December 2022 | November 2022 | October 2022

December 2022

Boulder ranks as a Best Place to Live

CBS News MoneyWatch recently released a 2022 list of Best Places to Live in the U.S. and Boulder ranked #19. MoneyWatch rankings came from Niche.com, a survey company that analyzed cities with a population above 100,000 based on performance data for public schools, affordable costs of living, low crime rates and the overall satisfaction of their residents. Boulder was noted for its outdoor activities and the health and fitness of residents as well as nightlife.

Longmont makes Climate Action A List

CDP, a global non-profit that runs the world’s environmental disclosure system, recently awarded the City of Longmont an A. This is a top score on climate action that only 12% of cities and counties that were scored received. Cities and counties on the A List are recognized for taking leadership on environmental action and transparency. Read the full article at: https://www.longmontcolorado.gov/Home/Components/News/News/12478/3.

3 Colorado Bars named Top 50 'Speakeasys'

The holidays are a special time to gather with family and friends. If you are looking for something different, check out one or all of the three Colorado bars that Yelp ranked as a Top 50 speakeasy bar in the U.S. Social in Fort Collins ranked #1 on the list, Williams & Graham in Denver #31 and Brooklyn’s on Boulder St in Colorado Springs #33. Click here to read the full article!

November 2022

Seasonally high occupancy rates

Recently released data from the Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association shows September occupancy rates at 76.3%, up significantly from last September's rate of 68.9%. Estes Park came in with the highest occupancy rate of 87.8% and an average daily rate of $216.52. Greeley followed next with an occupancy rate of 84.8% and an average daily rate of $102.55. Click here to read the complete press release.

Largest Habitat for Humanity breaks ground

Hope Springs, an almost 500-unit development located on 43-acres in Weld County, has broken ground. This is the largest Habitat for Humanity project in Colorado and is being co-developed by Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity and Richmark Cos. All homes are being built to net-zero-ready standards and amenities will include an on-site childcare center, walking and biking trails, playgrounds, a frisbee park and mini soccer field. Click here to learn more about this collaborative community project.

IRES 3rd Quarter Report

Information and Real Estate Services (IRES) recently released their Q3 2022 MarketWatch Report and in Northern Colorado home prices were up across the board. In Larimer County, the median sales price was $590,930 for Q3-2022, an increase of 11.5% year-over-year. The number of closed sales was down 24.6% dropping to 1,693. In Weld County, the median sales price was $495,000 for Q3-2022, a 8.9% year-over-year increase. The number of closed sales was down 33.1%, coming in at 1,653. In Boulder County, the median sales price was $807,000 for Q3-2022, a 3.5% year-over-year increase. The number of closed sales was down 27.8%, coming in at 1,019.

October 2022

Funding announced for key segment of I-25 Expansion

The Colorado Transportation Commission (CTC) recently approved funds to expand a bottleneck area of I-25 north of Denver, identified as Segment 5 in the North I-25 expansion plan. Up until now, Segment 5 was the only remaining section of the roadway without funding or construction plans. Thanks to advocacy from Northern Front Range leaders, the full expansion of I-25 to three lanes from Highway 14 in Fort Collins to Highway 66 in Longmont will now be realized. Learn more at fixnorthi25.com.

Weld & Larimer County join forces on workforce-development pact

Weld County and Larimer County Commissioners recently approved the Northern Colorado Workforce Development Partnership memorandum of understanding (MOU). The MOU outlines strategic regional workforce initiatives between two key departments in each county, the Employment Services of Weld County and the Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development Department. Initiatives include: alignment of workforce-development plans; data collection; industry exposure and career exploration; work-based learning initiatives; addressing systemic barriers to employment; talent attraction, retention and development; targeted messaging and outreach efforts; and streamlined access to business services and resources. Click here to learn more.

Loveland greenlights renewed economic strategic plans

The Loveland City Council recently unanimously approved strategic plans that will guide the city's economic-development strategy moving forward. More specifically, their vote approved the 2023-27 Economic Development Strategic Plan for the city as well as the 2022-27 Visit Loveland Strategic Plan. The five-year strategic plan centers on "re-building the backbone of our economy." The plan revisits the core principles of economic development: Tourism, Retention, Attraction, Creation, Expansion and Redevelopment of Businesses (TRACER).