HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 08/12/2025 - Memorandum from Ginny Sawyer re Council Priorities – August 2025 Update
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Memorandum
Date: August 7, 20205
To: Mayor and City Councilmembers
Through: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager
From: Ginny Sawyer, Project & Policy Manager, City Manager’s Office,
gsawyer@fcgov.com
Subject: Council Priorities – August 2025 Update
Every two years, following a Council election, the newly seated Council participates in a
planning retreat to identify priorities and confirm strategic direction. City Council adopted 11
priorities for the 2024-2026 term. These priorities were intentionally developed by City Council
to encompass both ongoing work, previously identified strategic initiatives, and opportunities to
accelerate workstreams.
Updates are provided through memo and website updates. Following this memo, the final
update will be in the form of an End-of-Term report at the end of December 9, 2025 work
session. (https://www.fcgov.com/council/)
Priority Updates
1. Operationalize City Resources to Build and Preserve Affordable Housing
Expedite review of affordable housing projects to achieve decisions within 90 days or less; and
to encourage development of more affordable housing:
Consulting team delivered final report with recommendations to streamline the
development review process for affordable housing. Work is progressing to implement
recommendations for process improvement.
Expand programs for healthy and stable housing – particularly for unhoused or precariously
housed residents, renter, and lower-income homeowners:
Seasonal Overflow Shelter operated from November - April, providing 70 overflow beds
for unhoused men.
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The City completed its competitive funding process, with Council approving funding
recommendations in June. A total of $4,191,516 in federal and local resources were
allocated to support capital housing projects and human services and homelessness
response programs. The City assigned 2025 Private Activity Bond capacity for affordable
housing rehabilitation projects.
Reduce fees for affordable housing projects and evaluate all newly proposed City regulations
and fees for anticipated impact on cost to build housing:
Continuing to investigate ways to support ongoing utility fee relief. Currently working
toward implementing recommendations from the High Density Utilities study, calibrating
capital expansion fees, and conducting indoor water conservation program pilot to
reduce water supply requirements. In June, City Council approved updates to the code
to remove the requirement of a specific fee when requesting affordable housing fee
delays.
Create sustainable, long-term source(s) of dedicated local funding for housing:
Continuing to explore options for both revolving fund and short-term loans or equity in
affordable housing developments, in conjunction with discussions on CCIP.
Strengthening partnerships with the Urban Renewal Authority, philanthropy and
community development finance institutions to increase available funding for housing
development. For instance, the URA has approved a loan and a tax increment financing
grant to a middle-income project to finalize funding stack.
City staff participating in regional workgroups, convened by the NoCo Foundation, to
strengthen the regional housing landscape, including by identifying new revenue options.
Identify City resources that could be dedicated to affordable housing; work with housing
authority and partners to leverage resources into new/preserved units:
Land Bank finalizing acquisition of 2 acres at 1900 Laporte from Natural Areas. Process
for acquiring additional land bank property also underway.
Consultant selected and began data collection for a Regional Housing Needs
Assessment, conducted in partnership with Larimer County and City of Loveland. RHNA
will include recommendations to increase affordable housing development and
preservation.
Council touchpoints:
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August 2025 – memo on Housing Strategic Plan strategies and 10% affordable goal
September 9, 2025 – work session on Impact Fee Study Update
2. Improve Human and Social Health for Vulnerable Populations
Expand human service funding; align with top community needs:
Competitive funding process for Human Services and Homelessness was completed
and Council approved the funding recommendations. 22 human service programs will be
supported with $785k and 9 homelessness programs will be awarded $446k.
Continue/expand programs that provide direct support to vulnerable populations:
Grocery Tax Rebate Program: 1,906 Grocery Tax Rebate applications processed in Jan-
June 2025 (23% increase over same period 2024) with $389k in rebates paid to income
qualified residents.
Get FoCO Digital Doorway for City Benefits and Discounts: Partnership grant recipient
check-ins with Larimer County Workforce, Poudre School District, Poudre River Library,
Partnership for Age-Friendly Communities, The Family Center, Harmony Village
Foundation. Agencies are providing clients with devices for use during participation in
programming such as job seeking, resume building, digital literacy classes, attending
student support workshops, navigating resources classes, helping older adults sign up
for digital services.
Embed equity throughout City programming and operations; monitor progress:
Equity Readiness Assessments: This is ongoing and we have completed one of the nine
newly funded projects. This work is ongoing through Q3 and beyond based on
department availability.
Equity Indicators Update Project: Final review underway by Executive Leadership and
aim to publish sometime in August 2025.
Address environmental concern including air quality and oil & gas policies:
Healthy Homes: In Q2 the Healthy Homes team provided: 28 in-home Air Quality (AQ)
assessments (all participants were from priority populations.) 19 DIY AQ assessments.
115 short-term radon tests distributed (91 used; 31% tested above 4 pCi/L.) 13 long-
term radon tests distributed. 19 furnace inspections. 10 weatherization & home efficiency
assessments.
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The program welcomed and trained 5 new Healthy Homes Educator volunteers and
hosted a fire safety workshop at Old Town Library in June. Additionally, the program
completed an environmental justice grant from CDPHE, reaching or exceeding all grant
goals.
Air Quality Monitoring
The City/County Air Quality - Monitoring Advisory Committee continues to meet and host
engagement events. There was a monitoring and outreach response to a large oil and
gas spill (Galeton), which assisted with the State response.
Oil and Gas
While oil and gas operations have ceased, work continues to assess contamination and
make progress towards remediation and reclamation. Environmental assessments and
negotiations with the Energy and Carbon Management Commission to expedite
reclamation on a property will idle wells and storage facilities and equipment continued.
Continue and expand programs that provide direct support to vulnerable populations:
The Gardens on Spring Creek has joined the Get FoCo family so now residents have a
reliable pathway to take advantage of Gardens For All.
Legal Funds:
o Service providers continued representing 27 clients in ongoing immigration cases
and took on 88 new clients. The majority of new clients are in asylum
proceedings or challenging student visa revocations. Service providers also
partnered with notaries to assist with passport applications, power of attorney,
and travel letters to prepare for potential family separation.
o Eviction Legal Fund saw 40 renters assisted through 1,411 hours of service
provided by nonprofit partners. 30 new clients were represented by attorneys
outside of court proceedings to proactively resolve eviction threats pre-filing.
Community Consultants Program paused due to budget constraints.
Mobile Home Park Program
o $20,000 in AARP funding for a series of DIY workshops was awarded. Plumbing
101 and Water Conservation DIY will be offered twice this Fall for seniors in
affordable housing complexes and mobile home park residents. A larger water
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conservation-focused resource fair for MHP residents and managers is also
scheduled for this Fall.
o 7 MHP Home Improvement grant-funded Climate 2050 projects were completed
and an ARPA-funded window replacement project serving 4 homes was
completed.
Neighborhood Mini-Grant Programs
o $13,365 in mini-grant funds were awarded to neighborhoods in Round 2/Q2 2025
to 19 neighborhoods for projects ranging from a Neighborhood Health Fair to
Mail Creek Neighborhood Clean-Up Day and Celebration to installation of a
Spring Creek Poetry Box (take one/leave one).
o Mini-grant funding will be suspended for the remainder of 2025 due to budget
cuts.
Council touchpoints:
September 23, 2025 – Council work session on Mobile Home Park Enforcement &
Livability
3. Pursue an Integraged, Intentional Approach to Economich Health
Business Resilience and Engagement
In July, Economic Health staff convened a business-focused Listening Session
alongside City Manager Kelly DiMartino, Mayor Arndt, and Councilmember Gutowsky.
The session surfaced critical themes around business resilience and disruption including
economic shocks, construction impacts, and service delivery, which are shaping internal
strategy and future business engagement approaches.
Improving Business Licensing and Compliance
The Business Licensing, Verification, and Compliance Implementation Group received
formal support from the Business Executive Engagement Team to move forward with
process improvements.
In partnership with FC Lean, a working group has launched to design a future-state
vision for licensing. This effort aims to streamline processes, increase internal
coordination, and improve the experience of doing business in Fort Collins. Interim
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improvements are being implemented to address immediate pain points voiced by the
business community.
Advancing Workforce Development and Equity in Opportunity
The Local Industry Grant Hire, Train, Retain (LIGHTR) program developed in partnership
with Larimer County Economic & Workforce Development continues to support
workforce mobility for small businesses. Nearly $40,000 in training grants were awarded
to help employers upskill workers in high-demand roles. The Economic Health Office
and Larimer County are currently exploring opportunities for a next iteration of the
program.
Economic Health remains actively engaged in the development of a regional Job Quality
and Access (JQA) Tool for Larimer and Weld Counties. This tool will support workforce
development planning by visualizing underrepresented groups by occupation, identifying
career pathways, and mapping access to employment hubs, further aligning with 15-
Minute City goals.
Business Attraction and Investment Interest
Two prospective companies identified through the State of Colorado’s formal Request
for Information (RFI) process are currently conducting due diligence on sites in Fort
Collins. Together, these projects represent over $1 billion in potential capital investment
and more than 300 quality jobs.
Staff approaches business attraction with an emphasis on long-term economic mobility,
seeking projects that align with community values, provide access to good-paying jobs,
and contribute to a more resilient and inclusive local economy.
Enterprise Zone Redesign and Engagement
Every 10 years, communities have the opportunity to re-draw Enterprise Zone
boundaries. Larimer County, which serves as the Enterprise Zone administrator, is
leading the current redesign effort in partnership with municipalities across the County.
Economic Health is actively supporting this process by providing data, business insights,
and on-the-ground perspectives to ensure the updated boundary reflects both the
current and future economic realities of Fort Collins.
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Concurrently, staff continue to promote awareness and uptake of Enterprise Zone tax
credits among businesses, particularly those that have historically been
underrepresented in the program, to support reinvestment and job creation.
Cross-Departmental and Regional Collaboration
Staff continues to contribute data and business insights to the 15-Minute City analysis,
place-based assessments, and the Commercial Corridors and Centers strategy in
collaboration with Planning, Development & Transportation.
Economic Health is also participating in the Citywide Retail Strategy effort, which is
evaluating asset conditions, consumer behavior, and long-term shifts in commerce to
help inform an action plan that supports neighborhood centers.
Looking Ahead
Development of an updated Business Assistance Policy is underway to improve how the
City supports business expansion and redevelopment. A strategy discussion is
anticipated in Q4 2025.
Economic Health is supporting the Northern Colorado Talent Plan through continued
partnership on the regional workforce data profile with the Fort Collins Area Chamber of
Commerce and Larimer County. Early findings were presented at the Annual Talent
Summit in April and will shape future workforce planning.
Council touchpoints:
October 14, 2025 work session focused on this priority.
4. Advancing a 15-minute City by Igniting our Neighborhood Centers
The Future of Commercial Centers and Corridors/Land Use Code
Staff convened open houses and focus groups to gather feedback on potential Land Use
Code changes that would support the guiding principles of the Commercial Corridors
and Centers updates to the Land Use Code.
Staff and Metta Urban Design began drafting Land Use Code updates based on
community engagement and Council direction for the Commercial Corridors and
Centers. A full draft will be complete during Q3 with an opportunity for the public to
review the draft Code prior to Council adoption.
Council touchpoints:
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Anticipated Council adoption of Land Use Code changes in Q4 2025.
5. Accelerate Zero Waste Infrastructure and Policies
Staff continues to work on the following elements to accelerate zero waste infrastructure and
policies:
Leverage Existing Infrastructure to Increase Yard Trimmings Composting
As the contracted hauling program automatically includes curbside yard trimmings
collection (unless declined by residents), 80% more households participated in curbside
composting of yard trimmings in 2024 compared to 2023!
The program has not been in place long enough to have diversion data from increased
yard trimmings collected, but staff expect it will result in significantly more yard trimmings
composted.
Identify Pathways to Construction & Demolition (C&D) and Food Scraps Infrastructure
Fort Collins received a state grant for consulting support to identify pathways to food
waste composting and/or C&D infrastructure. The project began in 2024, and included
extensive technical and financial analysis, as well as engagement with potential
partners.
The feasibility analysis (narrowed to food scraps composting) has been completed
ahead of schedule and City Council will receive a summary memo on findings prior to its
August 19 regular meeting.
o Analysis found siting considerations are key to success; initial costs are
substantial; annual revenue could exceed operating costs; a long implementation
timeline is necessary.
Potential Future Next Moves
Numerous additional opportunities to make progress on Zero Waste have been
identified. In a resource-constrained environment, staff will be working with Council to
strategically prioritize opportunities.
Council touchpoints:
Advancing compost efforts included in Community Capital Improvement Program
renewal package. Ballot referral considered at August 19, 2025 Council meeting.
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6. Reduce Climate Pollution and Air Pollution Through Best Practices, Emphasizing
Electrification
Electrification of Buildings:
Staff continues development of a local Building Performance Standards (BPS) Policy
framework with City Council, finalizing a 6-building pilot to test assumptions of policy
development. Staff have completed pilot site visits and are forming final Council
recommendations on the proposed policy as a result of learnings from the pilot and
continued engagement.
The Zero Carbon New Construction Code project is on track and will be incorporated in
2024 Building code update. Staff have finalized engagement with a community advisory
committee and the Code Review Committee throughout July.
Incentive focused programs continue to have success especially in the residential
sector, although at a declining rate of participation. Staff continue to evaluate
infrastructure (distribution grid and operational technology) necessary to support energy
transition and grid of the future.
Electrification of Transportation/Fleet Vehicles:
An update to the Electric Vehicle Readiness Roadmap (EVRR) will be finalized by Q4
2025.
o Next steps will be to prioritize strategies and develop near-term implementation
plans, including identify roles and responsibilities for staff and community
partners, develop budget estimates and timelines, identify potential funding
sources, etc.
Phase 1 of Panasonic SMART grant pilot project is underway. Operation Services,
Utilities and Finance departments are pursuing award negotiations for Phase 2 for fleet
vehicle and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Staff are exploring how to support developers for level 3 charging opportunities and
revisiting code requirements
Conversion of Small Engine Equipment:
Environmental Regulatory Affairs (ERA) and Environmental Services staff are leading
efforts for compliance with CDPHE Air Pollution and Control Division (APCD) Regulation
29 (restricting City and City contractor use of specified gas-powered landscaping
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equipment under 10 horsepower from June 1 through August 31 annually, beginning
2025).
Council touchpoints:
September 9 work session to review & provide feedback on 2024 Building Code update.
October 28 work session to review and provide feedback on both the Our Climate Future
Strategic Funding Plan for recommended approach to 2050 Tax and other key funding
sources, as well as discuss final staff recommendations on the Building Performance
Standards proposed policy.
7. Protect Community Water Systems in an Integrated Way to Ensure Resilient Water
Resources and Healthy Watersheds
One Water Action Framework - Phases 1 & 2
Phase I One Water Action Framework is complete. Report characterizes current state of
water resources and systems and key opportunities.
Phase 2 Scope of Work in development. Focus will be on identifying One Water
opportunities to advance the goals and supporting strategies.
Staff Update on One Water Planning provided in June 2025.
Financial Funding Strategies for Halligan and other major infrastructure investments
Utilities is pursuing Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) low-interest loans for
partial financing of the Halligan Water Supply Project, in addition to applicable grant
funding.
Other State loan programs and grants are being evaluated for upcoming Drake Water
Replacement Facility capital projects.
Halligan Water Supply Project
401 Water Quality Certification application submitted to the State (June 2025). Public
comment open through August.
CSU Hydraulics Lab Halligan Dam model: focus on safety and how the water will flow
into the North Fork of the Poudre River. Staff also led a half-dozen visits for a variety of
groups including City Council and regional media.
Draft 60% design, Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) review, Primary Failure Mode
Analysis (PFMA) all complete.
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Water Commission presentation Aug. 7, 2025
Water Supply Requirements (WSR), Excess Water Use (EWU) Surcharges & Allotments
Allotments were assigned in January 2025 to all commercial customers who did not
have an existing allotment. Excess Water Use (EWU) surcharges were waived for 2025
and are scheduled to take effect in 2026.
This change has been communicated to affected customers through mailed
correspondence, electronic notifications, and in-person outreach. These communications
began in 2024 and have continued through 2025.
Feedback has been collected from affected businesses and customers. Staff are using
this feedback to evaluate the assignments and potential alternatives before surcharges
take effect at the end of 2025.
Water Utilities Strategic Asset Management Plan
Scope for phase 2 of the SAMP is being finalized, and will include:
o Inventory of utility asset data
o Assessment of data quality and identification of data gaps
o Written plan to address any deficiencies
o Assistance in developing an asset communication plan
o Development enhanced asset management workflows
Phase 2 work is expected to begin in September and is estimated for completion in mid-
year 2026.
Northern Colorado (NoCo) Water Alliance
City staff attend quarterly meetings with Alliance members from other municipalities,
counties and districts.
Work focus has been on developing Guiding Principles around how Alliance members
will work together and with the agriculture community to keep water resources in
Northern Colorado to support the vitality of the region.
Council will be provided a memo on City of Fort Collins' adoption of Guiding Principles in
August.
Water Efficiency Plan
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City staff are finalizing the updated Water Efficiency Plan (WEP) following an extensive
update that was supported with grant funding and incorporated public engagement,
updated climate analysis, water demand and savings potential modeling, and an equity
evaluation.
The updated WEP sets goals and identifies strategies focused on lowering customer
water demand, lowering City water demand, and completing water efficient landscape
resilience projects on City properties.
Staff will seek City Council approval of the 2025 WEP via resolution at the September 2,
2025 regular meeting.
Recommendations for City Council approval of the updated WEP were received from
Water Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory
Board, and the Natural Resources Advisory Board.
Following Council approval, the updated WEP will be submitted to the Colorado Water
Conservation Board.
Michigan Ditch Wildfire Risk Mitigation
This work is being done in partnership with CO State Forest Service (CSFS), CO Parks
and Wildlife (CPW), CO State Land Board, and CO Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) to protect the City’s Michigan Ditch water infrastructure and water supply from
threats associated with wildfires.
Phase I is focused on reducing fuels on slopes adjacent to the Ditch, the flume house,
cabins and access road. The logging contractor has been selected by CSFS, and
logging activity was started in early July and will be ongoing through October 2025.
CSFS is soliciting bids for Phase 2 logging, with the work anticipated to begin in 2026.
Project tours (2) are planned for the CO Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
COSWAP Grant Program and Fort Collins Water Commission and City staff in August.
https://csfs.colostate.edu/2025/07/11/forestry-project-to-protect-front-range-drinking-
water-kicks-off-in-july/
Council touchpoints:
September 2 Council meeting – consider approval of the Water Efficiency Plan.
8. Advancing a 15-minute City by Accelerating our Shift to Active Modes
Planning Efforts:
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Strategic Trails Plan adopted.
Which Wheels Go Where study to help clarify where active modes can operate to make
the system more accessible to all.
The Safer Streets Northwest study has kicked off which will create designs for protected
bicycle facilities on several corridors in the NW quadrant of the City.
In progress to further designs for improved facilities on Lake Street and Laurel.
Multi Modal Investment Project updates:
Street Improvements: Centre Street protected bike lane is complete; LaPorte Ave Multi
Modal improvements are complete.
Siphon Overpass: Under construction to be complete by end 2025.
Power Trail Underpass: Begin construction this season; ground breaking event in
progress.
Construction season kicking off for a total of $67m in transportation capital projects.
Education and Outreach
Shift Your Ride Neighborhood effort underway in the Parkwood East neighborhood, last
event planned for Aug 8th.
Another fantastic Summer Bike to Work Day with a record number of stations and hosts
(almost 100) and great community participation.
Next Open Streets event planned for Sept 14th, on Lady Moon Drive from Le Fever
Drive (just south of Harmony Road) to Shallow Pond Drive (just south of Kechter Road).
Council touchpoints:
September 23 Council work session – Which Wheels go Where: Micromobility
October 14 Council work session – Safer Streets Northwest project update
October 28 Council work session – Transfort Optimization Plan Outcome &
Recommendations
9. Develop a Use Plan for the Hughes Property
The recommendation from the Civic Assembly was presented to Council in May 2025 and
further discussed in July. A resolution supporting the recommendation and an option to refer the
recommendation to the ballot will be coming to Council in August.
Council touchpoints:
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August 19 regular meeting to consider Resolution and ballot referral.
10. Make Government more Accessible, Approachable & Fun
While website development work continued, effort was shifted to ensure the launch of a new
Access Fort Collins system, which replaced a very dated system that was at the end of its
contract on July 1. The new application offers a desktop version as well as mobile applications
for Apple and Android and provides a more modern and intuitive user interface. The addition of
a mapping tool allows users to see if things have already been reported and nearby service
requests. Staff continues to monitor and optimize the application.
The City brought the FUN with some creative social media, including a monster truck promo for
a Council meeting in early April. The viral video has been viewed over 500,000 times and
shared by over 30,000 people. The "City in :60" social video series continues to be a success,
featuring Councilmembers and City leaders sharing timely updates in an approachable way with
the community.
A variety of activities and events added to the fun including Earth Day, EcoFest, Bike to Work
(or Wherever) day, Arbor Day, a variety of cultural celebrations and so much more.
Council touchpoints:
August 26 work session – Annual Community Survey Results
September 2 regular meeting – Access Fort Collins demonstration.
Council listening sessions at various community events.
City in :60 social media videos.
11. Modernize the City Charter
Six ordinances placing Charter Amendments on the November 2025 ballot have been
approved. Charter Amendments 1-5 were adopted on second reading on April 15. Charter
Amendment 6 was adopted on second reading on July 1.
The Charter amendments include:
Charter Amendment No. 1 – Corrects errors and eliminates outdated or unnecessary
language
Charter Amendment No. 2 – Modernizes and updates the Charter
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Charter Amendment No. 3 – Modernizes publication requirements and requirements for
adopting ordinances, resolutions and motions
Charter Amendment No. 4 – Aligns the Charter with amended or further developed laws
and removes inconsistencies
Charter Amendment No. 5 – Addresses conflicts of interest
Charter Amendment No. 6 – Addresses the Council vacancy process
Council touchpoints:
No additional touchpoints required.
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