Last week we enjoyed a return visit from Ann Hutchison, President and CEO of the Fort Collins Area Chamber (FCAC). Her update was entitled the State of Business-Northern Colorado. She focused on local business issues but also addressed the potentially changing state role in the local business scene.
Their mission is “Building Community through Business”. Shared community ideals allow our Chamber to act (primarily through education) and NOCO becomes a better place for all as we benefit from a stronger business component.
The FCAC has 1200 members, 9.5 FTE and a $2M budget. In addition, there are 5 Contract partners – involving transportation, work-based learning opportunities, economic and sector support including industry-led conversations (health care, manufacturing, construction, not for profit and hospitality). The “area” is currently defined as Larimer and Weld counties.
Demographics - our population is 677,094 with an almost equal male/female ratio. The area remains predominantly white (85.6 %) with a median age of 36.2 and per capita income of $55,497. Furthermore, we are well educated with 40% having 4 years of college. As we all know, homes are expensive ($595,000 in Ft Collins, $540,000 in Loveland and $450,000 in Greeley). Government and education are the big drivers in Larimer while agriculture and fossil fuels lead in Weld. However, the cost of living remains a challenge to further growth (at 106.1 compared with 100 a baseline).
The economics of our region are impressive. The regional gross product is $42B, the workforce 368,897 with 68% participation (well above national participation), unemployment of 3.1% (makes it hard to find workers) and increasing wages at $64,290 (makes it easier to attract and keep talent). One concern is our reliance on education and government with a relatively smaller private sector contribution.
Next, Ann shared the Chambers priorities - under a mantra of Northern Colorado Prospers these are a strong economy, talent attraction and retention, transportation (think I25 as well as connectors) and fostering a business - friendly environment; being aware of opportunities to influence political and other relationships especially in housing solutions. Breaking News - The recent announcement regarding a grant to the Ionosphere has the potential to bring $200M to the area!
Locally, our greatest problem is housing attainability but other issues in focus are land use codes, water, minimum wage, E Mulberry annexation, NCRA (airport development) and sales tax renewals.
Although not part of government, the Chamber keeps an eye on what goes on in government. One local concern is recent turnover: getting the new City Manager up to speed regarding our local history as well as the many other new employees. The new ½ cent sales tax creates great opportunities with ½ going to “park refresh” and the other for climate and transportation. Also, there are signs the city council is moving in a small business friendly direction.
Our speaker identified her concerns – will we have an economic “soft landing”, what about our retail fallout, the emerging no-growth theme, a move to state-wide decisions (vs local) and the politically driven county and state agendas. (Please support your local businesses).
Finally, a quick update on what’s happening at the state level. Twenty years ago, the area chambers (Ft Collins, Loveland and Greeley) created the Northern Colorado Legislative Alliance (NCLA) to monitor and influence the General Assembly (currently in session). NCLA priorities for this session include water resource development, employment, community issues (new areas of crime, safety and homelessness), and transportation. An important bill is being considered that would return condos to Colorado making them affordable and less risky for builders. Another bill is designed to allow accessory buildings on private property. Water issue decisions at a national level will soon filter down to the local area.
Two questions were asked regarding the arrival of immigrants to our area and how we should address the undocumented. These are “new” community issues that are just being addressed at all levels of government. Ann highlighted that currently “we” have no solution for the DOCA members attending CSU who may one day be important local talent.
My apologies to the readers and editor for the length of this “summary” but all these details must be important to all members who are living, learning and working in NOCO. This Rotogear review could serve as a reference until Anne’s next visit.