In this issue of City News, you'll get the latest on festive holiday events, learn about a couple of City moves — including a new City website just around the corner — and how to start off the new year with activity and education.

Thanks for reading!

- Kelly DiMartino, City Manager

Launching Dec. 10, the City's new website is designed to help you find what you need quickly and confidently. The official .gov domain underscores reliable and accurate information, while clear navigation and simplified information make exploring City programs and services easy. With fully-accessible features and customer-focused design, FortCollins.gov was built with our community in mind. Stay informed and connect with your City through FortCollins.gov!

The City's Parking Services will be closed Thursday, Dec. 4, and Friday, Dec. 5, while the department moves to their new location at 144 N. Mason St., Suite 5, located on the west side of the Civic Center Parking Garage at Laporte Avenue and Mason Street. Walk-in services resume at 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at the new location. Parking for visitors will be available on the first floor of the garage.

The newly constructed Siphon Overpass will open on Friday, Dec. 5, weather pending, reopening a key section of the Power Trail (between Keenland Drive and Trilby) and connecting the Mail Creek Trail (and neighborhoods east of Timberline and south of Harmony) with the Power Trail.

Additionally, construction has kicked off for the Power Trail Harmony Crossing, which will close an existing gap in the trail and provide a safe underpass for pedestrians and cyclists beneath Harmony Road. The full trail is expected to be finished by Spring 2027, creating a continuous paved route from Trilby Road to the Spring Creek Trail.

Give your holidays some added sparkle with a visit to Garden of Lights at The Gardens on Spring Creek. From dancing blossoms to a brand-new Ice Forest to explore, every step illuminates a world of wonder! Running nightly Dec. 12-28 (except Dec. 24 & 25), this Fort Collins tradition features glowing displays, festive entertainment, cozy holiday drinks and plenty of memory-making moments. Come experience The Gardens transformed. Kids four and under visit for free!

The holidays can bring extra waste — the average person creates 36 more pounds of trash in December. The good news is that small actions make a big difference:

• Reduce: Plan meals wisely — buy only what you need and share leftovers with guests.
• Reuse: Save gift bags, wrapping paper and boxes, or post usable items online.
• Recycle: Find where to recycle trees, lights and more with our A–Z guide at fcgov.com/a-z. 

Mark your calendars: The new Recreator arrives on Dec. 10. Pick up a copy at any recreation facility or look through the digital version. 

Save the dates for program registration:

• Adaptive Recreation Opportunities, Adult & 60+ Programs | 7 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6
• Youth & Family Programs | 7 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8
• Summer Camps | 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5

Start the new year with Sales Tax 101 — a free course that helps business owners understand sales and use tax in Fort Collins. This session covers:

• Applying for a sales tax license
• What's taxable (and what's exempt)
• Collecting and remitting sales tax
• Compliance tips 

Our tax experts will be available for one-on-one Q&A to answer your questions 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at 222 Laporte Ave.

In honor of Christmas Day and New Year's Day, all City offices will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25, and Thursday, Jan. 1.

Visit the City's website later this month for full facilities hours and closures.

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