Lately, our climate future has been on my mind.  That is actually the name of a year-long planning process to update the Climate Action Plan, Energy Policy and Road to Zero Waste plans.  We are nearing the final phase of this process that is new and different because we are centering the plans on equity.  We are driving our efforts with community values and priorities and really thinking about the barriers we face as a community to creating a healthy, sustainable climate future.  Although the City can write the plan (with the help of community engagement input), we will continue to rely on partnerships and shared ownership in order to reach these goals for our community. 

Start working towards our climate future now by sharing your ideas through the Big Moves survey, improving your energy efficiency, and taking advantage of the many programs already in place.

Enjoy the newsletter.

Cheers,

Michelle

Over the past year, nearly 1,000 community members have shared ideas for creating a sustainable future in Fort Collins through the Our Climate Future project. Those ideas were used to create what we’re calling Big Moves, which are categories of action to transform our community into a more sustainable, equitable and resilient Fort Collins. 

Would you help us improve the draft Big Moves? We want to know what we can do to improve them before proposing them to City Council.

Share your thoughts about the draft Big Moves by taking our quick survey, available Oct. 23 – Nov. 30. (La encuesta también está disponsible en español.)

• Time of Day on-peak hours changed on Oct. 1 to 5-9pm on weekdays
• Check out this list of energy- and water-saving tips
• Considering renewable energy options for your home? Learn more here!

The State recently released a draft of its Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap, which details steps Colorado can take toward achieving its greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Findings show that meeting the 2025 and 2030 goals is achievable with existing technologies, but progressing toward these goals will require additional policies beyond the actions taken already.

Preliminary results demonstrate the need to:

• Significantly expand adoption of electric cars, trucks and buses
• Expand building efficiency efforts and building electrification
• Significantly reduce methane pollution from oil and natural gas production.

Everyone is invited to the Trick or Treat Native Seed Swap on Saturday, October 24th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sugar Beet Park!

Colorado native plants are a beautiful addition to any garden and provide important resources to promote the health of local wildlife, pollinators, and ecosystems. Please note that seed collection is not allowed on City of Fort Collins Natural Areas.

Pre-registration for a time slot and masks are required at the Seed Swap. You do not need to provide seeds to participate.

The City has started updating the Housing Strategic Plan - and we need your help!

Check out the new “At Your Own Pace” module to share your feedback with us on the future of housing in Fort Collins.

Are you part of a larger group or organization that wants to talk about housing? Sometimes a casual conversation works best. We would love to talk to your group about the Housing Strategic Plan at a time that works for you. For more information and to schedule a conversation, contact Shawna Van Zee, Planning Associate, at svanzee@fcgov.com.

Dana specializes in policy advocacy and operational sustainability at New Belgium Brewing. In her role, she strives to minimize the brewery’s impact on the planet and leverage New Belgium’s platform to advance policies which safeguard protection and access for public lands and waters, ensure equitable treatment for all, and mitigate carbon emissions at the local, state, and federal levels. Originally hailing from the Adirondack Mountains of New York, Dana has proudly called Fort Collins home for about 20 years. She spends her free time on her bike, the water, or the trail with her husband and their dog, listening to good music, and finding opportunities to share her love of people and planet with her nieces and nephews.