Affordability was the weakest area in Fort Collins's 2026 community survey, staff told city council at its September 8 work session, with a 6% positive rating on quality housing.1
Staff framed the survey as a "report card" that feeds strategic planning and budgeting. Growth management registered as stable, and Fort Collins continued to draw positive ratings as a place to work. Overall perceptions of quality of life remained strong, with ratings for the city as a place to live, attend college, and raise children comparable to national and front-range benchmarks.1
Councilmembers discussed the results, highlighting the importance of addressing affordability and growth management and pointing to the city's strengths in education, healthcare, and consumer amenities.1