Areas of Focus

Here are some of the projects we have inspired and participated in over the years.

The Poudre Runs Through it

UniverCity Connections, Colorado State University and the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado hosted a public dialogue as part of the series designed to get a better informed and engaged community regarding the complex topic of water in Northern Colorado.

Debate over local water projects, including the building of Glade Reservoir and expansion of Halligan and Seaman Reservoirs, had created significant polarization in the community. Concerned about the damage caused by polarization and with a keen desire to help the community develop skills in positive, democratic deliberation about complex issues, community leaders crafted a three part series to provide a more informed public about the Poudre River and its role in the future of water for Northern Colorado.

 

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FoCoFuture Forum - How Can we all live and work here?

This speaker series with community input was hosted to examine Fort Collins' future and how citizens can help shape it. Four sessions were held in 2015 featuring speaker panels and small group discussions. Topics ranged from the city's history, land-use planning, housing affordability, and the changing local economy.

You can review topic slides and speaker videos by clicking the links below.

Session One - May 13, 2015 - Where do we come from and what do we know?

Session Two - May 27, 2015 - What do we want the story of our place to be?

Session Three - June 10, 2015 - How can we all live and work here?

Session Four - June 24, 2015 - How do we prepare for growth and change?

Other Initiatives

Through collaboration, civil discourse, and creativity energy UniverCity Connections is proud to partner with organizations and community members to have inspired, sparked, supported, and molded community initiatives.

  • Homeward 2020, initiated in 2005 by the City of Fort Collins, Colorado State University and the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado to make homelessness rare, short and non-recurring
  • Tech incubator RMI2 - Innosphere accelerating the success of high impact science and technology start-ups, encouraging collaboration with CSU and business
  • Fort Zed, a partnership led by the City of Fort Collins, Colorado State University and Colorado Clean Energy Cluster businesses to provide an open forum for bringing ideas and technology together to advance solutions for the energy sector's challenges
  • Urban Lab created through CSU to engage community on ideas to enhance the UniverCity district, a place to Dream, gain Technical Assistance, and build Advocacy
  • Fort Collins Bike Co-Op successful relocation for their space
  • FC VeloPark Assocation kickstarting the process of bringing a bike park to Fort Collins
  • Distribution of Bike Light Kits with the BPEC and FC Bikes
  • Develop the Downtown Bike Plan and roll out the Bike Library
  • Arts & Culture Think Tank, Centralized Arts Calendar, Discovery Science Center & Lincoln Center Renovation, Warehouse repurposing for nonprofit theater groups
  • Rally support to get Fort Collins Scientific and Cultural Facilities District on the ballot in November 2016
  • Encourage participation and support of CSU LEAP Institute, Beet Street, and Arts Incubator of the Rockies as cultural incubators and business classes for artists
  • Examining the creation of a Brewery District, emphasizing Education connections with CSU and local breweries, Culture in Old Town, and the positive impact on the Economy
  • Improvements to the Mason Corridor including roll out of the MAX bus line with MAX station design and Midtown Plan
  • MAX station bike racks designed by CSU art students, funded by Bohemian Foundation grant, manufactured locally, and installed by Transfort
  • Improved signage, river map, utility and streetscape improvement project, and comfortable bench to enjoy the Poudre River
  • Creation of Flats at the Oval, increasing housing options in the UniverCity District, and strengthening connections between CSU and Old Town
  • Downtown wayfinding signage improved; adding beauty to our walkways with the Downtown Alleyway Enhancement Plan
  • Poudre Whitewater Park and other needs for a healthy river included in the Poudre River Downtown Project