MAYOR DOUG
Good afternoon and welcome to the State of the City Address. I’m Mayor Doug Hutchinson.
I’m very pleased to be standing here today with City Manager Darin Atteberry as we review the accomplishments and challenges of the City of Fort Collins.
Before we begin, I would like to recognize my fellow Council members: Mayor Pro-tem Kelly Ohlson and Council members Ben Manvel, Lisa Poppaw, Wade Troxell, and David Roy. Please join me in expressing appreciation for their service.
Councilman Diggs Brown could not join us today as he is currently on active duty with the U.S. Army National Guard in Germany.
DARIN
Thank you, Mayor. Welcome everyone. It’s great to see you all here today.
As you know, we’re fortunate to live in one of the nation’s finest cities. In 2008, Money Magazine ranked Fort Collins as the second Best Place to Live in the nation. Business Week named Fort Collins the best place to raise kids in Colorado. And Forbes.com ranked Fort Collins # 2 on their list of Best Places for Business and Careers.
We have a great story to tell and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. Yet we know these are difficult and uncertain times. Now, more than ever, we need to stay focused.
MAYOR DOUG
Clearly, our greatest challenge for the coming year will be the economy. Our nation is in a recession. Cities across the country are eliminating services, cutting budgets, and some are even declaring bankruptcy.
Fort Collins is not isolated from economic hardship. We’ve seen national retail chains and small businesses close their doors. Others are struggling to make ends meet. Friends and neighbors are losing their jobs. Even institutions like Colorado State University are feeling the pain. Yet, amidst these concerns, Fort Collins is faring better than most. Our December retail tax revenue was slightly higher than a year ago and was 9% better than the December national average. Further, compared to national statistics, our unemployment rate is lower and our housing prices are more stable. This is due, in part, because we have been deliberate in efforts to build a more resilient and diverse economy.
DARIN
It’s true – the work we’ve done in the past has better prepared us to face current economic challenges. Four years ago we threw out the old budget process and developed a cutting-edge-system that focuses on the services that matter most to citizens. We eliminated 106 City jobs and cut $15 million dollars from our bottom line. We continue to be disciplined in our spending and our budget. In 2008, we reduced operating costs, and revenue was slightly higher than our conservative projections. After funding critical items, we were still able carry forward more than $4 million to help cover the economic uncertainties of the next budget cycle. As the year progresses, we will continue to meticulously – regulate – our – spending, track incoming revenue, and make prudent adjustments when needed.
MAYOR DOUG
A lean, responsive budget is part of the equation. We have also created tools for economic health and job creation. Over the past few years, we’ve established and followed a formally defined economic philosophy and vision that is: we will create a diverse and resilient economy that reflects the values of our unique community in a changing world.
The City’s most productive role in economic health is building an environment where businesses can succeed in a way that fits Fort Collins. Among the innovative tools put into place last year, Council approved a Metropolitan District policy which helps to enable commercial and mixed-used development. We took initial steps to form an Urban Renewal Area at Prospect and College, which will encourage investment at this key intersection.
For potential major development projects, we established a new process where Council, as a group, can meet with developers BEFORE projects enter the formal approval process. The first time we used this pre-application hearing, Council and the developer of the North College Marketplace had a very useful dialog about the project’s purpose and vision. This will be the first major redevelopment resulting from Council’s creation of the North College Urban Renewal Authority. The project, located at College Avenue and Willox Lane, will bring new retail, dining, and services, and will be a catalyst for further improvements along North College.
DARIN
We celebrated the opening of Front Range Village, which provides more than 900,000 square feet of shopping, dining, and entertainment. The positive impact of this project is enormous. It provides more retail options and it significantly contributes to tax revenue which pays for the services you need and expect from your City.
Bayer Properties, the owner of Front Range Village, is an example of a true community partner. For five years we worked closely with David Silverstein, Jeffery Bayer, and their colleagues to assure this project fit the needs and values of the Fort Collins community. Front Range Village is LEED certified. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The newest branch Library, which will celebrate its grand opening on March 28, is also housed at Front Range Village. Bayer absolutely delivered on what they promised Fort Collins.
MAYOR DOUG
We are diversifying our economy by developing strategic cluster initiatives. By leveraging government and private industry resources, we are producing impressive results in the areas of chip design, GIS mapping, bioscience, uniquely Fort Collins, and perhaps most notably clean energy.
The City was a primary partner in creating the Northern Colorado Clean Energy Cluster — which now encompasses 62 businesses and some 400 individuals. Companies in the cluster – like Solix Biofuels, Spirae, and Envirofit International – are turning CSU research and advances into tangible products for the global marketplace. Major employers such as Advanced Energy and Woodward Governor are developing products, technologies, and talent that put Fort Collins at the forefront of the new energy economy. Clean energy is a key element of our economic future, and we’re not just talking about it, we’re doing it.
DARIN
We have the potential to be a world leader in addressing climate change.
Last year, Fort Collins received more than $13 million in federal, state, and local funding to launch a Zero Energy District, known as FortZED. The early implementation of FortZED has been so successful we’re expanding the effort. When this project becomes a reality it will be the world’s largest district to be completely powered by renewable energy generated within its own boundaries.
MAYOR DOUG
We are cultivating innovative and forward-thinking entrepreneurs. With the City’s support, the technology incubator known as RMI-squared, has helped raise $51 million in equity and create 138 high-paying and sustainable jobs. RMI-squared’s successes include: Sprig Toys, a nationally recognized, eco-friendly toy manufacturer…. Inviragen, a developer of vaccines that protect against emerging infectious diseases…. And Advanced Regenerative Therapies, a provider of bone marrow stem cell services for animal medicine. RMI-squared will start construction of a new, larger facility this year to enable them to create more local jobs and further diversify our economy.
DARIN
Fort Collins is working with regional partners to get things done.
As you know, state and federal transportation funding is very difficult to obtain. However, we need to fix the failing interchange at I-25 and 392, which serves as an critical gateway to both Fort Collins and the Town of Windsor. Recognizing the innovative partnership between the two communities, the Colorado Transportation Commission allocated $1.9 million just last Wednesday for the design of interchange improvements. We are pursuing public/private partnerships, and every available funding option, to obtain the remaining $25 million needed for construction. We are aggressively advocating that this project become part of President Obama’s economic stimulus package.
Along with Larimer County and the Town of Wellington, we created the Boxelder Basin Regional Stormwater Authority to protect lives and property. Only the third stormwater authority in the state of Colorado, this is an example of regional cooperation at its finest. The partnership has both environmental and economic benefits, and, I promise, we will display the utmost sensitivity in balancing both the built and natural environment.
MAYOR DOUG
Regional collaboration and true partnerships are important and sometimes they take hard work. After months of work and nearly 13 hours of formal negotiation, we reached an agreement between Fort Collins and the Town of Timnath over the Riverwalk proposal and several long-standing planning and growth management issues. Some had been issues since I-25 was built. I had been working personally with Timnath Mayor Donna Benson since 2005. Finding resolution to the issues that have divided us was critically important to both our communities and to the entire region. Both sides worked hard and in good faith, and I’m confident we have crafted an agreement that is in the best interests of all concerned. We avoided a long and expensive court battle and set the stage for further productive regional cooperation.
DARIN
Cooperation will be essential to establishing Fort Collins as a national destination for arts, culture, science, and learning. Last year, the City Council adopted Fort Collins first ever Cultural Plan to help guide that effort.
The partnership between the Fort Collins Museum and the Discovery Science Center is paving the way. Funded by voter-approved tax dollars and private investors, design of the state-of-the-art science and cultural museum is already in progress. A capital campaign to fund construction will launch this spring, and the grand opening is planned for 2011.
MAYOR DOUG
We’re looking forward to the public opening of Soapstone Prairie Natural Area in June. Soapstone is funded by citizen-initiated ballot measures including Open Space YES! and grants from organizations such as Great Outdoors Colorado, or GOCO. Few citizens may really grasp the significance of Soapstone. It is home to the Lindenmeier Site, one of the most significant archeological sites in North America. It provides a unique picture of the life of early man, nearly 10,000 years ago. Soapstone also boasts more than 18,000 acres of prime wildlife and plant habitat and will offer exceptional recreational opportunities.
A cultural community honors tradition and welcomes diversity – as was the case with the 2008 Holiday Display. During the highly-publicized events of 2007, Council created a policy that enabled City staff to gather feedback, engage a citizen panel, and build a 2008 Holiday Display that reflects our community values.
DARIN
In nearly every national award and recognition we receive, Fort Collins parks are mentioned as a contributing factor. It’s a point of pride in this community. According to our most recent citizen survey, 93% of residents rate our parks as good or very good. However, we do face a growing challenge. Keeping up with maintenance of our parks in the long term, will require an additional $2 million annually.
We can’t talk about our exceptional parks without also talking about our trails and bike system. Last year, we added new bike lanes, installed bike detectors at intersections, and opened an innovative Bike Library. This highly successful project has captured national attention.
Our efforts were recently recognized by the League of American Bicyclists who designated Fort Collins as a Gold Level Bike Friendly Community. As a cyclist who often commutes to work and as a dad whose family enjoys a great bike ride, personally, I’m delighted to be part of a community that values cycling.
As a City Manager, I recognize our bike system is part of what makes us unique and contributes to our overall high quality of life. We are one of just nine communities in the nation to reach this level.
Next step, platinum.
MAYOR DOUG
A good transportation system marries bikes, trails, transit, and cars — and even better, it helps our economy. We refocused the Mason Corridor as an “economic health” corridor, enabled by transit. It now embodies this Council’s commitment to infill development, environmental stewardship, and will be a major element of our long-term economic well-being. The Federal Transportation Authority assessed the Mason Corridor as one of the top transit-oriented development projects in the entire nation, and we won Senate approval of initial Fast Starts funding in the President’s budget. After decades of planning, you WILL SEE the Mason Corridor - and its economic benefits - become a reality when construction begins later this year.
More residents are choosing alternative transportation. Last year, Transfort ridership exceeded 2 million passengers, an all-time high. Yet it would be irresponsible to ignore the needs of traveling by car. In addition to sweeping, plowing, and repairing Fort Collins’ 1,779 lane miles of streets, we also began a comprehensive traffic signal re-timing project to improve traffic flow, reduce air pollution — and hopefully help the Mayor get to meetings on time.
DARIN
According to our recent Citizen Survey, the majority of residents want the City to increase efforts in transportation, and we have significant needs. In the near-term, we’ll need an additional $5 million annually to maintain our streets, fill potholes, and make basic repairs. Looking further ahead, road improvement projects to ease congestion and improve safety will require an additional $141 million. To keep all 274 bridges in Fort Collins safe, we will need an additional $3.7 million annually. We don’t need to fund these projects tomorrow, but the longer we delay, the more costly they become.
City Council recently devoted a work session to this topic. They are intimately aware of our needs, the funding gaps, and the difficult challenge facing our community. There are no easy solutions. It will take hard work, partnership, focus, and resources to address our transportation challenges. I assure you, this is, and will continue to be, a priority for the City Council and staff.
MAYOR DOUG
We remain focused on essential services such as Police and Fire Protection.
The 2008 Crime Rankings listed Fort Collins as one of the safest cities in Colorado. Our Police Department is one of the best in the state, but is under increasing stress and we’re nearing a tipping point. Currently, our officers and dispatchers are working overtime on every shift just to fill minimum coverage. Per capita, Fort Collins staffing levels are below that of Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder and 18 out of 20 benchmark communities. The 2007 Police Service Study shows that, in the long term, we will need an additional 40 positions to provide the service you need and expect. We need to keep pace with our community as it changes so that we can remain safe.
DARIN
The last several months have underscored the skill, commitment, and integrity of our Police Department. We have quickly solved two homicides, taken a serial rapist off our streets, investigated a triple shooting, and dismantled a meth lab. Just two weeks ago, our S.W.A.T. team rescued two young children who were being held at gunpoint by their father. The last few months have been difficult, and our Police Department has responded.
The Peggy Hettrick homicide, which occurred nearly 22 years ago, and the corresponding investigation has generated a lot of attention and criticism. Some of you may have even begun to question the credibility of Police Services.
We have an excellent Police department.
There are 170 sworn officers and 83 civilians who are personally dedicated to the safety of our residents. As we work to restore your confidence, we will continue our steadfast commitment to your protection and the betterment of this community.
MAYOR DOUG
I also want to recognize Poudre Fire Authority for their integrity, service, and efficiency. PFA is a national model of excellence in providing fire protection and emergency services. Like police, our current ratio of firefighters per thousand residents is lower than the regional and national averages. We want to continue to be efficient, AND we want to be safe. But, we are nearing capacity. The PFA Strategic Plan identifies $3.1 million of critical needs — including additional firefighters and services for the south part of town. This investment could be the difference between a 5 minute response time and a 7 minute response time in situations where every second counts.
DARIN
Protecting our community is important, so is protecting our environment. We are working to become one of the greenest cities in America.
We have a rich history of environmental leadership. We were one of the first cities in the nation to set a greenhouse gas reduction goal, to pass a dedicated sales tax for natural areas acquisition, and to commit to building City facilities to meet LEED gold standards. We were the first to implement Climate Wise, a program that helps businesses increase energy efficiency, reduce their emissions, and save money. We were among the first in Colorado to offer utility customers the opportunity to purchase wind energy and to ban electronic waste from curb-side trash. This may sound simple, but leadership is not simple. It has taken vision and hard work by many of my colleagues and community leaders, some whom are in the room today.
MAYOR DOUG
We are continually building on this strong history and leadership.
Last year Council adopted the Fort Collins Climate Action Plan including the goal of reducing emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2020. To meet this aggressive goal, Council will consider a variety of strategies including the expansion of Climate Wise, banning cardboard and yard waste from the trash, and expanding programs to help residents increase home energy efficiency.
Many of these initiatives focus on efficiencies and result in cost savings as well as reduced environmental impact. And some come with a significant price tag. Council will take an objective look at each effort and evaluate both the costs and the benefits of implementation. Progress toward these objectives will be transparent to the people of Fort Collins and staff will formally report annually on their progress.
DARIN
Perhaps our greatest environmental achievements will be the result of creating the Utilities of the 21st Century. Using best management practices we’re working to minimize our dependence on coal. We’re reducing environmental impacts while benefiting customers, the economy, and the planet. We laid out strategies to move in this direction in the 2008 Energy Policy, which directly aligns with the Climate Action Plan. The Energy Policy outlines how we reduce demand, green our energy supply, and increase renewable sources. This Council and staff are driving change in this area. Truly, it’s in our DNA.
MAYOR DOUG
Core values of our City include protecting our environment and our community. To evaluate the impact of the proposed Northern Integrated Supply Project, or NISP, on Fort Collins, Council authorized a detailed, independent study. The resulting 200-page report found that NISP — as proposed — would have significant negative impacts on the Poudre River and on our water quality - impacts that could cost the City hundreds of millions of dollars. We need to more precisely define these potential impacts and possible mitigation measures. We will continue to push for a follow-on analysis that includes other options.
DARIN
As an organization, I believe we are leading by example. From the relatively modest efforts like lighting upgrades, energy-use campaigns, and increased recycling, to major projects like design and construction of the Northside Aztlan Community Center, we’re reducing our carbon footprint and saving taxpayer money. The Aztlan Center was the first full-service community center in the entire nation to earn LEED Gold designation.
We’ve made great strides, and we CAN do better. To aggressively increase both our results and reporting on environmental measures, this year, I’ll appoint an executive level sustainability coordinator.
My colleagues and I will continue to pursue efficiency and accountability in this, and all areas of our operation.
MAYOR DOUG
I’ve been Mayor for nearly four years, and I can tell you first-hand, we have an incredible City workforce and staff. As one of the community’s largest employers, it’s vital that the City pursue best practices. Through new programs like performance-based pay we’re increasing accountability and rewarding innovation and efficiency. We’ve invested almost three years to develop and begin implementing an advanced pay system that is fair to the tax payer and fair to the employee.
This spring we’ll release a comprehensive report to the community that compares our operations with like cities. Darin and his staff continue to identify ways to further minimize costs without sacrificing our high level of service.
DARIN
You should expect excellence from your local government. I know Council expects that and I expect that. And, I’m convinced, day in and day out, City of Fort Collins employees deliver on that expectation.
I wish we had more time to tell you about how emergency dispatchers fielded over 131,000 calls, how we hosted more than 225,000 people at the Lincoln Center, and that people used fcgov.com more than 1,350,000 times last year. So often we focus on big-picture community efforts, and those are very important, so are the everyday jobs that keep this city running: police officers, utility line workers, city planners, bus drivers, parking attendants, street and traffic crews –These people, and ALL my colleagues at the City of Fort Collins, are committed to creating a vibrant, world-class community.
Being world-class is more than just what we do, it’s how we do it; it’s an attitude. It’s about taking pride in our job and our community.
I am honored to work with this dedicated group of individuals; would you please join me in thanking them for their hard work.
MAYOR DOUG
The national economic situation will likely get worse before it gets better. And, as you’ve heard here today, our City is facing significant long-term funding challenges that jeopardize our future ability to provide the services that you need and expect. These challenges will not go away, and determining how to meet them must be a community effort.
Let me assure you that this Council understands that many Fort Collins residents and businesses are facing unprecedented economic challenges. We face great uncertainty and for those reason, we will not be asking the voters of Fort Collins to consider a sales tax increase this year. Let me repeat that, we will not be asking the voters of Fort Collins to consider a sales tax increase this year.
We must remain focused on using the tools we put in place to foster economic health and create jobs. Just one example: the City, the Northern Colorado Development Corporation, and the Chamber of Commerce have, among other efforts, partnered in a “Business Retention and Expansion” effort. In the past 18 months, we have helped 16 businesses-with 3,071 employees-not only remain in Fort Collins, but to launch plans to add an additional 875 primary jobs.
I am optimistic, and for good reasons that include: This excellent organization…. The proud history of this city…. Our dedicated community leadership…. Our engaged and creative citizenry….. Our ability to work together for the greater good of Fort Collins. All of these things combine to create one of the nation’s finest cities.
Thank you all for joining us this evening.
Now we’d like to spend some time answering your questions. Please raise your hand, and we’ll bring you the microphone so that everyone, including our TV audience, can hear your question.