Staff Chats: Jensen Morgan, Environmental Services

Hear from City staff about their COVID-19 work, how they're staying connected and what they hope to learn from community members like you.

What’s been the most challenging part of your job the last few months?

JM: My job is focused on engaging our amazing community members - to get input and ideas for how we can improve climate action in Fort Collins. However, with COVID-19, the world of engagement has transformed in a matter of months. Our team works everyday to discover best practices and learn directly from community members how we can involve people in government decision-making and community action that encourages people to stay safe during COVID. Obviously, virtual engagement is a key part of this, but there are still many in our community that do not have access to internet or a computer. We are still wrestling with how best to make it accessible for people to participate without putting themselves at risk or needing a computer.

What has inspired you the most about our community?

JM: We recently launched virtual brainstorming workshops for Our Climate Future. It was challenging to transition this kind of community dialogue into Zoom, but I’ve been impressed, inspired, and invigorated by all the community members joining conversations to imagine solutions to create Our Climate Future. I want to encourage everyone to go to fcgov.com/climatefuture to sign up for a workshop and join the conversation!

What would you recommend for folks looking to stay active during Safer at Home?

JM: Shift Your Ride and Get Outside! September is going to be Shift Your Ride Month and the City of Fort Collins is putting on a series of virtual and COVID-safe in-person events to encourage everyone in our community to get some exercise and go car-free by biking, scooting or walking more around town. Using active modes of transportation is a great way for folks to stay healthy even when many of us are spending more time indoors. I have been trying to hop on my bike more for short rides to the grocery store and the park. It has been so nice to stretch my legs!

What do you miss most about life before COVID?

JM: As silly as it may sound I love going to the movies! I love the tradition of being in front of a huge screen with people whispering and laughing all around you while the buttery smell of popcorn wafts through the air. I really miss that experience. My roommates knew this and set up a mock “movie theater” in our house to give us a fun substitute. It’s not quite like a real theater, but it’s still pretty darn good with a bowl of popcorn in your hands.