Larimer County Climate Initiative Returns $2.50-$7 Per Dollar Invested

Larimer County's two-year analysis shows its $45.7 million Climate Smart Future Ready (CSFR) investment generated an estimated $68 million to $321 million in community benefits—a ratio that could reshape future funding debates.

The $45.7 million came from $4 million in county and partner funds, $13.4 million in grants, and $28.4 million from the voter-approved open space land preservation tax.

"A study completed after the first two years of implementing the Climate Smart Future Ready (CSFR) initiative in Larimer County indicates that YES, there is a benefit being realized in our community through the implementation of this initiative," according to Larimer County's Climate and Sustainability Department.

The social return on investment ranges between 2.5:1 and 7:1, meaning every $1 invested is generating at least $2.50 to $7 in value for Larimer County residents and businesses.

This unusually high return could influence decisions on renewing the open space tax and pursuing additional state and federal funding.

Much of CSFR's payoff is long-term, according to the county. "The report shows that many of CSFR's impacts lie in laying the groundwork for future returns," according to Larimer County's Climate and Sustainability Department. "CSFR also delivers significant indirect benefits that do not show up in traditional ROI calculations but are essential to Larimer County's long-term resilience as a region."

The department added that CSFR "strengthens the County and partners' capacity to secure external funding by preparing required plans and increasing local alignment and readiness to implement large-scale projects."

The analysis reflects the first two years of CSFR implementation across the full portfolio of county and partner projects.

For the full report, methodology, and project details, see Larimer County's Jan. 26 spotlight.