HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 11/11/2025 - Memorandum from Grant Stump re October 28, 2025 Work Session Summary: Our Climate Future Strategic Funding Plan - Phase IEnvironmental Services Department
222 Laporte Ave.
PO Box 580, Fort Collins, CO 80522
CC: Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager; Honore Depew, Senior Manager; Brian Tholl, Energy Services Director
WORK SESSION MEMORANDUM
Date: November 4, 2025
To: Mayor and City Councilmembers
Through: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
Jacob Castillo, Chief Sustainability Officer
From: Grant Stump, Lead Specialist, Environmental Sustainability
Subject: October 28, 2025 Work Session Summary: Our Climate Future Strategic Funding
Plan – Phase I
BOTTOM LINE
The purpose of this memo is to document the summary of discussions during the October 28 th
Work Session, which provided a summary of the first phase of the Strategic Funding Plan for
Our Climate Future. All Councilmembers were present, with Julie Pignataro attending remotely.
DISCUSSION SUMMARY
Councilmembers offered feedback and asked questions, indicating agreement with the general
direction of the Strategic Funding Plan as well as concern about time spent on planning and
caution around projecting future project costs. Some general feedback and comments included:
Discussion around a proposed composting facility and concerns around timeframe. Staff
noted that a facility could take 5 to 6 years and may require regional coordination and
commitment beyond what is indicated in the Community Capital Improvement Plan (if
approved by voters).
Councilmembers noted concerns and tensions between planning efforts and
implementation.
General support for the direction, people-centered approach, and process of the
Strategic Funding Plan, with interest in how Council will engage with Phase II of the plan
and influence in the future.
Appreciation for the discussion around considering trade-offs necessary with resource
constraints.
Recognition of the current Compost Pilot Program, with additional open spots available.
NEXT STEPS
Staff will continue development of the Strategic Funding Plan and its associated components.
Council will receive updates and information through Q1, including the Council Priority Setting
and Budget processes.
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FOLLOW-UP ITEMS
Staff was asked to provide further detail on a few specific items:
Green Energy Program
The Green Energy program was sunset at the end of 2024 and was supported by City Council
during the annual Utilities rates ordinance package in November of 2024.
The program, originally launched in 1998, was successful in identifying and confirming the
community’s interest and desire for renewable electricity as early as the mid 90’s. The program
was foundational to the ultimate policy direction for both Fort Collins City Council in adopting a
100% renewable electricity consumption goal in 2018 and the Resource Diversification policy,
pursuing 100% generation by 2030.
The change resulted in simplified rate administration and better alignment with the Our Climate
Future goals to bring 100% renewable electricity to all community members, not just those that
can afford to pay a premium for it. Ending the program has freed up capacity to pursue other
efforts without adding incremental rate payer costs, such as development of a virtual power
plant and electrification efforts, and has simplified the development of our new customer
information system in development.
Utility electric customers wishing to still contribute to the energy transition are encouraged to
consider taking action to upgrade their homes through the Epic Homes program or contributing
to the Utilities Payment Assistance fund.
Timing of Climate Emergency Resolution
Resolution 2019-091 was passed unanimously on August 20, 2019, acknowledging the global
climate emergency and reaffirming the City’s commitment to climate action.
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