Civic engagement: Many ways to connect with us

By John Kefalas

One of three Larimer County Commissioners in District 1

Representing all of Larimer County

A new year is a time of reflection and a new beginning. As one of your commissioners, I have the opportunities to visit Larimer County residents in a variety of settings throughout the county. It helps me and my fellow commissioners understand what concerns you, and issues which are important to you.

This year, beginning in March, we are changing our community engagement and outreach efforts to make it more effective for you to interact with us.

First, we adjusted our Citizen Meetings, which are small group community meetings at various locations around the county. Upon request, we’ll feature a guest with expertise on a topic of interest. Otherwise, we’ll offer open conversation to hear and discuss what you think we need to know about. It can be anything that’s on your mind.

I’ll be hosting “Community Conversations” starting in March. I’ll be meeting with folks in Wellington [March 7], Buckeye [March 27], Red Feather Lakes [March 28], Fort Collins, [March 28], and LaPorte [April 3]. These regular gatherings provide opportunities for residents to bring their ideas and concerns to the table. I also encourage you to sign up for my electronic Commissioner Accountability Reports; they continue my legislative tradition of informing you about current topics and my work as your commissioner. To receive them, send an email to [email protected].

Commissioner Steve Johnson will have a noon meeting starting March 4th on the first Monday each month, called “Meatloaf Monday” at the Trailhead Tavern in Fort Collins. You can grab lunch and have a one-on-one conversation or group discussion, on topics that interest you.

Commissioner Tom Donnelly will also hold a once-per-month “Coffee with the Mayor” meeting starting March 7th with mayors of the towns and cities in his district, rotating their appearances.

Second, we’ve added a “Commissioners’ Open House” from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. every two months, starting March 6th at the Old Town Library in Fort Collins. These are two-hour town hall-style events with all three commissioners, featuring guests with professional experience on important county subjects. Our first topic is the 2019 -2023 Strategic Plan. The second half of these meetings are reserved for open dialogue on matters important to you. You can also request special accommodations, and the library is wheelchair accessible.

You can find our community meeting information online by visiting https://www.larimer.org/bocc and choosing the Commissioners’ Meetings link. You’ll also find our contact information there along with other information.  

Our regular monthly e-newsletter, Larimer County Connection, will help you stay on top of news and information about Larimer County. Visit https://www.larimer.org/lcconnection to sign up for email delivery.  

At 9 a.m. every Tuesday we hold our regular Administrative Matters meeting. The first item in that meeting is Public Comment. It is a block of time set aside specifically for you speak directly to us on matters of concern and importance to you. Remember, you can always reach us by phone at 970.498.7010 or via email at [email protected]. I welcome your ideas and input on how we can make our county government more open, accountable and accessible.