February CAP Newsletter

I love Fort Collins.  I love that we are a community of innovative, fun-seeking, and helpful people.  My hope is that this newsletter highlights just a little bit of what is great about Fort Collins. 

Cheers, Michelle  

Interim Climate Program Manager 

2021 State of the City Reflects on Extraordinary Year and a Resilient Future

The State of the City is an annual event that reflects on the events and accomplishments of the prior year and looks ahead to the future of Fort Collins.

Mayor Troxell and City Manager Darin Atteberry shared personal reflections and detailed the City’s response to three primary crises in 2020: the COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic impacts, national and local calls for racial justice, and the Cameron Peak Fire (a "triple bottom line" of crisis).  As we know, 2020 was a year unlike any other.  Fort Collins responded to these crises while also continuing to deliver 24/7 municipal services.

The State of the City and short feature videos can be found here:  www.fcgov.com/stateofthecity. In addition, the page includes the annual Report to the Community, which highlights more key initiatives and accomplishments from the past year, including work on the Our Climate Future planning process.

NoCo Alerts

Being prepared makes us more resilient.  The NoCo Alert system is designed to help all community members prepare and respond to all types of events or emergencies.  Consider signing up today.

ACEEE Report - Colorado #8 in the Nation/ #1 in the Southwest for Electric Vehicle Plans

ACEEE (American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy) has released the State Transportation Electrification Scorecard.

Transportation is now the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Electric vehicles (EVs) are critical to reducing emissions, and more EV options are arriving.

The State Transportation Electrification Scorecard ranks states’ efforts—identifying those that have taken comprehensive steps to reduce barriers and others that are just starting. Every state can step up to enable equitable, electrified transportation for all.

USGBC (US Green Building Council) Reports Colorado is #4 for LEED Buildings.

Colorado is listed in the 2020 Top 10 States for LEED, per the USGBC (US Green Building Council). Colorado certified 64 projects last year representing 11.83 million gross square feet (GSF) of certified space in 2020. 

Several state policies have helped. Colorado’s 2007 law requiring third-party green building certification for state construction projects resulted in an  increase in LEED square footage. In the spring of 2019, Gov. Jared Polis signed seven climate and energy bills and four electric vehicle bills, and also unveiled a plan for the state to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2040. Fort Collins complies with these state policies with our own plans to reach these goals.

Rebates for Solar PV Installation

Residential customers can receive rebates up to $1,500 for a solar photovoltaic (PV) installation. 

Additional Incentives for Adding Battery Storage  Considering adding a battery to your home energy system? Customers with battery storage can store solar energy to offset on-peak energy consumption.

Financing On-bill financing is available through the Epic Loan, subject to the project eligibility requirements listed above. Elevations Credit Union also offers energy loans.  For more information on the Epic Homes program go to https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/epichomes/.

Tax Credits for Solar Investments Solar electric systems (including battery storage charged by solar) are eligible for the 26% federal tax credit if placed in service before January 2023. The federal tax credit for residential installations declines to 22% on Jan. 1, 2023, before expiring at the close of 2023.

Twin Silos Park Receives 2 Awards

Congratulations to staff at Twin Silos Park who recently received two awards.     
  

• Honor Award for the park’s design from the American Society of Landscape Architects, Colorado Chapter.

• Columbine Award for Best New Park Design from the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA). CPRA awards are focused on outstanding community benefits, unique community outreach strategies and innovation.

The virtual award ceremony was in December. See the brief video for the award ceremony here.

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Fort Collins, CO 80521