Fort Collins council approves first reading to appropriate quarter‑cent capital tax, earmarks housing and bike‑park planning

Fort Collins City Council on Jan. 20 approved on first reading an ordinance to make initial appropriations from the voter‑approved quarter‑cent capital tax, directing money to ongoing transportation programs, an affordable‑housing capital fund and planning for a community bike park.

City staff said the dedicated quarter‑cent capital tax—also called the Community Capital Improvement Program or CCIP—produces about $11,000,000 annually and that the council was being asked to make initial appropriations for projects already “ready to go.” According to staff, the recommended package includes an appropriation of $2,500,000 for an affordable housing capital fund and a $30,000 allocation to begin preliminary site planning for a proposed multiuse community bike park at the Hughes site. “We are here tonight to do just an initial appropriation for the funds that really operate on a standard basis,” staff told council.

Staff said two specific funding requests tied to the new decade of sales tax—one from Housing Catalyst for $1,200,000 to support 73 units at the Village on Eastbrook, and another from Care Communities for roughly $950,050 to rehab Wind Veil Park Apartments—will be presented as separate funding agreements for council authorization at the Feb. 3 meeting. Those agreements were not approved on Jan. 20; the appropriation gives staff spending authority to move forward with project development and match requirements.

Council members asked for details about how the $30,000 for the bike park would be used. Staff said the amount will fund early site feasibility and habitat review and noted that other funding sources (natural areas and parks planning) will be used for additional work. On the affordable‑housing requests, Housing staff said applications for quarter‑cent funds are accepted on a rolling basis and are evaluated by staff before being brought to council.

Council Member Pat Yandy moved to adopt the ordinance on first reading; Council Member Fudge seconded. A roll‑call vote recorded six yes votes and the measure passed on first reading. Staff emphasized that some project‑level agreements and funding authorizations will be brought back to council for formal approval in February.

The ordinance authorizes transfers and supplemental appropriations from the quarter‑cent capital tax; further details on individual funding agreements and project schedules will appear in staff memos and the Feb. 3 meeting packet.