Can Fort Collins Handle the Growth: Conversations with the City of Fort Collins Heads of Planning
There’s no doubt that Fort Collins is growing. The urban growth is evident in almost every aspect of the city but what does this mean in terms of Fort Collins’ future? With Fort Collins growing at a rate of 2,000 new residents per year, I want to know how Fort Collins plans to accommodate this growth and how infrastructure and transportation will look like in the future.
I decided to look further into this topic and was able to come in contact with Dean Klinger, the Department Head of Planning, Development, and Transportation and Cameron Gloss, the Department Head of Comprehensive Planning. As head of departments for the City of Fort Collins, both Dean and Cameron work firsthand ensuring that the planning of future developments in Fort Collins is done in a sustainable, efficient and safe manner so that the community of Fort Collins can grow and progress in a harmonious fashion.
While I wasn’t able to meet with Dean and his colleague Cameron in person, they were able to answer some of my questions through email. Here’s what I learned.
The following questions were answered by Cameron Gloss.
Beyond the Oval: With Fort Collins growing at a fast rate, how does the City of Fort Collins plan to accommodate the growth? In terms of infrastructure? Transportation (roads)?
Cameron Gloss: Our most recent Comprehensive Plan (locally referred to as City Plan) sets a strategy for how the community will grow over the next 20 years. Think of it as an overall blueprint for future patterns of new development, where roads will be expanded or changed and how existing neighborhoods and districts will likely change. City Plan provides the overarching policy direction for future growth, but there are more detailed plans created at the district or neighborhood level and many operational plans, e.g.-Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Transit Master Plan, Arts and Culture Master Plan, that provide greater detail on how the larger policy objectives will be realized.
Do you think Fort Collins can accommodate the amount of urban growth happening in the Northern Colorado area?
Cameron Gloss: No. While Fort Collins has additional growth, potential given our amount of vacant and redevelopable land, projected growth will also occur in other Northern Colorado communities. The North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization works directly with the State and municipalities to describe where growth is likely to occur given trends, market forces, and infrastructure, and the results of their analysis projects growth in Timnath, Loveland, Windsor, Greeley and many of the communities within the commute shed of Fort Collins.
Is there currently empty land that Fort Collins plans to use for the building of Infrastructure?
Cameron Gloss: The supply of vacant land in Fort Collins is shrinking, but there are still developable vacant properties within the Mountain Vista Area in northeast Fort Collins, as well as some larger parcel in the northwest portion of the community.
What happens when Fort Collins maxes out on space to build on? Where will we expand to?
Cameron Gloss: Fort Collins will eventually rely more heavily in the future on infilling small vacant parcels within ‘built-up’ areas — we call it “infill”, and redeveloping existing areas, often with larger and taller buildings and more intensive uses.
How does the city of Fort Collins plan future developments while keeping the environment in mind?
Cameron Gloss: The entire premise of our community planning program is based on the principle of sustainability, i.e. -to equitably address our economic, social and environmental resources. Our development codes, capital investments and programs all tie into sustainability.
The following questions were answered by Dean Klingner.
Beyond the Oval: How long have you lived in Fort Collins and how have you seen Fort Collins change with the growth that’s occurred?
Dean Klingner: I’ve lived in Fort Collins since 1997. The City and the region have grown significantly since then. This has brought more people and homes and has also expanded and added new amenities. As with many folks who have been here for a while, we notice the impact of construction and a higher population. However, I have also really enjoyed the new amenities the community has added (new paved and unpaved trails, new and expanded natural areas, new parks and entertainment venues, more art and cultural opportunities, and new restaurants and businesses).
Are you fearful for Fort Collins in the future? In terms of how we’ll accommodate growth, and what it will be like with more people. Do you think it will remain the same charming place that it is, or will it just feel like another overpopulated town?
Dean Klingner: I’m optimistic about the future of Fort Collins. No doubt it will change, but my experience of living here for over two decades gives me confidence that the future will balance the input and values of newcomers with the long-held community values and character.
To learn more about the topics discussed throughout the piece (i.e. City Plan) refer to the links throughout.
Disclaimer: This interview has been edited to fit ease of readability.
