Larimer County Residents Invited to Shape Regional Housing Policy Through Survey and Public Meetings

Larimer County residents have until November 21 to participate in a comprehensive housing needs survey as local governments work to address affordability challenges and shape future housing policy across the region.

The Regional Housing Needs Assessment, a collaborative effort between Loveland, Fort Collins and Larimer County, seeks community input on housing types, needs and potential solutions for all income levels and life stages. The findings will directly inform decisions about housing development and land use policies across Larimer County.

"Addressing this crisis requires strong partnerships and utilization of an array of planning tools and development approaches," said Larimer County Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally in discussing the region's housing challenges.

The online survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and asks residents about housing choices, preferences, challenges and potential solutions. Anyone who lives or works anywhere in Larimer County can participate at www.research.net/r/LarimerCoHousingSurvey25.

Drop-In Community Meeting Scheduled for Loveland

Residents can also provide input through an open house-style community meeting on October 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Avenue. The drop-in format will feature interactive activities allowing participants to share concerns and ideas about housing solutions.

The assessment represents the latest effort to address housing affordability across Northern Colorado, where median home prices have climbed from approximately $330,000 in 2019 to $520,000 countywide in 2025, according to the Colorado State Demography Office. Median rents have increased from $1,400 to $2,000 per month during the same period.

Larimer County faced an estimated housing unit shortfall of 5,870 units as of 2023, according to the State Demography Office. The shortage has contributed to affordability pressures, with approximately 33 percent of households spending over 30 percent of income on housing.

Assessment Builds on Previous Regional Housing Work

The current needs assessment follows years of individual municipal housing studies and policy initiatives. Fort Collins adopted a Housing Strategic Plan in 2021 establishing a goal that 10 percent of all housing units be affordable to households earning 80 percent or less of area median income. The city allocated $4.2 million in 2025 for housing initiatives including streamlined development review and land banking for future affordable projects.

Loveland established an annual production goal of 100 affordable units in 2020 and has worked to increase density in select zones and provide greater flexibility for accessory dwelling units.

The regional collaboration emerged after local governments recognized that housing challenges cross municipal boundaries and require coordinated solutions. Fort Collins and Larimer County demonstrated strong compliance with state housing laws designed to increase affordable housing supply, according to an October 7 announcement from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.

Survey Data to Inform Land Use and Zoning Decisions

The assessment aims to collect data that will guide specific policy actions available to local governments under Colorado law. Counties and home rule cities maintain substantial authority over land use planning, zoning regulations, and affordable housing programs.

Available tools include zoning amendments to enable diverse housing types, density bonuses for affordable developments, expedited review processes, fee reductions, land banking, and income-restricted housing requirements. Local governments can also offer property tax abatements, reduced development fees, and partnerships with housing authorities to leverage resources.

The Regional Housing Needs Assessment is expected to produce recommendations by late 2025, with implementation beginning in 2026. The multi-jurisdictional approach allows Loveland, Fort Collins and Larimer County to coordinate housing strategies while addressing community-specific needs.

Updates about the assessment will be posted to larimer.gov/housing/partners/housing-assessment. Residents without internet access can obtain information about the survey and community meetings by contacting Larimer County Planning Department.