Larimer County Commissioners to consider transportation funding measure for November ballot
Proposed 0.15% sales tax would fund road safety, emergency readiness, and congestion relief projects
At their regular public meeting on Tuesday, August 12, the Board of Larimer County Commissioners (BOCC) will consider placing a 0.15% sales and use tax on the November 2025 ballot to fund critical transportation infrastructure projects.
If approved by voters, the tax would generate approximately $15 million annually to improve roads, bridges, and intersections across unincorporated Larimer County. The proposed measure would exempt essential items such as groceries, gasoline, diapers, and prescription drugs. For most purchases, it would equate to 15 cents on every $100 spent. The measure would sunset in 15 years.
The proposal supports key priorities identified in the county’s newly adopted Transportation Plan, developed with community input over the past year. That plan outlines over 500 potential projects aimed at improving travel safety, preparing for emergencies, reducing traffic congestion, and improving mobility.
If approved, funds from the tax would support transportation improvements that:
- Improve safety for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists
- Increase emergency readiness and reliability for first responders
- Reduce congestion and travel delays throughout the county
- Leverage matching grants to stretch taxpayer dollars
- Make long-term infrastructure investments to avoid higher costs later
Over the years, Larimer County has stretched limited transportation funds to maintain roads and bridges, but rising costs, aging infrastructure, and regional growth have outpaced what current funding can support. Currently, only a small portion of property taxes is allocated to road improvements, amounting to about 75 cents per month on a $600,000 home. There is no dedicated sales tax supporting the county's transportation network. A local sales and use tax would help close the funding gap, improve access to state and federal infrastructure grants, and support cost-effective long-term improvements.
“Our residents have told us that safe travel, emergency access, and congestion relief are top priorities, and this would give us the ability to deliver on those,” said Larimer County Commissioner Kristin Stephens, chair of the board. “It’s a practical approach to meet a real and growing need.”
“The need for reliable, modern transportation infrastructure extends beyond any one community—it’s a regional issue that affects economic competitiveness,” said Ann Hutchison, President & CEO of the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce. “Employers depend on safe, efficient travel for both workers and goods, and that requires proactive investment.”
“As Loveland continues to grow, our region faces increasing demands on our infrastructure,” said Bill Becker, Director of Advocacy for the Loveland Chamber of Commerce. “Addressing transportation challenges today is critical to sustaining long-term economic health and public safety.”
“The Transportation Plan reflects more than a year of community outreach and technical analysis. Residents across the county helped shape the project list and priorities,” said Lesli Ellis, Larimer County Community Planning, Infrastructure and Resources Director. “This proposed funding would allow us to implement that plan and respond to the needs people told us matter most, such as safety and reliability.”
A recent community survey indicated that many residents were not initially aware of the county’s transportation funding gap, but placed high importance on addressing safety, aging infrastructure, and congestion. Respondents also valued exemptions for groceries and the ability to leverage outside grant funding.
The BOCC has studied transportation funding options for several years. On August 12, they will make a final decision on whether to refer the measure to the November ballot.
More information about the County’s transportation needs and potential projects is available at: www.investinlarimer.co
Administrative Matters Meeting Details:
- Date: August 12, 2025
- Time: 9:00 am
- Location: Hearing Room (1st floor), Larimer County Administrative Services Building, 200 W. Oak Street, Fort Collins, CO 80522
- Live Broadcast: larimer.gov/broadcast
