Project Manager update: Taking feedback and creating strategies

We recently wrapped up our community engagement. We documented the discussions, suggestions and survey responses and will use that feedback to help us write the 2024 WEP.

The numbers:

• 1,326 survey responses
• More than 100 people participated in focus group-style sessions
  
  

From the survey alone, respondents said their top five primary concerns related to water included:

• Water shortages such as drought
• Having enough water to support population growth and future generations
• Using water to irrigate grass areas that are rarely or never used for gatherings, play, sports or other active purposes
• Health and attractiveness of landscapes and trees
• Being able to pay bills and fees
  
  

Also of note, most survey respondents said they would be willing to take some action to save water in the next year. As a water conservation professional, that’s music to my ears!

Staff also visited with and heard feedback from:

• Local landscape professionals
• Spanish speakers
• Colorado State University students
• Homeowners associations
• Mobile home park residents
• Library visitors
• Small businesses
• Older residents
• City of Fort Collins Climate Equity Committee
• City of Fort Collins boards and commissions

Hearing from all these voices gave us a lot to consider. We took care to whittle down the 150+ water conservation strategies that people suggested by examining their impact. After several rounds, we are now deeply analyzing about 20 before deciding the strategies that we'll include in the WEP. As a reminder, the goals and strategies will be based on several key factors:

• What we heard from our community
• Potential for water savings
• Potential for equitable outcomes
• Cost
• Practicality of putting something into place

The team will go to City Council next on Nov. 12.

For now, take care, and stay water wise out there!

Project Manager Alice Conovitz