Larimer County and Northern Colorado Kids Thrive sign agreement to implement voter-approved childcare tax revenue
Larimer County’s voter-approved tax dollars will soon be at work to address the shortage and high cost of preschool and childcare programs for families in Larimer County.
The Board of Larimer County Commissioners and Northern Colorado Kids Thrive https://www.nocokidsthrive.org/ officially executed an agreement to begin implementing the programs funded by the tax at their Administrative Matters meeting today.
“This is an important day for Larimer County. We are working to create a more bright future for our community by investing in our children and supporting the families who need it most,” said Larimer County Commissioner Jody Shadduck McNally.
The sales tax revenue, approved by voters on November 4, 2025, will be used by Northern Colorado Kids Thrive in four core areas: decreasing the cost of childcare for Larimer County residents while increasing access to support services, increasing support to providers by stabilizing and expanding the early childhood workforce, increasing childcare provider capacity in the county through targeted capital improvements, and administration and evaluation of the programs offered through the use of sales tax dollars. “Northern Colorado Kids Thrive is ready to take the next step in our community to assist families in securing quality and affordable childcare. We are excited to partner with Larimer County on this work,” said Christina Taylor, CEO of Northern Colorado Kids Thrive.
The formal agreement, which stemmed from a 2023 solicitation to develop childcare services initiatives, will coordinate and manage programs through 2026. Work is also underway on a long-term contract for ongoing coordination and management beginning in 2027. Larimer County Director of Human Services Heather O’Hayre, stated, “This agreement allows us to translate the community’s trust, shown through the voter-approved tax, into tangible, supportive programs that will directly enhance the well-being of our children and strengthen families across the county.”
Information about the partnership and plan for programs as part of this childcare tax will be added to the Larimer County website at https://www.larimer.gov/humanservices as the plan is finalized.
