News
Good Work Enhances Community
Having lived in Fort Collins for 32 years, it is no surprise that the city was named the second best place to live in America by Money Magazine/CNN Money. We have great recreation, open spaces, arts and culture, health-care facilities and schools, and thriving businesses. From advancing 21st century innovations to brewing some of the finest beers to revitalizing a culturally alive Old Town, Fort Collins leads the way in many respects.
In addition, Colorado is rated one of the top five states for business and quality of life, according to a CNBC survey.
So, what did we do right to become a national model, and how do we continue our success? Foremost, we are a community with people that care about one another and the common good.
On the legislative side of the community wellness equation, a Democratically led state Legislature has consistently pushed policies that promote sustainable economic development in Fort Collins and throughout the state.
Fort Collins has enjoyed a steady job growth rate over the past seven years. The state is adding jobs despite these tough economic times. Our unemployment rate is lower than the national average because we are building a diverse, resilient economy.
In essence, we have helped businesses succeed, fostered community development and created a decent quality of life, providing Fort Collins folks a great place to live.
This year alone, Colorado legislators strengthened our economy through various policies, including:
> Streamlining the tax code by eliminating the business personal property tax for 30,000 small businesses, making it easier for these small businesses to operate.
> Accelerating growth in strategic industries. This year, the legislature made $26.5 million available for universities and start-up companies to help the most promising new companies move new technologies out of the lab and into the marketplace.
> Expanding the new energy economy by supporting new technologies and opening the market to utility-scale solar energy development.
Evidence suggests that by fostering new industries and getting out of the way of others, we're having serious success:
> Vestas just committed to becoming the world's largest wind turbine manufacturer, pledging to add an additional 650 workers when it builds a blade manufacturing plant in Windsor.
> Fort Collins-based New Belgium Brewing Co. is now the third-largest craft brewer in the U.S. and has grown exponentially over the past few years.
> Colorado State University remains the number one employer for the city, and with the state's assistance, is committed to transforming itself into one of the most cutting-edge universities in the world for renewable energy development.
It is important to acknowledge these good works. Yet, challenges remain because too many working families live paycheck to paycheck and struggle to make ends meet. Nonetheless, I believe that the policies and funding priorities enacted in the past two years will begin to turn things around. Yes, these are issues we must address now, and building an economy that works for all of us is one of my highest legislative priorities.
John M. Kefalas,
Fort Collins Democrat, represents District 52 in the Colorado House of Representatives.
Soapbox published in the Coloradoan 7/24/08
