Local Victories Shape Northern Colorado’s Future: Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley Choose Community-Driven Leaders

by Blaine Howerton | North Forty News

As I drove through Northern Colorado on election night, from Greeley to Fort Collins, I could feel the community pulse—a collective anticipation for the results that would shape our cities in the months and years.

The focus wasn’t necessarily on national politics but on local issues that truly mattered to the people here: housing, water rights, and community safety.

Each city had its own story, priorities, and candidates. In Fort Collins, the race for city council seats was front and center.

This year, Fort Collins residents were particularly concerned about housing affordability as prices continued to rise, making it challenging for working families and students to find affordable places to live.

Council candidate Sarah Daniels, who ran on a responsible development platform and expanded affordable housing, captured one of the contested seats. In her statement shortly after the results came in, Daniels emphasized, “Fort Collins deserves to be a place where everyone has a chance to live comfortably and thrive. Tonight’s results show that our community is ready to make that a reality.”

Meanwhile, her opponent, Tom Jensen, a long-time Fort Collins resident, and a former small business owner, conceded the race gracefully, saying, “I’ve had the honor of representing this city in various capacities, and while this wasn’t our time, I know that our city will benefit from a forward-looking approach. I’ll continue to support policies that make Fort Collins a great place to work and raise a family.”

In Loveland, voters had been following a heated debate over water management. Loveland relies on regional water sources that are increasingly under strain, and candidates this year presented contrasting plans to address these challenges.

Samara Kim, a former environmental engineer and newcomer to the political scene, won a city council seat with a campaign highlighting sustainable water policies and investment in local infrastructure. “Our water is the lifeblood of this community,” she wrote in a post-election statement. “Tonight’s victory means we can take real steps toward conservation and sustainable practices that will benefit every Loveland resident.”

Her opponent, Rick Alvarez, had a more traditional approach, suggesting a need for business growth and expanded partnerships to manage resources. “I still believe our best path forward is in bringing more voices to the table,” he stated in his concession. “I may not be on the council, but I’ll be here, working to support Loveland and ensure our resources are protected.”

In Greeley, a growing city known for its agricultural roots and tight-knit community, the election had its distinct flavor. With local businesses central to the economy, the main focus was economic development and public safety.

Long-time council member Jeff Harmon, a figure well-known in the city for his hands-on approach, secured another term with promises to increase support for small businesses and improve infrastructure. “Tonight, Greeley’s vote reaffirms our commitment to lifting up local businesses and keeping our neighborhoods safe,” Harmon announced in a statement. “We have a lot of work to do, and I’m ready to hit the ground running.”

His opponent, Maria Salazar, a passionate advocate for public health and youth programs, ran a grassroots campaign with strong community support. In her concession speech, Salazar said, “I’m proud of the conversation we’ve started. Greeley has a bright future, and I’ll keep fighting for our youth and our families, even if I’m not sitting on the council.”

As I went home that evening, the results settled in, and a sense of local pride washed over me.

Each of these cities had chosen leaders who reflected their values and their visions for the future.

From Fort Collins’ push for affordable housing to Loveland’s commitment to water sustainability and Greeley’s focus on economic growth and safety, the election painted a clear picture: Northern Colorado is a region committed to honoring its roots while adapting to the demands of growth and change.