In this issue of City News, you’ll find out how to explore new art exhibits, how to enjoy the spectacular Garden of Lights and how to help those in need this holiday season.

- Kelly DiMartino, City Manager

In times of need, families and individuals turn to Fort Collins Utilities for assistance. The Payment Assistance Fund helps customers catch up on their overdue utility bills and get back on track.

You can help with a monthly or one-time donation. Every dollar is matched by Energy Outreach Colorado, so your gift goes even further. All donations, no matter the size, make a difference.

Join the Gardens on Spring Creek for Garden of Lights: one of Northern Colorado’s favorite holiday traditions! 

Explore a whimsical half-mile loop filled with glowing grapevines, towering flowerbeds, dancing color blossoms and more, in a wonderland made of hundreds of thousands of glittering lights! Enjoy warm beverages from a full bar, visits with Santa and other entertainment – plus kids four and under get in free!

Garden of Lights is sponsored by Ent Credit Union.

Fort Collins Utilities is community-owned and operated. Because of this, money collected from rates stays in Fort Collins, and we typically see lower prices than similar communities. Customer payments fund operating costs, ongoing maintenance, infrastructure improvements and construction projects.

The following rate adjustments will go into effect in January.

•    Electric: 5% increase
•    Water: 4% increase
•    Wastewater: 4% increase
•    Stormwater: 3% increase

A typical residential customer, based on average annual use, could expect to see a total increase of $7.98 per month on their utility bill.

Pledge to Support Local and receive a $25 NoCo Nosh gift card.

This winter, the City’s Economic Health Office encourages you to take the pledge to support local business and promote community recovery for what makes Fort Collins special. Every purchase from a local small business supports your friends and neighbors.

Feathers, Fins, and Fur: An Art Menagerie is on view through January 14 in The Lincoln Center Art Gallery and features works by four artists, in a variety of media, that tap into our connection with animals. Stop by to see animals represented in clay by Caroline Douglas, fiber art by Carol Eckert, paintings by Terry McNerney and mixed-media prints by Johanna Mueller. The exhibit is open Wednesdays and Fridays, Noon to 6:00 p.m. and prior to most performances.

Although we’re moving into a holiday season enjoyed by many, winter can also present challenges for some of our neighbors. If you or someone you know needs help with everyday tasks like snow shoveling or picking up groceries, consider signing up for the City’s Adopt a Neighbor program. You will be matched with a volunteer who can help you with this or many other tasks. Volunteers are also always needed!

Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, household waste increases by more than 25%! Help reduce your waste and make recycling part of your holiday traditions with our holiday recycling guide.

Starting January 1, more stores in Fort Collins and across Colorado will charge bag use fees as part of the Plastic Pollution Reduction Act. Get ready now by creating your own Bag Plan and making the shift to reusable bags today! 

Get the inside story with the quarterly City Manager Report! The report spotlights current issues, Council meeting topics, public engagement opportunities, capital project updates, local events and news from various departments across the City. 

In honor of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, all City offices will be closed on Monday, December 26 and Monday, January 2.

Visit fcgov.com later this month for full facilities hours and closures.

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? 

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Nextdoor  |  YouTube

Share feedback on major projects at OurCity. See what's happening in Fort Collins with the City Event Calendar.


Thanks for subscribing. We'll be back with more updates next month!