What’s Happening and Why It Matters

On September 23, 2025, the City of Greeley received a notice of intent to circulate a referendum petition seeking to repeal Ordinance 30, 2025, which established a Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning district for approximately 833.786 acres located generally north of U.S. Highway 34 and east of Weld County Road 17. This property includes the City-owned entertainment district known as Cascadia, and privately owned land slated for mixed-use development, also known as Cascadia.

The Referendum Process – Questions & Answers

What is a referendum petition?

• A referendum petition allows residents to challenge most ordinances passed by City Council.

Does filing a request to circulate a referendum stop an ordinance?

• No. Filing a request with the City Clerk to circulate a petition does not pause an ordinance. The ordinance is still effective unless a completed petition with enough valid signatures is filed.

When is the ordinance suspended?

• A petition must be filed within 30 days of the ordinance’s final passage. If the City Clerk finds that enough valid signatures have been submitted with the petition, the ordinance issuspended until Council reconsiders it. If the Council chooses not to repeal the ordinance, the City will schedule a special election so the voters can consider whether to repeal the ordinance. The ordinance remains suspended until the election is held.

How many signatures are required?

• The petition must be signed by at least 10% of the voters from the last City election.

What happens if a valid petition containing enough signatures is filed?

• The ordinance is suspended.
• City Council must reconsider it.
• If Council does not repeal the ordinance, it will be placed on the ballot for voters to decide at a special election.
• The ordinance only goes into effect if a majority of voters approve it.

What happens if enough signatures are not gathered?

• If a petition is not filed, or if it does not have enough valid signatures, the ordinance remains in effect as passed.

Key Takeaways – Ordinance 30, 2025

1. Ordinance 30, 2025 was passed on September 16, 2025 and took effect on September 24, 2025.
2. On September 23, 2025, residents filed a notice to circulate a referendum petition.
3. The City Clerk must prepare and certify a petition form approved for circulation by September29, 2025.
4. Petitioners have until October 16, 2025 to submit a completed petition with at least 4,586 valid signatures (10% of voters from the last City election).
5. If a valid petition is filed, Ordinance 30, 2025 will be suspended while Council reconsiders it. If not repealed, it will go to a vote of the people at a special election.
6. After a vote, the ordinance only remains in effect if a majority of voters approve it.

Timeline

• September 16, 2025 – Ordinance 30, 2025 approved by City Council.
• September 23, 2025 – Notice of intent to circulate a referendum petition submitted.
• September 24, 2025 – Ordinance 30, 2025 took effect.
• By September 29, 2025 – City Clerk must issue the official petition form.
• October 16, 2025 – Deadline for petitioners to submit a completed petition with 4,586 valid signatures.