365TWENTY-FOUR SEVEN Working for you around the clock - City of Fort Collins
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365
T W E N T Y - F O U R S E V E N
Working for you around the clock.
WHAT’S INSIDE? Planning for the Future | It’s Time for Connexion | Gardens Expansion | A New Utility | More! January 2020
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
2 2
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
CONTENTS
5 Dear Community Members
6 Data Informed
10 Planning for the Future
12 Plot. Plan. Play.
15 Poudre River
Whitewater Park
20 Utilities: We are
Community-Owned
23 The Next Step for Growing
Our Economy
24 Everywhere You Look
27 Police Prioritizing Mental
Health in Support of a
Safer Community
28 It’s Time for Connexion
31 Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
32 Gardens Expansion
34 City Sharpens Focus on
Equity & Inclusion
35 Soapstone Prairie
Celebrates 10 Years
37 Poudre Fire Authority:
Flames AND Heartbeats
38 A Stage for All
41 The Housing Priority
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
44 How to Build a New Utility
City of Fort Collins
From Scratch
48 What’s Your SHIFT?
3 3
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DEAR
COMMUNITY
MEMBERS:
TWENTY-FOUR SEVEN | 365
24/7 | 365
PUBLISHER
Amanda King
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Amy Resseguie
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
W elcome to the 2020 State behind-the-scenes services provided Grant Smith
of the City. This is an throughout the organization every single
exciting event—an oppor- day of the year.
tunity for the community to recognize ASSOCIATE EDITOR
accomplishments over the past year and The City’s mission is to provide excep-
look together toward the future of tional service for an exceptional com- Heather Cox
Fort Collins. munity. That is a commitment that
the nearly 2,500 City employees take
In 2019, the City of Fort Collins seriously. From snowplow drivers and DESIGNERS
embarked on several initiatives that will emergency dispatchers, utility crews and
Madeline Bechtel
shape the community for years to come. recreation officials, IT specialists and
vehicle mechanics, the City workforce Tina Chandler
City Council adopted an updated City provides high quality municipal services
around the clock across a wide variety Craig Powell
Plan, which will guide decisions about
land use, transportation, and development of professional fields. Our job is to make
over the next 20 years. Connexion broad- Fort Collins a great place for you to live
band service is expanding across the and work—24/7, 365. CONTRIBUTORS
community. Continuing our commitment Annie Bierbower
to environmental stewardship, the Our Sincerely,
Climate Future initiative is underway to Victoria Erickson
update the City’s climate action, energy, Korrie Johnston
and zero waste plans.
Kate Kimble
As Fort Collins continues to grow and Wade Troxell
Mayor Jill Marx
evolve, it is essential that government
entities, the university, local businesses, Matt Murphy
the faith community, friends and neigh-
Valerie Van Ryn
bors all come together to do the work
of community-building, sustaining the Diana Royval
City of Fort Collins
legacy that we have all inherited. Darin Atteberry
City Manager Erin Shanley
Everyone who calls Fort Collins home is Zoe Shark
invested in its continued success, and that
includes the City Council and staff.
In the pages of this magazine, you’ll
COVER
read about some of the City’s 2019 ILLUSTRATION
milestones, such as opening the Poudre
River Whitewater Park, and completing Grant Smith
The Gardens on Spring Creek expansion. 5
You’ll also read about the less visible,
DATA INFORMED
6
HOMES SERVED BY
NEW
LIGHT AND POWER:
70,500+ RIDERS PER DAY
5,000 TRANSFORT BUSES
MILES OF ELECTRIC LINES: STREET LANE MILES
1,800 POLICE CALLS
FOR SERVICE:
1,957
30k+ STREET SIGNS 108,000+
11,000+
180
TRAFFIC
SIGNALS
24
SNOWPLOWS
1,303
STREETLIGHTS
HOMES VISITED DURING
MILES OF UNDERGROUND WATER LINES
525 COMMUNITY WELCOME
HOW WE DO Those community priorities are paired
with City Council’s priorities to create a
Environmental Health
BUSINESS Strategic Plan, which guides the City’s
work for the next five years. Together
Safe Community
with long-term vision documents, like
City Plan, and other master plans for
Transportation & Mobility
It all starts with a commitment to
our community. specific program areas, the Strategic Plan
is the framework for how the City will High Performing
E
deliver services to the community. Government
ach of the programs and services
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
provided by the City of Fort
THE STRATEGIC PLAN IS Each outcome includes several strategic
Collins—across seven service
objectives, and each objective includes
areas and more than 40 departments— ORGANIZED INTO SEVEN
performance measures to track prog-
fits within the structure of how the City KEY COMMUNITY OUTCOME ress and provide accountability to the
does business. AREAS: community.
We believe that GREAT STRATEGY + Neighborhood Livability The next step is to resource the plan.
GREAT CULTURE = GREAT RESULTS. & Social Health Every two years, through Budgeting For
Outcomes, the City creates its two-year
Creating a clear and effective Culture & Recreation operating budget. Both existing and new
strategy begins with listening to the services are priority-ranked based on
6 community to understand what people Economic Health their ability to help achieve the strategic
appreciate about Fort Collins and what objectives. Funding is allocated in that
they believe can and should be improved. priority order until it runs out.
56 1
LINCOLN CENTER NEW BLACK-FOOTED
ATTENDEES: FERRET AT FCMoD
164,311
PARKS (named Patty Ann)
LC
129
TIMBERLINE
RECYCLYING MILES OF
TRAILS
10,000+
CENTER
CITY VOLUNTEERS
300+
58
DAILY VISITORS
SQUARE
MILES
FIRE CALLS
FOR SERVICE: 21,200+ OF NATURAL AREAS
570 97.55%
TREES PLANTED 1.3M RECREATION
PROGRAM VOLUNTARY CODE
ANNUALLY TOTAL PARTICIPATION COMPLIANCE
From there City staff create work plans VISION
and deliver services, reviewing and mea- To provide world-class municipal
suring progress along the way in order to services through operational excellence
continually improve processes and find and a culture of innovation. VISION
new efficiencies.
MISSION
The systematic method of strategy Exceptional service for an
development is paired with a great orga- exceptional community.
nizational culture, defined by the City’s
Vision, Mission and Values. FC
VALUES
• Collaboration MISSION VALUES
This intentional approach to strategy and
• Excellence
City of Fort Collins
culture is what allows the City of Fort
• Integrity
Collins to deliver great results for our
• Outstanding Service
residents, businesses and visitors. FC
• Safety & Well-being
• Stewardship
When we do our best work, everyone else in Fort Collins is free to do 7
their best work—and that can transform a community.
CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF WORKING TOGETHER.
ACTOR PROFILE Kim & Aria Johnson are featured in the
2020 State of the City video – watch at
fcgov.com/stateofthecity.
KIM & ARIA
JOHNSON
Occupation:
Account Manager at Sterling Volunteers
Years in Fort Collins: 12
Tell us a little about yourself: What are you most excited
Though I am originally a Texan, I have about for the coming year?
called Fort Collins home for the last Every day I find out about another cool
12 years. I have a wonderful husband thing in this town. In 2020 I am excited
named Jake, a 17-year-old stepdaughter to take my first camping trip with my
in her senior year of high school, and a daughter and explore all of the cool
3-year-old daughter who is full of sass outdoor activities we have to offer. FC
and spunk. I have recently developed
a passion for photography and I am
constantly on the lookout for cool new
spots around town. I have been an
Account Manager at Sterling Volunteers
for the last 5-and-a-half years working
with our enterprise level accounts.
What brought you to
Fort Collins?
I moved here after college seeking
adventure and fell in love with the
community and knew that it would
be an amazing place to live.
What do you enjoy most about
the community?
I love that there is always something
to do. Whether it is heading to the Old
Town Square splash pad, taking a break
City of Fort Collins
at Picnic Rock or eating ice cream at the
Exchange I know that we will have fun.
What’s your favorite way to
spend a Colorado weekend?
Heading to Old Town! We love checking
out new restaurants and exploring all
the cool shops. Downtown is the heart
and soul of this town for me and I try to 9
spend as much time there as possible.
PLANNING FOR
THE
By Matt Murphy
DEMOGRAPHICS
Twenty years ago, Fort Collins was a City Plan isn’t a set of rules or a legal
document, but it will serve as a guide Fort Collins is expected to add
smaller, but still growing community. as Fort Collins plans and creates new 40,000-45,000 more residents by
policy over the next several years. 2040, bringing the population by that
The 2000 Census showed a population It’s meant to reflect the City’s values year to around 210,000.
of about 118,000, and there was more of livability, community and sustain-
ability, and it lists numerous policyMeanwhile, Larimer County is
vacant land than exists today. There proposals or strategies to help meet expected to add more than 180,000
was no MAX. Fossil Ridge High School those goals. people from 2018 to 2050, according
to the state demographer’s office, for
hadn’t been built. Multiple City of Fort Meaghan Overton and Ryan Mounce, a total county population of around
Collins facilities didn’t exist, like the both city planners, were among those 530,000. Neighboring Weld County
who led the City Plan effort. They is expected to add around 385,000
Northside Aztlan Community Center. said that the plan is guided by the more people during that time for a
There wasn’t an indoor smoking ban. values residents identified. total of almost 700,000.
“We spent a lot of time in City Plan But it’s not just the population figures
Now, in 2020, the community and asking people what their values are,” that will change over the next few
many of the amenities we have today Overton said. “Sustainability, livabil- decades. The demographics of that
ity and community—we want to keep population will change as well—and
are the product of planning and a those in the front of our mind as we not just by one factor, but particularly
vision that began decades ago. are trying to make sure changes are by age, race and household type.
guided by the vision and values in
the plan.” Fort Collins in future years will be
Future Fort Collins will also be guided older, with residents’ average age
Among its many facets, the plan moving upward; less white, with
by that same philosophy. In April includes future measures to increase people of color making up a larger
2019, City Council approved the latest housing and transportation options. part of the community; have a lower
version of City Plan, which is the And despite the projected growth, the percentage of children, as families
City hasn’t wavered in its commit- are projected to have fewer to no
long-range guiding document for ment to be carbon neutral by 2050. children; and have more people living
in housing arrangements that aren’t
planning in Fort Collins. New jobs, new residents, and new single, nuclear-family homes, such
development all come with change. as multi-generational homes, room-
Shifts in the community’s demo- mates, or living alone.
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
graphics are predicted, as are adjust-
ments to land use as Fort Collins The changes will help shape the
moves closer to buildout—the point future of the city, as Fort Collins
at which all developable land within begins to consider future needs in
city limits is developed. its planning efforts. For example,
language translation will be a more
Here’s a glance at what Fort Collins important issue, as the number of
may look like in the decades to come. residents whose first language isn’t
10English increases. More amenities Encouraging this kind of develop- participated in early discussions for
for seniors will be in demand for an ment will take some direction from a future Front Range passenger rail
older population. And more housing the City. The Planning Department line. City Plan also calls for existing
types will be needed for the diverse is already looking at land use codes bus services to increase frequency
lifestyles of residents. and regulations, and changes to to encourage more use and provide
those laws will ultimately have to be more flexibility for residents.
approved by City Council.
HOUSING
One of Colorado and Front Range In all, the City projects to add around QUALITY OF LIFE
residents’ biggest topics of the last 30,000 more housing units over the Fort Collins wouldn’t be what it is
decade is housing. Exactly where are next few decades, but the balance today without its well-known high
we going to put all the people who between single-family homes and quality of life, and the City plans to
are moving to our region? other options will change, with sin- continue that tradition into the future.
gle-family homes being projected to
In Fort Collins, only a limited be a smaller percentage of the total Mounce and Overton said residents
amount of land in the City’s Growth housing available in Fort Collins. value Fort Collins’ natural amenities
Management Area is left for devel- and the City’s environmental stan-
opment. The Growth Management dards as well as the community’s per-
Area refers to a boundary around the TRANSPORTATION ceived friendliness. All of that, they
city—and some places beyond cur- Transportation is also on the fore- said, is accounted for in the City’s
rent city limits—where urban growth front of many Fort Collins residents’ plans moving forward.
is expected to happen and urban minds. Over the last decade, the
services will be needed. City has seen numerous improve- City Plan calls for ensuring every
ments, including road reconstruction, resident is within a 10-minute walk
“One of the big changes in Fort improvements to North College to nature of some kind, like parks,
Collins is going to be our ultimate Avenue/U.S. 287, and the beginnings trails or natural areas. The plan will
boundaries; we’re going to be reach- of adding a third lane on Interstate be influential in all of the City’s
ing those,” Mounce said. “How Fort 25 (which the City helped fund), as future planning efforts, including new
Collins is going to grow and change well as new transit options, includ- development and new community
is going to be through redevelopment ing MAX, FLEX service to Boulder, amenities.
and infill.” CDOT’s Bustang service to Denver,
and the new Poudre Express bus con- FUTURE WORK
There’s also the issue of affordable necting Greeley, Windsor and
housing as the average sale price for Fort Collins. Of course, there’s still much to
homes in Fort Collins continues to be done. All the efforts and plans
creep upward. City Plan calls for the But more residents, homes and jobs moving forward, whether it’s new
City and City Council to consider will mean a continued demand for bus rapid transit lines or more natural
a variety of different proposals to transportation. areas, require funding. The City will
encourage the development of afford- also continue to create a balance
able, attainable housing, thereby Like with housing, Fort Collins’ long- between positive things growth will
allowing residents of a variety of term plans for transportation place an bring, like more cultural amenities,
income levels to own homes in emphasis on options—from private with challenges, like traffic.
Fort Collins. cars to bikes, e-scooters to public
transit. Ultimately, the City hopes Beyond city limits, Fort Collins will
To accommodate the tens of thou- to continue the downward trend of continue to cooperate with regional
sands of people who are expected vehicle miles traveled per capita partners, including Larimer County,
to arrive in Fort Collins in the next (although total vehicle miles traveled nearby municipalities, and the North
few decades, City Plan emphasizes by all Fort Collins residents may rise Front Range Metropolitan Planning
housing choices that will provide as the population increases). Organization, which will help the
options for varying living arrange- entire region function at its best.
ments, whether it’s a single-family “There is a lot of emphasis on other
home, townhouse or apartment. Infill options besides a single-individual Future Fort Collins will look and
development will be encouraged, car,” Mounce said. feel different in some ways compared
particularly along planned high- to the Fort Collins of today, but the
City of Fort Collins
density corridors like College Long-term plans call for additional City’s goal is to ensure the aspects
Avenue and Harmony Road. That bus rapid transit routes similar to that make Fort Collins what it is
effort coincides with corridors MAX along Harmony Road and West stay intact. FC
designated for increased transit Elizabeth Street, and the City has
opportunities.
11PLOT.
PLAN.
4
PLAY!
Choose your own
1
adventure with 2
Fort Collins Parks
and Recreation
1 2
THE FARM AT LEE CITY PARK POOL
MARTINEZ PARK Want to beat the summer heat?
Since 1985, The Farm has Visit City Park Pool to cool
off! Features include onsite
W
served as an educational and
ith a rich history of providing interactive experience for fitness classes, swim lessons,
exceptional parks and recreation options children and adults alike. a lazy river and, if you’re
for residents, the City of Fort Collins Chock full of cute animals, brave enough, a 30-foot drop
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
proudly joined an elite list of park and recreation historical buildings, antique waterslide!
agencies across the country by earning accreditation equipment and a heavy dose City Park Pool:
through the Commission for Accreditation of Park of charm, The Farm provides 1599 City Park Dr.
and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and the National hours of entertainment for all
Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) in 2019. who visit. POTTERY STUDIO
The CAPRA designation represents the City’s Looking to try something new,
The Farm: relieve some stress or just get
continued desire to provide unique and valuable
600 Sherwood St. your hands dirty? The Pottery
ways for residents to thrive. Visit www.nrpa.org for
more information about CAPRA. Studio offers classes for all
skill levels, and is a unique
space to play, create and bring
out your inner artist.
12 Find more fun opportunities at Pottery Studio:
fcgov.com/parks and fcgov.com/recreation 1541 W. Oak St.5
6
3
3
ADAPTIVE RECR
EATION
OPPORTUNITIE
S (ARO)
Did you know th
e Recreation Dep
inclusion suppor artment offers
t for individuals
with disabilities?
Specialized prog
2 favorites, but AR
rams like wheelch
air rugby are loca
l
O offers inclusio
recreation progra n support for any
m listed in the R
guide. Visit fcgo ecreator program
v.com/aro for de
tails and locations
.
3
3 4 5 6
GOLF COURSES SUGAR BEET PARK TWIN SILO PARK EDORA POOL
The City is home to three Located in the heart of This southside community ICE CENTER (EPIC)
municipal golf courses. Open northeast Fort Collins, the park is one of a kind. The A true gem in Fort Collins,
year round, swing by City Park new Sugar Beet Park is community gardens and the Edora Pool Ice Center
Nine for a quick 9-hole round bursting with fun features orchard honor the agricultural (EPIC) houses an Olympic-
or play 18 holes at Collindale that are sure to please. heritage of the area, while sized swimming pool, a
or Southridge. All levels From the unique, wooden the BMX park, pickleball heated therapy pool and an
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
welcome. With tournaments sugar beet play structure courts and playground get you instructional pool for anyone
and league play, lessons for to the zipline, as well as a up and moving. The park’s looking to get their swimming
beginners, driving ranges, and picnic shelter, turf field and showcase are the two historic
City of Fort Collins
fix. Additionally, there are two
workshops for junior golfers, pollinator garden—this is farm silos—and the slide ice rinks available with classes
there’s always a way to play. a neighborhood park with between them! ranging from private skate
Stay for a burger and beer after plenty of activities, attitude, Twin Silo: lessons to curling. Check
teeing up or get fitted for new and a little something for 5480 Ziegler Rd. out EPIC all year round for
clubs in the Pro Shop. everyone. You won’t be recreation fun just a
City Park Nine: disappointed! splash (or skate!) away.
411 S. Bryan Ave. Sugar Beet: EPIC:
Collindale: 524 San Cristo St. 1801 Riverside Ave.
13 1441 E. Horsetooth Rd. 13
Southridge:
5750 S. Lemay Ave.CONNECT WITH YOUR
COUNCIL
MAYOR
Fort Collins City Councilmembers are your elected
representatives and they are eager to talk about the
issues that matter to you. Connect with your Council
representative by email, at their Listening Sessions,
or during public comment at City Council meetings.
We want to hear from you!
Wade Troxell
wtroxell@fcgov.com
MAYOR PRO TEM
DISTRICT 4 DISTRICT 1
Kristin Stephens Susan Gutowsky
kstephens@fcgov.com sgutowsky@fcgov.com
DISTRICT 2 DISTRICT 3
6
1
5
Julie Pignataro Ken Summers
jpignataro@fcgov.com ksummers@fcgov.com
DISTRICT 5 DISTRICT 6
2
4 3
Ross Cunniff Emily Gorgol
rcunniff@fcgov.com egorgol@fcgov.com
fcgov.com/councilADVENTURE AND RESTORATION MAKE WAVES IN THE RIVER DISTRICT
By Valerie Van Ryn
M any years of visioning, collabo-
ration, creativity and hard work
were showcased with the grand
opening of the Poudre River Whitewater
Park (PRWP) in the fall of 2019. Thanks
The PRWP is a place to
experience, treasure
The whitewater park project was the
result of purposeful vision, balancing
diverse priorities and needs from the
community, stakeholders and City depart-
ments, and aligning them to accomplish
to a comprehensive blueprint and vision
for the river established in the 2014
and enjoy the river for multiple objectives to create a singular,
special place.
Poudre River Downtown Master Plan,
the whitewater park project accomplished many years to come. Let’s take a closer look at some of the
multiple goals including: providing a significant benefits of this project.
purposeful and accessible place to rec-
reate on the river, improving the safety MAKING FORT COLLINS’
City of Fort Collins
and health of the river through floodplain NEXT GREAT PLACE
adjustments, and returning the area to a
more natural state through habitat and The City’s Park Planning and
river restoration enhancements. Development team, with support from
other City departments, guided the
Thanks to incredible support from project from start to finish. Their work
the community, valuable partners and included creating a vision and master
donors, and planning and collaboration plan for more than four miles of the
from City staff, the PRWP is a place to Poudre River through Downtown Fort
experience, treasure and enjoy the river
for many years to come.
Collins, culminating in the development
of the whitewater park as the first project
15
for implementation.STANDOUT
FEATURES INCLUDE:
• Boating features for
kayakers and tubers
• A small children’s play
area, which enables
younger visitors to safely
interact with the river
• An impressive pedestrian
NATURAL HABITAT RECREATION FOR ALL
bridge that connects the
IMPROVEMENTS AND RIVER
Designed as a whitewater park, river rec- north and south banks,
RESTORATION
reation and accessibility were key objec- offering beautiful views
Ecological benefits of the project are tives of this project. In 1986, the very
numerous, resulting in a healthier and first recreational water right in Colorado • Convenient access to the
more sustainable river environment. was secured in this location, enabling Poudre Trail for cyclists,
For example, the historic Coy diversion river flows to be dedicated exclusively pedestrians and other
structure, once used to divert Poudre for recreational purposes. Following the trail users
River flows to the nearby Coy farm, was example of Fort Collins, many other
removed, transforming the river back to cities followed suit, and soon other rivers • A south bank plaza, which
a more natural state. The river’s north across Colorado and the country secured
includes a river overlook
and south banks were also improved and this unique water right.
featuring a custom-de-
restored. By incorporating native and
signed wave shelter, made
riparian vegetation, such as willow and
possible through the Art
cottonwood species, providing valuable
habitat, and improving wildlife connec- in Public Places Program.
tivity along the north bank, the area will
continue to thrive. Additionally, fish Note: Artist John Davis
passage channels were carefully built was inspired by river
into the recreational boating features to rapids and the whitewater
provide a way for small, native fish to bubbles that are created
freely navigate this part of the river. as water crashes against
rocks and boulders.
CREATING A SAFE RIVER
ENVIRONMENT • Boulder terraced seating
areas adjacent to the
For years, the City has recognized this river for visitors to sit,
section of the river as one for needed rest and enjoy the park’s
floodway improvement. During the 2013 natural beauty
floods that struck Colorado, College
Avenue nearly flooded in this location.
During park construction, four grade con- • ADA access to the river,
During the PRWP construction, the
trol structures were installed in the river, truly making it a place for
riverbed was lowered by more than
each securely anchored into bedrock, everyone to use and enjoy
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
five feet. This significantly narrowed
to create the unique whitewater park
the floodway, resulting in a much safer
river environment. The upper and lower
river environment that can accommodate
structures are for grade control purposes
significantly higher water volumes during
only, while the two middle structures are These features, along
future storm events. These improvements
specifically designed to create an active with numerous others in
not only protect College Avenue, but also
wave feature, perfect for surfing, kayak- the park, allow visitors to
greatly reduce the flooding potential for
ing or tubing. appreciate how Fort Collins’
numerous properties in the area, includ-
ing several along Vine Drive. Because natural treasures can pro-
The Poudre River Whitewater Park truly vide respite, recreation,
of the whitewater park and the reduced
is a showcase of nature’s beauty with restoration and, ultimately,
flood risk nearby, the door is now open
something for everyone to enjoy—not inspire a deeper connection
for potential new development in
16 the future.
just river enthusiasts. FC with their surroundings, and
with the community.CITY NEWS
Want to stay
informed?
Learn more about City of Fort Collins
programs, services and events.
Subscribe to City News for the latest
information every month.
fcgov.com/citynews18
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
Utilities
OLD TOWNUNDERGROUND
UTILITIES
WHAT LIES
LEGEND
BENEATH?
Electric
Stormwater
What we see on the surface is a beautiful, vibrant, busy downtown . . .
but underneath is a labyrinth of pipes of all sizes, wires and structures
that are part of the city’s utilities systems. Water
Sanitary Sewer
Gas
Broadband
Abandoned
Utilities
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
19UTILITIES
WE ARE COMMUNITY-OWNED
U tility services operate every
hour of every day. When winter
storms, driving rains or damag-
ing winds hit, Utilities crews are avail-
able day and night. If an electric or water
Fort Collins residents can depend on
exceptional drinking water and reliable
electricity 24/7, 365. Sixty years ago,
Light & Power (L&P) crews began work
FORT COLLINS
UTILITIES HAS BEEN
BUILT TO OFFER
DISTINCT COMMUNITY
to move the electric distribution system
outage occurs, crews are immediately underground, and today, the community
BENEFITS:
on the scene and in many emergency rarely sees weather-related outages or
scenarios, they often are first responders fires sparked by live wires hitting the • Lower rates and revenues
to ensure safety and quick resolution. ground. This innovative distribution that stay in Fort Collins
On-call procedures are in place for all system is reliable over 99% of the time,
utilities, and certain operations, like and is safer for the community and line • Local decision-making that
water and wastewater treatment plants, crews. And the nationally recognized determines how services
do not shut down for holidays stormwater management program— are provided
or blizzards. including a proposed multi-million dol-
lar, long-term investment Downtown— • Not-for-profit operations
‘Round-the-clock service is a major reduces flood risks for residents and that ensure customer
commitment Utilities has made to the businesses. FC payments are reinvested
community, as is the level of that service: directly in Utilities
world-class.
• A focus on responsive
customer service and
community values
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
Our community-owned focus
allowed L&P to use existing
conduits already in the ground
to expedite the design and
installation of broadband
fiber. Water, wastewater
and stormwater crews are
contributing to the fiber
20 installation with flexibility in
scheduling for locates and
system protections.‘Round-the-clock service
is a major commitment
Utilities has made to
the community, as is
the level of that service:
WORLD-CLASS
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
City of Fort Collins
21 21THE NEXT STEP
FOR GROWING OUR URBAN
ECONOMY
RENEWAL
AUTHORITY
By Jill Marx
A s the business center of Northern Colorado, Fort Collins is
known for its entrepreneurial spirit and thriving local economy.
Industry sectors include everything from dining and entertain-
ment to craft breweries, clean energy to software. These area businesses
actively collaborate with the City of Fort Collins and Colorado State
Fort Collins is a community with a strong sense
of place. It has gained accolades as one of the
best places for jobseekers in Colorado, one of
the best towns in America and among the health-
iest and most bicycle friendly.
University on efforts that spur local innovations with global impact.
The City is committed to supporting a healthy economy that is vibrant, The Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority
resilient and integrated with the community’s social and environmental (URA) is committed to this kind of placemak-
fabric. The nine members of the Economic Health Office (EHO) help ing. That means creating a long-term strategy
local businesses collaborate, convene, fund and build relationships, that meets – and even exceeds – the commu-
connecting businesses and entrepreneurs in the community with reten- nity’s redevelopment goals. While new devel-
tion and expansion expertise, talent recruitment, partner organizations, opment often occurs on the edges of town, the
redevelopment assistance, and targeted industry clusters. URA focuses on redeveloping the urban core,
paying particular attention to areas with aging
MAIN STREET LOAN PROGRAM infrastructure and unsafe conditions.
In 2019, in an effort to enhance economic development and support Through financial incentives and
sustainable, equitable business opportunities in the community, the City strategic partnerships, the
partnered with Colorado Lending Source to launch the Fort Collins Main URA attracts private
Street Loan Program, which helps make access to capital more attain- sector-investment
able for small businesses. The program is an affordable option for Fort to reinvigorate
Collins-based businesses seeking capital from $5,000-$50,000 and are these areas.
unable to secure traditional financing sources.
“Our partnership with Colorado Lending Source is a powerful invest-
ment and something we’re very proud of,” said Mayor Wade Troxell.
“We are thrilled to be able to launch this fund for Fort Collins small
businesses, giving entrepreneurs or budding entrepreneurs an
opportunity to start or grow here. These micro-loans also provide
opportunity for women, minority, veteran, or disabled-owned
businesses who couldn’t attain financing elsewhere. We know
people are more than their credit score. This is an important
step to increase diversity and promote entrepreneurship
and job creation through a charac-
ter-based loan fund program.”
UPCOMING PROJECT: DRAKE
AND COLLEGE
A new Urban Renewal Plan area at the Drake
City of Fort Collins
and College intersection is currently undergo-
ing URA Board discussion. The objective is to
Eligible businesses must have fewer than 100 employees and be remediate blight conditions and prevent further
located within Fort Collins city limits. The program places special deterioration through both private and URA
emphasis on helping underserved businesses, such as those that investment, and by implementing components
are women- or minority-owned; however, any type of business of several master plans. Proposed projects are
is encouraged to apply. Loan proceeds can be used for a variety seeking Tax Increment Financing to offset
of business purposes associated with helping to start, establish, associated high redevelopment costs, such as
strengthen, or grow a small business with the intention of creating clearing vacant structures, and drainage, inter-
meaningful, living-wage jobs in the community. FC section and safety improvements. 23MAKE A
SHIFT your ride.
#cardiocommute
#giveashift
Riding a bike or jumping on a bus saves you
gas MONEY for what matters most.
Give a SHIFT. Make a SHIFT. Be the SHIFT.
Learn more at fcgov.com/shiftfoco #shiftfocoPOLICE PRIORITIZING MENTAL HEALTH IN SUPPORT OF
A SAFER COMMUNITY
By Kate Kimble
E
very day Fort Collins Police Co-Responder Stephanie Booco joined “A healthy community is a safe
Services (FCPS) assists an FCPS at the program’s inception in 2018. community,” said Booco. “The
increasing number of community She holds a degree in counseling with co-response program is one of the many
members with behavioral health a specialization in forensic psychology tools we use to sustainably create an
conditions, as well as their concerned and is a licensed professional counselor environment that’s safe for residents,
families. The agency’s Mental Health and licensed addiction counselor. Her visitors, businesses, and law enforcement
Co-Responder Program was developed to specialties include substance use, trauma, alike.” FC
better address these needs, help families and clinical work with first responders
connect with local care, and avoid repeat and military personnel. For more information about the FCPS
Co-Response program history, services,
visits to the emergency room or jail. community resources and staff, visit
“Police officers are trained to handle fcgov.com/police/mental-health.
Across the nation, law enforcement difficult situations, but mental health
agencies have been adopting co-response issues are incredibly complex and often
programs to integrate licensed therapists require multiple resources for long-
COMMUNITY
into police operations to help people in term resolution,” Booco said. “The
crisis access long-term solutions and co-responder program has allowed us to PARAMEDIC
avoid repeat legal interactions. This has collaborate and help our residents get the PARTNERSHIP
been a topic of discussion since 2015 right help at the right time.”
when a federal grant was offered to This partnership between
UCHealth and FCPS began in
departments to embed a mental health
professional with community servants. “The co-responder February 2019 in response to the
This model was developed to better
address the needs of the community as, program has allowed us to emerging need for joint medical
and mental health services.
increasingly, police are being called to
address health care matters that may not
collaborate and help our Here’s how it works: a community
require law enforcement involvement.
residents get the right help paramedic, co-responder, and an
officer visit residents who have
FCPS started organizing its co-responder at the right time.” expressed interest in getting
program in 2015, and officially began help with medical and mental
serving the Fort Collins community in health needs. Services range
July 2018. The co-responder program Booco provides on-scene triage and from assessing fall risks and
is an integral part of the department’s follow-up services for residents in medication reconciliation to
City of Fort Collins
overall philosophy of de-escalation; crisis. When she’s not in the field with mental health safety planning
in other words, it’s aligned with the officers or conducting follow up, she also and case management services.
department’s philosophy to connect with connects with local health partners and
and help community members without educates community members about the Referrals to the program are
the use of force as often as possible. By co-responder program. Booco has played made by FCPS officers who
partnering with SummitStone Health a critical role in developing the program, identify a need for this service
Partners, UCHealth, and the state of as well as other community behavioral when interacting with residents
Colorado, FCPS has been able to fund health services offered by FCPS, such as on scene. This is a completely
co-responder positions not only in Fort the Community Paramedic Partnership voluntary interaction that’s
Collins, but also the larger Larimer and Mental Health Minute. provided as a service only when 25
County area. residents choose to participate.EVERYWHERE
YOU LOOK
HISTORIC
PRESERVATION TRAFFIC SIGNS
TRAFFIC
STREET PAVING SIGNALS
DOWNTOWN
FLOWERS
ELECTRICITY
ROAD STRIPING
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
WATER
DISTRIBUTION
CROSSING
SIGNALS
26STREET LIGHTS RENEWABLE
ENERGY
POUDRE TRAIL NATURAL AREAS
RECREATION
FACILITIES
HOLIDAY LIGHTS
TREE TRIMMING
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
City of Fort Collins
BUSINESS
SUPPORT
CURBS & GUTTERS
27 27IT’S TIME FOR
CONNEXION
Fort Collins Connexion was born
from an idea – to bring fast,
affordable and reliable broadband
service to the entire community!
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
282014
Community outreach identified universal and
affordable broadband service as a priority
2015
Voters overturned Senate Bill 152, which
restricted municipal broadband, by 83%
2016
Research and due diligence to ensure
that any future broadband utility
would be successful, including a
financial feasibility study and modeling,
community outreach, and developing a
business model
2017
Voters greenlight community
broadband by 57%
When are we
Council directs staff to move coming to
your home?
forward with business plan for
municipal broadband
Sign up to be the
2018
Fort Collins Connexion brand unveiled
first to know when
Connexion is
City Council authorizes bonds
available in your
neighborhood at
FEBRUARY 2019 fcconnexion.com.
Construction begins
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
City of Fort Collins
AUGUST 2019
First customer connected with fiber to
the home and gigabit symmetrical speeds
29 29ACTOR PROFILE Eric Larmer is featured in the
2020 State of the City video – watch at
fcgov.com/stateofthecity.
ERIC
LARMER
Occupation: Career Coach, largely retired
Years in Fort Collins: 8
Tell us a little about yourself: What are you most excited
I’m an avid cyclist on any kind of bike – I use about for the coming year?
the car as little as possible. I sing in Laudamus Seeing what the new City Council
Chamber Chorale and volunteer at the Fort Collins will address and get done, visiting the
Senior Center two days a week, where I interact Whitewater Park, taking more advantage
with a great cross section of Fort Collins residents. of all that’s offered by the Recreation
I use my career coaching background to help and Department, and spending more time
encourage folks where I can. with neighbors and friends.
What brought you to Fort Collins?
I visited Colorado over the years and after staying at
a B&B in Fort Collins in 2008, fell in love with the
town, the resources and lifestyle, as so many folks
do. My wife, Jennifer, and I both work remotely, so
a couple of years later we got ourselves out here!
What do you enjoy most about the
community?
The friendliness, the relative equality of the
citizenry, down-to-earth and not showy people,
the outdoor lifestyle. Also the community events,
the music, and good, thoughtful, progressive
government and nonprofit leadership.
What’s your favorite way to spend a
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
Colorado weekend?
A show at Avogadro’s, a hike up the Poudre, a
vegetarian meal with friends, a movie at the Lyric,
or walking the dog in Old Town. And a long group
bike ride in the hills somewhere.
30WON’T YOU BE
MY NEIGHBOR?
By Matt Murphy
G reat neighborhoods start with Four neighborhoods were selected for the Compliance staff will drop off and pick
knowing your neighbors. That’s pilot phase of the program – Parkwood up the trailer so neighbors can relax and
why Neighborhood Services East, Warren Lake, Oakridge 8, and enjoy their party.
offers innovative services and programs Moore.
For its inaugural year, the Block Party
devoted to bringing people together to Residents in each neighborhood came Trailer was booked for each one of the
make Fort Collins neighborhoods more together and completed projects that 22 available weekends from May to
connected, equitable, sustainable and fun. increased their neighborhood’s overall October.
sustainability and connections:
MOBILE HOME PARKS Launching the Block Party Trailer will
Starting this year, Neighborhood Services • Residents in Warren Lake’s Cove save the City mini-grant funds and
will roll out its mini-grant program for Island subdivision consolidated community out-of-pocket expenses for
mobile home parks in Fort Collins. trash services into a single hauler, barricade rentals each year. Eliminating
saving money while also reducing the cost of street closures also creates
Mobile home park residents, managers truck traffic on the street. access for neighborhoods that could not
and owners can all apply for funds of
• Moore residents switched afford barricade rentals for block parties
approximately $500 to $5,000 per project.
out porch light bulbs for LED in the past.
Funding can be used for a variety of proj- versions.
ects like safety lighting, sewer scoping • Parkwood East neighbors held
and tree trimming. Two application rounds events around environmental
will take place in 2020 – one beginning sustainability and neighborhood
March 1 and one beginning June 1. cohesion.
The program is designed to improve • Oakwood 8 scheduled leaf recy-
mobile home park livability and aligns cling events and held workshops
with the City’s values and City Council’s and demonstrations related
to neighborhood safety and
priorities that focus on neighborhood
sustainability.
livability and social health.
Neighborhood Services plans to continue The Block Party Trailer is a visible part
SUSTAINABLE with the program in 2020. of the City of Fort Collins’ commitment
NEIGHBORHOODS to neighborhood livability, community
The Sustainable Neighborhoods program BLOCK PARTY TRAILER safety, and environmental and social
City of Fort Collins
kicked off in 2019 as a collaborative In 2019, Neighborhood Services intro- sustainability. FC
effort between the City’s Neighborhood duced the Block Party Trailer, a free
Services and Environmental Services neighborhood “party in a box” con-
offices, and is modeled on similar pro- taining large, durable party supplies
grams in Lakewood and Denver. like tables, chairs, outdoor games, an
The goal of the program is to empower inflatable movie screen and projector,
residents to make meaningful progress trash and recycling bins, and street
toward climate goals by hosting work- barricades. Neighborhoods can reserve To learn more about these
shops and completing projects that the Block Party Trailer for neighbor-
hood events on weekends throughout the
programs and how your neighbor-
hood can get involved, visit
31
advance sustainability.
summer. Neighborhood Services’ Code fcgov.com/neighborhoodservices.GARDENS
EXPANSION
TAKE A PEEK INSIDE
THE GROWING GARDENS
F or well over a decade, the Gardens VISITOR’S CENTER
on Spring Creek has cultivated a The Visitor’s Center is the heart of The
world-class botanic garden with roots Gardens’ operations and visitor experience.
in education, experience, sustainability and The newly renovated space includes a gift
community-building. While botanic gar- shop, community meeting room, office
dens boast numerous colorful, prickly and spaces, and the new Butterfly House. These
fragrant attractions, gardens also have the additions doubled the size of the facility to
power to improve lives and foster environ- nearly 10,000 square feet. The new Visitor’s
mental stewardship through horticulture. Center is anticipated to serve up to 125,000
annual guests with an inviting, educational
With the formation of a public-private and more efficient space.
partnership between the City of Fort Collins
and the non-profit Friends of the Gardens
Garden of Eatin’
on Spring Creek, Fort Collins voters enthu- BUTTERFLY HOUSE
siastically supported the creation of a com- The heart of the expansion is a 1,500-
munity horticultural center through the bal- square-foot glass house that features a
lot initiative Building Community Choices. meandering pathway and two primary
In 2004, The Gardens officially opened its gathering spaces. This warm and sensory
doors. Now, with more than 89,000 annual experience allows visitors of all ages to get
visitors, the Gardens on Spring Creek is one up close to hundreds of North American Outdoor Kitchen
of the largest cultural venues in Northern butterflies and dozens of varieties of
Colorado. flowering plants in a soothing, educational
environment. Behind the scenes, the house
Following a two-year, $6 million expan- includes a new mechanical room and
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
sion project, the Gardens on Spring Creek chrysalis room that support the expanded
re-opened its doors to the community on butterfly and horticulture needs. A chrysalis STAFF ONLY AREAS
Nov. 16, 2019. The cultural facility now window offers guests the opportunity
showcases 12 acres of beautifully curated to watch butterflies emerge from their
display gardens with more than 1,700 final stage of metamorphosis. GATE
plant varieties displayed. In addition, The 4
Gardens offers a permanent Butterfly
House, home to more than 300 fluttering
B OT
North American butterflies.
AN
ICA
LW
32EXPANDED GARDENS
Five acres of new gardens were completed as part of the expansion. The new gardens
include the Prairie, Foothills, Undaunted, Great Lawn, and Wetlands, as well as several
Theme gardens: Plant Select, Rose, Moon, Fragrance, and Butterfly & Hummingbird.
These gardens include the largest collection of cold-hardy cactus on display in the
United States, the convergence of two ecosystems—prairie and foothills—to
expose the beauty and function of native plants, and the gathering expanse of the
Great Lawn and Everitt Pavilion, which will feature performing arts, events, and Wetlands &
other gatherings. FC Boardwalk
L
AI
TR
K
EE
CR
SPR ING
GAT Foothills Garden
E3
Everitt
Pavilion
Prairie Garden
Great Lawn
Undaunted
Garden
Community Garden
Fragrance
Café Grove
1
Garden
TE
GA
Rock Garden
E
NU
2
TE
GA
E
AV
BY THE NUMBERS
ENTER
HERE YEAR OPENED
E
Visitor’s Center 2004
TR
ACRES
EN
Butterfly House
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
18 (12 DEVELOPED)
C
Outdoor TOTAL PROJECT COST
City of Fort Collins
Classroom $6 MILLION
Children’s Garden EXPANSION GROUNDBREAKING
NOVEMBER 2017
VISITOR’S CENTER
9,740 SQUARE FEET
GARDEN EXPANSION
WA 33 5 ACRES
33
Y ANTICIPATED 2020 VISITORS
125,000CITY SHARPENS FOCUS ON
EQUITY & INCLUSION
By Jill Marx & Heather Cox
P eople come from across the world the GARE framework, leading their com- These many accomplishments would not
to visit and live in Fort Collins. munity engagement and policy creation be possible without the groundwork laid
What’s special about this place with a racial equity lens, with the goal four years ago, when staff came together
might change depending on who is asked, of co-creating a healthy and sustainable to form cross-functional equity teams.
but it tends to boil down to culture—how future Fort Collins for every single com- These teams have since grown to include
each person’s values and passions are munity member, regardless of their race more than 75 volunteers, community
reflected in the collective identity of the or other identities. partners and City staff, and their work
community. has resulted in education, awareness, pol-
icy updates, equity objectives included
in the Fort Collins Strategic Plan, and
Knowing that great communities are
made stronger by diversity, in 2019 the Residents and visitors persistent promotion of diversity, equity
and inclusion within the City organiza-
City sharpened its focus on creating
a more equitable and inclusive Fort
Collins. City Council has elevated equity
must feel welcomed, tion and the community as a whole.
and inclusion work as a major priority for
the organization. Over the next several
safe and valued here. The City recognizes these efforts require
humility, listening and learning, in addi-
years, staff will work to provide educa- tion to rigorous outreach to historically
tion and accountability to advance diver- Recent planning efforts such as City marginalized and underrepresented com-
sity, equity and inclusion, and to support Plan and the FoCo Creates Arts and munities in Fort Collins. Looking for-
programs that enable all residents to have Culture Master Plan focused signifi- ward, the City has set goals to work with
equal access to their local government, cantly on equity during their community community partners like Poudre School
basic needs and opportunities that pro- engagement phases, as well as in creating District and Colorado State University
mote thriving communities. the plans. to develop and deploy formalized
“Principles of Community,” to leverage
In 2017, based on a growing need and In another remarkable achievement, for greater workforce diversity, to develop
interest from the community, the City the fourth consecutive year the Human equity indicators and metrics to monitor
repurposed an existing staff position in Rights Foundation increased Fort Collins’ progress in a data-informed way, and to
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
the Social Sustainability Department to Municipal Equality Index (MEI) rating continue to normalize and operationalize
focus on equity and inclusion efforts. to 95 out of 100 possible points. This is this important work.
That same year, Fort Collins became a 35-point increase from the 2015 MEI
the first Colorado jurisdiction to join rating. Among the changes that led to this The City believes that anyone in Fort
the Government Alliance on Race and year’s increase: an Inclusive Workplace Collins, regardless of their identity or
Equity (GARE), recognizing that racial Policy adopted by City Council, added identities—or their ZIP code—should
inequities in our country are deep protections for sexual orientation and be able to thrive, and that residents and
and pervasive. gender identity in the non-discrimination visitors must feel welcomed, safe and
clause of the City’s Purchasing Policy, valued here. FC
The current Our Climate Future planning and increased public support from City
effort—which is an update to the City’s leaders. The MEI examines 506 cities
34 Climate Action Plan, Energy Policy and for how inclusive their municipal laws,
Road to Zero Waste initiatives—is using policies and services are of LGBTQIA+
people who live and work there.SOAPSTONE
PRAIRIE
CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
By John Stokes
I n July 2019, the community celebrated the tenth anniversary of opening Soapstone
Prairie Natural Area and Larimer County’s Red Mountain Open Space to the pub-
lic. In addition to commending the contemporary history of this gorgeous land-
scape, the event honored and acknowledged the 12,000 years of its human history.
The day of festivities started with beautiful Native American songs and dances by the
THE PAST TEN YEARS
HAVE SEEN INCREDIBLE
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
IN THIS PHENOMENAL
Iron Family Dancers and Singers, honoring the rich cultural history of this land. CONSERVATION STORY:
Soapstone Prairie lies in the middle of an approximately 150,000-acre conserved cor- • Bison and endangered
ridor ranging from the mountains to the plains. Large enough to support a migrating black-footed ferrets
elk herd and overwintering pronghorn, this conservation corridor is the culmination
returned to their homeland
of years of effort and collaboration by partners in the public, private, and non-profit
sectors. While much has been achieved, conservation opportunities and challenges
• Spectacular trails
remain. If the last ten years are a harbinger of the future, the next ten will be filled
with innovative and collaborative conservation endeavors and we will celebrate with developed
as much enthusiasm in 2029 as in 2019. FC
• Wetlands and native
fish restored
Soapstone is the culmination of years of effort • Collaboration with local
agricultural producers
and collaboration to preserve the landscape. • Cultural discovery and
interpretation
Twenty-Four Seven | 365
City of Fort Collins
35 35Conéctate
con TU
Ciudad
ourcity.fcgov.com
¿Quieres ayudar a transformar tu comunidad? Conéctate con TU ciudad participando en
alguno de los muchos proyectos de participación pública.
PARTICIPA UNETE INVOLUCRA COMPARTE
Participa en una Únete a un equipo Involucra a tus Comparte tus ideas
junta o comisión de trabajo amigos o familiares con nosotros
en cualquier
proyecto que te
interese
Para ver esta
página en tu
idioma, da click en
la esquina derecha
superior donde
dice “Translate
this page.”
Visita la página ourcity.fcgov.com donde podrás encontrar todos los proyectos de
participación pública de la ciudad. Te puedes involucrar en diferentes proyectos que te
interesen como proyectos enfocados en cambio climático, vivienda accesible,
Censo 2020. ¡Y muchos más!
Visita la página: ourcity.fcgov.comFLAMES AND HEARTBEATS
By Annie Bierbower
T he seconds after someone suffers inception, more recently PFA assembled an OHCA at his home while working
a cardiac arrest are pivotal. Each a dedicated team to evaluate and in the yard. Firefighters were suddenly
moment that passes before hands ultimately better meet the community’s responding to someone who had been a
are placed on the patient’s chest to begin evolving emergency medical needs. The fellow firefighter for decades; someone
CPR diminishes the chances for sur- PFA EMS Battalion was born from this they had responded to calls with was now
vival. Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests review. This group has set PFA on a path their patient. PFA firefighters treat every
(OHCAs) happen everywhere. Poudre toward becoming a primary player in patient like their mother, child or close
Fire Authority (PFA) firefighters—on delivering emergency medical services friend—this time it was. A person who
and off duty—have responded to cardiac and—alongside partner organizations— had seen this very program take shape
arrests in backyards, in the aisles of local a leader in improving community quite possibly lived because of it.
stores and at the gym. members’ chances of surviving cardiac
arrest. You can help PFA save lives, too!
Since the 1970s, the fire service has been PulsePoint is a lifesaving app that notifies
continually expanding the services it The EMS Battalion has revamped people when someone needs CPR within
provides. While the unique service of fire training and medical equipment to create a quarter of a mile of their current
protection is its foundation, PFA is an a high standard of care. These efforts location. Join the 8,990 community
all-hazards response agency protecting have saved lives! While there were three members who have downloaded the app.
life and property in a variety of scenarios area OHCA survivors in 2017, 18 Fort It will walk you through CPR, how to
and environments. As a central part of its Collins community members survived use an AED and even show you the AED
mission, PFA is responsible for ensuring their cardiac arrest in 2019. closest to you!
high-quality Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) within its jurisdiction. In In the summer of 2019, those efforts
fact, calls for emergency medical service came full circle when PFA firefighters
make up the majority of PFA’s calls. used those updated and improved
protocols to save one of their own. Fire
While PFA has been responding to Marshall Poncelow, recently retired after
calls for medical help nearly since its more than 40 years of service, suffered
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CARDIAC ARREST
• Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency where a
person has stopped breathing and their heart is
not beating.
• Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) occurs
outside of a hospital, in homes, on roads, and
throughout communities. Emergency Medical
Services provided by 911 first responders are 2017. The cardiac survival rate within
needed to care for these patients. Poudre Fire Authority’s service area increased
by 600% from 2017 to 2019!
• OHCAs affect 240,000 Americans each year—
City of Fort Collins
only 10% survive. • Intervention before first responders arrive is
vital. When community members start CPR and
• For those who do survive, many live with use Automated External Defibrillators (AED),
varying degrees of physical or neurologic patient survival rates skyrocket.
disability.
• Saving lives is not the work of one person or
• In PFA’s service area in 2019, 121 people agency. Communities can save more cardiac
suffered OHCAs as a result of a medical event arrest patients by building a robust coalition
and received resuscitation efforts. of care made up of community members, 911 37
dispatchers, first responders, hospitals and the
• PFA created a specialized EMS Battalion in taxpayers who support these services. FCYou can also read
