth Seniors
0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Year
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Passengers per Revenue Hour
Transit Productivity
Fort Collins, 2018
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Passengers per Revenue Hour
Transfort Productivity by Route
Fort Collins, 2016
15 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Case Studies: Where is Transit Ridership Growing?
Over the past several years, there have been numerous reports of declining transit ridership across the United
States. As shown in the chart below, national transit ridership peaked in 2014 and has been declining for
the past four years, despite population and employment growth. There are a number of reasons that have
been cited for the national decrease in transit ridership including competition from ridehailing services, an
improving economy that allows more people to be able to afford a car, and relatively stable and low fuel
costs.
While transit ridership is decreasing for most agencies across the country, there are a few notable exceptions,
such as Transfort. This section highlights some of the strategies that these agencies that are seeing growth in
ridership are using.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Existing Service 16
Sound Transit – Seattle, WA:
Sound Transit has seen rapid ridership growth over the past several years. This ridership growth has generally
been fueled by voter-approved tax increases to build out the regional transit system, largely focused on new
rail lines that serve the densest portions of the region.
King County Metro – Seattle, WA:
King County Metro is the largest transit agency in Washington State (moving nearly 3 times as many
passengers as Sound Transit). While not as dramatic as Sound Transit, Metro’s ridership has also been
increasing steadily for the past several years. This increase in ridership is not fueled by major system
expansion, but rather improvements to transit frequency, speed, and reliability. Given the Seattle region’s
rapid growth over the past decade, Metro has focused its additional resources on the denser areas of the
region and along key commuter routes to major employment centers.
DRAFT 3.15.19
17 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Houston Metro – Houston, TX:
Houston Metro has seen steady ridership increases over the past eight years during a period when nearly
every other sunbelt city has seen ridership declines. The ridership increases are due to a mix of additional
build out of the light rail system, but also a major bus restructure in 2016 that focused on a grid of high-
frequency routes rather than a hub-and-spoke model. The grid pattern allowed Houston Metro to redeploy its
resources to the densest areas with the highest transit propensity, which boosted ridership.
The take-away from the three examples above is that transit systems that focus on providing reliable,
frequent service to the denser areas of the region are seeing ridership increases. Agencies with more
sprawling networks that focus on coverage are seeing ridership decrease as other modes are more attractive
than transit for some riders. Transfort’s ridership increases over the past few years follow the model described
above—new MAX service through the densest corridor in the city and additional CSU-focused service on
other high-demand routes. The future transit network proposed in this plan would keep this focus moving
forward.
DRAFT 3.15.19
18
Peer City Comparison
The table and chart below provide a comparison of ridership per capita in Fort Collins as compared to several
peer cities of similar size with major universities. All of the peer cities have city-run transit agencies, with the
exception of Davis, CA and Missoula, MT which are operated (either fully or in part) by the local university.
Data shows that while Fort Collins has made tremendous progress in growing ridership over the last several
years, it is on the low end of the spectrum as compared to many peer cities and there is opportunity for
future growth. In general, communities that have invested more in transit per capita also have proportionally
higher ridership per capita.
REGION SERVICE
AREA (SQ MI)
SERVICE
AREA
POPULATION
DENSITY
(SQ MI)
RIDERSHIP
PER CAPITA
INVESTMENT
PER CAPITA
Champaign-Urbana, IL 40 137,000 3,100 84 $244
Chapel Hill, NC 62 80,000 1,900 79 $221
Ann Arbor, MI 110 225,000 1,900 58 $194
Gainesville, FL 76 164,000 2,200 57 $147
Davis, CA 13 73,000 5,200 56 $69
Madison, WI 72 256,000 2,700 52 $210
Lawrence, KS 29 92,000 2,900 37 $79
Eugene, OR 482 302,000 2,900 34 $172
Fort Collins, CO 54 144,000 2,400 30 $106
Missoula, MT 70 72,000 1,800 26 $85
Asheville, NC 45 89,000 1,100 23 $99
BEST PRACTICES
Fort Collins currently applies several transit best practices either system-wide or on particular routes
that have contributed to recent growth in ridership:
» Operate in rights-of-way that minimize delay (example: MAX)
» Off-board fare payment (example: MAX)
» Level boarding (example: MAX)
» Partnerships: with CSU and neighboring jurisdictions (example: CSU routes, FLEX)
» Easy-to-remember schedules (example: most routes operate at consistent frequencies – 10, 15, 30, or
60 - throughout the day)
DRAFT 3.15.19
19
COMMUNITY INPUT
03 Community input for the Transit Master Plan was
gathered as part of the community outreach process
of City Plan through several community workshops,
in person and online surveys, and numerous other
events.
DRAFT 3.15.19
20
“Increase public
transportation.”
- Community Member
DRAFT 3.15.19
21 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
COMMUNITY INPUT
KICKOFF EVENT
Over 500 community members attended
the City Plan kickoff event to learn about the
Plan process and provide initial input on their
experiences and priorities.
Key transit takeaway: Desire for more high-
frequency transit services like MAX and
improved regional transit
FUTURE OF TRANSIT PANEL
About 120 attendees participated in a
Future of Transit panel discussion to provide
direction on the preferred transit scenario
and how the transit network should respond
to new technologies and mobility services.
Panelists included representatives from
the project transit consulting team, Chariot
(microtransit), Easymile (autonomous transit),
and Lyft (ride hail).
Key transit takeaway: Strong support for the
preferred transit scenario, including high
investment in high-frequency service on major
corridors and piloting innovative mobility
services in low-demand areas.
VISIONING WORKSHOP
About 150 community members attended
four visioning workshops held throughout the
City. Participants prioritized their community
values and provided guidance on the Plan’s
vision and objectives.
Key transit takeaway: Investment in public
transit consistently rose to the top of the
list, with desires for more non-driving
transportation options, improved transit
infrastructure/amenities, new regional transit
connections, high-frequency transit, and
increased east-west connections.
SCENARIO REFINEMENT WORKSHOP
Nearly 1,300 participants provided feedback
in-person or online on three different future
land use and transportation scenarios, with
the majority preferring the scenario with
the greatest concentrations of corridor infill
development, high-frequency transit service,
and mobility options.
Key transit takeaway: Enhancing
transportation & mobility received the
greatest support of all scenario elements, with
the majority of people wanting the greatest
transportation investments to be toward
transit.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Community Input 22
What the Community Expressed About Transit
Hundreds of participants participated in surveys and workshops throughout the planning process to express
their desires related to transit. The following high-level themes summarize the transit elements that received
strong and consistent support from the public:
» Faster and More Frequent Service, including expanded BRT and high-frequency service on major
corridors paired with innovative mobility services in lower density areas.
» Better Multimodal Connections, including pedestrian amenities, bicycling supportive infrastructure, and
emerging mobility services (on-demand, microtransit, car share, etc.).
» More Regional Service to neighboring communities.
» Willingness to Invest in Transit through taxes and other fees.
No change (3%)
Small changes (10%)
Moderate changes (26%)
Big changes (59%)
How do you perceive public transit in Fort Collins? (source: Future of Transit Panel)
Considering impacts and tradeoffs how much change do you support for enhancing transportation &
mobility to meet Fort Collins goals & priorities? (source: Scenario Questionnaire)
1% 3%
No opinion (1%)
It goes where I want AND when I want (18%)
It goes where I want BUT not when I want (42%)
It goes when I want BUT not where I want (11%)
It does not go where nor when I want (26%)
DRAFT 3.15.19
23 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Where would you prioritize additional transportation funding for the future? (pick top two) (source:
Scenario Questionnaire)
What is the right balance between fixed-route service (traditional bus) and on-demand service? (source:
Future of Transit Panel)
5% 3% All bus service, no public on-demand (3%)
Expand system with buses and on-demand (as shown in preferred scenario) (58%)
High frequency buses on major corridors, other areas on-demand (32%)
Replace most of bus system with on-demand (5%)
Roads/Cars (29%)
Bikes (52%)
Sidewalks/Trails (49%)
Transit (60%)
29%
52%
49%
60%
What is the right level of investment you would support for increased transit service? (source: Future of
Transit Panel)
None ($0 mo.) no expansion (8%)
Low ($5/mo.) +1 BRT, 1 frequent route (12%)
Medium ($10/mo.) +2 BRT, 2 frequent routes (34%)
High ($15+/mo.) +3 BRT, 3+ frequent routes (45%)
DRAFT 3.15.19
Community Input 24
DRAFT 3.15.19
25
FORT COLLINS 2040
04 Over the past 20 years, Fort Collins’ has transformed
from a college town of about 100,000 people to a
small city of approximately 171,000. The next 20
years will continue to see growth and development in
Fort Collins, and the character of that growth will be
different. City Plan will facilitate denser development
concentrated along major transportation corridors
and new technologies and demographics will
influence both where people live and how they travel.
This chapter explores how land use is expected to
change over the next 20 years, and how that land use
change could influence demand for transit.
DRAFT 3.15.19
26
“
“Growth
demographics
will need to be
represented in
our plans and
characteristics
of future
populations
considered.”
- Community Member
DRAFT 3.15.19
27 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
FORT COLLINS IN 2040
CITY PLAN
City Plan is the comprehensive plan for the City of Fort Collins. It articulates the community’s vision and
core values, and establishes the overall policy foundation that will be used by the City of Fort Collins
organization, its many local and regional partners, and the community at large to work toward that vision
over the next 10 to 20 years. City Plan includes a section specifically dedicated to transportation and the
Plan is supported by a number of more detailed functional plans and department-level strategic plans,
including this Transit Master Plan.
A core element of the City Plan is the Structure Plan map, shown in Figure 2, which illustrates how the
community will grow and change over time, serving as a blueprint for the community’s desired future. It
focuses on the physical form and development pattern of the community, illustrating areas where new
greenfield development, infill, and redevelopment is likely to occur, as well as the types of land uses and
intensities to encourage. The Structure Plan:
• Guides future growth and reinvestment and serves as official Land Use Plan for the City;
• Informs planning for infrastructure and services;
• Fosters coordinated land use and transportation decisions within the city and region; and
• Helps implement principles and policies.
The Structure Plan, in conjunction with the Transportation Plan and other supporting elements, will
be used to guide future development decisions, infrastructure improvements, and public and private
investment and reinvestment in Fort Collins.
Fundamentally, the Structure Plan supports compact development that is more amenable to transit,
walking, and bicycling, while recognizing the need for a variety of different development forms in the
City. Much of the new development will occur in Mixed Neighborhoods and Mixed-Use Districts focused
along the City’s major transportation corridors. In turn, these transportation corridors form the backbone
of the transit network. In this way, City Plan and the Transit Master Plans are reflections of each other and
support a sustainable development pattern and transportation network.
DRAFT 3.15.19
RICHARDS
LAKE PARK
GREENBRIAR PARK
SOFT
GOLD
PARK
RABBIT
BRUSH
PARK
LEGACY
PARK
LEE MARTINEZ
COMMUNITY
PARK
ALTA
VISTA
FREEDOM PARK
SQUARE
PARK
GRANDVIEW
CEMETERY
CITY PARK
NINE GOLF
COURSE
CITY PARK ROSELAWN
CEMETERY
ROGERS
PARK
EASTSIDE
PARK
OVERLAND
PARK
AVERY
PARK
EDORA
COMMUNITY
PARK
INDIAN
LILAC HILLS PARK
PARK
SPRING PARK
BLEVINS PARK
ROLLAND MOORE
COMMUNITY PARK
WOODWEST
PARK
LEISURE
PARK
BEATTIE
PARK
SPENCER
ROSSBOROUGH PARK
PARK
SPRING CANYON
COMMUNITY
PARK
COLLINDALE
GOLF
COURSE
WARREN
29 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Population Growth
As noted earlier, Fort Collins is expected to grow steadily into the
future, with population increasing by about 40% to 240,000 by
2040. Figure 3 shows the change in population density between
2012 (the most recent year the regional travel demand forecasting
model was updated) and 2040.1 Consistent with City Plan, much
of the growth is expected to take place in Downtown, and mixed-
use districts along N. College Ave., the Mason Corridor, Harmony
Road, and S. College Ave. In addition, proposed development in
the northeast, continued growth in the West Central Area, and the
Hughes Stadium redevelopment are all evident on the map.
*Population density is emphasized in this section because transit does best at serving
relatively dense concentrations of people—high population growth spread out across
a large area is not necessarily consistent with strong demand for transit.
DRAFT 3.15.19
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Long Pond
Claymore
Lake
Harmony
Reservoir
Sheldon Lake
College Lake
Lindenmeier
Lake
Larimer
and Weld
Canal
Lee Lake
Robert
Benson
Lake
Warren Lake
Duck
Lake
Portner
Reservoir
Parkwood
Dixon Lake
Reservoir
Lake
Sherwood
Fossil Creek
Reservoir
Kitchel
Lake
Fossil
Creek Reservoir
Outlet
Rigden
Reservoir
North Gray
Reservoir
South
Gray
Reservoir
Watson
Lake
Trappers Lake
Baker
Lake
Nelson
31 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Employment Growth
Employment growth is also expected to be significant in the future,
with the number of jobs increasing by about 43% between 2012 and
2040. Figure 4 shows the change in employment density between
2012 and 2040. Overall, the pattern of where employment growth is
expected is similar to population growth. Namely, Downtown and the
mixed-use districts along College Ave. (north and south), the Mason
Corridor, and Harmony Road. Strong growth is also expected in the
northwest and the West Central Area Plan (east of Shields St.). In
addition, there is substantial employment growth anticipated along
Timberline Road and near I-25 at Vine Drive and Prospect Road.
DRAFT 3.15.19
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Lindenmeier
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and Weld
Canal
Lee Lake
Robert
Benson
Lake
Warren Lake
Duck
Lake
Portner
Reservoir
Parkwood
Dixon Lake
Reservoir
Lake
Sherwood
Fossil Creek
Reservoir
Kitchel
Lake
Fossil
Creek Reservoir
Outlet
Rigden
Reservoir
North Gray
Reservoir
South
Gray
Reservoir
Watson
Lake
Trappers Lake
Baker
Lake
Nelson
33 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Transit Propensity in Fort
Collins
Understanding the existing and future dispersion
and density of population and employment in Fort
Collins is a fundamental component of designing the
city’s transit service so it best meets the evolving
needs of the community. When considering how the
transit system could change to meet new demand
for service, population and employment density will
determine the underlying demand for transit more
than any other factor. This is because:
» In the absence of facilities like park-and-ride lots
or connecting shuttles, the reach of transit is
generally limited to the distance from a bus stop
that people are willing to walk, typically about
one-quarter to one-half mile. As a result, the
size of the travel market (the number of people
that can access transit) is directly related to the
density of development in that area.
» Transit service frequencies, in turn, are closely
related to market size. Bigger markets support
more frequent service, while smaller markets can
support only less frequent service.
» To attract travelers who have other options,
such as private automobiles or access to ride-
hailing services, transit service must be relatively
frequent and direct to get riders to their
destination in a time and at a cost competitive
with other modes.
However, density alone does not determine demand
for public transit. Certain groups of the population,
particularly households with zero-vehicles available,
people with lower incomes, persons with disabilities,
students, and youth, tend to use transit to a greater
degree than other groups. In contrast, populations
with higher incomes and access to two or more
cars tend to use transit less than the underlying
population and employment density would suggest.
To account for these differences, a measure called
the transit propensity adjustment factor was
developed to measure relative demand for transit
in different areas as compared to the region.
These factors measure the likelihood of certain
demographic groups to use transit to commute to
work relative to the study area’s general population
and are based on national surveys of transit usage.
In simple terms, the transit propensity adjustment
factor scales the underlying population density
up or down based on the socioeconomic and
demographic characteristics of the area.
In Fort Collins, like many smaller cities in the
United States, the transit propensity adjustment
factor tends to adjust population and employment
densities up in downtown areas, areas with a large
amount of college student housing, lower income
areas, and areas with older populations. While
areas with larger, newer single family homes (which
tend to be near the edge of town) tend to have a
downward adjustment from the transit propensity
Fort Collins in 2040 34
KEY ELEMENTS THAT INFLUENCE
TRANSIT PROPENSITY
POPULATION
DENSITY
EMPLOYEE
DENSITY
VEHICLE OWNERSHIP
RATES
STUDENT
POPULATION INCOME AGE
DRAFT 3.15.19
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Reservoir
Sheldon Lake
College Lake
Lindenmeier
Lake
Larimer
and Weld
Canal
Lee Lake
Robert
Benson
Lake
Warren Lake
Duck
Lake
Portner
Reservoir
Parkwood
Dixon Lake
Reservoir
Lake
Sherwood
Fossil Creek
Reservoir
Kitchel
Lake
Fossil
Creek Reservoir
Outlet
Rigden
Reservoir
North Gray
Reservoir
South
Gray
Reservoir
Watson
Lake
Trappers Lake
Baker
Lake
Nelson
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Richard's
Lake
Horsetooth
Reservoir
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Claymore
Lake
Harmony
Reservoir
Sheldon Lake
College Lake
Lindenmeier
Lake
Larimer
and Weld
Canal
Lee Lake
Robert
Benson
Lake
Warren Lake
Duck
Lake
Portner
Reservoir
Parkwood
Dixon Lake
Reservoir
Lake
Sherwood
Fossil Creek
Reservoir
Kitchel
Lake
Fossil
Creek Reservoir
Outlet
Rigden
Reservoir
North Gray
Reservoir
South
Gray
Reservoir
Watson
Lake
Trappers Lake
Baker
Lake
Nelson
37 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Matching Transit Services to
Transit Demand
The preceding analysis of existing and forecasted transit
demand is the foundation for how to plan a successful
and sustainable transit system. As a fundamental rule,
when densities (and thus transit demand) increase,
more transit service can be supported in terms of higher
frequencies and longer spans of service. To show how
land uses are linked with service, see Figure 7 on the
following page. This relationship is the foundation for the
Transit Master Plan.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Land Use Type Example
Downtowns &
High Density Corridors
>45 >25
30-45 15-25
15-30
10-15 5-10
<10 <5
10-15
Urban
Mixed-Use
Neighborhood &
Surburban Mixed-Use
Mixed
Neighborhoods
Single Family
Neighborhoods
Residents per Acre Jobs per Acre
On demand
10 minutes
or better
10-15
minutes
15-30
minutes
30
minutes
On demand
Land Use Transit
Appropriate Types of Transit Frequency of Service
BRT High Frequency Bus Local Bus
BRT High Frequency Bus Local Bus
Local Bus
Local Bus Micro-Transit
Rideshare Micro-Transit
or
or
or
or
or
Figure 7 – Land Use Densities and Supported Transit Service
Fort Collins in 2040 38
As shown in Figure 7, to support 30-minute service, there generally must be at least 15 residents per acre
or more than 10 jobs per acre, or a combination thereof. However, these densities broadly indicate demand
across contiguous and nearby areas. Clusters of density throughout an area or along a corridor are strong
indicators of transit demand, while a dense but small block in an isolated area would not produce sufficient
demand in and by itself. Demand can also accumulate along corridors to produce demand for more frequent
service than the densities alone would indicate. For example, long corridors where most blocks have the
density to support 15- to 30-minute service will often produce accumulated demand for 15-minute or better
service. This pattern emerges because demand from other corridors tends to coalesce along these higher
density areas. For example, the Harmony Road Corridor is expected to have enough blocks of high-density
population and employment in 2040 to warrant high-frequency or better transit service.
It is important to recognize that areas that do not have at least 10 residents or five jobs per acre or a
combination thereof—generally lower density communities made up of single-family neighborhoods—do
not provide an environment where fixed-route transit can generate enough ridership to succeed. At these
low densities, only infrequent transit service can be sustained, which is so uncompetitive with other forms of
transportation that it is not practical to operate. In these instances, this Transit Master Plan is calling for new,
emerging types of transit—specifically microtransit, rideshare, and shared mobility solutions—to connect low
density areas to the core transit network. These emerging technologies and services are being tested across
the country and will be described in more detail in the next chapter.
39 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Providing appropriate levels
of transit service that match
demand in different density
environments is more efficient,
cost effective and results in
better service for residents.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Fort Collins in 2040 40
The Future of Transit - How will Transit Look in 2040?
We live in a time in which transportation is rapidly evolving. From emerging mobility solutions such as
ridesharing, bike and scooter sharing, and microtransit, to new technologies such as autonomous vehicles,
battery technology, intelligent transportation systems, expanding access to live/real time information, and the
technology and services that the public and private sector employ to provide mobility are rapidly changing.
This Transit Master Plan is a forward-looking vision of how to provide integrated, innovative, and sustainable
transit for Fort Collins in 2040, therefore it is important to consider the features of transit that will be critical
to success. This chapter outlines key features that are critical to consider when planning for future transit and
focuses on the following topics:
» Ride-hailing and autonomous vehicles
» Transit service design and supportive street networks and technologies
» Integrated mobility platforms and Mobility as a Service (MaaS)
Ride-hailing, Microtransit, and Autonomous Vehicles
The rise of the Transportation Network Companies (TNC)—notably Uber and Lyft—have ushered in a
discussion of “the end of transit” by some people who see these ride-hailing companies as a more convenient
and less-expensive way to provide transit services in cities like Fort Collins.
*https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-08-15/uber-and-lyft-want-to-replace-public-buses
Uber and Lyft want to replace
public buses
Joshua Brustein
Pinellas Park, Fla., isn't the kind of place you'd expect to gain insight about
the future of mass transit. The suburb of Tampa is as car-crazy as your
average stretch of Floridian sprawl — the local landmarks include the Tampa
Bay Automobile Museum and a drag racing strip — and anyone who can
avoid the bus does. But recently the agency responsible for the area's public
transportation began a novel experiment: It stopped running two bus lines
and started paying for a portion of Uber rides instead.
In Uber's early days, it said it wanted to be "everyone's private driver." Now
the company and its main U.S. competitor, Lyft, are playing around with the
idea of becoming the bus driver, too. Uber has partnered with a handful of
local public transportation agencies to strike deals like the one in Pinellas
Park, which it expanded earlier this month. Later this month Lyft plans to
DRAFT 3.15.19
Figure 8 – Space Used by Cars versus a Bus
4Microtransit is a concept similar to ride-hailing except that instead of hailing a dedicated vehicle, you request a ride in a shared vehicle,
typically a van or small shuttle bus. Microtransit providers sometimes run on a schedule, but with a flexible route based on who is
requesting the ride, and sometimes offer on-demand pickups. Several companies, including Bridj, Chariot, Lyft Shuttle, and EasyMile
(which has an autonomous shuttle) are all microtransit providers.
41 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
The idea is that with ubiquitous ride-hailing and microtransit4 services or (in the future) fleets of shared
autonomous vehicles, traditional fixed-route transit will not be necessary. People can simply request or
schedule a point-to-point trip and a car will come and take them to their final destination. Anyone who has
used Uber or Lyft can understand the appeal of the service – no need to wait outside at a bus stop, no need
to wait for a transfer, no need to walk to your final destination. However, as discussed at Fort Collins’s Future
of Transit: Panel Discussion held on November 28, 2018, a future without fixed-route transit is not feasible or
efficient due to several challenges:
1. Cars use more space than buses to move people - Figure 8 below shows the amount of space used
by cars to carry a busload of people. Whether the cars are privately owned or part of a ride-hailing or
autonomous vehicle fleet, they still take up more space. This additional space results in traffic congestion
and crowding of the curb in front of destinations. Without a significant number of people taking buses,
there would be substantially more traffic congestion in areas like Downtown, around the CSU campus,
and some key corridors like College or Prospect. As the city becomes denser over time, this problem
would grow worse.
DRAFT 3.15.19
5https://www.transit.dot.gov/sites/fta.dot.gov/files/transit_agency_profile_doc/2017/80011.pdf
6http://uberestimate.com/prices/Fort-Collins/
7Note that taxi rates are more than twice as high as TNC rates in Fort Collins - $2.25 per mile for a taxi and $1.10 for an UberX
Fort Collins in 2040 42
2. Individual cars cost more to own and operate than an efficiently utilized bus – Today, the average
cost per passenger trip across all of Transfort’s fixed-route bus services is $3.99, and $2.12 for MAX.5
Taking a TNC for a similar-length trip would cost the passenger $7.65 in fares and service fees.6 It is worth
noting that both Uber and Lyft currently operate their services as a loss and that there is an additional
company subsidy that should be added to the TNC costs. While the value of this subsidy is not reported
by either company and the data in the literature varies widely, it is reasonable to assume that it is at least
30% based on a comparison of TNC rates to taxi rates7 and published financial data from Uber and Lyft.
This would mean that the actual cost for a comparable TNC ride would be about $9.95.
In the future, the costs for ride-hailing services could decrease as autonomous vehicles replace the expense
of the driver. However, Transfort could also benefit from reduced labor costs as the agency transitions to an
autonomous bus fleet. Ultimately, it is unlikely that core transit service could be replaced in a cost-effective
manner with ride-hailing or microtransit services. Moreover, these services certainly cannot match the space
efficiency of buses. Therefore, while ride-hailing services and autonomous vehicles will have a strong role in
future mobility in Fort Collins, they cannot, by themselves, replace fixed route transit.
In a future with autonomous
vehicles and ride-hailing,
high-capacity and high-
frequency transit service
will be more important
than ever to move people
where they want to go
without widespread traffic
congestion and over-
crowded drop-off areas.
DRAFT 3.15.19
43 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
MAKING TRANSIT MORE USER FRIENDLY
While fixed route transit will continue to fill a strong role in the the mobility ecosystem,
there are lessons that can be learned from the success of TNCs. Below are a few key areas
where many fixed-route providers can improve to better match the convenience and rider
experience of TNCs:
i
$
INFORMATION
While transit agencies are providing better real-time transit information,
the ability to track the location of a TNC in real-time and in an intuitive
smartphone platform helps to reduce the stress of travel. Accurate and
reliable time of arrival estimates is another area that transit agencies can
improve on. The current Transfort smartphone app and web portal are
better than most transit agencies with real time tracking available on the
Transfort app, its, but not as intuitive or feature-rich as what people have
become accustomed to from TNCs.
PAYMENT
Transit agencies like Transfort typically have easy to use monthly or
annual passes, which are convenient if you have them. However, for the
occasional rider (particularly if they do not carry much cash), transit
fareboxes can seem like something from another era. Some transit
agencies have built smartphone payment apps (that are sometimes
integrated with trip planning and real-time bus information - Transfort is
rolling out and e-fare option in 2019), but they still tend to be less intuitive
than paying for a TNC.
WAITING TIMES
Research has consistently shown that more frequent transit service
has a strong influence on growing ridership, particularly where
land use is relatively dense. Increased transit frequencies is a core
element of the 2040 Transit Master Plan.
There are a few areas where TNCs and ride-hailing are more convenient compared to typical
bus service will have a hard time matching. Transit agencies should regularly evaluate if they
can modify service, vehicles, or performance to better accommodate these needs, but in some
instances, they are a different market that TNCs or private autos are better at matching. Some
of the areas where TNCs and ridehailing are strong include: transporting bulky items (it is hard
to move lumber or boxes on the bus), moving large groups of people (it can be less expensive
for a group to share a TNC compared to the total bus fare), and connecting two low-density
areas where transit would require a transfer and significantly longer travel times.
DRAFT 3.15.19
8 https://www.apta.com/resources/mobility/Pages/Transit-and-TNC-Partnerships-.aspx
Community Input 44
Leveraging On-Demand
Services and Partnerships
While ride-hailing services and similar on-
demand types of transit (which can be
operated by private partners or the transit
agency) may not be cost competitive for
higher-demand transit routes, they can be a
cost-effective way to connect lower density
areas to the core transit service network. This
is because the cost per rider for low ridership,
long headway fixed route services begins to
increase to the point where it can exceed the
cost of on-demand transit service.
Partnership opportunities are evolving and
can be guided by lessons learned from TNCs
and other “first generation” partnerships
with private mobility service providers. The
first microtransit and on-demand pilots
operated by transit services are under way,
and autonomous shuttles that connect
transit hubs to employment and residential
centers are starting to be introduced.
These offer higher potential efficiency than
TNC partnerships — but must be assessed
carefully.
Key partnership opportunities include:
» Extending the reach and duration of
transit service – providing transit service
to low-density areas or low-demand (late
evening, early morning) periods can be
more efficient through partnerships
» Faster response times compared to
infrequent fixed-route or traditional
paratransit services
» Operating cost savings compared to
the least productive fixed-route and
paratransit services
Several agencies and cities (including the
nearby City of Centennial) have tested the
first generation of partnerships, typically
with TNCs,8 and the industry is now better
positioned to analyze the many partnership
pitches they receive from private mobility
operators each year. Moving forward,
Transfort will work to pilot on-demand
services and potential partnerships with
private mobility providers in an effort to
expand transit coverage while also investing
in more productive core transit routes.
Ride-hailing
and microtransit
partnerships cannot
replace core transit
services to date,
but can effectively
provide paratransit
and on-demand
services in low-density
45 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Transit Service Design
While there is interest in on-demand transit services, for the foreseeable future most transit service will
continue to be provided along a fixed-route with published schedules. This type of transit service is simply
more efficient and has higher ridership and lower costs for most areas, particularly as density of population
and employment increases in the future. With this in mind, there are several strategies that have been proven
to maximize the performance of fixed route transit systems. These best practices are summarized below.
Best Practices in Transit Service Design
BE DIRECT
Ideally, transit routes should avoid
time-consuming turns and
deviations and go in straight lines,
making them both faster and
easier to understand and
remember.
SERVE A VARIETY OF
DESTINATIONS
The most efficient and cost-
effective routes are useful to a
variety of people at different
times of day.
TERMINATE AT STRONG
ANCHORS
When there are major demand
generators at both ends of the route,
buses or trains are rarely empty.
AVOID DUPLICATION
Rather than having routes
operate on parallel streets less
than a half -mile apart, have
them overlap so that more
frequent service can be
provided in the combined
segment.
AVOID ROUTES THAT ARE
TOO LONG
The longer the route, the more
prone it is to delay; reliability may
suffer.
BALANCE DEMAND IN
EACH DIRECTION
Routes are also more cost-
effective when they carry
roughly the same number of
passengers each way rather
than, for example, carrying a
full load of commuters in one
direction and running empty in
the other.
OPERATING FEATURES
This could include transit-only lanes,
streets with transit signal priority, or
simply streets on which there are
few conflicts with other modes. It
also includes elements that reduce
dwell time, such as level boarding,
multiple doors, and off-board fare
payment, and elements that reduce
ingress and egress into stations such
as bus stop bulb-outs.
9Transit Cooperative Research Program, Transportation Research Board, and National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine. 2010. TCRP Synthesis 83: Bus and Rail Transit Preferential Treatments in Mixed Traffic.
Washington, D.C.: Transportation Research Board. http://www.nap.edu/catalog/13614.
Fort Collins in 2040 46
In addition to the basics of the transit service design, there are several key roadway and
technological investments that can be made to leverage the inherent efficiency benefits of
transit.
1. DEDICATED RIGHT-OF-WAY
Transit-only lanes — but ideally physically separated rights-of-way — will become more
important to the success of transit as congestion associated with urban growth and ease of
vehicle use increases. A hybrid of dedicated right-of-way is the business access and transit
(BAT) lane used on several corridors in the Puget Sound region of Washington. The BAT lane
allows right turns to businesses and other streets, but only transit vehicles are allowed to travel
through major intersections.
Repurposing a general-purpose travel lane to a dedicated transit right-of-way is justified where
it increases the person carrying capacity of the roadway and improves the average person travel
time in the corridor.
Some autonomous vehicle and TNC lobbyists are trying to gain access to separate transit lanes.
Allowing this could set a poor precedent that ultimately degrades transit performance. Creating
and preserving dedicated travel lanes for high capacity transit is one of the most important ways
to leverage city and agency strengths in an autonomous future. Fort Collins already has one of
the best-performing dedicated transit facilities in the country with its MAX line and has proven
the success of preserving key transportation infrastructure for high-frequency transit. There may
be additional opportunity to provide dedicated right-of-way on Harmony road or other future
BRT corridors.
Travel time savings: 34-43%.9
Shared Roadway Dedicated Transit Lanes
DRAFT 3.15.19
10Transit Cooperative Research Program, Transportation Research Board, and National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine. 2007. TCRP Report 110: Bus Rapid Transit Practitioner’s Guide. Washington, D.C.:
Transportation Research Board. https://www.nap.edu/catalog/23172.
Figure 9 – Queue Jump Lanes
47 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
2. QUEUE JUMP LANES
Queue jump lanes are short, dedicated transit facilities with either a leading bus interval or
transit signal priority (TSP) to allow buses to easily enter traffic flow in a priority position.
Sometimes queue jump lanes allow right turns for cars, but buses are allowed to travel through.
Applied thoughtfully, queue jump treatments can reduce delay considerably, resulting in time
savings and increased reliability.
Two existing examples of transit queue jump lanes are currently used along the MAX route on
Mason Street at West Laurel Street and on McLelland Drive at West Drake Road. In addition,
both the West Elizabeth Enhanced Travel Corridor Plan and Harmony Road Enhanced Travel
Corridor Master Plan identify transit queue jump lanes to enhance bus travel speeds.
Travel time savings: 5%-15% at intersections.10
DRAFT 3.15.19
11 Zhou, Guangwei, and Albert Gan. 2009. “Design of Transit Signal Priority at Signalized Intersections with Queue
Jumper Lanes.” Journal of Public Transportation 12 (4). https://doi.org/http://doi.org/10.5038/2375-0901.12.4.7.
12 Transit Cooperative Research Program, Transportation Research Board, and National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine. 2010. TCRP Synthesis 83: Bus and Rail Transit Preferential Treatments in Mixed Traffic.
Washington, D.C.: Transportation Research Board. http://www.nap.edu/catalog/13614.
13 Transit Cooperative Research Program, Transportation Research Board, and National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine. 2007. TCRP Report 110: Bus Rapid Transit Practitioner’s Guide. Washington, D.C.:
Transportation Research Board. https://www.nap.edu/catalog/23172.
Figure 10 – Transit Signal Priority
Fort Collins in 2040 48
3. TRANSIT SIGNAL PRIORITY
TSP is an operational improvement that uses technology to reduce time at traffic signals
for transit vehicles by holding green lights longer or shortening red lights. When a bus is
approaching an intersection, the intersection can detect the bus and modify the traffic signal
timing to reduce the delay for the bus. TSP is even more effective when combined with queue
jump lanes.11
Travel time savings: 8%-18% is typical.12, 13
DRAFT 3.15.19
49 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and Integration of Transit with
Other Modes
As transportation has evolved over the past several years, ride-hailing companies and shared mobility
companies including car sharing (Zipcar, Car2Go), bikesharing (Jump, Lime), scootersharing (Bird, Lime,
Razor) have spread the idea that mobility (provided by public and private entities) could be packaged
together and to provide a viable alternative to owning a car. The concept of combining the information, trip
planning, and payment for mobility has been called Mobility as a Service (MaaS).
Increasingly, most people do not make distinctions between public and private transportation options, rather
assessing modes by cost, convenience, comfort, and travel time. Many people are comfortable taking a bus
to work and then hailing a TNC to go to dinner. However, today, you might have to consult several different
smartphone apps to compare different options and prices and it can be difficult to combine modes for a
single trip. MaaS offers an opportunity to make the overall transportation network more efficient and user-
friendly (see Figure 11). MaaS involves the ability to plan, book, and pay for trips on a variety of modes using
a single interface – helping to improve access, convenience, and while providing cost-effective travel options
. MaaS offers transit agencies the ability to create increasingly attractive incentives to take transit (for at least
a portion of the trip) by providing more information on first/last mile access modes and more transparent
information on things like traffic congestion, parking costs, and greenhouse gas emissions (which could
discourage people from driving). One day it is possible public agencies can use MaaS to change fares/fees in
real-time in response to traffic congestion, emergency access needs, or major travel demand changes. This
would allow the transportation system to be used more efficiently by sending price signals for people who
can to switch to modes that have less of an impact on the system’s capacity (e.g., taking transit or a bike
rather than riding in a car).
MaaS has the potential to fundamentally reshape how people travel, and in the long-run, Fort Collins should
strive to bring MaaS to reality in the City. In the near-term, Fort Collins will work with all public and private
mobility partners to freely share information on trip planning and fares/fees so that entities like Transfort
or private app developers can begin to aggregate data and make travel more intuitive for the public. The
city is currently working on a data sharing program encouraging all public and private mobility partners to
participate.
MaaS has the potential to
significantly change how
people travel, particularly
in cities. However, there
are some major technical
and regulatory barriers
that Fort Collins will work
to address over time.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Fort Collins in 2040 50
This type of data sharing may require new regulations that require private mobility providers to share data
like wait times, fares, and trip planning details. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission regulates taxis
and ride-hailing companies while the City of Fort Collins regulates bike sharing and car sharing companies.
Current state and City regulations do not require the sharing of trip planning or fare details and private
mobility companies have been resistant to sharing this type of information outside of their own platforms. In
addition to these regulatory hurdles, there are technical challenges related to an integrated payment platform
since it can add overhead to manage payments to many mobility partners. While these barriers currently
exist, several communities, including Portland, Oregon and several European cities are working to implement
part or entire MaaS solutions (see more detail in case study).
This type of data sharing may require new regulations that require private mobility providers to share data
like wait times, fares, and trip planning details. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission regulates taxis
and ride-hailing companies while the City of Fort Collins regulates bike sharing and car sharing companies.
Current state and City regulations do not require the sharing of trip planning or fare details and private
mobility companies have been resistant to sharing this type of information outside of their own platforms. In
addition to these regulatory hurdles, there are technical challenges related to an integrated payment platform
since it can add overhead to manage payments to many mobility partners. While these barriers currently
exist, several communities, including Portland, Oregon and several European cities are working to implement
part or entire MaaS solutions (see more detail in case study).
FUTURE NOW
EVEN MORE OPTIONS
Mobile Phone
Helps make choices, but each tool has own app
Ride-Hailing
Car ownership separated from car use
New Options
Many people use just one or two new options (ride-hailing, bike share) in
addition to their primary mode
Perception of Limited Options
Personally-owned car often the default option
Loyal to Mode
Tend to use just one option and rarely switch
THEN
MORE
OPTIONS
Mobility as a Service
Use mobile device to select among many options
and seemlessly book and pay for them
Choose the Right Tool for the Right Trip
Based on better information about cost, time,
and comfort
More New Options
Including innovative new private sector
mobility tools
Figure 11 – Evolving Toward MaaS
DRAFT 3.15.19
51 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Case Study: MaaS and Transit Integration
There are currently no MaaS implementations in the United States although there have been earlier and
ongoing applications that partially implement some elements of MaaS. Several examples are below.
» GoDenver and GoLA: Xerox partnered with the cities of Denver and Los Angeles to develop and build
an integrated trip planner for these regions. The trip planner had the ability to identify multiple mobility
options between a user-specified origin and destination, including transit, bike share, and ridehailing
services. While the application had many valuable components, it was criticized for having incomplete
information (for example, Lyft was included, but not Uber; there was no information on car sharing or
park-and-ride). Additionally, there was no ability to identify fares for all the modes nor pay for many of
the modal options in the app. Ultimately, the app was terminated after Denver and Los Angeles decided
not to pay the ongoing costs to maintain and update the apps.
» TriMet in Portland, OR is building out an integrated trip planner that blends transit, driving, park-and-
ride, scooter-share, bike-share, Uber, and Lyft into a single mobility planning and booking app. The app
is still in development, but is scheduled for initial release in 2019. The app will show exact prices, calories
burned, and greenhouse gas emissions of each option. While the app will facilitate booking and allow the
purchase of a transit ticket, the integration with Uber and Lyft still requires you to go through their apps
to complete the booking.
» A private company, Whim (https://whimapp.com) has launched commercial MaaS in several Eurpoean
cities including Helsinki, Finalnd, Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Birmingham, UK. The MaaS services in
these cities have been in operation for about two years, so they seem to be relatively viable for the local
governments and private operators, although the team preparing this Transit Master Plan could not find
any studies about how these programs change how people travel or if they encourage non-auto travel.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Fort Collins in 2040 52
DRAFT 3.15.19
53
2040 TRANSIT PLAN
05 The previous chapter described how Fort Collins
and the overall transportation landscape is likely to
change over the next 20 years. In order for transit to
remain an important travel mode in Fort Collins, it
must also evolve. This chapter outlines the vision for
what transit will look like in Fort Collins in 2040. The
vision responds to the future land use plan, feedback
from the public and stakeholders, the influences of
emerging technologies, shifting travel behaviors,
funding opportunities, and transit best practices.
DRAFT 3.15.19
54
“Ridership
develops
where service
is dependable,
reliable, and
frequent.”
- Community Member
DRAFT 3.15.19
55 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
The 2040 Transit Plan is organized into the following sections:
» 2040 Transit Network Map
» 2040 Transit Service Metrics
» The 2040 Transit Fleet and Key Technologies
» Major 2040 Transit Capital Projects
» Access to Transit
» Equitable Transit Service
» Complementary Policies to Support Transit
2040 Transit Network
The 2040 transit network is fundamentally driven by the anticipated 2040 land use densities and the transit
service best practices described in the previous chapter. These best practices guide how to link different
types of transit services to the underlying land use densities (see Figure 7). In addition, the transit network
is informed by public feedback to achieve a balance of both expanded coverage and increased productivity.
In general, areas of the community served by existing transit will continue to have transit service, albeit with
potentially improved and/or different type of service in some cases.
How the Plan will achieve productivity?
Investments will be made to expand high-frequency transit service, BRT, and maybe even lightrail along key
corridors throughout the City. This type of service will be spaced to operate along several trunk corridors
connecting major activity centers and with higher population and employment densities. These BRT
and high-frequency services will also operate over more hours of the day and on more days of the week
compared to other services. Local routes will be realigned to provide more direct, reliable service with shorter
end-to-end run times and fewer route deviations. Service will rely more heavily on transfers from local service
or other modes to the high-frequency core network. Fixed-route service with 60-minute frequencies will be
gradually phased-out, replaced by service with at least 30-minute frequency or on-demand-type services.
How the Plan will achieve coverage?
Areas of the city with smaller activity centers and more moderate densities will be served by local bus service
with either frequent peak frequencies or 30-minute all-day frequencies. Lower density areas of the City will be
served by mobility innovation zones, that will capitalize on new mobility technologies. Service may include
on-demand, microtransit, private shuttles, or other emerging technologies that allow for more flexible routing
than fixed-route transit and may be provided through partnerships with the private sector. Mobility innovation
zones will be connected into the core transit network network at strategically spaced mobility hubs that will
serve as multimodal transfer points between transit, bicycles, cars, scooters, shuttles, on-demand and other
mobility services. See Figure 12 for a map of proposed locations for future mobility innovation zones and
mobility hubs.
2040 TRANSIT PLAN
DRAFT 3.15.19
2040 Transit Plan 56
SERVICE
TYPE
ALL-DAY
FREQUENCY
(6AM - 7PM)
EVENING &
WEEKEND
SERVICE
OTHER
CHARACTERISTICS
PLANNED 2040
CORRIDORS/
SUBAREAS
BRT 10-minute Yes
Uniquely branded service
with speed & reliability
improvements (queue jump
lanes, off-board fare
payment, level boarding,
bus bulbs, transit signal
priority, longer-spacing
between stops)
Mason Street (MAX),
West Elizabeth Street,
North College Avenue,
Harmony Road
High
Frequency
15-minute or
better Yes
Local service that may
include some speed &
reliability improvements
CSU campus (HORN),
Drake Road, Lincoln
Avenue
Frequent
Peak
15-minute peak/
30-minute
off-peak
Routes that
have higher
densities or
connect
to key
destinations
Local service with direct
route alignments and higher
peak period frequencies
Prospect Road,
Timberline Road,
Shields Street,
northeast Fort Collins,
CSU Foothills Campus
Local 30-minute
Routes that
have higher
densities or
57 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Regional Transit Services
Community members voiced strong support for improved regional transit connections. Transfort is already
working with Greeley-Evans Transit on providing new intercity transit service to Greeley and Windsor. There
are also discussions underway to provide new intercity transit service to Wellington and fare integration/
reciprocity between Greeley, Loveland, and Boulder. Beyond these items are other regional transit issues that
Transfort will consider over the next several years:
» Potential to consolidate transit services in Fort Collins and Loveland (Transfort currently operates the
Loveland transit system). Loveland is beginning a transit plan in 2019 that may help to resolve this
question.
» Cooperate with CDOT on more transit service to Denver, either through expanded Bustang service or
future commuter rail.
» Consider the viability and benefit to Fort Collins residents of a Regional Transportation Authority (see text
box on page 102).
Given the size of Fort Collins and Transfort’s high transit ridership, Fort Collins will serve as the leader in
exploring future regional transit services in the North Front Range region. By working collaboratively with
other cities, CDOT, and the NFRMPO, Fort Collins could work to not only improve regional transit connections
but improve transit access across communities throughout the region.
PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE
The 2011 North I-25 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) identified three potential short-range rail
projects. One project is a $1.35 billion (estimated) commuter rail line between Fort Collins and Colorado
Boulevard, with a connection to RTD’s light rail line at 162nd Avenue, once the North Line is complete.
In 2017, a Senate Bill was passed in the state of Colorado to perform a feasibility study to implement
passenger rail from Fort Collins south to Loveland, Longmont, Boulder, Denver, and onto Pueblo or
Trinidad. This potential rail line would be contracted with Amtrak and use existing rail infrastructure.
An initial feasibility study considered the technical, financial, and economic factors. Conclusions from
this study, in addition to the work of designated committees, determined that high speed rail along
the I-25 corridor is feasible, and further study should be conducted. Fort Collins is actively seeking
opportunities to be directly involved in the efforts to bring rail to the North Front Range. Transfort and
other City staff will be actively engaged in CDOTs Transit and Rail Advisory Committee and Southwest
Chief and Front Range Passenger Rail Commission.
DRAFT 3.15.19
2040 Transit Plan 58
DRAFT 3.15.19
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61 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
2040 Service Metrics
The charts on this page describe the projected outcomes in 2040 if the land use plan and transit network
are implemented. Data shows that the 2040 Transit Plan would achieve a 120% increase in transit ridership
including a 10% increase in productivity (passengers per service hour).
100% INCREASE IN
REVENUE SERVICE HOURS*
430
Existing 2040
Transit
Network
870
120% INCREASE IN
TRANSIT RIDERSHIP
18,000
Existing 2040
Transit
Network
40,000
Weekday Ridership Weekday Service Hours
10% INCREASE IN
PRODUCTIVITY
42
1.8%
6.0%
Existing 2040
Transit
Network
46
Productivity (Ridership per Weekday Service Hour;
40,000/870=46)
*Revenue service hours includes the numbers of hours every
bus is operating in service.
230% INCREASE IN
TRANSIT MODE SHARE
Existing 2040
Transit
Network
DRAFT 3.15.19
2040 Transit Plan 62
Transit System Coverage
Transit system coverage is a measure of residents and employees that are within close walking distance of
transit service. Under the preferred scenario coverage for all types of transit would remain about the same
as it is today. However, coverage of high-frequency transit would increase. The percent of employees and
residents within a half mile of a BRT or high-frequency route, would increase by 90% for employees and 130%
for residents. By 2040 about 76% of workers in Fort Collins would have BRT or high-frequency transit line
within a half mile of their work and about 53% of residents would have a BRT or high-frequency transit line
within a half mile of their home.
PEOPLE WITHIN ½ MILE OF BRT OR HIGH FREQUENCY TRANSIT
Residents Employees
40%
Today 2040
76%
23%
Today 2040
53%
SYSTEM-WIDE COVERAGE
58%
87%
96%
Today 2040
85%
Within ¼ mile of Local Transit or ½ Mile of BRT/High Frequency Transit or within a Mobility Innovation Zone
Today 2040
Residents Employees
DRAFT 3.15.19
63 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
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65 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Future of Paratransit
As noted earlier in this plan, Dial-a-Ride provides a critical mobility service to some members of the
community who otherwise cannot ride on the fixed-route network. However, Dial-a-Ride is a relatively
expensive and inefficient service. As technology improves, there is the potential for Transfort to provide Dial-
a-Ride with a better customer interface and at a lower cost, either through new partnerships with service
providers or better technology integration and fleet procurement by Transfort. Below are some key areas
where Transfort can improve the Dial-a-Ride service:
» Improved reservation system: Services like Uber and Lyft have set a new standard for how people
request a door-to-door ride. While many current Dial-a-Ride patrons may be unwilling or unable to
use a smartphone to hail a ride, this will change over time as the technology is more widely adopted.
Transfort can work to build more modern technologies into its Dial-a-Ride reservation system to allow for
spontaneous reservations, vehicle tracking, and other customer-friendly benefits.
» New partnerships: While further exploration would be required, many transit agencies have successfully
reduced their paratransit costs by partnering with a wider variety of service providers. For example, not
all transit patrons require a wheelchair enabled vehicle or direct door-to-door services. In these cases,
less costly services can be procured (through taxis or ridehailing services), reserving the more specialized
services and vehicles for those who need a higher level of service.
» Lower-cost services: An improved reservation system could increase the number of rides per day offered
per Dial-a-Ride vehicle, which would reduce the cost per trip. Additionally, autonomous vehicles could
also reduce cost of the service by allowing the use of a more general-purpose vehicle whose cost could
be shared by a much larger user base. However, it is important to note that even with autonomous
vehicles, there will still be a need to assist some Dial-a-Ride patrons from door-to-door.
» Mobility Innovation Zones: While Federal guidance is unclear at this time, implementation of mobility
innovation zones could expand the footprint where Dial-a-Ride operates. While this has benefits in terms
of providing increased accessibility for more patrons, it also could potentially increase the cost to operate
Dial-a-Ride services. Therefore, in conjunction with the mobility innovation zone implementation, Transfort
should perform a study to confirm that Dial-a-Ride service need not extend beyond the boundary of the
mobility innovation zone. Additionally, Transfort should explore if it has the existing capacity to expand
Dial-a-Ride access and assess the potential for the mobility innovation zone operator to serve at least a
portion of the Dial-a-Ride patrons (those who do not need as extensive escort services or a specialized
vehicle).
DRAFT 3.15.19
2040 Transit Plan 66
DRAFT 3.15.19
67 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
The 2040 Transit Fleet and Key Technologies
As noted in the previous section, by 2040 transit service is planned to double, as measured by the number of
annual service hours.14 To accommodate this service expansion, Transfort will need to expand the number of
buses it owns and operates, which is one of the most significant costs of transit service expansion. In addition,
the current fleet of buses will need to be replaced over time to ensure reliable, modern, and attractive service
for riders. This section describes how the fleet is likely to evolve over the next 20 years. In addition, this
section summarizes some new technologies that Transfort will pursue to improve rider convenience. This new
technology is a mix of equipment that would be needed in the vehicles (GPS, communications, fare payment)
and other equipment and services at the Transfort offices.
Fleet Size
As of 2019, Transfort operates a fleet of 56 buses and Dial-a-Ride vehicles. To accommodate the planned
2040 service network, the fleet will need to expand to approximately 91 buses, Dial-a-Ride vehicles, and
mobility innovation zone vehicles. Note that this number also includes roughly 13 buses needed to provide
regional transit coverage as identified in the 2040 service map.15 As new BRT buses are added to the fleet
to support expanded BRT service, standard buses previously dedicated to those routes could be used for
expanded service on local routes.
In terms of vehicles to serve the mobility innovation zones, there are many potential ways that this could
be accommodated. Transfort could own and operate the vehicles (either small shuttles or vans), own but
contract out operations and maintenance, or contract out ownership, maintenance, operations. These options
would impact the ultimate fleet size, but for the purposes of this Plan, it is assumed that Transfort would own
the vehicles.
Today 2040
91
buses
56
buses
14 Revenue service hours includes the numbers of hours every bus is operating in service.
15As new regional services come online, Transfort will work with regional partners on who owns and maintains the regional buses, so this
total could differ in the future.
DRAFT 3.15.19
2040 Transit Plan 68
Fleet Characteristics
Today, Transfort operates a mix of 30 to 60 foot
standard and articulated buses on its routes. The
higher capacity articulated buses operate on
the MAX BRT line. Most of the current buses use
compressed natural gas engines for reduced air
pollution emissions.
As with other vehicles, buses are seeing rapid
change in both how they are powered and how they
are operated.
» Battery Electric Buses – Buses powered by
batteries and electric motors have transitioned
from pilot tests to mainstream use in many
communities across the United States. Battery
electric buses can match the range of fossil
fuel buses but are significantly more energy
efficient. A downside is that battery electric
buses cost significantly (about 50 to 100%)
more to purchase than natural gas or diesel
buses, although operating costs are less.
Transfort currently has funding for the purchase
of one electric bus to be ordered in 2019/2020.
Transfort has also applied for funding to
purchase a second bus with the initial order and
has also applied for $4.5 million in grant funding
for five electric buses in 2022 and 2023.
» Fuel Cell Buses – These buses are powered by
hydrogen fuel cells and electric motors. Fuel
cell buses are still in the testing phase, but may
one day offer superior range and performance
compared to battery electric buses. The cost
to purchase and operate these buses is not yet
known.
» Autonomous Buses – Like other autonomous
vehicles, an autonomous bus has the ability
to drive itself, offering safety benefits and the
ability to reduce operating costs and mitigate
for labor shortages. Autonomous shuttle buses
(smaller vehicles that typically travel less than
30 MPH) are already in limited service—Denver
will have an autonomous shuttle in 2019—
however, fully autonomous transit buses are still
in the prototype and testing phase.
As Transfort’s fleet is renewed and expanded
over time, the agency will pursue electric and
autonomous vehicles as soon as they are proven
to be safe and reliable, with the goal to eventually
transition the entire fleet to electric or other
clean energy technology. These types of vehicles
will improve the environmental and financial
sustainability of Transfort moving forward.
The total estimated cost to refresh and expand the
Transfort fleet is between $85 and $95 million over
the life of this Transit Master Plan (by 2040).
Key Technologies to Make Transit
Easier to Use
As noted in the previous chapter, public
expectations are driving technology companies to
set an increasingly high bar related to information,
69 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
use a smartphone or even a watch to pay for
and access a wide variety of goods and services.
However, to board transit you have to pay a cash
fare, show a transit pass or a MAX ticket. Also,
a rider from Boulder cannot use their MyRide
card to pay for a trip on Transfort. Transfort is
currently developing a fare reciprocity program
with partners of the FLEX route. In the future,
Transfort will work to improve its information
technology systems to make it easier to pay for
transit. This could include a mobile payment
app (similar to an app used by RTD) or the
ability to use contactless payment cards/
devices (ApplePay, Google Pay) to pay for fares.
In addition, Transfort will explore a common
fare payment system for the transit agencies
in the North Front Range. Under a common
fare payment platform, users could use a single
transit pass or smartphone app to pay for and
board multiple systems, making transit easier to
use.
» Information Sharing and Aggregation – As
described in the Mobility as a Service (MaaS)
section in the previous chapter, sharing and
aggregating mobility information is helpful for
people to make informed mobility decisions.
Transfort already pushes information about bus
routes, schedules, and vehicle locations to the
public. A next step toward integrated mobility
information would be for Fort Collins to either
work with a partner (e.g., Pace, Google, or an
independent app developer) to consolidate
all the publicly available information on transit
and bike share. In addition, Fort Collins should
work with other private mobility providers like
Zipcar, Uber, and Lyft to share their availability
and pricing information to a common platform.
Eventually, Fort Collins residents and visitors
would benefit from integrated trip planning
and ultimately a common payment platform.
However, these outcomes will take time to
negotiate and the roles of the public and
private partners will need to be identified to
ensure an efficient, intuitive, and user-friendly
interface. Earlier attempts by the public sector
to act as the aggregator of mobility information
have stumbled because of lack of investment
in the user interface and lack of data sharing
agreements for mobility companies that operate
within the city.
A review of major technology upgrades pursued by
other transit agencies as part of fare integration and
data management projects indicates costs of $2-5
million every 5-7 years. This results in a total cost of
major technology upgrades of $10-20 million over
the life of the plan.
Major Capital Investments
In addition to the fleet and technology expansions
identified in the previous section, Transfort will need
2040 Transit Plan 70
Transit Centers and Bus Stops/
Stations
As the transit system grows, buses need places to
stop and pick-up/drop-off passengers. While some
types of bus stops can be added with minimal
capital investments, others require substantial
planning and investment. Below, several significant
capital investments related to bus pick-up/drop-off
are identified.
» Transit Centers – Transfort currently operates
three transit centers that have significant
boarding and transfer activities: Downtown
Transit Center, CSU Transit Center, and South
Transit Center. The Downtown Transit Center
currently operates at capacity and as service
expands, more bus stops will be needed at this
location. Transfort will prepare a study on how
to expand or relocate the Downtown Transit
Center since a simple expansion is difficult when
considering the constrained site and the historic
building that is part of the center. Determining
a cost for this type of project is difficult at this
stage since the need to purchase additional land
or to substantially reconfigure the current site
are not yet known. For the purposes of this plan,
costs are estimated at $3-10 million.
» Mobility Hubs – As the transit system expands
mobility hubs will be a key focal point for
access by a variety of modes. Mobility hubs are
described further and mapped in the Access to
Transit section. This plan identifies 14 mobility
hubs, which also include the three existing
transit centers (described above) and the
Harmony Transfer Station. While future study
will be necessary to more clearly define what is
to be included in a mobility hub and each hub
could have substantially different final costs due
to land cost, utilities, and other factors, for the
purposes of this plan, costs are estimated at $3
million16 for each hub.
» Bus Stations – The new proposed BRT routes
on North College Ave., West Elizabeth Street,
and Harmony Road would be built with Bus
Stations, as identified in Transfort’s Bus Stop
Design Standards and Guidelines (July, 2015).
Bus stations include more robust passenger
amenities than other types of stops, including
“unique shelter” designs, ticket vending
machines, and next bus arrival information.
While space constraints may dictate that not all
stops along the new BRT routes meet the Bus
Station design standard, it can be anticipated
that at least 25 new bus stations will be built
along the new BRT corridors. Based on analysis
in the Harmony Road ETC Master Plan, costs for
bus stations are estimated at $300,000 for each
station. The future Foothills Station on West
Elizabeth Street and Overland Trail is estimated
to cost $4 million based on analysis complete
Figure 18 – Recommended Intersection Design for W Elizabeth Corridor
71 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Bus Rapid Transit Corridors
A major element of the 2040 Transit Master Plan
is the expansion of BRT service on three new
corridors:
» North College Avenue between the Downtown
Transit Center and Willox Lane
» West Elizabeth Street between the CSU Transit
Center and Overland Trail
» Harmony Road between the South Transit
Center and I-25
These new BRT corridors are strongly aligned with
current land uses, high transit generators, and
future growth as outlined in City Plan. Corridor
studies have already been completed for the W.
Elizabeth and Harmony Road corridors to identify
the type of roadway, traffic signal, and transit stop/
station enhancements needed to make BRT work
on those corridors. A similar corridor study will
need to be prepared for North College Avenue to
determine more specifics about the types of capital
improvements and operational characteristics
needed to implement BRT on this corridor.
It should be noted that for the W. Elizabeth and
Harmony Road corridors, BRT is not planned to
travel in a separate guideway as MAX does along
much of the Mason corridor. Rather the new BRT
corridors would utilize features like queue jump
lanes, transit signal priority, and bus bulbs to achieve
reasonable travel times but at a much lower cost
than widening the street. While not yet studied, the
North College BRT would also likely use these types
of features to implement BRT service.
Even though the new BRT corridors are not
expected to involve substantial street widening,
they are still major capital projects. Based on
studies prepared for Transfort, the estimated cost
to implement the roadway, transit signal priority,
pedestrian and bicycle access, queue jumps, etc.
for these projects (excluding operations costs) is as
follows:
» North College Avenue - $10 million
» West Elizabeth - $28 million
» Harmony Road - $53 million
The above costs do not include buses or bus
stations as they are accounted for in other sections
of this chapter.
Key Design Elements
for People Walking:
» ADA Compliant Sidewalks
» Highly visible crosswalks
» Shorter crossing distance
Key Design Elements
for People Biking:
» Protected or buffered bike lanes
» Green colored paint in
conflict zones
» Pilot protected intersection
Key Design Elements for
2040 Transit Plan 72
Figure 19 – Recommended Configuration for Harmony Rd Corridor
Speed and Reliability Improvements for Non-BRT Corridors
In addition to enhancements for the three BRT corridors, Transfort will invest in speed and reliability
improvements on the high-frequency corridors as service levels grow into the future. Typical with other
“rapid bus” corridors, most of the speed and reliability improvements on the high-frequency bus corridors will
involve transit signal priority, strategic queue jump lanes, and refinement of stop locations to balance access
to the route and overall travel times. Transfort will need to prepare a future study to more specifically identify
speed and reliability improvement costs for non-BRT corridors. However, for the purposes of this plan, it is
assumed that speed and reliability improvements will cost $10 million for all non-BRT corridors combined over
the life of the plan.
DRAFT 3.15.19
73 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
DESCRIPTION FULL IMPLEMENTATION COST
(2019 DOLLARS) POTENTIAL FUNDING SCORES
Transit Fleet Expansion
and Renewal $85-95 million
Federal and state grants, local
funds, resale of retired buses
Information Technologies/Fare
Integration Technologies/MaaS $10-20 million
Federal and state grants, local
funds, partner agency funds
Operations and Maintenance
Facility $20-30 million
Federal and state grants, local
funds, bonds
Downtown Transit Center
Upgrades $3-10 million
Federal and state grants, local
funds, bonds, transportation
capital expansion fees
Mobility Hubs $3 million each, $33 million for 11
new hubs
Federal and state grants, local
funds, transportation capital
expansion fees
Bus Stations
$300k each, $9 million total (total
can vary based on BRT corridor
design)
Federal and state grants, local
funds, bonds, transportation
capital expansion fees
Bus Stop Enhancements
$10 million (cost could be higher
or lower depending on how quick-
ly stops are upgraded)
Advertising funds, federal and
state grants, local funds,
developer contributions,
transportation capital
expansion fees
North College BRT Corridor $10 million
Federal and state grants, local
funds, bonds, transportation
capital expansion fees
West Elizabeth BRT Corridor $28 million
Federal and state grants, local
funds, bonds, transportation
capital expansion fees
Harmony Road BRT Corridor $53 million
Federal and state grants, local
funds, bonds, transportation
capital expansion fees
Speed and Reliability Improve-
ments for High-Frequency
Routes
$10 million
Federal and state grants, local
funds, bonds, transportation
capital expansion fees
2040 Transit Plan 74
Access to Transit
Transit is only a successful mode when people can easily access the stops and feel safe while waiting for a
bus. The Transportation Master Plan introduces the concept of a “layered transportation network” which is
an extension of the idea of “complete streets.” The layered network recognizes that not all streets can safely
and comfortably accommodate all modes. For example, a street that is great for cars and buses might be
too busy and fast for comfortable bicycling. Similarly, pedestrian priority areas will typically have slower
vehicle speeds, which could be frustrating for long-distance travel, but create a good environment for buses
with high transit demand and a lot of visibility and security at bus stops. The layered network was carefully
considered when identifying the transit network to ensure easy and safe access to transit.
Mobility Hubs
A key feature of the 2040 Transit Master Plan is the idea of a Mobility Hub. Mobility hubs seek a seamless
connection between transit and all other modes of transportation and have been strategically located where
the transit network intersects other major components of the layered transportation network. Mobility hubs
have gained popularity in recent years as an increasing number of mobility options has emerged. Figure 20
shows an existing mobility hub in Germany.
Figure 20 – Mobility hub in Hamburg, Germany (see Figure 21 for description)
The key features of a mobility hub are summarized in Figure 21. Mobility hubs are best located along
frequent transit routes, near activity nodes (mixed-use developments, employment centers, colleges, etc.),
and in areas where there is a good opportunity to connect with other modes (e.g., near a major bicycle
route, near a mobility innovation zone, at the terminus of a BRT or high-frequency route). In some, but not
all locations mobility hubs may also include park-and-rides. To highlight the interplay between mobility hubs
and other modal connections Figure 22 shows a map of the mobility hubs overlaid with the transit network
and Figure 23 shows the mobility hubs overlaid with the bicycle network. Its important to note that the new
mobility hubs identified in this plan are preliminary and are intended to be flexible depending on future land
development, land availability and other criteria. The mobility hubs shown as part of this Plan were chosen
as they are in locations that meet most of the following criteria: activity/employment centers, along a future
high-frequency bus route or intersecting bus routes, at a future intersecting bike lane or path, well spaced,
and serve as a focal point for one or more mobility innovation zones.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Shared Mobility Hub
Bus shelter TNC/microtransit drop-off/pick-up
Bike parking
Information and fare payment Intersecting bike lane or bike paths
Scooter share & bike share (Zagster)
6
5
1
2
3
4
7
8
1
2
3
4 Car share
5
6
7
8 Car charging station
Figure 21 – Features and Elements of a Mobility Hub
75 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
DRAFT 3.15.19
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2040 Transit Plan 78
Park-and-Ride
Park-and-rides extend the reach of transit for those who cannot or choose not to connect to the network
via walking, biking, drop-off, or connecting transit. Park-and-ride facilities are particularly attractive to
commuters (for work or school) who would otherwise have to pay a relatively high monthly cost to park at
their destination or who have a long commute and can benefit from having someone else drive them to their
destination. Currently there are several park-and-ride lots around the City, mostly oriented along the MAX
line, (there is also parking at the Harmony Transfer Center near Harmony Road and I-25). While the future
of transit parking is a bit uncertain when considering how autonomous vehicles could influence how people
get to transit, there is still demand for park-and-rides in the near- to mid-term. Transfort recently completed
a park-and-ride analysis for expanding parking along the MAX line, which recommends 300+ new parking
spaces via a variety of strategies such as leases, easements, land purchases, shared parking, redevelopment,
and marketplace pricing. Outside of MAX, this plan identifies four areas that should be considered for
strategic park-and-rides. They include:
» Terminus of the North College Ave BRT – This proposed mobility hub location would provide a strong
anchor for the North College BRT line and would allow people from the north to access BRT and thus
Downtown and the CSU campus.
» I-25 & Prospect Road and I-25 & Mulberry Street - Park & rides at these locations would primarily serve
regional Bustang service to Denver. They would also facilitate transfers between Bustang and local service
such as a route serving East Mulberry Street.
» Expand I-25 & Harmony Road Park-and-Ride - A future mobility hub will be located at what will be an
important transfer point between regional buses to Greeley and Denver, the future Harmony Road BRT,
and other local bus service. Future demand will likely necessitate expanding the existing park-n-ride to
accommodative transit riders both heading into Fort Collins and as well as to Denver and Greeley.
Private Shuttles
Private shuttles currently operate in Fort Collins. One of the more common examples is a shuttle between
an apartment complex that targets college students and CSU. Private shuttles can help to reduce auto use,
auto ownership, and parking demand both at CSU and across Fort Collins, all of which are in line with City
goals. Therefore, Transfort is generally supportive of shuttles when they provide services to areas without
strong transit connections. As the transit network builds out with additional BRT and High-Frequency routes,
the need for private shuttles to operate will decrease as these services are expensive to operate. One area
where Transfort will work with private shuttle operators is related to curb space so they do not block buses or
conflict with other public uses of the right-of-way.
DRAFT 3.15.19
79 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
PARK-AND-RIDE: WHAT TO CONSIDER IN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE (AV) ERA?
In the past, providing park-and-ride was fairly straightforward—identify a site and seek funding to build
dedicated transit parking. Today, more thought should be given to park-and-ride because the demand
for this type of transit access could radically decrease in an era where AVs are ubiquitous and are
operated as shared fleets. Therefore, for any new potential park-and-ride facility, Transfort will consider
one of these models:
» Partnership with adjacent land use – by leveraging existing underutilized parking or by developing
new parking in conjunction with a land owner and leasing the supply, park-and-ride can be
developed without permanently locking up land into parking that might later have little value.
» Land banking – If it makes sense for Transfort to own the parking facility, ensure that grants are
written in such a way that the parking facility can be redeveloped in the future (some federal grants
prohibit the conversion of transit parking to other uses, even if the parking is not utilized). In this way,
a parking facility could generate ridership in the near-term and be redeveloped as transit-oriented
development or affordable housing in the future.
DRAFT 3.15.19
2040 Transit Plan 80
Equitable Transit Service
Equitable access to City services and investments is a core goal of Fort Collins. To that end, the Fort Collins
Social Sustainability Department hosts a Transportation Equity Subcommittee that ensures social equity is
a key consideration in transportation planning efforts. Recognizing the role of transportation in advancing
social outcomes, equity must be a core consideration when deciding where to make investments in transit
and what form those investments should take.
In 2014, Fort Collins conducted a Social Sustainability Gaps Analysis, which sought to understand
where service gaps exist in the City, and how to address issues relating to housing, poverty, education,
transportation and other needs of vulnerable communities. The analysis identified the need for more
transportation options as a common theme when evaluating the needs of vulnerable populations in Fort
Collins. During stakeholder interviews, lack of weekday evening and Sunday transit service was cited as a
common barrier to community access. Transfort began providing transit service on Sundays and Holidays
on core routes in the Fall of 2017 and evening service in Spring 2014 in response to this feedback. The 2040
Transit Master Plan seeks to further expand the span and frequency of transit to better meet the needs of all
residents in the City. Additionally, Transfort is committed to ensuring that transit is easy and intuitive to use
for all members of the community. Transfort will continue to add Spanish to signs, materials, outreach, and
rider education. Additionally, Transfort will improve its outreach process on route changes to provide more
time for people to prepare and to ensure that information is distributed in a bilingual format.
The 2040 Transit Master Plan presents a strong opportunity to address inequity by incorporating vulnerable
communities into the planning process, starting with the visioning and prioritization as a part of this Plan.
Fort Collins has demonstrated a commitment to advancing social equity and Transfort is strongly committed
to promoting equal access to transit throughout the City. This planning process included a thorough public
outreach process as described in the Community and Stakeholder Input Chapter. The 2040 transit network
identified in this Plan provides a significant increase in transit access to all demographic groups.
DRAFT 3.15.19
81 Fort Collins City Plan
DRAFT 3.15.19
Appendix 82
Complementary Policies
City Plan and the Transportation Master Plan have
several policies that are important to meeting the
transit vision set forth in this Transit Master Plan.
These policies are summarized in Appendix B.
DRAFT 3.15.19
83 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
IMPLEMENTATION
STRATEGY
06 This section outlines the phasing strategy, specific
actions and funding options the City will use to
gradually implement the 2040 transit vision over
time.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Implementation Strategy 84
“We need to
plan ahead and
improve public
transit now.”
- Community Member
DRAFT 3.15.19
85 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Phasing Strategy
The Transit Plan will be implemented in phases
overtime and provides for flexibility to deviate
to some extent from what is shown in the 2040
Transit Network Map. The pace of implementation
and potential to deviate from the Plan will depend
in large part on major factors and how these three
factors play out over the next 20 years. These
include:
» Land Use - Land use will be the primary driver in
determining when and where new services are
planned to be added. High-frequency and BRT
service will be added to corridors as infill and
new development occur on those corridors. The
plan also allows flexibility in the transit network
so that if the types and mixes of land use are
different than anticipated, the level of transit
service can be adjusted to be consistent with
land use changes. For instance, if the Mulberry
Corridor develops into a transit-supportive
mixed-use corridor, transit service can be
increased to meet additional demand. Likewise,
planned service levels can be decreased if
development is less than anticipated.
» Funding - Implementation of the Transit Master
Plan will require a doubling of revenue service
hours as well as significant capital investments.
When and how much additional funding will
become available in the future will dictate
the speed and extent to which improvements
can be made. A comprehensive overview of
existing and potential funding options and
strategic opportunities to grow transit over time
are presented later in this chapter. The plan
includes a 5 year phasing strategy to address the
potential for incremental increases in funding.
» Technology - New transportation technologies
introduced in the last several years (including
ride-hailing services, car/bike-share, and electric
scooters) have had a significant impact on
mobility and travel behavior particularly in urban
areas across the country - and Fort Collins is no
exception. Advances in future technology could
have significant influences on transit demand,
mobility options and the cost of providing
different transit services. How and when various
elements of the Plan are implemented will
depend in part on future technologies and how
quickly they take hold. Implementation of the
mobility innovation zones are likely to rely on
emerging technology including on-demand
type service and potentially autonomous vehicle
technology.
IMPLEMENTATION
STRATEGY
https://dpo.st/2U7bvX7
DRAFT 3.15.19
Implementation Strategy 86
Alternative Outcomes
Alternatives Triggered by Technological Changes
The Plan will adapt as needed to changes caused by
advances in technology. As an example, if a new type
of mobility option starts to shift riders away from less
frequent service it may reduce the need for those
routes. Alternatively, a mobile device platform that
integrates trip planning and fare payment of multiple
modes may increase ridership in lower density areas
of the city triggering an increase in service provided
to those areas. As a third example, advances in
autonomous vehicle technology may reduce the
cost of providing transit allowing for the Plan to be
implemented more quickly and more services to
be provided in lower demand areas for the same
cost. On the other hand, single- or zero-occupant
autonomous vehicles could lead to significant
congestion on key transit corridors, leading to
performance issues and the need for additional
infrastructure investments to provide reliable service.
Land Use Alternatives
This map provides an example of a potential
alternative transit service plan if land use developed
differently than what is currently planned. In
this future scenario example, higher-intensity
development occurs along the East Mulberry Street
corridor instead of the Harmony Road corridor. In
response new BRT service would shift from being
implemented along Harmony Road to instead be
implemented along East Mulberry Street where
demand for transit service will be higher. This
example illustrates the flexible approach the Transit
Plan will use to phase and potentially alter transit
service if needed over time to match actual (instead
of forecast) land use growth.
5-Year Plan
The 5-Year Plan includes the addition of several
new routes and the restructuring of some current
routes to be implemented by 2024. The 5-Year Plan
represents the first phase of service expansion that
will set the City on a path to achieve the 2040 Plan.
The list of projects in the 5-year Plan was developed
based on existing transit needs, current land uses
and community feedback and represents the first
phase of the 2040 Plan. The primary constraint
to implementing the 5-year Plan will be securing
funding.
A map of the 5-Year Plan is illustrated on the
following page and includes these major elements:
New BRT & High Frequency Service
» New BRT route on the West Elizabeth Street
Corridor
» High-frequency service on Drake Road;
restructure to a more direct route alignment
» High-frequency service on North College Avenue
Improvements to Local Service
» New frequent peak service route connecting CSU
with East Lincoln Avenue (15-minute peak/30-
minute off peak frequencies)
Figure 24 – 5-Year Transit Network
87 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
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Terry Lake
Richard's
Lake
Horsetooth
Reservoir
Long Pond
Claymore
Lake
Harmony
Reservoir
Sheldon Lake
College Lake
Lindenmeier
Lake
Larimer
and Weld
Canal
Lee Lake
Robert
Benson
Lake
Warren Lake
Duck
Lake
Portner
Reservoir
Parkwood
Dixon Lake
Reservoir
Lake
Sherwood
Fossil Creek
Reservoir
Fossil
Creek Reservoir
Outlet
Rigden
Reservoir
North Gray
Reservoir
South
Gray
Reservoir
Trappers Lake
Baker
Implementation Strategy 88
Actions
Evolving Fort Collins’ transit network to meet the changing land use patterns and travel needs of the city
cannot be completed overnight. This section provides a series of actions to implement the Transit Master
Plan over time. The specific actions are all tied to achieving an outcome and are categorized by major
topic areas. In addition, order of magnitude costs, approximate timing, and how success will be measured
are all outlined. Since many of the action items are related to City Plan and Transportation Master Plan
strategies, any relevant/related strategies are also listed so that there is a clear link between Transit Master
Plan implementation and advancement of these other important city plans. The advancement of the actions
listed below are contingent on funding, land use changes, and the development of partnerships with other
organizations. Also, many of the projects have natural synergies with others such as piloting in Mobility
Innovation Zone in Southeast Fort Collins, implementing a Mobility Hub, and introducing high-frequency
service to East Harmony Road - projects like these should be implemented together. Transfort will continually
review the actions in this list and revise priorities in response to opportunities that arise. This constant review
and adaptation is consistent with the spirit of the Transit Master Plan as a living document.
CATEGORY OUTCOME ACTION ITEMS COST PRIORITY/
TIMING
MEASURE
OF
SUCCESS
RELATED
CITY PLAN OR
TRANSPORTATION
MASTER PLAN
STRATEGY
Regional
Transit
Connections
Improve
regional
connections
Improve FLEX service
through collaborative
planning with Loveland,
Berthoud, Longmont and
Boulder
$ Ongoing
Increased FLEX
ridership
T-4.8
Support CDOT in planning,
development and
implementation of other
intercity transit services
including Bustang expansion
and intercity rail
$
Ongoing;
Long-term
for intercity
rail
Increased Bustang
ridership; future
intercity transit
between Fort
Collins and other
Front Range cities
T-4.4, T-4.7
Provide regional transit
service to Greeley, Windsor,
89 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
CATEGORY OUTCOME ACTION ITEMS COST PRIORITY/
TIMING
MEASURE
OF
SUCCESS
RELATED
CITY PLAN OR
TRANSPORTATION
MASTER PLAN
STRATEGY
Transit
Service
Evolution
Leverage
partnerships
to grow
transit
ridership
Continue collaboration with
CSU on transit and mobility
enhancements that can
be implemented through a
partnership
$ Ongoing
Optimized CSU
transit service,
increased CSU
ridership
T-4.5, T-4.8
Revise bus
routes and
services
Gradually restructure the
transit system to provide a
better balance between
coverage and productivity,
while responding to
changing land use; include
introducing new BRT
and high-frequency
bus service, enhanced
connections, and innovative
mobility services for lower
density areas.
$-$$$ Ongoing
As development
occurs and new
funding becomes
available, routes are
revised to reflect
the future transit
network
T-5.1, T-5.2, T-5.3,
T-5.4
Implement
Innovative
Transit
Services
Identify potential partnerships
Implementation Strategy 90
CATEGORY OUTCOME ACTION ITEMS COST PRIORITY/
TIMING
MEASURE
OF
SUCCESS
RELATED
CITY PLAN OR
TRANSPORTATION
MASTER PLAN
STRATEGY
Transit
Service
Evolution
Update bus
stop design
standards and
guidelines
Update bus stop design
standards and guidelines
$ Short-term
Updated service
standards and
regular updates
T-5.5, T-9.11
Develop
Transit
Infrastructure
Design
Standards and
Guidelines
Develop a design guidelines
document on transit
infrastructure, including high-
frequency routes and mobility
hubs
$ Short-term
Document
completed
T-3.11, T-5.1, T-5.2,
T-5.4
Expand
Transit
Facilities
Prepare a study to expand
capacity at or near the
Downtown Transit Center and
seek funding to implement
$$-$$$
Short- to
Medium-
term
Study complete,
expanded
Downtown Transit
Center
T-5.5, T-8.3
Expand
Transit
Facilities
91 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Promotion, Education, &
Marketing
Promoting transit is a key part of the City’s travel
demand management strategy and is consistent
with the City’s Climate Action Plan. In 2014, Transfort
published its 2014-2016 Marketing Plan, updated
annually, which summarized how the Transfort brand
can be grown and managed to achieve the agency’s
goal of modern and easy transit that is widely valued
by the community. Within the Marketing Plan, target
populations, specific strategies, and ways to track
success are all highlighted—all of which represent
best practices for any organization that needs to
stay visible amidst a field of other options. The
Marketing Plan is supported by the Transfort Brand
Management Guidelines, which has resulted in a
strong identification particularly with buses, stations
and products related the MAX Bus Rapid Transit
System.
Moving forward, Transfort should continue to
monitor the effectiveness of its marketing and
promotions activities and regularly update the
Marketing Plan. As mentioned elsewhere in this
Transit Master Plan, the mobility environment is
changing rapidly and the modes that compete with
and complement transit are constantly shifting.
Additionally, Transfort’s primary rider base and the
most likely new riders are likely to shift over the
years as there is more concentrated development
along transit corridors and as more people begin to
move away from cars as being the default choice for
all trips. Thus, the marketing program needs to be
flexible and nimble to adjust to changes in mobility
needs.
One area for potential improvement relates to the
use of survey data. In 2017, Transfort completed a
transit passenger survey for bus and Dial-a-Ride
riders. This survey included several important
questions about rider perceptions of the service
ranging from safety, to cleanliness, to frequency
and span of service. While some of these issues
were identified in the Marketing Plan, a closer link
could help make sure that Transfort’s messaging
addresses negative perceptions while leveraging
strengths of service. In addition to surveying transit
passengers, Transfort should also consider surveying
non-riders as people who do not use transit typically
have a very different perception of transit service.
The City’s Community Survey provides a high level
citizen evaluation of public transportation, and
customer satisfaction has been increasing steadily
since 2006. A more in depth non-rider survey could
help to identify misconceptions of non-riders to
help improve the agency’s image and where there
are overlapping perceptions (both positive and
negative) from passengers and non-riders, this can
be a particular focus for improvements marketing,
and outreach.
Another area of potential improvement involves
Implementation Strategy 92
Funding
To meet the transit vision outlined in this Plan, Fort Collins will need to expand the revenues dedicated to
transit service in the City. This section summarizes Transfort’s current funding and highlights strategies that
can be used to raise additional transit revenue - which will be explored in depth with a funding study (see
Action Items). Given the need for voter and/or City Council approval for any revenue increases for transit,
additional studies will be required to determine how to best fund future transit in Fort Collins.
Existing Funding Sources
The chart below provides a summary of the Transfort’s 2018 year operating budget. Nearly three quarters of
Transfort’s budget is from local sources, including 45% originating from the General Fund (which is generated
mostly from sales taxes, government fees, and property tax), 13% from partner contributions mostly with CSU,
and 13% from the Keep Fort Collins Great (KFCG) sales tax, which sunsets in 2020 unless renewed. About
25% of Transfort’s budget is provided from state and federal sources (of which a substantial portion goes to
capital costs, like purchasing buses). Fares and fees exclusive of CSU and business contracts account for less
than 3% of the operating budget.
General Fund (44.5%)
Federal Operating (24.2%)
Agreements & Partner Contributions (13.0%)
KFCG (12.9%)
Fares & Fees (2.6%)
Advertising (1.7%)
State Operating (1.1%)
Miscellaneous (0.1%)
SUM OF PERCENT OF REVENUE
1.7% 0.1%
1.1%
4
4
.
5
%
2
4
.
2
%
1
3
.
0
%
1
2
.
9
%
2.6%
DRAFT 3.15.19
93 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
PEER CITY ANNUAL TRANSIT INVESTMENT PER CAPITA (2016)*
Champaign-Urbana, IL
Chapel Hill, NC
Madison, WI
Ann Arbor, MI
Eugene, OR
Gainesville, FL
Fort Collins, CO
Asheville, NC
Missoula, MT**
Lawrence, KS
Davis, CA**
$244
$221
$210
$194
$172
$147
$106
$99
$85
$79
$69
Peer City Funding Comparison
The chart below provide data on the annual funding peer cities expended per capita in 2016 to provide transit
service to the community. Fort Collins falls on the lower half of the spectrum illustrating the opportunity to
continue to increase investment in transit in the future. In general, the communities that have invested more in
transit also see higher productivity.
*Additional information on peer city performance can be found on page 18.
**Transit agency is operated partially or entirely by the local university.
Funding Strategies
Achieving the transit vision and growing ridership will require a
doubling of revenue service hours by 2040 as well as several major
capital investments. This section will serve as an introduction to the
Transit Funding Study which is a primary action item of this plan.
The City’s portion of operating expenses to implement the 2040
Plan are expected to roughly double from $15.8 million per year in
2018 to $30.5 million per year in 2040 (both in 2018 dollars). This will
require developing a strategy to increase funding for transit over time.
In addition to the existing revenue sources, there are a number of
additional sources Fort Collins could tap into in order to fund future
services. It is unlikely that just one of these options would fully secure
the necessary funds for this Transit Plan. Instead, it is more likely that
several of the following strategies would be used, each providing
incremental additional funding that, when added together, would
result in a comprehensive funding package.
OPERATING EXPENSES
(CITY PORTION)
2018 5-Year Plan 2040 Plan
$15.8M
$21 M
$30.5 M
The annual per capita
transit investment
required to achieve
the 2040 Transit Plan
is about $133.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Implementation Strategy 94
» Higher Sales Tax – Given the population and
number of regional retailers in Fort Collins, a
small increase to the sales tax has the ability to
generate a large amount of revenue. This would
require voter approval. A well-crafted transit
tax that identifies specific projects and services
and how the community will benefit typically
stands a better chance at passing a public vote.
Using just a sales tax increase and no additional
funding sources beyond what is provided today,
an additional sales tax of about 0.4-0.45 (40-
45 cents per $100) would be needed to fund
the estimated operating costs (excluding capital
costs) of the 2040 Transit Plan.
» New Partner Agreements – Negotiating new
agreements to provide bulk-rate discounted
passes for apartment complexes, school districts,
existing business districts (such as the Downtown
Development Authority), business parks and
other entities presents an opportunity for the
City to both increase ridership and farebox
recovery. Bulk pass programs are typically more
successful at generating revenues than seeking
to have all the bulk pass participants purchase
a monthly/annual pass themselves. Transfort
already has a bulk pass program in place with
CSU and employee pass program called FortPass,
which offers bulk passes at a 68% discount.
Another successful example of this comes from
RTD’s EcoPass, which is a bulk-rate discounted
pass offered to hundreds of businesses and
neighborhoods throughout the Denver Region,
and accounts for a substantial portion of system
ridership and about 4% of revenue (22% of
fares). Transfort also uses partner agreements
to fund special services and to enhance service
frequencies on certain routes.
» Transportation Utility Fee – A utility similar to
those established fees for gas and electricity
could be implemented to fund transit or
transportation. Existing fees on the electric
utility could also be increased. Utility fees can
be established without a public vote, and can
generate significant revenues, but at a higher cost
burden per household than sales tax, which also
generates revenue from non-residents - however
because the fee is city-wide transit service would
become fare-free. A major benefit of utility fees
is stability. Sales tax can vary considerably due
to economic cycles and even seasonal weather
patterns. Utility fees tend to be very stable.
» Transportation Capacity Expansion Fee (Street
Oversizing Fund) – This is a one-time fee that
is assessed on new development to support the
construction of transportation infrastructure in
Fort Collins. This fee cannot be used to support
ongoing transit operations, but it can be used
for fixed capital costs like BRT infrastructure,
the maintenance facility expansion, mobility
95 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
» Payroll or Business Head Tax – A substantial
funding source for transit in the Portland area
(and in Oregon in general) is a payroll tax
deduction. This is in part because Oregon does
not have a sales tax, which is a primary source of
transit funding in most of the country. In addition,
this type of tax is seen as a way for businesses
to help pay for a share of transit since there are
not many other transit taxes that are suited just
for employers. Locally, Denver implements a
similar business head tax on most employees to
generate revenue for city facilities and services.
This could be an option for Transfort to collect a
portion of revenue from the employee market.
» Additional Advertising – Transfort already
contracts with a media advertisement agency,
which generates slightly less than 2% of operating
costs. Transfort will explore opportunities to
expand advertising revenue as it is generally easy
to administer, but it should be acknowledged that
advertising will never be a major generator of
transit revenue.
» Increased Farebox Recovery – When combined
with contracts with CSU and others, Transfort’s
farebox recovery rate in 2018 was about 16%
(only 3% if those contracts are excluded), which
is lower than most transit agencies of this size.
Setting a goal of increasing Transfort’s farebox
recovery would generate additional revenue for
expansion, however, higher fares tend to reduce
ridership. Three primary strategies would help
Transfort increase its farebox recovery over time:
increasing the productivity of routes, expanding
the bulk-rate pass program to additional partners,
and increasing fares. While increased fares can
help to quickly generate new revenues (fare
increases can be quickly recovered where as
some taxes like sales/utility can take many
months to realize gains), the ridership impacts
erode some of the benefit of the fare increase.
Bulk rates (if negotiated well) can have stronger
impact on revenues and less of an impact on
ridership (assuming that many bulk pass buyers
do not leave the system). Given impacts to
ridership and equity, this plan warrants caution
about increasing transit fares in general, but
potential changes to bulk-rate pass prices or
increases to regional services (such as the FLEX)
could be explored.
» Improvement Districts – An improvement district
can be considered for generating revenue for
capital improvements within a defined area.
Increases to property taxes would need to be
confirmed to be within the state’s maximum
property tax levy. Improvement districts can
generate substantial revenues, but property taxes
are often difficult to win voter approval for.
BUSINESS HEAD
TAX CASE STUDY:
Implementation Strategy 96
Fares
Transfort’s standard fare is $1.25 per ride including
transfers. Transfort also offers discounted passes
to people that qualify as well as a variety of
passes, including a deep-discounted bulk-purchase
employees pass called PassFort. Combined, all of the
revenue generated by fares and passes account for
less that 3% of the annual operating budget. Through
an agreement CSU funds about 13% of the annual
operating budget for Transfort, which allows CSU
students and staff to ride for free. When the contract
with CSU is included Transfort’s farebox recovery (the
portion of operations directly funded by riders) is
about 16%.
When comparing to other similar sized cities with
a major university, Transfort’s farebox recovery is
on the low end of the spectrum. The reasons for
the higher farebox recovery in some of the other
Cities are primarily because the universities in those
communities fund a higher percent of the service. For
example, The University of Florida funds over 50% of
the Regional Transit System in Gainesville. To a lesser
extent higher farebox recovery is achieved because
more service is provided with higher productivity.
Converting to a Fare-Free System
Excluding the contracts with CSU (and others),
fares only account for 3% of Transfort’s operating
budget. Given this, as one of the action items
under the Funding Strategy, Fort Collins will
explore converting the transit system to fare-free.
Research has shown there is a strong elasticity
between fares and ridership. Fares can be a big
barrier to potential riders, both from the financial
burden and inconvenience (finding exact change,
etc.). Converting to fare-free would likely lead to
increased ridership and productivity across the
system, which would help with Fort Collin’s mobility,
climate action and environmental goals. Fare-free
would also increase speed and reliability of service,
save administrative costs and substantially increase
equity of the system by providing greater access
to the service for people with all levels of income.
Some of the barriers to fare-free transit include the
need to make up for the lost fare revenue (which
might require cuts in service), the added cost of fully
funding dial-a-ride services, and political sensitivities
about transit riders getting an outsized subsidy from
the public.
There are several examples of fare-free system’s in
the U.S., including Chapel Hill NC, Missoula MT, and
Corvallis OR. Chapel Hill is the largest in the country
with annual ridership over 6 million and annual
operating expenses of about $18 million. Chapel Hill
and Missoula still report a farebox recovery because
the Universities still fund a portion of service.
Fort Collins could convert to fare-free while still
preserving much of its farebox recovery by utilizing
a similar funding model. Following the model of
other Cities its likely that Transfort would need CSU
97 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Fare Free Case Study: Chapel Hill, NC
Chapel Hill operates the largest fare-free transit system in the country with over 6 million riders in
2017. The City decided to convert their system to fare free in 2002, based in part on their low farebox
recovery (around 10%). Prior to converting to fare free is sizeable chunk of their funding was provided
by the University of North Carolina. In order to convert to fare free they were able to negotiate with UNC
to pay for a larger amount and received additional contributions from the public. Recent revenue show
that close to 40% of operating costs are paid for by UNC, with about 25% funded by taxpayers through
property tax and vehicle registration fees and another 25-30% coming from state and federal sources.
Fare-free transit has been immensely popular among the community. However, converting to fare-free
did not come without obstacles. First and foremost it required the support of the community and the
University. Second, conversion to fare-free occurred during a 20% increase in transit service and would
likely have not worked without increasing service. Lastly, extra-funding was also needed to support the
City’s para-transit service. The benefits have been numerous, including a dramatic increase in ridership,
increased access to jobs among the community, congestion mitigation and faster boarding.
https://twitter.com/chtransit
DRAFT 3.15.19
Implementation Strategy 98
Regional Transportation Authority /
Regional Transportation Partnerships
Fort Collins and the surrounding cities of Loveland, Greeley each operate their own transit systems. In
addition, cities to the south like Longmont and Boulder are part of the Denver Regional Transportation
District (RTD). The proximity between Fort Collins and the neighboring transit agencies, along with the
trend in this plan for more regional service prompts the question of whether Transfort and neighboring
transit providers should consolidate into a regional transportation service. Colorado law allows for
the formation of a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), of which there are five in the state. RTAs
are allowed to collect fees, fares, and taxes to fund transportation capital and operations projects,
including transit.
In general, RTAs offer the benefit of consolidating separate transit operations into a single agency,
with the potential for less overhead and a larger scale than can be beneficial for purchasing vehicles,
attracting competitive bids, and securing grants. The downside is that the individual communities will
have less control of local service than they did when they were independent.
In 2013, Transfort led, along with neighboring communities, a North Front Range Transit Vision
Feasibility Study. The purpose of the project was to explore and analyze the tools available for
potential integrated regional transit services and operations, governance, and decision-making,
with the aim of improving transit service, increasing ridership, and improving transit’s overall cost-
effectiveness for the citizens of the North Front Range. The study evaluated a number of difference
service options and governance options including Intergovernmental Agreements (IGA’s), Regional
Service Authorities (RSA’s), Regional Transportation Authorities (RTA’s), Special Districts, and Special
Statutory Districts. The study recommended moving forward with initial integration of fixed-route and
paratransit operations of Transfort and COLT, resulting in a new regional transit service entity through
the execution of an intergovernmental agreement between the Cities of Fort Collins and Loveland.
At this point, with Transfort’s future vision largely focused on improving transit services within the City
and supporting future City growth, consolidating into a larger RTA or annexing to RTD is may not be
practical at this time. However, working with regional partners to increase efficiencies, expand regional
transit service and grow regional ridership will be important. Some of the current regional partnerships
Transfort has successfully engaged in to expand regional transit service and quality include:
» Partnership formed to fund the planned Poudre Express regional bus service between Greeley and
Fort Collins, with stops in Windsor (to be operated by Greeley-Evans Transit).
» Integrated paratransit contract with Loveland through the IGA that was established with Loveland.
» City of Loveland contracts with Fort Collins to provide Transit Management Services in the form of
a Transit Manager that remains an employee of the City of Fort Collins.
» Work is underway to begin limited fare integration, with a long-term goal of full fare integration
after the Poudre Express becomes operational in 2020.
» Existing partnership with CDOT’s regional Bustang service. Transfort provides a bus bay at the
Downtown Transit Center for Bustang arrivals and departures.
» Transit agencies have mutual aid agreements, and Greeley-Evans Transit supported Transfort’s CSU
Game Day service in 2017 with vehicles and operators.
As the communities of the North Front Range continue to expand regional transit service and
coordinate or combine services, a thorough study of the feasibility of an integrated transit system
should be conducted.
DRAFT 3.15.19
99 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Alternative Transit Funding Strategies
While not all of these ideas could work without legislative changes in Colorado or major changes
in how Fort Collins manages and funds mobility, below are some ideas of how other agencies have
funded transit service expansions. Keep in mind that most transit systems use a diverse blend of
funding that mixes taxes, fares, fees, and grants to fund operations and capital expansion.
» Tolls, Congestion Fees, Road User Charges – While local roadway tolls, congestion fees, or
cordon charges may be a long time in coming to Fort Collins, areas that have such charges often
dedicate a substantial amount of the revenues to transit in either the funding of new service or
capital projects. Examples include express toll lanes in Northern Virginia and suburban Seattle
and toll revenues in the Bay Area and New York City.
» Vehicle License Fees – Sound Transit in the Seattle region recently funded a major transit
expansion, in part through a significant increase in vehicle license fees. FASTER funds have been
used for capital projects and operating transit service of statewide significance.
» Ride Hailing Fee – The Chicago Transit Authority is charging a 20 cent fee on every ridehailing
trip in the city to help fund maintenance projects on the transit system. Portland, OR is
considering a similar fee to mitigate downtown traffic congestion and fund increased peak-period
transit service.
» Property Tax – AC Transit in the Bay Area, CA receives a substantial portion of its operational
funding through a series of dedicated property tax levies.
» Parking Fees – Parking fees, either through taxes on parking revenues or special property taxes
on land devoted to parking is used in Europe and Australia to fund transit. The idea is that land/
income devoted or generated from parking should be used to fund mobility options for those
who otherwise are not benefited by parking.
» Gas Tax – Twelve US states and most Canadian provinces levy a portion of the gas tax to fund
transit operations.
Case Study – Sound Transit (and its sister
agency King County Metro) have seen dramatic
ridership increases over the last several years.
During the same time, most transit agencies in
the United States have seen declining ridership
as incomes have risen, gas prices have been
stable, and used car prices have fallen. In
2016, the voters in the Puget Sound Region
of Washington voted for a major $54 billion
expansion of regional rail and bus service that
includes major capital projects and perpetual
operational funding. The financing for the transit
expansion was a combination of a new sales
tax (which required state legislative approval),
property taxes, and vehicle license fees. The
most controversial portion of the tax was on
vehicle license fees, which more than tripled in
some cases. Overall, the tax proposal passed
easily, 54% in favor to 46% opposed. Rapid
growth, increasing traffic congestion, and
topographical constraints that concentrate
growth into dense areas helped to convince
voters that transit expansion is required to
accommodate future growth in the region.
https://bit.ly/2Vr65GV
DRAFT 3.15.19
Performance Measures and Monitoring 100
DRAFT 3.15.19
101 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
PERFORMANCE
MEASURES AND
MONITORING
07 Transfort’s current Service Standards and Policies
articulate the measures that are used to set service
levels and evaluate proposals for new service. The
standards are also used to regularly analyze and
evaluate the performance of existing services and
to determine whether it is appropriate to add new
services. The proposed transit improvements in this
plan will introduce new types of services, which in
turn will require changes to the ways that Transfort
measures and monitors performance and considers
when to expand service.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Performance Measures and Monitoring 102
“Increase
service
frequency
(like the Max)
especially from
residential
areas. ”
- Community Member
DRAFT 3.15.19
103 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Overview of Existing Service
Standards
At present, Transfort classifies its services into five
types:
» Rapid Transit Route - operates in a dedicated
guideway through dense employment areas,
at high frequencies. These routes make limited
stops offering a direct non-stop service. Existing
example: MAX.
» Commercial Route - providing a basic level of
transit access throughout the city, and operate
in all periods. These routes operate primarily in
arterial corridors. Commercial routes operate
at a frequency of at least 60 minutes. Existing
example: Route 16 - Harmony Road.
» University Route - these routes service high
demand, densely populated areas near Colorado
State University, with direct service to campus.
These routes are held to high standards to justify
their limited market. University routes operate
at a greater frequency when school is in session.
Existing example: Route 31 - Plum Street.
» Residential Route - these routes largely serve
residential areas within the community. Existing
example: Route 9 - Laporte Avenue.
» Regional Route - operates primarily outside
of the City of Fort Collins with limited stops to
expedite commuting between communities.
Existing example: FLEX
For each type of service, Transfort defines service
design standards, sets minimum service levels, and
monitors performance based on the number of
passengers per vehicle revenue hour and vehicle
revenue mile. It also sets standards for on-time
performance and defines the types of amenities that
should be provided.
Service Availability: Transfort currently determines
where to provide service based on a number of
factors. These include:
» Population density (current and projected)
» Employment density (current and projected)
» Service area characteristics (age, income, vehicles
per household)
» Opportunity for timed transfers
» Destinations:
» Employers or groups of employers with 300
or more employees.
» Hospitals/Nursing Homes, which typically
do not attract a large number of trips but
often serve those who depend on transit.
» Colleges/Schools: Students comprise a
major segment of Transfort’s ridership, and
institutions with an enrollment of at least
1,000 students warrant consideration of
service.
» Shopping Centers with more than 100,000
square feet of leased retail space. Mixed-
use retail and office complexes can also be
included within this category.
Performance Measures and Monitoring 104
» Deviations from a direct path from end-to-end of
the route shall account for no more than one-
quarter of the end-to-end travel time of the route.
» For a specific deviation, the total additional
travel time for all through passengers should not
exceed three minutes for each rider boarding or
alighting along the deviation.
Productivity: Transfort measures productivity in
two ways: passengers per revenue vehicle hour and
passengers per revenue vehicle mile. “Satisfactory
levels” range from 20 to over 40 passengers per hour
and one to six passengers per mile:
» Rapid routes: At least 41 passengers per vehicle
hour and six passengers per mile.
» Commercial, Residential, and Regional routes: At
least 20 passengers per vehicle hour and three
passengers per mile.
» University routes: At least 30 passengers per
vehicle hour and six passengers per mile.
Transfort does not currently measure its FLEX
regional service differently than local routes.
However, given the long distances and limited stops,
a better measure would be passenger miles per
revenue hour.
Vehicle Loads: Transfort sets loading standards
to ensure that buses to not get overcrowded. For
most service types, loads should not exceed 125%
of seated capacity during peak periods (150% for
Rapid Routes) and seating capacity during off-peak
periods. When trips exceed these levels, additional
service should be provided. For example, during
peak times with bad weather, buses operating along
West Elizabeth Avenue often warrant a trailer bus (an
additional bus to provide capacity).
Service Frequency:Transfort sets minimum service
frequencies for each service type that is intended to
balance convenience with productivity levels:
» Rapid routes should operate at least every 15
minutes during peak periods and 30 minutes
during off-peak periods.
» University and Residential routes should operate
at least every 30 minutes during peak periods
and 60 minutes during off-peak periods.
» Commercial routes should operate at least every
60 minutes during both peak and off-peak
periods.
» Regional routes at least two trips in both the AM
and PM peak periods.
On-Time Performance: Transfort defines on-time
as ranging from one minute early to five minutes
late, which is a common definition. Based on this
definition, at least 90% of trips should operate on-
time during peak periods and 95% during off-peak
periods. While this metric was intended for transit
center departures and arrivals, Transfort has been
measuring this standard at bus stop timepoints. As
a result, the standard is very difficult to meet and
should be revisited and revised to a figure more in
line with industry standards, which is typically 75-
105 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
New service standards will need to be developed for
the new service classifications. In most cases, these
will be very similar to the existing standards, since
Transfort’s existing service standards are state of the
practice. Minimum service frequencies have been
developed as part of this project and are shown in
the table above. In general the new service standards
should include annual tracking of at least three core
metrics to monitor system performance over time.
These include: ridership, productivity and coverage
(both system-wide and of the high-frequency
network).
In most cases, the new service standards will be very
similar to existing standards. Two major exceptions
will be the elimination of 60-minute local service and
the introduction of Mobility Innovation Zones. As
described earlier in this report, this will be an entirely
new type of service designed to serve lower volume
areas with smaller vehicles that could be fixed-route
or demand response, or a combination, and could use
app-based reservations systems. The ways in which
these services are provided are changing rapidly, and
are likely to continue evolving. However, it is clear
that the service standards for Mobility Innovation
Zones will need to be significantly different:
Service Availability: Mobility Innovation Zones will
serve areas that have significantly lower population
and employment densities than fixed-route services,
and Transfort will need to determine acceptable
minimum density levels for where the coverage
extends. These may be based on a mix of population/
employment density and proximity to the mobility
hub where the innovation zone will be focused on
delivering people to transit.
Directness of Service: Mobility Innovation Zone
services can provide on-demand service or more
circuitous neighborhood shuttles with flexible routing
(microtransit), in which case directness standards
may not be applicable.
Productivity: Productivity levels for Mobility
Innovation Zones will be significantly lower than for
Transfort’s fixed-route services, most likely in the
range of four to five passengers per vehicle hour.
Vehicle Loads: For Mobility Innovation Zone
services, typically all passengers are provided with
a seat, although some of the newer autonomous
shuttles can accommodate standing passengers. The
load factor will need to be set in accordance with the
type of service that is operated in each of the zones.
Service Frequency: If Mobility Innovation Zones
operate as neighborhood microtransit shuttles,
frequency standards will be applicable, and for
the purposes of this plan, minimum frequencies of
every 30 minutes peak and every 60 minutes off-
peak have been assumed. However, the Mobility
Innovation Zone service could also be provided as
an on-demand service (either all day or during off-
peak hours). In this case, wait time standards are
more appropriate than frequency. For on-demand
ATTACHMENT 2
COMMENT OR IDEA ADDRESSED IN DOCUMENT DOCUMENT REFERENCE
(PAGE #)
Community evolution
and strategies as Fort
Collins approaches
buildout
(‘soft landing’)
Added/clarified narratives and principles and
policies to expand partnerships and collaborative
efforts with other jurisdictions, service providers,
and organizations on regional issues (e.g.
economy, utilities, air quality, transit)
City Plan:
Infrastructure (38-39),
Economy (57),
Service Providers (64)
Clarified policies supporting and recognizing
redevelopment and infill in commercial/transit
corridors as greenfield development
opportunities decrease; emphasizing the need to
update development standards to better address
and mitigate impacts unique to infill
development as the community experiences
more of this style of development.
City Plan:
Infill (40), Strategy
LIV2a-2c (219)
Structure Plan section includes visuals and
narratives describing priority place types, which
are areas of the community, such as infill areas
along commercial/transit corridors likely to
greater redevelopment or infill as the community
approaches buildout.
City Plan:
Mixed-use Place Types
(99-104), Priority Place
Types (118-157)
Plan includes policies and actions to continue
evaluating City revenue streams and costs for
services and maintenance (e.g. park
maintenance)
City Plan:
Policy HI 1.6 (88),
Strategy CR-2b (224)
Affordable childcare
Added new language in the Economic Health
section describing a need for continuing efforts to
identify barriers for business and employee
retention, including access to affordable child
care and attainable housing.
City Plan:
Policy EH 3.1 (55)
Added policy support for the continued
competitive use of City real estate and facilities
for service provision, including childcare.
City Plan:
Policy LIV 8.4 (45)
ATTACHMENT 3
Draft City Plan & Transportation Master Plan - Document Change Log
Changes resulting from Council input at February 12, 2019 Council Work Session & Leadership Planning
Team Discussions
COMMENT OR IDEA ADDRESSED IN DOCUMENT DOCUMENT REFERENCE
(PAGE #)
Land use or housing
changes in existing
neighborhoods
Revised Structure Plan section to include
additional narrative guidance on compatible
development and potential changes in housing
options in existing neighborhoods of the ‘mixed
neighborhood’ place type.
Changes articulate the different expectations for
new development. In new development,
significant changes to housing types and
standards may be more appropriate than in
existing neighborhoods.
Within existing neighborhoods, compatible
development is emphasized based on currently
established zoning standards. Where there is
potential for future change, such as the addition
of accessory dwelling units, City Plan
implementation emphasizes the need for
continued dialogue on housing types prior to
Land Use Code changes.
On the Structure Plan map, a greater proportion
of neighborhoods represented as rural or
suburban reflecting expectations for existing
development standards and housing types based
on current zoning.
City Plan:
Mixed Neighborhood
(98)
Mixed Neighborhood
(98)
Strategy LIV-5a (220)
Structure Plan &
neighborhood maps
(95 & 96)
Displacement &
mobile home parks
Policies in the Neighborhood Livability and Social
Health section emphasize the need to both help
prevent displacement and mitigate its impacts
if/when it occurs. The Plan also recommends as
an implementation strategy an update to the
City’s Affordable Housing and Displacement
Mitigation Strategy.
City Plan:
Policy 6.9 & 6.10 (44),
Strategy LIV-5f (220)
Draft City Plan & Transportation Master Plan - Document Change Log
Changes resulting from Council input at February 12, 2019 Council Work Session & Leadership Planning
Team Discussions
COMMENT OR IDEA ADDRESSED IN DOCUMENT DOCUMENT REFERENCE
(PAGE #)
Costs and funding
options for
transportation &
transit enhancements
Estimates of operational and capital costs for
additional transit service included in the Transit
Master Plan and its appendices. A more in-depth
funding study, including funding mechanisms will
be a post plan priority action item.
Transit Master Plan:
Funding Discussion (92-
96), Summary of Capital
Project Costs (73)
Actions tables revised and expanded to include
organization by project/action category,
outcomes, action items, cost range,
priority/timing, measure of success, and relation
to City Plan strategies.
Transit Master Plan:
Action Table (88-90)
Autonomous Vehicles
The Transportation Master Plan section of City
Plan includes additional information about both
the potential benefits and challenges related to
autonomous vehicles (e.g. ‘zero occupant
vehicles’)
Transit Master Plan:
Future of Transit (40-42)
City Plan:
Autonomous Vehicles
(206-207)
Regional
Transportation
Services / Rail Transit
& State Funding
Regional transit service and intraregional
passenger rail service addressed further in the
Transit Master Plan.
Transfort and other City staff will be actively
engaged in CDOTs Transit and Rail Advisory
Committee and Southwest Chief and Front Range
Passenger Rail Commission. Additionally,
Transfort is already working with Greeley-Evans
Transit on providing new intercity transit service
to Greeley and Windsor. There are also
discussions underway to provide new intercity
transit service to Wellington and fare
integration/reciprocity between Greeley,
Loveland, and Boulder.
Transit Master Plan:
Regional
Transportation/Rail
(57)
City Plan:
Regional Transportation
1
City Plan Update – Draft Plans
ATTACHMENT 4
2
Direction Sought
1. Response to recent changes to the draft City Plan and Transit Master Plan
2. Guidance to move forward with Council Adoption on April 16th
3
Plan Organization
City Plan & Transportation Master Plan
Combined into one document
Highlights community approach to integrated land-use &
transportation planning
High-level direction for the seven key outcome areas
Transit Master Plan
Separate, companion document to City Plan
Previously called the Transfort Strategic Operating Plan
Modal plan similar to Bicycle Master Plan or Pedestrian
Plan
4
Plan Hierarchy
Community Engagement & Direction
City
Plan
Strategic
Plan
Long-Term Short- & Mid-Term
Climate Action
Plan
Nature in the
City
Transit Master
Plan
Natural Areas
Master Plan
FoCo Creates
Etc.
why
what
how /
funding
Budgeting for Outcomes
Functional Plans
5
Maintaining Direction
Growth Management Area size
Natural Areas & Land Conservation
Strategy
Parks, Recreation, Trails
Historic Preservation
Community Separators
Poudre River & sensitive natural
features
Complete Streets
Arts & Culture
Bicycling and pedestrian investments
Congestion management
Balanced transportation system
Integrated land-use & transportation
6
Plan Content
2019 City Plan changes
Simplified principles and policies
Policy consolidation – articulate highest priorities at community-wide scale
Strategic Plan provides near & mid-term guidance
Utilize functional and neighborhood/corridor plans for more detailed
policies and actions
Focus areas influencing new ideas / changes in 2019 City Plan update:
GMA Buildout
Employment lands
Housing choices & access
Expanded transportation options
Climate Action
7
Draft Plan Engagement
Draft Plan Engagement (Jan-Mar):
Targeted outreach with Hispanic/Latinx & lower income residents
Three City-led open houses
Plan Ambassador meetings
Community Partner meetings
Board and Commission presentations and recommendations
Online and hard copy comment forms
Overall, strong support for the policy direction in the draft Plans
8
Draft Plan Edits
Draft Plan documents updated to incorporate:
Council direction/input
Over 1,200 internal & staff comments
Community feedback, including:
Over 500 responses to general direction of plan, and
Over 400 written comments
9
Adjustments based on Council Input
Refinement of language related to the community’s evolution as it nears
buildout (‘soft landing’)
Additional information about partnerships/collaborative efforts regionally,
and with other service providers
Ongoing evaluation of City revenue streams and cost of services
Recommended updates to development standards for infill/redevelopment
as this type of development pattern increases
Additional detail throughout the document about the City’s triple-bottom-
line and equity approaches
10
Adjustments based on Council Input
New language addressing affordable childcare in both Economic Health
and Livability sections
Refinement of language to preserve existing neighborhood character,
additional language describing types of changes within neighborhoods
Additional information in Structure Plan on compatible development in
existing neighborhoods; greater distinction in changes between existing
neighborhoods and development of new neighborhoods
Related action item: Community-wide dialogue about additional housing
types, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and other “missing
middle” options
11
Adjustments based on Council Input
Enhancement of policies related to preserving mobile home parks and
preventing displacement
Related action item: Update of the Affordable Housing and Displacement
Mitigation Strategy (2013)
Policies and narratives on the benefits and consequences of autonomous
vehicles and drone infrastructure
Conceptual costs for recommended future transportation and transit
improvements in the Transit Master Plan
Regional transit and rail transit opportunities further addressed in the
Transit Master Plan
12
Direction Sought
1. Response to recent changes to the draft City Plan and Transit Master Plan
2. Guidance to move forward with Council Adoption on April 16th
13
RESOURCE SLIDES
14
15
16
17
Growth Framework
Commercial & Transit Corridors
Renewed focus as areas for infill &
redevelopment
Require greater activity and intensity
near transit investments
Vacant Land / New Development
Growth shifting to N/NE Fort Collins
Infrastructure priorities and partnerships
Incorporate community goals in last
growth areas of community
(Nature in the City, Urban Agriculture, etc.)
18
Structure Plan
Existing Structure Plan
Provides land-use guidance as to how the City
will change over time
Primarily focused only on land-use; aligns
almost one-to-one with zoning districts
Difficultly responding to changing conditions
(ex: new transportation options added nearby)
19
Structure Plan
Proposed Structure Plan
Provides land-use guidance as to how the City
will change over time
Aligns with ‘place types’
Set of visual and narrative criteria that
includes land-use AND transportation
considerations
Place type criteria more restrictive for
residential areas
Not designed to alter existing designations and
overall vision
Commercial areas remain commercial,
residential remains residential, etc.
20
Employment Lands
Employment Zoning
Excess employment zoning – shift
towards other uses in NE Fort Collins
Additional small user industrial space
along E. Mulberry
Flexibility for secondary uses and
amenities supporting employers and
employees
Gateways
Understand suitability and update vision
for I-25 gateways
21
Housing
Housing Options
Update standards to reduce barriers and
incentivize a broader mix of housing in new
development
Investigate the possibility of additional housing
choices in neighborhoods, e.g.- accessory units
Clarify Land Use Code standards for infill &
redevelopment projects – e.g. compatibility,
green spaces/amenities, emergency access
22
Transportation
Major Concepts
Transit expansion – additional high
frequency transit routes supported by land-
use and funding
Mobility as a service - embrace innovation
as new technologies and travel options
emerge
Mobility management – Reduce congestion
with system upgrades and shifting trips to
biking, walking and transit
Layered networks – defines a prioritized
mode for each street
Future Transit Network
23
Plan Highlights
High frequency focus
• 3 new Bus Rapid Transit routes
• 30 minute service or better
throughout the system (other than
BRT routes)
Regional connections
Mobility Hubs
Innovation Zones
(on- demand service)
Transit Access
24
Future Transit
Network
Current Transit
Network
Access to
high-frequency
transit:
23% residents
Access to
all transit:
58% residents
Access to
high-frequency
transit:
53% residents
Access to
all transit:
85% residents
25
Major Concepts
New road construction and widening
will be limited to areas like NE Fort
Collins
Ongoing targeted improvements
(intersection upgrades) and signal
optimization
Managing congestion will require
managing travel demand and offering
more efficient trip choices
Transportation – Mobility Management
26
Climate Action
Climate Action
First time climate action and City
Plan have aligned at this level
Multi-modal investments balance out
population-driven increases in
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
Community-wide impacts were less
than expected
CAP / Energy Policy update will
identify pathway to 80x30 goal; and
Identify actions for climate adaptation
and resilience planning
27
Highest Priority Action Items
Continue community & neighborhood outreach – housing choices in neighborhoods
Update East Mulberry Corridor Plan
Structure Plan & Land Use Code amendments to address place types and
primary/secondary use provisions in employment zoning
W. Elizabeth Bus Rapid Transit
Transit Funding Study
Multi-Modal Level of Service Update
Master Street Plan Updates
Capital Improvement Plan Update
(191-193)
New multi-modal
transportation options
(scooters, long
boards, etc.)
New transportation modes such as e-scooters are
addressed ii the Innovation section of the
Transportation Master Plan.
City Plan:
E-Scooters & E-Bikes
(202),
Community and
Stakeholder
Engagement
Updated photos, numbers of participants,
meetings, to reflect final engagement numbers
and clarified that “representativeness” was
measured by collecting demographics and
comparing to Census data.
City Plan:
Community &
Stakeholder
Engagement (11-13),
Strategy T-3i (236)
service, maximum wait times of 20 minutes should
be identified, with 10 or 15 minutes being a higher-
performance standard that some agencies are
beginning to adopt.
On-Time Performance: Depending upon how service
is provided, on-time performance standards could
be either the same as for other services or based on
the timeliness of passenger pick-ups (see prior bullet
related to on-demand service).
Distribution of Transit Amenities: The types of
facilities that will be needed will depend on how
service is provided, however, typical microtransit and
on-demand services only have amenities the mobility
hub side of the trip (since the other end of the trip
has flexible beginning and end points).
SERVICE CLASSIFICATION PEAK* MIDDAY EVENINGS/WEEKENDS
BRT 10 10 15
High-Frequency 15 15 30
Frequent Peak 15 30 30
Local 30 30 60
Regional 3 Morning and 3 Evening Trips N/A N/A
Microtransit / Mobility
Innovation Zones** 15-30 15-60 TBD
*Peak periods cover the AM and PM commuting periods, midday is between the two commuting periods, evenings are after the PM
commuting period and can also cover early morning service. Specific times of each period vary by route and will be determined through
more specific route planning efforts.
**Depending on the type of transit service provided in mobility innovation zones, the service frequency standards could vary. For on-
demand services, frequency is replaced by wait time as the measure of transit availability. Typically, transit agencies seek to have on-
demand wait times of 15-20 minutes or microtransit shuttle frequencies of 20-60 minutes.
DRAFT 3.15.19
80% schedule adherence.
In addition, trips are sometimes not run or completed
for various reasons including mechanical problems,
traffic problems, and other types of incidents.
Transfort has a standard that 99% of buses should at
least start service (i.e., “pull out of the garage”) and
that 98% of total trips should be completed.
Distribution of Transit Amenities: Transfort desires
to provide shelters at as many bus stops as possible.
In the short and medium term, priority is given based
on the volume of usage by boarding passengers; and
proximity to schools, seniors, person with disabilities,
low income individuals and CSU students and staff.
Changes to Reflect
Proposed Services
The proposed service improvements will result in
changes to the types of services that Transfort
operates. Future service types will include:
» BRT, which will be similar to the current MAX
route, but would also include BRT-like service but
without exclusive bus lanes (proposed routes on
North College, W. Elizabeth, Harmony).
» High-Frequency, which would provide frequent
service in other major corridors, including routes
that are now classified as University routes.
» Frequent Peak, which would provide frequent
peak period service but less frequent off-peak
service.
» Local, which would be similar to today’s
Commercial and Residential routes.
» Regional, which would be the same as today’s
regional routes
» Mobility Innovation Zones, which would be a
new type of lower volume service designed to
serve lower density areas.
DRAFT 3.15.19
» Social Service/Governmental Centers that
serve at least 100 clients per day.
Directness of Service: Transit riders want service
to be relatively direct. Transfort has two standards
designed to ensure that this will be the case:
PERFORMANCE MEASURES
AND MONITORING
DRAFT 3.15.19
to be a strong partner and potentially contribute
an even larger share to allow the system to operate
fare-free. CSU would benefit from this partnership
through increased investment in the transit system,
particularly along corridors heavily used by CSU
students and staff, such as the plan to add BRT to
the West Elizabeth corridor.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Through what is called the Occupational
Privilege Tax Denver assesses about $9
per employee per month on all employees
who earn at least $500 per month. The fee
is partly paid by the employee and partly
paid by the employer to fund city facilities
and services. It was first enacted in 1969
and in 2015 this tax generated over $50
million in revenue for the city.
DRAFT 3.15.19
hubs, and speed and reliability improvements.
The Transportation Capacity Expansion Fee
also has to be allocated to implement capital
improvements for other modes (roads, sidewalks,
bike facilities) and therefore, its ability to raise
substantial transit capital revenue is somewhat
limited. However, many communities use similar
“impact fees” as effective ways to leverage state
and federal grants, thus multiplying the benefit of
this type of fee. Currently, this fee is not used for
transit capital projects, but it could be expanded
to do so. Note that impact fees are highly volatile
and can be high during strong economic times
and very low during recessions.
» Public-Private Partnerships – Fort Collins
already established itself as an innovator in
this respect through a recently established
partnership with a private sector taxi company
to supplement its on-demand and Dial-a-Ride
service. This partnership allowed Transfort to
offer a better service at a lower cost. Public-
private partnerships with new mobility services,
including microtransit providers, TNCs, and
autonomous vehicle transit services would be
a great opportunity to pilot new service as part
of future mobility innovation zones. There may
also be opportunities to partner with the private
sector to integrate fare payment, trip planning
and other mobile device technologies with other
agencies and modes.
TRANSPORTATION UTILITY
FEE CASE STUDY:
Transportation utility fees are commonly
used in communities across the county.
Corvallis, OR uses a transportation utility
fee to fund its transit system and operates
fare-free. The City charges on a per month
bases just over $2 for multi-family customers,
just over $3 for single-family customers and
varying amounts for commercial entities.
The fee system is mostly on trip generation
estimates and fees are updated annually to
meet revenue needs.
DRAFT 3.15.19
educating the community at large about transit:
service changes, how to ride, its environmental
benefits, health benefits, and ability to work or relax
while traveling. Education should start in schools,
potentially integrated with the City’s existing Safe
Routes to Schools Program. Educational material
should also be bilingual to reach the Latinx
community.
Lastly, special transit service to events like CSU
games provides a great opportunity to showcase
Transfort to people who might not otherwise ride
transit. Looking for more opportunities to introduce
transit to people is something that transit agencies
are increasingly looking to do. For example, King
County Metro recently took one of its new battery
electric buses to a technology conference in
suburban Seattle. As part of the conference, people
had the opportunity to ride on the bus between the
conference location and the rapid charging station
at one of the region’s major transit centers. Given
the location of the conference, many attendees had
not ridden on a bus in a long time and they were
exposed to how transit is modernizing and how
extensive transit is even in a suburban setting.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Identify and implement a
pilot mobility hub that can
support a pilot mobility
innovation zone
$-$$ Short-term
Pilot innovation
zone and mobility
hub implemented
T-2.1, T-3.11, T-5.3,
T-5.8, T-8.3
Maintenance
and
Operations
Expand
Maintenance
Base
Seek funding and develop
a plan to expand and
potentially relocate the
maintenance facility to
accommodate a larger
transit fleet.
$$$ Short-term
Expanded
maintenance base
T-5.11
Expand Fleet
Seek funding to expand the
fleet to support expanded
transit services
$$$ Ongoing Expanded Fleet
T-2.1, T-5.1, T-5.2,
T-5.3, T-8.3
Funding
Identify
Funding for
the Future
Transit
Network
Develop a study that
identifies funding
strategies, mechanisms,
and recommendations to
implement the Future Transit
Network
$ Short-term
Study with
recommendations
completed
T-2.1, T-5.1, T-8.3
Increase
operating
funding to
support
expanded
service
Develop a funding
strategy as recommended
by the funding study noted
above
$ Short-term
New funding
secured
T-2.1, T-5.1, T-8.3
Secure capital
funding
for major
infrastructure
needs
Identify grants and develop
a funding strategy as
recommended by the funding
study noted above
$ Short-term
New funding
secured;
implement new
major capital
projects
T-2.1, T-5.1, T-8.3
Supportive
Strategies
Boost transit
ridership
through
transportation
demand
management
Seek funding to provide
City support of local and
regional employer commute
trip reduction programs
$ Short-term
Expanded
commute trip
reduction
programs
T-4.5, T-8.1
DRAFT 3.15.19
between transit and other
mobility providers to pilot
on-demand options (such
as microtransit) in mobility
innovation zones; this would
be completed in conjunction
with the implementation of
new mobility hub(s)
$-$$ Short-term
Mobility innovation
zone pilot launched
(in conjunction with
a mobility hub)
T-5.1, T-5.3, T-5.7,
T-8.1
Explore new partnerships for
Dial-a-Ride services; study
a new real-time reservation
system
$ Short-term Study complete T-5.3, T-5.10
Develop a plan and seek
funding for increased
deployment of
intelligent transportation
systems (ITS), connected
vehicle infrastructure, and
transit signal priority
$$ Short-term
Plan complete
and deployment
of ITS and other
infrastructure
T-3.7, T-5.7, T-8.2
Pilot a transit signal priority
system to evaluate benefit to
riders and transit operations
$$
Short- to
Medium-
term
TSP pilot complete T-5.7, T-8.2
Develop a fleet replacement
and technology plan to
identify when to replace
vehicles and the technologies
to be considered in new fleet
procurements
$ Short-term Plan complete T-5.3, T-5.7, T-9.3
Develop MaaS roadmap
once the types of services,
technologies, and use cases
stabilize
$ Long-term
MaaS roadmap
complete
T-3.1, T-3.2, T-8.8
Revise
transit
service
performance
metrics
to track
progress
Update transit service
standards, metrics and
performance criteria to match
the new services outlined in
the Transit Master Plan;
regularly evaluate progress
and inform future actions
$ Short-term
Updated service
standards and
regular updates
T-5.9
DRAFT 3.15.19
Laporte, Wellington, and
other communities
$$
Ongoing/
Short-term
New regional transit
connections
T-4.4, T-4.8
Explore
more
extensive
regional
transit
integration
Work with neighboring transit
agencies on regional fare
integration and reciprocity
$ Short-term
New regional
fare policies and
cross-agency fare
reciprocity
T-4.4, T-4.8, T-5.6
Study potential benefits of
consolidating transit ser-vice
or establishing an RTA
$
Short- to
Medium-
term
Study complete;
recommendations
for next steps
T-4.8, T-5.6
BRT
West
Elizabth
Corridor
Develop a funding plan to
build improvements and
implement BRT on West
Elizabeth
$$$ Short-term
Funding secured,
service operational
T-5.2
North
College
Corridor
Prepare a detailed BRT
corridor study to identify
specific capital needs and
operational characteristics
S Short-term Study complete T-5.2
Develop a funding plan to
design, build improvements,
and implement BRT on North
College as transit-supportive
uses develop
$$$
Medium- to
Long-term
Funding secured,
service operational
T-5.2
Harmony
Corridor
Develop a funding plan to
design, build improvements,
and implement BRT
on Harmony as transit-
supportive uses develop
$$$
Medium-
term
Funding secured,
service operational
T-5.2
DRAFT 3.15.19
Lake
Nelson
Reservoir
COLORADO
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COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
FOOTHILLS CAMPUS
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CHERRY ST
NANCY GRAY AVE
L
I
N
D
E
N
S
T
SOUTHRIDGE GREENS BLVD
C
O
L
U
M
B
I
A
R
D
C
E
N
T
E
N
N
I
A
L
R
D
W
P
L
U
M
S
T
S LOOMIS AVE
W
A
B
A
S
H
S
T
WILLIAM NEAL PKWY
MATHEWS ST
D
U
N
B
A
R
A
V
E
P
R
O
VI
N
C
E
R
D
Z
E
P
H
Y
R
R
D
HI
C
K
O
R
Y
ST
A
V
O
N
D
A
L
E
R
D
H
A
M
P
S
H
I
R
E
R
D
STOVER ST
INTERNATIONAL BLVD
C
O
N
I
F
E
R
S
T
MILES HOUSE AVE
S
T
A
N
F
O
R
D
R
D
BRITTANY ST
ABBOTSFORD ST
NASSAU WAY
W LAKE ST
W
S
T
U
A
R
T
S
T
PADDINGTON RD
R
E
D
W
O
O
D
S
T
E SWALLOW RD
CENTER AVE
TECHNOLOGY PKWY
C
E
N
T
R
E
A
V
E
W
I
L
L
O
W
S
T
WELCH ST
RESEARCH BLVD
INVERNESS RD
W HORSETOOTH RD
N TAFT HILL RD
S TIMBERLINE RD
ST
RA
US
S
CA
BI
N
RD
E PROSPECT RD
N HOWES ST
W LAUREL ST
W DRAKE RD
KECHTER RD
COUNTRY CLUB RD
R
E
M
I
N
G
T
O
N
S
T
W MOUNTAIN AVE
E
M
U
L
B
E
R
R
Y
S
T
W PROSPECT RD
LAPORTE AVE
J
E
F
F
E
R
S
O
N
S
T
T
U
R
N
B
E
R
R
Y
R
D
S TAFT HILL RD
N LEMAY AVE
W ELIZABETH ST
N TIMBERLINE RD
N COLLEGE AVE
S COLLEGE AVE
T
E
R
R
Y
L
A
K
E
R
D
GREGORY RD
N SHIELDS ST
S HOWES ST
W HARMONY RD
W MULBERRY ST
9TH ST
E HORSETOOTH RD
W TRILBY RD
E
S
U
N
I
G
A
R
D
E LINCOLN AVE
S SHIELDS ST
E DOUGLAS RD
J
O
H
N
F
K
E
N
N
E
D
Y
P
K
W
Y
E HARMONY RD
S LEMAY AVE
E
T
R
I
L
B
Y
R
D
S MASON ST
E DRAKE RD
ZIEGLER RD
CARPENTER RD
RIVERSIDE AVE
RICHARDS LAKE RD
GIDDINGS RD
Regional Service
Bus Rapid Transit
High Frequency Service
(15 min all day)
Frequent Peak Service
(15 min peak/30 min off peak)
Local Service
(30 min all day)
Local Service
(60 min all day)
Mobility
Innovation Zone
!b Transit Center/
Mobility Hub
!( Park-and-Ride
City Limit
Growth
Management Area
Park
2024 Transit Network (5-Year Plan)
Source: 0 0.75 1.5 3
Miles
DRAFT 3.15.19
» New frequent peak service on West Prospect
Road
» Frequency on Shields increased to 15-minute
peak, 30-minute off-peak
» New local southeast route with 30-minute all day
frequencies on South College Avenue and South
Lemay Avenue south of Harmony Road
» Service to CSU Foothills Campus realigned to
connect with the West Elizabeth BRT; frequencies
increased to 30-minute all day service
Mobility Innovation Zones
» Transfort will work with the private sector to
pilot microtransit or on-demand service in the
southeast area of the City as the first phase of
implementing the mobility innovation zones
Mobility Hubs
» A new mobility hub will be added at the western
terminus of the West Elizabeth BRT
Regional Transit
» Service increased on the FLEX
» New regional route to Windsor and Greeley
(operated by GET)
» New regional route to Wellington
Accomplishing the 5-Year Plan will require a financial
commitment from the City and public. It will require a
33% increase in operating budget (from $15.8 million
annually in 2018 to $21 million by 2024, excluding
inflation) in order to achieve a 34% increase in bus
service hours. It will also require capital investments
to expand the fleet, expand the maintenance facility,
improve bus stops and make speed and reliability
improvements to add new BRT service along West
Elizabeth Street. Potential strategies to increase
funding to support the 5-Year Plan are identified later
in this Chapter.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Nelson
Reservoir
COLORADO
STATE
UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
FOOTHILLS CAMPUS
25
25
25
MAX GUIDEWAY
W
T
R
O
U
T
M
A
N
P
K
W
Y
W SWALLOW RD
E STUART ST
E LAUREL ST
C
O
N
S
T
I
T
U
T
I
O
N
A
V
E
J
E
R
O
M
E
S
T
T
I
L
D
E
N
S
T
E ELIZABETH ST
MCMURRY AVE
S
E
N
E
C
A
S
T
E
P
IT
K
I
N
S
T
MORNINGSTAR WAY
Y
O
R
K
S
H
I
R
E
S
T
F
O
S
S
I
L
C
R
E
E
K
P
K
W
Y
CARRIAGE PKWY
M
E
A
D
O
W
L
A
R
K
A
V
E
T
H
O
R
E
A
U
R
D
RIGDEN PKWY
CHERRY ST
NANCY GRAY AVE
L
I
N
D
E
N
S
T
SOUTHRIDGE GREENS BLVD
C
O
L
U
M
B
I
A
R
D
C
E
N
T
E
N
N
I
A
L
R
D
W
P
L
U
M
S
T
S LOOMIS AVE
W
A
B
A
S
H
S
T
WILLIAM NEAL PKWY
MATHEWS ST
D
U
N
B
A
R
A
V
E
P
R
O
VI
N
C
E
R
D
Z
E
P
H
Y
R
R
D
HI
C
K
O
R
Y
ST
A
V
O
N
D
A
L
E
R
D
H
A
M
P
S
H
I
R
E
R
D
STOVER ST
INTERNATIONAL BLVD
C
O
N
I
F
E
R
S
T
MILES HOUSE AVE
S
T
A
N
F
O
R
D
R
D
BRITTANY ST
ABBOTSFORD ST
NASSAU WAY
W LAKE ST
W
S
T
U
A
R
T
S
T
PADDINGTON RD
R
E
D
W
O
O
D
S
T
E SWALLOW RD
CENTER AVE
TECHNOLOGY PKWY
C
E
N
T
R
E
A
V
E
W
I
L
L
O
W
S
T
WELCH ST
RESEARCH BLVD
INVERNESS RD
W HORSETOOTH RD
N TAFT HILL RD
S TIMBERLINE RD
ST
RA
US
S
CA
BI
N
RD
E
P
R
O
S
P
E
CT
R
D
N HOWES ST
W LAUREL ST
W DRAKE RD
KECHTER RD
COUNTRY CLUB RD
R
E
M
I
N
G
T
O
N
S
T
W MOUNTAIN AVE
E
M
U
L
B
E
R
R
Y
S
T
W PROSPECT RD
LAPORTE AVE
J
E
F
F
E
R
S
O
N
S
T
T
U
R
N
B
E
R
R
Y
R
D
S TAFT HILL RD
N LEMAY AVE
W ELIZABETH ST
N TIMBERLINE RD
N COLLEGE AVE
S COLLEGE AVE
T
E
R
R
Y
L
A
K
E
R
D
GREGORY RD
N SHIELDS ST
S HOWES ST
W HARMONY RD
W MULBERRY ST
9TH ST
E HORSETOOTH RD
W TRILBY RD
E
S
U
N
I
G
A
R
D
E LINCOLN AVE
S SHIELDS ST
E DOUGLAS RD
J
O
H
N
F
K
E
N
N
E
D
Y
P
K
W
Y
E HARMONY RD
S LEMAY AVE
E
T
R
I
L
B
Y
R
D
S MASON ST
E DRAKE RD
ZIEGLER RD
CARPENTER RD
RIVERSIDE AVE
RICHARDS LAKE RD
GIDDINGS RD
Buffered Bicycle Lane
Bicycle Lane
Neighborhood Greenway
Protected Bicycle Lane
!b Transit Center/
Mobility Hub
Existing Bicycle Trail
City Limit
Growth
Management Area
Park
Mobility Hubs and Future Bicycle Network
Source: 0 0.75 1.5 3
Miles
Figure 23 – Map of Mobility Hubs and Bike Network
77 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
DRAFT 3.15.19
Reservoir
Trappers Lake
Baker
Lake
Nelson
Reservoir
COLORADO
STATE
UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
FOOTHILLS CAMPUS
25
25
25
Preferred Transit Scenario
Source: 0 0.75 1.5 3
Miles
Regional Service
Bus Rapid Transit
High Frequency Service
(15 min all day)
Frequent Peak Service
(15 min peak/30 min off peak)
Local Service
(30 min all day)
!b Transit Center/
Mobility Hub
!( Park-and-Ride
Mobility
Innovation Zone
City Limit
Growth
Management Area
Park
Figure 22 – Map of Perferred Transit Scenario
2040 Transit Plan 76
DRAFT 3.15.19
Total Costs of Items Above $271-308 million
More detail on local funding options are provided in Chapter 6: Implementation Strategies.
Summary of Major Capital Projects
The table on the next page summarizes the major capital projects that will be required to implement the
Transit Master Plan. In addition, notes on potential funding sources are listed for each cost item.
DRAFT 3.15.19
People Riding Transit:
» Transit Signal Priority (TSP)
» Bus stop islands
Key Design Elements
for People Driving:
» Traffic calming features
» Four through travel lanes
DRAFT 3.15.19
as part of the West Elizabeth Enhanced Travel
Corridor Plan. Actual costs per station will vary
depending on site specific factors like land
availability and design choices for the stations.
» Enhancing Existing Bus Stops – The Bus Stop
Design Standards and Guidelines document
provides guidance on what type of bus stop is
appropriate given the adjacent land uses and
ridership characteristics of a stop. The objective
of the Bus Stop Improvements Program is to
bring all Transfort bus stops into Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance so
that transit is accessible and comfortable to
people of all abilities and ages. Transfort’s
Bus Stop Design Standards and Guidelines,
adopted by City Council in 2015, is the guiding
document for establishing ADA bus stops and
accessible connections. Dedicated funding
for ADA upgrades became available starting
in 2016. The goal is for all Transfort bus stops
to be ADA compliant by 2026. Transfort will
periodically review the usage and surrounding
land uses of its existing bus stops to determine
if upgrades (or downgrades) are warranted. As
the transit system expands, it is also important
to keep in mind that more elaborate bus stops
require increased maintenance, which should
be accounted for when considering whether it
is appropriate to upgrade a bus stop. This item
could have a wide range of costs, but for the
purposes of this plan, an estimate of $5 million
over the life of the plan is assumed.
16Mobility hub cost estimate is based on land cost (assumed at
one acre for each hub) and site improvements including bike
parking areas, curb improvements, carshare parking, kiosks and
other amenities.
DRAFT 3.15.19
to make other substantial capital investments to
implement the 2040 Transit Network. This section
outlines several other major fixed-cost items.
Operations and Maintenance Facility
Transfort currently owns and operates a bus
maintenance facility located off Trilby Road. As of
2019, the facility is operating at-capacity with 51
buses stored on site and several others stored off-
site at a contractor facility. Any significant expansion
of transit service would require a larger maintenance
facility. Based on projected fleet needs by 2040, a
facility roughly double the size of the current facility
would be needed, although it could be phased in
over time. Based on discussions with maintenance
staff, the following items would be needed as part of
the maintenance facility expansion:
» Covered area for bus storage to reduce wear
and tear from hot and cold weather
» Need for two to four additional stalls for
maintenance
» Expansion of fueling area
» Expansion of administration space
» Expansion for staff parking
The current facility has room to expand, but a
full site assessment will need to be prepared to
determine if the existing parcel is of adequate size
or if additional land is required. Based on a review
of similar maintenance facility expansions, this cost
of this expansion is expected to be about $20-30
million, which could be phased in over time. With
expansion there would also be an opportunity to
consolidate Transfort staff into one location.
Another potential option to consider instead of
expanding the existing maintenance facility is
adding a second maintenance facility in North Fort
Collins to augment the existing one on the south
side. The capital cost is likely to be higher than
expanding the existing facility, but would allow for
operational efficiencies that may reduce operations
costs.
DRAFT 3.15.19
data availability, and payment. In order to keep
pace, Transfort will continually review its information
technology (IT) systems and make regular, but
financially prudent upgrades to its IT infrastructure.
While there are numerous IT systems that are
integral to Transfort, this plan focuses on two that
have a very visible public face and need to be
considered in conjunction with fleet expansion and
renewal.
» Fare Automation & Integration – Today, you can
DRAFT 3.15.19
Gray
Reservoir
Trappers Lake
Baker
Lake
Nelson
Reservoir
COLORADO
STATE
UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
FOOTHILLS CAMPUS
25
25
25
MAX GUIDEWAY
W
T
R
O
UT
M
A
N
P
K
W
Y
W SWALLOW RD
E STUART ST
E LAUREL ST
C
O
N
S
T
I
T
U
T
I
O
N
A
V
E
J
E
R
O
M
E
S
T
T
I
L
D
E
N
S
T
E ELIZABETH ST
MCMURRY AVE
S
E
N
E
C
A
S
T
E
P
IT
K
I
N
S
T
MORNINGSTAR WAY
Y
O
R
K
S
H
I
R
E
S
T
F
O
S
S
I
L
C
R
E
E
K
P
K
W
Y
CARRIAGE PKWY
M
E
A
D
O
W
L
A
R
K
A
V
E
T
H
O
R
E
A
U
R
D
RIGDEN PKWY
CHERRY ST
NANCY GRAY AVE
L
I
N
D
E
N
S
T
SOUTHRIDGE GREENS BLVD
C
O
L
U
M
B
I
A
R
D
C
E
N
T
E
N
N
I
A
L
R
D
W
P
L
U
M
S
T
S LOOMIS AVE
W
A
B
A
S
H
S
T
WILLIAM NEAL PKWY
MATHEWS ST
D
U
N
B
A
R
A
V
E
P
R
O
VI
N
C
E
R
D
Z
E
P
H
Y
R
R
D
HI
C
K
O
R
Y
ST
A
V
O
N
D
A
L
E
R
D
H
A
M
P
S
H
I
R
E
R
D
STOVER ST
INTERNATIONAL BLVD
C
O
N
I
F
E
R
S
T
MILES HOUSE AVE
S
T
A
N
F
O
R
D
R
D
BRITTANY ST
ABBOTSFORD ST
NASSAU WAY
W LAKE ST
W
S
T
U
A
R
T
S
T
PADDINGTON RD
R
E
D
W
O
O
D
S
T
E SWALLOW RD
CENTER AVE
TECHNOLOGY PKWY
C
E
N
T
R
E
A
V
E
W
I
L
L
O
W
S
T
WELCH ST
RESEARCH BLVD
INVERNESS RD
W HORSETOOTH RD
N TAFT HILL RD
S TIMBERLINE RD
ST
RA
US
S
CA
BI
N
RD
E
P
R
O
S
P
E
CT
R
D
N HOWES ST
W LAUREL ST
W DRAKE RD
KECHTER RD
COUNTRY CLUB RD
R
E
M
I
N
G
T
O
N
S
T
W MOUNTAIN AVE
E
M
U
L
B
E
R
R
Y
S
T
W PROSPECT RD
LAPORTE AVE
J
E
F
F
E
R
S
O
N
S
T
T
U
R
N
B
E
R
R
Y
R
D
S TAFT HILL RD
N LEMAY AVE
W ELIZABETH ST
N TIMBERLINE RD
N COLLEGE AVE
S COLLEGE AVE
T
E
R
R
Y
L
A
K
E
R
D
GREGORY RD
N SHIELDS ST
S HOWES ST
W HARMONY RD
W MULBERRY ST
9TH ST
E HORSETOOTH RD
W TRILBY RD
E
S
U
N
I
G
A
R
D
E LINCOLN AVE
S SHIELDS ST
E DOUGLAS RD
J
O
H
N
F
K
E
N
N
E
D
Y
P
K
W
Y
E HARMONY RD
S LEMAY AVE
E
T
R
I
L
B
Y
R
D
S MASON ST
E DRAKE RD
ZIEGLER RD
CARPENTER RD
RIVERSIDE AVE
RICHARDS LAKE RD
GIDDINGS RD
2040 Transit Coverage
Source: 0 0.75 1.5 3
Miles
Bus Rapid Transit
High Frequency Service
(15 min all day)
Frequent Peak Service
(15 min peak/30 min off peak)
Local Service
(30 min all day)
!b Transit Center/
Mobility Hub
!( Park-and-Ride
Mobility
Innovation Zone
High Frequency Transit Coverage
Local Transit Coverage
City Limit
Growth
Management Area
Park
Figure 15 – 2040 Transit Coverage
DRAFT 3.15.19
Gray
Reservoir
Trappers Lake
Baker
Lake
Nelson
Reservoir
COLORADO
STATE
UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
FOOTHILLS CAMPUS
25
25
25
MAX GUIDEWAY
W
T
R
O
UT
M
A
N
P
K
W
Y
W SWALLOW RD
E STUART ST
E LAUREL ST
C
O
N
S
T
I
T
U
T
I
O
N
A
V
E
J
E
R
O
M
E
S
T
T
I
L
D
E
N
S
T
E ELIZABETH ST
MCMURRY AVE
S
E
N
E
C
A
S
T
E
P
IT
K
I
N
S
T
MORNINGSTAR WAY
Y
O
R
K
S
H
I
R
E
S
T
F
O
S
S
I
L
C
R
E
E
K
P
K
W
Y
CARRIAGE PKWY
M
E
A
D
O
W
L
A
R
K
A
V
E
T
H
O
R
E
A
U
R
D
RIGDEN PKWY
CHERRY ST
NANCY GRAY AVE
L
I
N
D
E
N
S
T
SOUTHRIDGE GREENS BLVD
C
O
L
U
M
B
I
A
R
D
C
E
N
T
E
N
N
I
A
L
R
D
W
P
L
U
M
S
T
S LOOMIS AVE
W
A
B
A
S
H
S
T
WILLIAM NEAL PKWY
MATHEWS ST
D
U
N
B
A
R
A
V
E
P
R
O
VI
N
C
E
R
D
Z
E
P
H
Y
R
R
D
HI
C
K
O
R
Y
ST
A
V
O
N
D
A
L
E
R
D
H
A
M
P
S
H
I
R
E
R
D
STOVER ST
INTERNATIONAL BLVD
C
O
N
I
F
E
R
S
T
MILES HOUSE AVE
S
T
A
N
F
O
R
D
R
D
BRITTANY ST
ABBOTSFORD ST
NASSAU WAY
W LAKE ST
W
S
T
U
A
R
T
S
T
PADDINGTON RD
R
E
D
W
O
O
D
S
T
E SWALLOW RD
CENTER AVE
TECHNOLOGY PKWY
C
E
N
T
R
E
A
V
E
W
I
L
L
O
W
S
T
WELCH ST
RESEARCH BLVD
INVERNESS RD
W HORSETOOTH RD
N TAFT HILL RD
S TIMBERLINE RD
ST
RA
US
S
CA
BI
N
RD
E
P
R
O
S
P
E
CT
R
D
N HOWES ST
W LAUREL ST
W DRAKE RD
KECHTER RD
COUNTRY CLUB RD
R
E
M
I
N
G
T
O
N
S
T
W MOUNTAIN AVE
E
M
U
L
B
E
R
R
Y
S
T
W PROSPECT RD
LAPORTE AVE
J
E
F
F
E
R
S
O
N
S
T
T
U
R
N
B
E
R
R
Y
R
D
S TAFT HILL RD
N LEMAY AVE
W ELIZABETH ST
N TIMBERLINE RD
N COLLEGE AVE
S COLLEGE AVE
T
E
R
R
Y
L
A
K
E
R
D
GREGORY RD
N SHIELDS ST
S HOWES ST
W HARMONY RD
W MULBERRY ST
9TH ST
E HORSETOOTH RD
W TRILBY RD
E
S
U
N
I
G
A
R
D
E LINCOLN AVE
S SHIELDS ST
E DOUGLAS RD
J
O
H
N
F
K
E
N
N
E
D
Y
P
K
W
Y
E HARMONY RD
S LEMAY AVE
E
T
R
I
L
B
Y
R
D
S MASON ST
E DRAKE RD
ZIEGLER RD
CARPENTER RD
RIVERSIDE AVE
RICHARDS LAKE RD
GIDDINGS RD
Existing Transit Coverage
Source: 0 0.75 1.5 3
Miles
Regional Service
Bus Rapid Transit
High Frequency Service
(15 min all day)
Local Service
(30 min all day)
Local Service
(30 min peak/
60 min off peak)
Local Service
(60 min all day)
!b Transit Center
!( Park-and-Ride
High Frequency Transit Coverage
Local Transit Coverage
City Limit
Growth
Management Area
Park
Figure 14 – Existing Transit Coverage
DRAFT 3.15.19
COLORADO
STATE
UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
FOOTHILLS CAMPUS
MAX GUIDEWAY
WALNUT ST
W SWALLOW RD
C
O
N
S
T
I
T
U
T
I
O
N
A
V
E
W
H
A
L
E
R
S
W
A
Y
E ELIZABETH ST
JEROME ST
BUCKINGHAM ST
MCMURRY AVE
S
E
N
E
C
A
S
T
M
O
R
N
I
N
G
S
T
A
R
W
A
Y
Y
O
R
K
S
H
I
R
E
S
T
F
O
S
S
I
L
C
R
E
E
K
P
K
W
Y
CARRIAGE PKWY
MEADOWLARK AVE
T
H
O
R
E
A
U
R
D
CHERRY ST
S
O
U
T
H
R
I
D
G
E
G
R
E
E
N
S
B
L
V
D
COLUMBIA RD
W TROUTMAN PKWY
MANHATTAN AVE
E LAUREL ST
LINDEN ST
C
E
N
T
E
N
N
I
A
L
R
D
W
P
L
U
M
S
T
H
A
M
P
S
H
I
R
E
R
D
W
L
A
K
E
S
T
S LOOMIS AVE
W
A
B
A
S
H
S
T
WILLIAM NEAL PKWY
MATHEWS ST
W
S
T
U
A
R
T
S
T
D
U
N
B
A
R
A
V
E
P
R
O
V
I
N
C
E
R
D
Z
E
P
H
Y
R
R
D
HICKORY ST
A
V
O
N
D
A
L
E
R
D
S
T
O
V
E
R
S
T
INTERNATIONAL BLVD
C
O
N
I
F
E
R
S
T
MILES HOUSE AVE
S
T
A
N
F
O
R
D
R
D
BRITTANY ST
E
P
I
T
K
I
N
S
T
ABBOTSFORD ST
NASSAU WAY
PADDINGTON RD
T
I
L
D
E
N
S
T
R
E
D
W
O
O
D
S
T
E SWALLOW RD
CENTER AVE
TECHNOLOGY PKWY
C
E
N
T
R
E
A
V
E
E STUART ST
WELCH ST
RESEARCH BLVD
INVERNESS RD
N TAFT HILL RD
W MULBERRY ST
S COLLEGE AVE
E PROSPECT RD
N HOWES ST
W DRAKE RD
KECHTER RD
C
O
U
N
T
R
Y
C
L
U
B
R
D
LAPORTE AVE
REMINGTON ST
W PROSPECT RD
W MOUNTAIN AVE
W LAUREL ST
N LEMAY AVE
W
E
L
I
Z
A
B
E
T
H
S
T
E MULBERRY ST
N COLLEGE AVE
TURNBERRY RD
T
E
R
R
Y
L
A
K
E
R
D
GREGORY RD
N SHIELDS ST
E HORSETOOTH RD
S HOWES ST
LINCOLN AVE
N TIMBERLINE RD
9TH ST
W TRILBY RD
E DRAKE RD
E
S
U
N
I
G
A
R
D
ZIEGLER RD
W HORSETOOTH RD
E LINCOLN AVE
S LEMAY AVE
S MASON ST
S SHIELDS ST
E DOUGLAS RD
CARPENTER RD
JOHN F KENNEDY PKWY
W HARMONY RD
S TAFT HILL RD
S TIMBERLINE RD
E
T
R
I
L
B
Y
R
D
R
I
V
E
R
S
I
D
E
A
V
E
STRAUSS CABIN RD
E HARMONY RD
RICHARDS LAKE RD
GIDDINGS RD
0 1 2 4
Miles
Source: City of Fort Collins; Larimer County; TransFort; US Census; NFRMPO
City Limit
Growth
Management
Area
LEGEND
Park
Very Low
Low
Medium
High
This map illustrates transit propensity
based on adjusted population and
employment density.
Future (2040) Composite Demand & Future Transit Network
2040 Transit Plan 60
Figure 13 – Furture (2040) Composite Demand & Preferred Transit Scenario
DRAFT 3.15.19
Reservoir
Trappers Lake
Baker
Lake
Nelson
Reservoir
COLORADO
STATE
UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
FOOTHILLS CAMPUS
25
25
25
MAX GUIDEWAY
W
T
R
O
UT
M
A
N
P
K
W
Y
W SWALLOW RD
E STUART ST
E LAUREL ST
C
O
N
S
T
I
T
U
T
I
O
N
A
V
E
J
E
R
O
M
E
S
T
T
I
L
D
E
N
S
T
E ELIZABETH ST
MCMURRY AVE
S
E
N
E
C
A
S
T
E
P
IT
K
I
N
S
T
MORNINGSTAR WAY
Y
O
R
K
S
H
I
R
E
S
T
F
O
S
S
I
L
C
R
E
E
K
P
K
W
Y
CARRIAGE PKWY
M
E
A
D
O
W
L
A
R
K
A
V
E
T
H
O
R
E
A
U
R
D
RIGDEN PKWY
CHERRY ST
NANCY GRAY AVE
L
I
N
D
E
N
S
T
SOUTHRIDGE GREENS BLVD
C
O
L
U
M
B
I
A
R
D
C
E
N
T
E
N
N
I
A
L
R
D
W
P
L
U
M
S
T
S LOOMIS AVE
W
A
B
A
S
H
S
T
WILLIAM NEAL PKWY
MATHEWS ST
D
U
N
B
A
R
A
V
E
P
R
O
VI
N
C
E
R
D
Z
E
P
H
Y
R
R
D
HI
C
K
O
R
Y
ST
A
V
O
N
D
A
L
E
R
D
H
A
M
P
S
H
I
R
E
R
D
STOVER ST
INTERNATIONAL BLVD
C
O
N
I
F
E
R
S
T
MILES HOUSE AVE
S
T
A
N
F
O
R
D
R
D
BRITTANY ST
ABBOTSFORD ST
NASSAU WAY
W LAKE ST
W
S
T
U
A
R
T
S
T
PADDINGTON RD
R
E
D
W
O
O
D
S
T
E SWALLOW RD
CENTER AVE
TECHNOLOGY PKWY
C
E
N
T
R
E
A
V
E
W
I
L
L
O
W
S
T
WELCH ST
RESEARCH BLVD
INVERNESS RD
W HORSETOOTH RD
N TAFT HILL RD
S TIMBERLINE RD
ST
RA
US
S
CA
BI
N
RD
E
P
R
O
S
P
E
CT
R
D
N HOWES ST
W LAUREL ST
W DRAKE RD
KECHTER RD
COUNTRY CLUB RD
R
E
M
I
N
G
T
O
N
S
T
W MOUNTAIN AVE
E
M
U
L
B
E
R
R
Y
S
T
W PROSPECT RD
LAPORTE AVE
J
E
F
F
E
R
S
O
N
S
T
T
U
R
N
B
E
R
R
Y
R
D
S TAFT HILL RD
N LEMAY AVE
W ELIZABETH ST
N TIMBERLINE RD
N COLLEGE AVE
S COLLEGE AVE
T
E
R
R
Y
L
A
K
E
R
D
GREGORY RD
N SHIELDS ST
S HOWES ST
W HARMONY RD
W MULBERRY ST
9TH ST
E HORSETOOTH RD
W TRILBY RD
E
S
U
N
I
G
A
R
D
E LINCOLN AVE
S SHIELDS ST
E DOUGLAS RD
J
O
H
N
F
K
E
N
N
E
D
Y
P
K
W
Y
E HARMONY RD
S LEMAY AVE
E
T
R
I
L
B
Y
R
D
S MASON ST
E DRAKE RD
ZIEGLER RD
CARPENTER RD
RIVERSIDE AVE
RICHARDS LAKE RD
GIDDINGS RD
Future Transit Network
Source: 0 0.75 1.5 3
Miles
Regional Service
Bus Rapid Transit
High Frequency Service
(15 min all day)
Frequent Peak Service
(15 min peak/30 min off peak)
Local Service
(30 min all day)
!b Transit Center/
Mobility Hub
!( Park-and-Ride
Mobility
Innovation Zone
City Limit
Growth
Management Area
Park
59 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
Figure 12 – Preferred Transit Scenario
DRAFT 3.15.19
connect
to key
destinations
Local service with direct
route alignments
East Mulberry Street,
Laporte Avenue, Taft
Hill Road, Horsetooth
Road, Lemay Avenue,
JFK Parkway, South
College Avenue,
Redwood Street
Mobility
Innovation
Zones
On-demand To be
determined
May include on-demand,
microtransit or other
services with flex routes
and partnerships with the
private sector
Northwest, Northeast,
Southwest and
Southeast
Regional
Service Varies Varies
Longer distance routes
connecting to other
jurisdictions and primarily
serving commuters – to be
implemented in partnership
with outside agencies.
US 287 South (FLEX),
Denver (Bustang),
Greeley/Windsor,
Laporte, Wellington
DRAFT 3.15.19
MINIMIZE TRANSFER
PENALTIES
Transfers are sometimes
necessary and even desirable
from a network design
perspective; however, they
should be made as seamless
as possible, spatially, time
waiting, and payment
mechanism.
BALANCE SPEED AND
ACCESS WHEN LOCATING
STOPS
Stops should be far enough apart
to minimize delay but close
enough to provide reasonable
access for those with limited
mobility. They should also be
close to destinations, connecting
routes and access points—such as
crosswalks, bike lanes, and park-
and-ride lots. Customers will walk
further to better transit, and the
stop spacing can be longer on
these services.
PROVIDE A HIGH-QUALITY
WALKING AND WAITING
ENVIRONMENT
Stops should be comfortable,
safe, dignified, provide
important information, and
located near safe pedestrian
crossing and be connected into
the sidewalk network.
MATCH SERVICE LEVELS TO
DEMAND
While comfortable stops and
stations are important, providing
“walk-up” frequencies of 15 minutes
or less enables people to avoid
consulting a schedule and supports
spontaneous trips. Very frequent
service should be provided where
demand supports the investment.
MAKE SCHEDULES EASY
TO REMEMBER
Ideally, routes should operate
on “clockface” headways, such
as every 10, 15, or 30 minutes.
DRAFT 3.15.19
areas.
DRAFT 3.15.19
DRAFT 3.15.19
Reservoir
COLORADO
STATE
UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
FOOTHILLS CAMPUS
MAX GUIDEWAY
WALNUT ST
W SWALLOW RD
C
O
N
S
T
I
T
U
T
I
O
N
A
V
E
W
H
A
L
E
R
S
W
A
Y
E ELIZABETH ST
JEROME ST
BUCKINGHAM ST
MCMURRY AVE
S
E
N
E
C
A
S
T
M
O
R
N
I
N
G
S
T
A
R
W
A
Y
Y
O
R
K
S
H
I
R
E
S
T
F
O
S
S
I
L
C
R
E
E
K
P
K
W
Y
CARRIAGE PKWY
MEADOWLARK AVE
T
H
O
R
E
A
U
R
D
CHERRY ST
S
O
U
T
H
R
I
D
G
E
G
R
E
E
N
S
B
L
V
D
COLUMBIA RD
W TROUTMAN PKWY
MANHATTAN AVE
E LAUREL ST
LINDEN ST
C
E
N
T
E
N
N
I
A
L
R
D
W
P
L
U
M
S
T
H
A
M
P
S
H
I
R
E
R
D
W
L
A
K
E
S
T
S LOOMIS AVE
W
A
B
A
S
H
S
T
WILLIAM NEAL PKWY
MATHEWS ST
W
S
T
U
A
R
T
S
T
D
U
N
B
A
R
A
V
E
P
R
O
V
I
N
C
E
R
D
Z
E
P
H
Y
R
R
D
HICKORY ST
A
V
O
N
D
A
L
E
R
D
S
T
O
V
E
R
S
T
INTERNATIONAL BLVD
C
O
N
I
F
E
R
S
T
MILES HOUSE AVE
S
T
A
N
F
O
R
D
R
D
BRITTANY ST
E
P
I
T
K
I
N
S
T
ABBOTSFORD ST
NASSAU WAY
PADDINGTON RD
T
I
L
D
E
N
S
T
R
E
D
W
O
O
D
S
T
E SWALLOW RD
CENTER AVE
TECHNOLOGY PKWY
C
E
N
T
R
E
A
V
E
E STUART ST
WELCH ST
RESEARCH BLVD
INVERNESS RD
N TAFT HILL RD
W MULBERRY ST
S COLLEGE AVE
E PROSPECT RD
N HOWES ST
W DRAKE RD
KECHTER RD
C
O
U
N
T
R
Y
C
L
U
B
R
D
LAPORTE AVE
REMINGTON ST
W PROSPECT RD
W MOUNTAIN AVE
W LAUREL ST
N LEMAY AVE
W
E
L
I
Z
A
B
E
T
H
S
T
E MULBERRY ST
N COLLEGE AVE
TURNBERRY RD
T
E
R
R
Y
L
A
K
E
R
D
GREGORY RD
N SHIELDS ST
E HORSETOOTH RD
S HOWES ST
LINCOLN AVE
N TIMBERLINE RD
9TH ST
W TRILBY RD
E DRAKE RD
E
S
U
N
I
G
A
R
D
ZIEGLER RD
W HORSETOOTH RD
E LINCOLN AVE
S LEMAY AVE
S MASON ST
S SHIELDS ST
E DOUGLAS RD
CARPENTER RD
JOHN F KENNEDY PKWY
W HARMONY RD
S TAFT HILL RD
S TIMBERLINE RD
E
T
R
I
L
B
Y
R
D
R
I
V
E
R
S
I
D
E
A
V
E
STRAUSS CABIN RD
E HARMONY RD
RICHARDS LAKE RD
GIDDINGS RD
0 1 2 4
Miles
Source: City of Fort Collins; Larimer County; TransFort; US Census; NFRMPO
City Limit
Growth
Management
Area
LEGEND
Park
Very Low
Low
Medium
High
This map illustrates transit propensity
based on adjusted population and
employment density.
Composite Transit Demand 2040
Figure 6 – Composite Transit Demand 2040
Fort Collins in 2040 36
DRAFT 3.15.19
Reservoir
COLORADO
STATE
UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
FOOTHILLS CAMPUS
MAX GUIDEWAY
WALNUT ST
W SWALLOW RD
C
O
N
S
T
I
T
U
T
I
O
N
A
V
E
W
H
A
L
E
R
S
W
A
Y
E ELIZABETH ST
JEROME ST
BUCKINGHAM ST
MCMURRY AVE
S
E
N
E
C
A
S
T
M
O
R
N
I
N
G
S
T
A
R
W
A
Y
Y
O
R
K
S
H
I
R
E
S
T
F
O
S
S
I
L
C
R
E
E
K
P
K
W
Y
CARRIAGE PKWY
MEADOWLARK AVE
T
H
O
R
E
A
U
R
D
CHERRY ST
S
O
U
T
H
R
I
D
G
E
G
R
E
E
N
S
B
L
V
D
COLUMBIA RD
W TROUTMAN PKWY
MANHATTAN AVE
E LAUREL ST
LINDEN ST
C
E
N
T
E
N
N
I
A
L
R
D
W
P
L
U
M
S
T
H
A
M
P
S
H
I
R
E
R
D
W
L
A
K
E
S
T
S LOOMIS AVE
W
A
B
A
S
H
S
T
WILLIAM NEAL PKWY
MATHEWS ST
W
S
T
U
A
R
T
S
T
D
U
N
B
A
R
A
V
E
P
R
O
V
I
N
C
E
R
D
Z
E
P
H
Y
R
R
D
HICKORY ST
A
V
O
N
D
A
L
E
R
D
S
T
O
V
E
R
S
T
INTERNATIONAL BLVD
C
O
N
I
F
E
R
S
T
MILES HOUSE AVE
S
T
A
N
F
O
R
D
R
D
BRITTANY ST
E
P
I
T
K
I
N
S
T
ABBOTSFORD ST
NASSAU WAY
PADDINGTON RD
T
I
L
D
E
N
S
T
R
E
D
W
O
O
D
S
T
E SWALLOW RD
CENTER AVE
TECHNOLOGY PKWY
C
E
N
T
R
E
A
V
E
E STUART ST
WELCH ST
RESEARCH BLVD
INVERNESS RD
N TAFT HILL RD
W MULBERRY ST
S COLLEGE AVE
E PROSPECT RD
N HOWES ST
W DRAKE RD
KECHTER RD
C
O
U
N
T
R
Y
C
L
U
B
R
D
LAPORTE AVE
REMINGTON ST
W PROSPECT RD
W MOUNTAIN AVE
W LAUREL ST
N LEMAY AVE
W
E
L
I
Z
A
B
E
T
H
S
T
E MULBERRY ST
N COLLEGE AVE
TURNBERRY RD
T
E
R
R
Y
L
A
K
E
R
D
GREGORY RD
N SHIELDS ST
E HORSETOOTH RD
S HOWES ST
LINCOLN AVE
N TIMBERLINE RD
9TH ST
W TRILBY RD
E DRAKE RD
E
S
U
N
I
G
A
R
D
ZIEGLER RD
W HORSETOOTH RD
E LINCOLN AVE
S LEMAY AVE
S MASON ST
S SHIELDS ST
E DOUGLAS RD
CARPENTER RD
JOHN F KENNEDY PKWY
W HARMONY RD
S TAFT HILL RD
S TIMBERLINE RD
E
T
R
I
L
B
Y
R
D
R
I
V
E
R
S
I
D
E
A
V
E
STRAUSS CABIN RD
E HARMONY RD
RICHARDS LAKE RD
GIDDINGS RD
0 1 2 4
Miles
Source: City of Fort Collins; Larimer County; TransFort; US Census; NFRMPO
City Limit
Growth
Management
Area
LEGEND
Park
Very Low
Low
Medium
High
This map illustrates transit propensity
based on adjusted population and
employment density.
Composite Transit Demand 2012
Figure 5 – Composite Transit Demand 2012
35 DRAFT Fort Collins Transit Master Plan
DRAFT 3.15.19
adjustment index. Appendix A provides additional
details on the transit propensity adjustment factor.
Figure 5 shows the existing transit demand, when
considering transit propensity. Figure 6 shows the
forecasted 2040 transit demand, when accounting
for transit propensity.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Reservoir
COLORADO
STATE
UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
FOOTHILLS CAMPUS
MAX GUIDEWAY
WALNUT ST
W SWALLOW RD
C
O
N
S
T
I
T
U
T
I
O
N
A
V
E
W
H
A
L
E
R
S
W
A
Y
E ELIZABETH ST
JEROME ST
BUCKINGHAM ST
MCMURRY AVE
S
E
N
E
C
A
S
T
M
O
R
N
I
N
G
S
T
A
R
W
A
Y
Y
O
R
K
S
H
I
R
E
S
T
F
O
S
S
I
L
C
R
E
E
K
P
K
W
Y
CARRIAGE PKWY
MEADOWLARK AVE
T
H
O
R
E
A
U
R
D
CHERRY ST
S
O
U
T
H
R
I
D
G
E
G
R
E
E
N
S
B
L
V
D
COLUMBIA RD
W TROUTMAN PKWY
MANHATTAN AVE
E LAUREL ST
LINDEN ST
C
E
N
T
E
N
N
I
A
L
R
D
W
P
L
U
M
S
T
H
A
M
P
S
H
I
R
E
R
D
W
L
A
K
E
S
T
S LOOMIS AVE
W
A
B
A
S
H
S
T
WILLIAM NEAL PKWY
MATHEWS ST
W
S
T
U
A
R
T
S
T
D
U
N
B
A
R
A
V
E
P
R
O
V
I
N
C
E
R
D
Z
E
P
H
Y
R
R
D
HICKORY ST
A
V
O
N
D
A
L
E
R
D
S
T
O
V
E
R
S
T
INTERNATIONAL BLVD
C
O
N
I
F
E
R
S
T
MILES HOUSE AVE
S
T
A
N
F
O
R
D
R
D
BRITTANY ST
E
P
I
T
K
I
N
S
T
ABBOTSFORD ST
NASSAU WAY
PADDINGTON RD
T
I
L
D
E
N
S
T
R
E
D
W
O
O
D
S
T
E SWALLOW RD
CENTER AVE
TECHNOLOGY PKWY
C
E
N
T
R
E
A
V
E
E STUART ST
WELCH ST
RESEARCH BLVD
INVERNESS RD
N TAFT HILL RD
W MULBERRY ST
S COLLEGE AVE
E PROSPECT RD
N HOWES ST
W DRAKE RD
KECHTER RD
C
O
U
N
T
R
Y
C
L
U
B
R
D
LAPORTE AVE
REMINGTON ST
W PROSPECT RD
W MOUNTAIN AVE
W LAUREL ST
N LEMAY AVE
W
E
L
I
Z
A
B
E
T
H
S
T
E MULBERRY ST
N COLLEGE AVE
TURNBERRY RD
T
E
R
R
Y
L
A
K
E
R
D
GREGORY RD
N SHIELDS ST
E HORSETOOTH RD
S HOWES ST
LINCOLN AVE
N TIMBERLINE RD
9TH ST
W TRILBY RD
E DRAKE RD
E
S
U
N
I
G
A
R
D
ZIEGLER RD
W HORSETOOTH RD
E LINCOLN AVE
S LEMAY AVE
S MASON ST
S SHIELDS ST
E DOUGLAS RD
CARPENTER RD
JOHN F KENNEDY PKWY
W HARMONY RD
S TAFT HILL RD
S TIMBERLINE RD
E
T
R
I
L
B
Y
R
D
R
I
V
E
R
S
I
D
E
A
V
E
STRAUSS CABIN RD
E HARMONY RD
RICHARDS LAKE RD
GIDDINGS RD
0 1 2 4
Miles
Source: City of Fort Collins; Larimer County; TransFort; US Census; NFRMPO
City Limit
Growth
Management
Area
LEGEND
Park
Change in employment
density from 2012-2040
(Jobs per acre)
Change in Job Density 2012 - 2040
0 to 0.25
0.25 to 0.5
0.5 to 1.0
1.0 to 2.0
2.0 or more
Figure 4 – Change in Employment Density
Fort Collins in 2040 32
DRAFT 3.15.19
Reservoir
COLORADO
STATE
UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
FOOTHILLS CAMPUS
MAX GUIDEWAY
WALNUT ST
W SWALLOW RD
C
O
N
S
T
I
T
U
T
I
O
N
A
V
E
W
H
A
L
E
R
S
W
A
Y
E ELIZABETH ST
JEROME ST
BUCKINGHAM ST
MCMURRY AVE
S
E
N
E
C
A
S
T
M
O
R
N
I
N
G
S
T
A
R
W
A
Y
Y
O
R
K
S
H
I
R
E
S
T
F
O
S
S
I
L
C
R
E
E
K
P
K
W
Y
CARRIAGE PKWY
MEADOWLARK AVE
T
H
O
R
E
A
U
R
D
CHERRY ST
S
O
U
T
H
R
I
D
G
E
G
R
E
E
N
S
B
L
V
D
COLUMBIA RD
W TROUTMAN PKWY
MANHATTAN AVE
E LAUREL ST
LINDEN ST
C
E
N
T
E
N
N
I
A
L
R
D
W
P
L
U
M
S
T
H
A
M
P
S
H
I
R
E
R
D
W
L
A
K
E
S
T
S LOOMIS AVE
W
A
B
A
S
H
S
T
WILLIAM NEAL PKWY
MATHEWS ST
W
S
T
U
A
R
T
S
T
D
U
N
B
A
R
A
V
E
P
R
O
V
I
N
C
E
R
D
Z
E
P
H
Y
R
R
D
HICKORY ST
A
V
O
N
D
A
L
E
R
D
S
T
O
V
E
R
S
T
INTERNATIONAL BLVD
C
O
N
I
F
E
R
S
T
MILES HOUSE AVE
S
T
A
N
F
O
R
D
R
D
BRITTANY ST
E
P
I
T
K
I
N
S
T
ABBOTSFORD ST
NASSAU WAY
PADDINGTON RD
T
I
L
D
E
N
S
T
R
E
D
W
O
O
D
S
T
E SWALLOW RD
CENTER AVE
TECHNOLOGY PKWY
C
E
N
T
R
E
A
V
E
E STUART ST
WELCH ST
RESEARCH BLVD
INVERNESS RD
N TAFT HILL RD
W MULBERRY ST
S COLLEGE AVE
E PROSPECT RD
N HOWES ST
W DRAKE RD
KECHTER RD
C
O
U
N
T
R
Y
C
L
U
B
R
D
LAPORTE AVE
REMINGTON ST
W PROSPECT RD
W MOUNTAIN AVE
W LAUREL ST
N LEMAY AVE
W
E
L
I
Z
A
B
E
T
H
S
T
E MULBERRY ST
N COLLEGE AVE
TURNBERRY RD
T
E
R
R
Y
L
A
K
E
R
D
GREGORY RD
N SHIELDS ST
E HORSETOOTH RD
S HOWES ST
LINCOLN AVE
N TIMBERLINE RD
9TH ST
W TRILBY RD
E DRAKE RD
E
S
U
N
I
G
A
R
D
ZIEGLER RD
W HORSETOOTH RD
E LINCOLN AVE
S LEMAY AVE
S MASON ST
S SHIELDS ST
E DOUGLAS RD
CARPENTER RD
JOHN F KENNEDY PKWY
W HARMONY RD
S TAFT HILL RD
S TIMBERLINE RD
E
T
R
I
L
B
Y
R
D
R
I
V
E
R
S
I
D
E
A
V
E
STRAUSS CABIN RD
E HARMONY RD
RICHARDS LAKE RD
GIDDINGS RD
0 1 2 4
Miles
Source: City of Fort Collins; Larimer County; TransFort; US Census; NFRMPO
City Limit
Growth
Management
Area
LEGEND
Park
Change in population
density from 2012-2040
(Residents per acre)
Change in Pop. Density 2012 - 2040
0 to 0.25
0.25 to 0.5
0.5 to 1.0
1.0 to 2.0
2.0 or more
Figure 3 – Change in Population Density
Fort Collins in 2040 30
DRAFT 3.15.19
PARK
ENGLISH
RANCH
WESTFIELD PARK
PARK TROUTMAN PARK
GOLDEN
MEADOWS PARK
LANDINGS
PARK
RIDGEVIEW
PARK
HARMONY PARK
MIRAMONT PARK
TWIN SILO
COMMUNITY
PARK
FOSSIL
CREEK
COMMUNITY PARK
SOUTHRIDGE
GOLF COURSE
RADIANT
PARK
REGISTRY PARK
HOMESTEAD
PARK
COTTONWOOD
GLEN PARK
WATER'S
WAY
PARK
CRESCENT
PARK
ARCHERY RANGE
¦¨§25
¦¨§25
¦¨§25
¦¨§25
¦¨§25
¤£287
¤£287
«¬14
«¬1
«¬392
W HORSETOOTH RD
V
E
RM
O
NT
DR
S LINK LN
S
SUMMIT VIE
W
DR
W
H
E
AT
O
N
DR
S
T
I
MBE
R
LI
N
E RD
C
O
R
B
E
TT
D
R
W
T
ROUTMA
N
PKWY
LA
D
Y
M
O
O
N
DR
S
N
O
W
M
ES
A
DR
E STUART ST
N HOWES ST
W LAUREL ST
A
UT
U
M
N R
I
D
G
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R
TI
C
O
N
D
ER
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D
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C
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S
T
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T
UTIO
N
A
V
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W
H
A
L
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R
S
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RI
A
N
G
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D
R
W WILLOX LN
LITTLE
JOHN LN
JE
R
O
M
E
ST
P
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NDE
R
O
SA DR
W VINE DR
BUCKINGHAM ST
COUNTRY CLUB RD
MAPLE HILL DR
T
I
L
D
E
N
S
T
E
SW
A
LLOW R
D
E ELIZABETH ST
G
RE
E
NFIE
LDS
D
R
S
EN
E
C
A S
T
C
O
L
O
N
Y
D
R
E PITKIN ST
CINQUEFOIL LN
H
I
G
H
C
A
S
T
LE
D
R
MORNINGSTAR
WAY
CUSTER DR
Y
O
R
K
S
H
I
R
E
S
T
RICHARDS LAKE RD
REMI
NGTO
N ST
W MOUNTAIN AVE
E WILLOX
L
N
BAR HARBOR DR
FO
S
S
I
L
CREE
K
PKWY
C
A
RRI
A
G
E
P
K
W
Y
K
EEN
L
AND
D
R
S
T
ETS
O
N
C
RE
E
K
D
R
ME
A
D
O
W
L
A
R
K
AVE
TRUXTUN DR
THORE
A
U
RD
R
IG
D
EN P
K
W
Y
N MASON ST
CHERRY ST
RE
D
M
O
U
NTAIN
D
R
B
R
I
TT
A
N
Y
D
R
NA
N
CY
G
R
A
Y
A
V
E
MCHUGH
ST
S
O
U
T
H
R
I
D
GE
G
REE
N
S
B
L
V
D
COLUMBIA
R
D
W
P
R
O
S
PEC
T
RD
H
INSD
A
LE
D
R
LAPORTE AVE
MA
NH
A
TT
A
N
A
V
E
L
OC
H
W
O
O
D
D
R
C
E
N
TE
N
N
I
A
L R
D
W PLUM ST
GARGANEY DR
ST
A
R
F
L
O
W
ER
D
R
S LOOMIS AVE
WABAS
H
S
T
W
I
L
LI
A
M N
E
AL
PKWY
B
R
IGH
T
W
ATER DR
B
OA
R
DWALK DR
PROVI
N
CE
R
D
D
U
N
B
A
R
A
V
E
N LEMAY AVE
W SWALLOW RD
ZEP
H
YR RD
W ELIZA
B
ETH ST
HICKORY ST
ROC
K CREEK
D
R
B
O
N
H
O
M
M
E
R
I
C
H
AR
D
DR
KI
N
G
S
L
E
Y
D
R
STOVE
R
S
T
E COUNTY ROAD 50
MOUNTAIN VISTA DR
AVO
N
D
A
L
E
R
D
OA
K
RI
D
G
E
D
R
H
A
M
P
S
HI
R
E
R
D
W
A
T
E
R
GL
EN
D
R
SYKES DR
I
N
TE
R
N
A
TI
O
NA
L
B
LVD
CONIFER ST
MILES
H
OUSE A
V
E
ST
A
NF
O
RD RD
W DRA
K
E RD
SPRING
PARK DR
ABBOTSF
O
RD
ST
T
IMB
E
R
CR
EE
K
D
R
E COUNTY ROAD 38
RIV
E
RSID
E
A
V
E
M
C
CLELLAN
D DR
W LAKE ST
W
S
T
UAR
T
S
T
GREG
O
RY R
D
E HORSETOOTH RD
E SKYWAY DR
E MULBERRY ST
N SHIELDS ST
P
A
DD
I
NGTON
RD
N TIMBERLINE RD
ZIEGLER RD
COUNTY ROAD 54G
W HARMONY RD
W DOUGLAS RD
S HOWES ST
KECHTER RD
R
E
D
W
O
O
D ST
S COLLEGE AVE
THOREAU DR
W MULBERRY ST
LINDEN ST
S O
V
ERLAND
TRL
9TH ST
MID
P
OINT
D
R
DO
N
ELLA
C
T
CENTER
AVE
MAIN ST
E PROSPECT RD
W TRIL
BY RD
PARK
W
O
O
D
DR
E
LI
N
COLN A
VE
TECHNOLOGY
PKWY
S
MA
S
O
N S
T
CE
N
TR
E
AV
E
PROSPECT
PARK WAY
E HARMO
N
Y RD
TIMBERWOOD
DR
E MO
N
R
O
E DR
S COU
N
TY R
O
A
D 1
3
TER
R
Y
L
A
K
E RD
S L
EM
A
Y AV
E
E
T
ROUTMAN
PKWY
E DRAKE RD
JO
HN F K
E
NNEDY PK
W
Y
N COLLEGE AVE
E S
U
NIGA RD
BUSC
H
D
R
S COUNTY ROAD 11
E VINE
DR
COUNTY ROAD 42C
CARPENTER RD
S COU
N
TY ROAD 5
S COUNTY
ROAD 7
E TRILBY RD
RE
S
EARC
H
B
LVD
N COUNTY ROAD 17
E COUNTY ROAD 48
N COUNTY
ROAD 19
INVERNESS RD
STR
A
USS
CAB
I
N RD
S TAFT HILL RD
E COUNTY ROA
D
30
N US HIGHWAY 287
N TAFT
HILL R
D
E COUNTY ROAD 52
E COUNTY ROAD 54
E DOUGLAS RD
S COUNTY ROAD 19
N COUNTY ROAD 5
GIDDINGS RD
N COUNTY ROAD 9
S COUNTY ROAD 9
STATE HIGHWAY 392
S SHIELDS ST
N OVER
LAND T
R
L
W COU
N
T
Y ROA
D
3
8
E
S
C
E
N
T
EN
N
I
A
L
D
R
E MOUNTAIN AVE
Muskrat D
i
tch
Lindenm
e
ier
O
utlet
Richar
d
s Lake Inlet
B
u
r
n
s
T
r
i
b
u
t
a
r
y
Coll
e
ge Lak
e
Inlet
Jackson Di
t
c
h
Smith Cr
e
ek
D
ixon
C
reek
Sta
n
ton
C
reek
Stone
C
reek
M
ail Cre
e
k
Trilby
Lateral
L
a
n
g
G
u
l
c
h
F
oothills Ch
ann
e
l
Coy
D
itch
Coo
p
er Slo
u
gh
Terry Lake Inle
t
F
o
ssil Creek
Spring Cr
e
ek
A
rthur Di
t
ch
Little
C
ache la P
o
u
d
r
e Dit
c
h
Cache la Poudr
e
Re
s
Inl
e
t
Di
x
o
n
Cana
l
Boxelder Ditch
F
o
s
sil Creek
Re
s
ervoir Outlet
She
r
wood Later
a
l
M
cClellands Cre
e
k
N
o 8 Outl
e
t
D
ix
on Canyon Lateral
Fossil Creek Reserv
o
ir Inlet
N
ew
M
ercer
D
itch
Mail Creek Ditch
New Mercer Ca
n
al
Pl
e
asant
V
alley and
Lake Canal
Larime
r Cou
n
ty C
a
nal No
2
Terry Lake
Richard's
Lake
Horsetooth
Reservoir
Long Pond
Claymore
Lake
Harmony
Reservoir
Sheldon Lake
College Lake
Lindenmeier
Lake
Larimer
and Weld
Canal
Lee Lake
Robert
Benson
Lake
Warren Lake
Duck
Lake
Portner
Reservoir
Parkwood
Lake
Dixon
Reservoir
Lake
Sherwood
Fossil Creek
Reservoir
Kitchel
Lake
Donath
Lake
Fossil
Creek Reservoir
Outlet
Rigden
Reservoir
North Gray
Reservoir
South
Gray
Reservoir
Trappers Lake
Baker
Lake
Nelson
Reservoir
COLORADO
STATE
UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
FOOTHILLS CAMPUS
TIMNATH
LOVELAND
WINDSOR
CITY FORT COLLINS PLAN
Structure Plan Map PLANNING OUR FUTURE. TOGETHER.
Source: City of Fort Collins; Larimer County
Map Prepared: November 2018 0 1.25 2.5 5
N Miles
RAFT: 2/12/
PLACE TYPES
Districts Neighborhoods
Other
BOUNDARIES
Downtown District
Urban Mixed-Use District
Suburban Mixed-Use District
Rural Neighborhood
Suburban Neighborhood
Mixed Neighborhood
Parks and Natural/Protected Lands
Community Separator
Campus District
Neighborhood Mixed-Use District
Mixed Employment District
Research & Development/Flex District
Industrial District
City Limits
Growth Management
Area (GMA)
Adjacent Planning Areas
Figure 2 – Structure Plan Map from City Plan
DRAFT 3.15.19
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Passengers per Revenue Hour
Transfort Productivity by Route
Fort Collins, 2016
Fort Collins, 2018
DRAFT 3.15.19
» Sunday/holiday service expansion in 2017
1,545,670
4,600,000
0
500,000
2017
2018
1,000,000
1,500,000
2,000,000
2,500,000
3,000,000
3,500,000
4,000,000
4,500,000
Transfort Annual Ridership
Fort Collins, 2000-2018
MAX Began
IMPACT OF MAX
The addition of MAX, which was
Fort Collins’s first BRT route,
was a main driver in the rapid
increase in ridership from 2013-
2017. The frequency and reliability
of the service, achieved through
a primarily dedicated right-of-
way, as well as its route alignment
serving key activity centers
(including downtown, CSU, South
Fort Collins, and the College
Avenue corridor) has attracted
many new transit riders and
positively changed the perception
of transit for many residents of
Fort Collins. 3Revenue service hours includes the numbers of hours every bus is operating in
service.
DRAFT 3.15.19
COLORADO
STATE
UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
FOOTHILLS CAMPUS
25
25
25
MAX GUIDEWAY
W
T
R
O
UT
M
A
N
P
K
W
Y
W SWALLOW RD
E STUART ST
E LAUREL ST
C
O
N
S
T
I
T
U
T
I
O
N
A
V
E
J
E
R
O
M
E
S
T
T
I
L
D
E
N
S
T
E ELIZABETH ST
MCMURRY AVE
S
E
N
E
C
A
S
T
E
P
IT
K
I
N
S
T
MORNINGSTAR WAY
Y
O
R
K
S
H
I
R
E
S
T
F
O
S
S
I
L
C
R
E
E
K
P
K
W
Y
CARRIAGE PKWY
M
E
A
D
O
W
L
A
R
K
A
V
E
T
H
O
R
E
A
U
R
D
RIGDEN PKWY
CHERRY ST
NANCY GRAY AVE
L
I
N
D
E
N
S
T
SOUTHRIDGE GREENS BLVD
C
O
L
U
M
B
I
A
R
D
C
E
N
T
E
N
N
I
A
L
R
D
W
P
L
U
M
S
T
S LOOMIS AVE
W
A
B
A
S
H
S
T
WILLIAM NEAL PKWY
MATHEWS ST
D
U
N
B
A
R
A
V
E
P
R
O
VI
N
C
E
R
D
Z
E
P
H
Y
R
R
D
HI
C
K
O
R
Y
ST
A
V
O
N
D
A
L
E
R
D
H
A
M
P
S
H
I
R
E
R
D
STOVER ST
INTERNATIONAL BLVD
C
O
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I
F
E
R
S
T
MILES HOUSE AVE
S
T
A
N
F
O
R
D
R
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BRITTANY ST
ABBOTSFORD ST
NASSAU WAY
W LAKE ST
W
S
T
U
A
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S
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PADDINGTON RD
R
E
D
W
O
O
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S
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E SWALLOW RD
CENTER AVE
TECHNOLOGY PKWY
C
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A
V
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W
I
L
L
O
W
S
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WELCH ST
RESEARCH BLVD
INVERNESS RD
W HORSETOOTH RD
N TAFT HILL RD
S TIMBERLINE RD
ST
RA
US
S
CA
BI
N
RD
E PROSPECT RD
N HOWES ST
W LAUREL ST
W DRAKE RD
KECHTER RD
COUNTRY CLUB RD
R
E
M
I
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G
T
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S
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W MOUNTAIN AVE
E
M
U
L
B
E
R
R
Y
S
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W PROSPECT RD
LAPORTE AVE
J
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F
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N
B
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R
R
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S TAFT HILL RD
N LEMAY AVE
W ELIZABETH ST
N TIMBERLINE RD
N COLLEGE AVE
S COLLEGE AVE
T
E
R
R
Y
L
A
K
E
R
D
GREGORY RD
N SHIELDS ST
S HOWES ST
W HARMONY RD
W MULBERRY ST
9TH ST
E HORSETOOTH RD
W TRILBY RD
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S
U
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A
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D
E LINCOLN AVE
S SHIELDS ST
E DOUGLAS RD
J
O
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P
K
W
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S LEMAY AVE
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T
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B
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S MASON ST
E DRAKE RD
ZIEGLER RD
CARPENTER RD
RIVERSIDE AVE
RICHARDS LAKE RD
GIDDINGS RD
Existing Transit
Source: 0 0.75 1.5 3
Miles
Regional Service
Bus Rapid Transit
High Frequency Service
(15 min all day)
Local Service
(30 min all day)
Local Service
(30 min peak/
60 min off peak)
Local Service
(60 min all day)
!b Transit Center/
Mobility Hub
!( Park-and-Ride
City Limit
Growth
Management Area
Park
Figure 1 – Existing Transit
Existing Service 12
DRAFT 3.15.19
MASTER
PLAN
Relation to Other Plans
The Fort Collins Transit Master Plan was
developed in close coordination with City
Plan and the Transportation Master Plan. The
Transit Master Plan supports and advances
the City’s larger land use, transportation,
economic development, environmental, and
equity goals. The chart on the following page
shows the relationship of the Transit Master
Plan to other major plans in Fort Collins.
DRAFT 3.15.19
at a early age through Safe Routes to Schools
programs.
DRAFT 3.15.19
IN 2018.
DRAFT 3.15.19
City of Fort Collins Communications & Public
Involvement Office
City Manager & Executive Lead Team
Colorado State University
CSU - Center for Public Deliberation
Haley Blonsley
Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce
Front Range Community College
L’Ancla
Larimer County Planning Department
Larimer County Built Environment Team
Maura Velazquez-Castillo (Translation)
Poudre School District
CONSULTANT TEAM
Fehr & Peers
Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates
Clarion Associates
Economic & Planning Systems
The development of this Transit Master Plan would not have been possible without the work and ideas
from thousands of individuals – community members, elected officials, City staff, consultants, and many
more. While we recognize the special efforts of the individuals and groups below, we wish to thank
everyone who participated and contributed to this effort.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Other Partners
City Plan Ambassadors
City of Fort Collins Board & Commissions
City of Fort Collins Communications & Public
Involvement Office
City Manager & Executive Lead Team
Colorado State University
CSU - Center for Public Deliberation
Haley Blonsley
Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce
Front Range Community College
L’Ancla
Larimer County Planning Department
Larimer County Built Environment Team
Maura Velazquez-Castillo (Translation)
Poudre School District
Consultant Team
Clarion Associates
Fehr & Peers
Nelson\Nygaard
Economic & Planning Systems
MIG, Inc.
WSP
246 07 | APPENDIX - ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
DRAFT 3.15.19
Short-
Term
Staff time
DRAFT 3.15.19
Strategy HI-1e. Lead by example through implementation
of the 2019 Municipal Sustainability and Adaptation Plan.
Update every five years.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: All departments
Ongoing Staff time
Principle HI 2: Support an active, educated, and engaged community.
Strategy HI-2a. Incorporate a stronger focus on social
equity and underserved populations as part of outreach and
volunteer initiatives.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Planning,
Development &
Transportation; Community
Services
Ongoing Staff time
HIGH PERFORMING COMMUNITY
DRAFT 3.15.19
& Transportation
Partners: Police Services,
Information & Employee
Services
Near-term Staff time,
general
fund,
outside
support
Strategy T-10f. Strengthen partnership with Police Services
for data sharing, incident management, enforcement, etc.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Police Services,
Information & Employee
Services
Near-term Staff time,
general
fund,
outside
support
Strategy T-10g. Identify a High Injury Network and prioritize
investments along this network and at high crash/injury
intersections.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Police Services
Long-
term;
ongoing
Staff time,
outside
support
Strategy T-10h. Continued implementation of intersection
improvement projects.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Long-
term;
ongoing
Staff time,
general
fund,
outside
support
Strategy T-10i. Continue to contribute towards state and
federal safety efforts
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Long-
term;
ongoing
Staff time,
outside
support
Strategy T-10j. Develop a series of safety related policies
within the City to help consistently guide project selection,
design, implementation, operations and maintenance.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners:
Long-
term;
ongoing
Staff time,
outside
support,
outside
funding
DRAFT 3.15.19
Principle T 9: Transportation systems support a healthy and equitable community.
Strategy T-9a. Develop an equity scoring process to
proposed transportation projects in order to prioritize
projects in disadvantaged communities and for individuals
with disabilities.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Near-term Staff time,
general
fund
Strategy T-9b. Prepare a strategic plan for ensuring zero-
vehicle households have access to reliable and comfortable
multimodal transportation options.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Near-term Staff time,
general
fund
Strategy T-9c. Deploy new transportation infrastructure (like
shared-use electric vehicles) in historically marginalized and
under-resourced communities.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Near-term Staff time,
general
fund
Strategy T 9d. Coordinate with the Social Sustainability
Department to identify issues discussed in the 2014 Fort
Collins Social Sustainability Gaps Analysis that could be
addressed through improvements to the transportation
network.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Near-term Staff time,
general
fund
Strategy T 9e. Adopt utilization of the Transportation Air
Quality Tool for city planning projects to quantify GHG.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy T-9f. Continue to explore opportunities to work
with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and other
stakeholders to create a healthy community that mitigates
the impacts of freight noise as much as possible.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services, FRA
Near-term Staff time
Strategy T-9g. Prioritize bicycle and pedestrian safety
infrastructure investments in historically marginalized and
under-resourced communities and for individuals with
disabilities.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Ongoing Staff time,
general
fund
DRAFT 3.15.19
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Near-term Staff time,
general
fund,
regional
resources
Strategy T-8d. Prepare a road diet strategic plan. Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Near-term Staff time
Strategy T-8f. Update performance measures, expanding
beyond travel time. Instead of travel time, consider using
travel delay, also measuring the duration of the peak period
of delay.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Near-term Staff time
Strategy T-8g. Put in place a Work Area Traffic Control
plan to ensure safe travel conditions for the public during
emergencies when unexpected occurrences cause roadway
safety hazards.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy T-8h. Implement a Transportation Demand
Management evaluation and monitoring program that is tied
to adoption of transportation demand management (TDM)
strategies; use this program to track how effective the use
of TDM strategies is on shifting travel behavior (measured
in the form of vehicle miles traveled (VMT), single occupant
vehicles (SOV) or average daily traffic (ADT).
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Near-
term;
ongoing
Staff time,
outside
support
Strategy T-8i. Expand travel time tracking to additional
arterials or city wide. Consider complementing or replacing
the Bluetooth data collection technology with big data
sources.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Near-
term;
ongoing
Staff time,
general
funding,
outside
support
Strategy T-8j. Establish policies and seek authority to
develop and implement congestion pricing.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services, Financial Services
Long-
term
Staff time,
regional
collaboration
DRAFT 3.15.19
Near-term Staff time,
outside
support,
CIP, general
fund
Strategy T-6b. Implement the Bicycle Network Vision,
prioritizing key gaps in the low stress network.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Near-term
to Long-
term
Staff time,
CIP, general
fund
Strategy T-6c. Prioritize the implementation of bicycle
facilities around high frequency transit stops, stations and
Mobility Hubs.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Near-term
to Long-
term
Staff time,
CIP, general
fund
Strategy T-6d. Implement additional bicycle safety
education and enforcement programs for people of all ages,
including expanding Safe Routes to School, awareness of
traffic laws and share the road campaigns.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services, Information &
Employee Services, Police
Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy T-6e. Implement the 2015 Bicycle Wayfinding
Master Plan.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Ongoing Staff time
Principle T 7: Walking is a safe, easy, and convenient travel option supported by a connected network of
sidewalks, paths, and trails.
Strategy T-7a. Update the 2011 Pedestrian Plan in 2020 or
2021.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Near-term Staff time,
outside
support,
CIP, general
fund
Strategy T-7b. Maintain a GIS inventory of pedestrian
facilities including: sidewalk presence, width and condition;
buffer presence, width and type and ADA compliance.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Information &
Employee Services
Near-
term,
Ongoing
Staff time,
outside
support
Strategy T-7c. Implement and upgrade sidewalks to meet
design standards to address missing gaps in the pedestrian
network; prioritize locations that provide connections
between cul-de-sacs, to transit stops, schools, other
key destinations and key areas that serve the disability
community.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Long-
term
Staff time,
CIP, general
fund
DRAFT 3.15.19
Strategy T 4f. Support the Colorado Department of
Transportation (CDOT) in planning, development and
implementation of intercity transit service, including intercity
passenger rail to Fort Collins and expansion of Bustang.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: CDOT
Ongoing Staff time,
outside
funds,
regional
collaboration
Strategy T 4g. Continue collaboration with CSU to
implement transit and mobility enhancements.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: CSU
Ongoing Staff time,
regional
collaboration,
general fund
Principle T 5: Transit is a safe, affordable, and convenient travel option for people of all ages and
abilities
Strategy T-5a. Add BRT/Rapid Bus service to the West
Elizabeth Street Corridor.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Near-term Staff time,
general
fund, CIP,
outside
funds
Strategy T-5b. Conduct a funding study to identify long
term, dedicated funds to grow and improve the transit
system in phases over time.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Financial Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy T-5c. Update service standards, metrics and
performance criteria to match the new services outlined
in the Transit Master Plan. Regularly evaluate progress and
inform future actions.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Near-term Staff time
Strategy T-5d. Seek funding and develop a plan to expand
the maintenance facility to accommodate a larger transit
fleet.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Financial Services
Near-term Staff time,
CIP, general
fund,
outside
funds
Strategy T-5e. Add BRT/Rapid Bus service to the North
College Corridor as land use densifies along the corridor.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Long-
term
Staff time,
general
fund, CIP,
outside
funds
DRAFT 3.15.19
Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy T-3h. Continue to facilitate and support
opportunities for car share and electric vehicles through
incentives such as priority parking and EV charging stations.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Near-
term;
ongoing
Staff time,
outside
support
Strategy T-3i. Support the purchase of electric vehicles
by revising building codes to incorporate EV charging,
adjusting utility rate structures and increasing access to
renewable electricity.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Near-term
to Long-
term
Staff time
Strategy T-3j. Regulate autonomous vehicles to ensure
they are in line with the City’s vision and goals stated in the
Climate Action Plan. Prioritize autonomous vehicles (AVs)
that are electricity-powered, shared or operated as a fleet.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Long-
term
Staff time,
outside
support,
regional
collaboration
Strategy T-3k. Update design standards, municipal codes
and operational strategies to support and manage new and
emerging transportation options (i.e. vehicles, neighborhood
electric vehicles, electric assist bicycles, e-scooters,
longboard, etc.).
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Long-
term
Staff time,
outside
support
Strategy T-3l. Support the use of electric vehicles by
encouraging use of EVs for ride-hailing and carsharing,
upgrading electricity distribution infrastructure to
accommodate increased demand from EVs, and pursuing
emerging technologies that will further support the
adoption of EVs like wireless charging and battery recycling.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Long-
term
Staff time
Strategy T-3n. Invest in technological improvements
and investment in traffic operations such as connected
infrastructure, coordinated signals, etc.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Ongoing Staff time,
general
fund, CIP,
outside
funds
DRAFT 3.15.19
& Transportation
Partners: Financial Services
Ongoing Staff time
Principle T 3: Lead transportation innovation by exploring and utilizing emerging and transformative
systems and technologies.
Strategy T-3a. Form a committee that ensures regulation
and infrastructure associated with autonomous and
connected vehicles considers safety, equity, land use
impacts, transit access and fleets, Complete Streets, and
data management.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Near-term Staff time
TRANSPORTATION
DRAFT 3.15.19
Transportation
Ongoing Staff time;
General
Fund
Strategy SC-4c. Integrate access to nature considerations
into the development review process for both greenfield and
infill/redevelopment.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Utility Services;
Sustainability Services;
Planning, Development, &
Transportation
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy SC-4d. Partner with local and regional agencies
and organizations to support community gardens, food
processing and distribution centers, and farmers markets.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Larimer County,
CSU, local food producers
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy SC-4e. Continue to explore new opportunities to
partner on acquiring and managing various open lands for
multiple uses (e.g., natural areas, recreation, stormwater,
trails, agriculture/food production, etc.).
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Utility Services;
Sustainability Services;
Planning, Development &
Transportation
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy SC-4f. Support the development of a year-round
community marketplace to increase access to healthy foods
and expand opportunities for local food growers.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation,
Sustainability Services
Partners: Local and regional
producers & organizations
Ongoing Staff Time,
USDA
Local Food
Program
Grants
Strategy SC-4g. Consider new incentives, programs, or
positions to help facilitate and monitor urban agriculture
and access to local food within the broader region, such as
partnering with Larimer County, Colorado State University,
and other stakeholders to fund and create a regional food
coordinator position.
Lead: Sustainability Services,
Larimer County, CSU
Partners: Local food
producers and distributors
Ongoing Staff time;
State &
Federal Local
Food Grants;
General Fund
DRAFT 3.15.19
Regional
collaboration/
resources
Strategy SC-2b. Complete a Wireless Communications
Plan and implement targeted Land Use Code amendments
that address the design, location, and required process for
constructing for wireless telecommunication facilities.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Poudre Fire
Authority Staff, Police
Services, Office of Emergency
Management
Near-term Staff time
Strategy SC-2c. Continue to explore long-term funding
options to maintain the levels of service expected for police,
fire, and emergency management services and to implement
the recommendations of the Police Executive Research
Forum (PERF) regarding staffing levels needed to maintain
current levels of service.
Lead: Police Services
Partners: Poudre Fire
Authority Staff
Ongoing Staff time
SAFE COMMUNITY
DRAFT 3.15.19
Lead: Community Services,
Sustainability Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Ongoing Staff time,
General
Fund,
Water
Fund
Principle ENV 7: Manage the Poudre River’s diverse resources and functions to create a sustainable river
ecosystem.
Strategy ENV-7a. Update the 2016 State of the Poudre
River Assessment to assess progress toward a “B” grade for
river health and identify specific opportunities to preserve
or enhance the river’s health.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Utility Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy ENV-7b. Maintain a natural area protection buffer
along both banks of the Poudre River to protect natural
features and scenic qualities and to account for the natural
instability of the River channel.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Sustainability Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-7c. Seek opportunities to perform restoration
and enhancement projects to reconnect the river to
its floodplain, reduce fragmentation of habitat, protect
instream flows, and create/restore/maintain wetlands.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Engineering, Planning,
Stormwater, Parks
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-7d. Engage in regional projects and
collaborative initiatives to positively influence watershed
and river health and sustain critical ecological services
provided by the Poudre River.
Lead: Community Services,
Sustainability Services
Partners: Utility Services
Ongoing Staff time,
General
Fund,
Water
Fund
DRAFT 3.15.19
Strategy ENV-5e. Update City building, municipal, and land
use codes to include effective environmental and resource
conservation provisions that help promote waste reduction,
recycling, efficient resource use, and the application of
compost to soils.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation,
Utility Services, Customer
Connections Department,
Regional Wasteshed partners
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-5f. Explore opportunities for deriving
energy from waste using low-emissions technology, after
recyclable, compostable and reusable materials have been
recovered.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: City Council, Platte
River Power Authority, Utility
Services Water Reclamation
and Biosolids Division, Regional
Wasteshed partners
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-5g. Continue to coordinate with regional
partners to increase local infrastructure and improve
market conditions for recycling, composting and reuse
industries.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Private businesses,
non-profit groups, CSU, Poudre
School District, and Regional
Wasteshed partners.
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-5h. Support state and federal efforts to
establish producer responsibility systems that encourage
manufacturers to invest in ways to reduce the lifecycle
impacts of their products or to create options for “taking
back” items such as electronics and household cleaning
items that impact public health and the environment.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Larimer County, State
of Colorado
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-5i. Expand efforts to consider impacts of
goods and food on the climate and human health through
lifecycle assessment of materials handling decisions and
processes, including upstream impacts, intergenerational
and international effects.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Larimer County, State
of Colorado
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-5j. Update the Road to Zero Waste Plan. Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Various City
Departments, City Council
Near Term Staff time,
General
Fund
DRAFT 3.15.19
Ongoing General
Fund,
Outside
Support/
Funding
Strategy ENV-4d. Support reductions in oil and gas
production and development related emissions, update the
local Operator’s Agreement, and collaborate regionally on
strategies to reduce emissions.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Colorado Oil and
Gas Conservation Commission,
Colorado Department of Public
Health and Environment, local
oil and gas operators
Near-
term and
ongoing
Staff time
Strategy ENV-4e. Implement programs designed to inform
residents about potential indoor air quality concerns
and mitigation opportunities, through programs such as
the volunteer based Healthy Homes Indoor air quality
assessments, radon awareness, testing and mitigation, and
energy efficiency programs.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Utility Services,
Colorado Department of Public
Health and the Environment,
Larimer County Public Health,
Colorado State University
Ongoing Staff and
volunteer
time, General
Fund, Outside
Support/
Funding
Strategy ENV-4f. Develop and implement effective,
enforceable air quality policies and regulations at the local
level, where local regulations make sense to augment any
Federal, State or County regulations.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-4g. Support implementation and expansion
of the air quality monitoring network to track and report on
air quality indicators.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Environmental
Protection Agency, Colorado
Department of Public Health
and Environment, Colorado
State University
Near-
term,
long-
term, and
ongoing
Staff time,
CDPHE
monitoring
network,
equipment
procurement
and
maintenance
Strategy ENV-4h. Implement programs for adaption to
potential air quality impacts from climate change impacts,
such as increased risk of smoke from wildland fires.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Utility Services,
Colorado Department of Public
Health and the Environment,
Larimer County Public Health
Near-term Staff time,
General
Fund
DRAFT 3.15.19
Outside
Support/
Funding
Strategy ENV-2e. Support the development and
implementation of advanced building and zoning codes
with special emphasis on energy efficiency in existing
building stock, and transit supportive densities in priority
locations.
Lead: Planning, Development &
Transportation, Utility Services
Partners: Sustainability Services
Near-term Staff time,
Public-
Private
Partnerships
Strategy ENV-2f. Collaborate with regional, state, and
national peers and partners to advance carbon reduction
and preparedness initiatives.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: City Council, Various
City Departments
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-2g. Continue to implement programs
that reduce community and municipal greenhouse gas
emissions.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: All departments
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-2h. Continue responsible climate planning
and progress reporting across City departments, reporting
annually on community’s progress toward adopted
community carbon and 100% renewable electricity goals.
Lead: Sustainability Services,
Utility Services
Partners: City Council, Platte
River Power Authority, Various
City Departments
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-2i. Update the Environmental Services
Strategic Plan
Lead: Sustainability Services,
Utility Services
Partners: Utility Services,
Planning, Development &
Transportation
Short-
term
Staff Time
Principle ENV 3: Transition from fossil to renewable energy systems.
Strategy ENV-3a. Establish and incentivize a long-term
financing mechanism, such as or utility on-bill financing
to enable Colorado C-PACE , solar, storage and energy
efficiency projects.
Lead: Sustainability Services,
Utility Services
Partners: Financial Services,
Sustainability Services, City
Council
Near-term Staff time
Strategy ENV-3b. Consider updates to the City’s building
energy codes to transition toward zero energy ready and
subsequently zero net carbon requirements.
Lead: Planning, Development &
Transportation, Utility Services
Partners: Sustainability Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy ENV-3c. Develop and provide options for
buildings to access off-site renewable energy.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Near-term Staff time
1 Colorado C-PACE is a financing tool that allows commercial and multifamily property owners to finance qualifying energy efficiency,
water conservation, and other clean energy improvements on existing and newly constructed properties, with repayment of the financing
through a voluntary assessment on their property tax bill.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-1h. Actively work with partners at all levels
to acquire open lands, natural areas, and conservation
easements create community separators, and/or help
connect fragmented natural systems in the City.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Local, regional, state,
and federal agencies, as well as
private entities
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy ENV-1i. Manage natural areas and suitable open
lands for biological diversity. Restore degraded lands and
manage habitat to support native vegetation and wildlife.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Sustainability,
Services, Planning,
Development & Transportation
Ongoing Staff time
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
DRAFT 3.15.19
» Old Fort Collins Airport
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Ongoing Outside
Support/
Funding
Strategy EH-4b. Update subarea plans and/or develop
strategic investment plans in priority employment areas
including;
» Harmony Corridor
» Mulberry Corridor
» I-25 Interchange area
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Long-term Staff time
ECONOMIC HEALTH
DRAFT 3.15.19
parks and recreational facility programs and priorities.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy CR-3c. Continue to expand the number
playground facilities that are ADA compliant.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: City Council
Ongoing General
Fund
Strategy CR-3d. Continue to support the development of
community and neighborhood parks in accordance with
the Parks and Recreation Policy Plan, as adopted.
Lead: Community Services
Partners: City Council
Ongoing General
Fund
CULTURE AND RECREATION
DRAFT 3.15.19
Support
Funding
Strategy LIV-8f. Continue to fund and lead coordination
of seasonal overflow shelter, emergency shelter
activation services, connection to and services for people
experiencing homelessness.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: City Council, partner
agencies, area businesses,
volunteers, CSU social work
department, and others
Ongoing General
Fund,
Outside
Support
Funding
Strategy LIV-8g. Continue to fund and collaborate with
community partners to provide outreach and connection
to supportive services and pathways to long-term housing
solutions.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: City Council, partner
agencies, area businesses,
volunteers, CSU social work
department, and others
Ongoing General
Fund,
Outside
Support
Funding
Strategy LIV-8h. Continue to build internal capacity and
partnerships to support Restorative Justice and Mediation
programs.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Police Services,
Larimer County
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy LIV-8i. Support or collaborate with Larimer
County on Mental Health Matters Initiative in order to
better address mental health and substance use disorders
in our community
Lead: Larimer County
Partners: Sustainability
Services, Police, PFA,
Municipal Court
Ongoing Staff time
Principle LIV 9: Encourage development that reduces impacts on natural ecosystems and promotes
sustainability and resilience.
Strategy LIV-9a. Continue to advance 2018-2022 Green
Building Program Priorities.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Utility Services,
Information & Employee
Services, Sustainability Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy LIV-9b. Maintain and continue to expand Green
Building resources that can help building owners, facility
managers, tenants, and others building green and improve
their buildings.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Utility Services,
Information & Employee
Services, Sustainability Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy LIV-9c. Monitor and periodically update building
codes to advance sustainability in the built environment,
focusing on the steady progression of standards and best
practices, as well as an emphasis on addressing future risks
and conditions, not present conditions.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Utility Services,
Sustainability Services
Ongoing Staff time
DRAFT 3.15.19
Support/
Funding
Principle LIV 7: Promote a more inclusive and equitable community that encourages and celebrates
diversity.
Strategy LIV-7a. Continue to use and update the Social
Sustainability Strategic Plan as a way to prioritize available
resources and advance specific initiatives. Review and
update the plan as needed.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: All departments
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy LIV-7b. Create an Equity Report and Strategic
Plan to guide and support the City’s efforts around
diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: All departments
Near-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-7c. Continue to cultivate relationships with
and build trust among Fort Collins’ immigrant communities
through the implementation of recommendations outlined
in the 2018 Community Trust Report.
Lead: Sustainability Services &
City Manager’s Office
Partners: Police Services,
Information & Employee
Services
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy LIV-7d. Continue to expand language resources
throughout the City organization through training,
interpretation, and certified translation services.
Lead: Sustainability Services,
Information & Employee
Services
Partners: All departments
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy LIV-7e. Continue to offer staff trainings on
unconscious bias, privilege, being an ally, and other
applicable equity trainings.
Lead: Sustainability Services,
Information & Employee
Services
Partners: All departments
Ongoing Staff time
Strategy LIV-7f. Continue to support the efforts of the City
of Fort Collins Equity and Inclusion Team and established
subcommittees as a resource within the City organization
on issues related to equity and inclusion.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: All departments
Ongoing Staff time,
General
Fund
Strategy LIV-7g. Develop updated metrics for monitoring
equity and inclusion in the City organization and
community wide.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: All departments
Near-term Staff time,
General
Fund
DRAFT 3.15.19
Strategy LIV-5a. Conduct an evaluation and community
dialogue with existing neighborhoods to determine
the feasibility of expanding allowances for attached/
detached accessory dwelling units, duplexes, or other
housing options. Consider factors such as lot size, age and
condition of existing housing stock, proximity to services
and amenities, and level of community support.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Near-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-5b. Update development standards to require
or encourage the inclusion of a greater diversity of housing
product types.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Short-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-5c. Update acquisition and disposition
strategies for the Affordable Housing Land Bank Program
and incorporate into the next update of the Affordable
Housing Strategic Plan.
Lead: Sustainability Services,
Planning, Development &
Transportation
Short-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-5d. Develop parameters for the expanded
use of public financing tools (specifically metro districts)
for residential projects that provide a greater diversity of
housing and affordable housing.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Short-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-5e. Review and update density requirements
in residential zoning districts to encourage additional
housing options in new development.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Short-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-5f. Complete a study of involuntary
displacement within Fort Collins to understand driving
forces and identify strategies for addressing displacement
including addressing the role of manufactured housing.
Develop tracking measures for involuntary displacement
within the study.
Lead: Sustainability Services
Partners: Planning,
Development & Transportation
Short-term Staff time,
General
Fund
DRAFT 3.15.19
overlay to align with the updated Structure Plan,
Transportation Master Plan and Transit Master Plan. As part
of that effort, recalibrate existing regulatory incentives to
reflect current market conditions.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Short-term Staff time
Strategy LIV-2c. Adopt minimum density and/or intensity
requirements in areas that are served by or will be served
by Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in accordance with the Transit
Master Plan.
Lead: Planning, Development
& Transportation
Partners: Sustainability
Services
Short-term Staff time
NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY AND SOCIAL HEALTH
DRAFT 3.15.19
and Zoning Board. Amendment requests based
on proposed development projects that involve
re-zonings may be processed concurrently with re-
zoning applications.
Amendments initiated by City Council, City staff,
boards and commissions, and annexations and initial
zoning may be processed at any time.
All requests for City Plan amendments shall be
submitted to the City’s Planning, Development, and
Transportation Service Area at least 60 days prior to
the hearing date for the Planning and Zoning Board.
The 60-day submittal requirement is necessary
in order to permit adequate public notice to be
given and to allow adequate time to complete the
background work for considering a plan amendment.
A plan amendment will be approved if the City
Council makes specific findings that:
» The existing City Plan and/or any related element
thereof is in need of the proposed amendment;
and
» The proposed amendment will promote the
public welfare and will be consistent with the
vision, goals, principles and policies of City Plan
and the elements thereof.
DRAFT 3.15.19
grants or other sources of funding, or through the
dedication of City resources.
DRAFT 3.15.19
DRAFT 3.15.19
includes ensuring that crash information and trends
are understood and inform mitigation strategies
as well as policies, standards, design, and projects.
The analysis is then applied to the various “E”s of
roadway safety:
» Engineering: Physical changes such as signs,
striping, signal timing, and geometric changes
» Education/Encouragement: Programs and
outreach efforts for all road users to teach and
support safer behaviors.
» Enforcement: Collaboration with police services
and justice system to conduct targeted
education and enforcement and provide
alternative sentencing that is focused on
changing behavior.
» Evaluation: Continue monitoring and evaluating
all aspects of roadway safety in order to inform
upcoming work and next year’s report.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FAA issued regulations in 2016 that limit but allow
the use of commercial aerial drones for deliveries.
Current regulations require a licensed pilot keep the
drone within sight, the flight cannot be conducted
from a moving vehicle, and the weight of the drone
and package must be under 55 pounds.
Potential limitations include limited package weights,
constrained operating times due to limited battery
capacity, interfering with other sidewalk and pathway
users (for ground-based drones), difficulty in
determining designated drop off locations in dense
urban areas, subjection to irregular or unpredictable
events such as weather, wildlife, or vandalism, and
the need for airspace control regulation. In addition,
aerial drones are a new source of noise pollution
that is currently outside the scope of most city noise
ordinances.
Given the explosive growth of “instant delivery”
services and the impacts of traditional vehicle-based
delivery. Drones can cause concerns regarding
privacy, noise, safety, and vandalism, they have the
potential to reduce the impact of delivery services.
Key actions related to both aerial and land- based
drones that Fort Collins may want to consider
include:
» Size limits for land-based drones to ensure that
sidewalk users can navigate around the vehicles
» Updates to the vehicle code to accommodate
land-based drones
» Noise limits for aerial drones
» Operating hours to manage noise
Flickr, Sam Churchill - DHL Delivery Drone
DRAFT 3.15.19
(either as privately-owned autos or ride-hailing-type
services) that are inherently more energy-intensive to
operate than public transit, walking, or biking. The EV
Readiness Roadmap includes short, medium, long-
term, and ongoing action items and strategies to
achieve these goals (Figure 5-9).
In the short-term (one to two years), Fort Collins
will identify locations for EV charging stations in the
public right-of-way, encourage installation of the
stations, and continue transitioning the City fleet
vehicles to electric. In the medium-term (three to
five years), Fort Collins will revise building codes to
incorporate EV charging into new developments,
incentivize local residents to purchase EVs, and
support EV drivers by adjusting their utility rate
structures and increasing their access to renewable
electricity for EVs. Over the long-term (within
ten years), the City will encourage use of EVs for
ride-hailing and carsharing, upgrade electricity
distribution infrastructure to accommodate increased
demand from EVs and pursue emerging technologies
that will further support the adoption of EVs like
wireless charging and battery recycling. On an
on-going basis, Fort Collins will provide resources
for promoting public awareness on EV benefits,
incorporate EVs into local planning efforts, and
advocate for EV adoption regionally.
To build on what is in the EV Readiness Roadmap,
Fort Collins should work with state and federal
legislators on further incentives for EVs or
disincentives for traditional internal combustion
engines. These state and federal efforts, in
conjunction with the strong local actions outlined in
the EV Readiness Roadmap will help to speed the
transition to a more efficient electric vehicle fleet.
DRAFT 3.15.19
to meet safety and fuel economy requirements
(or paying a surcharge if they do not) will help to
advance the City’s safety and sustainability goals.
» Mandating passenger occupancy levels or
taxing low occupancy vehicles or deadhead
time - particularly during congested times,
requiring higher vehicle occupancies or charging
a fee for low occupancies will help mitigate the
curb and roadway congestion caused by ride-
hailing vehicles.
» Operational improvements that prioritize transit
such as transit signal priority or BRT service
- the popularity of ride-hailing has shown that
people highly value short travel times and the
ability to quickly access a vehicle. Improving
the speed and reliability of transit will make this
mode more attractive than ride-hailing when
considering the cost differential.
» Formalizing ride-hailing as a part of the transit
system - the Transit Master Plan identified areas
where ride-hailing can provide transit access in
areas with minimal fixed route transit service,
identified as Mobility Innovation Zones, or to
serve as first last mile connections at Mobility
Hubs.
Uber - a popular TNC
DRAFT 3.15.19
without access to a vehicle to enjoy the increased
connectivity when their travel needs cannot easily
be met by walking, biking, or riding transit. Car share
also tends to reduce overall vehicle use because the
cost of operating a vehicle is no longer a hidden,
sunk cost (as is the case with a privately-owned car)
and overall car ownership tends to decrease with
car share membership. There is a well-established
relationship between reduced driving and reduced
car ownership. The availability of car share creates a
more holistic landscape of transportation options and
supports residents and employees who are unable or
choose not to own a vehicle.
Zipcar: Fixed Parking Car Share
DRAFT 3.15.19
any public rack.
This flexibility expands the destinations users can
travel to on bike share. In addition, the system
provides equitable access by accepting ride/
membership purchases using EBT cards preloaded
with public assistance funds. Further enhancements
to the bike share system should include full
integration of the Transfort trip planning web and
smartphone applications along with Pace. This
integration with transit would also be facilitated by
incorporating bike share stations at Mobility Hubs to
ensure bike share serves as a first last mile solution
for transit users.
Figure 5-8: Results of Effects of Projected Future
Trends on VMT
Fort Collins Bike Share
DRAFT 3.15.19
inconsistent, lacking curb cuts, and without frequent
and safe crossings, then they do not provide equal
mobility opportunities for active living and accessing
basic resources.
Investment Choices
Larimer County and Fort Collins have a growing
older adult population that faces additional travel
vulnerabilities. Fort Collins does not currently offer
older residents a dedicated transportation alternative
to driving. Transfort offers discount passes for
seniors over 60 years old. Senior Alternatives in
Transportation (SAINT), a non-profit human service
provider, administers a volunteer driver program that
transports adults 60 and over around the Fort Collins
area.
The City should consider investing in a publicly-run
program for providing older adults with community
access through a reliable transportation option that
can supplement SAINT. One potential opportunity
for targeting the senior population could be through
pilot projects and partnerships in the “mobility
innovation zones” identified in the Transit Master
Plan. These mobility innovation zones have a
primary focus on connecting lower-density areas
to the core transit network through on-demand,
microtransit, and micromobility options that could
be implemented through public-private partnerships.
As these partnerships are tested, they could be
expanded to larger geographic areas for seniors in
general or for low-income seniors to expand the
ability to move across the City. The Larimer County
Senior Transportation Needs Assessment (2017)
provides additional recommendations for providing
transportation options to seniors in the region; these
recommendations include shuttles, and public-private
partnerships.
DRAFT 3.15.19
winner of the Wellness Council of America Gold Well
Workplace Award in recognition of the investment
Fort Collins makes in its employees’ health and
wellness.
Fort Collins should continue to promote active and
healthy living through infrastructure, education and
encouragement programs and policies that make
biking and walking a comfortable, convenient, and
safe option for all ages and abilities. The modal plan
updates described in the Mobility Section of the
Transportation Master Plan outline the ways Fort
Collins will make the biking and walking layers more
user-friendly, and thus present opportunities for more
active travel.
7 Plan Fort Collins: Health, Wellness, and Safety (May 2010)
DRAFT 3.15.19
skills.
Increased adoption of electric vehicles in Fort Collins
can help address noise impacts on local streets.
However, freight rail activity still presents a quality of
life issue due to its high level of sound emissions. The
City has worked to address noise from freight rail by
studying where quiet zones could be implemented.6
A rail quiet zone designates sections of track with
consecutive crossings where train horns may only be
sounded at the beginning of a zone, rather than at
each crossing. The quiet zone must comply with the
4 Public Health Costs of Traffic Congestion: A Health Risk
Assessment
5 The Effect of Transportation Noise on Health and Cognitive
Development
6 Fort Collins Quiet Zone Study
DRAFT 3.15.19
Environmental Center. A future section is planned
to connect to the Poudre River Trail, forming a non-
motorized option between Larimer County and Weld
County.
3 CDOT Bustang Ridership Report
DRAFT 3.15.19
at Kendall Parkway and
Connect the Cache la
Poudre River Regional Trail
under I-25. This project is
an important interim step to
provide more reliable transit
connections between Fort
Collins and Denver, and the
City strongly supports this
project.
Flex Regional Bus stopped in Fort Collins
DRAFT 3.15.19
TDM strategies can be focused to encourage lower
VMT, reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), lower
rates of SOVs, and reduce parking demand.
Fort Collins should consider developing a formal TDM
monitoring and evaluation program. This will allow
the City to determine how well implemented TDM
strategies are working, how effective TDM strategies
are at impacting mode splits for new developments
and modify strategies accordingly. An effective
monitoring program can track a number of different
metrics, based on the City’s goals. These metrics may
include:
» Additional transit trips taken over baseline
ridership as a result of TDM incentives
» Parking occupancy in public parking facilities
» Rate of commute trips taken by SOV (can be
established using employer surveys)
» New bicycle trips taken as a result of TDM
» Mode split of trips taken as a result of new
development
» Annual average daily traffic (AADT) at specific
cordon points or screenlines
DRAFT 3.15.19
and travelers are provided with the tools they need to believe a vehicle trip should be replaced with another
mode. TDM is also most effective when multiple strategies are implemented together as part of a package of
transportation options for end users. Broadly, TDM strategies fall into five categories:
DRAFT 3.15.19
with a specific focus on bicycle and pedestrian
safety.
4. Increase travel time reliability.
Regional corridors are evaluated based on targets for
six performance measures on factors like travel time,
vehicle miles growth, and transit ridership.
Fort Collins leads the region on meeting certain
goals. For example, Transfort achieved a 37.4%
increase in revenue hours and had a 30% increase
in per capita ridership between 2012 and 2015. This
plan supports Fort Collins leading the mitigation
of regional impacts from congestion like increased
travel times, air quality degradation, and lack of
access to multimodal transportation.
Travel Times
The city has in the last four years implemented a
city-wide blue tooth system that gathers travel time
data (which is used to calculate vehicle speeds)
by direction on all major arterials in the city. The
system is anonymous and provides constant, current,
and historical data 24-hours a day, 7 days a week
and 365 days per year. It is connected to the traffic
operations center, can send alerts to staff when
speeds are reduced beyond a certain threshold,
and is interconnected to the signal system to
automatically implement special timing plans when
appropriate.
The system is used to actively manage traffic, to
evaluate roadway projects, and provides overall
travel time dashboard metrics to the community
and city leadership on a quarterly and annual basis.
Overall travel times in the city have remained largely
constant in the past few years, despite significant
growth in the population and vehicle miles traveled.
Since the capability to track travel reliability is recent,
Fort Collins can continue to refine how the metric
informs transportation policy in the city.
DRAFT 3.15.19
implementation of pedestrian projects based on the
following project type categories:
» Sidewalk and ramp improvements to meet ADA
standards.
» Proposed pedestrian priority project list
consisting of items identified by citizens through
a pedestrian survey, public comments, and
remaining Capital Improvement Program projects
from 2004.
» Pedestrian projects as identified in the most
recent CIP.
The 2011 Pedestrian Plan recommends a combination
of funding mechanisms to better leverage outside
revenue sources such as state and federal grants
funding sources. This will help supplement on-going
CIP revenues and help fund the implementation of
larger projects and maximize money spent. Funding
sources include money from developers, Urban
Renewal Authority Tax Increment Financing, State
and Federal Transportation Grants such as from
DRAFT 3.15.19
Mixed
Neighborhoods
Single Family
Neighborhoods
Residents per Acre Jobs per Acre
On demand
10 minutes
or better
10-15
minutes
15-30
minutes
30
minutes
On demand
Land Use Transit
Appropriate Types of Transit Frequency of Service
BRT High Frequency Bus Local Bus
BRT High Frequency Bus Local Bus
Local Bus
Local Bus Micro-Transit
Rideshare Micro-Transit
or
or
or
or
or
Figure 5-3: Level of Transit Service Need by Land Use Context
DRAFT 3.15.19
enhancements to the pedestrian and bicycle
system into the overall structure of the transit
network. More frequency is proposed in the
denser areas that correspond with Pedestrian
Priority Areas, mobility hubs are proposed near
major intersections of the bike network and the
transit network, and new mobility hubs with the
potential for park-and-ride are identified where
major regional roadways meet the transit system.
» Equity. Transfort will ensure that transit meets
the needs of the most vulnerable users of the
system while also growing in a way that makes
transit a default choice of mobility where the
system is the most robust. Disability rights
experts will help to guide transit project selection
and program implementation. More information
about the role disability stakeholders will play in
the transit planning process can be found in the
Transit Master Plan.
» Complementary policies. Transit will grow and
thrive as the City implements complementary
policies, most notably related to land use density,
transportation demand management, and
sustainable transportation outcomes. Transit is in
a strong position to help meet the City’s overall
land use, transportation, and sustainability goals.
DRAFT 3.15.19
DRAFT 3.15.19
streamline the outreach process and result in
increased coordination between biking and walking
infrastructure.
Infrastructure Maintenance
The City of Fort Collins is committed to maintaining
the City’s transportation infrastructure. Operation
and maintenance cost should be integrated into
planning efforts for all modes.
The City’s annual Street Maintenance Program (SMP)
is designed to prolong the life of streets through
preventative maintenance. The program improves
concrete curb, gutter and sidewalk; constructs
handicap access ramps; repairs deteriorating asphalt;
and reconstructs, overlays or slurry seals existing
streets.
Additionally the City maintains bridges, traffic signals,
street lights, and more through constant monitoring
and programmed upgrades and improvements.
Not only does the City repair and upgrade the streets
but also ensures the system functions through timely
snow removal and coordinated incident management.
DRAFT 3.15.19
MMLOS analysis requirements for development
review. As described in Appendix E3, the proposed
changes would have developers include a MMLOS
analysis as part of their standard Traffic Impact Study
to identify needed improvements.
Identified projects could be either built directly by
the developer or potentially mitigated through a fee.
One concept considers expanding the Transportation
Capital Expansion Fee to include additional
multimodal improvement projects.
This recommendation will be further developed as
an early action item, and will include a diverse set
of stakeholders to ensure that the key details are
discussed and well defined.
Updates to the Larimer County Urban Area
One part of this update process will be revisions to
Chapter 4 of the Larimer County Urban Area Street
Standards (LCUASS). This includes changing the
title to “Multimodal Transportation Impact Study”,
to reflect the intent of the studies to be multimodal.
This keeps the Transportation Impact Study process
intact for vehicle level of service, but integrates the
multimodal considerations into the process, revising
DRAFT 3.15.19
ranking of the city’s entire pedestrian network, based
on results from the City’s Prioritization Model. This
approach to the pedestrian component of the layered
network acknowledges that comfortable pedestrian
facilities will be present on all streets, not just certain
corridors.
Bicycle Network Layer
While bicycles are welcomed and permitted on
all streets in Fort Collins, the bicycle network
layer identifies corridors with dedicated bicycle
facilities, consisting of protected bike lanes, buffered
bike lanes, standard bike lanes, or neighborhood
greenways. The 2014 Bicycle Plan states a key
outcome of ensuring that “80 percent of residents
will live within one quarter mile of a low-stress bicycle
facility” and “all neighborhoods will have access to a
low-stress bicycle route.”
In line with the layered network concept, not every
street needs to, or should have a low-stress bicycle
facility, but most residents should be reasonably
close to a facility. For example, on streets with high
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approach 20 dwelling units per acre, fixed-route service at
frequencies of between 30-60 minutes becomes viable.
DRAFT 3.15.19
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ROAD 19
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E COUNTY ROAD 54
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N COUNTY ROAD 9
S COUNTY ROAD 9
STATE HIGHWAY 392
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ixon Canyon Lateral
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ew
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itch
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n
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alley and
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r Cou
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ty C
a
nal No
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Terry Lake
Richard's
Lake
Horsetooth
Reservoir
Long Pond
Claymore
Lake
Harmony
Reservoir
Sheldon Lake
College Lake
Lindenmeier
Lake
Larimer
and Weld
Canal
Lee Lake
Robert
Benson
Lake
Warren Lake
Duck
Lake
Portner
Reservoir
Parkwood
Lake
Dixon
Reservoir
Lake
Sherwood
Fossil Creek
Reservoir
Kitchel
Lake
Donath
Lake
Fossil
Creek Reservoir
Outlet
Rigden
Reservoir
North Gray
Reservoir
South
Gray
Reservoir
Trappers Lake
Baker
Lake
Nelson
Reservoir
COLORADO
STATE
UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
FOOTHILLS CAMPUS
TIMNATH
WINDSOR
LOVELAND
FORT COLLINS
CITY PLAN
Structure Plan Map PLANNING OUR FUTURE. TOGETHER.
Source: City of Fort Collins; Larimer County
Map Prepared: November 2018 0 1.25 2.5 5
NMiles
Structure Plan Map
DRAFT 3.15.19
STRUCTURE PLAN
The Structure Plan establishes a broad vision for
future land uses in Fort Collins. In most cases,
land use categories generally follow existing
parcel lines, roadways, and other geographic
boundaries. If the place type boundary shown on
the Structure Plan map does not follow an existing
parcel line, the actual delineation of place types
will be established at the time of a proposed re-
zoning and development submittal.
Underlying zoning was reviewed and considered
as updates to the Structure Plan were made to
ensure that consistency between planned land
uses and zoning could be maintained to the
maximum extent feasible. However, in some
instances, place type categories do differ from
underlying zoning, as was necessary to meet the
broader objectives of the Plan. To fully achieve
the Plan’s objectives, re-zoning may be required
when some properties develop or redevelop in the
future.
Future zone changes should generally adhere
to the place type boundaries depicted on the
Structure Plan, but flexibility in interpretation
of the boundary may be granted provided the
proposed change is consistent with the principles,
goals, and policies contained in this Plan. Density
ranges outlined for each place type category
are based on gross acreage, and are intended
to address overall densities for a particular area
rather than for individual parcels.
The Structure Plan is not intended to be used as
a standalone tool; rather, it should be considered
in conjunction with the Transportation Plan, and
the accompanying principles, goals, and policies
contained in this Plan.
P
DRAFT 3.15.19
residents.
DRAFT 3.15.19
disability rights organizations to determine best
practice solutions.
Bike Commuters
DRAFT 3.15.19
POLICY T 7.5 - INFRASTRUCTURE FOR DISABLED
COMMUNITY
Increase programming and infrastructure focus on
providing the best environment to accommodate the
needs of the City’s disability community.
Safe Routes to School Class
DRAFT 3.15.19
1. Expand Bus Rapid Transit along North College,
West Elizabeth, and Harmony Road
2. Increase Frequencies for most of the transit
network as land use becomes more dense
3. Expand Coverage of the transit network
to lower density areas through mobility
innovation zones
4. Add Regional Routes to connect Fort Collins
to more surrounding communities
5. Improve Connections to transit by leveraging
the layered network from the Transportation
Master Plan and developing strategic mobility
hubs on the core transit network
6. Modernize Transfort’s operations by adopting
new autonomous and electric vehicle
technologies, partnerships with mobility
providers, and the latest information sharing
platforms.
MAX Transit Station
DRAFT 3.15.19
with community values, new modes of travel,
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, and
new technical and safety standards.
Principles and Policies
Learning about bike safety
DRAFT 3.15.19
high-frequency routes where riders can show up
and go without having to worry about a schedule.
As the City evolves in the future, Transfort is
committed to refining its service through new
routes that will increase frequency in high density
corridors, innovative new services to connect
people to transit, and new partnerships to
provide regional connections.
DRAFT 3.15.19
to guide the City’s response to disasters and other
emergency events. Ensure the plan outlines roles and
responsibilities of City departments and staff during
such events, as well as the continuity of government
to ensure the City can continue to operate during
and immediately following a disaster.
Principles and Policies
Fire ladder on Bring Your Child to Work Day
DRAFT 3.15.19
to live healthy, active lives is an important
way to prevent emergencies in the first place.
People who have access to active modes of
transportation, opportunities for physical activity,
and access to healthy foods enjoy a higher
quality of life and improved health outcomes.
Policies in this section work alongside policies
throughout City Plan to encourage programs and
initiatives that enhance overall community health
and resilience.
DRAFT 3.15.19
health of the Poudre River from Gateway Natural
Area to Interstate 25. This initiative provides the
City with a tool to benchmark progress towards
its vision of sustaining a healthy and resilient
Poudre River by identifying risks, evaluating
project impacts, measuring progress, and
communicating results. The initiative will continue
through repeated assessments on a periodic basis
to ensure that the vision and goals are being
achieved.
Poudre River
DRAFT 3.15.19
Low Impact Development is a comprehensive land
planning and engineering design approach with
a goal of minimizing the impact of development
on urban watersheds through the use of various
techniques aimed at mimicking pre-development
hydrology.
POLICY ENV 6.7 - BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Utilize stormwater facility design criteria that follow
national Best Management Practices (BMPs).
POLICY ENV 6.8 - PUBLIC LANDS
Utilize public lands such as street right of way, for
the design of multi-functional stormwater facilities by
maximizing the carrying capacity of streets with curb
and gutter, and by modifying design standards to
promote infiltration or detention where appropriate
depending on area specifics. Emphasize the
development of a linked surface stormwater system
that reinforces the City’s open lands policy and
reduces the need for large stormwater pipes.
Water service providers in the GMA
DRAFT 3.15.19
plan include culture change, reduce and reuse,
composting organic material and addressing
construction and demolition debris through
recycling and deconstruction.
Waste Audit to determine how much waste could be diverted
from the landfill and recycled or composted instead.
DRAFT 3.15.19
several City departments
5. Ongoing implementation of the Air Quality
Plan plays a critical role in supporting the
City’s climate, health, and equity goals.
Ongoing implementation of the Air Quality
Plan plays a critical role in supporting the City’s
climate, health, and equity goals.
Electrify Your Summer event recycling gas lawn mowers and replacing with electric lawn mowers.
DRAFT 3.15.19
reporting requirements, and energy codes.
POLICY ENV 3.3 - ELECTRIFICATION
Support a systems approach to electrifying building
natural gas uses and transportation.
Fort Collins Light & Power Service Area
DRAFT 3.15.19
priority goals:
1. Easy access to nature. Ensure every resident is
within a short walk to nature from their home
or workplace.
2. High quality natural spaces. Conserve, create,
and enhance natural spaces to provide diverse
social and ecological opportunities.
3. Land stewardship. Shift the landscape
aesthetic to more diverse forms that support
healthy environments for people and wildlife.
Ongoing implementation of Nature in the City
plays a critical role in linking the City’s climate,
health, and equity goals.
Youth hiking in a Natural Area
DRAFT 3.15.19
the waste stream as efficiently as possible and
are put to beneficial secondary use as locally as
possible. The principles of creating a zero waste
system are key to supporting community goals
for reducing waste and increasing the recycling
and recovery of material resources.
DRAFT 3.15.19
Summer in the City summer camp teaching students about
how their city works and the many career paths available
DRAFT 3.15.19
Support and invest in the expansion of research
and development institutions, business incubators,
entrepreneurial networks, business development
programs, and other physical assets necessary to
support entrepreneurship. These assets should
also include financial tools and capital to support
innovation and entrepreneurship by leveraging local,
state, and national grants, programs, and lending
tools. Continue and grow partnerships with Colorado
State University (CSU) and other institutions to
identify research activities and associated needs that
can be leveraged into business creation.
POLICY EH 2.3 - CLIMATE ECONOMY
Support local and regional efforts to help attract,
support or develop businesses that are adapting to
and/or developing profitable solutions for a lower
carbon future economy.
POLICY EH 2.4 - NORTHERN COLORADO
INNOVATION HUB
Work with regional partners to collectively market
Northern Colorado as a center for innovation
and highlight the diversity of strengths to bring
investment and employers to the region. Identify
ways the City can serve as a platform for testing of
new Smart Cities research and idea development.
Principles and Policies
DRAFT 3.15.19
development partners to connect workers
to potential employers, provide retraining
opportunities, and to align education and training
programs to the needs of employers. The on-
going market transition to a low-carbon economy
presents an opportunity to develop new
employment opportunities in the energy, finance
and transportation industries (i.e., the “Climate
Economy”).
DRAFT 3.15.19
The Trails Master Plan sets forth the vision on how
the trail system will develop as the community
continues to grow. The master plan focuses
primarily on the recreational uses and design of
the trail system; however, the City’s paved trail
system supports a wide range of users and trip
purposes. The trail system serves an important
function in encouraging people to walk and bike
for both utilitarian and recreational purposes.
Gardening event at community park
DRAFT 3.15.19
and private stakeholders, plays an important role
addressing the root causes of homelessness,
creating stable housing opportunities, providing
homebuyer assistance, allocating resources for
affordable housing, and ensuring equal housing
access through the National Fair Housing Act.
Bucking Horse apartments
DRAFT 3.15.19
mobile homes and manufactured housing, and other
‘missing middle’ housing types.
POLICY LIV 5.3 - LAND FOR RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT
Use density requirements to maximize the use of land
for residential development to positively influence
housing supply.
POLICY LIV 5.4 - LAND SUPPLY FOR
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Continue to grow and utilize the Affordable Housing
Land Bank Program and other programs to create
permanently affordable housing units.
POLICY LIV 5.5 - INTEGRATE AND DISTRIBUTE
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Integrate the distribution of affordable housing as
part of individual neighborhoods and the larger
community rather than creating larger concentrations
of affordable units in isolated areas.
POLICY LIV 5.6 - EXISTING NEIGHBORHOODS
Expand housing options in existing neighborhoods
(where permitted by underlying zoning) by
encouraging:
» Infill development on vacant lots and other
undeveloped parcels surrounded by, or adjacent
to existing homes;
» Internal accessory dwelling units such as
basement or upstairs apartments;
» Detached accessory dwelling units on lots of
sufficient size; and
» Duplexes, townhomes, or other alternatives
to detached single-family homes that are
compatible with the scale and mass of adjacent
properties.
DRAFT 3.15.19
centers, or other public facilities within the
district.
Jessup Farm
DRAFT 3.15.19
LOVELAND
FORT COLLINS
WELLINGTON
LAPORTE
Neighboring jurisdiction planning areas
DRAFT 3.15.19
encouraged in the future in order to help us reach
our climate action goals.
DRAFT 3.15.19
2.3 million
2.1 million
1.8 million
460k
Metric Tons (CO2e)
0
What are GHGs? GHG Emission Reduction Progress & Targets
GHGs are gases in the
atmosphere that can absorb and
emit heat. Scientists attribute
a warming of the Earth’s
atmosphere to an increase in
GHGs.
What is CO2e?
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a GHG
emitted naturally and from fossil
fuel combustion for energy
and heat (e.g., coal, natural gas,
gasoline and diesel). Global
warming contributions from
other greenhouse gases (such as
methane) are referred to in terms
of “carbon dioxide equivalent”
or CO2e, which represents the
amount of CO2 that would
have the same global warming
potential as other GHGs.
Community carbon inventory
goals are tracked in terms of tons
of CO2e.
Current Fort Collins’ emissions
come from...
51% - Electricity
24% - Ground Travel
21% - Natural Gas
4% - Solid Waste
0.3% - Water-related
TRANSITION TO
RENEWABLE
ELECTRICITY
DECREASE
GROUND TRAVEL
EXPAND
MOBILITY
INNOVATIONS
DECREASE
NATURAL GAS
USAGE
DECREASE
SOLID WASTE
INCREASE
SUSTAINABLE
BUILDING
PRACTICES
WHAT WILL
IT TAKE?
DRAFT 3.15.19
Despite these challenges, analyses show Fort
Collins’ emissions are forecast to decrease
somewhere between 25% and 30% below 2005
levels in 2030 and hold fast at 20% below 2005
levels in 2040.
DRAFT 3.15.19
them
More New Options
Including innovative new
private sector mobility tools
Choose the Right Tool for
the Right Trip
Based on better information
about cost, time, and comfort
New Options
Many people use just one or two new options
(ride-hailing, bike share) in addition to their
primary mode
Perception of Limited Options
Personally-owned car often the default option
Loyal to Mode
Tend to use just one option and rarely switch
THEN
More Options
Even More Oprtions
DRAFT 3.15.19
shifts away from
employment
Stronger focus on
industrial along Mulberry
Corridor
More intensification
along S. College Avenue.
DRAFT 3.15.19
This diagram illustrates—at a conceptual level—where the most significant changes in density, intensity, and
overall mix of uses are likely to occur over the next ten to twenty years. It also identifies areas that we will
need to protect as future development occurs. Because our land supply is finite, we must focus our efforts on:
LEGEND
Downtown Activity Center
Community Activity Center
Neighborhood Activity Center
Bus Rapid Transit
High Frequency Service (15-min all
day)
Frequent Peak Service (15-min
peak/30-min off-peak)
Local service (30-min service all day)
Remaining Greenfield Opportunity
Areas
Infill/Redevelopment Opportunity
Areas
Parks and Natural/Protected Lands
Flood Hazard Areas
DRAFT 3.15.19
index, made up of two calculated scores to
determine geographic areas of highest needs.
The first component includes an Equity Score,
comprised of socioeconomic factors using the most
recent American Community Survey (U.S. Census)
estimates. The second component, the Health
Score, is comprised of health indicators from 500
Cities Data (Centers for Disease Control). See the
City Plan Trends and Forces Report (Appendix) for
more information.
DRAFT 3.15.19
WARREN
PARK
ENGLISH
RANCH
WESTFIELD PARK
PARK TROUTMAN PARK
GOLDEN
MEADOWS PARK
LANDINGS
PARK
RIDGEVIEW
PARK
HARMONY PARK
MIRAMONT PARK
TWIN SILO
COMMUNITY
PARK
FOSSIL
CREEK
COMMUNITY PARK
SOUTHRIDGE
GOLF COURSE
RADIANT
PARK
REGISTRY PARK
HOMESTEAD
PARK
COTTONWOOD
GLEN PARK
WATER'S
WAY
PARK
CRESCENT
PARK
ARCHERY RANGE
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A
L R
D
W PLUM ST
GARGANEY DR
ST
A
R
F
L
O
W
ER
D
R
S LOOMIS AVE
WABAS
H
S
T
W
I
L
LI
A
M N
E
AL
PKWY
B
R
IGH
T
W
ATER DR
B
OA
R
DWALK DR
PROVI
N
CE
R
D
D
U
N
B
A
R
A
V
E
N LEMAY AVE
W SWALLOW RD
ZEP
H
YR RD
W ELIZA
B
ETH ST
HICKORY ST
ROC
K CREEK
D
R
B
O
N
H
O
M
M
E
R
I
C
H
AR
D
DR
KI
N
G
S
L
E
Y
D
R
STOVE
R
S
T
E COUNTY ROAD 50
MOUNTAIN VISTA DR
AVO
N
D
A
L
E
R
D
OA
K
RI
D
G
E
D
R
H
A
M
P
S
HI
R
E
R
D
W
A
T
E
R
GL
EN
D
R
SYKES DR
I
N
TE
R
N
A
TI
O
NA
L
B
LVD
CONIFER ST
MILES
H
OUSE A
V
E
ST
A
NF
O
RD RD
W DRA
K
E RD
SPRING
PARK DR
ABBOTSF
O
RD
ST
T
IMB
E
R
CR
EE
K
D
R
E COUNTY ROAD 38
RIV
E
RSID
E
A
V
E
M
C
CLELLAN
D DR
W LAKE ST
W
S
T
UAR
T
S
T
GREG
O
RY R
D
E HORSETOOTH RD
E SKYWAY DR
E MULBERRY ST
N SHIELDS ST
P
A
DD
I
NGTON
RD
N TIMBERLINE RD
ZIEGLER RD
COUNTY ROAD 54G
W HARMONY RD
W DOUGLAS RD
S HOWES ST
KECHTER RD
R
E
D
W
O
O
D ST
S COLLEGE AVE
THOREAU DR
W MULBERRY ST
LINDEN ST
S O
V
ERLAND
TRL
9TH ST
MID
P
OINT
D
R
DO
N
ELLA
C
T
CENTER
AVE
MAIN ST
E PROSPECT RD
W TRIL
BY RD
PARK
W
O
O
D
DR
E
LI
N
COLN A
VE
TECHNOLOGY
PKWY
S
MA
S
O
N S
T
CE
N
TR
E
AV
E
PROSPECT
PARK WAY
E HARMO
N
Y RD
TIMBERWOOD
DR
E MO
N
R
O
E DR
S COU
N
TY R
O
A
D 1
3
TER
R
Y
L
A
K
E RD
S L
EM
A
Y AV
E
E
T
ROUTMAN
PKWY
E DRAKE RD
JO
HN F K
E
NNEDY PK
W
Y
N COLLEGE AVE
E S
U
NIGA RD
BUSC
H
D
R
S COUNTY ROAD 11
E VINE
DR
COUNTY ROAD 42C
CARPENTER RD
S COU
N
TY ROAD 5
S COUNTY
ROAD 7
E TRILBY RD
RE
S
EARC
H
B
LVD
N COUNTY ROAD 17
E COUNTY ROAD 48
N COUNTY
ROAD 19
INVERNESS RD
STR
A
USS
CAB
I
N RD
S TAFT HILL RD
E COUNTY ROA
D
30
N US HIGHWAY 287
N TAFT
HILL R
D
E COUNTY ROAD 52
E COUNTY ROAD 54
E DOUGLAS RD
S COUNTY ROAD 19
N COUNTY ROAD 5
GIDDINGS RD
N COUNTY ROAD 9
S COUNTY ROAD 9
STATE HIGHWAY 392
S SHIELDS ST
N OVER
LAND T
R
L
W COU
N
T
Y ROA
D
3
8
E
S
C
E
N
T
EN
N
I
A
L
D
R
E MOUNTAIN AVE
Muskrat D
i
tch
Lindenm
e
ier
O
utlet
Richar
d
s Lake Inlet
B
u
r
n
s
T
r
i
b
u
t
a
r
y
Coll
e
ge Lak
e
Inlet
JacksonDi
t
c
h
Smith Cr
e
ek
D
ixon
C
reek
Sta
n
ton
C
reek
Stone
C
reek
M
ail Cre
e
k
Trilby
Lateral
L
a
n
g
G
u
l
c
h
F
o
othills Chann
e
l
Coy
D
itch
Coo
p
er Slo
u
gh
Terry Lake Inle
t
F
o
ssil Creek
Spring Cr
e
ek
A
rthur Di
t
ch
Little
C
ache la P
o
u
d
r
e Dit
c
h
Cache la Poudr
e
Re
s
Inl
e
t
Di
x
o
n
Cana
l
Boxelder Ditch
F
o
s
sil Creek
Re
s
ervoir Outlet
She
r
woo
d Later
a
l
M
cClellands Cre
e
k
N
o 8 Outl
e
t
D
ixon Canyon Lateral
Fossil Creek Reserv
o
ir Inlet
N
ew
M
ercer
D
itch
Mail Creek Ditch
New Mercer Ca
n
al
Pl
e
asant
V
alley and
Lake Canal
Larime
r Cou
n
ty C
a
nal No
2
Terry Lake
Richard's
Lake
Horsetooth
Reservoir
Long Pond
Claymore
Lake
Harmony
Reservoir
Sheldon Lake
College Lake
Lindenmeier
Lake
Larimer
and Weld
Canal
Lee Lake
Robert
Benson
Lake
Warren Lake
Duck
Lake
Portner
Reservoir
Parkwood
Lake
Dixon
Reservoir
Lake
Sherwood
Fossil Creek
Reservoir
Kitchel
Lake
Donath
Lake
Fossil
Creek Reservoir
Outlet
Rigden
Reservoir
North Gray
Reservoir
South
Gray
Reservoir
Trappers Lake
Baker
Lake
Nelson
Reservoir
COLORADO
STATE
UNIVERSITY
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
FOOTHILLS CAMPUS
TIMNATH
WINDSOR
LOVELAND
FORT COLLINS
CITY PLAN
Structure Plan Map PLANNING OUR FUTURE. TOGETHER.
Source: City of Fort Collins; Larimer County
Map Prepared: November 2018 0 1.25 2.5 5
NMiles
Mixed-Use Districts
Downtown District
Urban Mixed-Use District
Suburban Mixed-Use District
Neighborhood Mixed-Use District
Mixed Employment District
Research & Development/Flex District
Industrial District
Campus District
City Limits
Growth Management Area
(GMA)
Adjacent Planning Areas
Rural Neighborhood
Suburban Neighborhood
Mixed Neighborhood
Parks and Natural/Protected Lands
Community Separator
STRUCTURE PLAN MAP
Neighborhoods
Corridors and Edges
Boundaries
Employment Districts
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORWARD THINKING
Our actions equitably
address the triple bottom
line of sustainability: our
economic, social, and
environmental resources.
We create opportunities
for all to participate in the
success of our economy,
act to address the needs
of our most vulnerable
community members, prepare
for disruptive events, and
mitigate our impacts on the
environment.
Sustainability means:
A clear path toward clean energy,
waste reduction, and carbon
neutrality
A strong and diverse economy
Close coordination with cities and
partners in Northern Colorado
Efficient management of our
community’s financial position and
stability
Protection of the natural
environment
Careful management of growth to
avoid overreach of our resources
Managing our water resources for
a changing future climate
SUSTAINABILITY
CORE VALUES
DRAFT 3.15.19
planning outreach processes.
DRAFT 3.15.19
FORT COLLINS THEN, NOW
Fort Collins has a long track record of carefully planning for and managing change in
the community. Some of the major milestones in the last fifty years that have, and will
continue to, shape the City of Fort Collins include:
DRAFT 3.15.19
Appendix C: Housing Trends and Demand Forecast
Assessment
Appendix D: Employment Land Demand Analysis
Appendix E: Employment Land
Suitability Analysis
Appendix F: Transportation Maser Plan Resources
Appendix G: Transit Master Plan
DRAFT 3.15.19