Yes! Old Town is a great community asset, with historic character, vibrant restaurants and shops, and a variety of community activities. However, it’s imperative that we continually evaluate and work to improve Old Town, addressing challenges like rising rents, changing consumer preferences, safety and parking. As a former small business owner, I understand the challenges entrepreneurs face. I will support small businesses by streamlining permitting and sustaining City-led small business programs. I will make housing more affordable so workers and young families can choose to live, work and shop close by. I’ll also partner with the Downtown Development Authority, non-profit partners and the arts community to keep Old Town vibrant with events, culture, and livability.

Yes, Old Town is one of Fort Collins’ most significant assets, our cultural heart, a hub for small businesses, and a major driver of tourism and economic activity in the city. To keep it lively, we need to support local entrepreneurs by working with property owners to stabilize rising rents and property taxes, helping to preserve the unique small-business ecosystem that defines Fort Collins’ identity. At the same time, we should be cautious about implementing paid parking, as it may bring in short-term revenue but could also discourage local residents from visiting Old Town. If fewer people shop and dine there, we could lose more in sales tax revenue than we gain from parking fees, which is a risky trade-off when our city is already working to balance its budget. By focusing on long-term stability for small businesses and keeping Old Town accessible to residents and visitors alike, we can ensure this vital part of our community continues to thrive.

There are several ways to measure “success” downtown, including whether people feel safe and comfortable in public spaces like Old Town Square, strong local retail and restaurant businesses, low building vacancy rates, a range of employment and housing opportunities, diversity in businesses and amenities, year-round events and activities (both indoor and outdoor), and easy access by multiple modes of transportation. By many of these measures, I would consider Downtown Fort Collins to be thriving – it’s a place people flock to and want to stick around. However, rising commercial rents, housing availability (and affordability) for service workers, pedestrian and bicyclist safety, and parking management are issues that put the vibrancy of Downtown at risk. The Mayor and City Council should continue to work closely with the Downtown Development Authority and other key partners to understand trends, identify needs, and help Downtown orient toward the future.

I believe Old Town could be stronger and more vibrant than it is today. Rising property taxes, certain city policies, and at times a strained relationship between the city and local businesses have created challenges for the area. To strengthen Old Town’s vitality, I would focus on building a collaborative partnership with business owners, reviewing city policies to identify ways to ease burdens, and working to lower fees and taxes where possible. By supporting our local businesses and creating a healthier environment for them to thrive, we can ensure Old Town remains the heart of our community.

Old Town is one of Fort Collins’ greatest strengths: our historic buildings, local shops, restaurants, and public spaces make it a hub for both residents and visitors. But success brings challenges. High rents and property costs make it harder for small businesses to survive, and rising housing costs mean fewer workers and customers can actually live nearby.

To keep Downtown vibrant, we need to ensure it remains accessible and welcoming. That means investing in safe, clean, and people-friendly public spaces. More outdoor seating, trees, and well-designed plazas can keep the area lively year-round. We should support small businesses with streamlined permitting and fair fees, so entrepreneurs aren’t pushed out by red tape.

Finally, housing and transportation are central to downtown’s success. If workers can’t afford to live in Fort Collins or easily get to their jobs, our downtown suffers. Building more housing near Old Town, improving transit, and managing parking wisely will strengthen the economic heart of our city.

Yes, I think Old Town Fort Collins is healthy and successful at the present. I work in Old Town and take frequent walks. The area is frequently busy with shoppers and diners enjoying the atmosphere. It feels safe and vibrant. I fear that the national economic environment is more of a threat to Old Town small businesses as consumers feel the effect of tariffs, inflation, and a slowing job market.

As for what the City can control, I think there is room for improvement to support businesses in Old Town and the rest of the City. I think we should be thoughtful when considering fee increases, permitting and development standards, major capital projects and other mandates that could have a negative impact. The City’s non-utility budget relies on sales tax to fund our basic operations and sales tax collections are already slowing. Our businesses and consumers are going through so much economic turmoil right now, again due to factors outside of the City’s control, that I think we should listen carefully to their concerns.

I believe Downtown is relatively healthy taken as a whole. However, looking at the large amount of turnover on tenants in some properties it is obvious that the health could be better. Many businesses still struggle to maintain profitability. Business owners often complain about city regulations making things harder, not easier. Attempts to reduce the carbon footprint of businesses will impose unnecessary costs and endanger their economic viability, so I oppose this except for only the oldest of buildings that have never been upgraded in the past. It’s important to listen to the Downtown Development Authority and individual business owners to understand their concerns.

Fort Collins consistently ranks among the nation’s best places to live, a testament to our beautiful landscape, vibrant economy, talented workforce, and thriving downtown. Even so, stewarding a vibrant downtown that serves our community, attracts visitors, and supports local business is a priority for me. Given our current economic environment, we must act decisively to protect and maximize these strengths and our unique quality of life. I regularly meet with local non-profits, community leaders and small business owners and leaders to learn more about their concerns and issues facing them today. These community members are looking for collaborative ideas that stimulate our economy, cut unnecessary red tape, and streamline processes that maximize our strengths. As a member of the Fort Collins City Council, I will work hard to bring all stakeholders including job seekers, NoCo Chamber of Commerce, Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce Downtown Development Authority, small business owners, and entrepreneurs to create a more affordable environment for businesses to grow and support collaborative efforts that improve our quality of life and leave our community better than we found it.

Fort Collins must streamline the development process to allow for more diverse, affordable, and sustainable housing options. I’ll push the City to repurpose underutilized City-owned real estate to be developed by our housing authority or nonprofit partners for affordable housing. I’ll support greater housing diversity—including cottage clusters, co-housing, and smaller lot sizes—and update impact fees to better align with our housing goals. I’ll better utilize the Urban Renewal Authority as a creative, innovative tool to help bring in more affordable housing while alleviating blight, and look to create a library of pre-approved plans for infill development and updated zoning. These tools can ensure that working families, seniors, and young people can afford to live and thrive in Fort Collins.

The city needs to re-engage with the land use code discussion and implement the original changes that promote increased density and a fairer approach throughout Fort Collins. We lack the budget to simply build our way out of the affordable housing issues we face, but we can take practical steps to reduce costs and expedite the construction of innovative housing options. For example, the city can help underwrite building defect litigation insurance by working with new condo developments to include owner-occupied-only clauses within HOA covenants, reducing the risk of corporate purchases that often lead to costly lawsuits. We should also review our capital impact fees to encourage the development of smaller, more naturally affordable housing units. Another critical step is to reduce the time needed to process development entitlements. Projects that now take nearly a decade could be completed in five to six years if we streamline approvals. This would open the door for more creative housing solutions, including sustainable materials like hempcrete and other new building technologies. Fort Collins could become a testing ground for innovation, showcasing models that balance affordability with environmental responsibility. These measures align with our budget realities while creating opportunities for housing mobility. By expanding middle-market housing options, we give current residents in subsidized housing a pathway to move into market-rate homes, freeing up affordable units for those who need them most. We must use our resources strategically, but with thoughtful policy changes, Fort Collins can make quicker progress on housing affordability than through new construction alone.

Housing affordability is the most pressing challenge facing Fort Collins, and it has been a top priority of mine throughout my service on City Council. We need to expand housing choices across the city so people at all stages of life, from young adults to seniors, can find homes that meet their needs and budgets. That means streamlining the City’s development process to reduce delays and costs, breaking down silos so every policy and project decision considers housing impacts, and increasing local funding through a dedicated fund to support affordable housing construction and preservation. Housing cannot be considered in isolation – complete neighborhoods include jobs, schools, child care, parks and services as well. As a Councilmember, I have advocated for infill and a “15-minute city” where people can meet their daily needs close to home, and achieving this vision requires us to think differently about where and how both residential and commercial development is allowed throughout the city.

To begin, we have to realize that we did not get to the place of housing shortages and lack of affordability overnight and there is not one easy answer to this problem. However, there are some steps that we can and should take. The city needs to implement a review of development processes to identify where and how these processes are hindering sensible growth. Developing a one stop desk for small builders, homeowners and non-profits to encourage gentle infill and re-development would also help with providing more housing stock and affordability. The city can also ensure that our land use code is flexible enough to provide the types of housing needed in our city at this time and in the future.

Fort Collins’ biggest challenge is our shortage of housing. We simply have not built enough homes to meet demand, and families are being priced out. The solution is to embrace abundance, building enough homes of all shapes and sizes so teachers, seniors, and working families can afford to stay.

I support streamlining permitting for “missing middle” housing duplexes, townhomes, and ADUs that used to be common here. I would reform fees and approval timelines so smaller projects don’t get priced out by delays. We should prioritize infill near transit and existing infrastructure, which keeps costs down and protects open space.

I also support tenant protections and partnerships with nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity and Housing Catalyst to provide affordable family housing. Scarcity is driving our crisis. Abundance combined with smart, equitable policies is how we keep families together and neighborhoods strong.

As for what’s in the City’s control, I think we can allow more flexibility to the land use code and development standards to allow more choice in housing options. I favor encouraging density in urban corridors like Midtown Fort Collins, Harmony Road, and other areas that already have some density and that are served by transit. I’m encouraged by the Council’s work to add flexibility to the commercial code and would consider going further. I favor flexible parking requirements that will allow for transit-oriented or walkable neighborhoods if feasible.

Within reason I would favor flexible design standards to prevent a situation where it’s cheaper to raze and rebuild an existing building than it is to renovate it in a way that is compliant with environmental regulations. For example, if a renovation can make a facility 25% more energy efficient and allow a business to expand or start, or to add more attainable housing, why make that project infeasible by requiring it to be 50% more energy efficient?

I will work to optimize the development review process so that projects don’t take one or even five years to achieve approval. The City has a roadmap to be compliant with Proposition 123 requirements around approving affordable housing and I think we can apply those process improvements to other development as well. I am open to the idea of a “catalog” of pre-approved designs that can simplify the process further. Finally, I would consider looking at developer license requirements that appear to favor larger developers over small firms who can work on smaller projects like accessory dwelling units that can help fill the housing gap.

The housing shortage and affordability problem is a national problem, not just a problem in Fort Collins. As a very desirable place to live, Fort Collins naturally attracts more people who want to come here, increasing the demand, and therefore price, on housing. I do not support adding even more high-density housing projects in the mistaken belief that this will somehow satiate all demand. We do not have enough water, road infrastructure, or health care services to add more population. I do support the city working with developers for what projects are approved to require a small percentage of units being built and reserved for below market AMI applicants. The City Council lists housing affordability as it’s number one goal, but they admit they are not achieving their goals. Maybe it’s because the goals are unrealistic.

I believe that those who seek access to work and housing should find it in Fort Collins. However, many residents, including working families and small businesses, are being squeezed out. I’ll advocate for development that allows for housing choices and reflects the realities of our city – housing that works for students, seniors, families, and everyone in between. Ideas like building along key transportation corridors, reducing unnecessary construction and remodeling fees, streamlining the permitting process, and ensuring our policies support density and accessibility. It also means using my relationships with organizations like YIMBY Fort Collins, who recently endorsed me, Housing Catalyst, Neighbor2Neighbor, and Care Housing to seek grassroots solutions to our housing crisis. Empowering community-led solutions enables the City Council to develop housing policies that maintain and strengthen the values that define Fort Collins.

Transportation is the backbone of a thriving city. By investing in a system that is safe, sustainable, and equitable, we can reduce costs for families, protect the environment, and ensure people of all ages and incomes can move freely. Transportation connects us to opportunity, strengthens our community, and allows Fort Collins to lead in climate action, equity, and innovation.

I am honored to serve as the Council’s representative on the Northern Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Front Range Passenger Rail District Board, where I’m working to bring rail service to Fort Collins by 2029.

As Mayor, I will continue to champion policies that integrate safety, sustainability, and accessibility at every level—from our streets and transit networks to regional planning and state policy. My priorities include:

• Reducing car dependency through expanded bike and pedestrian networks.
• Maintaining our fare-free transit system and implementing micro-transit to provide better access to underserved neighborhoods.
• Making smart infrastructure investments to keep people safe.
• Ensuring equity for students, seniors, essential workers, and lower-income residents who rely most on transit, biking, and walking.

I’ve also led at the state level, working on climate-smart and safety-focused policy. After my 82-year-old neighbor was killed while biking, I partnered with a local legislator to advance the Crash Prevention Enterprise Bill, which would have funded safety improvements statewide. Though it fell short by one Senate vote, I built strong coalitions and testified repeatedly in its support.

Finally, I’ve pushed to embed sustainability into transportation planning—from electrifying transit fleets to reducing emissions from commuting. And I believe in meaningfully engaging with our community to ensure residents’ voices are heard on decisions regarding safety and mobility.

Unfortunately, the city currently falls short in multimodal and transportation options. Our system is underused due to inconsistent and infrequent stops in many parts of town, making it not a viable option for many residents. The MAX is excellent, and we should continue to support and develop new BRT corridors along Harmony and Mulberry. However, the effort to electrify our bus fleet with large, costly electric buses is consuming too much of our $39.5 million transportation budget. I prefer the city move toward a smaller, more agile fleet of vans that can seat about 20 people, which would be easier on road infrastructure and bring transit closer to residents. These smaller vans could supplement larger buses on major corridors such as Harmony, Horsetooth, Drake, and Prospect, serving as a gap filler for seniors or those with mobility constraints. Our current system operates at just under $40 million annually, with an average ridership cost of about $16 per rider—roughly $5 above the national average. We need to rethink our system for better coverage, usability, and lower costs per rider, making transit more attractive and budget-friendly. We must also be mindful that federal transportation funds might remain limited in the coming years, so exploring options like smaller vans that cost less to operate and purchase could help us continue providing service within uncertain budget constraints.

Expanding and improving public transportation is essential to building a more connected, equitable, and sustainable Fort Collins. Since 2021, Transfort has been fare-free, removing a critical barrier to access for many residents. But we can and must do more.

As Mayor, I will champion an agenda that strengthens public transit by investing in more frequent, reliable service and reexamining current routes to better serve high-need areas, including working-class neighborhoods, communities of color, and residents who rely on transit daily. We need a system that meets people where they are, connecting them to jobs, schools, healthcare, and community services. The system needs to be easy to navigate, reliable, and trusted to encourage more people to use public transportation.

Fort Collins should also be playing an active role in supporting regional public transportation, including routes like Bustang, FLEX, and the ambitious vision for Front Range Passenger Rail. I strongly support improving service throughout Northern Colorado to reduce car congestion, increase commuting options, and improve our air quality.

Our transportation system needs to be more efficient, and while the city is making improvements, limited funding holds us back. We must prioritize resources in the areas with the greatest demand—especially where students live and for residents who depend entirely on public transit. For lower-use areas, micro-transit can provide a flexible, cost-effective option. Ultimately, our system should be effective, efficient, and timely for everyone.

Right now, not everyone in Fort Collins has affordable, reliable transportation. Transfort does not get people where they want to go in a reasonable time frame. For a city our size, we need a stronger backbone of transit.

I support expanding the MAX line and its planned extensions. To make that successful, we should encourage more housing density along the corridor to increase ridership and make transit more cost-effective. I would also prioritize frequent service, especially during evenings and weekends, so people who rely on transit, service workers, students, and seniors can count on it.

Safe biking and walking connections are another essential piece. Bike infrastructure needs to be working in tandem with our bus system. Every investment should be measured by how it improves access for all residents, not just those with cars.

Earlier in my career I worked for the trade association that represents the interests of transit systems at the federal level, and I support a robust transit system that provides reliable, affordable transportation options. I will work to protect free fares on Transfort. I have heard anecdotally that our current bus system does not meet the needs of most of our residents due to the lack of timeliness and the inability to find qualified drivers. If our transit system hasn’t looked at optimizing service I would favor engaging an outside firm to do so. I’m also interested in exploring the use of smaller vehicles that may be cheaper to operate and may not require commercial drivers’ licenses. I’d also favor using incentives to encourage more dense development near bus stops, especially along the Max line, to promote transit use and walkability.

Two things are true about Transfort today: Many students at CSU rely on it to get to class or get to other destinations. Bus routes within the city that are not near CSU have pitifully little ridership. I support maintaining Transfort routes around CSU and I think we need to slightly cut costs on routes not near CSU. Since ridership on some routes is very low, we should consider using smaller busses to cut down on maintenance costs, and sell the larger buses to other entities. It would be a mistake to expand the routes in the mistaken belief that it would increase ridership.

The city has done a good job of making sure Fort Collins offers a wide array of diverse transportation options and trails that support multimodal transportation. I do think, however, more can be done to expand bike and trail infrastructure and ensure those who rely on public transportation are able to access it easily, affordably and sustainably. But, with looming budget cuts, Fort Collins must make decisions that reflect our values and invest in filling its multimodal transportation gaps to ensure the people who rely on public transportation the most have access to it. As a member of Fort Collins City Council, I will work with community experts to identify and develop sustainable solutions that help meet the immediate needs of riders in our community.

As noted above, I have been a strong advocate for policies that reduce car dependency and hence congestion. I support those efforts over any expansion of roads and highways, as a large body of authoritative research indicates that such expansions inevitably worsen the congestion they aim to address, by inducing demand. I would continue to advocate for fare-free transit, microtransit, expanding our bike and pedestrian infrastructure, passenger rail and finding ways for people to meet their daily needs through other transportation options.

There is a congestion issue that may not be entirely solvable due to the historic way we predicted our city’s growth and capacity. In the 1980s and 1990s, the prevailing thought was that the city had a maximum capacity of roughly 175,000 people. Since we have now reached that point, our roads and infrastructure were built with that capacity in mind. As we plan for further growth, anticipating the city’s population to expand to approximately 250,000 people, congestion is likely to worsen before it improves. Additionally, congestion may become even worse, with the potential for zero ridership, as autonomous vehicles become more widely accepted and technology advances. As we continue to work toward densification and the expansion of our transportation systems, we can eliminate or reduce congestion over the next decade. However, I unfortunately see it getting worse before it gets better. The city can’t simply widen some roads. Instead, we can attempt to change some traffic patterns away from the most congested roads, and through engineering studies, explore how to distribute better and spread out road use to optimize the existing infrastructure. Currently, there are a few areas in the city where expansion might be possible; however, many of our major corridors are lined with residential housing, making such expansion very costly and risking the displacement of residents.

While there are certain areas in Fort Collins where congestion is a concern, overall I believe our focus should be on creating safer, more connected streets and complete neighborhoods rather than widening roads. Expanding highways and roadways often leads to more traffic in the long run. Instead, I support investing in Vision Zero strategies to reduce crashes and save lives, improving transit and bike infrastructure, and making it easier for people to choose alternative modes of transportation. Also, we cannot talk about transportation without mentioning land use. Where people go (and how they get there) is directly influenced by the location of housing, jobs, grocery stores, schools, and other destinations across the community. These solutions address safety and mobility together while building a more sustainable and livable city.

Since Fort Collins has little room to widen roads, we need smarter solutions. Improving the efficiency of our public transportation system is key so people can rely on it without added inconvenience. The city should also expand micro-transit options and promote carpooling in partnership with schools, CSU, and local businesses. At the same time, we must encourage sensible growth that allows residents to shop, recreate, and work closer to home—reducing traffic while strengthening neighborhoods.

Traffic in Fort Collins is frustrating at times, but in many places, widening roads is not the long-term solution. Decades of evidence show that wider roads quickly fill up again with more cars. Instead, we need to give people better alternatives so fewer trips require a car.

That means building complete neighborhoods where people can live near schools, jobs, and shops. It means investing in bus rapid transit, safe bike lanes, and pedestrian infrastructure. These solutions don’t just reduce congestion; they improve safety, cut emissions, and save residents money.

Where congestion is most acute, we can use smarter traffic management tools, like signal timing and safety redesigns, instead of pouring millions into road widening that fuels sprawl. Building alternatives is how we make travel easier while keeping Fort Collins livable and sustainable.

Traffic congestion is an issue in the City and the 3rd district, as anyone who has driven on Harmony Road towards I-25 and Timnath can attest. In general I would generally not favor widening roads because more lanes only results in more traffic. I would prefer to focus on improving transit service and walkability.

I do believe that traffic is a problem in Fort Collins. I don’t think it’s bad enough to spend the large amount of money to widen the roads. The best thing to do is to not add more population. More people are turning to E-bikes and E-scooters for transportation. We need to make sure we have safe intersections and alternative paths to major arteries for them. We can look at individual cases of intersections that get clogged with traffic to make sure we have the right kind of turn lanes to keep traffic flowing.

Whether you are a resident or a visitor, and regardless of your main mode of transportation, getting from one place to another efficiently in Fort Collins is essential for a thriving community. The city has created a good foundation to allow expansion of transportation infrastructure. That being said, as our community continues to grow, more needs to be done to minimize bottlenecks that create congestion and pollution, while maximizing the walkability of our city.

As a Fort Collins City Council member, I will work with the city and transportation experts such as FC Moves and Bike Fort Collins to continue providing people-centered options for our community. In fact, I have already met with Transfort to better understand Fort Collins’s transportation infrastructure needs. For example, focusing on neighborhood centers and transit-oriented developments will make it more attainable for people to live and work in our community and help reduce traffic and congestion. When people live in areas with direct access to trail systems, public transportation and community services, we create sustainable systems that protect our air and environment, and improve the overall health and well-being of our community.

I want to see Fort Collins Land Use Code do more to incentivize denser development and simplify what is currently an arduous permitting process. Currently Fort Collins does not allow by-right development of multifamily housing anywhere in the City, the only of the seven largest cities in Colorado that does not, according to the National Zoning Atlas. I would look to allow that development in zones throughout Fort Collins. By-right development will streamline review processes, reduce costs, create certainty for developers and promote more walkable communities, in turn increasing supply and improving affordability.

That would be simple. I would implement the land use code that was developed over 8 years, discussed, and proposed a few years ago. This code would increase mild and soft density throughout the city, providing a more equitable and inclusive growth approach for our community. It would improve overall connections and planning for a range of households and living conditions, including cultural and financial aspects. I would also like the city to implement a land use code inclusion or waiver for new pilot-style housing programs that test different housing types and developments. This could bring a more creative approach to our city and allow us to explore environmentally friendly and affordable housing options. City staff, leaders, and residents spent years working on the latest land use code updates, and it was unfortunate that it was watered down so much due to a loud minority of our population. We have the infrastructure to improve our land use code; we just need to implement it.

Zoning reform has been a central issue for City Council for the past several years, and we have made a lot of progress in allowing a greater variety of housing types, aligning incentives with the realities of the real estate market (like additional density allowances for affordable housing), and setting the stage for a greater mix of land uses along College Avenue, Harmony Road, and other commercial areas. There is still work to do to ensure Fort Collins residents meet their daily needs close to home and to strengthen our local economy. Fort Collins runs on small businesses and we need more infill housing, we need to update the Land Use Code to better match development review processes and requirements to the needs and financial realities of independent businesses and home building.

I would like our zoning code to be as flexible as possible while still maintaining standards that keep our city unique and beautiful.

If I could change one thing in the zoning code, I would remove barriers to building “missing middle” housing duplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, and small apartment buildings in more neighborhoods. These were once common in Fort Collins and are essential to affordability today.

Right now, too much of our city is locked into exclusionary zoning. That pushes up prices and forces sprawl. By allowing a wider mix of housing types, we can create vibrant, walkable neighborhoods where people at different income levels and life stages can live.

This change would help teachers, service workers, and young families stay in the community, while also giving seniors options to downsize without leaving their neighborhoods. It’s the most impactful step we can take to make Fort Collins more affordable and sustainable.

Building on the work already done on the Midtown and Harmony Corridor areas, I would allow for more flexibility on allowable uses and on parking requirements.

I think it was very inappropriate for the State Legislature to have usurped Home Rule land use code last year. I hope the lawsuit to overturn this is successful. I want to limit the amount of population growth In Fort Collins and I would oppose efforts to change the Land Use Code inconsistent with this goal.

While the Land Use Code includes provisions that are intended to make it easier for residents to build ADUs, I believe that, in actuality, the Code is not achieving its full impact in this area. This is likely a result of the community’s general aversion to delving into the complexities of the Code. To avoid this, during its initial drafting, the city and community would have benefited from more collaborative meetings with key stakeholders and community listening sessions. As such, I would like to make the Land Use Code easier to understand by including community members in future conversations and meeting folks where they are. I believe that broader community understanding of the code would allow it to serve the community as intended.

I believe attractive commercial areas, by definition, effectively support existing businesses and will attract more new ones. To that end, the City’s Commercial Land Use Code should allow for more secondary uses along current commercial corridors, such as more housing integrated on and near Harmony Road. In addition, code updates should follow a significant body of data that supports removing parking minimums in commercial areas across the City, which has been shown to reduce development costs, encourage alternate transit methods and mitigate environmental concerns, among other benefits. Ongoing monitoring and support from the City, as well as partnering with resident and prospective businesses, will help ensure healthy, vibrant and resilient commercial areas.

I support the city’s direction in overhauling commercial land use, particularly the effort to repurpose underutilized parking lots into condos, apartments, and mixed-use spaces that align with our strategic plan. To make this vision successful, we should prioritize meaningful incentives, such as density bonuses for property owners who convert parking lots into productive housing and commercial developments. Concentrating this growth in commercial corridors like Harmony, Mulberry, and South College makes sense because these areas can accommodate higher building heights with less impact on nearby neighborhoods and are already supported by infrastructure, including bus rapid transit and direct I-25 connections. By combining density bonuses with streamlined approvals, we can encourage more efficient land use, reduce car travel, shorten commutes, and create vibrant districts where residents can live, work, and shop in the same area. This approach not only maximizes existing infrastructure but also provides a practical pathway to expand housing opportunities and build a more connected and sustainable Fort Collins.

The update to our Land Use Code is an opportunity to strengthen commercial corridors in ways that support local businesses, create more walkable and connected neighborhoods, and add vibrancy to our community. The most beloved cities and towns around the world are successful because they blend homes and businesses together in a way that feels comfortable, convenient, and exciting. I believe the current Land Use Code effort should prioritize flexibility for small businesses, encourage mixed-use development, and ensure that housing and commercial uses can coexist in ways that reduce barriers for entrepreneurs and meet community housing needs. We should also focus on resilient design, supporting energy efficiency, transit access, and adaptive reuse of existing buildings – which supports a high quality of life while also reducing impacts on the air, water and nature around us.

After the pandemic, remote work left many commercial spaces underused. These properties could be reimagined as mixed-use developments that blend housing and businesses, creating vibrant, urban-style centers. The city should carefully assess how much commercial space we truly need under the new land use code and proactively identify areas where mixed-use makes sense. At the same time, we must ensure our commercial centers are accessible and user-friendly for all modes of transportation.

Our commercial corridors, like North College, Drake, and Harmony, are full of potential but too often dominated by strip malls and big-box stores. As we update the Land Use Code, our goal should be to create vibrant, mixed-use areas where people can live, work, and shop without long drives.

That means encouraging smaller storefronts and local businesses, adding housing near shops, and redesigning streets to feel safe and welcoming. Shade trees, crosswalks, and bike access are small changes that make a big difference in how inviting an area feels.

I would prioritize redevelopment that turns underutilized parking lots and empty big-box spaces into walkable, mixed-use centers. By doing so, we not only boost economic vitality but also reduce traffic and strengthen neighborhoods.

I’ve probably addressed this in previous questions. I favor as much flexibility as reasonably possible on density and mixed-use development, and development standards, in those areas, so long as the developments maintain our City’s character. I think the Harmony corridor east of Ziegler Road can be improved since it’s such a gateway into the City.

I support changes that would grant more flexibility in the uses as long as it does not increase traffic congestion with more population. The Foothills mall redevelopment may include more residential units and I might approve that because of struggles they have had in keeping the mall filled with retail tenants.

District 5 is home to a diverse business landscape. It houses the city’s largest employer and serves several small businesses within its many commercial corridors. Encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and supporting small business is vital to our economic progress. Updating the Commercial Land Use Code presents an opportunity to remove outdated infrastructure that make it harder for small businesses to thrive. In the same vein, many local construction projects face unnecessary red tape that stunt growth. Streamlining these processes while incentivizing transit-oriented development and walkability are essential to the revision of the commercial Land Use Code.

I have been a very active advocate for safe streets and highways, at the local, regional and State levels, and I will continue those efforts as Mayor. Making streets safer is invariably aligned with making them more attractive and more pleasant to travel. Some of the specific measures I support include:

• Slow Traffic by Design: Where feasible, narrow lanes and add curb extensions to calm traffic and improve crossings for pedestrians. We should employ more “tactical urbanism” near schools to reduce cut-through speeding.
• Make Walking and Biking the Easy Choice: Continue to expand the city’s protected bike lane network, especially along corridors like Lemay and Horsetooth, to connect people safely across town and continue to make crosswalks on major arterials like Drake and Harmony safer.
• Implement Incremental, Low-Cost Improvements: Active Modes should continue to prioritize quick-build projects Pilot “neighborhood slow zones” with lower speed limits and traffic-calming designs in areas like Old Town neighborhoods.
• Grow Sensibly: On Council and on the NFRMPO I have continually advocated to avoid widening arterialsand instead to invest in making those routes safer.

In short: Fort Collins can make streets safer by designing them for people first. We don’t need to choose between safety and affordability — narrower, people-friendly streets save lives and money. I look to Jersey City, my mother’s hometown, and know that if they were able to achieve Vision Zero, Fort Collins can do so as well.

While I would love to see the elimination of all traffic fatalities, I recognize that may not be fully achievable. Still, we can continue taking meaningful steps to improve road safety for residents. There are practical and cost-effective measures we can implement, such as adding “eyelids” at four-way stops and along key corridors. These treatments create the perception of narrower roads, which naturally slows traffic, while also providing a larger buffer for pedestrians and cyclists. As we upgrade sidewalks to meet ADA standards, especially in street crossings, incorporating these features during construction will save both time and money by avoiding costly road reshaping later. I also support the strategic use of roundabouts, which, though sometimes controversial, reduce the severity of crashes by lowering vehicle speeds. I believe we should further study how better to integrate bike lanes and paths into roundabout designs to make them safer for all users. Additionally, we should review speed limits on certain roads where lower speeds would enhance safety. Since many of the most serious accidents occur on state-controlled roads, such as Highway 14, I plan to work with the state to reduce the speed limit from 55 to 40.

Safe, complete streets are essential to a city where everyone, whether walking, biking, rolling, or driving, can move safely and comfortably. As Mayor, I will prioritize investments that make our streets work for all ages and abilities, because I know not everyone has the option or desire to travel by car. Better sidewalks, protected bike lanes, accessible transit, and safer crossings, especially near schools, parks, and busy corridors as well as lowering the speed limit in residential neighborhoods will make it safer and more comfortable to get around town. I know that access to safe travel options is key to climate resilience and quality of life, and it’s also deeply ingrained in our local identity! I am committed to making Fort Collins a place where everyone can get where they need to go…safely.

We absolutely need to make our streets safer for everyone. While on council, I advocated for a new stoplight at Hwy 287 and Triangle, a slower speed limit in that area and for traffic calming measures to be implemented. To make our streets safer for everyone, Fort Collins should combine smart design with strong community planning. That means upgrading crosswalks and sidewalks, improving lighting, and adding traffic-calming features like roundabouts and speed humps. It also includes expanding protected bike lanes, enhancing public transit connections, and prioritizing safe routes to schools. By slowing traffic, improving visibility, and making it easier to walk, bike, or ride safely, we can create streets that work better for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

This is a very personal question to me. In 2020, my 7-year-old godson was struck by a car and nearly killed. He suffered through almost a year of agonizing pain, enduring surgeries and rehabilitation that no child should ever have to face.

That experience made something painfully clear to me: traffic safety is not an abstract policy debate; it’s a moral imperative. It is about protecting our kids, our families, and our neighbors from tragedies that are entirely preventable.

That means lower speed limits on neighborhood streets, more traffic calming measures like curb extensions and roundabouts, and protected bike lanes on major corridors. Slowing cars by even a few miles per hour can mean the difference between life and death in a crash.

We should also invest in safer crosswalks, lighting, and sidewalks, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.

I would consider additional traffic calming measures in the 3rd district. As I’ve campaigned I’ve have heard complaints about speeding and traffic noise in several areas such as Kechter and Trilby (west of Timberline) Roads. The speed limits are reasonable at 40 MPH so speed bumps may not feasible but I’d be happy to consider other options. Based on what I’m hearing while visiting voters, I’m concerned about over-reliance on speed cameras because they’re seen as a cash grab by the City and there are legitimate fears about surveillance.

This is a really good goal to have. Each street and intersection needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Fort Collins already has done well with off main artery bike routes and should assess the possible need for more of th

Making sure our residents are able to travel safely in our community impacts the overall health and well-being of Fort Collins. As a city council member, I will support the Safer Streets studies and initiatives currently underway and I will work with local transportation experts and community members to build on the current projects that support the common goal of safer roads, including Vision Zero, Active Modes, and Safe Routes to School. I would like to lead these efforts on city council by examining the feasibility of roundabouts and infrastructure close to the street that encourages drivers to slow down. Accomplishing this means working alongside local organizations like FC Moves, Bike Fort Collins and other community experts to ensure our streets are safe for everyone.

Yes, I support charging for on-street parking as recommended by the Downtown Parking Study. We have great examples of how this has been successful in other cities, improving access and increasing visitation. The current average visitation duration in Old Town is just under two hours, coincidentally the current parking time limit. Among peer cities, 16 of 19 surveyed have paid parking. Data from other cities strongly suggest charging for on-street parking will encourage longer visits with more commercial activity, and improve the quality of downtown. We can implement paid parking while keeping pricing very affordable, and being mindful of access for everyone.

Paid parking has long been a sensitive subject in Fort Collins, and as someone who previously served on the Parking Advisory Board, I know this issue has been debated for decades. Old Town once had paid parking in the 1980s, but that was discontinued during its revitalization, which encouraged more residents to shop, dine, and gather downtown. Since then, Old Town has continued to evolve into one of our city’s most important cultural and economic hubs. While I believe paid parking could work if implemented thoughtfully and strategically, I am concerned that the city is rushing into it as a short-term fix for budget shortfalls. Introducing fees now, especially as businesses face disruptions from construction along College, could discourage residents from visiting and put added strain on our local economy. From my perspective, there is already sufficient parking downtown when garages are factored in, and any move toward paid parking should first include adjusting enforcement hours from the current 8:00 to 4:00 window to a more practical 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. schedule. If those changes were part of a broader long-term plan, I would be open to supporting paid parking. However, progress has stalled on the proposed Pine Street pilot for nearly a decade, which raises questions about readiness. At the same time, I support eliminating parking minimum standards for new developments, unless a limited requirement is necessary to maintain a proper pro forma that secures financing and ensures the project can be built.

Yes. Currently, parking in Fort Collins is subsidized by the general fund, which means all residents are covering costs regardless of whether they use downtown parking. I support introducing paid on-street parking downtown, as recommended by the Downtown Parking Study, to ensure that users help pay for the system and that we can better manage demand. I also support reducing or eliminating minimum parking requirements for new development, as these requirements drive up housing and business costs, limit flexibility, and often result in unnecessary pavement. Smart parking policies are a way to build a more financially sustainable city, encourage walkability and transit use, and free up space for the types of housing and businesses our community needs.

I believe we need flexibility in our parking requirements because one size does not fit all. As for the paid parking in downtown, I am still working to understand all the ramifications to our small businesses in that area and I believe the business owners should be brought into the discussion before a final decision is made.

I support reducing or eliminating minimum parking requirements for new development. Parking mandates raise the cost of housing and make it harder to build walkable, affordable neighborhoods. Builders should have the flexibility to provide the right amount of parking based on location and demand.

On downtown parking, I am in favor of introducing paid on-street parking, as the recent Downtown Parking Study recommends. The key is to reinvest that revenue back into downtown, funding transit, bike infrastructure, and public improvements that make access easier for everyone. Paid parking can help ensure turnover so spaces are available, while encouraging people to use alternative modes.

Ultimately, the goal should be access, not free storage of cars. By managing parking wisely, we can keep downtown vibrant without sacrificing affordability or sustainability.

I favor eliminating parking requirements for new developments in urban corridor areas like Midtown Fort Collins and the Harmony Corridor; and for accessory dwelling units in most cases.

I struggle with the question about parking in Old Town. As I understand the parking study the proposed change reflects best practice and is the model used in most cities. I’m intrigued that it indicated that people spend more time in the area when they can renew their parking time on an app rather than needing to move, or leave, after two hours. I think if that’s the case then Old Town businesses would benefit from the change.

On the other hand due to the City’s budget struggles there is a feeling that this is being proposed only to raise revenue, and as described before our businesses and their customers are going through so many hardships right now that I question whether this is the best time to be considering the change.

Assuming the recent Downtown Parking Study was well conceived and executed then I would support introduction the paid on-street parking. I find the digital app for parking at the downtown garages works well and hopefully the paid on-street parking would use the same app. I do not support eliminating minimum parking requirements for new developments. Bus transportation does not fit the needs of our population to think that residents would survive with relying only on bus transit.

I believe we need to continue exploring options that protect and build upon the vibrancy of our community, especially Old Town, while also continuing to find common sense solutions to challenges that hinder our progress. I will participate in the upcoming listening sessions about the parking study and gather more information from community members about how the changes might impact them. If any updates are made to the parking policies in any part of the city, they must be done with good public input, strong communication, and safeguards so that small businesses and lower-income residents aren’t overly burdened.

When considering new public infrastructure in Fort Collins, I would evaluate it through three main lenses: community benefit, safety, and fiscal sustainability. First, does the project improve safety and livability for our residents, especially for people walking, biking, using transit, and driving? Second, does it align with our broader community goals—such as supporting housing, sustainability, and climate action—rather than just moving more cars faster? And third, is it financially responsible? Fort Collins has significant long-term maintenance obligations, so any new project must demonstrate that it can deliver value without adding unsustainable costs for taxpayers.

A good infrastructure project should build on our existing assets, serve multiple uses, and strengthen the resilience of our community for decades to come.

It is really simple: every project should be evaluated by looking at the total costs and performing a cost-benefit analysis to determine how many residents will truly benefit. If a project meets the established criteria, then it makes sense to move forward. A strong example is the overpass on Lemay and the proposed overpass on Timberline, which required significant taxpayer investment but ultimately created better connections between the north and south sides of Fort Collins. We must continue to prioritize access and connections for the north side of the city rather than allowing it to be overlooked. For all infrastructure projects, we also need to ensure funding is structured responsibly so we are not overly reliant on uncertain federal or state dollars. I strongly believe in the principle of “dig once,” meaning that whenever we open roads for repairs, whether to replace aging water pipes or to improve transit connections, we should complete multiple improvements at the same time. Fort Collins is constantly in construction season, and since road closures are unavoidable, we should maximize these opportunities to deliver real, lasting benefits to residents and the community as a whole.

First, I would ask who this infrastructure is intended to serve: who would benefit, and who is most impacted? Next, I would seek to understand how the project aligns with community goals related to safety, accessibility, reduction in climate impact, and respect for the historic and/or environmental context of the surrounding area. For example, is the project ensuring safer bike and pedestrian access to an important community hub, and are there opportunities to connect nature or celebrate the history of an adjacent neighborhood? Finally, I would need to know the fiscal impact of the project: how much does it cost to construct, and what are the long-term maintenance costs? Are those costs that the city can bear within our existing funding and resources, or will this create an additional financial burden on future residents? Fortunately, the City has talented and experienced staff in many departments who consider these issues (and more) when planning new capital projects, but it is ultimately the City Council’s responsibility to ensure that we are delivering infrastructure that supports the long-term needs and goals of our community.

I would evaluate any project or expenditure through the lens of three criteria: Is the project reasonable and needed? Is the project responsible use of taxpayer dollars? Is the project financially feasible?

When evaluating a new public infrastructure project, I would ask three questions:

1. Does it meet a clear community need?
2. Is it financially sustainable not just to build, but to maintain?
3. Does it align with our values of affordability, safety, and sustainability?

Projects that reduce long-term costs, improve safety, and strengthen neighborhoods should rise to the top. For example, adding sidewalks or bike connections often delivers more benefit per dollar than expensive new roads.

I would also prioritize infrastructure that reduces sprawl by focusing investment within the city. Building more outward-facing roads and bridges encourages development in fire-prone and flood-prone areas, which increases costs and risks over time.

If it were an expansion rather than replacement, I would consider how it fits with our City’s goals of developing more affordable and attainable housing, encouraging walkability and transit use, and its impacts on the environment. In the case of bridges, I would want to see data on how it might save residents’ time and mileage by creating a shorter route, and I would want to make sure it also connected bicycle and pedestrian routes and was environmentally sensitive.

The true needs of the entire community must be taken into account, not just the developers who own property in the near vicinity. I do believe that roads and bridges should take financial priority over some of the other goals the city has which might only impact some but not all residents.

I would evaluate any proposed public infrastructure project in Fort Collins by looking at both the immediate and long-term return on both economic investment and community impact. This means asking several questions. First, does it meet a demonstrated community need? I would ensure the project meets a community need for safety, mobility, connectivity, and resilience. Secondly, I would address its fiscal responsibility. In facing budget cuts, we must ensure our city is spending wisely in a manner that reflects our community values, priorities, and needs. Finally, and most importantly, I would meet with residents directly impacted by the project and any community groups involved to ensure that the development review process uses a public feedback process that best serves our community and minimizes environmental impact. My evaluation is not based on a single factor, but on a balanced assessment of its overall value to the community.

I would look at sensible ways to maximize the City’s income while being diligent about managing expenses. Efforts would focus on supporting business incubation, encouraging residents to shop locally, diversifying our economy, and expanding the sales tax base. Three specific steps I would take are:

• Work closely with our tech sector, CSU and other partners to attract and retain high-quality, sustainable jobs, especially in the potential hub areas of cleantech, biotech, and climate tech.
• Support small businesses, with assets like our Multicultural and Entrepreneurial Center, and create innovative programs like a Food Business Incubator Accelerator, leveraging underutilized City-owned properties to foster new food-related enterprises and support culinary entrepreneurs.
• Implement Priority-Based Budgeting: Instead of simply adjusting previous years’ budgets, require justification for every expense and allocate resources based on priorities and expected results.

There are several steps I would take to promote economic and financial stability in Fort Collins. First, I would conduct a full audit of programs, departments, and projects funded by the American Rescue Plan to ensure they are achieving their intended goals and have a sustainable financial model beyond the general fund. Programs that are not meeting expectations should be restructured, scaled back, or eliminated. We must also focus on attracting new and innovative businesses by positioning Fort Collins as a test bed for clean energy and environmental solutions. Doing so would not only help us achieve important environmental goals but also bring in stable, long-term employers that reduce the need for residents to commute to neighboring communities. Supporting local job opportunities in Fort Collins helps keep spending in the Area, boosts revenue, and strengthens our overall economy.

At the same time, city leadership needs to rethink the budgeting-for-outcomes process. The current cycle is too costly and time-consuming for staff, requiring extensive work on new budget proposals every other year, which prevents employees from focusing on program implementation. Alongside reforming the budget process, we should review city operations to eliminate redundancies and cut programs that are not cost-effective or do not provide a broad benefit to the community. Economic incentive dollars should be refocused toward industries that strengthen our city, ideally in partnership with CSU. Finally, we need to prioritize funding strategies that are less dependent on federal and state dollars, which are increasingly inconsistent, to reduce the risk of shortfalls when outside funding is reduced.

As Mayor, I would approach budget shortfalls as I do now: with a commitment to fairness, transparency, and protecting the core services that working families rely on most. I believe we must be honest about fiscal challenges while refusing to balance the budget on the backs of those who have already borne the weight of economic crises. My budget priorities center on people and equity. That means protecting investments in affordable housing, public transportation, neighborhood infrastructure, and utilities—the services that keep our city running and improve quality of life for all residents. I have a history of working to make our budgeting process more participatory, inviting community voices—especially from those most impacted by cuts—into the conversation and would continue to do so as Mayor. I have led our current efforts to revamp our budget process to ensure we are meeting the needs of the people. Budgets reflect values, and I’ll work to ensure ours reflects a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.

As a city, we must evaluate our spending to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and provide the greatest benefit to the community. Every program and investment should have clear metrics so we can measure results and understand the return on investment. At the same time, supporting local businesses, attracting new ones, and retaining local talent are essential to strengthening our long-term fiscal health.

To strengthen Fort Collins’ long-term financial footing, I would focus on three steps:

1. Grow the tax base through housing. When families and workers can’t afford to live here, small businesses lose customers and struggle to hire staff. Building more housing strengthens both our community and our revenues.
2. Support small business growth. Streamlining approvals and reducing fees makes it easier for small businesses to open and grow, keeping dollars circulating locally instead of flowing to big-box chains or other cities.
3. Invest in infrastructure that saves money long-term. Compact, walkable development costs less to serve and maintain than sprawl. Choosing projects wisely now avoids massive future liabilities.

Fiscal responsibility isn’t about short-term cuts. It’s about making smart choices that keep Fort Collins affordable and resilient for the long haul.

As mentioned before, the first step is to partner with our business community because they drive the sales tax that funds our city’s operations. Second, I would ask questions such as: Is this solving a problem effectively? Is this addressing a priority issue, or is it a “nice to have”? Can the City feasibly fund this over the long-term? If this is for new infrastructure, can we afford to maintain it? Is this a one-time investment that will drive cost savings and/or operational efficiency improvements? Do we have community partners that can do this more effectively, or can multiply the good work we are doing? Is this program operating equitably? If this raises revenue, can our residents afford it? Is the revenue increase reasonable to the cost to provide the services? If a program is asking for more resources, have we looked at process improvements that could free up staff time instead?

Third, as I understand it, the City in some cases is not sufficiently setting aside funding for the eventual replacement of capital assets like information technology and many other items. I will make it a priority to ensure we are setting aside adequate resources to replace critical infrastructure.

I find it disappointing that the City budget has increased 34% over the last five years. Having served on the Larimer County Board of Health, which has budget responsibility, and the City’s Electric Board, I have seen that it’ very important for citizens, not just government employees, to have budget oversight. Both of my opponents in this race are government employees. I believe the City Council would be well served by having a member that has worked in private industry like myself, instead of just government. I also believe that we need more transparency into how the city spends its money. The current city website does not do a sufficient job in showing expenditures on a project basis. If elected I pledge to ask detailed questions of staff to get more transparency.

If elected, I will work to build a strong local economy by supporting small businesses, encouraging a local workforce, and building a strong city budget. Small businesses are the heart of Fort Collins. As such, we must ensure they are protected from corporate competitors and unnecessary red tape that hinders their success. Additionally, a local workforce promotes a strong and resilient community; if people cannot live in the city they work, then they cannot support the city with their tax dollars or contribute to tight-knit neighborhoods. Finally, we must build a strong and sustainable city budget that addresses our current needs, while reflecting our long-term priorities and community values. Part of this involves understanding how the federal budget cuts will impact Fort Collins, and finding creative ways to pivot to fill funding gaps. Our city has showcased its resiliency in the past, and I am confident that it will continue to do so as we work to address a difficult budget situation.

As a former small business owner, I’ll support these business interests by streamlining permitting and sustaining City-led small business programs. I’ll ensure the City helps small businesses and housing developers make their way through City processes with programs like dedicated business navigators and working to eliminate delays in the permitting process. One program I’ve proudly supported is Fort Collins’ Multicultural Business and Entrepreneur Center (MBEC), which helps entrepreneurs access services and meet regulatory requirements. MBEC connects business owners—especially those from underrepresented communities—to training, mentorship, and resources to start and grow their businesses. As Mayor, I’ll also continuously look to cut unnecessary red tape to expand affordable housing, support local businesses, create good-paying jobs, and strengthen our city’s tax base—making it easier for all residents to build lives and futures in Fort Collins.

As a small business owner and entrepreneur, I know firsthand how frustrating and slow the permitting process in Fort Collins can be. In some cases, even when a business is simply changing names or ownership without changing its type of operation, it can take up to six months to secure the required licenses or permits. This is unacceptable and often kills projects before they begin. The city must adjust scheduling and priorities so inspections and meetings can be set within days, not months, and businesses should not have to navigate four or five different departments just to get started. A streamlined process involving one or two points of contact would greatly reduce delays. We also need a fairer fee structure that does not disadvantage small, local businesses compared to large corporations. Beyond permitting, the city should create a shared advertising portal to make marketing more accessible, and work with the county assessor to explore opportunity zones that provide tax stability in exchange for property owners agreeing to limit steep rent hikes. Without reforms to permitting, fees, and property tax policies, Fort Collins risks becoming a city where only large corporations can survive, while local entrepreneurs are pushed out.

98% of firms in Fort Collins are small businesses and they employ 47% of our workforce. It has become so expensive and difficult to navigate the local bureaucracy to open a business that small business owners are being priced out entirely. Not only does this impact jobs, but having fewer small businesses also takes away from the charm and character of Fort Collins.

As Mayor, I will make it easier and more predictable to start and run a business in Fort Collins. By prioritizing policies that reduce costs, shortening the time it takes to open a small business, and dedicating resources to support mom and pop businesses, so that Fort Collins keeps what makes it special…. Small, local businesses.

We need to foster a culture that truly supports our businesses, entrepreneurs, and property owners, making sure they feel welcomed and valued for their contributions to our community. Streamlining city processes, establishing a one-stop permitting desk, and providing dedicated liaisons will make it easier for them to navigate city requirements and focus on growing and serving Fort Collins.

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I want to make the City a true partner with current businesses and entrepreneurs. Rules and regulations and the processes to meet them should be clear at the start for everyone. Business owners should not have to wait for different departments to interpret rules or regulations or to complete different process steps. In almost all cases, it should not be cheaper to raze and rebuild a building than to renovate it to open or expand a business.

Regarding property rights, I think homeowners should have the right to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and the city should incentivize their construction by keeping fees at a minimum. As mentioned before I would also consider licensing reforms to enable smaller firms to help with ADUs. I also favor allowing property owners to provide short-term rentals (STR), though I would favor reasonable regulations to prevent entire neighborhoods from being saturated with STRs so as to maintain neighborhood character. I do not favor advancing the current long-term rental registration requirement to a full-blown licensing program as there does not seem to be a need for it. I would be interested in analyzing the current registration program to ensure that its fees are being used appropriately and effectively.

I think this is a very good question and accurately reflects that it is indeed difficult for businesses to deal with the rules, processes and regulations. As an owner of 3 rental condos I am the only candidate with the perspective of a landlord. I take good care of my properties and value having good tenants that appreciate me as a good landlord. The state has added regulations making it harder to be a small landlord and the city has added the rental registration procedure which also interferes with the landlord to tenant relationship which only makes small landlords more likely to sell off their properties which may well end up in the hands of large corporate landlords which I believe would be a bad outcome.

Right now, small businesses and working families are being squeezed, and the new and skilled workforce that our city is fortunate to have access to cannot afford to stay and contribute to our economy. To address this, I’ll advocate for development that reflects the realities of our city. That means building along key transportation corridors, reducing unnecessary construction and remodeling fees, streamlining the permitting processes, and ensuring our policies support density and accessibility. Because housing and workforce challenges are closely connected, this also means using my relationships with local organizations like Housing Catalyst, Neighbor2Neighbor, and Care Housing to seek grassroots solutions to our housing crisis. I will work to streamline processes and make Fort Collins an easier, more affordable place to live in and start and grow a business because when people can live and work in the same city, our community is stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive.