The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce presents the Advocacy Newsletter. This monthly email showcases issues impacting business and provides insight on key issues the Chamber is tracking at the local, state and federal level.
The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce is a business advocate, attending every City Council meeting, standing up on key issues and sharing a pragmatic view point.
|
|
City of Fort Collins Building Code Update
On February 15, the Fort Collins City Council will consider updating our local building code to reflect the most recent changes to the International Code along with local amendments.
Every three years, the International Code Council adopts a comprehensive suite of changes that effect every aspect of the built environment. Such changes are presented for local government consideration, which can elect to adopt as presented, modify, or dismiss. Adoption of the International Code is not mandatory.
As presented, Council will consider a suite of updates that reflect objectives identified within various planning documents, most notably the Climate Action Plan (now referred to as Our Climate Future). Key elements within the proposed changes include:
- Increased energy and water efficiency requirements
- Solar ready and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure
- Radon testing
|
|
CIVIC Conversations
Topic: Local Transit
4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Monday, February 28, 2022
Horse & Dragon Brewing Company, 124 Racquette Dr.
On January 31, your Chamber initiated a new opportunity to hear and share perspectives on important topics in our community. Known as CIVIC Conversations, this monthly series introduces a topic that participants then discuss among their peers.
Approximately 30 community members engaged in lively discussion of our local elections system and what they would change if given that opportunity. As hoped, consensus was not achieved, though participants expressed great value in face-to-face dialogue in which they could hear and be heard without generating ill feelings.
Please join us on Monday, February 28 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at Horse & Dragon Brewing Company as we continue this series with a discussion of local transit. Come have a beer and share your thoughts in an unexpected setting – encouraging thoughtful discourse.
|
|
NoCo Housing NOW All Partnership Meeting
Topic: Employer Assisted Housing
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Friday, March 4, 2022
Online
Does the cost of housing affect your business? Join NoCo Housing Now on March 4 from 10:30 to noon to explore impacts of escalating housing costs and strategies businesses can adopt to build loyalty while assisting your employees secure housing without breaking the bank.
|
|
City of Fort Collins Election Code Committee Considering Modifications to City Charter
Through its Election Code Committee, the Fort Collins City Council is considering several modifications to the City Charter regarding the nature, process and substance of municipal elections.
The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce is monitoring these discussions to identify areas of concern to the business community.
Click on the buttons below to dive into the issues that are being considered:
|
|
 |
Sales & Use Tax 101 New Webinars
This class is designed to provide information on sales and use tax in the City of Fort Collins. It will be presented at a broad level allowing for specific questions to be addressed. Anyone currently engaged in business, or planning to be engaged in business, or anyone just wanting more information on sales and use tax are encouraged to attend. Not sure if you are engaged in business? Come to the class and find out!
Please contact the Sales Tax office if you would like to attend the Sales and Use Tax 101 class and require translation services. Please call 970.221.6780 or email salestax@fcgov.com.
|
|
|
|
Free Larimer County 2021 Building Codes Webinar
New building codes will take effect in unincorporated Larimer County on March 1, 2022. The County Building Division invites you to a webinar on February 15, 2022 at 3 p.m., to learn about the 2021 county code changes.
These code changes include updates to energy codes, Electric Vehicle-readiness, radon mitigation, roof coverings, accessibility, sprinklers, swimming pools and Short-Term Rentals.
You can learn more about these changes and read the text of the county code amendments here.
|
|
|
|
Under the Dome
Senate Majority Leadership Shuffle, UNC DO School
Slurry of Bills Introduced
Farewell Senate President Garcia, Hello Senator Fenberg – A Changing of the Guard
Following the announced resignation last week of President of the Senate Leroy Garcia of Pueblo, the Senate Majority Caucus elected that current Senate Majority Leader, Steve Fenberg (D) of Boulder, will be the next President of the Senate. Senator Fenberg, giving up his power as the Majority Leader, will bring a different style to the leadership role than his predecessor. Bringing a more reserved approach to the dias, Senator Garcia will pass the gavel to Fenberg who has proven to be a more aggressive leader pushing the Democratic agenda with full force.
|
|
More than a dozen leaders across Colorado issued statements supporting HB 22-1026, alternative transportation options tax credit, a bi-partisan, bill sponsored by Representatives Shannon Bird and Dan Woog.
The bill provides tax incentives for employers to provide alternative transportation options such as bus passes. By encouraging alternate transportation, both employers and employees can take advantage of an opportunity to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicle trips and reduce emissions.
“The Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance greatly appreciates Representatives Bird and Woog’s leadership in crafting an approach to encourage employees to use alternative commuting solutions in a way that acknowledges that all businesses are structured uniquely. This is a common sense and balanced solution to acknowledge emissions reduction strategies without mandating a one-size-fits-all approach that may not work for all employers and employees.” Sandra Solin, Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance
|
|
We want your thoughts. Fort Collins City Council is considering eliminating fares for transit. What do you think? |
|
|
Should local public transit be free?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
