This November, Fort Collins voters will decide whether to renew the Community Capital Improvement Program (CCIP) — a 0.25% sales and use tax that has funded some of our city’s biggest community projects for more than 40 years. If approved, the program will continue for another decade (2026–2035) and is expected to generate about $110 million.
Here’s the key point: this is not a new tax. Residents have already been paying this tax for many decades. If renewed, it simply continues without an increase.
Why This Tax Matters: A Quick History
The CCIP, then named “Designing Tomorrow Today” was first approved by Fort Collins voters in 1973 as a way to fund large capital projects. Every ten years since (roughly), voters have been asked whether to extend it — and each time, they’ve said yes.
Past CCIP dollars have built and supported projects we rely on every day, including:
- The Mason Street Corridor/MAX Bus Rapid Transit line.
- Recreation centers and pool upgrades, like EPIC and Mulberry.
- Trails and natural areas, including sections of the Poudre River Trail.
- Street and intersection upgrades that improve traffic flow and safety.
- The Discovery Center that provides fun and education for all.
The importance of CCIP is simple: it gives Fort Collins a reliable, dedicated funding source to keep up with growth, maintain quality of life, and invest in the future without raising new taxes.
What the Renewal Would Fund (2026–2035)
If voters approve the renewal this November, here’s how the funds are planned to be spent across 18 projects, with estimated capital allocations:
1. Pedestrian Sidewalk/ADA Compliance – $14M
Fills sidewalk gaps and upgrades curb ramps to meet ADA standards, making the city safer and more accessible for everyone.
2. Arterial Intersection & Streetscapes Improvements – $12M
Upgrades high-traffic intersections with better turn lanes, crosswalks, and landscaping to improve safety and flow.
3. Bicycle Infrastructure & Overpass/Underpass Program – $11M
Expands safe crossings for cyclists and pedestrians with new overpasses and underpasses at busy roads.
4. Affordable Housing Capital Fund – $10M
Provides direct investment into affordable housing projects, supporting long-term housing availability in Fort Collins.
5. Mulberry Pool Recreation Replacement Leveraging Fund – $10M
Helps replace or significantly renovate the aging Mulberry Pool facility by leveraging outside grants and partnerships.
6. Poudre River North – Health, Access, Parks & Trails – $8M
Improves public access, restores habitats, and enhances recreation along the northern stretch of the Poudre River.
7. Composting Infrastructure Advancement – $7M
Expands composting capacity to reduce landfill waste and support Fort Collins’ long-term sustainability goals.
8. Downtown Parks Shop – $5.5M
Creates a new central facility to maintain and manage downtown parks, ensuring Old Town stays clean and vibrant.
9. Community Bike Park – $5M
Funds a new bike park with trails, jumps, and features for all ages to practice and ride in a safe, designated space.
10. Outdoor Pickleball Complex & Courts – $4M
Builds a dedicated outdoor pickleball complex to meet the explosive demand for courts across the community.
11. Nature in the City Program – $3M
Expands small green spaces, pollinator gardens, and natural areas integrated into neighborhoods across town.
12. Transfort Bus Replacements & Stop Enhancements – $3M
Modernizes the city bus fleet and upgrades stops with improved shelters, lighting, and accessibility.
13. Recreational Paved Trails – $2.5M
Extends and maintains Fort Collins’ extensive trail network, making it easier to bike, run, and commute.
14. Construction Waste Diversion Equipment – $2M
Invests in equipment that allows recycling and repurposing of construction debris, reducing landfill waste from development.
15. Historic Trolley Building Stabilization – $1.5M
Preserves and stabilizes the historic trolley maintenance building, protecting this unique piece of Fort Collins’ heritage.
16. Gardens on Spring Creek – Children’s Garden & Infrastructure – $1.5M
Funds a new Children’s Garden and infrastructure upgrades at one of Fort Collins’ premier cultural attractions.
17. Lee Martinez Farm Renovation & Expansion – $1M
Renovates and expands the beloved farm attraction with improved visitor facilities and animal care spaces.
18. Timberline Recycling Center Improvements – $1M
Upgrades Fort Collins’ main recycling hub to handle more materials efficiently and meet growing demand.
The Bottom Line
The Community Capital Improvement Program is one of the most important tools Fort Collins has for investing in our shared future. For 25 cents on a $100 purchase, the city is able to fund $110 million worth of improvements that make our community more livable, sustainable, and connected.
If approved this November, the tax will continue without interruption starting January 1, 2026. If it fails, the program ends on December 31, 2025, and these projects won’t have a dedicated funding source.
This vote is less about creating something new, and more about deciding whether Fort Collins should keep building on the progress of the past decades.