A vision for a sustainable Fort Collins future by putting people first.#
Protecting the future for the next generation.
- What do you love about Fort Collins that our community should protect for future generations?
- What challenges might we face in getting there?
Back before 2021, we went out into the community (schools, grocery stores, and more!) and we asked these questions to community members - maybe even to you! Your answers are what helped form Our Climate Future (OCF), a guide for how the Fort Collins community is working towards a more sustainable future while focusing on the needs of its people. It highlights the importance of putting people first when dealing with climate change.
Our Climate Future focuses on achieving three main goals by 2030:
So, why climate action in the first place? How is our community planning to reach these goals and how can I get involved (hint: they're called Big Moves and Next Moves)? Click above on the other tabs to learn more!
Climate Action is Crucial#
Photo of the Cameron Peak Fire taken from Bobcat Ridge Natural Area in 2020.
If we don’t stop pollution, the places we live, work, and play could be at risk. Fort Collins already feels the effects of rising temperatures, including extreme heat, wildfires, poor air quality, and flooding. It’s crucial we act now to protect the people in our community and secure a better future for the next generation.
Climate change threatens not just the environment but also our economy, living costs, and health. Since it impacts our community’s well-being, the City of Fort Collins is committed to tackling climate change with a focus on people first, through our initiative called Our Climate Future.
It takes all of us!#
There are things you can do right now that have a significant positive impact on people today and on the next generation!
Learn more below about ways to have an impact at home, at work, and through community partnership.
At Home#
Conserve water and energy, improve your air quality, and learn more about recycling.
At Work#
Get free coaching and technical assistance, learn more about green building and construction code.
Community Partnership Programs#
Join a committee, apply for a grant, or partner with us in another way.
Big Moves and Next Moves#
Two important parts of OCF are called Big Moves and Next Moves. Let's take a closer look at what they mean!
Big Moves#
Big Moves are the transformational outcomes (or main areas) where our community has suggested we should focus to achieve the three 2030 goals, and work in these areas can be City-led and community-led. These are a great starting place to think about how you can make an impact!
- For example, Big Move #8 is "Local, Affordable and Healthy Food" which connects with the goal of reducing greenhouse gases. Consider ways you can eat more locally to support this Big Move!
Next Moves#
Next Moves are the specific actions to help us reach each Big Move. There are several Next Moves for each Big Move.
- For instance, one of the Next Moves for Big Move #8 (Local, Affordable and Healthy Food) is to "Increases access to affordable community supported agriculture subscriptions (CSAs)."
Further Exploration of OCF
If you want to continue your exploration of OCF, find more resources below. For questions, feel free to reach out at OurClimateFuture@fcgov.com.
Dive Deeper#
Want to learn more? Below are a couple of options:
Request an OCF Program
Our colleagues in Fort Collins Utilities offer educational programs about OCF!
Information Supporting Big Moves
We do research to support work within the 13 "Big Moves" of OCF, including around Food Systems.
Read OCF Plan Documents
Want to really dive in? We have everything from two-page summaries to the entire plan.
Request an OCF Program
Our colleagues in Fort Collins Utilities offer educational programs about OCF!
Information Supporting Big Moves
We do research to support work within the 13 "Big Moves" of OCF, including around Food Systems.
Read OCF Plan Documents
Want to really dive in? We have everything from two-page summaries to the entire plan.
OCF Plan Documents#
Information Supporting Big Moves & Next Moves#
The Fort Collins community has worked hard to develop a flourishing local food system. Using Our Climate Future Big Move 8 as the driving framework, the City of Fort Collins is exploring its role in supporting the food system.
2024 Food Systems Exploration#
Summary#
The City’s Our Climate Future (OCF) framework is made up of 13 “Big Moves” that strategize how to address local climate change challenges. Big Move 8 is entitled “Local, Healthy, Affordable Food” and was largely shaped by community input. The City has not had a definitive role within the greater food system, and food-related goals are disparately included in various City plans. In 2024, the Environmental Services Department partnered with an AmeriCorps Fellow to conduct foundational research to determine how the City organization could better support the community in achieving a more sustainable and equitable food system.
Research included engagement with community organizations, businesses and City departments, across a spectrum of focus and expertise within the food system. Findings and recommendations stayed within city boundaries, and focused on opportunities regarding producers, consumers and food waste. Environmental, social and economic considerations were incorporated, and a focus on elevating equity-based solutions was maintained throughout.
Themes
- There is a desire for local food production to be sustainable and help feed the community.
- There is a strong effort to build community through access to food, community gardens, and community supported agriculture.
- Food production and consumption are interwoven with environmental systems and are impacted by climate change.
Findings
- The City has a limited role in the food system.
- There are disparate connections to food throughout various City plans, yet no definitive, centralized system of implementation or strategy.
- Local nonprofits, organizations, and businesses are mainly focused on food access, food independence, sustainable agriculture, producer-consumer connections and food waste.
- Most organizations face challenges such as limited funding, resources and capacity.
- There is opportunity for the City to support community-led work, and remove barriers for organizations and businesses, to ensure the current initiatives can continue to succeed and eventually scale.
Recommendations#
As part of the food systems exploration, the report identified three overarching recommendations for the City of Fort Collins to consider. The following recommendations were developed based on conversations with community members and City employees, as well as reviewing other local government examples.
- Increase City-allocated land and resources to expand community gardens
- Support the Fort Collins Food System by better defining the City’s role, improving department alignment, and removing barriers for businesses
- Support external partnerships with community organizations and foster regionalism
For a more detailed set of recommendations, please reference the full report.
2024 Food Systems Exploration#
If you would like to see a full version of the 2024 Food Systems Exploration Report please reach out to Katy McLaren (kmclaren@fcgov.com).