Civic Assembly - May 4, 2025

The City of Fort Collins held a Civic Assembly on May 4, 2025, focused on community land use planning for the Hughes site. The assembly involved extensive discussions and collaborative work among delegates to develop recommendations on land use, including natural areas, indigenous cultural spaces, bike parks, and wildlife rehabilitation facilities. Key procurement-related topics included considerations for constructed facilities such as a shared building for wildlife rehabilitation and indigenous cultural practices, minimizing light pollution, and the potential leasing or permitting arrangements for indigenous groups. Delegates debated the appropriateness of a raptor rehabilitation center on the site, balancing educational benefits with legal and operational constraints. The assembly also addressed multi-use trails, transit accessibility, and community gathering spaces. Voting was conducted on consolidated work items, with supermajority support required for inclusion in the final report to City Council. Several delegates volunteered to present the assembly's recommendations at an upcoming council work session. The meeting concluded with reflections on the process and plans for follow-up research and community engagement.