Fort Collins updates electric vehicle readiness roadmap focusing on equity and infrastructure

The Fort Collins City Council held a work session on April 8, 2025, focusing on key initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability and social health within the community. The meeting featured updates on the electric vehicle readiness roadmap, zero waste infrastructure, and efforts to improve human and social health for vulnerable populations.

The session began with a presentation by transportation planner Dashiell Bubar Hall, who provided an update on the Electric Vehicle Readiness Roadmap (EVRR). This roadmap aims to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) through equitable access to charging infrastructure and community engagement. The updated plan emphasizes the importance of including all community members in the EV conversation, particularly those who have historically been left out due to perceived barriers such as cost and accessibility.

Key findings from a community survey indicated that residents who own EVs are predominantly those living in single-family homes with access to charging. In contrast, renters and those in multifamily housing face significant challenges in EV adoption. The survey also highlighted a strong demand for expanded public charging options, as many current EV owners do not utilize public chargers regularly.

Bubar Hall noted that the upfront costs associated with installing charging infrastructure, particularly level 3 chargers, remain a significant barrier. The city currently has limited level 3 charging stations, and providers have been hesitant to invest in Fort Collins due to high installation fees. The council discussed potential strategies to incentivize the installation of more charging stations and improve the visibility of existing infrastructure.

The second part of the meeting addressed the council's priority to accelerate zero waste infrastructure and policies. Chief Sustainability Officer Jacob Castillo and waste reduction specialist Caroline Mitchell presented updates on initiatives aimed at reducing waste and promoting recycling within the community.

The discussions underscored the city's commitment to sustainability and social equity, with plans to establish an EV working group to implement the recommendations from the EVRR. The council aims to prioritize strategies that can be executed in the next two years, focusing on responsible staffing and funding for these initiatives.

Overall, the meeting highlighted Fort Collins' proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges and ensuring that all community members have access to sustainable transportation and waste management solutions. The council's next steps will involve finalizing the EVRR and convening the working group to drive these initiatives forward.