Take Action: Protect Our Downtown
Downtown Fort Collins belongs to the community. The proposed shift to paid on-street parking threatens the accessibility and character of our historic center. We need your voice to keep it 2-hour free.
​
Here is how you can help!
Leave a Formal City Comment
The City of Fort Collins tracks public sentiment through their official portal. Sending a direct comment ensures your specific concerns—whether as a business owner, a resident, or a frequent visitor—are part of the public record.
How to do it: Click the link below, select the "Paid Parking Proposal," and share why 2-hour free parking matters to you.
Email City Leaders: Make Your Voice Heard
The City Council needs to hear from the people who live, work, and shop in Downtown Fort Collins. A quick, personal email can be the difference between a "yes" and a "no" vote on paid on-street parking.
Send your email to: cityleaders@fcgov.com (This address reaches the Mayor, all City Council members, and the City Manager at once.)
What to Include in Your Email
To make your message stand out, follow these three simple rules:
-
State your name and address: Show them you are a local resident and constituent.
-
Be clear: Use a subject line like "Opposition to Paid On-Street Parking - [Your Neighborhood]".
-
Make it personal: Explain how this change specifically affects your life or business.
Key Talking Points to Bring Up
Feel free to use these bullet points to help craft your message:
-
Support for Small Businesses: Mention that paid parking creates "technical friction" (apps and kiosks) that discourages quick-stop shopping and spontaneous dining.
-
Turnover vs. Taxation: Point out that the current 2-hour free limit already successfully manages parking turnover without placing a financial burden on residents.
-
The Sales Tax Risk: Remind them that if residents choose to shop at big-box retailers with free parking instead of Old Town, the city may lose more in sales tax revenue than it gains from meters.
-
Equity and Accessibility: Highlight that paid parking acts as a "regressive tax," making our historic downtown less accessible to students, seniors on fixed incomes, and working-class families.
-
Impact on Employees: Discuss how paid parking effectively acts as a pay cut for downtown workers who may not have easy access to garages for short or irregular shifts.
-
Maintaining Our Charm: Emphasize that the "Old Town experience" is built on being a welcoming, guest-friendly destination, not a transaction-heavy commercial zone.
Join the Movement
This is a long-term effort. From town halls to "pack the room" nights at City Hall, we need to stay organized. Give us your info, and we’ll send you brief, high-priority updates on when and where your presence will make the biggest impact.
​
No spam. Just the vital info you need to help us win.