FoCo in 15 Minutes | Fort Collins' $300M Water Decision, 9 School Closures, New Cancer Center & Data Centers

Welcome to Living in Fort Collins — The Podcast, your weekly update on Fort Collins and Northern Colorado news, real estate, development, local government, and community events!

💧 Fort Collins Drops Halligan Reservoir for NISP — After nearly 20 years pursuing the Halligan Reservoir expansion, City Council voted 6-1 to move toward joining the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP). The city would receive approximately 5.8% of Glade Reservoir, with an estimated $300 million investment over 40 years compared to roughly $500 million for Halligan.

🏫 Nine PSD Schools Face Closure — Poudre School District votes October 27 on a proposal to close nine schools, including Timnath Elementary and Blevins Middle School. The district estimates $7–8 million in annual savings, but families and local leaders are raising concerns about neighborhood impacts and school assignments.

🏥 $59 Million Cancer Center Coming to Windsor — Banner MD Anderson plans an 80,000-square-foot cancer treatment facility near I-25 and Highway 392, offering imaging, infusion, radiation oncology, and additional services. Opening is targeted for late 2028.

🏭 BAE Systems Expands Into Weld County — The aerospace company purchased a 130,000-square-foot manufacturing facility and plans to hire more than 200 employees over the next two years, eventually reaching approximately 600 jobs.

🚗 I-25 Express Lanes Hit Another Milestone — Construction between Mead and Berthoud has reached a major traffic milestone, ending the temporary head-to-head lane configuration. Full completion is expected in 2028.

⏸️ Data Center Moratorium Advances — Council approved the first reading of a six-month moratorium on qualifying data centers, allowing time to develop regulations addressing electricity and water consumption. Final approval is scheduled for November 3.

🏘️ Strauss Lakes Development Approved — Council finalized annexation of 147.5 acres near Ziegler and Horsetooth roads. Early plans include approximately 650 single-family homes and 120 multifamily units.

🏡 Faster Affordable Housing Approvals — Council advanced changes allowing qualifying affordable for-sale housing developments to receive expedited review.

🚦 Transportation Improvements Funded — Millions in funding were approved for pedestrian safety, Lemay and Drake intersection improvements, Transfort operations, and the Northern Colorado Regional Airport runway expansion.

🏫 Timnath Opposes Elementary School Closure — Town Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing PSD's proposed closure of Timnath Elementary.

🌳 Timnath Expands Open Space — Council approved a $1.3 million property purchase for future open space and potential river access.

🏗️ Timnath Recreation Center — The planned 109,000-square-foot recreation center is targeting construction completion in 2029.

💰 Loveland Approves 2027 Budget — City Council adopted its budget while maintaining the existing property-tax mill levy.

🎻 Halloween Pops: Frankenstein — Oct. 29 | Lincoln Center, Fort Collins

🍬 Tiny Tot Halloween — Oct. 30 | Old Town Square

🚲 Brighten the Night — Oct. 30 | Walk and Wheel Skills Hub

👻 Greeley Trick-or-Treat Street — Oct. 30 | Downtown Greeley

🎹 CSU Halloween Organ Extravaganza — Oct. 31 | University Center for the Arts

📲 Thinking about buying, selling, or relocating to Northern Colorado?

The Soukup Group helps buyers and sellers navigate Fort Collins and Northern Colorado real estate with local expertise and market insights.

Patrick Soukup | The Soukup Group at eXp Realty

📞 970-893-3533
📧 info@livingfortcollins.com
🌐 www.livingfortcollins.com