FoCo in 15 Minutes | Front Range Rail Vote, CSU President Resigns, PSD School Closures & Colorado's Water Crisis

Welcome to Living in Fort Collins — The Podcast, your weekly update on everything happening across Fort Collins and Northern Colorado, including local news, development, real estate, City Council decisions, and upcoming events.

🗳️ Election Day: Two Major Tax Measures on the Ballot — November 3 brings two important decisions. Larimer County's 1A proposes a 0.3% sales tax increase for public safety, roads, and disaster response. Front Range Passenger Rail's 7A proposes a 0.333% sales tax to fund the Colorado Connector passenger train. Together, the measures would add approximately 63 cents per $100 in taxable purchases if approved.

🎓 CSU President Amy Parsons Announces Resignation — After nearly three years leading Colorado State University, Amy Parsons announced she will step down December 31. Provost Rick Miranda will serve as interim president as CSU prepares its search for a permanent replacement.

🏫 PSD Finalizes School Closures — Poudre School District approved a modified consolidation plan. Beattie, Johnson, Putnam, and Blevins Middle School will close in 2027–28. Irish Escuela Bilingüe is scheduled to close in 2028–29, while Timnath Elementary received a conditional reprieve. Three mountain schools will remain open.

🌡️ Colorado Records Its Warmest Water Year — CSU's Colorado Climate Center reported that the 2026 water year was the warmest on record, with historically low statewide snowpack. These conditions raise concerns about Northern Colorado's long-term water supplies.

💧 Greeley Secures Nearly $8.7 Million for Water Infrastructure — A FEMA grant will help fund the Gold Hill Pipeline, connecting Greeley's treated-water systems to improve reliability during wildfires, floods, and other emergencies.

💧 Halligan Reservoir Out, NISP In — Council voted 6–1 to abandon the Halligan expansion and pursue water storage through the Northern Integrated Supply Project and Glade Reservoir. The ordinance's second reading is expected November 3.

🖥️ Data Center Moratorium Advances — Fort Collins approved the first reading of a temporary moratorium on qualifying new data centers while developing regulations addressing electricity and water consumption.

🏘️ Strauss Lakes Annexation Finalized — Council approved the annexation of 147.5 acres near Ziegler and Horsetooth roads, opening the door for future residential development in southeast Fort Collins.

🏠 Affordable Housing Fast-Track Proposal — Council advanced changes allowing expedited review for qualifying affordable for-sale housing projects.

🚦 Transportation Improvements Funded — Millions were approved for Lemay and Drake improvements, pedestrian safety, Transfort operations, and Northern Colorado Regional Airport upgrades.

🏫 Timnath Commits $50,000 Toward School Closure Efforts — Town Council allocated funding for a consultant and joint task force to explore keeping Timnath Elementary open.

🏗️ Timnath Infrastructure & Development — Council approved district bonds, updated wastewater rules, and continued planning for future parks and transportation improvements.

💰 Loveland Adopts 2027 Budget — City leaders approved the budget and are preparing for additional housing, airport, and infrastructure decisions.

🎄 Downtown Holiday Lighting Ceremony — Nov. 6 | Old Town Square, Fort Collins

🎨 First Friday Art Walk — Nov. 6 | Downtown Fort Collins

🏒 Colorado Eagles vs. Calgary Wranglers — Nov. 6–7 | Blue Arena, Loveland

🎺 Salute to Service Concert — Nov. 6–7 | Windsor & Greeley

🏈 CSU Football vs. Boise State — Nov. 7 | Canvas Stadium

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

The Soukup Group helps buyers and sellers navigate the Fort Collins and Northern Colorado real estate market with local expertise and data-driven advice.

Patrick Soukup | The Soukup Group | eXp Realty

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