Voters Back 2H, 2A and 302

According to unofficial results, several ballot items important to the local cycling and outdoor recreation community passed in Tuesday’s election. Voters approved 2H, 2A, and 302, while rejecting 303. 2H and 2A are particularly important as they allow for a multi-use plan at the Hughes site that includes a community bike park, up to 35 acres, and $5 million in funding to build it.

2H: Multi-Use Future for the Hughes Site
Voters endorsed the City Council’s adopted plan for the Hughes property, developed through an extensive Civic Assembly process. The plan designates up to 60 acres as Natural Area and up to 35 acres for a community park and bike park. It also includes environmental education and wildlife rescue facilities, along with recreation features like disc golf and sledding.

The 2H plan reflects years of public input and aims to balance conservation with recreation and community gathering. It ensures long-term management consistent with Public Open Lands zoning and keeps the Hughes site open and accessible to the public.

Notably, the only City Council member who voted against the Civic Assembly recommendations, Susan Gutowsky of District 1, a staunch PATHS/303 supporter, lost her seat to Chris Conway.

303: Hughes 100% Natural Area Proposal Fails
Voters rejected 303, a citizen-initiated measure that would have required the entire 165-acre Hughes property to become a City Natural Area. That proposal likely would have eliminated the sledding hill and disc golf course, while increasing the management burden on the City’s Natural Areas program. The defeat of 303 enusres the more balanced 2H plan.

2A: Community Capital Improvement Program (CCIP) Tax Extension
The 2A measure extends the existing 0.25% city sales and use tax for another 10 years without raising rates. The extension will fund major community projects, including $5 million for the planned Fort Collins Community Bike Park, improvements to bike infrastructure, and expanded recreational trail systems.

This measure continues a long-running investment in Fort Collins’ parks, trails, and recreation amenities, key components of the city’s cycling culture and outdoor identity.

302: Natural Areas Tax Extension
Voters also approved 302, which makes permanent the existing 0.25% Natural Areas tax. This ensures ongoing funding for land protection, wildlife habitat, and trail stewardship without raising taxes. The measure allows future adjustments (starting in 2061) to direct more funding toward maintenance and ecological health.

The Natural Areas program underpins many of Fort Collins’ most loved trails and open spaces. Extending the tax secures the resources needed to maintain and connect those spaces for future generations.

1A and the Broader Picture
County-wide Ballot Item 1A, which focused on safer roads, bridges, and bike routes, failed. Depending on who you ask, that’s either a setback or a relief for Northern Colorado cyclists. Some approved of intersection improvement plans, while others felt wider roads equal faster/less safe roads and plans to pave gravel didn’t bode well for gravel cyclists.

Still, with 2H, 2A, and 302 passing and 303 defeated, this election marks a clear step forward for Fort Collins’ outdoor and cycling community, a strong reaffirmation of the city’s commitment to accessible recreation, open space, and connected trails.

2A-
Yes/For 29,130
No/Against 8,957
Total Votes 38,087

2H-
Yes/For 25,422
No/Against 12,235
Total Votes 37,657

302-
Yes/For 26,905
No/Against 10,468
Total Votes 37,373

303-
Yes/For 17,040
No/Against 20,397
Total Votes 37,437

1A-
Yes/For 45,064
No/Against 51,444
Total Votes 96,508