Welcome to fall Chamber members! The arrival of cooler temperatures, a bit of snow and clear blue skies reminds all of us that it is election season. We are releasing our SmartBrief a day early to remind each and every one of you to VOTE! Your individual voice is incredibly important to the success of our community.
I am incredibly proud of the thoughtful review and consideration that our staff, our Local Legislative Affairs Committee, our Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance and our Board of Directors used in their evaluation of these complex and impactful ballot issues. We do this work to give our Chamber members a perspective that advocates for the business community and the city’s overall quality of life and to give members insight into the potential impacts of local issues. More than 50 individuals were involved in the review and consideration of these positions.
The Fort Collins Area Chamber has taken the following positions:
- Support of Amendment E: Homestead Exemption to Surviving Spouses of US Armed Forces Members and Veterans
- Oppose Proposition 122: Natural Medicine Health Act of 2022
- Support Proposition 123: State Income Tax Revenue to Fund Housing Projects
- Oppose Proposition 124: Retail Liquor Store Licenses
- Oppose Proposition 125: Wine Sales in Grocery and Convenience Stores
- Oppose Proposition 126: Alcohol Third Party Delivery Services
- Oppose Ballot Question 2C: City-Initiated Charter Amendment No. 3 – Ranked Voting
I encourage voters to take the time to understand the issues (our website and CIVIC Conversation TO GO packet includes context, pros and cons for all of the issues as well as our recommendations). Please go beyond tv commercials, postcards and radio ads to really understand what the issue is asking voters to approve. Voting is an important tool to drive community action and I encourage all of our members to use their voice!
SHOUT OUT
A very special shout out to the Chamber volunteers that worked tirelessly the last 18 months to impact the City of Fort Collins Land Use Code that was approved on second reading on November 1. These volunteers shared their real-life experience to modify a code that was outdated and limited the opportunity to create housing across the spectrum of housing needs in Fort Collins. We appreciate their dedicated and thoughtful investment of time and energy to making a difference. Team members included Angie Milewski, BHA Design; Cathy Mathis, TB Group; Jeff Schneider, Armstead Construction; Gary Floyd, Lamp Rynerson; Ian Schuff, ALM2S; Jason Sherrill, Landmark Homes; John Mosier, Landmark Homes, Kristin Fritz, Housing Catalyst; Nick Haws, Northern Engineering and Joe Rowan. You helped Build Community for all!