This year, the City is commemorating the 58th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act, the landmark civil rights law signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968, that made discrimination in housing transactions unlawful.

Fair housing laws were enacted to provide equal housing opportunities. It is illegal to discriminate on the basis of a person's protected class in the sale, rental or financing of housing. Protected classes include race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability.

Each year, the City celebrates Fair Housing month by honoring an organization that contributes to fair housing choice in our community through a Proclamation at City Council. On Tuesday, April 7, the Mayor read a Proclamation recognizing Colorado State University’s Off-Campus Life office. Off-Campus Life furthers fair housing by providing housing education and advocacy for CSU students, and housing resources to the public. Since the ‘80s, they have provided resources to renters and outreach to populations who experience barriers to housing. We recognize Off-Campus Life as a valuable member of the community’s housing-support system that increases housing opportunities in our community. Learn more about Off-Campus Life at https://ocl.colostate.edu/.

You can learn more about Fair Housing, resources, and how to file a complaint if you believe you’ve been discriminated against at https://www.fortcollins.gov/Services/Housing/Affordable-Housing#section-3, or by visiting HUD’s Fair Housing webpage.

The City of Fort Collins Affordable Housing Land Bank Program recently purchased 2 acres for the future development of affordable housing.

The City’s Land Bank Program buys land for future affordable housing developments – locking costs in an otherwise escalating real estate market. Then when Fort Collins’ growth and infrastructure support it, City officials can sell or donate land to affordable housing developers – with restrictions ensuring the permanent affordability of the development.

The Land Bank Program currently has five parcels. The Land Bank typically holds parcels for at least five years and has held many for longer than 15 years. The program has purchased seven properties since 2002 and sold two which developed into the Village at Horsetooth and Birdwhistle Townhomes.  There are still a few homes for sale at the Birdwhistle community. Visit https://birdwhistlefortcollins.com/ to learn more.

This new Land Bank parcel, located at 1900 Laporte Ave., was acquired by the City as a part of a larger purchase by the City’s Natural Areas Department. It includes a house and outbuildings that will be rented as a residence until the property is developed.

The Fort Collins City Council approved an innovative Mobile Home Park Licensing and Enforcement Program, aimed at improving livability in the city’s privately owned mobile home parks. Mobile home park residents typically own their homes but not the land or infrastructure beneath them, making them dependent on property owners for critical repairs such as water infrastructure, hazardous trees, and street maintenance.

While park owners have been required under State law and Municipal Code to address life, health, and safety issues and maintain minimum standards in the mobile home parks, fragmented oversight made enforcement inconsistent. Under the new City program, staff will have the authority to abate if it is deemed necessary to address hazardous conditions and maintain minimum property standards.

Additionally, the parks will be required to pay a licensing fee, employ a certified property manager, and provide transparent data and information on rent averages, rent increases, utility issues, maintenance schedules, and community rules. The new Mobile Home Park Licensing and Enforcement Program is staffed by Alexis Walker, who will oversee development of administrative rules, compliance, outreach, and enforcement. Alexis can be reached at AWalker@fortcollins.gov or MHP@fortcollins.gov.

Hot off the press – 2026-2030 City Strategic Plan

Fort Collins is committed to thoughtful planning that reflects the values of the community. City Plan sets the long-term community vision and the Strategic Plan outlines short- and mid-term objectives, influences budgeting process, and guides the implementation of City services. The 2026-2030 Strategic Plan outlines key objectives and strategies that link City Plan vision with the City’s organizational and operational priorities. 

The Affordable Housing Board’s next meeting is on May 7 at 4:00pm. This meeting will be at 222 Laporte Avenue with a virtual option too.  Hope to see you there!

On the Horizon – What's Coming Up?

• April 28 City Council Work Session  - Highlighting current capital projects in the City across Service Areas
• May 5 City Council Meeting – Proclamation for Historic Preservation Month
• May 7 Affordable Housing Board Meeting
• May 26 City Council Work Session -Staff  Report: Rental Housing Program Update

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