In this issue of City News, you’ll find out how to support Linden Street businesses during construction, get a jumpstart on your landscaping and access the City anytime, anywhere!

- Kelly DiMartino, Interim City Manager

Meet the City Manager Finalists March 7

City Council has narrowed its search for a new City Manager to six finalists who will participate in an online community forum from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, March 7.

The link and instructions to view the forum will be posted at ourcity.fcgov.com/citymanager in advance of the event. Spanish interpretation will be provided. Community members will have a chance to share feedback afterward, and can also submit questions for the candidates in advance to CityManagerRecruitment@fcgov.com. Questions will be vetted by the City’s Human Resources staff and may be asked during the public forum or during panel interviews that week.

Information about each candidate is available at ourcity.fcgov.com/citymanager.

The City Manager serves as the chief executive of the municipal organization and reports directly to the elected City Council. They are responsible for the day-to-day operations and performance of the organization, including delivering a wide variety of City services to the community.

The new City Manager will replace Darin Atteberry, who left the organization in the summer of 2021 after 17 years in the role. Finalists will participate in interviews and other selection activities throughout March with the goal of identifying a top candidate this spring.

Community Sponsorships Available

Fort Collins Utilities provides in-kind and cash sponsorship opportunities up to $1,500 for non-profit and government organizations supporting the Fort Collins community.

To be considered, the opportunity must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be hosted by and benefit a 501(c)(3), educational or governmental organization
• Directly benefit community members in the Fort Collins Growth Management Area
• Include an educational component about services provided or community need(s) met by the sponsored organization
• Align with Fort Collins Utilities priorities (here are a few examples – full list on the website)
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Water Conservation
  • Drinking Water Quality
  • Flood Awareness
  • Utility Affordability
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Education

Linden Street Remains Open for Business!

Construction for the Linden Street project picked back up in February, but businesses along the corridor remain open, accessible and eager for your business!

Pedestrian access is available at all times, and you can park on nearby streets or the Firehouse Alley Parking Structure - just a short walk away from Linden Street.

Construction is scheduled to wrap up this summer. Check out the project website to learn more and see how Linden will be improved by the end of the project.

Garden In A Box

Do you want to use less water and update your landscaping? Garden In A Box is the answer. Act fast and get a $25 discount from Utilities and Nature in the City when you purchase one or more of the mostly native boxes: Colorado Oasis, Hummingbird Delight, Native Nectar, Pollinator Patchwork and Splendid Seasons.

Choose from six pre-designed xeriscape garden boxes for areas 60-100 square feet. These do-it-yourself kits come with 15 to 30 starter plants, a comprehensive Plant and Care Guide and one to three plant-by-number maps.

Native plants provide habitat uniquely suited to support local pollinators, conserve water, eliminate the need for fertilizer and are naturally disease and pest resistant. They thrive in our climate and promote environmental stewardship.

Boxes are on sale now!

Future of Curbside Trash and Recycling Collection

City Council has adopted several priorities to reach sustainability goals, one of which explores creating a communitywide contract for trash and recycling collection. This would mean that rather than each household selecting their own trash hauler, the City would contract with one hauler to service single-family homes in a neighborhood. There would be fewer trucks on each street, which would mean less wear and tear on roads and less emissions. If a household wanted to select a different hauler, they’d need to pay an opt-out fee. We are looking for input to help us understand what's important to community members when choosing a trash and recycling hauler, concerns about a citywide contract and how community members would prioritize the potential benefits of a contract.  

You’re invited to take a questionnaire, leave comments or request a meeting with Environmental Services staff at ourcourcity.fcgov.com/contract-for-trash. The City is also hosting two virtual Community Conversations where City staff will share findings from previous Fort Collins studies and other Colorado cities that have awarded similar contracts, and answer questions from attendees.  

• Thursday, March 10, 7-8 p.m. 
• Friday, March 11, 12-1 p.m. 

Art in Unexpected Places

For twenty years, the City of Fort Collins Art in Public Places (APP) program’s Pedestrian Paver Project has worked with the City’s Engineering and Streets Departments to incorporate granite pavers with drawings by young community members into City sidewalks.

Approximately 15 drawings are selected each year, and more than 270 pavers have been placed during sidewalk improvements over the course of the program. You can see pavers near you on the APP project map.

The Program is currently seeking drawings from artists ages 3 to 18 for the annual project. Each young artist selected receives an honorarium for their work. The deadline to submit is March 29.

Earth Day Challenge 2022

Want to see how making a Shift matters? Join or create an Earth Day Challenge team, make an impact, and win prizes at shiftfoco.com. You can connect with others from the safety of your own home and become part of a growing community of people making Fort Collins a healthier and more sustainable place to live. In fact, a great way to get started earning points for the 2022 Earth Day Challenge is to sign up for a free home efficiency assessment through Larimer County. You may even be eligible for a free water-efficient toilet!

Access Fort Collins

Have concerns about noise or traffic? Looking to report graffiti or a pothole? All your questions and concerns can be submitted in one convenient place: Access Fort Collins.

Access Fort Collins is an easy way to send your questions, comments and service requests directly to City staff - anytime, anywhere.

Find it online at fcgov.com, or download the free mobile app.

Winter Air Quality

Winter weather patterns often create conditions for poor air quality. How can you reduce wintertime air pollution?

• Avoid idling your vehicle for more than 30 seconds: www.fcgov.com/idling
• Avoid using solid fuel burning appliances on Winter High Pollution Advisory days
• Sign up for alerts: fcgov.com/aqdata
• If you have an indoor fireplace, only use clean, dry, seasoned wood in an EPA approved wood stove or appliance.
• Use these helpful tips for indoor burning: www.fcgov.com/indoorburning
• Improve your home’s indoor air quality by receiving a free, Healthy Homes assessment.
• Each assessment comes with a prioritized list of recommendations, a free radon test kit, a natural all-purpose cleaner and if needed, a carbon monoxide detector and fire alarm.
• Contact Healthy Homes today at healthyhomes@fcgov.com or 970-416-2832.

Stay Connected to Your City

As a City News subscriber you receive monthly updates on what's happening in Fort Collins, but did you know there are other ways to stay connected day-to-day with City projects, programs and services? 

Share feedback on major projects at OurCity

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Communications & Public Involvement Office

215 N Mason St

Fort Collins, CO 80524