Priorities

Wellington is not a "small town" anymore.  Our population is 13,000 and growing.  Even the state of Colorado classifies Wellington a medium-size town. 

 

I like to think of Wellington as a medium-size town with a small-town vibe. The small-town vibe comes from our amazing residents and is evident in our community pride, our willingness to help each other, and our support for our local businesses, our schools, and town events.

 

However, as a medium-sized town, we have big problems to overcome.  As our population grows, we have failed to grow our commercial base, which supplies the sales tax revenues needed to keep up with growth.  Every new subdivision adds new infrastructure that must be maintained.  It adds higher demand on other town services, increases traffic and wear on existing roads, requiring more frequent repairs. This is unsustainable.  

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We have to turn this around.  Our budget is already stretched thin, but without an influx of commercial property and sales taxes, we will have no choice but to cut services.  In fact, we just passed the 2026 budget that includes: delaying capital projects, delaying maintenance on park and recreational equipment, and hiring freezes. This trend will continue if we don't start bringing in new commercial development,

 

As Mayor, my priorities are simple:  1) Increase commercial growth, and 2) continue negotiations to lower water costs associated with the 1983 North Poudre Irrigation contract and source new water for long-term sustainability.  These objectives will take time, but with your support, we can get there. I invite you to join me in making Wellington a better place to live and work!

 

My Priorities for Wellington

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1. Increase Commercial Growth: 

 

Its time to shake off the “bedroom community of Fort Collins” Label by prioritizing commercial growth.  Wellington is not a suburb stopover. We are a town with purchasing power, local pride, and a growing population, yet residents still leave town for daily goods and services. That’s revenue driving down I-25 instead of staying here. A study in 2018 showed that more than $114,000,000 was being spent by Wellington residents every year in other communities. That $11 million dollars in lost sales tax revenues each year.  $11M that other communities are using to build rec centers, parks and open spaces, fix traffic issues, repair roads and public infrastructure for their residents, while Wellington residents go without. 

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Our future depends on expanding commercial development. Commercial development means:

• More local jobs

• A stronger tax base

• Better services for families

• A more vibrant economy

• A community that stands on its own

 

Wellington should be a destination—not an afterthought. And I know how to make that happen.

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2. Stabilize Water Costs for Residents & Businesses

 

Water remains one of our biggest challenges. Rising costs strain families and make it harder to attract new businesses.

 

Wellington needs both short-term cost stabilization and long-term solutions. We are in negotiations with North Poudre Irrigation (NPIC) to lower raw water costs, and we are also in negotiations with a new water provider to reduce our reliance on NPIC.  These initiatives will take time, and must manage our system more efficiently, invest wisely, and ensure affordability for the community.

These two priorities—commercial growth and water stability—are the foundations of Wellington’s future.

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