HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 06/04/2024 - Memorandum from Ginny Sawyer re: May 14, 2024 Work Session Summary: Council Priorities
City Manager’s Office
City Hall
300 LaPorte Ave.
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6505
970.224.6107 - fax
fcgov.com
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 27, 2024
TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager
FROM: Ginny Sawyer, Lead Project Manager
RE: May 14, 2024 Work Session Summary: Council Priorities
Mayor Arndt, Mayor Pro Tem Francis and Councilmembers Canonico, Pignataro, Potyondy, Gutowsky,
and Ohlson were present. Staff presented an overview of each of the identified Council Priorities along
with associated work streams, resources, engagement, and partners.
Below are the priorities, discussion highlights, and next steps.
Operationalize City Resources to Build and Preserve Affordable Housing
• Councilmembers discussed the importance of addressing the entire housing spectrum, noting
that a focus on both market-rate and deed-restricted affordable housing is needed. Staff clarified
that the Housing Strategic Plan and its strategies are intended to address the full spectrum of
housing needs, from homelessness through home ownership.
• Councilmembers requested clarity in future dialogues about what type(s) of housing are being
addressed in policy decisions. Some Councilmembers suggested using terms like “attainable”
housing or something similar to distinguish from “capital-A” affordable housing. Generally, staff
refers to “market-rate” and “deed-restricted” housing to differentiate and will continue to explore
other options for clear terminology.
• Desire to ensure that the next Land Use Code changes come before this Council.
• Interest in tracking how any state legislation, and tax credits in particular, may impact housing
locally. Councilmembers continue to express interest in understanding the specific ways in
which state-level action is likely to impact Fort Collins’ housing strategy.
• Question on meaning of “at Council direction.”
o These items denote potential initiatives that staff would not want to start engaging the
public without clear direction that Council is in support and requesting this activity.
Improve Human and Social Health for Vulnerable Populations
• Suggestion to include religious minority groups in the definition.
• Questions on:
o Progress on Equity Indicators
o Low-income program support, qualification, and participation
o Mobile Home Park (MHP)
o support and code enforcement.
o
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Follow-up:
Staff will be providing memos and reporting on the Equity Indicators, the phased approach and progress
on MHP work, and low-income qualifying programs.
Pursue an Integrated, Intentional Approach to Economic Health
• Clarified that there is no intent to stand up a new department.
• Suggestion to offer/leverage the use of business navigators to improve the experience of
starting/expanding businesses.
• Question on supporting region, attraction, and workforce training programs.
o Clarification offered that focus is on intentional attraction and balancing an incentive-based
approach.
Advancing a 15-minute City by Igniting our Neighborhood Centers
• Question on meaning of “placed-based.”
o Clarification that the intent is to understand the dynamics of the people and the businesses
in targeted area.
• Recognition of tension between the intent of regulations and the desire to update areas.
• Questions and suggestions on utilizing improvement districts and partnership opportunities.
• Clarification sought on redevelopment thresholds and the intent of “growth mindset” language.
o “Growth mindset” language came from active modes plan and is intended to highlight
tensions and tradeoffs that are inherent in achieving these goals.
Follow-up:
Staff will ensure project scoping meets the desired needs and intent.
Accelerate Zero Waste Infrastructure and Policies
• Note that plastic recycling is getting harder and that reduction of single-use plastic bottles could
be a work stream.
Reduce Climate Pollution and Air Pollution Through Best Practices, Emphasizing Electrification
• All work and recommendations are in alignment.
Protect Community Water Systems in an Integrated Way to Ensure Resilient Water Resources
and Healthy Watersheds
• All work and recommendations are in alignment.
• Appreciation for calling out ditch companies and work to improve in this space.
Advancing a 15-minute City by Accelerating our Shift to Active Modes
• All work and recommendations are in alignment.
• Suggestion to offer more opportunities that are not overly programmed.
• Request to improve more meaningful metrics i.e. reducing distance to schools vs. sidewalk
improvements.
Develop a Use Plan for the Hughes Property
• Reiterated desire for all voices being heard and participating in an outreach process.
Next steps:
June 11, 2024 work session planned. Staff will provide visuals/overlays of park sizes to provide
perspective.
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Make Government more Accessible, Approachable & Fun
• Desire for residents to interact with City beyond “doing business.”
• First Fridays on Linden a good example of providing unprogrammed opportunities.
• Pooch Plunge called out as an example of something unexpected and fun.
• Suggestions for using IG Reels, providing more block trailer opportunities, and other
neighborhood pop-up events.
• Encouragement to be more spontaneous; don't need to take ourselves so seriously.
Modernize the City Charter
• Anticipate this work can be completed for low dollars and in time to educate the public.
Next steps:
Staff will bring forward an appropriation and begin work.
Tracking and Reporting
Staff will develop a quarterly tracking report. Information from report will be highlighted in City Manager
Quarterly report and included on website. Staff also recommends (and will schedule) a mid-cycle
check-in and update in late January/early February 2025.
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