Photo Credit: City of Fort Collins
The First Weekend of Fort Collins’ First-Ever Civic Assembly
In an effort to strengthen and reimagine local democracy, the City of Fort Collins launched its first-ever Civic Assembly last weekend. This bold initiative brings together 20 residents—selected through a Civic Lottery to reflect the diversity of the city—to tackle one of Fort Collins’ most polarized issues.
After just the first weekend, we’re thrilled by the depth of engagement and sense of shared purpose emerging from the group. And while, from a distance, the question of what to do with 164 acres of land can seem anodyne given the national tumult, this has been a longstanding, unresolved, and contested community issue, with quite a bit of heat.
Reflections:
By day two, the civic energy in the room was undeniable. You could feel it—the spark of purpose, connection, and possibility.
Twenty residents had stepped into a new role. They were no longer just strangers, or even community members—they had become Delegates, charged with deliberating on one of the city’s most polarized challenges.
What struck me most was how they transformed—not just in name, but in presence. They moved with intention and care. Their conversations were grounded in curiosity, mutual respect, and a growing sense of shared responsibility. They weren’t speaking only for themselves, but on behalf of their neighbors, their city, and the broader public. This is all after just about 10 hours together, rolling up their sleeves in Fort Collins first ever Civic Assembly.
I’ve been part of many assemblies, but each time the moment arrives—the “drop in,” when participants truly step into their role—it still catches me. It’s contagious.
And it gives me profound hope.
It reminds me that we’ve been told and retold a major lie: that we’re hopelessly divided, locked into culture wars and zero-sum politics. But when people are given the time, support, and structure to engage meaningfully, they show up. They listen deeply. They become lay experts. They build from common ground. And this is not a watered-down compromise, but a creative process that draws on differences as a resource—finding solutions that serve the greatest good.
In that room, it became clear: when the problem is in front of us—not between us—we talk honestly. We disagree constructively. And we rediscover something too often missing in public life: trust.
I’m honored that American Public Trust is part of the team supporting this first-ever Civic Assembly in Fort Collins. It reaffirms our commitment to helping leaders in cities, counties, and states bring the gifts of deliberative democracy to the polarized, high-stakes issues we face today. When we work together like this, we find our better angels. We create paths forward that once seemed impossible.
We look forward with enthusiasm to the second weekend of this Assembly – and invite you to track along on the livestream or to consider joining in person.
Interested in Seeing It Firsthand?
Are you a community leader, elected official, or civil servant curious to learn more? A limited number of visitor spaces are still available to observe the Fort Collins Civic Assembly in action. Get in touch if you’d like to join!
In the News
- 🎥 Denver 7 – Panel of Fort Collins residents to decide future of former Hughes Stadium site
- 🎥New America – Civic Assemblies in Action: Lessons on Civic Engagement from Fort Collins
- 📰 Hoodline Denver – Fort Collins Launches Civic Assembly to Determine Future of Hughes Stadium Site
- 📰 The Coloradan – Future of old Hughes Stadium could be on Fort Collins ballots again, despite civic assembly
Quick Facts: Fort Collins Civic Assembly on the Hughes Site
The Issue: In 2023, the City of Fort Collins acquired the 163 acre Hughes Stadium site after voters approved a ballot measure rezoning it as “Public Open Lands” for parks, recreation, and conservation. The future of this land remains a contentious public issue. In 2024, the City Council voted 3-2 to commission a Civic Assembly to help determine the site’s future. The Assembly will present its recommendations to the City Council, Mayor, and City Staff who have committed to respond publicly and to integrate the results into their decision making on the future of the site.
Key Features
- 20 Assembly Members selected by democratic lottery (sortition), to form a cross-section of the community based on age, educational attainment, location of residents, and other factors – representing all walks of life.
- 4 days of in-depth learning and deliberation in April and May 2025, where Delegates hear from all sides of the issue
- Integrated community engagement. The Assembly directly builds on previous public input and stakeholder engagement
- Policy impact. Fort Collins City Council has committed to publicly receive, review, and respond to the Assembly’s recommendations.
- Accessibility, including stipends and expense reimbursements, to make sure all Delegates can meaningfully participate.
- Vision for the City, County, Region and Beyond to apply Assemblies to additional pressing issues and explore their potential to continue solving tough public problems.
A Blueprint for Renewing Democracy in Communities Across the U.S. The Hughes Assembly is part of a growing movement proving that deliberative democracy can rebuild trust in an era of deep political polarization. By empowering everyday people to engage in collaborative problem-solving, these Assemblies demonstrate a better way to “do” politics and democracy. A growing coalition of organizations envisions Northern Colorado and the state as leaders in this approach—integrating assemblies as regular, institutionalized mechanisms for tackling tough issues and fostering democratic renewal.
