FoCo in 15 Minutes | Southeast Community Center, Massive Battery Project, Airport Expansion & Flock Debate

Welcome to Living in Fort Collins — The Podcast, your weekly insider look at what’s happening across Fort Collins and Northern Colorado — from growth and development to housing, business, infrastructure, and local events shaping the region.This week in Fort Collins & Northern Colorado:🏗️ Southeast Community Center Officially Breaks Ground — Fort Collins begins construction on the long-awaited Southeast Community Center featuring aquatics, library resources, fitness space, walking tracks, innovation areas, and family-focused amenities in one of the city’s fastest-growing corridors. ⚡ Northern Colorado’s Largest Battery Project Breaks Ground — Platte River Power Authority officially launched construction on a 400 megawatt-hour battery storage project east of I-25, capable of powering nearly 18,000 homes and supporting regional renewable energy goals. ✈️ Northern Colorado Airport Begins $20.6M Runway Widening — Major construction is underway at Northern Colorado Regional Airport to widen its primary runway and support future commercial air service growth. 🏚️ URA Moves to Acquire El Palomino Motel — Fort Collins Urban Renewal Authority is pursuing eminent domain proceedings on the contaminated former North College motel as redevelopment efforts continue along the corridor. 🍺 Craft Beer Industry Contracts Again — National craft beer production fell 4% in 2025, though Fort Collins-based Odell Brewing remains among the country’s top independent breweries. 🔥 Family Displaced After Fort Collins House Fire — A kitchen fire displaced a local family this week, though firefighters safely rescued both pets and prevented injuries. 📡 Major Flock Camera Vote Delayed — Council postponed its anticipated vote on Flock license plate reader data retention policies after continued public pressure surrounding privacy and surveillance oversight concerns. 💼 Updated Business Incentive Policy Approved — Fort Collins adopted a revised economic development policy focused on attracting high-paying primary employers through targeted incentives and streamlined review processes. ⚖️ Municipal Code Updates Passed — Council approved updates aligning portions of Fort Collins municipal code with current Colorado law and court rulings. 🗓️ July & August Council Meetings Canceled — Council approved summer schedule changes canceling meetings on July 7 and August 4. 🏗️ Closed-Door Redevelopment Land Discussion Held — Council entered executive session regarding a potential future economic redevelopment property acquisition. 🎭 FoCo Fringe Performance Art Festival — June 11–14🚴 Poudre River Trail Celebration — June 13🚗 Sweetheart City Car Show — June 13⚾ Fort Collins Foxes Baseball — June 10–15🎶 Sounds of Summer Lagoon Concert Series — Wednesdays at CSU📲 Thinking about buying, selling, or relocating to Northern Colorado?My team and I help clients make confident, well-informed real estate decisions with both data and boots-on-the-ground insight across Fort Collins and Northern Colorado.Patrick Soukup📞 970-893-3533📧 [email protected]🌐 soukuprealestate.com