Weld County residents will soon have the opportunity to help develop the county’s comprehensive plan, which guides how the county coordinates with communities experiencing rapid growth.
The county’s population grew by 30% between 2010 and 2020, making it the second-fastest growing county in Colorado, with the majority of that growth attributed to migration into the county from both domestic and international sources. Encompassing more than 4,000 square miles, Weld County is the third-largest county by area in Colorado.
County officials have begun the process of updating the Weld County Comprehensive Plan, which was last updated in 2020. In addition to being a collaborative tool for how the county works with municipalities, the plan serves as a policy framework for rural development.
Weld County Planning Director David Eisenbraun said the county is anticipating a greater focus on the Interstate 25 and U.S. 85 corridors, where growth and infrastructure demands are highest. Weld County Commissioner Kevin Ross echoed this focus on areas of potential growth as the county makes improvements to the Greeley-Weld County Airport, for which the county recently received $1.2 million to go toward construction costs.
Current plans for the Greeley-Weld County Airport, located off U.S. 85, aim to utilize the airport’s longer-than-average runway to transform it into a larger commercial airport similar to the Colorado Springs airport. Once the airport begins this transformation, county officials expect developers will look to move in near the airport, bringing further economic vitality to that region.
The county will also look to emphasize economic resiliency by supporting agriculture while embracing energy diversification, advanced manufacturing and innovation. This will include seeking ways to coordinate with local municipalities and promote development in the commercial and industrial sectors, according to Ross.
One of the aspects of the plan’s update that Ross is most eager about is the opportunity for greater community involvement. During the last comprehensive plan update in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly hindered public engagement. With fewer barriers this time around, Ross is eager to see more people engage with the process.
“When we did this in 2020, it was COVID, right? We were shut down and limited as far as how much community input could be gathered on it,” Ross said. “So this is great because we’ve got several focus groups and stuff that we’ve reached out to, and they’re coming in and lending their thoughts and expertise on anything from businesses to transportation, to water, to everything. I think that’ll really help us out on this one.”
As the county’s population grows, the latest demographics released by the Colorado State Demography Office show a continued decline in housing availability due to the current rates of population growth exceeding the speed in which new homes are constructed. According to the latest data, fewer than 7% of all homes in Colorado are currently vacant.
While the county will support communities that want more housing development, Ross said the county will not directly involve itself in facilitating housing development in unincorporated areas.
“That’s not our goal. That (housing) is best suited for our municipalities. They have water service, they have sewer service and they have the proper policing, things of that nature that developments want,” Ross said. “We don’t have those services as a county. And so, really, we want to partner with our communities and get those types of developments in our municipalities.”
In December, county staff plan to begin offering a series of community engagement opportunities, such as community meetings and surveys. Public comments could be a significant influence in determining where different developments are desired, as well as areas for agricultural preservation, according to the county.
“Weld County’s story has always been one of common sense, innovation, and respect for freedom, and that will remain the guiding force behind this effort,” Eisenbraun said in an email. “The new Comprehensive Plan will ultimately be a reflection of the people who call Weld home — hardworking, independent, and deeply invested in their land and their future.”
The county anticipates adopting the update in late 2026. To view updates on the comprehensive plan and learn how to get involved, go to bit.ly/WeldComprehensivePlan25.