FoCo in 15 Minutes | Passenger Rail Approved, Fort Collins Utility Rates Jump & Election Results

Welcome to Living in Fort Collins — The Podcast! Your weekly update on Fort Collins and Northern Colorado news, real estate, development, City Council decisions, and local events.

📰 THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES

🚆 Front Range Passenger Rail Approved! — Colorado voters passed Ballot Issue 7A by approximately 56% to 44%, approving a 0.333% sales tax to fund passenger rail. Initial service connecting Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont, Boulder, and Denver is planned for 2029.

🗳️ Larimer County Sales Tax Heading Toward Recount — Ballot Issue 1A, proposing a 0.3% sales tax for wildfire mitigation, roads, public safety, and infrastructure, is ahead by just 314 votes. A mandatory recount is expected if the narrow margin holds.

💡 Fort Collins Utility Rates Increasing in 2027 — City Council advanced proposed increases of 7% for electricity, 15% for water, 10% for wastewater, and 5% for stormwater. The average household could pay approximately $19 more per month beginning January 2027.

🏗️ Greeley Voters Reject Sales Tax Increase — Ballot Issue 2F failed by approximately 70% to 30%, leaving the future of the West Greeley Catalyst entertainment district uncertain as the city explores alternative funding.

🏫 Timnath Elementary's Future Remains Uncertain — PSD delayed the school's closure until 2028, contingent on Timnath committing to fund a replacement school. The town faces significant financial and planning decisions.

🏛️ FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

💧 Halligan Reservoir Out, NISP In — Council finalized its decision to shift water storage plans to the Northern Integrated Supply Project and Glade Reservoir. The move is projected to save approximately $205 million over 40 years compared with Halligan.

🏠 Development Fee Increases Postponed — Council voted 6-1 to indefinitely postpone proposed increases to several capital expansion and transportation fees charged on new construction.

💰 Fort Collins' $984 Million Budget Advances — The proposed 2027 budget passed first reading, with the city's property tax mill levy remaining unchanged.

🖥️ Data Center Moratorium Takes Effect — Fort Collins adopted a temporary pause on qualifying new data centers while developing regulations addressing electricity and water demand.

🏘️ NORTHERN COLORADO UPDATES

• Loveland advances plans for more than 300 homes at High Country Farms.

• Loveland supports rehabilitation of 56 affordable apartments at Rock Crest.

• Updated Big Thompson floodplain maps adopted in Loveland.

• Timnath continues discussions surrounding school funding and its 2027 budget.

🎉 THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK | NOV. 9–15

🇺🇸 Veterans Day Breakfast — Nov. 11 | Fort Collins Senior Center

🎨 We Are Water Exhibition — Nov. 11–15 | Center for Creativity, Fort Collins

🏡 Holiday Home Tour — Nov. 13–14 | Timnath

🛍️ Vintage Market Days — Nov. 13–15 | The Ranch, Loveland

🏠 Greeley Home Expo — Nov. 13–15 | Island Grove Event Center

🎭 Fraggle Rock LIVE — Nov. 14 | Lincoln Center, Fort Collins

📲 THINKING ABOUT MOVING TO NORTHERN COLORADO?

Whether you're buying, selling, investing, or relocating, The Soukup Group powered by eXp Realty is here to help you navigate the Northern Colorado real estate market.

Patrick Soukup | The Soukup Group

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

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