The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce presents the Advocacy Newsletter. This regular 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.
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The Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce is supporting the passage of Colorado SB23-213. The bill establishes a state and local government framework for assessing statewide housing needs and creating model codes for the regulation of higher density housing options, transit-oriented areas, key corridors, manufactured housing, and other model housing strategies. Local governments would be required to conduct a housing needs assessment and are prohibited from enforcing certain occupancy limits (ie: U+2) and zoning or master planning that limits higher density housing options (ie: ADUs, middle housing options). As well, the bill highlights the impact of efficient and timely processes in the creation of housing products.
We believe that this Land Use Bill will open the door for the creation of a greater supply of housing across income levels, across Colorado. Many of the key solutions offered in the bill are similar to those that we supported during the Land Development Code conversation in Fort Collins. While we remain advocates for local control, we believe that we will only be able to move the dial on housing with state-wide solutions that are contained in this proposal. Additionally, taking bold action to address the housing crisis is a demand that business owners are making with us every day.
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Colorado Legislature – Bills Introduced as of 3/27/23
Landlords remain in the crosshairs while employer liability expands.
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Minimum Wage – The Impacts of Wage Compression and the Benefits Cliff
Artificial wage standards discourage job creation while harming workers most in need of assistance.
In an effort to achieve a so-called “living wage” for all workers, much attention has been given to establishing a local minimum wage in excess of the state standard of $13.65 per hour. While this may appear beneficial to entry-level and lower-skilled workers, the unintended consequences deserve far greater attention than has been granted.
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Take Action: Business Voice & East Mulberry
Since 2018 the Fort Collins City Council has been exploring options in an area within the East Mulberry Corridor and updating the East Mulberry Subarea Plan originally adopted in 2002. Due to urban growth, this unincorporated area within Larimer County is now surrounded by the City of Fort Collins and in need of services and infrastructure more associated with cities (urban) rather than counties (rural).
Take advantage of the current opportunity to have your voice heard. The city is willing to speak with business groups, individual businesses, neighborhood groups and those outside the area with business ties and interests to the corridor.
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CIVIC Conversation
Topic: City or State
Who's In Charge?
4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Monday, April 24, 2023
Horse & Dragon Brewing Company, 124 Racquette Dr. in Fort Collins
With regard to land use and housing, which level of governance is most appropriate for decision-making – the State, the City, or your Homeowners Association? With several bills working through the legislature, local jurisdictions are being given greater authority in some instances, while losing control on other elements. In all cases, the authority of HOAs is being diminished.
Please RSVP so we can plan for the conversation.
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NEW EVENT
CIVIC Conversation Extended –
Where Civics and Business Meet
Hosted by Elevations Credit Union
4:30- 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Elevations Credit Union
Community Room,
221 E Mountain Ave.
CIVIC Conversations Extended provides business community members with the opportunity to learn more about key community service providers and the intersection of government and business.
April’s Featured Panel:
- Chief Jay Callaghan, Colorado State University Police Department
- Chief Derek Bergsten, Poudre Fire Authority
- Chief Jeff Swoboda, Fort Collins Police (invited)
- Sheriff John Feyen, Larimer County
- Ryan McLean, UCHealth Senior Direct of Pre-Hospital Care
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2023 Talent Summit Resources
More than 150 people came together to discuss, collaborate and respond to workforce challenges at the 2023 Talent Summit on March 30 at The Ranch Events Complex.
Click here to find links to presentations, contacts and additional resources from the event.
Continue the workforce discussion with the Chamber's 2023 Talent Series. Details here.
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NoCo Housing NOW All Partnership Meeting Resources Available from March 24 Event
Topic: Housing Policy & Community Engagement
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NoCo Housing NOW is a coalition of the willing serving as Northern Colorado’s leading voice for housing options & relative affordability.
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Introducing:
OneVoice for Housing
OneVoice for Housing is a local network of fair housing advocates in Northern Colorado who have come together to show Fort Collins the benefits of equitable housing opportunities.
We have information to share, educational resources unique to our area and others that address the national housing crisis, and we are in a position to create concrete connections between individuals, organizations and services that will help drive our mission forward.
Learn more about the mission here.
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City Seeks Volunteers to Serve on Boards and Commissions
Applications are open for Fort Collins residents interested in serving on one of the City’s boards and commissions. The Northern Colorado Regional Airport Commission is also seeking applicants for a jointly appointed member. All applications are due by 5 PM on Friday, April 28.
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Relative to housing policies, are you more confident with state or local control?
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