Press Releases
Civic Assembly for Hughes Convenes Final Meetings
Contact Information
- Rupa Venkatesh, Assistant City Manager, 970-221-6684, rvenkatesh@fcgov.com
- Sylvia Tatman-Burruss, Senior Project Manager, , statman-burruss@fcgov.com
The Civic Assembly reconvenes on May 3-4 to continue deliberations on the future of the former Hughes stadium site. Building on the momentum from its inaugural meetings in April, the Assembly will focus on refining community inputs and discussing key criteria for possible site uses.
Key outcomes of the Civic Assembly’s deliberations include policy recommendations and a comprehensive report, slated for presentation to City Leadership in late May and consideration by Council tentatively in August.
Throughout the weekend, attendees can expect interactive and informative sessions to aid in developing actionable recommendations. At the first Civic Assembly gathering, delegates had the opportunity to request additional information from City departments and community groups about a variety of proposals. Follow-up presentations will aim to address questions and provide clear parameters to guide potential recommendations.
Speaking generally, delegates left the first Civic Assembly weekend with a strong sense of purpose and connection. In video interviews, many expressed their appreciation for the diversity of perspectives in the room and the respectful, thoughtful tone of the discussions. There was evidence of shared recognition of the significance of the task at hand and a collective motivation to shape recommendations that reflect the values and needs of the entire Fort Collins community.
"I feel like everyone's ideas have been heard, regardless of our backgrounds, regardless of our views,” said a Civic Assembly delegate, reflecting on the Assembly’s initial discussions.
The final assembly meetings will be held in the Colorado River Community Room on the ground floor of 222 Laporte Avenue. Plenary sessions will be broadcast live on the City’s YouTube channel at fcgov.com/assemblylivestream. There will also be limited public gallery space for press and community members to observe the proceedings.
More information about the project is available online: fcgov.com/civicassembly
Project partners:
Healthy Democracy
Healthy Democracy is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that works to elevate the voices of everyday people, bring new faces to public decision making, and design a more collaborative democracy together. A leading innovator in the field of deliberative democracy, Healthy Democracy designs and coordinates lottery selected processes that radically expand who participates in democracy and sets a new standard for collaborative politics.
Center for Public Deliberation
The Center for Public Deliberation (CPD) at Colorado State University is a nonprofit organization that advances public deliberation, helping communities and decision-makers engage in constructive, informed dialogue about complex issues. CPD provides resources, tools, and facilitation support to promote thoughtful discussions that lead to effective, community-driven solutions. By fostering inclusive, deliberative conversations, the Center enhances the quality of public decision-making across Colorado.
The American Public Trust
The American Public Trust (APT) is a national nonprofit working to make democracy more responsive to the voices and wisdom of everyday people. We partner with local and state governments to bring communities together to solve tough problems, find common ground, and create lasting benefits for everyone. Beyond individual projects, we help governments build these community-led approaches into their systems, making decision-making more inclusive, effective, and trusted for the long run.
Local Policy Lab
The Local Policy Lab is a nonprofit organization that supports local governments in their work to engage residents, strengthen democracy and improve civic engagement. By applying rigorous research and practical strategies, LPL helps local leaders tackle complex issues, improve public services, and enhance community well-being. With a focus on collaboration, transparency, and evidence-based approaches, the Local Policy Lab aims to build more resilient, equitable, and sustainable communities.
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