GREELEY, Colo. — Members of the public and business stakeholders addressed the City Council Tuesday about the West Greeley "Cascadia" catalyst project, offering both strong support for the development’s economic potential and accusations about conduct surrounding campaign activity.

Supporters at the podium said the project could be a regional draw and spur jobs and revenue. Gracie Loucks, a recent UNC graduate who said she lives near downtown, told council the project would "create over 3,300 jobs and provide millions in annual revenue for Greeley," and said those revenues could support other city needs. Rich Warner of Upstate Colorado Economic Development told the council the proposal acts as a "catalyst" that can boost talent attraction, infrastructure and long-term employer benefits when paired with patient capital.

At the same time, critics raised procedural and conduct concerns. Christopher Simmons told the council he observed Councilman Joanie Olsen at a recent Friday Fest approaching petitioners who were gathering signatures about the Cascadia project. Simmons said Olsen "yelled at them while they were speaking" and quoted him saying, "If I don't get Cascadia, you won't get city center," which Simmons called unethical and potentially "quid pro quo." Olsen addressed the council and denied yelling, saying, "I did not insult or cuss or yell at anybody," and argued he had asked a petitioner for her viewpoint and criticized what he described as "fraudulent materials" being distributed.

Council reaction and context: Several council members spoke broadly about the project and the political temperature around it. Councilor McDonald defended Mayor John Gates after prior public criticism, calling Gates a longtime public servant, and Councilor Butler and Mayor Pro Tem Hall urged civility, noting the community is "very political" and residents are "angry" on both sides. Councilor Butler said he personally disagrees with the project but called allegations that the mayor is corrupt "incorrect" and asked staff to release a statement if necessary to clarify the record.

Why it matters: Multiple speakers framed Cascadia as a major economic development proposal for Greeley, with supporters emphasizing jobs, amenities and tax revenue. Opponents and at least one public commenter pressed the council about conduct and the fairness of public engagement around the project. The council did not take immediate action on the project during this portion of the meeting; public comments were delivered during the citizen input section and in other agenda items addressing the project.

What was said (selected): Gracie Loucks: "Even the most conservative economic studies have indicated that in the entertainment district portion of the project alone will create over 3,300 jobs and provide millions in annual revenue for Greeley." Christopher Simmons: "If I don't get Cascadia, you won't get city center. That's not just inappropriate. That's quid pro quo." Councilman Joanie Olsen: "I did not insult or cuss or yell at anybody." Rich Warner: Cascadia is a "catalyst" project that helps with talent attraction, education and health care.

Next steps: Council members and staff continue to evaluate project agreements and related agenda items; separate agenda items later in the meeting dealt with specific agreements, funding and schedule items connected to the wider West Greeley development.