February kept Fort Collins City Council focused on two tracks at once: moving routine funding and policy items forward at regular meetings while using work sessions to set priorities and dig into issues that drew heavy community attention, including privacy concerns tied to Flock Safety cameras, housing affordability and how the city plans for growth.

Public comment spotlights ICE concerns, surveillance technology

At the Feb. 3 meeting, public comment touched on recurring themes, including opposition to ICE enforcement and masked agents, as well as concerns about animal testing, homelessness services and automated license plate reader cameras from Flock Safety.

Mayor Emily Francis highlighted an earlier work session focused on Flock cameras, encouraging residents to tune in as discussions evolve. That session included city officials and Fort Collins Police Services answering questions about camera function, implementation and legal considerations. 

Council members and police leadership also responded directly to concerns raised about federal immigration enforcement, with Police Chief Jeff Swoboda reiterating that local law enforcement will not cooperate with federal agents on immigration matters, despite still coordinating with federal partners on criminal investigations.

Swoboda added that community support is essential to public safety.

“What the federal government is learning, and it’s something local police have known for a long time, is that without the community’s consent and the community’s support, we would fail,” Swoboda said.

District 5 Councilmember Amy Hoeven added her perspective on federal actions. 

“What’s happening at the federal level is not normal, and I can’t emphasize that enough,” Hoeven said. “It is not normal. … This is territory that we should not be in, and the unfortunate part is that Congress has the ability to stop it, and right now these executive orders are really putting people in harm’s way.”

Funding, policy items move forward on consent

Council approved several items Feb. 3, including second readings tied to funding, infrastructure and administrative updates.

• Philanthropic revenue through City Give: Council approved an appropriation of $110,476.42 in charitable gifts supporting city programs.
• Victim Services Unit funding: Council adopted ordinances tied to grant funds, including a $70,000 Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement grant and a $22,024 Federal Victim of Crime Act grant over 12 months supporting victim advocacy and crisis intervention services.
• Affordable housing support: Council approved funding agreements supporting two projects, $1 million to Housing Catalyst’s Village on Eastbrook and $950,000 in additional funds to the Windtrail Park rehabilitation project led by CARE Communities.
• Natural areas and water infrastructure: First reading to transfer up to 61 shares of the Buckhorn Highline Ditch Company that the city doesn’t need and will not use, avoiding costs while retaining shares for potential ecological restoration.

Council also adopted a resolution assigning council liaisons to boards and commissions and making appointments to external boards and authorities, formalizing the behind-the-scenes governance work that shapes how city policy moves between staff, advisory groups and elected officials.

Council Priorities, Strategic Plan take shape in work session

A Feb. 10 work session focused on the draft 2026-27 Council Priorities and the draft 2026-30 Strategic Plan. Council feedback leaned toward simplifying the plan, reorganizing performance measures and adding a table of contents before formal adoption in March.

Hoeven said the new council’s early priorities center on expenses and long-term sustainability.

“Much of it was surrounding affordability,” Hoeven said, adding that economic vitality and safe transportation, like Vision Zero initiatives and environmental goals, remain central.

Boards, commissions, student engagement 

Council spent time interviewing and appointing members to boards and commissions that advise on housing, transportation, disability access, policing oversight and more. Hoeven framed these boards as key pathways for meaningful public participation, especially for students and first-time civic participants.

She also highlighted issues students are likely to notice first: paid parking proposals downtown, noise ordinance updates impacting the creative and nighttime economy and major upcoming College Avenue construction.

“It’s important to you because you are a resident of this town,” Hoeven said, referring to CSU students. “It’s important for you to provide feedback … to make sure that you feel safe and that you have everything you need to thrive in this community.”

Urban Renewal Authority advances North College redevelopment conversations

The Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority Board moved forward on redevelopment planning along North College Avenue. They swore in new board member Jessica Zamora and moved toward an exclusive negotiation agreement with the Urban Land Conservancy for planning and development at 1636 N. College Ave. and nearby properties.

URAB discussions also addressed stormwater infrastructure needs along North Mason Street and a temporary outdoor event venue concept at North College, shaped by revised cost estimates and “value-engineered” alternatives. The total cost is estimated to be $18.3 million. 

What’s next?

February set the stage for March votes and deeper debates. The March 3 council meeting is expected to include:

• Adoption of the Strategic Plan and Council Priorities
• Second readings on mobile home park enforcement and pay plan updates for the Fraternal Order of Police agreement
• Additional appropriations and traffic code updates

Hoeven said she plans to have a listening session March 7 and hopes to bring future opportunities to campus.

“Hopefully … I can get on campus … to tell students what’s coming down the pike but also hear what is important to them,” Hoeven said. “I think we all need to keep getting as educated as possible … when we have council meetings where there’s public testimony. Speak and let us know.”