Last week, the Weld County Board of Commissioners, county municipal leaders and associated planning staff came together to discuss the future of growth in the county and how updating coordinated planning agreements can best ensure the right growth occurs in the right areas.
More than 70 participants representing 22 of Weld County’s 32 municipalities, participated in discussion ranging from what type of growth municipalities would like to see in their designated growth areas to what types of uses should be permitted in the county’s ag zone near those municipal growth areas.
“It was a productive evening filled with meaningful discussion,” said Commissioner Chair Kevin Ross. “It was great for everyone to be able to hear each other’s perspectives and to discuss really what the future of this county looks like.”
Weld County, which has been one of the fastest growing counites in the country, ranked number one in growth in the state for 2021-2022, according to the state demographer’s office, which predicts the county’s population will reach more than 600,000 residents by the year 2050.
“It’s important to have these discussions,” said Interim Director of the Weld County Planning Department Elizabeth Relford. “It’s important to hear from each entity as to how they not only define appropriate uses in their agricultural areas but also how they want to see county growth near those areas.”
Relford commented the county was prepared to create 32 coordinated planning agreements (one for each of the county’s incorporated municipalities) if that’s what’s needed to ensure the county grows in the manner everyone is comfortable with.
More discussion regarding growth will be scheduled with municipalities prior to the June 12, 2024, second reading of the county’s change to the PUD Ordinance 2023-18.
For information about the planning department, visit www.weld.gov/Government/Departments/Planning-and-Zoning.
