Downtown Investment That Gives Back
As downtown grows, a portion of that growth is shared with partners like Poudre School District and Larimer County — supporting essential services across the community.
When Downtown Grows, the Community Benefits
When downtown generates additional tax revenue in the form of tax increment financing, it doesn’t all stay with the DDA organization. A portion of the DDA’s revenue is shared back with Poudre School District, Larimer County, and other local taxing entities that serve the broader Fort Collins community. This happens automatically without negotiations or debate because it is right thing to do, and the Fort Collins DDA and several peer development authorities in Colorado communities led the effort to make this revenue sharing happen through support of the state legislature.
Why Share Back Exists
This approach reflects how the DDA’s funding model has evolved. The state statute has been updated and amended several times since 1981, and today’s mechanics are designed so that as downtown grows, the financial benefits extend beyond the district, so that broader local government services are supported, and revenue growth is shared across Fort Collins and Larimer County, all the while building and maintaining what is important for a vibrant downtown experience.
How It Works
As property values increase through appreciation growth or from new investment, they generate more tax revenue. A portion of that revenue is reinvested by the DDA into downtown improvements, both public and private. Another portion is shared back with schools, the county, and other taxing entities. The result is a balanced approach between investment in redevelopment and support for basic services of local government and eduction.
What This Supports
2025 Base Revenue & Shared Tax Increment Revenue
Here’s what share back looked like in practice for 2025. This breakdown shows how DDA revenue was distributed among Poudre School District, Larimer County, and other local taxing entities.
A Stronger Downtown Helps Build a Stronger Community
Downtown investment is part of a larger system. It strengthens the downtown district while also contributing to education, public services, and community infrastructure. As downtown grows, the DDA gives back a significant share of its financial success. This shared approach helps ensure that investment supports not just downtown Fort Collins, but the entire community.