HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-095-11/21/2023-ADOPTING THE CITY’S 2024 LEGISLATIVE POLICY AGENDARESOLUTION 2023-095
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
ADOPTING THE CITY’S 2024 LEGISLATIVE POLICY AGENDA
WHEREAS,state and federal legislation may impact the citizens of Fort Collins,affecting
their quality of life;and
WHEREAS,such state and federal legislation may also influence or impact the operations
of municipal governments,including the City;and
WHEREAS,the City has an interest in providing input on proposed legislation;and
WHEREAS,Councilmembers and City staff are asked to state the City’s policy position
on legislation;and
WHEREAS,in addition,on occasion the City has an interest in providing input on
proposed county,state and federal regulations;and
WHEREAS,the 2024 Legislative Policy Agenda has been updated to reflect the current
status of issues of interest and:
•Added a section on “Accessibility”to address recent legislative requirements;
•Clarified language and reordered statements in the “Climate”section and added a statement
in support of emerging carbon reduction methods;
•Added a statement in support of local control of energy generation;
•Added a statement in support of an affordable housing right of first refusal;
•Renamed the “Marijuana and Hemp”section to “Licensed Substances”,changed the
introduction,and added statements removed from the “Public Health”section.
•Added a statement about plugging and reclaiming old oil and gas wells;
•Added a statement about body-worn camera (BWC)usage in law enforcement facilities
and by personnel on administrative duty;
•Removed statements that have been addressed through legislation;and
WHEREAS,the Council’s Legislative Review Committee reviewed the 2024 Legislative
Policy Agenda at its October 3,2023,and November 14,2023,meetings and recommended
Council approve it;and
WHEREAS,establishing the City’s policy position assists the members of the Legislative
Review Committee in their review of,and response to,these matters,and assists City staff in
communicating and advocating the City’s policy position on the same.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE if RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1.That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2.That the policy statements contained in the attached 2024 Legislative Policy
Agenda accurately reflect the City’s policies on these issues.
Section 3.That the City Council hereby adopts the 2024 Legislative Policy Agenda
attached hereto as Exhibit “A”and incorporated herein by this reference.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 21st
day of November,2023.
ç0RT CQ~%~
40:/
ATT -
a
City Clerk
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
2024 LEGISLATIVE POLICY AGENDA
ADOPTED NOVEMBER 21,2023
Table of Contents
a.,•
••-•
A -
•-A A •-•
A •A
A ~•••
;Ip:•A •A~
•
•
A A~••
•
A -•
•A •A~••A •••
••A
I
•A~A
I--••~A
••~A
A •A~
--I-
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT 19
URBAN RENEWAL AND DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT 20
WATER,WASTEWATER,AND STORMWATER 20
LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE 22
LEGISLATIVE STAFF LIAISON MEMBERS 22
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
INTRODUCTION
Fort Collins is a community of approximately 175,000 residents.Incorporated in 1873,it has
grown to become the commercial,educational and cultural hub of Northern Colorado.The City
adopted a home rule charter in 1954 and operates under a council-manager form of
government.
The City provides exceptional service for an exceptional community and works toward its vision
of fostering a thriving and engaged community through its operational excellence and culture of
innovation.City leaders seek creative,data-informed solutions to issues facing Fort Collins and
are often willing to leverage emerging technologies.
The Fort Collins City Council annually adopts a Policy Agenda ahead of the upcoming Colorado
General Assembly session for the purpose of guiding legislators and staff in supporting
community goals.
The Policy Agenda is a broad set of policy statements meant to convey positions on issues that
affect the community’s quality of life and governance.It is structured to address areas of local
concern and to also reflect the strategic planning that guides the City’s organizational resource
allocation and decision-making.
Fort Collins welcomes opportunities to work in partnership to leverage additional resources and
participate in regional dialogue to achieve shared outcomes.
The City has identified seven outcome areas to ensure appropriate and effective resource
allocation supporting the community’s priorities:
•Culture &Recreation
•Economic Health
•Environmental Health
•High Performing Government
•Neighborhood Livability &Social Health
•Safe Community
•Transportation &Mobility
The Policy Agenda identifies this alignment as it is important for City staff to ensure that
advocacy supports specific desired outcomes.
CITY OF FORT COLLINS LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Legislative Review Committee (LRC)is a representative group of Councilmembers that
reviews and reacts to proposed legislation on behalf of City Council and the City.
In taking a position on bills,the LRC interprets and applies the various policies that are included
in the Legislative Policy Agenda.
Councilmembers presently serving on the Legislative Review Committee are:
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
•Councilmember Tricia Canonico,Chair
•Councilmember Shirley Peel
•Mayor Jeni Arndt
LEGISLATIVE REVIEW PROCESS
In 2023,the City of Fort Collins will rely heavily on the Legislative Policy Agenda,the Colorado
Municipal League,and the Colorado Communities for Climate Action organizations for the
majority of bill tracking and identification.
The City currently maintains memberships with the Colorado Municipal League (CML)and
Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA);both groups maintain a full-time presence
at the capitol and engage in bill identification and advocacy consistent with their own adopted
policy agendas.The City influences both groups’policy agendas and,while not perfectly
consistent with the City’s,both generally advance and protect the City’s interests.
Bills introduced in the Colorado General Assembly,United States Congress,and federal,state
or county regulations or rule-makings are reviewed by City staff.Bills,regulations and rules that
are identified as having a potential impact on the City will be brought to the LRC for discussion.
If LRC adopts a position,staff will convey that information to the appropriate state or federal
representative and advocate for the adopted position.
If staff or Councilmembers are contacted regarding letters of support or opposition from CML,
CC4CA or representatives,staff will ensure alignment with LPA and provide a letter signed by
the Mayor.If staff or Councilmembers are contacted by lobbyists or other interest groups with
requests for letters of support or opposition,no action will be taken unless directed by the LRC.
Due to the time-sensitive nature of the General Assembly,if a bill’s subject matter is addressed
in this Policy Agenda,staff will proactively work with state and federal representatives to
advance the City’s position as expressed in this legislative policy agenda and other Council-
adopted plans and policies.Staff will provide regular updates to the LRC and the full City
Council regarding bills of consequence to the City and will consult with the LRC regarding bills
for which direction under the adopted policy is unclear.
Staff liaisons support the LRC by contributing expertise in various areas of municipal service.
The City Attorney’s Office also reviews selected bills and may provide confidential legal
analysis.Fort Collins also works with community partners to support local projects and staff
collaborates with representatives of other municipalities on mutually held priorities.Fort Collins
actively seeks innovative partnerships to leverage positive outcomes for residents.
The City works closely with the Colorado Municipal League (CML)and the National League of
Cities (NLC)on many legislative items facing cities.Fort Collins maintains membership with
Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities (CAMU),which represents 29 municipal utilities
throughout the state on utility issues,and Colorado Communities for Climate Action (CC4CA),
which represents municipalities on climate issues.In addition,Fort Collins actively participates
in various trade organizations that represent specific areas of interest to City operations.
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
2024 LEGISLATIVE POLICY STATEMENTS
HOME RULE AND LOCAL CONTROL
In order to consider and manage local conditions and desires,community issues and needs
should be addressed locally.For this reason,home rule authority is of utmost importance to the
City of Fort Collins.The City must be free to regulate local activities that primarily impact the
area within the City’s boundaries,such as the speed of local traffic or the effects of particular
land use developments.The City also understands the cumulative effect of these and other
activities has statewide ramifications that may call for statewide regulation to effectively manage
such things as overall growth and development in the state,water,traffic congestion in major
transportation corridors and environmental quality.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports strengthening and preserving home rule authority of municipal governments.
2.Opposes State or Federal intervention in mailers of local concern or mailers that
unnecessarily or adversely affect the City’s ability to manage and operate pursuant to its
home rule authority.
3.Opposes changes that increase (and supports changes that lessen)the burdens and
limits on municipalities associated with public or other government records,public
meetings and establishment of ethics standards and procedures,operation of municipal
courts,and other mailers of municipal operations or authority including added cost
burdens.
4.Supports enabling cities to choose the provision of services through private enterprise in
a manner that fosters cost effective,sustainable,quality services.
5.Supports local control of the awarding of contracts and the accountability of local officials
for those actions.
6.Opposes unfunded mandates that increase the complexity and cost of services.
7.Supports collaborative regional efforts for the benefit of participating communities.
ACCESSIBILITY -ONLINE AND PUBLIC MEETINGS
HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
The City recognizes the importance of making digital content and public meetings accessible for
all.The City is committed to advancing statewide efforts to improve accessibility while believing
that such efforts must be practical and achievable for impacted entities.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports clear definitions for public meetings requiring online accessibility.
2.Supports unified federal standards for web and online accessibility requirements and
reasonable timelines to comply after standards and rules are made known,at either the
state or federal level.
3.Supports ensuring municipalities’ability to engage vendors to ensure compliance with
technology accessibility requirements.
4.Supports allowing local governments to exempt archived documents and allow “safe
harbor”while working towards compliance.
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
AIR QUALITY
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
The City’s Air Quality Plan reiterates the adopted City Plan strong overall goal “to protect human
health and the environment through continuous improvements in air quality.”
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports programs and policies that improve public health and indoor and outdoor air
quality,including attainment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone.
2.Supports local government authority to improve indoor and outdoor air quality beyond
minimum State or Federal requirements.
3.Supports implementation of expanded air quality monitoring programs.
4.Supports adequate authority and resource at all levels of government to enforce air
quality regulations.
5.Supports economic incentives,disincentives and other market approaches that promote
low emission and zero emission alternatives to carbon-based fuels.
6.Supports strengthening vehicle and fuel efficiency standards,including programs and
policies that promote the use of zero and low emission vehicles (e.g.,electric)and the
development of infrastructure needed to support the use of those vehicles.
7.Supports programs or incentives that reduce vehicle miles traveled through transit-
oriented development and enhanced access to alternative modes (e.g.,walking,biking
and transit).
BEER AND LIQUOR
SAFE COMMUNITY
The City issues and renews liquor licenses,enforces license rules,and holds hearings for liquor
license violations.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports greater local licensing final authority for all types of licensing and related fees
(New,Transfers,Modifications,and Manager Registration.)
2.Supports a sharing of accountability of serving violations between license holder and
individual server or store clerk.
3.Supports permanent ability for licensees to service alcohol on a temporary/permanent
basis in non-contiguous areas.
BROADBAND AND CABLE
ECONOMIC HEALTH
Reliable,high-speed and affordable access to broadband and cable programming throughout
the community remains a priority and a long-term goal for the City to ensure economic vitality
and allow equal access for all residents and businesses.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports maintaining local franchising authority to preserve local governments’ability to
negotiate in the public interest for cable channel space,institutional networks and public
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
education and government (PEG)programming,and to charge franchise and PEG fees
to support local programming and compensate for the use of rights-of-way.
2.Supports allowing communities to offer and/or partner to offer high speed internet,Wi-Fi
and other enhanced telecommunication services to residents,schools,academic
institutions and businesses.
3.Opposes restrictions on providing telecommunication services within City-owned
facilities and on City property,and related restrictions on the manner in which such
services may be financed,funded or structured.
4.Opposes infringement on municipalities’ability to compete in the broadband
marketplace.
5.Opposes right-of-way use contrary to existing aesthetic policies and practices,including
the addition of any above-ground cabling.
6.Supports revisions to the Colorado Open Meetings Law to allow local jurisdictions that
provide or arrange for telecommunications services or facilities to authorize executive
sessions for discussion of mailers pertaining to competition in the provision of
telecommunication services and facilities (such as matters subject to negotiation,
strategic planning,pricing,sales and marketing,and development planning),along with
any other conforming statutory changes.
7.Supports prioritizing state and federal broadband grants and funding to municipal and
co-op broadband operations.
CHILDCARE
ECONOMIC HEALTH,NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY &SOCIAL HEALTH
The City of Fort Collins recognizes the criticality of quality,affordable and accessible childcare
for families and businesses in the community.The City’s role is to help reduce barriers,increase
capacity,leverage assets,identify and respond to childcare needs,and lead by example as an
employer.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports programs and policies that improve the severe shortage of childcare openings
with licensed providers,including programs and incentives that promote the expansion
of existing childcare centers and development of new centers,particularly those serving
low-income families and offering extended hours of operation.
2.Supports regulations that streamline requirements and reduce the complexity and cost of
childcare services,including licensing and educational requirements,when those
mandates are not clearly benefiting the health and safety of children and the community.
3.Supports increased funding for early childhood education.
4.Supports workforce development in the early care and education field,including
scholarships,training programs and simplified credentialing processes.
5.Supports increased and sustainable public subsidization of childcare costs,including
proposals to support living wages for providers and those that reduce the cost burden on
families.
CLIMATE
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
Making communities more resilient to disaster and the effects of a changing climate has
become more important to Colorado communities over the last several years as natural
disasters have caused significant human and property loss.In response to the climate
emergency,Fort Collins has adopted aggressive emission reduction goals and supports policies
and legislation helping communities and the state to achieve these goals and enhance the
environment as detailed in the Our Climate Future Plan.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports policies that put equity at the center of decision-making to consider systemic
inequities in energy and climate impacts,based on race or socioeconomic status,to
justly transition and grow a clean energy future.
2.Supports greenhouse gas (GHG)emission reduction targets,planning,mechanisms that
support the gathering of data to inform greenhouse gas inventories,and implementation
at all levels of government.
3.Supports incentives,regulations,and other mechanisms to reduce emissions and
enhance resilience in energy,waste reduction,transportation,and water sectors,as well
as in responding to wildfire and other climate related extreme weather events.
4.Supports protection of the Colorado self-audit law.
5.Supports policies promoting emerging methods of effective atmospheric carbon
reduction through proven means.
6.Supports policies that influence investment decisions of public sector resources to
reduce GHG emissions and increase community resilience.
ELECTIONS
HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
The City of Fort Collins conducts municipal elections and special elections as required by the
citizen (or Council)initiative process.The City is committed to conducting a clear,legal and
trustworthy elections process.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports all efforts that assist the City in conducting fair and transparent election
processes according to the City’s adopted procedures.
2.Supports process improvements that encourage voter participation.
3.Supports additional mechanisms to prevent election tampering through increased
cybersecurity around election data and the election processes.
ENERGY
ECONOMIC HEALTH,ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Through its municipally owned electric utility,the City is committed to providing affordable,
reliable and clean energy services to residents and businesses,as described in the Our Climate
Future plan.Energy issues extend beyond electricity to also encompass the community’s use of
natural gas and petroleum.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports efforts that promote energy affordability in general for residents,businesses
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
and institutions and specifically for households with high energy bill burdens.
2.Supports efforts that promote safety in the generation,transmission and distribution of
energy.
3.Supports efforts and incentives that promote energy efficiency,conservation,distributed
energy resources,electrification and grid flexibility.
4.Supports opportunities for local economic activities related to energy efficiency,clean
energy production and utility operations.
5.Supports initiatives to reduce or eliminate natural gas and petroleum use via beneficial
electrification for thermal and transportation needs.
6.Supports initiatives that reduce barriers to coordinated integrated planning for energy
supply and demands.
7.Supports state and federal funding for resilience efforts to mitigate potential energy-and
climate-related disruptions.
8.Supports implementation of the state’s Clean Energy Plans to reduce emissions from
electricity statewide while considering reliability,affordability and regulatory roles.
9.Opposes attempts to prevent or inhibit provision of municipal electric service in newly
annexed areas.
10.Supports smart grid technology adoption and grid modernization.
11.Supports minimizing the environmental impacts of energy production,reducing fossil fuel
generated electricity and eliminating the use of coal.
12.Supports efforts that promote the development of regional electricity markets.
13.Supports the local determination of electric rates and distributed resources credits that
balance the impacts to participants and non-participants to create a robust local
renewable generation system.
FINANCE
ECONOMIC HEALTH,HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
Strong fiscal planning,prudent debt management and investment policies,and preservation of
the City’s revenue base are vital in maintaining and improving the City’s financial health.
Considering the known impacts of legislation on the City’s business community can help foster a
stronger tax base and retain a strong quality of life.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports expanding municipal authority to establish alternative funding mechanisms,
including financing tools such as public improvement fees (PIF)and certificates of
participation (COP).
2.Supports increased funding for K-12 and higher education,specifically Colorado State
University and Front Range Community College.
3.Encourages the equitable treatment of sales and use taxes to residents and corporations
residing or doing business in Colorado by limiting exemptions.
4.Supports the equitable distribution sales tax collections on e-commerce transactions.
5.Opposes efforts that inhibit the City’s ability and authority to increase its revenue base
(i.e.,sales,use and property taxes).
6.Supports protections that do not unnecessarily restrict the investments of government
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
entities.
7.Supports programs that provide economic assistance to organizations and individuals
impacted by health emergencies.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
SAFE COMMUNITY,ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
It is an important concern of the City to safeguard Fort Collins’health and environmental safety
by reducing risks from the unauthorized release of hazardous materials or hazardous waste.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports strengthening the enforcement of hazardous materials regulations.
2.Supports increasing diversion of hazardous waste from landfills.
3.Supports local governments’ability and authority to review and approve locations of
facilities that use or store hazardous materials or hazardous waste.
HEALTH CARE
NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY &SOCIAL HEALTH,ECONOMIC HEALTH,HIGH
PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
The City recognizes that the rapidly increasing cost of health care and health insurance is a
barrier to real wage growth,equitable health outcomes,and economic gains among many Fort
Collins residents.The City further recognizes that employer-sponsored health care and varying
state regulations that are not consistent across the United States have resulted in the system
we have today.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports health care policy that provides single-payer,not-for-profit health care to all
residents.
2.Supports the portability of health care plans across employers and state lines.
3.Supports health care policies that end the practice in the United States of employers
being the primary source of health insurance for residents.
Supports policies that allocate costs to individuals and their families proportional to their ability
to pay.
HOUSING
NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY &SOCIAL HEALTH
The City recognizes that the affordability and availability of quality housing is critical to a vibrant
and diverse community.The City’s Housing Strategic Plan establishes a housing-first
community vision that everyone has stable,healthy housing they can afford.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports enhancing funding for affordable housing throughout Colorado,including
expanding the State Low Income Housing Tax Credit program and providing funding for
affordable for-sale homes,but not increases to unrelated fees.
2.Supports legislation that would enable an affordable housing right of first refusal to
encourage local government and partner acquisition of multifamily properties for the
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
purpose of long-term affordable housing.
3.Supports increasing local governments’ability to regulate,manage or generate
alternative sources of funding for affordable housing,including public-private
partnerships.
4.Supports maintaining stronger amendments to construction defect laws to promote the
construction of owner-occupied attached housing.
5.Supports creating an adequate supply of housing for all income levels and continued
public-and private-sector support for these efforts.
6.Supports exploring expansion of the Mobile Home Act to address rent pad stabilization,
transparency in utility billing and other livability issues.
7.Supports continued funding and expansion of programs for eviction and foreclosure
prevention,including provision of free legal assistance and adopting a statewide right to
counsel for residents facing eviction or foreclosure.
8.Supports consideration of incentives and/or requirements to encourage land use reforms
that will increase housing supply statewide,particularly through eliminating zoning
barriers to accessible,healthy,affordable housing (e.g.,increased density,accessory
dwelling units,conversion of existing buildings to housing).
9.Supports policies that intentionally link transportation funding and housing funding so
that investment is prioritized where there is policy alignment between multimodal
infrastructure and transit-supportive housing densities.
10.Supports funding and regional support for housing-first approaches to homelessness
including housing coordination and placement,rapid rehousing and supportive services
(e.g.,rental assistance,utility assistance,case management)to assist with housing
retention and stability.
HUMAN RESOURCES
HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
The City of Fort Collins is committed to the health,safety and well-being of its employees.The
City works diligently to be efficient and responsible stewards of tax dollars,ensuring that
employee compensation and benefits are meaningful,equitable,market-based and competitive.
The City believes that its residents,through their elected representatives on City Council,are in
the best position to determine appropriate City employee compensation,benefits,appeal rights
related to disciplinary action and policies.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports the City’s ability and authority to make decisions on employment issues,
including collective bargaining,arbitration,compensation,appeal rights related to
disciplinary action and benefits to further an equitable work environment.
2.Supports the development and expansion to the City’s ability to determine how best to
manage employee health and benefit programs.
3.Supports current state funding levels for police officers’and dispatchers’death and
disability benefits made available by Fire &Police Pension Association of Colorado.
4.Opposes proposals that would allow employees and/or retirees with defined contribution
or deferred plans to move into defined benefit plans if there is a cost to local
government.
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
5.Opposes proposals that would limit the City’s ability to test job applicants for presence of
alcohol or controlled substances or employees at work for impairment due to
consumption of alcohol,marijuana,or other controlled substances or to set limits related
to such testing.
6.Opposes proposals that expand Colorado and federal anti-discrimination protections to
allow individuals other than employees to file claims against public entities for violations,
that expand the definition of “hostile work environment”beyond current state and federal
protections,or that waive a public entity’s sovereign immunity in an action for injuries
resulting from a discrimination or unfair employment practice claim brought pursuant to
Colorado anti-discrimination law.
7.Opposes proposals that require a municipality to collectively bargain with its employees
in conflict with a home rule municipality’s authority.
IMMIGRATION AND NATIONAL BORDER CONDITIONS
NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY &SOCIAL HEALTH,SAFE COMMUNITY,HIGH
PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
The City recognizes that federal issues pertaining to civil rights at the United States’borders,
and immigration law more broadly,have wide impacts that can directly impact the day-to-day life
of Fort Collins residents.It can also impact those residents’willingness and comfort with
engaging with local public safety agencies and other key service providers.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports the humane treatment of persons who are detained by Immigration Officials
and the rapid resolution of legal proceedings to determine their status.
2.Supports pathways to legal immigration into the United States that are sustainable in the
long term,including removing financial barriers and increasing access to legal services.
3.Supports regulations and laws that support the use of employment eligibility verification
by employers.
4.Supports the 2011 ICE memorandum on “sensitive locations”limiting its immigration
enforcement actions and arrests at the following locations so as to preserve the health,
safety and education of all residents:
a.Hospitals;
b.Schools and scholastic bus stops (preschools,primary schools,secondary
schools,post-secondary schools,colleges and universities,and other learning
institutions such as vocational or trade schools);
c.Churches,synagogues,mosques,or other institutions of worship,such as
buildings rented for the purpose of religious services;
d.The site of a funeral,wedding,or other public religious ceremony;and
e.Public demonstrations,such as a march,rally,or parade.
5.Supports regulations and laws that add wage and labor protection requirements for
workers currently excluded from minimum wages and overtime protections,breaks,and
mandatory rest days.
6.Supports de minimus exemptions to Verification of lawful presence CO ST §24-76.5-
103 by adding a new section (3)(f)to the State law that exempts the City from following
the verification process for any particular local public benefit that is valued at less than
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
$500.00,or that is not provided directly to the beneficiary by the City.
7.Supports local control over how state and federal funding for healthcare,affordable
housing and food security is allocated to meet the needs of all residents and their
families regardless of immigration status.
INTEGRATED LAND USE,TRANSPORTATION PLANNING,AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
ECONOMIC HEALTH,NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY &SOCIAL HEALTH
City Plan and the Transit Master Plan guide the City’s long-term decisions on land use and
transportation investments and regulations.Fort Collins uses tools such as land use and
building code,and well-established development review processes.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports requirements for comprehensive land use planning that organizes and directs
growth to achieve stated community vision,policies and goals.
2.Supports policies,standards or programs that require the analysis of public health,
sustainability and equity in land use planning and regulation.
3.Supports local governments’ability to obtain financial compensation for additional work
of inspectors through fees or other means.
4.Opposes any unfunded state-mandated review,permitting or inspection requirements.
5.Supports local governments’authority to determine zoning,development review,building
and inspection standards,procedures and timelines.
6.Encourages regional cooperation in land use,transportation planning,utility and water
resource planning and fostering sustainable development.Supports intergovernmental
agreements between a municipality and a county to establish boundaries and
annexation of a GMA and prohibit any outside parties to annex said GMA.
7.Supports municipal discretion concerning the imposition of building and development
fees and requirements.
8.Supports retaining and/or increasing local authority related to the siting,design and
regulation of wireless telecommunication facilities,including both small cell and macro
sites.
9.Supports local adoption of building and other related codes,including addition of local
amendments needed to safeguard public health and safety by regulating building
construction,structural strength,sanitation,light,ventilation and energy conservation.
10.Supports local control and regulation of Building Department staff,including
qualifications of building inspectors performing plumbing and electrical inspections.
LICENSED SUBSTANCES
SAFE COMMUNITY
State and local municipalities address licensing and regulations regarding the cultivation,sale,
and use of tobacco,cannabis,and natural medicine and there are additional substances
considered every year (Hemp intoxicants,Kratom,etc.)The City has and will have a continued
interest in managing these licensed substances in a manner that balances the needs and
desires of the community.
Therefore,the City:
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
1.Supports communities’ability to raise necessary funds to maintain public safety and
enforce licensed substances and related products possession laws.
2.Supports additional state licensed substances enforcement resources,especially for
field enforcement.
3.Opposes under-21 access to marijuana and natural medicine and supports increasing
penalties to those supplying to underage individuals.
4.Supports greater education and research on the harmful effects of high concentrate THC
and transparency in the spending of dedicated marijuana education dollars.
5.Supports local opt-in provisions regarding new permits and!or licenses or other licensed
substance related activities allowed under state law.
6.Supports further development of laws and regulations to stop the proliferation of gray-
and black-market licensed substances while coordinating with the federal level to help
address safety through research and legal banking,and to reduce conflict between
Colorado and federal laws.
7.Supports statewide efforts to enforce retail tobacco sales compliance as well as
prohibiting the sale of intoxicating hemp and THC products to minors.
8.Supports legislation that greatly reduces or eliminates the incidence of smoking and
vaping.Specific measures may include the elimination of flavored vaping cartridges,
state-wide retail licensing for tobacco and vaping products,and identical treatment of
vaping and e-cigarette products to traditional forms of tobacco.
MUNICIPAL COURT
SAFE COMMUNITY,HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
The Fort Collins Municipal Court is responsible for administering the operations of the judicial
branch of City government according to the City Charter and ordinances adopted by City
Council.Cases adjudicated in Municipal Court include traffic violations,misdemeanors,civil
infractions,and civil cases.Generally,cases are brought to Municipal Court by Fort Collins
Police Services,Colorado State University Police Department,Animal Contro,other City
departments,and private residents.
Therefore,the City:
1.Opposes limitations on the authority of municipalities to enforce their own ordinances in
municipal courts and increased procedural requirements or limitations on municipal court
proceedings,such as limitations on bonding requirements related to municipal court
warrants and sentencing options,and supports elimination of requirements impinging on
municipal court authority and discretion.
2.Opposes the imposition of state surcharges on municipal court fines for the purpose of
funding state programs.
3.Opposes any unfunded mandates imposed on municipal courts by the state.
OIL AND GAS
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Fort Collins residents have expressed continuing concern about the human and environmental
impacts from local oil and gas development.Additionally,community members have expressed
concern over transported emissions from oil and gas operations outside of City limits that
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
contribute to local ozone formation.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports local authority to regulate oil and gas operations as granted in 2019 through
Senate Bill 19-181,which includes the ability to regulate the siting of new development
and surface impacts.
2.Supports scientific studies that evaluate impacts of oil and gas operations on human
health,the environment and property values.
3.Supports air pollution monitoring,emission characterization and modeling studies to
better understand the contributions of the oil and gas industry to air pollution.
4.Supports the plugging and reclamation of older,low and non-producing oil and gas
wells,and continuing assessment of the condition of abandoned wells.
5.Supports the current formula allocation of State Severance Tax and Federal Mineral
Lease (FML)revenue to impacted jurisdictions so that they might address impacts from
resource extraction.
6.Supports collaboration with operators,state agencies and local governments on oil and
gas development within and adjacent to the City’s Growth Management Area,and on
City-owned properties outside of City limits.
7.Supports legislation that protects public health,safety,welfare,the environment and
wildlife resources in consideration of surface owners and mineral owner rights.
OPEN RECORDS AND DATA MANAGEMENT
HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
The City is the collector and keeper of hundreds of datasets and recorded information and is
legally bound and responsible for responding to Open Record requests.The City supports
transparency and open data initiatives.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports clear requirements that allow for reasonable requests and timeframes to
provide information that is legally available.
2.Opposes mandates that include unrealistic timeframes and requests that require
additional staff time with no means to recover costs.
3.Supports cybersecurity efforts that protect the City,consumers and infrastructure.
4.Supports data privacy regulations prohibiting the sharing of residents’data with federal
agencies without a court-authorized subpoena,warrant or other valid order.
PARKS,NATURAL AREAS,AND PUBLIC AMENITIES
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH,CULTURE &RECREATION
The City is committed to providing the community with excellent natural areas,parks,recreation
facilities,trails,cultural centers,and engaging programs.Residents and visitors enjoy improved
health,less crime,a higher quality of life,and a greater sense of community because of the
quality natural areas,parks and recreation programs,and other public spaces.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports maintaining or enhancing funding for parks,trails,forestry,horticulture,natural
EXHIBIT A T RESOLUTION 2023-095
areas,cultural centers,and recreation services and facilities.
2.Supports local discretion to use Great Outdoors Colorado and other sources for funding
municipal government projects addressing local needs and priorities.
3.Supports equal or greater funding levels of Great Outdoors Colorado grants awarded to
municipalities.
4.Supports maintaining or enhancing tax incentives to private landowners for voluntary
land conservation.
5.Supports protection of the Cache Ia Poudre River and local urban streams.
6.Supports programs and funding for equitable access to public space and services.
PUBLIC HEALTH
SAFE COMMUNITY,NEIGHBORHOOD LIVABILITY &SOCIAL HEALTH
The City of Fort Collins strives to be a healthy,livable city that is a welcoming and inclusive
community for all,including residents who may be experiencing the challenges of
homelessness,mental health issues,substance use disorders,depression,and other
challenging life situations.The City also supports primary prevention strategies to reduce the
injuries and deaths associated with gun violence.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports maintaining or increasing the funds available through the state and federal
government for community-focused non-profits to provide human services and housing
support.
2.Supports providing communities with resources to address chronic homelessness,
supportive housing,mental health and substance use disorders,including tobacco,
alcohol and drug prevention programs.
3.Supports a standardized statewide approach to addressing homelessness.
4.Supports research and necessary funding related to the root causes and effects of gun
violence to better inform prevention strategies.
5.Supports research,funding and/or programs to address disparities in social
determinants of health (e.g.,housing,income,educational attainment,access to
healthcare)to improve community-wide health outcomes,including addressing root
cause issues such as racism and exclusion.
6.Supports efforts to ensure the health and safety of domestic animals and appropriate
penalties for cases of abuse,cruelty and neglect.
PUBLIC SAFETY
SAFE COMMUNITY
The Fort Collins City Council recognizes the critical importance of maintaining public safety,
providing a safe environment,and protecting the lives and property of the residents of Fort
Collins on a daily basis as well as through preparedness and resiliency planning efforts.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports greater protections to victims of crime,regardless of immigration status.
2.Supports the City’s right to use camera enforcement of traffic laws,reduce operational
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
restrictions on the use of camera enforcement,and increase the fines associated with
violations.
3.Supports protocols and funding for shared,statewide emergency response
communications,including supporting Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA)
and other efforts to resolve 911 diversity (back-up/resilience)issues.
4.Opposes increased 911 provider tariffs without clear documentation of cost needs.
5.Opposes initiatives that have the potential to compromise officer safety.
6.Supports minimum training criteria and professional mediator certification that formally
legitimizes the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
7.Opposes municipal liability for prisoners’self-inflicted wounds while in police custody or
detention facilities.
8.Opposes efforts to undermine local control or enforcement of activities on public
property.
9.Supports a state adopted fire and building code,the code of choice being the
International Fire and Building Code,while allowing municipalities to adopt their own
codes and local amendments.
10.Opposes limits to local enforcement of the International Fire Code as adopted with local
amendments,imposing inspection requirements or preventing collection of permit or
inspection fees as required by the local jurisdiction.
11.Opposes restricting any local jurisdiction from requiring the installation of fire sprinklers.
12.Supports the City’s ability to prohibit the use and sale of fireworks and allow counties
and fire districts to prohibit and otherwise control fireworks within City boundaries.
13.Supports efforts to reduce abuse and improper disposal of over-the-counter and
prescription drugs.
14.Supports exclusive digital communication networks for public safety personnel during
emergencies.
15.Supports the restoration of qualified immunity for government officials.
16.Supports practical standards related to use of force that appropriately balance the rights
and safety of Fort Collins residents with the safety of first responders.
17.Supports increased reporting of crimes by refraining from inquiries about legal
immigration status unless such inquiry is pertinent to a crime;supports continuation of
non-restrictive U-Visa certification policies that allow victims of crime to access important
legal protections.
18.Supports continued use of body-worn cameras (BWC5),protections for public recordings
of police,and the maintenance and reporting of such data that does not compromise
police operations or public safety.
19.Supports statute change to allow the deactivation of BWCs when in a law enforcement
facility with active audio and video recording devices and clarify that law enforcement
personnel assigned to administrative duties are exempt from the requirement to wear a
BWC daily.
RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE REDUCTION
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
The City of Fort Collins endorses a multi-pronged approach to waste minimization that includes
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
recycling,re-use,composting and source reduction,and which also applies Zero Waste
principles such as redesigning systems to reduce pollution and waste.Additionally,the City has
adopted a goal of diverting 75 percent of community waste by 2020,90 percent by 2025,and
100 percent by 2030.
Therefore,the City:
1.Encourages integrated,sustainable waste management planning and implementation
policy,including but not limited to centralized data collection requirements,local hauler
licensing and initiatives to reach statewide diversion targets.
2.Supports a regulatory authority role for local government to ensure the efficient
management of recyclable material and solid waste,including application of laws that
prescribe the use of county-funded disposal facilities for certain types of wastes,and
other local bans on landfill disposal for certain types of debris.
3.Encourages “buy recycled”or “environmentally preferable purchasing”policies for
government agency procurement.
4.Supports incentives and funding for programs that promote waste reduction,reuse and
recycling,and development of related infrastructure.
5.Supports continued or increased funding for programs to collect and monitor data on
trash volumes,rates of diversion from landfill disposal and economic impacts of
recycling.
6.Supports establishing a refundable deposit fee on beverage containers to increase
recovery rates and pay for recycling programs.
7.Supports state and regional economic tools for existing and new businesses that provide
end markets for recycled materials in support of a domestic,circular economy.
8.Supports incentives and programs to encourage the use of compost,developing end
markets to help divert organic material (e.g.,food and yard waste)from landfills,and
developing composting infrastructure.
9.Supports incentives and programs to develop end markets for construction and
demolition waste materials and other potentially recyclable materials.
10.Supports extended producer responsibility initiatives that fund recycling programs and
incentivize products to be designed for reuse,recycling or composting,and maintain
local control of recycling programs.
RISK MANAGEMENT AND LIABILITY
HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
The City of Fort Collins recognizes the dual purpose of the workers’compensation system:
providing benefits promptly to injured employees in a cost-effective manner and minimizing
costly litigation.The City also recognizes that the City’s self-insurance program is a cost
efficient method to insure workers’compensation and that government intervention or taxation
can negatively impact the City.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports improving administrative efficiency of the Division of Workers’Compensation.
2.Opposes increased insurance premium costs to employers.
3.Opposes administrative burdens or taxes to self-insurance programs.
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
4.Supports limits to insurance claim litigation.
5.Opposes limiting the City’s options and ability to manage workers’compensation claims,
including actions like removing existing offsets to workers’compensation benefits or
limiting the City’s ability to designate treating physicians.
6.Opposes efforts to presumptively expand workers’compensation coverage to illnesses
or injuries that are not work related.
7.Opposes efforts to reduce or weaken protections against liability through governmental
immunity or other statutory provisions.
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
ECONOMIC HEALTH,HIGH PERFORMING GOVERNMENT
The City of Fort Collins actively supports small businesses throughout their stages of formation
and growth.Changing consumer habits and increased online competition threaten to disrupt the
recovery for small businesses.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports efforts to reduce the cost of food delivery for small businesses by managing
third-party delivery fees and encouraging statewide licensing of these service providers.
2.Supports efforts to enhance statewide funding for small business support,including
enhanced services to support new business formation owned by women,minority,low-
income,and veteran individuals.
TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT
TRANSPORTATION &MOBILITY
The City actively promotes transportation infrastructure that facilitates the safe and efficient
movement of people,goods and services regardless of mode.Infrastructure improvements will
support the Vision Zero plan and be in concert with land use development while being respectful
of community values and the environment.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports alternative methods of funding transportation infrastructure needs.
2.Supports funding the analysis and implementation of inter-and intra-regional transit
linkages,including future commuter rail connectivity.
3.Encourages flexibility in federal funding and regulations in order to better meet the needs
of small to medium-size communities.
4.Supports guaranteed levels of federal funding for transportation and allocation of all
federal motor fuel taxes and other federal transportation trust funds for their intended
transportation purposes.
5.Supports funding for the build-out of Interstate 25 improvements.
6.Supports additional funding options and availability to increase safety in all modes of
travel.
7.Supports broadening the definition of the gasoline tax to a “fuel tax”that encompasses
other fuel options as they become more prevalent.
8.Opposes reductions to the present allocation formula of 60 percent state,22 percent
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
counties,and 18 percent municipalities for Highway User Tax Fund (HUTF)or any
appropriations from the state using the same formula
9.Supports enhanced ability to implement railroad quiet zones in municipalities,further
options in pursuing various degrees of quiet zones,and an overall reduction in train horn
decibel and duration requirements.
10.Opposes divesting highway roads in urban areas from the state and making them the
sole responsibility of local jurisdictions without adequate compensation for ongoing
maintenance.
11.Supports safe operation of railroads through timely track inspections,joint training and
communication between railroad and emergency personnel,and the use of safe
equipment.
12.Supports local regulatory and design standard control of public roads,pedestrian paths
and bike lanes to address all modes of transportation.
URBAN RENEWAL AND DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
ECONOMIC HEALTH
The State of Colorado has empowered local authorities to use Urban Renewal Authorities
(URA)and Downtown Development Authorities (DDA)to encourage downtown revitalization
and the elimination of blight.The main funding tool for URA5 and DDAs is Tax Increment
Financing (TIF)generated through property taxes.In its best intention,urban renewal and
downtown revitalization restores economic vitality and improves the safety of a designated area
with limited financial impact to other government jurisdictions.
Therefore,the City:
1.Opposes limitations on municipalities’ability to utilize financing mechanisms such as
TI F.
2.Supports maintaining the ability of downtown development authorities to utilize the full
offering of tools and powers provided in the DDA Act.
3.Supports maintaining the ability of Urban Renewal Authorities to utilize the full offering of
tools and powers provided for in state statute.
WATER,WASTEWATER,AND STORM WATER
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH,SAFE COMMUNITY
The City operates a water utility,a wastewater utility,and a stormwater utility in a financially
sound,reliable,safe and environmentally responsible manner.The availability of adequate
water supplies is critical to the City and is managed by the Water Supply and Demand
Management Policy,the Water Efficiency Plan,and other water-related codes,rules,
regulations,plans and policies.
Therefore,the City:
1.Supports expanding the authority delegated to the state to administer federally
mandated water,stormwater,and wastewater environmental regulatory programs.
2.Supports reasonable water quality regulations that are cost-effective and can show
identifiable benefits.
3.Supports municipal flexibility to manage in-stream flows to preserve or improve the
EXHIBIT AT RESOLUTION 2023-095
natural environment while protecting the integrity of Colorado’s appropriation doctrine,
protecting the City’s water supplies and preventing injury to other water users.
4.Supports financing for water conservation projects,such as turf conversions,and
supports new financing opportunities for these projects including grants,zero/low
interest loans,etc.,with availability to all water districts and providers.
5.Supports funding for the recovery and treatment of the Fort Collins water supply,its
watershed,and other waterways impacted by natural disasters and human-caused
events,including fires.
6.Supports enhanced municipal authority to protect and increase the flexibility and
resiliency of the City’s water supplies under Colorado’s appropriation doctrine,without
causing injury to other water users and without adversely affecting in-stream flows or the
natural environment.This includes potential bills related to treated water providers being
able to more easily share treated water supplies between their distribution systems.
7.Supports reducing legal barriers and clarifying legal ambiguities related to water reuse
and greywater projects while protecting the integrity of Colorado’s appropriation doctrine,
protecting the City’s water supplies and preventing injury to other water users.
8.Supports streamlining federal and state permitting requirements for water development
projects that increase coordination between permitting agencies,reduce administrative
and financial burdens on permit applicants,and ensure robust and enforceable
environmental protections.
9.Supports the enlargement of Halligan Reservoir as a common-sense,cost-effective and
environmentally-beneficial approach to meet Fort Collins Utilities’future water supply
needs.
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
CITY OF FORT COLLINS LEGISLATIVE CONTACTS
LEGISLATIVE REVIEW COMMITTEE
Name
ouncilmember Tricia Canonico,Chair
ayor Jeni Arndt
ouncilmember Shirley Peel
arrie Daggett
yler Marr
inny Sawyer
LEGISLATIVE STAFF LIAISON MEMBERS
District/Title Email Phone
District 3 canonico@fcgov.com 70-305-6296
ayor arndt@fcgov.com 70-413-3146
District 4 peel@fcgov.com 70-294-2575
Kelly DiMartino ity Manager kdimartino@fcgov.com 70-416-2028
City Attorney daggett@fcgov.com 70-416-2463
marr@fcgov.com 70-416-4205
sawyer@fcgov.com 70-416-2354egislativeStaff
NameopicArea
‘ffordable Housing and
ocial Sustainability
ir QuaLity
Title Email Phone
ildcare
Limate
nvironmentaL
rotection
Lections,Liquor and
arijuana Licensing
nissa HoL[ingshead ity Clerk
conomic Health
eaghan Overton ousing Manager rnoyerton@fcgov.com 70-221-6752
Beth Yonce ociaL Sustainabibty Director byonce@ fcgov.com
assie ArchuLeta nvironmentaL Program Manager archuLeta@fcgov.com 70-416-2648
Broadband had Crager roadband Director creager@fcgov.com 10-224-6001
able Television arson Hamlin able Television Manager hamlin@fcgov.com 70-221-6510
Franchise
Adam MoLzer ity Grants and Community moLzer@fcgov.com 70-221 -6757
Partnerships Coordinator
Honore Depew Limate Program Manager hdepew@fcgov.com 70-224-6143
nvironrnentaL Services Director 70-224-6085
hollingshead@fcgov.com
Energy nergy Services Senior Manager )70-416-2622
~70-41 6-2539
Finance ravis Storm hief Financial Officer storin@fcgov.com 70-221 -6795
eonAh Kendall conomic Health Director kendaLl@fcgovcom 70-221-6324
Fire Protection and Derek Bergsten Division Chief Poudre Fire Authority erek.bergsten@poudre-fire.org 970 566-7274
HAZMAT Management
eresa Roche hief Human Resources Officer roche@fcgov.com 70-221-6826
Katie Donahue atural Areas Director kdonahue@fcgov.com 970-416-8067
arcus Coldiron hief Building Official mcoldiron@fcgov.com
Ike Calhoon Director of Parks mcalhoon@fcgov.com 70-41 6-2079
LeAnn Williams irector of Recreation ewilliams@fcgov.com
uman Resources
atural Areas,Open
ands and Cache La
•oudre River Issues
:uilding Services
arks and Recreation
70-416-2324
EXHIBIT A TO RESOLUTION 2023-095
tanning and Land Use
ublic Safety
Recycling and Solid
aste Reduction
Risk Management
tormwater
ransportation
tilities Customer
onnections and Water
onservation
ater Supply and
uality
aul Sizemore ommunity Development and sizemore@fcgov.com 70-224-6140
eighborhood Services Director
Planning Manager everette@fcgov.com 70-416-2625
reg Yeager eputy Chief of Police yeager@fcgov.com 70-416-2185
aroline Mitchell nvironmental Program Manager mitchell@fcgov.com 70-221-6265
laire Goodwin afety,Security and Risk goodwin@fcgov.com 70-221-6774
anagement Director
ndrew Gingerich ater Field Operations Director gingerich@fcgov.com 70-221 -6232
Drew Brooks Planning Development and brooks@fcgov.com 70-221-6511
ransportation Deputy Director
retchen Stanford ‘-puty Director Customer •stanford@fcgov.com 70-416-2627
onnections
ason Graham I rector of Water Utilities jgraham@fcgov.com ~70-221 -6921